News Archives for Latest - 2026-10-26

Govt orders review of existing drug pricing formula to ensure medicines are priced fairly

Officials inform Minister Ahad Cheema that Drap is examining provisions that could hinder the determination of fair and accurate prices.

Published 26 Oct, 2026 11:59pm

Govt raises petrol price by Rs1.54 per litre, high-speed diesel rate by Rs2.16

Following the revision, petrol will retail at Rs379.25 per litre, while HSD will cost Rs395.82 per litre.

Published 26 Oct, 2026 10:59pm

Middle East

UN raises 'ethnic cleansing' concerns over Israel's operation in West Bank's Hebron

Volker Türk notes Israeli "threats to empty and erase entire neighbourhoods"; UN chief says "evictions are unrelenting".

Published 26 Oct, 2026 10:40pm

ICT

Senate blocks move to withdraw diplomatic passport privileges from state ministers, advisers

PPP stages walkout after exchange of hot words with PML-N senator over consumer protection bill; House removes loophole in plastic cover ban.

Published 26 Oct, 2026 09:44pm

Part of London's iconic Oxford Street pedestrianised 'forever'

Shoppers call move “good idea”; drivers of London's famous black taxi cabs reject move as “crazy”.

Published 26 Oct, 2026 09:33pm

Govt to maintain wheat reserves of up to 6m tonnes to ensure uninterrupted supply: minister

Food Security Minister Rana Tanveer describes the prevailing wheat price hike as artificial and manipulated by certain market elements.

Published 26 Oct, 2026 08:36pm

Pakistan seeks investment from US in oil refinery upgradation projects

US Chargé d’Affaires Natalie Baker calls on petroleum minister; the two discuss increasing bilateral cooperation in the energy sector.

Published 26 Oct, 2026 08:11pm

KP & FATA

Central Development Working Party refers 3 KP infrastructure projects worth Rs100bn to Ecnec

Meeting chaired by Ahsan Iqbal also clears 11 projects across country with an estimated investment of Rs126.5 billion.

Updated 26 Oct, 2026 08:47pm

From protests to power: How Serbia's students triumphed

Born out of nearly 2 years of anti-corruption protests, the Students’ List is now eyeing a majority.

Published 26 Oct, 2026 07:44pm

Remembering former army chief Gen Abdul Waheed Kakar

Gen Kakar assumed command of the army on Jan 12, 1993, following the sudden death of his predecessor, Asif Nawaz Janjua.

Published 26 Oct, 2026 07:29pm

Meta plans to raise $35 billion to fund its AI ambitions

Facebook's parent company also announces plans to launch an additional stock offering of up to $60bn.

Published 26 Oct, 2026 07:13pm

Middle East

Egypt approves military support for Saudi Arabia after Houthi attacks escalate

President Sisi has said Cairo's support would be limited to defending Saudi territory and borders rather than attacking Yemen.

Updated 26 Oct, 2026 07:03pm

ICT

Lucky Group, Qatar Energy consortium quits Port Qasim LNG terminal plan over 'policy changes'

Energas cites changes in Pakistan's energy policy and longstanding unresolved policy and fiscal matters with the govt as reasons for the decision.

Updated 26 Oct, 2026 07:53pm

US singer Chris Brown spared jail after pleading guilty over UK nightclub incident

He attacked a producer with a tequila bottle in a London nightclub in 2023.

Published 26 Oct, 2026 06:11pm

Paid propaganda against any movie hurts the industry, warns Faysal Quraishi

The actor's comments come after concerns were raised over possible paid negative reviews of his new movie Mango Jutt.

Published 26 Oct, 2026 06:09pm

ICT

Imaan, Hadi move SC against IHC order refusing to stay trial in security breach case

Defence counsels explain challenges in commuting to Adiala jail for hearings as IHC resumes proceedings on plea against jail trial.

Updated 26 Oct, 2026 05:56pm

Jordan arrests 3 in dawn raid over church attack

“There is no indication of any external contacts or collaboration with foreign parties,” minister says.

Published 26 Oct, 2026 04:55pm

ICT

Pakistan, China call for enhanced cooperation between foreign ministries: FO

Foreign Office says both sides satisfied with ongoing cooperation between foreign ministries; Chinese official calls on Dar.

