Brace for impact: The Middle East war has reached Pakistan

The war in the Middle East seems to be settling into a gruelling stalemate. The outcome will now be decided by who has the stomach to carry on like this and who asks for a ceasefire first.

Published 09 Mar, 2026 02:24pm

Higher education goes online, schools shut for 2 weeks, 4-day work week announced as ‘austerity measures’

PM Shehbaz announces "austerity measures" as govt prepares to deal with the impact of the Middle East war; 50pc cut in fuel allowance for official vehicles, parliamentarians’ salaries to see a 25pc cut for two months.

Updated 10 Mar, 2026 05:34am

India crush New Zealand to win third T20 World Cup title

Pacer Jasprit Bumrah grabs four wickets to dismantle Black Caps' batting line-up.

Updated 08 Mar, 2026 10:57pm

Pakistan Navy launches Operation Muhafizul Bahr to counter threats to shipping, maritime trade: ISPR

According to ISPR, decision taken to ensure the uninterrupted flow of national energy supplies and the security of sea lines of communication.

Updated 09 Mar, 2026 07:51pm

Kutchery Chowk flyovers, underpasses in Rawalpindi set to open for traffic before Eid

PHA simultaneously starts beautification work as lighting work commences.

Updated 08 Mar, 2026 10:17am

T20 World Cup: Sahibzada Farhan makes it to ICC’s Team of the Tournament

“Though Pakistan were patchy in the tournament, Sahibzada Farhan was consistently brilliant,” ICC says.

Published 09 Mar, 2026 08:37pm

Inmate’s account hints at Epstein death ‘cover-up’

After Epstein’s death was confirmed, he recalled inmates saying “Miss Noel killed Jeffrey”.

Updated 09 Mar, 2026 08:07am

Pakistan, India exchange sharp words at UN Security Council over Afghanistan

Ambassador Ahmad says India has “always played the role of a spoiler in Afghanistan".

Updated 10 Mar, 2026 01:07pm

Unstoppable India target Olympic gold after making World Cup history

India's T20 victory is the first time a team have won the title on home soil.

Published 09 Mar, 2026 02:05pm

PM Shehbaz to announce austerity plan tomorrow amid global fuel crisis

"Burden of austerity should be borne judiciously by all segments of society," says the prime minister.

Published 08 Mar, 2026 10:17pm

Sindh schools to close from March 16-31, Friday to be WFH for govt offices as part of austerity measures

Colleges, uni to switch to online classes; Sindh govt announces 50pc reduction in official fuel allotment; varsities in KP to be shut on Fridays, Saturdays.

Updated 10 Mar, 2026 05:21pm

Pakistan to implement four-day work week under ‘war austerity plan’

PM defends "difficult decision" on fuel prices, says global oil market "not in Pakistan’s hands".

Updated 10 Mar, 2026 09:00am

War & deception

While there is little doubt that Iran is involved in many of the retaliatory attacks, the facts raise suspicions that another player may be at work.

Updated 09 Mar, 2026 09:27am

Who is Mojtaba Khamenei, son and successor to Iran’s Supreme Leader?

The 56-year-old had no official post during his father’s rule, but was speculated to be acting behind the scenes to pull strings at the heart of power in Iran.

Published 09 Mar, 2026 12:22pm

Mojtaba Khamenei’s appointment as supreme leader draws measured US response, sharp Israeli warning

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz warns that any new leader linked to Iran’s ruling elite would be “an unequivocal target for elimination”.

Updated 09 Mar, 2026 12:44pm

The sinking of IRIS Dena: A quiet death of the rules-based order

The sinking of IRIS Dena — unarmed, post-exercise, in a neutral state’s waters — exposed a doctrine of impunity, and the quiet death of the rules-based order.

Updated 10 Mar, 2026 05:19pm

Stranded Iranian sailors put Sri Lanka, India in diplomatic dilemma

Sri Lanka and India, who are providing sanctuary to 434 sailors from three Iranian naval vessels, are wary of a US response.

Published 09 Mar, 2026 06:05pm

‘Faster, cheaper, better’: 480MHz sold for $507m as 5G spectrum auction concludes

Finance minister says better connectivity to help country in "seamless transition" while navigating current oil crisis.

Updated 10 Mar, 2026 07:35pm

‘Whole country will stop’ as India dreams of home World Cup glory

The match drew 619 million views on streaming platform JioHotstar, according to the company, including a 65 million peak at the same time.

Published 08 Mar, 2026 07:33pm

4 fuel-laden ships reach Pakistan amid concerns about shortages, 3 yet to berth

A vessel, bringing petrol for the state-owned Pakistan State Oil, is expected to arrive after March 16.

Updated 11 Mar, 2026 12:17am