Punjab has launched the country’s first and unique “CM Convenience On-the-Go Bazaars,” attracting public attention by providing affordable, high-quality goods while offering street vendors dignified livelihoods, officials said. Under the direction of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, more than 400 stalls have been allocated to street vendors through a lottery system, enabling them to become formal shop owners. In Lahore, ten …

An audit report for the fiscal year 2022-23 has exposed significant financial irregularities involving contractors at the Punjab Cattle Market Management and Development Company, officials said. The report revealed that contractors caused a loss of Rs21 million to the company. Contractors, who had secured contracts for parking and livestock taxation, failed to make full payments before absconding. Out of a …

Pakistan has restored its strategic importance at the global level by effectively leveraging its geographical location, defence capability and diplomacy, according to an analysis published by an international journal. The Carolina Political Review has acknowledged what it described as effective decision-making by Pakistan’s civilian government and military leadership, stating that the country regained a significant position in global politics during …

BEIJING: The Standing Committee of the 14th National People’s Congress (NPC) concluded its 19th session Saturday in Beijing. At the closing meeting, lawmakers voted to adopt a law on the safety management of hazardous chemicals, revisions to the Fisheries Law, the Civil Aviation Law, the Law on the Standard Spoken and Written Chinese Language and the Foreign Trade Law, as …

Following the first snowfall of the winter season, tourists have started thronging the scenic hill resort of Malam Jabba in Swat to enjoy chairlift rides, snow-covered landscapes and the region’s natural beauty. After a prolonged dry spell, snowfall in the upper districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa blanketed the mountains in a thick white layer, transforming the area into a picturesque winter …

As the year 2025 draws to a close, the overall performance of the Balochistan government reflects a mix of notable achievements and slow progress across key sectors, according to an official and policy review of the year. During the year, the provincial government introduced several initiatives in education, transport, urban development, employment, agriculture and social welfare, some of which have …

Cricket Australia faces a potential $10 million loss following the early conclusion of the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, according to local media reports. The match ended on the second day after England defeated Australia by four wickets, leading to ticket refunds for over 90,000 fans that had planned to attend the third day. Many had also …

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has completed the technical evaluation of bids for two new Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchises, paving the way for the next stage of the league’s expansion. A total of 12 bids were received from investors around the world, of which 10 met the technical requirements and have been declared eligible to participate in the auction. …

England defeated Australia by four wickets in the fourth Test of the Ashes series at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, recording their first Test win on Australian soil in 15 years. The victory helped England reduce the series deficit to 3-1. On the second day of the match, Australia was bowled out for 132 in their second innings, setting England a …

The Multan Sultans have officially parted ways with the Pakistan Super League (PSL) as the contract of the franchise, the league’s most expensive, comes to an end. The formal completion of the agreement is set for December 31. Franchise owner Ali Tareen, who had been openly critical of PSL operations and one league official through podcasts and social media, decided …

Pakistan has strongly condemned any attempts to undermine the sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity of Somalia, rejecting Israel’s recent announcement recognizing the so-called independence of Somaliland, a region within the Federal Republic of Somalia. In an official statement, Pakistan described such actions as illegal and provocative, noting that they constitute a blatant violation of international law. The statement emphasized that …

The Supreme Court of Pakistan has constituted three benches for the upcoming judicial week, which begins on Monday, according to the court’s latest roster and cause list. Each of the court’s three registries Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi will hear cases through a designated bench. At the Islamabad principal seat, a two-member bench comprising Justice Jamal Mandokhail and Justice Musrat Hilali …

Former Finance Minister and Governor of the State Bank of Pakistan, Dr. Shamshad Akhtar, has passed away. Her funeral prayers will be held tomorrow after Zuhr in Karachi. Dr. Akhtar assumed office as the 14th Governor of the State Bank on January 2, 2006, becoming the first woman to hold the position. She brought extensive national and international experience in …

It seems that the year 2025 has been grappled with “Trumponomics” leading to ongoing unilateral trade & tariffs war with China, Global South and its allies alike in the world. It affected pace, productivity and progress of global economies in terms of easy & smooth trading, serious disruption in global industrial supplies chains and shipments because of decline in economic …

