The Islamabad High Court has imposed heavy fines on police officers involved in the abduction of a woman and her minor daughters from Lahore and Bahawalpur, ordering departmental action against those responsible. Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani announced the reserved verdict, with the detailed judgment to be issued later. The case stemmed from a dispute involving former PIA CEO Musharraf Rasool, …

Pakistan Railways faced a challenging year in 2025 as accidents, derailments, and sabotage incidents disrupted services nationwide, leaving passengers waiting for hours despite upgraded and aesthetically improved stations. Official data reveals that from January 1 to December 20, a total of 95 accidents occurred involving passenger and freight trains. Over a dozen passengers lost their lives, while hundreds of passengers …

The Tourism Development Corporation of Punjab (TDCP) has reported a notable increase in both revenue and tourist usage of the Lahore Double-Decker Bus Service during 2025. Official figures indicate that the service’s total revenue rose by approximately 20 percent, reaching nearly Rs3 crore. During the same period, around 40,000 tourists used the facility, marking a similar 20 percent growth compared …

The implementation of the e-Office system across federal ministries has resulted in annual savings of Rs9.5 billion for the government, while significantly reducing delays in official decision-making, according to official documents. Government data shows that the average processing time for summaries has dropped from 25 days to just four days, marking an overall reduction of 84 percent. Officials said the …

Pakistan has attracted growing international attention in the global digital economy following what officials describe as a landmark initiative by the Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA), aimed at strengthening capital markets and regulating the fast-evolving crypto sector. According to officials, the Pakistan Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority has taken a series of swift and proactive measures to establish a structured regulatory …

The Directorate General of Passports has introduced a new digital system to monitor passport applications, printing and service delivery, aiming to improve transparency, efficiency and response time across the country and abroad, official said. On the directives of the Director General of Passports, a dedicated 24/7 monitoring room has been established at the department’s headquarters. Officials said the facility will …

Pakistan’s economy has reached a significant milestone as the country’s foreign exchange reserves climbed to their highest level since March 2022, reflecting improved macroeconomic stability and growing investor confidence. According to the latest official figures, Pakistan’s total foreign exchange reserves have increased to $21.1 billion, marking a notable recovery after years of pressure on the external account. Analysts say the …

The Lahore High Court on Monday directed the Advocate General of Punjab to submit a reply by Thursday during the hearing of petitions challenging the Local Government Act 2025. The hearing was conducted by Justice Sultan Tanvir, who took up multiple petitions filed against the new local government law. Petitioners included Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, Jamaat-e-Islami and others. Advocates Azhar Siddique and …

The Punjab government has replaced the British-era Forest Act with a modern, technology-driven system aimed at eliminating corruption and improving transparency in forest and environmental governance. Under the new framework, all departments linked to forests and environmental protection will operate through a fully digital mechanism, making the Environment Protection Agency (EPA) the first provincial government department to completely abolish paper-based …

A fresh spell of rain and snowfall across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan and Azad Kashmir has intensified cold weather, affecting daily life and travel in several areas. In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, rain was reported in Peshawar, Hangu and Charsadda, leading to a noticeable drop in temperature. Upper regions including Chitral, Kalam, Mahodand and Malam Jabba received snowfall, covering roads, rooftops and trees …

The Punjab government informed the Lahore High Court on Monday that the upcoming local government elections in the province will be held on a party-based system, allowing political parties to issue tickets to their candidates. The statement was made during hearings on multiple petitions challenging the Punjab Local Government Act 2025. Punjab Assistant Advocate General appeared before Justice Sultan Tanveer …

The federal government imported an additional 76,752 metric tons of sugar in November, according to data from the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics. During the first five months of the current fiscal year, a total of 308,142 tons of sugar have been imported, costing approximately Rs12.66 billion in November alone. Over the five-month period from July to November, the total expenditure …

Investigations have been launched by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) into a massive fraud involving over Rs40 billion in illegal leases and land grabs across Pakistan Railways’ properties in all four provinces, officials said. The fraud reportedly involved railway officials and private companies. Initial inquiries could not be completed, prompting the cases to be formally referred to NAB by the …

