Lahore authorities have finalized a comprehensive security plan for the upcoming Basant festival, dividing the city into red, yellow, and green zones, officials said. A detailed police report has been submitted to the Lahore High Court. Advocate Azhar Siddique has challenged the kite law and related permission notifications in the court. According to the police report, potential risks for Basant …

The Peshawar High Court has issued a written order regarding a petition against the sharing of immoral content on TikTok, directing the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to submit a detailed report on measures to block such content. According to the order, the court sought information on the firewall and other mechanisms used to prevent the circulation of obscene material on …

At least nine people were killed and several others injured when a passenger coach overturned on the Makran Coastal Highway near Hud Goth in Ormara, officials said on Saturday. According to sources, the Al-Othman coach, traveling from Karachi to Gwadar, overturned due to high speed. Nine passengers died on the spot, while several others sustained injuries. Rescue teams reached the …

A new western weather system has entered Punjab, bringing forecasts of severe cold, rainfall, and snowfall across the province, authorities said. According to the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), the system is currently affecting Lahore and other areas, keeping temperatures low and fog persistent. Between January 20 and 23, heavy snowfall and rain are expected in Murree, Galyat, and other …

A bomb exploded outside the residence of Maulana Waheed Gul, deputy chief of Jamaat-e-Islami and former provincial assembly candidate, in Bajaur. Fortunately, he remained saved. Police said the blast occurred directly outside Maulana Waheed Gul’s home, causing fear among local residents. The explosion partially damaged his house and vehicle. Upon receiving the report, police immediately reached the site, cordoned off …

The Ministry of Industries and Production has written to the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) requesting a comprehensive inquiry into thefts at Pakistan Steel Mills, officials said. The letter seeks investigation into the theft of valuable assets, machinery, cables, and scrap, including a December 24 incident involving the theft of 36 tons of scrap. Authorities said the stolen material was recovered …

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has announced a major decision allowing overseas Pakistanis to maintain continuous mobile phone service while living abroad, officials said. Under the new rules, Pakistani SIM cards will no longer be blocked during extended periods of overseas stay. According to PTA, expatriates can retain ownership of their mobile SIMs and can approach their respective mobile service …

Electricity consumers may face an increase of 48 paisa per unit for one month, as the Central Power Purchasing Agency (CPPA) has filed a request with the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) seeking approval for a monthly fuel price adjustment. According to sources, Nepra is scheduled to hear the CPPA’s petition on January 29 and will decide after reviewing …

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has restrained the Capital Development Authority (CDA) from cutting trees in the federal capital until February 2, citing concerns over possible violations of environmental laws. Justice Khadim Hussain Soomro issued a four-page written order, directing the CDA and other relevant authorities not to cut any trees in Islamabad until the next hearing. The court issued …

A student from Balochistan, Muhammad Sarfraz, has won the “Discover Natural Fibre Initiative” award for developing natural fibre from banana stems, bringing international recognition to Pakistan. The award was announced during the Heimtextil international home textiles exhibition held in Frankfurt, Germany. More than 100 research institutions, companies and academic organisations from around the world participated in the competition. According to …

The Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) Punjab carried out 425 intelligence-based operations (IBOs) across various cities of the province during the past month, resulting in the arrest of 49 suspected militants, officials said. According to a CTD spokesperson, the operations were conducted on the basis of intelligence reports in Lahore, Rawalpindi, Jhelum, Toba Tek Singh, Hafizabad, Chakwal, Gujranwala, Dera Ghazi Khan, …

The Federal Investigation Agency’s (FIA) Anti-Human Trafficking Circle in Quetta has arrested a retired employee on charges of visa fraud and human smuggling, officials said on Saturday. According to FIA sources, the suspect, identified as Muhammad Ismail, was taken into custody during an operation in Quetta. Authorities said the suspect used social media platforms to lure citizens with false promises …

Security forces eliminated 12 terrorists in Balochistan’s Kharan district, in a coordinated operation, following an attempted hostage situation on Thursday, according to the military’s Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR). The operation targeted a group of roughly 15 to 20 individuals linked to a faction designated by the state as Fitna Al Hindustan, which purportedly highlights India’s role in sponsoring terrorism in …