Published 26 Oct, 2026 04:53pm

Central bank raises policy rate by 50 basis points to 12pc

Says decision necessary to keep inflation expectations anchored, contain second-round effects of ongoing supply shock and bring inflation within the target range of 5-7pc.

Updated 26 Oct, 2026 05:20pm

What Pakistan cricket needed, Shadab Khan needed more

The last few years have been more desperate than convincing for Shadab, and yesterday, against England, there were two reviews to show for it.

Updated 26 Oct, 2026 04:50pm

Editorial: The frequency of so-called encounters raises questions about how police operations are conducted

Whether police actions in "encounters" were legitimate or unlawful can only be established through credible investigations.

Published 26 Oct, 2026 03:34pm

Pakistan rejects Afghan Taliban's claims of civilian casualties in counterterrorism operations

“No responsible state can remain passive when its civilians and security forces are repeatedly targeted,” the Foreign Office says.

Published 26 Oct, 2026 03:28pm

Middle East

Pakistan condemns Houthi attacks targeting Makkah, Madina as 'grave violation' of Saudi sovereignty

Pakistan reiterates its “unwavering solidarity” with Saudi Arabia and its firm commitment to the Makkah Alliance, the FO says.

Published 26 Oct, 2026 03:06pm

What challenges await Brazil's Lula in his fourth term?

The narrow result confirms the political divide that has split Brazil for a decade and shows that Bolsonarism remains strong, despite its far-right leader's 27-year prison sentence for attempting a coup.

Published 26 Oct, 2026 02:34pm

Branded Content

Mashreq simplifies cross border banking for Pakistanis in the UAE

From opening an account to sending money home, Mashreq Pakistan Account offers a seamless digital experience. No branch visits or paperwork, just everyday banking back home made easy.

Published 26 Oct, 2026 02:24pm

JI threatens march to Islamabad in mid-November if petroleum levy not abolished

JI chief says party has demonstrated patience, but "now, the responsible thing to do is for us to be aggressive.”

Published 26 Oct, 2026 02:21pm

India to evacuate thousands as Cyclone Arnab nears eastern coast

Weather system expected to bring heavy to extremely heavy rainfall to Andhra Pradesh’s northern, central coastal districts.

Published 26 Oct, 2026 02:14pm

Review: Is the breakfast at Islamabad's AmberRoom worth the price?

It has an extensive menu, but high prices and relatively small portions are a deterrent.

Published 26 Oct, 2026 01:47pm

Discovering the many notes of Natasha Baig

Did you know she represented Karachi at the national level in cricket?

Published 26 Oct, 2026 01:13pm

Former army chief Abdul Waheed Kakar passes away in Rawalpindi

CDF and all ranks of the Pakistan Army “express deep sorrow” over his demise, says ISPR; PM, president also express sorrow at the passing of the former army chief.

Updated 26 Oct, 2026 07:54pm

Middle East

Pezeshkian urges 'regional unity' in meeting with Makkah pact countries in Tehran

Iran's security chief notes "very positive atmosphere”; Tehran says countries agreed to continue talks after "first meeting".

Updated 27 Oct, 2026 12:17am

Punjab

LHC disposes of petition seeking release of Imran's sisters after govt extends detention

An assistant advocate general of Punjab submitted a report on behalf of the home secretary, stating that the detention period had been extended on Oct 7.

Updated 26 Oct, 2026 05:03pm

Saim Ayub released from Pakistan tri-series squad to work on batting form, Sahibzada Farhan named replacement

The PCB said the decision was taken after Saim spoke to head coach Mike Hesson, with the team management and national selection committee agreeing to his request.

Published 26 Oct, 2026 11:38am

Netanyahu denies reports of clash with Israeli army chief over Iran-linked operation ahead of election

Report by Israeli television channel cites military concerns that political leadership could exploit tensions with Iran for electoral gain before the Oct 27 parliamentary vote.

Updated 26 Oct, 2026 02:51pm

Punjab CM Maryam Nawaz orders country’s first film royalty law

She also approved a rebate plan for Punjabi and Urdu films to be made in the province.

Published 26 Oct, 2026 11:06am

Danyal Zafar announces he's taking a break after reaching 'breaking point'

The actor-singer posted a story that appeared to be from a hospital.