Pakistan produced a commanding performance to defeat India in the final of the ACC Under-19 Asia Cup, securing their first title in the tournament’s history. Chasing Pakistan’s total of 348, India’s batting lineup collapsed, finishing all out for 156 in 26.2 overs. Dipesh Devindern, batting at number 10, was the top scorer with 36, while opener Vibhe Suryavanshi contributed 26 …

Australia defeated England by 82 runs in the third Test of the Ashes series to secure an unassailable 3-0 lead, cricket officials and sources reported. In the Adelaide match, Australia set England a target of 435 runs to win. However, the visiting side was bowled out for 352 in their second innings. England’s notable performances came from Zak Crawley, who …

New Zealand openers Tom Latham and Devon Conway created history in Test cricket by becoming the first pair to score centuries in both innings of the same match, officials and cricket sources said. The record-breaking performance occurred during the third Test against the West Indies. In New Zealand’s second innings, Latham scored 101 runs while Conway contributed exactly 100. In …

Morocco’s Elyoussouf Abdelmajid won the second Lok Seha International Marathon held in Sukkur, completing the 42.195-kilometre course in two hours, 22 minutes, and 35 seconds, organizers said. The marathon began at IBA Public School and featured participation from 28 international athletes representing 10 countries, including Italy, Canada, Japan, Morocco, and the United Kingdom, alongside 3,000 runners from across Pakistan. Ethiopia’s …

Pakistan Customs Enforcement in Karachi seized Iranian smuggled petroleum products valued at Rs165 million during a long-duration, intelligence-based operation at the Northern Bypass, officials said. Collector Customs Enforcement, Moeenuddin Wani, stated that the operation began at 2:00 pm and continued until 11:30 pm. Customs teams raided five dumping points disguised as petrol pumps, where petroleum products were being illegally stored …

The government of Sindh has announced the expansion of its rabies control program, establishing 250 treatment centers across the province and planning 20 additional facilities to improve access at district and tehsil levels. The announcement came during a high-level meeting chaired by Sindh Chief Secretary Asif Haider Shah, attended by divisional commissioners, health department officials, representatives from local government, Indus …

Dozens of government officers, ranging from Grade 18 to 20 and their families are facing sudden displacement after the Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) declared the Oyster Towers in Clifton “dangerous,” officials and residents said. The residential building, long used for official housing has suffered years of structural decay, a failing sewage system, and general deterioration. Despite repeated written complaints …

Intermittent rainfall has begun in northern and central areas of Pakistan, with meteorological authorities forecasting more rain and snow over the coming days. According to the Meteorological Department, hill stations including Murree, Galiyat and other upper mountainous areas are likely to experience both rainfall and snowfall. Meanwhile, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Peshawar and surrounding districts are also expected to receive rainfall. Snowfall …

The commissioning ceremony of Pakistan Navy’s second MILGEM-class ship, PNS Khyber, was held at the Istanbul Naval Shipyard in Türkiye, with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan attending the event as chief guest, according to official statement. Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf was also present at the ceremony. Addressing the gathering, President Erdoğan described Pakistan-Türkiye relations as brotherly …

In a rare and remarkable sighting, a female snow leopard was seen with her three cubs in the Passu area near Hunza, wildlife experts said. According to conservation specialists, this is only the second time such a scene has been formally documented in the region’s history. Snow leopards are considered among the world’s most elusive and rare big cats, known …

The government has reportedly decided to revise the net metering policy for solar power consumers across the country, introducing a new regulatory framework aimed at shifting from net metering to a net billing system, sources said. According to officials, the revised framework has been titled the NEPRA Solar Consumer Regulations 2025. The Ministry of Energy has approved the new policy …

Police destroyed 17 hideouts of suspected bandits during an overnight operation in the Katcha area of Rajanpur, as a joint action by Punjab and Sindh police continued against criminal groups, officials said. District Police Officer Rajanpur, Muhammad Imran, said the operation was carried out in riverine areas where gangs of dacoits are active. He said five individuals were recovered during …

The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has arrested a LESCO official red-handed while allegedly receiving a bribe for providing a new electricity connection, officials said. According to the FIA, the arrest was made by the Anti-Corruption Circle Lahore during a targeted operation. The suspect, identified as Muhammad Irfan, was serving as a line superintendent with the Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO). …

A British court has praised the bravery of a Pakistani youth, Abdullah Tanoli, for saving the life of an 11-year-old girl during a knife attack in central London, and has ordered a cash reward to be given to him from public funds, British media reported. The incident occurred in August last year at Leicester Square, where Abdullah Tanoli was on …

