Tue, 21-Oct-2025

Women’s Action Forum backs ombudsman’s verdict against K-Electric CEO, calls for accountability

Women’s Action Forum backs ombudsman’s verdict against K-Electric CEO, calls for accountability

Karachi: The Women’s Action Forum (WAF) has strongly condemned the Board of Directors of K-Electric for allegedly supporting CEO Moonis Alvi, who has been found guilty in a sexual harassment case by the Sindh Ombudsman. WAF welcomed the Ombudsman’s landmark decision, calling it a crucial step in protecting the dignity of working women across Pakistan. … Read more

Steel drums and sequins: Notting Hill Carnival paints London bright

Steel drums and sequins: Notting Hill Carnival paints London bright

A mixture of adults and children adorned in jewels, glittery wings, belts and headdress danced and leapt down the street followed by floats pumping out bass and music in West London on Sunday. The celebrations opened at dawn with J’ouvert, a paint and powder street gathering rooted in Caribbean tradition, before the Children’s Day parade … Read more

South Korean President Lee to meet Trump amid focus on trade and security

South Korean President Lee to meet Trump amid focus on trade and security

Seoul: South Korean President Lee Jae-myung is scheduled to hold his first official summit with U.S. President Donald Trump this week, in a high-stakes visit aimed at strengthening trade ties and reaffirming the security alliance between the two nations. Lee’s trip to the United States follows a brief stop in Tokyo, where he met with … Read more

Pakistan Women’s World Cup 2025 squad revealed: Fatima Sana to lead team for first time

Pakistan Women's world cup 2025 squad revealed: Fatima Sana to lead team for first time

Lahore: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has officially announced the 15-member national women’s squad for the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025. Fast bowler Fatima Sana has been appointed as the captain for the first time in a World Cup, marking a significant milestone in her career. Meanwhile, Eman Fatima has earned her maiden call-up … Read more

National Guard in D.C. to Begin Carrying weapons under Trump’s crime push

National Guard troops deployed to the U.S. capital under President Donald Trump’s orders have begun carrying firearms, according to a statement from the military released on Sunday ,a significant shift in posture authorized by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. About 2,000 Guard members are now cleared to carry service-issued M17 pistols, with a smaller contingent equipped … Read more

Hamas accuses Netanyahu of obstructing ceasefire agreement

Hamas accuses Netanyahu of obstructing ceasefire agreement

Hamas said on Sunday that, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s approval of a plan to occupy Gaza City, despite the movement’s acceptance of a mediator-backed proposal, shows his determination to derail an agreement. In a new statement, Hamas has accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of being a “major obstacle” to reaching a ceasefire agreement … Read more

India alerts Pakistan of potential major flood in River Tawi

India alerts Pakistan of potential major flood in River Tawi

Islamabad: India has alert Pakistan about a potential major flood situation in the River Tawi near Jammu and Kashmir. India has resumed communication with Pakistan under the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) after a prolonged silence following their military standoff in May. According to official sources, Indian authorities conveyed the alert through the Indian High Commission … Read more

DPM/FM Ishaq Dar to attend OIC meeting in Jeddah

DPM/FM Ishaq Dar to attend OIC meeting in Jeddah

Islamabad: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Pakistan, Ishaq Dar, will undertake an official visit to Saudi Arabia from August 25 to 26, where he will attend the Extraordinary Session of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers in Jeddah.

Following his visit to Dhaka, Mr. Dar will travel directly to Jeddah to participate in the high-level OIC meeting, which has been convened to discuss a unified response to the ongoing situation in Palestine.

The session will focus on the current crisis in Gaza, including Israeli aggression and proposed plans for military control over the region. OIC foreign ministers will deliberate on the serious violations of the rights of the Palestinian people and explore collective strategies to address the issue.

During the meeting, Pakistan will reiterate its longstanding support for the Palestinian cause at international forums. Ishaq Dar is expected to reaffirm Pakistan’s unwavering support for the people of Palestine, and call for a complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from all occupied Palestinian territories, including Jerusalem.

Pakistan will also strongly reject any plans for Israeli military control over Gaza and emphasize the urgent need for humanitarian assistance to the Palestinian population.