BEIJING (Internews): Chinese foreign office has said that the United States (US) announcement of arms sales to China’s Taiwan seriously violates the One-China principle and the three China-U.S. Joint Communiqués, interferes in China’s internal affairs, and undermines China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. According to a decree issued by Chinese foreign office on Saturday, it is stated that the US recently …

The Pakistan Naval Academy in Karachi held the passing out parade for the 124th Midshipman and 32nd Short Service Commission courses, marking a ceremonial milestone for the graduating cadets. Rear Admiral Ahmed Mohammed Ibrahim Al Bin Ali, Commander of the Royal Bahrain Naval Force, attended the event as the chief guest and was welcomed by Chief of the Naval Staff, …

More than 5,700 cases of sexual abuse involving minor boys and girls were reported in Punjab over a six-year period, according to an official report. The report states that between the last six years, a total of 5,761 cases of sexual violence against children were registered across the province. Among these, 638 cases involved gang rape of minors. Police had …

The color of sea water along the coastal belt from Pasni to Jiwani has turned green due to a Noctiluca bloom, a natural seasonal phenomenon, according to WWF Pakistan. Technical Adviser WWF Pakistan, Muazzam Khan, said the Noctiluca bloom appears every year between November and February and is part of a natural marine process. He clarified that the phenomenon has …

Pakistan will present youth-driven startup ideas at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos this January, as part of a broader effort to project a positive and creative image of the country on the global stage, said Ikram Sehgal, Co-Chairman of the Pathfinder Group. Speaking at a conference organised by the Pathfinder Group at a local hotel, Sehgal said Pakistan …

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has said that the rain-bearing weather system, earlier expected to arrive today, will now enter Pakistan on December 29 due to slow movement. According to the Met Office, Lahore and most parts of Punjab are likely to remain dry, while rain and snowfall are expected mainly in the northern regions of the country. In Lahore, …

A contempt of court petition has been filed in the Lahore High Court against Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz and Provincial Information Minister Azma Bukhari over their public statements regarding court orders related to the Punjab Property Ownership Act. The petition was filed by citizen Munir Ahmed through Advocate Azhar Siddiq. The petitioner argued that the critical remarks made by …

Railway Police returned cash worth around Rs3.8 million to a passenger after it was left behind on a moving train, setting an example of honesty and professionalism. The passenger, Mohsin Mushtaq was travelling from Karachi to Toba Tek Singh on Pakistan Express. Upon reaching Hyderabad railway station, he got off the train briefly for personal reasons. During this time, the …

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf founder and former prime minister Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi have prepared separate appeals to challenge the verdict announced against them in the Toshakhana-II case. The appeals will be filed in the Islamabad High Court. According to the appeal documents, the trial court relied on the statement of Inamullah Shah, who had already been dismissed from …

Italy has officially opened its labour market to Pakistani workers by allocating a total quota of 10,500 jobs over the next three years, according to Pakistan’s Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development. Official sources said the quota will be implemented from 2026 to 2028, allowing 3,500 Pakistani workers to travel to Italy each year. Under the arrangement, 1,500 …

BEIJING: The 14th National People’s Congress (NPC) will open its fourth annual session in Beijing on March 5, 2026, according to a decision made by the NPC Standing Committee on Saturday. The decision was adopted at the end of an NPC Standing Committee session held from Monday to Saturday. The suggested agenda of the annual NPC session includes deliberating the …

ISLAMABAD: On the invitation of Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, President of the United Arab Emirates Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Ruler of Abu Dhabi paid an official visit to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan today. This marked his first official visit to Pakistan in his capacity as President of the United Arab Emirates. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed …

LAHORE: The Anti-Terrorism Court in Lahore has issued a detailed written verdict in two cases related to the May 9 violence in Gulberg, involving arson and damage to vehicles. The court acquitted 23 accused individuals due to lack of evidence, while seven others, including senior Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders, were convicted. Senior PTI leader Mian Mahmood Rashid received a total …

