The Government of Punjab has announced that for the first time in the province’s history, it will provide a stipend to around 65,000 imams serving in mosques across Punjab. The decision was taken under the leadership of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif. Speaking after a security and public-order meeting, the Chief Minister said that an imam of a mosque is …

In a landmark moment for cultural and cinematic cooperation, China’s record-breaking animated blockbuster Ne Zha 2 is set to hit cinema screens across Pakistan on October 31, marking the first major Chinese film to be imported and distributed in the country in recent years. The film, distributed by HKC Entertainment in collaboration with Mandviwalla Entertainment, represents a new era of …

ISLAMABAD: Five soldiers and 25 terrorists were killed in two separate military engagements in Pakistan’s northwest Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, the military said on Sunday. The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the media wing of the Pakistan Army, said in a statement that personnel of security forces effectively engaged with terrorists trying to infiltrate through the Pakistan-Afghanistan border in North Waziristan and …

The district administration in Peshawar has recovered a large quantity of government hospital medicines during a raid on a house in the city’s Sethi Town area, arresting two suspects on the spot. According to details, the operation was led by Assistant Commissioner (City) along with the Health Department’s Drug Inspector after receiving information about illegal and counterfeit medicines being stored …

The Pakistan Muslim League (N) (PML-N) has decided to issue tickets to several candidates ahead of the upcoming by-elections. Sources say the decision was approved by the party’s central leadership. Party insiders confirmed that for NA-96, the PML-N will grant the ticket to Bilal Badr Chaudhry; for NA-104, Raja Danial Riaz has been selected; NA-143 will see Muhammad Tafail Jutt …

Audrey Eckert of Nebraska has been crowned Miss USA 2025 during the 74th annual pageant held at the Grand Sierra Resort on October 24. Her win comes at a time when the Miss USA organization is undergoing notable internal reforms aimed at rebuilding its image. Eckert, 23, emerged victorious among 50 contestants from across U.S. states and territories. She holds …

Prominent former model and actress Vaneeza Ahmed has revealed that she was diagnosed with an early stage of lymphoma several years ago, but says she has now fully recovered thanks to prayer, recitation of the Quran, and spiritual practices. Vaneeza Ahmed made the disclosure during a conversation on the morning show hosted by Nida Yasir. She said that at the …

Australia is set to tour Pakistan in early 2026 for a two-phase white-ball series, according to sources familiar with the developments. In the first phase, a three-match T20 International series will be held from January 30 to February 5, ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, which will be jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka. The second phase …

Pakistan’s youth men’s volleyball team has advanced to the semi-finals of the Asian Youth Games 2025 in Bahrain after a series of strong performances in the tournament. Pakistan began its campaign with a convincing 3-0 victory over Uzbekistan in the group stage. The team continued its winning form by defeating host nation Bahrain 3-0, securing the top position in the …

The Pakistan Institute of Development Economics (PIDE), in collaboration with Islamic Relief Pakistan, hosted a Talanoa Dialogue titled “Collaborative Climate Action for a Resilient Pakistan,” bringing together researchers, practitioners, and policymakers to discuss climate resilience, adaptation, and sustainable development. Moderated by Dr. Khurram Ellahi, Assistant Professor at PIDE, the dialogue introduced the Talanoa framework, which promotes a participatory, story-based approach …

Indian batting star Virat Kohli has crossed another major milestone by surpassing former Sri Lankan captain Kumar Sangakkara to become the second-highest run scorer in One Day International (ODI) cricket history. Kohli achieved the feat on Saturday at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) during the third and final ODI against Australia. The Indian batter played a composed, match-winning innings of …

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has announced the restoration of gas connections for domestic consumers across the country, fulfilling what he described as a long-standing public demand. Speaking at the inauguration ceremony of RLNG gas connections in Islamabad on Sunday, the prime minister said that providing gas to households was an essential requirement, and the government has now decided to resume …

Federal Minister for Railways Muhammad Hanif Abbasi has announced the abolition of the contractor system for porters (coolies) at Lahore Railway Station, ending a 25-year-old arrangement that required them to pay a share of their daily earnings to private contractors. According to Pakistan Railways Headquarters Lahore, the decision will allow porters to work directly under the supervision of the Station …

