Pakistan

ISLAMABAD - Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed authorities to enhance the early warning sys-tem and expedite relief operations in the flood-affected areas of Punjab.

High alert sounded after authorities warn of very high floods along Ravi, Sutlej and Chenab rivers At least 210,000 evacuated from flood hit areas, says NDMA Chairman A new spell of rainfall expected between Aug 29 and Sept 9.

ISLAMABAD - Director General Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chauhdry on Wednesday said that on the special directives of Prime Minister and Chief of Army Staff (COAS), one engineer brigade along with 19 infantry and medical units have been de-ployed to carry out relief and rescue operation in flood affected.

NAROWAL - The historic Kartarpur Sahib Gurdwara, one of Sikhism’s holiest shrines and believed to be the final resting place of Guru Nanak Dev, was partially submerged by floodwaters after India released water from rivers into Sutlej, Ravi and Chenab rivers.

ISLAMABAD - A three-member bench of Supreme Court of Pakistan on Wednesday referred the case related to the recovery of dowry money to a larger bench for further hearing.

ISLAMABAD - The Gates Foundation will support the World Health Organization (WHO) in its partnership with Pakistan to strengthen preparedness and the response to ongoing monsoon floods.

ISLAMABAD - Federal Minister for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, Dr.

Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari said on Thursday that embankments are being deliberately breached at certain points to protect major installations as floodwaters continue to swell.

ISLAMABAD - Chairman Senate Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani and Senator Vicente Azpitarte Pérez of the Spanish Senate on Wednesday discussed ways to strengthen parliamentary relations, expand trade and cultural cooperation, and extend mutual support at global level.

LAHORE - The Pakistan Railways has cancelled multiple train services and altered the routes of several others due to the ongoing flood situation, according to a statement issued by the Divisional Superintendent Office, Lahore, on Wednesday.

ISLAMABAD - Pakistan yesterday strongly condemned the latest Israeli airstrikes in Gaza and Syria, terming them blatant violations of international law and urging the international community to hold Israel accountable.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday visited the flood-affected areas of Punjab, where he conducted an aerial survey of the devastated regions alongside Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz.

ISLAMABAD - Belarus and Pakistan on Wednesday finalised an extradition treaty between the two countries and signed a protocol for its implementation.

Widespread flooding has wreaked havoc across Punjab after India released excess water from the Ravi, Chenab, and Sutlej rivers due to heavy monsoon rains.

ISLAMABAD - President Asif Ali Zardari on Wednesday expressed his deep grief and sorrow over the devastation caused by heavy floods and rains in vast areas across Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit Baltistan.

NANKANA SAHIB - Three persons were killed when a building collapsed near Mohalla Islampura area of Nankana Sahib, Rescue workers said on Wednesday.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Thursday announced domestic contracts for 65 women cricketers, including 23 U19 and emerging players, for the season 2025-26. The contracts, for the first time, have been categorised into Gold and Silver with 20 and 45 players awarded, respectively, PCB said in a statement. The contracts will run from July 2025 to June 2026, during which a number of domestic and U19 tournaments are scheduled. “The monthly retainers have been awarded to not just the performers of previous domestic events but also those who have showcased promise and potential in their respective skillsets during this time,” PCB said. The Women’s National Selection Committee, comprising former Test Cricketer Asad Shafiq and former Pakistan Women’s International cricketer Batool Fatima, recommended the names of the 65 players. “In addition, players outside of this pool can also stake a claim in the domestic contracts list by proving their potential in the upcoming domestic events and regional academy camps,” P...

ISLAMABAD - The Supreme Court of Pakistan Wednesday remanded a matter to Appellate Tribunal Inland Revenue, Islamabad, to decide whether MOL Pakistan Oil & Gas Company B.

ISLAMABAD: The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) on Wednesday reviewed audit objections involving the Cabinet Division’s management of the Toshakhana, the state gift repository, highlighting improper amendments to its rules and the disappearance of records dating back before 1997. The committee, chaired by Syed Naveed Qamar, was told by audit officials that the original Toshakhana rules from 1973 had been amended in violation of proper procedures. The Auditor General’s office had previously objected to the repeated changes. Cabinet Division Secretary Kamran Ali Afzal explained that a new Toshakhana Act was enacted in 2024, which mandates that all gifts, except those of historical or cultural significance, must be auctioned. “The law does not forbid accepting gifts, but requires their disposal through auction,” he clarified. Probes improper rule amendments, flawed auctions and missing records Mr Afzal added that a proposal for new amendments has been submitted under which dignitaries would not be allowed to acce...

Carlos Alcaraz stormed into the third round of the US Open with a blistering straight-sets victory on Wednesday as Novak Djokovic overcame an early scare to advance. Alcaraz, who could meet Djokovic in the semi-finals at Flushing Meadows if the draw follows the seedings, blew away Italy’s Mattia Bellucci 6-1, 6-0, 6-3 in just one hour 36 minutes on the Arthur Ashe Stadium main court. The 22-year-old Spanish second seed unfurled a stream of 32 winners in a dominant display against the 65th-ranked Bellucci, whose best performance in a Grand Slam came with a run to the third round at Wimbledon earlier this year. “I played great to be honest, from the beginning until the last ball,” said Alcaraz, who will face another Italian, 32nd seed Luciano Darderi, in the next round. “The less time I spend on court the better for me, to go to bed early,” he added. Elsewhere on Wednesday, Serbian legend Djokovic kept his dream of a record 25th Grand Slam singles title alive after a four-set defeat of American qualifier Zachar...