Furthermore, Dar will reiterate Pakistan’s call for the establishment of an independent and sovereign Palestinian state.

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Gaza: Hunger kills 289, 15,000 awaits for medical evacuation

Gaza: Hunger kills 289, 15,000 awaits for medical evacuation

Gaza: The humanitarian crisis in Gaza has reached alarming levels as the Israeli blockade and ongoing bombardment continue to devastate the region, according to the World Health Organization (WHO) and Gaza’s Ministry of Health. WHO Director-General has warned that more than 15,600 patients, including 3,800 children, are in urgent need of medical evacuation from war-torn … Read more

PM Shehbaz Sharif honors Gilgit-Baltistan heroes, announces special awards

PM Shehbaz Sharif honors Gilgit-Baltistan heroes, announces special awards

Islamabad: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has paid tribute to three heroes from Gilgit-Baltistan  Wasit Khan, Ansar, and Muhammad Khan  for their extraordinary service in saving lives. The three individuals issued early warnings of a GLOF (Glacial Lake Outburst Flood), helping to evacuate local communities and saving over 300 lives. Recognizing their bravery and dedication, … Read more

Pakistan and Bangladesh inked six agreements to boost bilateral relations

Pakistan and Bangladesh inked six agreements to boost bilateral relations

Dhaka: Pakistan and Bangladesh have signed six significant Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) aimed at enhancing cooperation between the two countries. The signing ceremony took place under the supervision of Bangladesh’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, along with the Advisor on Foreign Affairs.

According to the spokesperson of Pakistan’s Foreign Office, one of the key agreements includes the abolition of visas for diplomats and government officials, facilitating easier diplomatic and official exchanges between the two nations.

Pakistan and Bangladesh signs six instruments.

 

The six Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) signed between Pakistan and Bangladesh cover a range of collaborative areas aimed at strengthening bilateral relations.

The first is a Visa Exemption Agreement, which grants visa exemptions for diplomats and government officials of both countries, facilitating easier official visits and diplomatic engagement.

Secondly, there is an MoU Between Foreign Service Academies, establishing cooperation between the Foreign Service Academies of Pakistan and Bangladesh.

The third MoU focuses on media collaboration, involving an Agreement Between News Agencies. This agreement is signed between the Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) and Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS), promoting closer cooperation in news sharing and journalism.

Next, a MoU Between Strategic Studies Institutes has been signed, creating a partnership between the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad and the Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies.

Another important MoU is the one Establishing a Joint Trade Working Group, which aims to form a dedicated group to promote and enhance trade relations between Pakistan and Bangladesh.

In last  a Cultural Exchange Program for 2025–2028 has been agreed upon, setting the framework for cultural exchanges between the two countries over this three-year period to strengthen people-to-people ties and mutual understanding.

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Pakistan is set to launch first nationwide cervical cancer vaccination drive

Pakistan is set to launch first nationwide cervical cancer vaccination drive

Pakistan is set to launch its first-ever nationwide cervical cancer vaccination campaign, aimed at protecting young girls against the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), a major cause of cervical cancer. The campaign will take place from September 15 to 27 in selected regions including Punjab, Sindh, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and Islamabad. It will primarily target girls … Read more

Flood warning in Lahore as Sutlej River rises rapidly

Flood warning in Lahore as Sutlej River rises rapidly

As Punjab prepares for an intense new monsoon spell forecast from August 24 to 27, the provincial government has launched large-scale evacuation operations amid a high flood alert on the Sutlej River, which surged to a dangerous 129,866 cusecs at Ganda Singh Wala.

The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) reported that over 19,000 people have already been evacuated from flood-prone areas, with emergency operations underway in vulnerable districts including Kasur, Okara, Pakpattan, Bahawalnagar, and Vehari.

“The evacuation of populations in the riverbeds of the Sutlej and Ravi is our utmost priority,” said Khawaja Salman Rafique, Chairman of the Cabinet Committee on Disaster Management.

According to officials, relief camps are fully operational and stocked with medicine, vaccines, and essential supplies. Rescue 1122 teams are on high alert, and announcements are being made in mosques and through local channels to guide residents to safety.