            A flower baskets presenting ceremony is held at the Chinese People’s Volunteers (CPV) martyrs’ cemetery in Shenyang, northeast China’s Liaoning Province, Oct. 25, 2025. Liaoning Province on Saturday held flower baskets presenting ceremonies in Shenyang and Dandong to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the CPV’s entering the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea to fight …

Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif has launched the province’s first comprehensive Special Health Screening Program for special children, aimed at providing medical care, screening, and specialized treatment across Punjab. According to official details, health screening has begun for more than 35,600 special children enrolled in Special Education Centers across the province. The services include treatment, eye care, dental examinations, …

Smog levels in Lahore and several central districts of Punjab have intensified, making open-air breathing increasingly hazardous. Health experts have warned residents to limit outdoor activity and use protective masks. On Sunday morning, the Air Quality Index (AQI) in Lahore’s Ravi Road locality surged to 810 that categorized as “extremely hazardous.” The city’s average AQI was recorded at 367. In …

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has decided to convene a “Peace Jirga” in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly to develop a unified strategy for ending terrorism and ensuring lasting peace in the province. The decision was taken in an important meeting of senior PTI leadership held at the Chief Minister’s House in Peshawar. The meeting was attended by PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar, Chief …

The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has arrested six passengers from Sialkot Airport who were attempting to travel to Europe through Qatar under the guise of work visas. According to the FIA Gujranwala circle, the arrested individuals belong to Sialkot and Gujranwala and were holding Qatar work permit visas. Officials said the group intended to first travel to Qatar, then proceed …

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has reported 74 new confirmed dengue cases during the past 24 hours, bringing the total number of active cases in the province to 304, according to the latest update issued by the provincial health department. The Health Department report states that the overall number of dengue cases recorded in the province since the start of the year has …

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif will undertake a visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia from 27 to 29 October at the invitation of His Royal Highness Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman. The Prime Minister will be accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, along with senior Cabinet Ministers. During the visit, …

The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) has moved to bring a no-confidence motion against Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Prime Minister Chaudhry Anwar-ul-Haq and initiated efforts to form a new government. The decision was taken in a meeting chaired by PPP Co-Chairperson Asif Ali Zardari. For government formation in AJK’s Legislative Assembly, a party or coalition requires the support of at …

Federal Minister for Health Mustafa Kamal inaugurated a locally manufactured ventilator at the Karachi Expo Centre, marking a major milestone in Pakistan’s healthcare technology development. Speaking to the media, the minister said that ventilators were previously imported, but Pakistan has now proven its capability to produce them domestically. He said that the nation performs best when united in challenging times. …

The Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) organized an in-house training session titled “Investigating Cartel and Abuse of Dominance Cases” for officers from its Legal, Adjudication, CECL, OFT, Exemptions, C&TA, M&A, MIU, and Registrar’s offices. The session aimed to enhance the officers’ capacity in investigating anti-competitive conduct, focusing on market surveillance, evidence collection, data analysis, and adjudication support. Delivering the session, …

Federal Minister for Railways Muhammad Hanif Abbasi met Türkiye’s Minister for Transport and Infrastructure Abdulkadir Uraloğlu on the sidelines of the Regional Transport Ministers Conference 2025 in Islamabad. The meeting focused on enhancing cooperation in railway development, logistics connectivity, and establishing a modern transport network. Abbasi stated that Pakistan and Türkiye have shared decades-long brotherly ties, which are now expanding …

Minister for Maritime Affairs Junaid Anwar Chaudhry met Iranian Minister for Roads, Farzana Sadiq, where both sides discussed expanding bilateral cooperation in maritime connectivity and port operations. During the meeting, Junaid Anwar Chaudhry proposed launching a ferry service between Pakistan and Iran, stating that it would provide significant ease to pilgrims and traders traveling between the two countries. He said …

Air pollution across Punjab has soared to alarming levels, with readings indicating a sharp deterioration across major urban centres. On Saturday, the latest data placed Sheikhupura at an AQI of 257, the highest among the province’s cities. Faisalabad registered 253, while Lahore recorded 241. Other cities included Gojranwala at 208, Dera Ghazi Khan at 167, Sargodha at 151, Bahawalpur at …

