The streets of Karachi had been bustling with shoppers preparing for the festive occasion, with Eid-Al-Fitr just around the corner. The city’s markets, particularly in the famous Saddar’s Cooperative Market, had seen a surge in activity as women and children flocked to purchase new clothes, sandals, and jewellery. One of the buyers explained, “I have bought clothes for my children, …

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a drought alert for Sindh, Balochistan, and Punjab, warning that the situation could deteriorate further due to a significant rainfall deficit and rising temperatures. According to official data, between September 1, 2024, and March 21, 2025, the country received 40% less rainfall than normal. Sindh recorded the highest deficit at 62%, followed by …

A high-level meeting chaired by the Prime Minister of Pakistan convened in Islamabad deliberated on strategic investments in Bitcoin mining and the tokenisation of real-world assets. This groundbreaking meeting signals Pakistan’s openness to embrace the digital economy and commitment to becoming a global hub for blockchain technology. The assembly featured prominent participants including Muhammad Ishaq Dar, Deputy Prime Minister and …

The immediate restoration of social media platform X in Pakistan remains unlikely as negotiations between the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) and the platform’s foreign management have failed to reach a resolution. According to sources, PTA has decided not to restore the service on its own without explicit government or court directives. PTA officials confirmed  that despite multiple exchanges of correspondence, …

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Excise and Taxation Department has issued a letter to the Health Department, instructing hospitals to deduct professional tax from doctors’ salaries. According to the letter, the tax deduction will be made as per the prescribed rates, and hospitals have also been directed to recover outstanding tax dues from doctors. The directive follows a 2021 ruling by the Peshawar …

NEPRA has completed the hearing on tariff revision requests from seven Independent Power Producers (IPPs). If approved, consumers could receive a relief of 50 paisa per unit, leading to an estimated overall saving of Rs920 billion. The hearing was held on the requests submitted by seven IPPs under the 2002 power policy, including Nishat Chunian Power, Nishat Power, Narowal Energy …

The first Hajj flight is scheduled to depart for Saudi Arabia on May 1, according to sources from the Ministry of Religious Affairs. The Hajj operation will continue for 30 days, with the last flight departing on May 30. Sources indicate that the flight schedule is expected to be released by April 10. Five airlines, including Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) …

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz conducted a surprise visit to Jinnah Hospital in Lahore, where she found several shortcomings in the hospital’s administration. Following a series of complaints from patients and their attendants regarding the unavailability of free medicines and essential medical tests, the chief minister took strict action, ordering the immediate suspension of the hospital’s principal and medical superintendent …

Islamabad High Court (IHC) has restored the right of PTI founder to meet visitors twice a week, on Tuesdays and Thursdays, while hearing petitions related to jail meetings. The larger bench, headed by Acting Chief Justice Sarfaraz Dogar and comprising Justice Arbab Muhammad Tahir and Justice Muhammad Azam, issued the ruling. According to the court’s decision, only individuals nominated by …

ISLAMABAD (Internews): Chinese ambassador to Pakistan Jiang Zaidong has said that China firmly supports Pakistan in safeguarding its national sovereignty and territorial integrity, in pursuing a development path suited to its national conditions, in resolutely combating terrorism, and in playing a greater role in international and regional affairs. While addressing to the inauguration ceremony of the “Esthetic Bridges” exhibition on …

International Monetary Fund (IMF) has granted partial approval for a 2% reduction in withholding tax on property purchases, following a request from the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR). The change will take effect in April 2025 and is expected to boost business activity in the real estate sector. However, the withholding tax on property sellers will remain unchanged. According to …

President Asif Ali Zardari on Sunday paid tribute to the sacrifices made for the creation of Pakistan, reaffirming the country’s commitment to national security, counterterrorism efforts, and the Kashmir cause. Addressing the participants of the Pakistan Day ceremony at Aiwan-e-Sadr, President Zardari said that March 23 serves as a reminder of the countless sacrifices made by millions of Muslims in …

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday asserted that Pakistan has achieved economic stability through relentless efforts, while institutional reforms and systemic rectifications are in progress to ensure long-term national progress. In his special message on the occasion of Pakistan Day, the premier paid tribute to the country’s founding leaders, highlighting the significance of the Lahore Resolution of 1940, which laid …

