Pakistan Times Today

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  • Pakistan Eyes Bigger Role in Global Arbitration

    ISLAMABAD: Pakistan could emerge as a preferred seat for international arbitration due to cost advantages and geopolitical goodwill, Lahore High Court Justice Jawad Hassan said at an IPRI seminar. Experts agreed the country has strong potential but needs sustained legal and institutional reforms. They called for greater capacity-building, stronger arbitration infrastructure and coordinated efforts over the coming decade to establish Pakistan as a dispute-resolution hub.

  • Moreira Double Helps Milan Rescue Point in Rome

    ROME: AC Milan fought back from two goals down to draw 2-2 with Serie A leaders Lazio on Saturday. Diego Moreira, introduced at half-time, scored twice in quick succession to level the contest after Matteo Cancellieri and Tijjani Noslin had put Lazio ahead. The result ended Lazio’s perfect start, while Milan moved to eight points after another draw last weekend.

  • PTI Questions Court Move in KP CM Case

    ISLAMABAD: PTI has questioned the Federal Constitutional Court’s decision to fix a petition challenging Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi’s appointment. The party said the move raised concerns over judicial impartiality in politically sensitive matters, arguing Afridi was elected constitutionally after Ali Amin Gandapur’s resignation. PTI also urged courts to prioritise pending bail pleas of Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi.

  • Houthi victory ‘not surprising’ due to weakness of backing forces

    The Houthis’ rapid takeover of Yemen’s entire Red Sea coast down to Perim Island in the middle of Bab al-Mandeb was not surprising, according to Farea Al-Muslimi, a research fellow at the Middle East and North Africa Programme, Chatham House. He highlighted poor coordination and weak armament among government forces, despite a year-long Saudi-backed effort to consolidate them into an effective fighting force. He added that the Houthis had “built up their military power very well” over the past five years, a shift he said was “obscured due to the truce”.

  • Netanyahu congratulates Trump on Iran blockade

    Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has congratulated US President Donald Trump on blockading and exerting economic pressure on Iran, which he called “the world’s greatest source of instability”. In a post on X, Netanyahu said the US and Israel have achieved “historic progress” over the last year, helping to make Iran and its “evil axis… weaker than ever”. “The people of Israel stand with the people of the United States and with President Trump in confronting the forces of terror,” said Netanyahu.

  • Israeli forces shell hill near Beit Jinn in western Damascus countryside

    Israeli military forces have shelled Tell Beit al-Warda hill, on the outskirts of Beit Jinn in the western Damascus countryside area, our colleague on the ground is reporting.

  • Israel’s defence minister says ready to ‘continue campaign’ against Hezbollah

    Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz has said Israel’s military is ready to attack Hezbollah at new locations, after it claimed to have driven Hezbollah fighters out of a tunnel network at southern Lebanon’s Ali Al-Taher ⁠Ridge on Thursday. “We are ready and prepared to continue the campaign, to continue striking Hezbollah and at additional locations,” said Katz in a statement carried by The Times of Israel.

  • Missiles target port in Yemen’s Mocha: Local official

    Six missiles have targeted the port in Yemen’s Red Sea city of Mocha, AFP cites a local official as saying. The official did not specify the source of the missiles. Earlier on Friday, Houthi-affiliated media said Saudi Arabia carried out air strikes on the airport in Mocha, which is now under Houthi control.

  • ‘Resounding victory’ of Houthis praised by adviser to Iran’s supreme leader

    An adviser to Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei is the latest Iranian official to praise the rapid Houthi advance along Yemen’s Red Sea coastline. “Congratulations on this resounding victory, Ansar Allah,” Mohammad Mokhber posted on X, referring to the Houthis by their formal name. “Iran’s might in the Strait of Hormuz and the homegrown resolve of the resistance have driven the US and its allies into a tactical and strategic impasse,” he added.

  • Casualties reported after Israeli attack on Beit Lahiya, Gaza

    Israeli bombing of the city of Beit Lahiya in the northern Gaza Strip has caused casualties, a source in the city’s ambulance and emergency services has told Al Jazeera.