Two members of the Australian women’s cricket team were allegedly molested by a motorcycle-rider while walking from their hotel to a café in Indore during the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 on October 23. According to local police, the incident occurred around 11:00 a.m. when the players, who were staying at a hotel ahead of their fixture, were approached …

Pakistan Super League (PSL) Chief Executive Officer Salman Naseer has confirmed that two new teams will be added to the PSL lineup from Season 11. Speaking on the official PSL podcast, Salman Naseer said that the sale process for the new franchise teams will begin in November. He noted that tough competition is expected among interested buyers, as several parties …

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has scheduled for hearing a petition seeking the closure of former prime minister and PTI founding chairman Imran Khan’s account on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter). The case will be heard on November 4, according to the cause list issued by the court’s Registrar Office. Justice Arbab Muhammad Tahir will preside over the …

Following the recent proscription of the Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) by the federal government, a comprehensive security screening of the security personnel and other staff of Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz has begun. According to police sources, the screening covers all security staff stationed at Maryam Nawaz’s residence in Jati Umra as well as those deployed at the Chief Minister’s Office. …

Chief Executive of Cricket Australia, Todd Greenberg, has confirmed that Pakistani cricketers have been cleared to participate in the upcoming Big Bash League (BBL) season, following recent coordination between Cricket Australia and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). Speaking to media, Greenberg said that clearance for Pakistani players had been finalized last week, allowing several top national cricketers to join their …

Under the Punjab government’s Safe Jail Project, a security survey for installing surveillance cameras and modern monitoring equipment in central jails across the province has been completed. According to jail authorities, the project’s first phase will see the installation of around 5,500 cameras in 11 central jails. Each prison will be fitted with approximately 500 cameras, including 15 to 20 …

Renowned Pakistani actor Saba Qamar has revealed that her performance in the drama series Case No. 9 affected her health due to the emotionally intense scenes she had to portray. The drama, produced by Abdullah Kadwani and Asad Qureshi under 7th Sky Entertainment and directed by Syed Wajahat Hussain, has drawn widespread attention for its powerful storyline and impactful performances. …

Nineteen new dengue cases have been reported in Rawalpindi during the past 24 hours, raising the total number of cases this season to 1,196, according to the health department. More than 40 dengue patients are currently under treatment in various hospitals, while anti-dengue surveillance and fumigation campaigns continue in affected areas to curb the spread of the virus. Health officials …

Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has inaugurated the resumption of Pakistan International Airlines’ (PIA) flight operations to the United Kingdom, marking the end of a five-year suspension. The first flight from Islamabad to Manchester is scheduled to depart today, following the clearance issued by UK aviation authorities. Speaking at the ceremony, Khawaja Asif praised the efforts of Pakistan’s diplomatic officials in …

The Punjab Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has declared several flood-affected areas as calamity-hit, issuing formal notifications for relief and rehabilitation measures. According to a PDMA spokesperson, 72 tehsils across 27 districts have been notified as disaster-affected, based on damage assessments at the village level. The notification was issued jointly by the Punjab Board of Revenue and PDMA under the …

Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) senior leader Shazia Marri has denied reports suggesting that the PPP and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) had agreed to share power in Balochistan on a rotational basis. In a statement, Marri said there was no agreement regarding the formation of a PML-N government in the province. She added that important decisions related to the provincial development …

The Punjab government has decided to introduce drone policing and stricter arms regulation laws across the province as part of new security reforms. According to media reports, the decision was taken during a high-level meeting on law and order chaired by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz. Officials briefed the Chief Minister that a comprehensive verification and re-scrutiny process of licensed …

BEIJING: Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, chaired a symposium on Aug. 27 to solicit opinions from non-Party personages on drafting the CPC Central Committee’s recommendations for formulating the 15th Five-Year Plan for China’s economic and social development. While addressing the symposium, Xi said the planning of social and economic development for the …

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif received Sheikh Faisal bin Thani bin Faisal Al-Thani, Minister of Commerce and Industry of Qatar, who is visiting Pakistan to co-chair the 6th Session of the Pakistan-Qatar Joint Ministerial Commission (JMC). The Prime Minister expressed satisfaction at the positive trajectory of Pakistan-Qatar relations, anchored in shared faith, values, and mutual respect. The Prime Minister appreciated …