Published 26 Oct, 2026 11:04am

Punjab

Bride shot dead after her walima reception, allegedly by jilted suitor in Gujranwala

The injured woman was shifted to the Gujranwala Teaching Hospital in critical condition, where she later succumbed to her bullet wound during treatment.

Updated 26 Oct, 2026 05:22pm

ICT

CDA, contractor settle rebate issue ahead of groundbreaking of cricket stadium at Islamabad's Margalla foothills

Civic agency secures a rebate of Rs400 million.

Published 26 Oct, 2026 10:07am

ICT

Proclaimed offender wanted for last 16 years arrested in Islamabad

FIA says he has been accused of facilitating citizens’ travel to Greece through illegal routes via Iran and Turkiye.

Updated 26 Oct, 2026 10:32am

Sindh

Karachi firms hired illustrators for child pornographic animations without disclosing nature of work: NCCIA

NCCIA investigator claims "cartoon porn" was created for foreign clients.

Published 26 Oct, 2026 09:50am

More of a subordinate than a client: understanding Pakistan’s global role

There are a series of judgement calls that observers make about the state’s position in the world order.

Published 26 Oct, 2026 09:21am

Season of protests: a youth-led wave puts governments on notice that misrule has consequences

Youth-led protests may force governments to take more seriously the needs and aspirations of young people which have rarely been a priority.

Published 26 Oct, 2026 09:12am

Balochistan

Balochistan govt launches vocational scheme for youth training

Programme aims to equip young people, particularly women, with technical and vocational skills aligned with modern industry requirements.

Published 26 Oct, 2026 08:59am

Editorial: A wheat price with no buyer, and a market that leaves farmers carrying most of the risk

A price no buyer is obliged or financially equipped to pay is only a number. Growers seem to have grasped this before the government did.

Published 26 Oct, 2026 08:57am

Balochistan

Resolution in Balochistan Assembly cannot abolish Sardari system, say tribal chiefs

Government urged to explain reasons for abolishing this system in province.

Updated 26 Oct, 2026 09:24am

Pakistan's auto policy needs predictable taxes, not just low ones

Low taxes will start the market. Only predictable taxes will build the industry behind it.

Published 26 Oct, 2026 08:46am

Brewing crisis of shrinking farm size in Pakistan

For many smallholders, farming is becoming less of a commercial enterprise than a means of meeting household subsistence needs.

Published 26 Oct, 2026 08:34am

ICT

Two women, five daughters killed after van plunges into deep ditch near Murree

Seven people, including a father and his two sons, were killed when a passenger jeep veered off the road and plunged down a mountainside near Muzaffarabad.

Published 26 Oct, 2026 08:29am

Brazil's leftist President Lula wins fourth term in dramatic comeback

Rival Flavio Bolsonaro refuses to accept the loss and says he will seek to annul the vote.

Updated 26 Oct, 2026 10:45am

Govt introduces bill in NA for ‘umbrella’ privatisation entity, seeks immunity for officials of bodies to be merged

Legislation for P3A and Privatisation Commission merger also seeks legal and investigation immunity for current and former chairmen, as well as other officials, from any act of omission or commission.

Published 26 Oct, 2026 07:53am

#Watch #Chaudhry #Solar #foryou: Hotwiring rural Punjab

This is the part of Pakistan’s solar revolution that didn’t make it to international headlines.

Updated 26 Oct, 2026 11:52am

PTI rejects reports of shake-up in party's decision-making structure

Spokesperson rejects reports about core committee being "sidelined" or its powers being re-designated to another body.

Published 26 Oct, 2026 07:45am

Qatari mediators look to lower tensions as Trump toys with ‘strikes’

US president rules out ‘weekend attacks’ on Iran; says he is torn between ‘making a deal’ or ‘finishing them off’.

Published 26 Oct, 2026 07:39am

KP & FATA

Experts call for preventive measures as dengue cases continue to rise in KP

KP registers 4,856 infections while Kohat remains the most affected district.

Updated 26 Oct, 2026 10:16am

KP & FATA

Special polio drive in Peshawar’s high-risk UCs begins today

Six-day special polio booster dose campaign in 48 high-risk union councils targets 1,111,107 children aged four months to 10 years.

