LAHORE: Australia have officially announced the schedule for their tour of Pakistan later this month, during which the two teams will play a three-match T20 International series at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium. According to details, the Australian T20 squad will arrive in Lahore on January 28, with all three matches of the series scheduled at the iconic Gaddafi Stadium. The first T20I will be played on January 29, followed by the second match on January 31, while the third and final T20I will take place on February 1. The series is part of preparations for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World…
Author: Aslam
Tehran: The wave of violent protests in Iran has subsided, leading authorities to restore international call services across the country, according to foreign news agencies. Reports said that while the situation has eased following days of unrest, internet services in Iran remain suspended. An American human rights organization has claimed that at least 1,850 protesters have been killed during the demonstrations so far, although Iranian authorities have not confirmed the figure. Earlier, a spokesperson for the United Nations Human Rights Office had stated that the death toll from violent incidents in Iran runs into the thousands, stressing that it is…
Peshawar: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has formally announced the auction of special vehicle number plates bearing the names of prominent political and national figures, including President Asif Ali Zardari, former prime ministers Nawaz Sharif and Imran Khan. According to a private television report, the provincial government has decided to include the names of key political leaders and other notable personalities in the upcoming auction of fancy and unique choice number plates. The move is aimed at generating additional revenue while responding to growing public interest in personalised vehicle registration numbers. Provincial Minister for Excise and Taxation Fakhr Jahan, speaking to…
Lahore: Thick fog has gripped several plain areas of Punjab, forcing the closure of multiple motorways due to poor visibility, motorway police confirmed on Wednesday. According to a spokesperson for the Motorway Police Central Region, Motorway M-2 has been closed for traffic from Lahore to Islamabad, while M-3 remains shut from Faizpur to Jaranwala. Similarly, Motorway M-4 is closed between Pindi Bhattian and Faisalabad, and the Lahore–Sialkot Motorway (M-11) has been blocked from Kala Shah Kaku to Sambrial. In addition, Motorway M-14 has been closed from Isa Khel to the Indus River due to extremely low visibility. Authorities have also…
Web Desk: Australia has tightened scrutiny of student visa applications from India by placing the country in the ‘highest risk category’, significantly increasing checks on Indian students. According to India’s Times of India, the new classification came into effect on January 8, 2026, under which India has been moved from Evidence Level 2 to Evidence Level 3 in Australia’s Simplified Student Visa Framework (SSVF). Australian media reports said the decision was taken outside the regular review schedule, indicating serious concerns among authorities. Following the new classification, Australian visa authorities will more strictly assess financial capacity, academic background and English language…
Islamabad: There is good news for Pakistani consumers as the government is likely to reduce prices of petroleum products once again, marking the fourth consecutive relief for the public. According to official sources, prices of petroleum products are expected to be revised downward from January 16, providing further relief at the start of the new year. Sources said that petrol prices may be reduced by up to Rs4.59 per litre, while high-speed diesel is expected to become cheaper by Rs2.70 per litre. In addition, kerosene oil may see a reduction of Rs1.82 per litre, while light diesel oil is likely…
Web Desk: A severe cold wave continues to affect the plains of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, prompting the provincial government to revise school timings across the region. According to a notification issued by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Education Department, school timings have been changed with effect from January 16, following the end of winter vacations. The notification stated that all primary schools in the province’s plain areas will operate from 9:00am to 1:30pm due to the prevailing cold weather. It further said that middle, high, and higher secondary schools will observe classes from 9:00am to 2:20pm. The decision has been taken to ensure…
LAHORE: The Punjab government has decided to launch a unique “Agriculture Lab on Wheels” initiative to provide on-the-spot services to farmers across the province. According to the Agriculture Department, mobile laboratories will be set up in 15 districts of Punjab, enabling farmers to get immediate testing and reports of soil and water samples at their fields. The initiative aims to help farmers accurately assess soil fertility and water quality, which are critical for improving crop yields. The mobile labs will be monitored through a central control room to ensure transparency, efficiency and quality of services. To further strengthen agricultural extension…
BEIJING: China on Tuesday announced that it would take all necessary measures to safeguard its legitimate rights and interests after the United States imposed additional tariffs on countries doing business with Iran. The statement came after US President Donald Trump announced a 25% tariff on nations engaged in trade with Iran, saying the move would take effect immediately. President Trump said the decision was taken in response to a crackdown on anti-government protests in Iran. China is currently Iran’s largest trading partner, making the announcement particularly significant. A spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in Washington said in a statement that…
KARACHI: Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon on Monday said that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) will not be allowed to stage a strike in Sindh on February 8, accusing the party of attempting to recreate a May 9–like situation in Karachi. Criticising the recent Karachi visit of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister’s aide Suhail Afridi, Sharjeel Memon said that PTI deliberately tried to create unrest in the city and violated the law. He said the Sindh government had no intention of harassing Suhail Afridi, but PTI appeared to be in a “mischievous mode”. Despite a security threat alert, permission was granted…
