Death toll rises to 32 after twin earthquakes hit Venezuela, hundreds injured
CARACAS: Two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela on Wednesday, killing at least 32 people and injuring around 700 as dozens of buildings collapsed in and around the capital, Caracas, authorities said. The first earthquake, measuring 7.2 in magnitude, struck about 160 kilometres west of Caracas and was followed less than a minute later by a stronger […]
Pakistan confirms resumption of Iran-US technical talks next week
Pakistan, which is mediating the Iran-US peace process alongside Qatar, said on Wednesday that technical-level negotiations are expected to resume next week. The US and Iran had made encouraging progress during the opening round of peace negotiations at the Swiss mountain resort of Burgenstock on Monday, with mediators Pakistan and Qatar announcing that both sides […]
CDF Munir, Libyan military commander vow enhanced defence ties
Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir and Libya’s deputy army chief on Wednesday stressed the importance of strengthening bilateral defence ties and expanding cooperation in military training and security, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said. The two military leaders exchanged these views during a meeting at the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi after Libyan Arab Armed […]
Iran slams NATO chief’s comments on US support in war
Tehran said on Thursday that NATO was complicit in the US-Israeli war against Iran, after the bloc’s chief noted its support for the United States in the conflict. Responding to US President Donald Trump’s criticism of allies for not supporting the war, NATO boss Mark Rutte told Fox News that hundreds of American planes launched […]
Thousands join 9th Muharram processions as security tightened nationwide
Ninth Muharram processions are being taken out across Pakistan today, with authorities implementing extensive security measures and deploying thousands of personnel to ensure the peaceful observance of mourning events. Security arrangements have been put in place along procession routes, while sabeels have been established in various cities. Processions are being held in major urban centres […]
Khawaja Asif defends comments on AJK unrest
ISLAMABAD: Defence Minister Khawaja Asif on Tuesday defended remarks he made about the ongoing unrest in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), saying his comments were “frank and honest” and accusing what he described as externally driven elements of trying to undermine Pakistan’s position on the disputed region. In a post on social media platform X, […]
Islamabad H-9 market fire: Eight-member inquiry committee formed
ISLAMABAD: A preliminary report into the H-9 Sunday Bazaar fire has been completed, with initial findings pointing to a combination of administrative lapses and safety violations as key factors behind the blaze’s rapid spread. According to sources, the fire broke out at 9:50pm and within five minutes had spread extensively, ultimately affecting approximately 300 shops. […]
National Assembly approves Budget 2026-27 with revised duties
The National Assembly has approved Budget 2026-27, with the Finance Bill outlining revised duties on imported vehicles, stricter Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) compliance rules and electronic filing requirements. According to the Finance Bill 2026-27, from July 1, imported vehicles from 2,000cc to 3,000cc will face 86% duty, while 3,001cc imported vehicles will be subject […]
Oil falls further on hopes of smoother crude flows via Hormuz
Oil prices fell more than 1% on Wednesday, extending this week’s losses and trading near four-month lows, on signs that more oil tankers stranded in the Gulf are set to move out of the Strait of Hormuz. Brent crude futures fell 78 cents, or 1.0%, at $76.30 a barrel as of 0350 GMT. US West […]
Pakistan to continue efforts for regional stability, Naqvi tells Iranian counterpart
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi met his Iranian counterpart, Dr Eskandar Momeni, on Wednesday, and vowed that Pakistan would continue its efforts for lasting peace in the Middle East. According to a statement issued by the interior ministry, the two sides held detailed discussions on Pakistan-Iran relations and the latest regional situation following the peace agreement. […]