An unusual incident involving fake currency notes was reported during a wedding ceremony in Kotri, causing financial loss to the event’s organizers, police and local sources said. The incident took place at a wedding held near the WAPDA Colony, where individuals stationed at the entrance were receiving cash gifts from guests. According to sources, counterfeit currency notes were handed over …

The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police have decided to procure additional modern weapons and surveillance equipment to strengthen counter-terrorism operations across the province, according to official documents. The documents reveal plans to purchase 50 Beretta sniper rifles, 100 additional sniper rifles, and 1,250 modern automatic weapons known as TWS. The force will also acquire 430 thermal binoculars to enhance night-time and low-visibility …

The federal government has informed Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) that over Rs8,400 billion in funds have been released to the province over the past 15 years, including allocations under the National Finance Commission (NFC) Award, counter-terrorism support, and development initiatives, officials said. In an official statement, the Ministry of Finance said the government has ensured timely, transparent, and continuous provision of …

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Friday warned that while famine in the Gaza Strip has been averted, the humanitarian situation remains extremely fragile, with more than 75% of the population facing acute food insecurity and critical risks of malnutrition. “Famine has been pushed back. Far more people are able to access the food they need to survive,” Guterres told a …

Veteran Pakistani television actress Saba Faisal has expressed confidence that any drama featuring her is destined for success. During a recent appearance on a private TV show, Saba Faisal discussed her career and the popularity of her projects. She stated, “Any drama I am part of turns out to be good, and I can confidently claim that a new drama …

Pakistani actress and model Yashma Gul is once again facing social media criticism following a viral video from a recent Bridal Week event. Known for her roles in popular drama series such as Dar-e-Shahwar and Pyar Ke Sadiqay, Yashma Gul is frequently in the public eye for her bold statements and fashion choices. In the latest video, she was seen …

Rising Pakistani television actress also a businesswoman and educator Fatima Amjad has recently found herself at the center of social media controversy. The actress, known for her acclaimed performance in the drama “Main Manto Nahi Hoon”, walked the ramp at Bridal Couture Week 2025 as a showstopper for designer Zeeshan Tariq. She performed Kathak dance to the popular OST of …

Celebrations are underway at the home of world-renowned singer Rahat Fateh Ali Khan as his daughter, Maheen Khan begins her wedding festivities. The traditional Mayun ceremony, held in Lahore, showcased rich cultural and family traditions, with close relatives and family members in attendance. Pictures from the event went viral on social media, drawing widespread attention from fans. During the Mayun, …

YouTuber Saad Rehman, popularly known as Ducky Bhai, appeared in Lahore District Court over a case concerning promotion and inducement of certain apps. However, charges could not be framed due to the non-appearance of one of the accused. Judicial Magistrate presided over the hearing, during which Ducky Bhai, his wife Aroob Jatoi, and other accused attended. Co-accused Subhan did not …

In a historic Big Bash League (BBL) match on Friday, Brisbane Heat defeated Perth Scorchers by eight wickets in a record-breaking encounter that saw multiple milestones set. Perth Scorchers batted first, posting a massive 257 for 6 in their 20 overs, with Finn Allen scoring 79 and Cooper Connolly contributing 77. Chasing 258, Brisbane Heat reached the target in the …

Pakistan’s Under-19 cricket team has reached the final of the Asia Cup after defeating Bangladesh by eight wickets in the semi-final. Due to rain, the match was reduced to 27 overs per side. Bangladesh was bowled out for 121 runs, with Abdul Subhan taking four crucial wickets. Pakistan chased the target comfortably, reaching 122 in the 17th over, with Samir …

National hockey players in Pakistan continue to await their daily allowances, sources report, with several team members relying on loans to cover routine expenses. One player, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that it was initially promised that the Pro Hockey League would resolve pending payments and that the federation had assured sufficient government funds to cover daily allowances. Despite …

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced India’s squad for the T20 World Cup 2026, scheduled to be held from February 7 in India and Sri Lanka. Suryakumar Yadav will captain the team, with Akash Patel appointed as the new vice-captain after Shubman Gill missed out on the squad. Key players selected include Abhishek Sharma, Sanju …