The nation is commemorating Pakistan Day with patriotic fervour today (Sunday), as dignitaries, military leadership, and citizens come together to reflect on the significance of the historic Lahore Resolution of 1940 that paved the way for the country’s independence. The hallmark of the celebrations, the Pakistan Day parade, was held at Aiwan-e-Sadr instead of its usual venue at the Shakarparian …

The Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) has announced a protest movement against the controversial six canals project on the Indus River, calling it an illegal and unconstitutional initiative. Senior PPP leader Nisar Khuhro stated that protests will be held across all district headquarters in Sindh on March 25 to oppose the project. Speaking to the media, Khuhro accused the Punjab government …

As the last Ashra of Ramadan commenced, thousands of Muslims across Pakistan and other Muslim countries began their spiritual retreat through Itikaf, seeking divine blessings. In Peshawar, the mosques were adorned with an air of devotion, and the atmosphere became filled with an intensified spiritual presence. The start of the final ten days of the holy month saw an increase …

Pakistan has received $4.9 billion in external financial assistance during the first eight months (July-February) of the current fiscal year, according to a report released by the Economic Affairs Division. The country has set a foreign funding target of $19.2 billion for the entire fiscal year (July to June). However, as of February, only a fraction of this target has …

President Asif Ali Zardari has granted a 180-day reduction in the sentences of eligible prisoners on the occasion of Pakistan Day and Eidul Fitr. The decision was made under Article 45 of the Constitution, which empowers the president to grant pardons and commute sentences. However, the relief will not be extended to prisoners convicted of murder, espionage, anti-state activities, theft, …

The salaries and allowances of federal cabinet members have been significantly increased, with federal ministers, ministers of state, and advisers receiving hikes of up to 188%. Sources confirmed on Thursday that the federal ministers approved a summary of the salary increments for themselves and ministers of state through circulation. An amendment to the Federal Ministers and Ministers of State (Allowances …

Security forces killed ten Khawarij during an intelligence-based operation (IBO) conducted in Dera Ismail Khan District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Thursday. Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) in a statement said: “On 20 March 2025, security forces conducted an intelligence-based operation in Dera Ismail Khan District on the reported presence of Khawarij. During the conduct of the operation, own troops, after stealthily …

When two global music sensations—Diljit Dosanjh and Taylor Swift—are linked in a dating rumour, the internet naturally goes into a frenzy. In mid-2023, reports surfaced claiming the two stars had a dinner date at Cactus Club Cafe in Vancouver, sparking massive speculation among fans. With Diljit’s ever-growing international presence—especially after making history as the first Indian artist to hit the …

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) will not tour India for any cricket series for the next three years in response to India’s refusal to participate in the Champions Trophy in Pakistan, according to PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi’s advisor Aamer Mir. During a press conference on Wednesday, Mir addressed the ongoing cricket dispute between the two nations while highlighting the PCB’s …

A financial audit has revealed irregularities amounting to over Rs141 billion in the Benazir Income Support Program (BISP) during the fiscal year 2023-24. According to the audit report, millions of beneficiaries received payments without valid national identity cards, and funds meant for educational scholarships were also misused. Additionally, cash was unlawfully withdrawn from the accounts of deserving individuals. The audit …

A comprehensive plan was devised to administer polio drops during Eid to prevent the spread of the virus. As per the plan, children travelling during the festive period would receive the polio vaccine. According to the Punjab Polio Programme, children entering the province would also be vaccinated under this initiative. The plan included deploying polio teams at specific locations in …

National Assembly session on Wednesday included written responses to questions posed by members, with Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar stating that Pakistan is engaged in constructive relations and meaningful negotiations with India. Dar emphasized that the talks aim to resolve all outstanding issues, including Kashmir. He urged India to create a conducive environment for dialogue, noting that India’s illegal occupation of …

The Lahore High Court (LHC) has strongly criticised the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) over its failure to justify the prolonged ban on X (formerly Twitter), warning that contempt of court proceedings could be initiated for wasting judicial time. A three-member bench, headed by Chief Justice Alia Neelam, heard the petitions challenging the closure of X. During the hearing, Chief Justice …

ISLAMABAD: The handover ceremony of emergency cash aid from the Red Cross Society of China to the Pakistan Red Crescent Society (PRCS) was held here on Wednesday. Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Jiang Zaidong, on behalf of the Red Cross Society of China, presented the cash aid to the Pakistani side, stating that China firmly opposes all forms of terrorism and …

