LAHORE—Basant festivities have kicked off in Lahore after an 18-year break, but the joyous return of kite flying came with early safety concerns, as at least two people were injured by stray kite strings on Friday, local officials and rescue sources reported. The festival—marking the arrival of spring and traditionally celebrated with colourful kites soaring...
The United States State Department has strongly condemned the recent militant attacks in Pakistan’s Balochistan province, calling them “horrific” and reiterating its steadfast support for Pakistan in combating terrorism, according to a statement shared on social media. In its message, the US State Department’s Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs noted that the Balochistan...
As the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 begins on 7 February, cricket fans are spotlighting a group of veteran players who will be among the oldest competitors in the event. Leading the list is Oman all-rounder Mohammed Nadeem, aged 43, making him the tournament’s oldest registered player. He has played 70 T20 internationals so far,...
New York City Mayor Zahraan Mamdani has come under intense public criticism for a World Hijab Day post shared by his office that described the hijab as a symbol of faith, identity, and pride. The message sparked controversy because it came amid widespread protests in Iran against compulsory hijab laws and reports of women facing...
At least 20 Palestinians were killed in Israeli tank shelling and airstrikes across the Gaza Strip, including four children and a medic responding to earlier attacks, health officials reported Wednesday—in what critics say is another breach of the fragile US-backed ceasefire. The latest violence struck Khan Younis in the south and Gaza City in the...
The recently announced trade agreement between the United States and India, championed by U.S. President Donald Trump, could deal a major blow to Russian oil revenue, as New Delhi’s imports of Russian crude have already fallen sharply, analysts say. According to market data, India’s Russian oil imports dropped around 22% in December from November, marking...
The United States and Iran are scheduled to hold nuclear negotiations in Oman this Friday, after Tehran requested moving the venue from Turkey and narrowing discussions strictly to its nuclear program, a regional official said. The talks are intended to de-escalate mounting tensions between the two countries, which have increased following military incidents in the...
Five United Nations human rights experts have strongly criticised the convictions of Pakistani lawyers Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir and her husband Hadi Ali Chattha, arguing that their prison sentences undermine fundamental freedoms and legal rights, according to a joint statement. The Islamabad sessions court last month sentenced the couple to a combined 17 years in jail...
In a major development ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, Pakistan has announced it will not take the field against India in the group-stage fixture scheduled for February 15 in Colombo. The government of Pakistan confirmed that while the national team is cleared to participate in the tournament, it will refuse to...
Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday expressed strong appreciation for the World Bank’s continued partnership and support during a high-level meeting with World Bank President Ajay Banga in Islamabad. The leaders discussed strengthening development cooperation across key sectors, including infrastructure, human capital, energy reforms, and economic stability initiatives, all central to Pakistan’s ongoing reform...