In cash-strapped Pakistan, a senior government officer’s daughter’s extravagant wedding costing an estimated Rs248 million has sparked outrage over the lavish lifestyles of the wealthy and their minimal tax contributions. According to official sources, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has flagged the high-profile event, which featured six grand functions. Despite the opulent spending, neither the officer nor his daughter …

The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Immigration Circle deported five Afghan nationals, including a woman, at the Torkham border after they were caught attempting to enter Pakistan illegally. According to an FIA spokesperson, three of the passengers, including the woman, had tried to enter Pakistan using passports belonging to their lookalikes. The fourth passenger was found carrying a passport with a …

The People’s Republic of China has once again reaffirmed its role as Pakistan’s steadfast friend by extending Monsoon Relief Assistance for the flood-affected people in Pakistan through the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA). The aid will augment NDMA’s relief support for flood-hit areas in Punjab. Two Chinese relief flights carrying 300 tents and 9,000 blankets landed at Nur Khan Air …

The Ministry of National Food Security has reported massive damage to agriculture caused by recent floods, with over 2.4 million acres of farmland destroyed across Punjab. Millions of people have been affected, raising fears of higher food inflation and a possible dependence on wheat imports. According to official figures, cotton crops suffered losses of 5.2 percent, while sugarcane plantations saw …

The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has arrested two immigration officials at the New Islamabad International Airport for allegedly facilitating passengers’ illegal travel abroad in exchange for heavy bribes. According to FIA spokesperson, Assistant Sub-Inspector Nadeem Arshad and Head Constable Mujahid Ali were caught during a surprise inspection ordered by FIA Islamabad Zone Director Shehzad Nadeem Bukhari. The check was carried …

Authorities in Punjab have intensified operations against illegal hunting and wildlife trade across several regions, seizing equipment and imposing heavy fines on violators. According to the wildlife department spokesperson, raids were conducted in Lahore, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Salt Range, Sahiwal, Multan, Bahawalpur, and Dera Ghazi Khan. A total of 62 quail and falcon netting gears were confiscated, 57 hunters were fined, …

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday chaired a meeting via video link from New York to review steps for boosting trade relations between Pakistan and Malaysia. According to a press release from the Prime Minister’s Media Wing, Shehbaz Sharif underlined the long-standing brotherly ties between the two countries, which span several decades. He acknowledged Malaysia’s consistent support for Pakistan …

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has confirmed that 24 Pakistani crew members, along with three others, were safely released after being briefly held by Houthi forces following an attack on an LPG tanker near the Yemeni coast. In a statement shared on social media, Naqvi said the incident took place near Ras al-Isa, where an Israeli drone targeted the LPG tanker. …

The Peshawar High Court has directed authorities not to deport Afghan citizens who are married to Pakistani women, pending decisions on their citizenship applications. The court issued a written order clarifying the procedure for handling such cases. The decision comes after a Pakistani woman filed a petition concerning her Afghan husband, who had applied for a Pakistan Origin Card (POC) …

Two separate traffic accidents in Balochistan claimed the lives of 11 people and left 28 others injured on Saturday, authorities reported. In the first incident in Panjgur district, a coach traveling from Karachi collided with a truck carrying Iranian oil and diesel. The collision triggered a fire in the coach, resulting in the deaths of eight passengers and injuries to …

The Power Division has released an update on electricity restoration efforts in flood-affected areas up to September 27, confirming significant progress across multiple distribution companies. According to the report, a total of 51 grid stations and 588 feeders were affected by recent floods nationwide. Of these, 389 feeders have been fully restored while 196 are partially operational. In Faisalabad Electric …

The All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC), Azad Kashmir and Pakistan chapter, has welcomed Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s “historic and courageous” address at the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, calling it a true reflection of the sentiments of the Kashmiri people. In a statement, APHC said the prime minister’s speech reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering support for the Kashmiris’ inalienable …

On the special invitation of National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, Speaker of Uzbekistan’s Legislative Chamber of Oliy Majlis Nuriddin Ismoilov arrived in Pakistan on Saturday with a parliamentary delegation. The delegation was warmly received at the airport by Convener of the Pakistan-Uzbekistan Friendship Group and MNA from Malir, Syed Agha Rafiullah. This marks Ismoilov’s first visit to Pakistan. The …

ISLAMABAD (Internews): China has announced further assistance to support Pakistan’s flood relief and reconstruction efforts. In addition to the initial $2 million emergency aid, China will provide relief supplies worth 100 million yuan, stated by Chinese embassy in Pakistan. This move underscores China’s continued commitment to helping Pakistan respond to natural disasters and rebuild affected areas.