  • IEA not expecting oil supplies from Gulf producers to fully recover until next year

    The International Energy Agency (IEA) says the global oil supply deficit is expected to worsen this year. Global oil inventories fell an additional 95 million barrels last month and the oil market needs to work harder to resolve the US-Israel war on Iran, said an agency statement. The IEA does not expect oil supplies from Gulf producers to fully recover until next year.

  • Bab el-Mandeb Strait Remains a Global Flashpoint

    The Bab el-Mandeb Strait, linking the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden, remains a vital global shipping route amid regional tensions. Known as the “Gate of Tears”, it separates Yemen from Djibouti and Eritrea. The narrow waterway carries oil tankers and cargo vessels travelling between Asia and Europe, with the Suez Canal significantly shortening their maritime journeys.

  • Princess Diana Dress Set for Major Auction

    LONDON: Princess Diana’s iconic black “revenge dress” is set to go under the hammer at Sotheby’s in New York on December 9. Designed by Christina Stambolian, the silk gown became famous after Diana wore it in 1994. Nearly three decades after its previous sale, the dress is expected to attract major interest and will tour London, Hong Kong and Geneva before the auction.

  • Iran Raises Stakes as US Tensions Intensify

    TEHRAN: Iran is intensifying its confrontation with the United States as analysts say it seeks to increase pressure on President Donald Trump ahead of the US midterm elections. Tehran has expanded restrictions around the Strait of Hormuz, a key global energy route. Despite calls for diplomacy, Iran appears unwilling to ease its stance, while Trump has predicted the conflict could end soon after the elections.

  • French Probe Uncovers New Leads in Epstein Case

    PARIS: French authorities have identified new potential recruiters in an investigation into alleged human trafficking linked to Jeffrey Epstein, prosecutor Laure Beccuau said. The probe has identified 26 victims, including several who had not appeared in previous legal cases. Investigators are examining links across France and abroad, while authorities continue reviewing possible connections within the modelling industry. Beccuau described the network as complex.

  • Trump Issues Fresh Warning as Iran Tensions Rise

    WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump warned Iran against activity at the fortified Pickaxe Mountain site near Natanz, saying Washington could respond forcefully. The IAEA has reported new construction activity there but has not inspected the facility’s interior. Meanwhile, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards claimed its navy targeted a US unmanned vessel in the Strait of Hormuz as maritime traffic declined.

  • Rally 4 Her Brings Leaders Together in Islamabad

    ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s tennis community, corporate leaders and development partners gathered for the Rally 4 Her C-Level Leadership Meet to support cancer awareness and women’s tennis. Introduced by Pakistan Tennis Federation President Aisamul Haq Qureshi, the campaign aims to mobilise corporate support for both causes. Indus Hospital and Pink Ribbon Pakistan joined as partners, while Unicef and UNIC representatives also attended the event.

  • Police Intensify Action in Child Violence Cases

    GUJAR KHAN: Rawalpindi CPO Hassan Mushtaq Sukhera ordered the immediate arrest of those involved in the murder of eight-year-old Mohammad Ayyan, whose body was found in a well. Police launched raids and are investigating the case from all angles. Separately, a court in Kallar Syedan extended the physical remand of three suspects accused of torturing a nine-year-old madrassa student to death.

  • Two Education Officials Face Action Over Student

    TAXILA: Two education officials in Fatehjang have been suspended and an inquiry ordered over alleged corporal punishment of a sixth-grade student. The officials, Mohammad Hanif and Mohammad Saleem, serve at Government Elementary Boys School, Kamra. Disciplinary proceedings were initiated under the PEEDA Act following a complaint by the student’s mother. The incident has renewed concerns over enforcement of Punjab’s ban on corporal punishment.

  • Sept 11 Legacy Continues to Shape Global Affairs

    The Sept 11 attacks reshaped global politics, prompting US-led wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. The decades-long campaign failed to eliminate religiously inspired terrorism and produced lasting instability. Muslims in the US also faced discrimination, while Islamophobia remains a concern. The rise of militant groups after the Iraq war further exposed the limits of America’s counterterrorism strategy and its wider consequences.