President Asif Ali Zardari resolved on Wednesday to eliminate the terrorist elements from the country. According to details, the meeting in line with the law and order was held in Quetta. Prominent among those who attended the meeting were Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfaraz Bugti and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari. On this occasion, CM Bugti briefed the meeting …

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan emphasised on Tuesday unity for combating terror wave. Speaking to media outside Adiala jail, Khan said: “The lawyers had a meeting with Imran Khan for the first time following Jaffar Express tragedy. The PTI founder has condemned the Jaffar Express incident.” He said: “The PTI founder has backed the decision of the …

The director general of Military Operations provided a detailed briefing to the Parliamentary Committee on National Security (NSC) on Tuesday, chaired by National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, shedding light on recent terrorist incidents, foreign involvement, and counter-terrorism operations. The committee was informed that India’s intelligence agency RAW and other anti-national elements are actively fueling unrest in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. …

A curfew  will be imposed in several areas across three districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on March 19. The notification stated that the curfew would last from 6 am to 6 pm. In South Waziristan, areas including Azizabad Chowk, Sarokai, Jandola, Kod Fort, and Dabara were affected by the curfew. Additionally, the curfew was imposed in Spin Masjid, Asman Manza, Ladha, …

The Parliamentary Committee on National Security (NSC) convened an important meeting to discuss the country’s security situation, reaffirming its unwavering commitment to eliminating terrorism in all its forms. In a declaration issued after the meeting, the committee strongly condemned recent acts of terrorism and expressed deep solidarity with the affected families. It also lauded the bravery and professionalism of security …

The meeting of the Parliamentary Committee on National Security is currently underway at Parliament House, presided over by National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq. The meeting comes amid a surge in terrorist incidents across the country, particularly in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The government announced the security briefing days after the hijacking of the Jaffar Express, an incident that resulted …

ISLAMABAD (Internews): Pakistan and Turkmenistan reaffirmed their commitment to deepening bilateral ties and promoting international peace, as experts and diplomats convened at a high-level conference on Sunday. The event, hosted by the Embassy of Turkmenistan in collaboration with the Institute of Peace and Diplomatic Studies (IPDS), highlighted the significance of neutrality in fostering global stability and underscored the enduring friendship …

According to a statement issued by the Directorate General of Media of the National Assembly (NA) Secretariat, NA Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq has summoned a meeting of the Parliamentary Committee on National Security. The meeting will be held tomorrow, Tuesday at 11:00 AM in the National Assembly Hall. Civil and military leadership will attend the National Security Committee meeting. “The …

The Superintendent of Adiala Jail has moved the Islamabad High Court (IHC) after multiple verdicts have resulted in conflicting orders for the jail authorities. The cases in concern are related to incarcerated former premier Imran Khan’s meetings with his family and members of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). In the petition filed in the IHC, Adiala Jail Superintendent Abdul Ghafoor Anjum also …

An anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Islamabad on Monday declared Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders Murad Saeed, Hammad Azhar, and Farrukh Habib absconders in two cases related to the attack on the Judicial Complex. The case, registered at Ramna police station, was heard by ATC Judge Tahir Zafar Supra. The court, while noting the continuous absence of the accused from proceedings, issued …

Punjab Food Authority (PFA) has shut down eight bottled water brands plants after they were found to be contaminated with dangerous levels of chemicals and bacteria unfit for human health. The crackdown comes in the wake of water sample tests conducted by the Pakistan Council of Research in Water Resources (PCRWR), which exposed the widespread sale of unsafe bottled drinking …

Pakistan Muslim League-N (PML-N) President Nawaz Sharif and Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz chaired a high-level meeting focused on restoring and preserving Lahore’s historical heritage. A new authority, the Lahore Authority for Heritage Revival (LAHR), has been established to oversee the city’s restoration efforts. Nawaz Sharif will serve as the Patron-in-Chief of LAHR’s steering committee, while a sub-functional committee comprising …

The government has reiterated its decision to repatriate all illegal foreign residents and Afghan Citizen Card (ACC) holders, setting March 31 as the final deadline for voluntary departure. With only 16 days left before the cutoff date, authorities have warned that strict legal action will be taken against those failing to comply. The move is part of the government’s broader …