PAKISTAN NEWS

LAHORE, 18 August, 2026 (Ghufran): Members of the Punjab Assembly from Okara met Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on Tuesday to discuss the political situation in the province, ongoing development projects and public issues in their respective constituencies.The meeting was attended by MPAs Ashiq Hussain Shah, Javed Alauddin Sajid, Chaudhry Iftikhar Hussain Chhichhar, Noor-ul-Amin Wattoo, Ali Abbas, Mian Yawar Zaman, Mian Muhammad Munir and Ghulam Raza.The lawmakers briefed the chief minister on issues faced by residents in their constituencies. Maryam Nawaz assured them of her government’s full cooperation and directed them to remain in close contact with the public and play an effective role in resolving their problems.The MPAs praised the chief minister for establishing an integrated ...

ISLAMABAD, 18 August, 2026 (Kamran Raja): The Supreme Court on Tuesday ordered the transfer of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan from Adiala Jail to Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad for medical treatment and evaluation until the next hearing.A three-member bench issued the order while hearing cases related to meetings with Imran Khan and his medical treatment. The court directed authorities to constitute a medical board and ensure that Imran Khan is transferred to the hospital under tight security. It also instructed authorities to ensure that law and order is not disrupted outside the hospital.During the hearing, Justice Shahid Waheed questioned why Imran Khan’s complete medical record had not been presented before the court. He observed that the material submitte...

LOS ANGELES, 17 August, 2026 (Nosheen) — American actress Hayden Panettiere, best known for her roles in the television series Heroes and Nashville, has died at the age of 36, her representative confirmed. Panettiere began her acting career as a child and went on to establish herself as a prominent television and film actress. She gained international recognition for portraying Claire Bennet in Heroes and Juliette Barnes in the musical drama series Nashville. Her father, Skip Panettiere, expressed deep grief over her death and asked for privacy as the family comes to terms with the loss. He described Hayden as an extraordinary light and a strong personality who brought immense love and joy to those around her and to millions of people who watched her on screen. Panettiere also appeared in ...

Lahore, 17 August, 2026 (Ghufran) — Pakistani singer Atif Aslam has said that his connection with Indian fans remains strong despite his nearly decade-long absence from the Indian music industry.Speaking during a candid conversation with Kris Fade, Atif said he does not miss working in India but deeply misses the fans who have continued to support his music.The singer acknowledged that Pakistani artistes have been barred from working in India for almost a decade, while Indian artistes have also faced restrictions in Pakistan. Despite the restrictions, Atif said his music continues to reach listeners across the border.Addressing his Indian fans, Atif said he wanted them to know that he missed them, although he did not miss working in India. The singer also revealed that the restrictions un...

 ISLAMABAD, 17 August, 2026 (Ghufran) – Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has directed all institutions working under the Ministry of Interior to prepare comprehensive two-year transformation plans aimed at modernising their operations and improving public services. Chairing a high-level meeting of heads of subsidiary institutions, Naqvi stressed stronger coordination, communication and cooperation among departments. He also directed officials to adopt comprehensive measures for data security and cybersecurity and provide full support and resources to newly established institutions, including the Land Port Authority. Naqvi said all institutions should become autonomous, modern and public-friendly, with improved facilities and quality services for citizens. He directed officials t...

ISLAMABAD, 17 August, 2026 (Kamran Raja) – The August 10 medical report of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan has been submitted to the Supreme Court, detailing his medical condition and examinations. The report states that Khan’s anxiety level was recorded at three-plus, while his blood pressure was 140/80 and pulse rate was 54 beats per minute. His ECG was normal, while an echocardiogram showed a slight E-to-A reversal. The medical board, comprising specialists in ophthalmology, cardiology and medicine, recommended that Khan take a one-hour daily walk and participate in relaxation activities to help manage anxiety. The board also advised providing him with newspapers, magazines, television access and study books, while recommending longer meetings with his family and spou...

ISLAMABAD, 17 August, 2026 (Nosheen) – Preparations for holding local government elections in Punjab have entered the final phase, as the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has summoned the provincial government to finalize the polling date.According to sources, an important decision regarding the polling date is expected to be taken during a meeting between the ECP and the Punjab government scheduled for August 20.All necessary arrangements for the local government elections, including delimitation of constituencies, have reportedly been completed. Following the finalization of the polling date, the formal election schedule is also expected to be announced.The meeting between the Election Commission and the Punjab government is being viewed as an important development toward conducting...

PESHAWAR, 17 August, 2026(Kamran Raja): Four judges on Monday took oath as permanent judges of the Peshawar High Court (PHC).The oath-taking ceremony was held at the Peshawar High Court, where Chief Justice SM Atiique Shah administered the oath to the newly appointed permanent judges.The judges who took oath included Justice Farah Jamshed, Justice Sabitullah, Justice Inam Khan and Justice Aurangzeb Khan. Following the ceremony, all four formally assumed their responsibilities as permanent judges of the high court.A large number of high court judges, judicial officers and lawyers attended the ceremony. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Advocate General Shah Faisal Utmankhail and Additional Attorney General Sanaullah were also present.Peshawar High Court Bar President Aminur Rehman Yousafzai, members of th...