The European Commission has ordered social media platform X to retain all internal documents and data related to its built-in artificial intelligence chatbot Grok until the end of 2026, a commission spokesperson said on Thursday. The bloc’s tech spokesperson, Thomas Regnier, told reporters that Grok’s generation of antisemitic content and sexual imagery involving children is “illegal and unacceptable,” adding that …

Russian air defense systems shot down 142 Ukrainian fixed-wing drones and captured a new settlement in the special military operation zone over the past 24 hours, the Russian Defense Ministry said Thursday. According to the ministry, Russian forces took control of the settlement of Bratskoye in Dnipropetrovsk region through active operations, expanding the bridgehead on the western bank of the …

The Saudi-led coalition in Yemen said Thursday that Aidarous Al-Zubaidi, leader of the Southern Transitional Council (STC), secretly left Yemen and traveled to Somalia before reaching the United Arab Emirates, after failing to attend planned peace talks in Riyadh. According to foreign media, Coalition spokesperson Turki al-Malki told Xinhua that intelligence showed Al-Zubaidi and others departed the Yemeni port city …

National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) has approved an increase of Rs1.79 per unit in the average base electricity tariff, effective from January 1, 2026, subject to approval by the federal government. According to media reports, NEPRA issued its decision on the request submitted by power distribution companies (DISCOs) and forwarded it to the federal government for final approval. The …

HARBIN: As mayors from around the world jointly lit the torch marking the opening of a dialogue event in Harbin, capital of northeast China’s Heilongjiang Province, they also ignited a shared vision for developing the ice and snow economy and advancing cooperation among global winter cities. The Global Mayors Dialogue, starting Tuesday, brought together mayors and representatives from nations including …

Iran executed a man convicted of spying for Israel’s intelligence agency, Mossad, the official news agency of the Iranian judiciary reported on Wednesday. The report identified the individual as Ali Ardestani, describing him as a “key” Mossad operative inside Iran who had sent sensitive information from the country to Israel. Mizan stated that Ardestani had been recruited by Mossad through …

The United Nations on Wednesday condemned Israel for violating international law by implementing apartheid-like policies in the West Bank, where Israeli settlers and Palestinians are subjected to distinct legal systems resulting in widespread discrimination. According to UN report, released by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, detailed the asphyxiating impact of Israel’s laws, policies, and …

Saudi airstrikes early Wednesday killed at least six people in the hometown of Aidarous Al-Zubaidi, leader of the Southern Transitional Council (STC), in Yemen’s southern province of Al-Dhalea. According to foreign media, the Initial reports indicated that the airstrikes targeted a residential house in the Zubaid area, killing six civilians and injuring nearly 10 others, a health official in Al-Dhalea …

Five teams set to include Pakistani-origin players in their squads for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 are reportedly facing difficulties obtaining Indian visas. Sources said that Canada, Italy, Oman, the United States, and the UAE have written letters to the International Cricket Council (ICC), highlighting the problems their players are encountering. According to sources, neither the ICC nor the …

Pakistan has extended full support to Bangladesh after the country decided not to travel to India for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, assuring that it will provide assistance if needed, including approaching the ICC. The decision follows a recent incident in which the Indian Premier League, under pressure from extremist groups, excluded Bangladeshi pacer Mustafizur Rahman, and Kolkata Knight …

The New Zealand Cricket Board has announced a 15-member experienced squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. Fast bowler Jacob Duffy has been included in a senior World Cup squad for the first time. The 31-year-old is the only new player in the squad, which collectively holds experience of 1,064 T20 International matches. Duffy is currently ranked second in …

The Australian cricket team is expected to arrive in Pakistan on January 27 ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed that the two teams will play a three-match T20 series in Lahore. According to sources, PCB has sent three possible schedules to Cricket Australia for consideration. The series is part of preparations for …

A rock climbing championship commenced in Islamabad on Wednesday, attracting young athletes from across the country. The event was jointly organized by the Alpine Club of Pakistan and the Inter-Provincial Coordination (IPC) Division, drawing enthusiastic participation from youth representing all provinces, as well as Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir. Boys and girls took part in the competition, showcasing exceptional …