Pakistani dramas continue to enjoy popularity both domestically and abroad, including in India, largely due to their realistic storytelling and relatable tales of love and simplicity. A key factor in a drama’s success is often the chemistry between the lead actors, as the hero and heroine carry the narrative. Even in stories that are otherwise weak, strong on-screen chemistry can …

TikTok has released detailed data on the most searched topics and personalities in Pakistan for the year 2025, highlighting how the platform is increasingly being used beyond entertainment. According to the report, Pakistani users relied heavily on TikTok not only for leisure but also for gathering information, making purchasing decisions, seeking educational guidance and learning new skills. The data reflects …

Pakistan’s first-ever reality rap show, Rap Icon Pakistan, will be aired in 2026, with the official announcement made by Pixel Entertainment. According to the announcement, renowned Pakistani rapper Talha Anjum and internationally known artist Bohemia will serve as judges on the show. The programme aims to discover and promote young and emerging rap talent from across the country. Rap Icon …

Questions have been raised over the ages of several Afghan Under-19 cricketers after the Asia Cup in the UAE, with some players appearing older than their stated age ahead of the Under-19 World Cup. Former Pakistan fast bowler Rana Naved-ul-Hasan, who served as a development coach with the Afghanistan Cricket Board for three years, shared mixed views on the issue …

Pakistan’s mystery spinner Abrar Ahmed will not take part in the 12th edition of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), media reports said on Friday. According to reports, Abrar was picked by Chattogram Royals during the players’ draft, but his name was included in the auction list without his prior consent. When the franchise contacted him, Abrar made it clear that …

A dramatic opening day of the fourth Ashes Test between Australia and England saw 20 wickets fall at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, raising doubts over whether the match will last the full five days, according to match officials and scorecard details. England captain Ben Stokes won the toss and chose to bat first. However, Australia were bowled out for 152 …

The Chief Justice of Pakistan and Chairman of the Law and Justice Commission of Pakistan chaired a high-level review meeting in Peshawar to advance initiatives aimed at strengthening judicial infrastructure and improving public facilitation, with a special focus on underserved and remote districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The meeting was attended by the Chief Justice of the Peshawar High Court, the …

Pakistan has issued a formal demarche to the acting British Deputy High Commissioner over an anti government protest held outside the Pakistani Consulate in the UK city of Bradford, officials said on Friday. According to sources, the British Deputy Head of Mission was summoned to the Foreign Office, where Pakistan lodged a strong protest over the demonstration. The demarche was …

he Government of Azad Jammu and Kashmir has established a six-member Public Accounts Committee (PAC) to oversee financial accountability in the region. Former Finance Minister and member of the Legislative Assembly, Abdul Majid Khan, has been appointed as the chairman of the committee. According to a notification issued by the AJK Legislative Assembly Secretariat, Majid Khan will receive privileges equivalent …

The Punjab government has announced that buses and rickshaws will operate for free in Lahore on February 6, 7, and 8 as part of measures for the upcoming Basant festival. An important meeting was held in Lahore to discuss Basant arrangements and safety precautions, officials said. Punjab Information Minister Azma Bukhari stated that free public transport aims to reduce the …

The Pakistani government has written to the United Kingdom, urging action against social media accounts linked to the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party that are circulating videos calling for the assassination of the country’s Army Chief. According to media reports, in the letter sent to the British Home Office, the government described the content as a clear attempt to incite violence …

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has witnessed an alarming rise in dog bite incidents, with more than 87,000 cases reported across the province during 2025, according to official data from the Health Department. The department’s annual report shows that 87,364 dog bite cases were recorded in 2025, compared to 60,223 cases in 2024, reflecting an increase of over 27,000 cases within a single …

The Islamabad High Court disposed of a total of 15,805 cases during 2025, according to the court’s annual performance report released on Friday. The report shows that single benches decided 11,108 cases, while larger and division benches disposed of 4,697 cases over the year. Justice Inam Amin Minhas topped the list by deciding 2,039 cases, making him the most productive …