PAKISTAN NEWS

LAHORE, 18 August, 2026 (Ghufran): Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has announced a three-day Basant festival in Lahore from March 12 to 14, 2027, following the successful revival of the traditional kite-flying festival earlier this year.In a post on X, the chief minister said Lahore would once again come alive with colours, culture, festivities, music, energy and its legendary hospitality during Basant 2027.Addressing the youth of Punjab and Pakistan, Maryam Nawaz said, “This celebration is for you; come together, create memories, and make Lahore shine with your energy and spirit!”She also invited overseas Pakistanis and international guests to mark their calendars and return to Lahore to enjoy the colours and festivities of the city.“Insha’Allah, together we will make Basant 2027 anoth...

 RAWALPINDI, August 19, 2026 (Nosheen): The flooding threat in Nullah Lai eased on Wednesday as rainfall stopped across Rawalpindi and Islamabad, with the water level in the drain receding rapidly after peaking at more than 22 feet earlier in the day. According to the Flood Control Room, the water level at Katarian had dropped to 17 feet from 21 feet, while the reading at Gawalmandi Bridge also stood at 17 feet. The decline in water levels provided relief to residents after Rescue 1122 had earlier sounded danger sirens in areas along Nullah Lai.Earlier, city administration officials reported that the water level at Katarian had crossed 22 feet, while it reached 16 feet near Gawalmandi Bridge. The levels had risen sharply from earlier readings of 19 feet and 15 feet, respectively, ...

 ISLAMABAD, 19 August, 2026 (Ghufran): The International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI) has taken serious notice of reports published by certain sections of the press regarding the selection and appointment process of the University’s Vice Presidents, stating that some of the claims present an incomplete and distorted picture of the University’s prescribed procedure and the proceedings before the Islamabad High Court.The University clarified that the entire selection process for the Vice Presidents was conducted fairly and transparently in accordance with the applicable provisions of the IIUI Ordinance-1985 and the prescribed procedure, which was duly approved by the competent forum, the Board of Governors.IIUI further clarified that no adverse order or judgment has been ...

ISLAMABAD, 19 August, 2026(Kamran Raja): Islamabad Traffic Police has issued a traffic advisory for citizens as heavy rain continues across the federal capital, urging motorists and motorcyclists to exercise maximum caution while travelling on roads. Citizens have been advised to drive cars and motorcycles at reduced speeds during rainfall and maintain a safe distance from vehicles ahead. Drivers should use fog lights during rain and remain within their designated lanes. The traffic police further directed motorists to use side mirrors and indicators properly and ensure that seat belts are fastened at all times while driving. Motorcyclists have been advised to travel in the extreme left lane and wear helmets at all times for their safety. Officers of the Islamabad Traffic Police are presen...

 KARACHI, 18 August 2026 (Nosheen) — Pakistani actress Ayeza Khan has rejected rumours that she has separated from her husband, actor Danish Taimoor, describing reports of their alleged divorce as false. Ayeza, one of Pakistan’s prominent television actresses, recently attracted public attention after sharing photographs on social media featuring a noticeably different style and choice of outfits.Speculation about trouble in the couple’s marriage began after Ayeza did not attend the premiere of the final episode of Danish Taimoor’s drama Humraahi. Social media users also noticed that some photographs featuring Ayeza and her husband had been removed or edited from her Instagram account.These developments fuelled speculation that the couple could be heading towards separation, with ...

MOSCOW, 18 August 2026(Ghufran) — Russia’s Foreign Ministry on Tuesday summoned Japanese Ambassador Akira Muto to protest Tokyo’s condemnation of President Vladimir Putin’s visit to the disputed Kuril Islands, a Pacific archipelago controlled by Russia but claimed by both countries.Putin visited Iturup, one of the four southernmost islands of the chain, last week. Japan refers to the island as Etorofu and calls the four southern islands the Northern Territories. The Soviet Union seized the islands from Japan in the final days of World War II, and the territorial dispute has prevented Moscow and Tokyo from signing a formal peace treaty to end their wartime hostilities.apanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi described Putin’s visit as incompatible with Japan’s position on the Northern Territor...

ISLAMABAD, 18 August 2026 (Kamran Raja) — A nine-member delegation of Google, led by Mr. Wilson White, Vice President for Government Affairs and Public Policy, called on Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif in Islamabad today. H.E. Ms. Natalie Baker, Chargé d’Affaires of the US Embassy in Islamabad, also accompanied the delegation. Welcoming the delegation, the Prime Minister said Pakistan was undergoing a major digital transformation of governance, including the digitization of the economy. He shared the government’s vision of “Digital Nation Pakistan” and informed the delegation that several initiatives aimed at developing the national digital ecosystem were at an advanced stage of implementation.The Prime Minister reiterated the government’s commitment to upgrading IT infrastructure a...

ISLAMABAD, August 18, 2026 (Ghufran): Russian Ambassador to Pakistan H.E. Mr. Albert Khorev called on Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar in Islamabad today.During the meeting, the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister appreciated the positive momentum in bilateral relations between Pakistan and Russia and stressed the importance of continued cooperation in key areas. He also emphasized the need for sustained high-level exchanges to further strengthen Pakistan-Russia relations.Regional developments also figured prominently in the discussion. Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar underscored Pakistan’s consistent position that dialogue and diplomacy remain the only way forward for resolving differences and promoting regional peace and stability.

ISLAMABAD, 18 August, 2026 (Ghufran): Heavy rainfall lashed Rawalpindi and Islamabad on Tuesday, prompting authorities to impose a rain emergency and step up measures to deal with possible flooding and other weather-related emergencies.According to the Managing Director of the Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA), the water level in Nullah Lai reached 10.5 feet at Katarian and 8.5 feet at Gawalmandi.Shamsabad received the highest rainfall in Rawalpindi, with 116 millimetres recorded so far. WASA teams and heavy machinery have been deployed in low-lying areas to prevent water accumulation and respond to emergencies.Heavy machinery has also been positioned at Liaquat Bagh, Committee Chowk Underpass and low-lying stretches along Murree Road.Authorities have similarly deployed machinery in vulne...