Reports in Indian media claiming that the International Cricket Council (ICC) has rejected Bangladesh’s request regarding the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup have been termed false and misleading by the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB). In a statement, the BCB clarified that the ICC had only sought information related to security concerns and had not rejected any request from Bangladesh. The …

Islamabad Administration has removed more than 29,000 pollen-producing trees as part of a joint campaign by the Capital Development Authority (CDA) and the Ministry of National Health Services, following directives from the prime minister, officials said. According to an official statement, authorities completed a three-phase, science-based operation targeting paper mulberry trees, which are a major cause of seasonal pollen allergies …

BEIJING: Japan’s intention of revising its three national security documents reflects its dangerous moves to speed up remilitarization, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said on Tuesday, urging high vigilance from the international community. Spokesperson Mao Ning made the remarks in response to recent remarks by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi that relevant discussions will be advanced toward the goal of …

Russian air defenses shot down 129 Ukrainian drones overnight in more than 20 regions of Russia, including two targeting the Moscow region, the defense ministry said Tuesday. According to foreign media, drone debris fell on the railroad in the Voronezh region, disrupting rail traffic and delaying several trains, Voronezh Governor Aleksandr Gusev reported on social media. An infrastructure facility was …

Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry Director General (DG) Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said on Tuesday that at least 2,597 terrorists were killed in more than 75,000 counter-terrorism operations conducted across Pakistan in 2025, describing terrorism as “the greatest threat currently facing the State of Pakistan.” Addressing a press conference, the military spokesperson disclosed that a total of 75,175 intelligence-based operations …

Twelve ministers of the Gilgit-Baltistan caretaker government were sworn in on Tuesday at the Governor House in Gilgit, marking the official formation of the interim administration ahead of assembly elections. Due to the absence of the governor, the oath was administered by Nazir Ahmed, speaker of the Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly who administered the oath to all twelve ministers. The caretaker cabinet …

The Punjab Safe Cities Authority has launched an emergency free mobile phone charging service in Lahore. According to the authority’s spokesperson, the initiative is aimed at providing citizens with a safety measure by ensuring access to mobile charging in emergencies. So far, 30 emergency free mobile charging ports have been installed across Lahore, and the public has started using the …

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued an alert regarding a possible severe cold wave in Balochistan. According to the NDMA, extreme cold conditions are expected to persist in Gilgit-Baltistan, Kashmir, upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the Pothohar region, and northern Balochistan. Cities including Quetta, Ziarat, and Qalat are likely to experience a sharp drop in temperatures. The NDMA warned that …

The government of Pakistan has decided to bring the country’s aviation sector up to international standards. According to sources familiar with the matter, authorities are considering assigning various aviation experts as advisors or focal persons to guide reforms in the sector. The experts will provide recommendations on policy drafting, airlines, flying schools, ground handling, and airport services. The move aims …

Pakistan has officially launched a telemedicine system aimed at reducing overcrowding in major hospitals. The first health care center under the initiative was inaugurated by Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and the Health Kahani organization. Speaking at the event, Kamal said that overcrowding in public and private hospitals often resembles political rallies, largely …

The federal government of Pakistan is preparing to provide additional relief to electricity consumers through a new plan aimed at reducing electricity tariffs. Under the plan, funds collected from the Capital Power Levy, imposed in line with IMF requirements, will be used to lower electricity rates. According to government sources cited by private TV channels, the levy proceeds will be …

Officials informed the National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Overseas Pakistanis that the number of Pakistanis travelling abroad has increased, with a five percent rise recorded in 2025 as compared to last year. The committee met under the chairmanship of Aga Rafiullah and reviewed issues related to the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), overseas travel rules, passenger facilities at airports, and the …

Counsel for the PTI founder, Faisal Malik, on Tuesday demanded that his client be produced before the anti-terrorism court in connection with the May 9 cases, saying that the former prime minister is on bail in those cases despite being held in Adiala Jail in other matters. Speaking to the media outside the anti-terrorism court, Faisal Malik said that even …

The constitutional bench of the Sindh High Court has ordered the registration of a First Information Report (FIR) in connection with the recovery of missing citizens, following petitions filed by family members. The court issued the directive while hearing petitions related to enforced disappearances. Counsel for the petitioner argued that the missing citizens were taken into custody from their home …