The local body elections in the federal capital Islamabad have been postponed, with the Election Commission of Pakistan withdrawing the previously announced schedule. According to a notification issued by the Election Commission, the schedule was withdrawn due to the Islamabad Local Government (Amendment) Ordinance, which altered the structure of local government in the city. The Commission stated that the mode …

Pakistan has blocked more than one million web links and URLs spreading content against religion, the state, and public morality, according to official data. The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) conducted a major crackdown, targeting Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, and other platforms for illegal and inappropriate content. On Facebook, over 229,000 links were reviewed, with 197,000 blocked. Instagram saw 43,000 URLs …

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Friday said that terrorists are once again raising their heads, but vowed that they would be uprooted from Pakistan and defeated decisively. Speaking during a meeting with members of the National Peace Message Committee, the Prime Minister reiterated his resolve to eliminate poverty, unemployment, debt, and terrorism from the country. He stressed that national …

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Friday launched the “Prime Minister Sehat Card” to provide citizens with access to health facilities. Addressing the ceremony in Islamabad, the Prime Minister said the government is bringing healthcare services to people’s doorsteps, stressing that access to medical care is a fundamental right. He congratulated Health Minister Mustafa Kamal, the Health Secretary, and their …

All nine educational boards of Punjab have issued the examination schedule for matriculation and intermediate annual and supplementary exams. According to a circular, due to the holy month of Ramadan, matric examinations will now begin on March 27 instead of March 3. The results of the matric exams will be announced on August 6. The annual intermediate examinations will start …

Chairman Prime Minister’s Youth Programme (PMYP) Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan held a high-level meeting with German Ambassador Anka Lepel at the Prime Minister’s Office to discuss avenues of bilateral cooperation and youth development initiatives. During the meeting, both sides explored potential areas of collaboration with a focus on education, skills development, vocational training, and international opportunities for Pakistani youth. Chairman …

The National Emergencies Operations Center (NEOC) of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued a weather alert regarding an approaching westerly weather system expected to affect northern parts of Pakistan from January 16 to 22, 2026. The system is likely to bring moderate to heavy snowfall, intermittent rain, and isolated thunderstorms across several northern and upper regions of the …

FIA NCB Interpol has arrested two proclaimed offenders wanted in murder cases from the United Arab Emirates and shifted them to Islamabad Airport. The arrested suspects were identified as Saifullah and Shahid Mahmood. Both were wanted by Punjab Police in separate murder cases. Saifullah had been absconding since 2017 in a murder case registered with Sargodha police, while Shahid Mahmood …

Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) Senator Kamran Murtaza has claimed that Mahmood Khan Achakzai was appointed opposition leader at the behest of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif. According to sources, Senator Kamran Murtaza said the appointment of Mahmood Khan Achakzai as opposition leader was made following direct contact between Achakzai and Nawaz Sharif. He alleged that Nawaz Sharif played a decisive role …

President Asif Ali Zardari has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Princess Hind bint Saud bin Abdulaziz Al Saud of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. In a condolence message, the President conveyed heartfelt sympathies to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the Saudi Royal Family, and the people of Saudi Arabia on …

Lord Media Network (Private) Limited and its subsidiary Internews Pakistan and Fazaia Bilquis College of Education for Women FBCOE(W) on Thursday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance cooperation in media education, training and professional capacity building for students and faculty. Under the agreement, the two institutions will collaborate on media literacy, journalism skills, digital communication and responsible content …

Fresh snowfall has begun in the upper regions of Chitral and several areas of Lower Chitral, leading to a sharp drop in temperatures and intensifying the cold weather. According to local administration and residents, snowfall is continuing in Garam Chashma, Yarkhun, Chiran, Booni, Mastuj, Moor Koh, and Torkhow, while roads in hilly areas have become slippery, causing travel difficulties. During …

Speaker of Pakistan’s National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq on Tuesday reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to its “evergreen” friendship with China, describing the bilateral relationship as one of mutual trust, respect and enduring strategic partnership. During a meeting with Jiang Zaidong, the two sides exchanged views on the strength of Pak-China ties as well as key regional and global developments. Sadiq said …

A delegation of World Liberty Financial USA, led by Chief Executive Officer Zachary Witkoff, called on Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif in Islamabad on Wednesday. The meeting was attended by Deputy Prime Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of the Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Minister for Finance Muhammad Aurangzeb, SAPM Syed Tariq Fatemi, …