Published 26 Oct, 2026 06:07am

KP & FATA

Mother can’t be denied child’s custody over second marriage, rules PHC

Bench declines custody to minor’s father, allows him visitation rights.

Published 26 Oct, 2026 06:07am

ICT

Residents turn to alternative fuel amid gas shortages and rising LPG prices in twin cities

LPG not available and SNGPL has stopped supply of cylinders in twin cities, says official.

Updated 26 Oct, 2026 09:54am

ICT

Two more handcuffed suspects killed by accomplices in Islamabad: police

Police say suspects were Afghans and had been arrested in connection with an incident in which a woman was injured while resisting a gang rape attempt.

Updated 26 Oct, 2026 09:46am

Punjab

Constable, accomplices booked for killing woman in Bahawalpur

The Channigoth police registered a murder case and sent the victim’s body for postmortem.

Updated 26 Oct, 2026 10:18am

Punjab

Punjab CM orders completion of 5,734 water filtration plants by June 2027

Chairing a meeting of the Punjab Saaf Pani Authority, the chief minister assigned the responsibility of monitoring water filtration plants to the respective assistant commissioners.

Updated 26 Oct, 2026 10:30am

Punjab

Crime in Punjab cut by 63pc in Sept, claims CCD

Lahore region witnessed the highest decrease of 78pc, followed by Faisalabad with 68pc and Sahiwal with 66pc in overall crime rate.

Published 26 Oct, 2026 06:07am

Punjab

Heavy penalties, fees for illegal housing schemes recommended in Lahore Division Master Plan-2050

The master plan encompasses Lahore, Sheikhupura, Kasur and Nankana Sahib, and assesses the urban infrastructure and service requirements of the region.

Updated 26 Oct, 2026 10:23am

Sindh

Khuhro rules out possibility of any new province in Sindh

PPP Sindh president says that if new provinces were to be created, they should be carved out of Gilgit-Baltistan and Punjab.

Published 26 Oct, 2026 06:06am

Sindh

Fire at fuel station in Larkana causes widespread destruction

Rescue-1122 and police officials say that a van, a car and four motorcycles were gutted.

Updated 26 Oct, 2026 09:57am

Sindh

Opposition joins protest against construction on Karachi's Nehr-i-Khayyam

City Council opposition leader rejects any plan to commercialise key waterway; calls for technical review to assess impact on Karachi’s drainage system.

Updated 26 Oct, 2026 09:39am

Sindh

Sharp rise in prices of smartphones burdens consumers in Karachi

Average cost of mobile phone with 4GB RAM and 64GB storage has risen to around Rs40,000, compared to Rs22,000 a few months ago.

Updated 26 Oct, 2026 09:47am

International

Venezuela opposition leader Maria Corina Machado returns to Venezuela

Machado’s press team shared images of her in central-western Lara state, in the Plaza del Pueblo de Santa Rosa, where Machado appeared at a church.

Updated 26 Oct, 2026 09:15am

International

12 hurt in shooting near Florida university campus

The shooting took place near Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University’s campus on Perry Street, the university said.

Updated 26 Oct, 2026 09:29am

International

Le Pen kicks off presidency tilt in wake of France protests

Le Pen is seen to be benefiting in the polls from the convulsions France has been going through for weeks, punctuated by mass rallies and violent clashes.

Updated 26 Oct, 2026 09:30am

International

British ‘heirs of slavery’ back reparations

King Charles III faces intense pressure to address colonial legacies and structural grievances before the upcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting.

Updated 26 Oct, 2026 09:10am

International

‘Eco-friendly’ paper straws worse for environment than plastic: study

Conventional plastic straws had the smallest impact in 10 of the 16 categories, including climate change, acidification, particulate matter and human toxicity.

Updated 26 Oct, 2026 09:20am

International

Can China’s Global Governance Initiative successfully reform global order?

While principles such as international law, free trade, and multilateralism are touted as universal, some governments perceive that their application can vary according to political influence, economic power, or strategic interests.

Updated 26 Oct, 2026 09:24am

Sport

Maria breaks 5,000m record as Wapda seal national athletics title

Shajar Abbas completed a hat-trick of golds, adding the men’s 200m title in 20.75 seconds to his 100m and 4x100m mixed relay wins.

Updated 26 Oct, 2026 12:42pm

Business

How long will Pakistan's economy be ‘indebted’ to expats?