As many as 300 dog-bite cases were reported at Indus Hospital Korangi during the first five days of the New Year, highlighting a sharp rise in attacks by stray dogs across Karachi. According to media reports, Aftab Gauhar, Manager of the Rabies Prevention Clinic at Indus Hospital said an alarming increase in stray dog attacks has been observed in several …

Punjab reported 625 cases of extortion during 2025, according to official data compiled by the Crime Control Department (CCD). The CCD prepared a detailed breakdown of extortion cases reported across major cities to identify and track active criminal groups. The data shows that Multan recorded the highest number of extortion cases, with 70 incidents registered during the year. Lahore followed …

U.S. President Donald Trump warned Venezuela’s acting president Delcy Rodríguez that she could “pay a very big price, probably bigger than” that of President Nicolás Maduro, if she refused to cooperate with the United States. According to foreign media, in a phone interview with The Atlantic, Trump said Rodríguez’s defiance of the U.S. armed intervention would not be tolerated. Maduro …

Afghanistan’s total trade in goods surged to nearly $14 billion in 2025, marking a significant year-on-year increase, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry announced on Monday. According to foreign media, the ministry spokesman Akhundzada Abdul Salam Jawad said “The country’s overall trade volume stood at $13.93 billion, with exports totaling $1.8 billion and imports amounting to over $12.12 billion.” Key …

Brisbane Heat has confirmed Pakistan’s young fast bowler Zaman Khan as the replacement for injured star Shaheen Afridi for the ongoing Big Bash League (BBL). The team has officially signed Zaman Khan as the replacement player, sources said, adding that he will travel to Sydney once his travel documents are complete. Shaheen Afridi, who sustained an injury, was immediately recalled …

The name of the first bidder for Pakistan Super League’s (PSL) two new franchises has been revealed. Inverex Solar Energy has secured the top position among the ten officially eligible bidders for the PSL team auction. The achievement highlights Inverex’s vision, confidence, and strategic planning, signaling that the company is fully prepared for its future initiatives in sports and energy. …

Cricket Australia CEO Todd Greenberg has criticized the International Cricket Council (ICC) over its rules regarding bad light, calling for reforms to prevent early match stoppages. Speaking about the Sydney Test, Greenberg said that more cricket should have been played on the first day. “We are in the entertainment business. I can’t think of a sport that repeatedly leaves its …

Bangladesh has banned the Indian Premier League (IPL) from broadcasting in the country following the controversial release of fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman by IPL team Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), officials confirmed. Speaking on the matter, Bangladesh Information and Broadcasting Adviser Rizwana Hasan said the country’s sentiments were hurt over Rahman’s removal, adding, “We had to give India an appropriate response.” …

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Monday issued the official notification approving the Practice and Procedure Rules 2025 for the High Court and subordinate courts. The Registrar’s Office of Islamabad High Court released the notification, confirming that the rules had been approved by the Chief Justice and the bench of judges. The notification states that the new rules have been …

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that Türkiye is prepared to facilitate dialogue between Yemen’s warring factions. According to foreign media, during a phone call with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Erdogan expressed his country’s readiness to support efforts to bring together the parties at odds in Yemen, according to a statement from the Turkish presidency. He stressed that …

A Syrian delegation, led by Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shibani and General Intelligence chief Hussein al-Salama, is engaged in a new round of negotiations with Israel in Paris, state media reported Monday. According to the state-run SANA news agency, the talks are focused on reactivating the 1974 Disengagement Agreement, specifically to secure an Israeli withdrawal to positions held before December …

BEIJING: Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) / Foreign Minister (FM) Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, together with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, jointly unveiled the logo for the 75th anniversary of Pakistan-China diplomatic relations on Sunday, marking the start of year-long celebrations to commemorate this historic milestone in a befitting and memorable manner. During his visit to Beijing, DPM/FM Senator Mohammad Ishaq …

Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif said Pakistan’s small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) hold significant potential to boost national exports and drive economic growth. The Prime Minister made the remarks during a meeting on the SMEDA (Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority) business plan, which laid out a three-year roadmap for promoting SMEs across the country. Shahbaz Sharif lauded Special Assistant Haroon …