High Commissioner of Pakistan to Canada, Muhammad Saleem, visited the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC) in Ottawa for a meeting with Craig Ceppetelli, Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer. The discussion focused on cooperation opportunities between Pakistan and Canada in professional training and capacity building in the healthcare sector, with particular emphasis on postgraduate medical education, …

Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture Division, Aurangzeb Khan Khichi, met Pakistan’s Ambassador-designate to Jordan, Major General (R) Khurram Sarfraz Khan, at the National Heritage and Culture Division on Tuesday to discuss ways to enhance bilateral diplomatic and cultural relations between Pakistan and Jordan. Secretary of the National Heritage and Culture Division, Asad Rehman Gillani, was also present during …

The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has approved the release of Rs4 billion in funds for District Khyber to support Tirah depopulation-related activities. According to official sources, the Finance Department has sanctioned the amount for utilisation during the current fiscal year 2025–26. The funds will be released through the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA). A notification issued by the Finance Department stated …

A rain-bearing weather system from the west is expected to enter Pakistan on Thursday, raising the possibility of rainfall in the upper parts of Punjab, the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) said. According to the PMD, severe cold and dense fog continue to affect Lahore and most parts of Punjab, while intermittent cloud cover has added to the chill. The combination …

Extremely cold weather continues to grip parts of Pakistan, with Kalam recording the lowest temperature at minus 6 degrees Celsius, according to the Pakistan Meteorological Department. Parachinar recorded minus 4 degrees, while Dir Upper saw temperatures fall to minus 3 degrees Celsius. The mercury dropped to minus 2 degrees in Saidu Sharif, Swat. The Met Office said temperatures of minus …

Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Professor Ahsan Iqbal on Tuesday warned that India’s move to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty poses a serious threat to regional peace and Pakistan’s water rights. Chairing the first meeting of the Task Force on National Water Security, Ahsan Iqbal said India’s actions amounted to water aggression and could push Pakistan towards …

Pakistan Peoples Party senior leader Senator Palwasha Khan on Tuesday alleged that a “fake ordinance” was issued without the consent or signature of President Asif Ali Zardari, calling it a serious lapse and an act of deception against the head of state. Addressing a press conference at the Peoples Secretariat alongside PPP leader Chaudhry Manzoor Ahmed, Palwasha Khan said the …

BEIJING – China officially confirmed on Monday that its J-10CE fighter jet achieved its first combat success in May 2025, without mentioning Pakistan and India short war in which the former shot down at least six Indian fighter jets when they violated its territory. China’s export-oriented J-10CE fighter jet has achieved its first confirmed combat success, drawing international attention and …

ANF (Anti-Narcotics Force) has recovered narcotics worth over Rs240 million during a nationwide crackdown against smuggling. According to ANF officials, the force conducted operations near educational institutions and across various cities in the country, carrying out a total of nine operations. Five suspects were arrested, and 258.94 kilograms of drugs, valued at more than Rs240.48 million, were seized. During an …

Chief Minister of Balochistan, Mir Sarfaraz Bugti, announced that for the first time in the province’s history, online tests and appointment letters for government jobs will be conducted and issued on the same day. According to details, the Finance Department is launching a pilot program in which 111 government positions will be filled entirely on merit, using a paperless online …

The Federal Constitutional Court has been shifted to the building of the Federal Shariat Court, where judicial proceedings have formally begun. Chief Justice Aminuddin Khan inaugurated the new premises along with other judges. Following the inauguration, three benches of the Federal Constitutional Court started hearing cases in the Federal Shariat Court building. A three-member bench headed by Chief Justice Aminuddin …

The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) held a hearing on the federal government’s request to introduce a uniform electricity tariff for consumers across Pakistan. The hearing was chaired by NEPRA Chairman Wasim Mukhtar. The federal government has filed a new consumer-end tariff application along with a proposal to amend the existing electricity tariff notification. It has also sought the …

A meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Information Technology, chaired by Senator Palwasha Khan, reviewed allegations of misappropriation of Rs150 million per month linked to illegal call centers operating in Pakistan. Officials from the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) told the committee that the matter falls under the Anti-Corruption Wing and that FIRs have been registered against 13 accused. They …