  • Business Community Seeks Review of Fuel Pricing Policy

    KARACHI: The business community has urged the government to review taxes, levies and the daily fuel pricing mechanism. KATI President Muhammad Ikram Rajput said frequent price changes were increasing uncertainty and making production costs difficult to calculate. He called for immediate relief when global oil prices decline, saying consumers and industry should not bear higher costs while reductions are delayed.

  • Zardari, Shehbaz Sharif Pay Tribute to Quaid-i-Azam

    ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif paid tribute to Quaid-i-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah on his death anniversary. They praised his visionary leadership and struggle for Muslims’ rights that led to Pakistan’s creation. Zardari urged citizens to follow discipline, perseverance and constitutional principles, stressing equality before law, democracy and dialogue. Shehbaz said Jinnah changed history through determined leadership.

  • WHO Chief Resigns Amid Growing Scrutiny

    NEW DELHI: Saima Wazed, WHO’s Southeast Asia regional director and daughter of ousted Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, resigned amid fraud investigations. The WHO said a committee had recommended her dismissal before she stepped down. Wazed had been placed on unpaid leave over allegations involving financial fraud and misrepresented academic credentials. She has denied the allegations against her.

  • GB Hunting Permits Fetch High Bids

    GILGIT: Gilgit-Baltistan’s Wildlife and Parks Department auctioned hunting permits for 117 animals for the 2026-27 trophy hunting season, with an Astore markhor permit fetching a record $356,000. Other markhor permits also attracted high bids. Officials expect to generate Rs650 million from the season, covering three markhors, 14 blue sheep and 100 Himalayan ibexes through April 2027.

  • Gaza AI Documentary Wins Strong Venice Reception

    VENICE: A documentary examining Israel’s use of artificial intelligence in Gaza received a 25-minute standing ovation at its Venice Film Festival premiere. Oscar-winning filmmakers Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor based the film on testimonies from Israeli military and intelligence whistleblowers. The 80-minute documentary explores alleged AI-assisted operations and the experiences of personnel involved in the conflict.

  • Modern Warfare 4 Shows Signs of a Comeback

    Call of Duty has faced growing franchise fatigue after years of annual releases and controversial monetisation. However, an early build of Modern Warfare 4 has offered some hope. The beta showed improved gunplay, stronger multiplayer maps and additional content, including a campaign mission and Warzone map. The reviewer remains cautious, noting the final game could still change before its October release.

  • US Lawmakers Seek Action Over AI Risks

    WASHINGTON: US lawmakers are stepping up calls for stronger artificial intelligence safeguards following warnings from Anthropic researchers about potentially catastrophic risks. Researcher Jacob Coxon said AI could threaten humanity within the decade, while colleague Evan Hubinger backed the assessment. Senators Mark Kelly and Ted Cruz, along with Representative Anna Paulina Luna, urged Congress to address AI risks through tighter oversight and legislation.

  • Bayeux Tapestry Draws Crowds at British Museum

    LONDON: Visitors have flocked to the British Museum to see the Bayeux Tapestry, describing the experience as magical and remarkable. The 1,000-year-old embroidery, depicting the Norman conquest of England, is being displayed in London for the first time since the 11th century. The exhibition has sold out, sparking widespread public interest and a Bayeux-themed craze across Britain.

  • Search Continues for Missing Paraglider in Chitral

    CHITRAL: Rescue teams resumed a search on Friday for 55-year-old paraglider Asif Mehmood, who went missing after bad weather hit during a flight from Zaini Pass. Five members of his group landed safely, but Mehmood continued towards Chitral city before losing radio contact. Rescue 1122 teams, local volunteers and officials are searching the difficult Barum hills terrain.

  • LHC Suspends PMDC Directive on Afghan Students

    LAHORE: The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Friday suspended the operation of Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) directives requiring Afghan medical students to return to Afghanistan. Justice Khalid Ishaq issued the order while hearing petitions filed by 13 Afghan students studying at medical institutions in Lahore. The court also sought replies from respondents at the next hearing.