Islamabad, March 18, 2026 — Escalating conflict between Iran and the US-Israel alliance has effectively disrupted tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, threatening Pakistan’s fuel supplies. The country imports over 80% of its oil needs, with the majority routed via Hormuz to ports in Karachi and Port Qasim. Current stocks of petrol and diesel…
The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has declared a public holiday for all banks and financial institutions across the country on Monday, March 23, 2026, in observance of Pakistan Day.In its BPRD Circular Letter No. 07 of 2026, the SBP stated that the closure follows the Government of Pakistan’s declaration of March 23 as a…
Russia’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Albert P. Khorev, has stated that Moscow is ready to supply discounted crude oil to Pakistan, urging Islamabad to make a formal approach to take advantage of the opportunity.Speaking at a press conference in Islamabad on Tuesday, Ambassador Khorev said: “We are ready to sell oil to Pakistan. Pakistan can benefit…
Washington | March 18, 2026The director of the US National Counterterrorism Center , which advises both President Donald Trump and the Director of National Intelligence on terrorism threats, has resigned in protest over the ongoing war with Iran. Joe Kent, in his resignation letter posted on X, stated he “cannot in good conscience” support the war…
Islamabad, March 17, 2026 — Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif held a telephone conversation with President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.The Prime Minister extended heartfelt congratulations to President Tokayev on the successful conduct of the historic constitutional referendum held on March 15, 2026. He described the high voter turnout and strong support for…
Islamabad, March 17, 2026 — The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) has announced the cancellation of the traditional military parade and all associated ceremonial events scheduled for Pakistan Day on March 23, 2026.The decision, detailed in an official statement, is attributed to the ongoing Gulf oil crisis — triggered by regional tensions including the Iran-US-Israel conflict…
By Farzana Chaudhry, Lahore PakistanLAHORE: Provincial Minister for Information and Culture Punjab, Azma Bokhari, has stated that Punjab is outperforming all other provinces in governance and development under the leadership of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz.She remarked that Maryam Nawaz is serving the people with dedication and compassion, likening her approach to that of a caring…
By Muhammad Shahzad, Lahore PakistanLAHORE: In light of the evolving situation along the western border, Punjab Police have intensified and expanded intelligence-based and combing operations across the province, including Lahore, to ensure heightened security and public safety.According to a spokesperson for Punjab Police, a total of 9,784 operations were conducted over the past two weeks….
By Muhammad Shahzad, Lahore PakistanLAHORE: Public education systems shape the social and economic future of nations. When government schools lose credibility, inequality deepens and social mobility declines. Conversely, when these institutions regain strength, opportunities expand and public trust is restored. In Punjab, a significant recalibration of educational governance is now underway—one that is redefining public…
By Dr Ansab Ali, Lahore PakistanLAHORE: Acting on the directives of Provincial Minister for Social Welfare and Bait-ul-Mal, Sohail Shaukat Butt, Director General Social Welfare and Bait-ul-Mal Punjab, Dr. Shehnshah Faisal Azeem, paid a visit to the Center for Intellectually Challenged Children in Lahore.During his visit, the DG Social Welfare interacted with the children residing…