Country needs investors, not just inflows.

Updated 26 Oct, 2026 09:34am

Business

Sindh pins hopes on oilseeds

The trend shows a shift from traditional wheat to oilseed crops, mainly mustard.

Published 26 Oct, 2026 06:06am

Business

FBR reforms, again?

Successive reforms since 2000 failed to produce results; investment in technology likely to remain ineffective sans central.

Updated 26 Oct, 2026 08:25am

Business

Travel cost falls 7.9pc since May in Pakistan

For the average vehicle on the road, a kilometre cost was Rs9.65 in September, compared with Rs10.48 in May.

Updated 26 Oct, 2026 09:39am

National

JUI-F vows to keep fighting for constitutional supremacy

Party's Balochistan chief Maulana Abdul Wasey regrets that hurdles were being created for those raising democratic voices.

Updated 26 Oct, 2026 09:23am

National

Pakistan, Qatar explore new avenues for trade, investment cooperation

Doha’s investment sought in modern agriculture, grain storage facilities and advanced farming technologies.

Published 26 Oct, 2026 06:06am

National

Pakistan’s food supply fails own dietary guidelines: FAO

Report identifies persistent shortages in several nutritious food groups, particularly vegetables, roots and tubers, fruits, and legumes and pulses.

Published 26 Oct, 2026 06:06am

Punjab

Lahore doctor’s penalty in death case set aside

Tribunal orders fresh probe into post-surgery death in 2021.

Updated 26 Oct, 2026 08:59am

National

GB launches subsidised wheat seeds scheme

High-quality, certified wheat seeds will be procured from Punjab and distributed among farmers in all districts of GB, government official says.

Updated 26 Oct, 2026 08:11am

National

DPM Dar, Chinese envoy review CPEC progress

The discussions focused on advancing trade, investment, regional connectivity, agricultural modernisation and people-to-people exchanges.

Updated 26 Oct, 2026 08:07am

Back Page

Musk accuses Ukraine of violating Starlink terms

Two killed, 13 injured in drone barrage on Russia.

Published 26 Oct, 2026 06:06am

Back Page

Israel to close all West Bank crossings on election day

Netanyahu faces tight race against Bennett, Lapid, Eisenkot in tomorrow’s polls.

Published 26 Oct, 2026 06:06am

Carrick on the brink as Manchester United misery mounts, Isak stars for Liverpool

Carrick’s bold decision to drop captain Bruno Fernandes backfired as defeat stretched United’s winless run to eight games.

Published 26 Oct, 2026 05:22am

Bayern beat Freiburg to reclaim top spot after Kompany illness

With victory, Bayern leapfrogged Borussia Dortmund to top the table ahead of the duo’s clash in Munich next week.

Published 26 Oct, 2026 04:45am

Antonelli wins US Grand but title triumph has to wait another week

Antonelli would have become the youngest ever champion if Russell had finished lower than eighth and Hamilton failed to make the top four.

Published 26 Oct, 2026 04:31am

Inter rally late to down Fiorentina and regain Serie A lead

The result lifted Inter to first place, level with surprise fellow pace-setters Lazio on 22 points.

Published 26 Oct, 2026 04:15am

Monaco hold Lille as Rennes go top of Ligue 1

Ethan Mbappe’s goal in the first half put Lille in the driving seat, but a red for Nianzou was swiftly punished by Diop as the hosts forced a draw.

Published 26 Oct, 2026 03:46am

Real Madrid beat Barcelona in La Liga Clasico

Los Blancos won their fifth straight game across all competitions and are finding their footing under veteran Portuguese coach Mourinho.

Updated 26 Oct, 2026 03:49am

KP & FATA

KP Governor Kundi says Sohail Afridi, assembly speaker 'in safe hands' after house arrest

PPP's Kundi says he personally believes emergency, governor's rule in KP could last longer than six months to implement plans against terrorism.

Published 26 Oct, 2026 12:51am

Cricket

Shadab Khan’s match-winning century sparks social media celebrations after Pakistan’s thrilling win

Fans and commentators repeatedly describe the match as one of the great ODI heists, with particular praise for Shadab’s ability to remain composed as wickets fell around him.

Published 26 Oct, 2026 12:01am

Monday, October 26, 2026