Meanwhile, hydrological data indicates that while the Indus River is rising at Tarbela and Kalabagh, the Chenab and Ravi remain stable. Hill torrents in Dera Ghazi Khan are being closely monitored.

The epicentre of the crisis remains the Sutlej River, particularly in areas like Jalalpur Pirwala, where relocation efforts are ongoing. Multan Deputy Commissioner Waseem Hamid Sindhu emphasized that protecting lives and property is the district’s top concern.

The Pakistan Meteorological Department has warned that the incoming eighth monsoon spell may bring torrential rains to upper Punjab and other regions, intensifying flood risks.

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Drone strike sparks fire at Russia’s Kursk Nuclear Power Plant

Drone strike sparks fire at Russia’s Kursk Nuclear Power Plant

A Ukrainian drone was shot down over western Russia on Sunday, triggering a fire at the Kursk Nuclear Power Plant, officials confirmed. According to the plant’s Telegram statement, the drone detonated upon impact, sparking a blaze that was quickly extinguished by emergency crews. No casualties were reported, though the facility did temporarily reduce capacity as … Read more

Heavy rains lash Islamabad and Rawalpindi; Margalla hills trails closed

Heavy rains lash Islamabad and Rawalpindi; Margalla hills trails closed

Islamabad and Rawalpindi continue to experience heavy rainfall, prompting authorities to close several hiking trails in the Margalla Hills due to safety concerns. Trails 2, 3, 4, and 5, along with the trail behind Saidpur village, will remain closed today.

The downpour has led to flash flooding in local streams and low-lying areas. In Islamabad’s Bhara Kahu area, particularly around Athal Chowk, roads and streets are submerged, with rainwater entering homes and shops. Several vehicles have also been stranded due to waterlogging.

As a precaution, the spillways of Rawal Dam have been opened to manage the rising water levels.

Meanwhile, in Dera Ismail Khan, torrential rains accompanied by strong winds have uprooted trees and damaged power lines, resulting in widespread electricity outages. Roof collapses and other rain-related incidents have claimed seven lives and injured at least 40 people. Several low-lying areas have been inundated.

Rain has also been reported in Peshawar, Mardan, North and South Waziristan, as well as various parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Azad Kashmir.

In Skardu, heavy rains have been forecast starting today. Authorities have advised locals and tourists to avoid unnecessary travel. Due to the risk of rising water levels in the Gilgit River, all riverside hotels have been closed, and nearby educational institutions will remain shut on Monday.

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued a nationwide alert for heavy rains expected to continue across most regions until August 30.

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PDMA sounds high alert in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa over flash flood threat

PDMA sounds high alert in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa over flash flood threat

Peshawar: The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has issued a high alert for various districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa following continuous heavy rainfall, warning of potential flash floods, urban flooding, and landslides. According to the PDMA notification, upper districts including Chitral, Dir, Swat, Shangla, Buner, Kohistan, Mansehra, and Abbottabad are at high risk of landslides, while … Read more

Pakistan seeks closer trade links with Bangladesh during FM Dar’s visit

Pakistan seeks closer trade links with Bangladesh during FM Dar's visit

Dhaka: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Muhammad Ishaq Dar had a breakfast meeting with Bangladesh Adviser for Commerce Sk. Bashir Uddin, that aimed at enhancing bilateral economic ties between two countries.

Minister of Commerce Jam Khamal Khan also joined the meeting. The Adviser Commerce was accompanied by
Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun, Chairman, Bangladesh Investment Development Authority.

Prominent participants included the Governor of Bangladesh Bank, Executive Chairman of the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority, Chairman of the Trading Corporation of Bangladesh, Chairman of the Civil Aviation Authority, and the Acting Vice Chairman of the Export Promotion Bureau.

Also present were the Secretaries of Commerce and Civil Aviation, as well as the Chairman of the National Board of Revenue of Bangladesh.