Malala Yousafzai’s namesake fund has announced a fresh $100,000 grant to support a relief organization operating in Gaza, bringing its total aid to Palestinians since 2023 to $700,000, the fund says. According to media reports, the Malala Fund urged the international community to continue demanding an end to genocide, lifting Israel’s blockade, opening borders, and pressing for a permanent ceasefire. …

The Ministry of Religious Affairs has announced a new policy allowing close relatives of registered pilgrims, who are unable to travel due to death or serious illness, to perform Hajj in their place. According to official documents, a registered pilgrim who cannot travel for compelling reasons may either nominate another person to go in their place or request a refund …

A reshuffle in the Sindh cabinet is on the cards, with key changes expected in ministerial portfolios, according to informed sources. Sources revealed that Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah has been holding a series of meetings with different provincial ministers amid growing reports of adjustments in the cabinet. Provincial Minister Saeed Ghani is expected to lose the local government portfolio, …

The Cabinet Committee on Regulatory Reforms (CCoRR), chaired by Federal Minister for Investment Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh, convened a meeting on Friday to review the third quarterly Regulatory Reform Package, prepared and submitted by the Board of Investment (BOI). The session marked another step in the government’s ongoing efforts to modernize Pakistan’s regulatory framework in line with directives of the Prime …

The Punjab Assembly has introduced the Terrorism-Affected Citizens Relief (Amendment) Bill 2025, proposing a significant increase in compensation for citizens killed or injured in terrorist incidents. Under the proposed amendments, the financial assistance for families of citizens martyred in terrorist attacks would rise from the existing Rs1 million to Rs2.5 million. Compensation for injured citizens would also be doubled, increasing …

The Punjab government has stepped up efforts to tackle worsening air pollution with the launch of 38 air quality monitoring systems across the province. The decision was taken during a meeting of the Smog Steering Committee chaired by Senior Minister Maryam Aurangzeb. Officials briefed the committee that 12 drone squads and eight “e-squads” have already been deployed, while a three-kilometer …

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar inaugurated the newly renovated Consular Services Area at the historic Consulate General of Pakistan in New York, originally established in 1948. In his remarks, the Deputy Prime Minister reaffirmed that the foremost responsibility of Pakistan’s Missions abroad is to serve overseas Pakistanis with dignity, efficiency, and the best possible services. …

Federal Ombudsman Ejaz Ahmad Qureshi has taken suo motu notice of the rising number of stray dogs in Islamabad and the growing reports of children and elderly citizens being bitten and harassed. The Ombudsman expressed concern that negligence on the part of the Capital Development Authority (CDA) and the Metropolitan Corporation Islamabad (MCI) has allowed the situation to deteriorate into …

Federal Minister for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination Dr. Musadik Malik met with Chairman National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) Lieutenant General Inam Haider Malik on Thursday to finalize the formulation and implementation of the National Resilience Plan 2025–2026. The initiative is designed to strengthen preparedness for the upcoming 2026 monsoon season and mitigate the destruction caused by natural disasters. Dr. …

Federal Minister for Energy, Sardar Owais Ahmad Khan Leghari, announced a significant breakthrough in Pakistan’s efforts to reduce circular debt, unveiling a new financing scheme aimed at cutting Rs. 1.225 trillion. In a video message on the occasion of the scheme’s signing ceremony, Leghari said that when the current government assumed office, circular debt had reached Rs. 22.4 trillion. Since …

The Power Division has released a detailed report on electricity restoration in flood-affected regions, showing significant progress across multiple power distribution companies. According to the report issued on Thursday, 51 grid stations and 588 feeders were affected nationwide. Out of these, 382 feeders have been fully restored and 203 partially restored, while complete restoration is expected once floodwaters recede in …

Islamabad Police have decided to launch a major crackdown against criminals involved in murder, attempted murder, robberies, and dacoities. The decision was taken at a crime meeting chaired by Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Muhammad Jawad Tariq on Thursday in Islamabad. The meeting was attended by SSP Operations Muhammad Shoaib Khan, SSP CTD, AIG General and Development, zonal SPs, …

Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan has directed that the government’s immediate focus should be on establishing an Expo-cum-Display Center in Islamabad and identifying new land for the Quetta Expo Centre as part of Pakistan’s broader plan to build a nationwide network of modern exhibition and display facilities. The Minister gave these instructions during a detailed briefing by the …

ISLAMABAD: China has expressed readiness to work closely with Pakistan to implement the key outcomes of President Asif Ali Zardari’s recent visit and advance the Joint Action Plan 2025–29, aimed at building an even closer China–Pakistan community with a shared future. In an article published after the visit, Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Jiang Zaidong wrote that President Zardari’s trip “added …

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued a flood advisory, warning of possible heavy rains over the next 24 hours in the upper catchment areas of the Indus and Kabul rivers, as well as in Rawalpindi and Islamabad. The National Emergencies Operation Center (NEOC) has released updated details regarding river flows and potential flood situations across different regions. According …

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar addressed the first meeting of the OIC Contact Group on Afghanistan, reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to peace, stability and prosperity in the brotherly country. He stressed that Afghanistan cannot remain isolated, urging OIC members to secure unconditional humanitarian funding, revive trade and banking systems, enhance regional connectivity and promote dialogue for …

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif met Mr. Ajay Banga, President of the World Bank Group (WBG), on the sidelines of the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly. The Prime Minister appreciated Mr. Banga’s leadership in transforming the World Bank into a faster, more efficient and impactful development partner, with renewed focus on simplifying operations and mobilizing private sector …

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday met Ms. Kristalina Georgieva, Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on the sidelines of the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly. The Prime Minister appreciated the IMF’s longstanding constructive partnership with Pakistan, which under Ms. Georgieva’s leadership had strengthened further. He acknowledged the IMF’s timely support under various instruments, …

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar underscored the timeless values of peace, justice, compassion and tolerance exemplified by the Holy Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) while addressing a Special OIC High-Level Event on the Promotion of a Culture of Peace and Tolerance at the UN Headquarters in New York. The event was held to commemorate the …

Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Nawaf Saeed Al-Malki, inaugurated four buses donated by the Saudi government to the International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI). Speaking at a ceremony held at the university’s new campus, the ambassador highlighted the “brotherly and exemplary” ties between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, saying the university holds a special place in the hearts of the Saudi leadership. …

President of Pakistan has extended warm greetings to Saudi Arabia’s leadership and people on the occasion of the Kingdom’s National Day, reaffirming Islamabad’s commitment to deepening bilateral ties. In his message, the President congratulated King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman, and the Saudi people, praising the Kingdom’s remarkable progress and stability under …

The Islamabad Traffic Police (ITP) has announced October 1 as the deadline for motorists to obtain valid driving licenses. Chief Traffic Officer Captain (R) Hamza Humayun warned that from October 1, strict action will be taken against those driving without a license. Offenders will face registration of cases, arrest, and vehicle impoundment, he said. “The action will be indiscriminate, regardless …

The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has initiated a crackdown against jewellers who are either paying less tax or remain outside the tax net. Notices have been served in several major cities, including Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Faisalabad, and Multan, with officials warning that tax evaders will face strict action. Thousands of jewellers outside tax net According to FBR officials, Pakistan’s jewellery …

ACCRA: Pakistan’s Ambassador to Ghana, Najeeb Durrani, presented his credentials to President John Mahama on Friday, reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening its relations with the West African nation. During the meeting, both sides discussed enhancing bilateral cooperation in diverse sectors, including trade, manufacturing, defense, and counter-terrorism. President Mahama welcomed Pakistani investment in Ghana and encouraged Pakistani companies to explore opportunities, …

Flooding has damaged multiple sections of the M-5 Motorway, prompting authorities to close the route and advise travelers to use alternative roads. According to the Motorway Police spokesperson, 13 points on M-5 have been affected so far, and there is a risk that an additional 4 to 5 points could also be damaged due to rising floodwaters. The spokesperson confirmed …

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised overseas Pakistanis as the “true ambassadors” of the country during an event in London, acknowledging their hard work and immense contribution to Pakistan’s economy. He emphasized that their $38 billion remittances last year remain a lifeline for the nation. Overseas Pakistanis: Backbone of economy Addressing the gathering, Shehbaz Sharif said that Pakistan cannot move forward …