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Iran says six terrorists linked to Israel killed in Southeast raid

Iran says six terrorists linked to Israel killed in Southeast raid

Tehran: Iranian intelligence forces have killed six suspected militants in a security operation in the southeastern province of Sistan-Balochistan, state media reported on Saturday. According to the state-run IRNA news agency, the raid resulted in a gunfight that left six militants dead and two others captured. The operation also injured two intelligence officers and one … Read more

Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee convenes in Karachi for Rabi-ul-Awwal moon sighting

Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee convenes in Karachi for Rabi-ul-Awwal moon sighting

Karachi: The Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee will hold a key meeting in Karachi today (Saturday, August 24, 2025) to sight the crescent for the Islamic month of Rabi-ul-Awwal 1447 AH. The main session of the committee will convene after Asr prayers at the Pakistan Meteorological Department office in Karachi. The meeting will be chaired by the … Read more

Sophie Turner confesses to her “Most Toxic” dating habit

Sophie Turner confesses to her “Most Toxic” dating habit

Sophie Turner, 29, has made a candid confession about her dating habits—and it’s something she admits she’s “not proud of.” In a recent interview, the Game of Thrones star revealed that her most toxic trait is ghosting her dates. “That is actually what I do all the time,” Turner admitted with a laugh. “I’m not … Read more

Vietnam’s Island-Building in South China Sea could soon outpace China

Vietnam’s Island-Building in South China Sea could soon outpace China

Vietnam has sharply expanded land reclamation in the disputed Spratly Islands and is on track to match and likely surpass — China’s island-building in the South China Sea, a U.S. think tank said Friday. Satellite images reviewed by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) show Vietnam has, since early 2025, begun dredging and … Read more

Hegseth fires head of Defense Intelligence Agency, Lt. Gen. Jeffrey Kruse

Hegseth fires head of Defense Intelligence Agency, Lt. Gen. Jeffrey Kruse

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has dismissed Lt. Gen. Jeffrey Kruse as director of the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA), marking the latest high-level departure in what sources are calling a sweeping overhaul of national security leadership. Two individuals familiar with the decision confirmed Kruse’s removal, which follows tensions with the White House over the DIA’s … Read more

Android users notice sudden changes in call settings — Here’s why

Android users notice sudden changes in call settings — Here’s why

Android users across the globe are noticing subtle yet significant changes on their smartphones — and they didn’t lift a finger to cause them. In recent days, updates rolled out silently have brought a fresh look and feel to the Android experience, leaving many wondering what’s behind the shift Across social media platforms around the … Read more

Major “RAW” spy network busted in Karachi, reveals CTD Sindh

Major "RAW" spy network busted in Karachi, reveals CTD Sindh

Karachi: In a significant revelation, Additional Inspector General of the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) Sindh, Azad Khan, announced during a press conference that the Indian intelligence agency “RAW” was involved in the murder of a social activist in the Matli area of Badin district on May 18. According to Azad Khan, the murder was an escalation … Read more

Kennedy Center to host 2026 World Cup draw, Trump says

Kennedy Center to host 2026 World Cup draw, Trump says

President Donald Trump announced Friday that the Kennedy Center will host the 2026 World Cup draw in December, after making an unexpected visit to the center in the morning. “It’s a tremendous honor to bring the global event and this incredible group of people and these unbelievable athletes — the best athletes in the world … Read more

Dragon-Elephant tango signals thaw amid shifting geopolitics

Dragon-Elephant tango signals thaw amid shifting geopolitics

Once locked in a bitter military and diplomatic standoff, India and China are now cautiously stepping toward renewed engagement — a shift underscored this week by high-level talks between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. The meeting marks a symbolic and strategic milestone in the evolving relationship between Asia’s two … Read more

Trump claims “Nobel Peace Prize” for ending global conflicts

Trump claims "Nobel Peace Prize" for ending global conflicts

Washington: U.S President Donald Trump is touting what he says is a record of unprecedented peacemaking, claiming he has ended as many as ten wars during his presidency. Speaking at the White House on Friday, Trump said he had “settled seven wars,” but added that if “pre-wars” are included, “it would be 10.” The president … Read more

Qatar confirms Hamas ‘Positive’ response to ceasefire proposal amid rising Gaza death toll

Gaza: Hopes for a ceasefire in the war-ravaged Gaza Strip have been revived as Qatar confirmed that Hamas has given a “positive” response to a proposed ceasefire agreement, which includes a 60-day truce. However, Israel has yet to issue an official reply. The diplomatic development comes amid continued bloodshed. At least 26 more Palestinians were … Read more