Xi, Putin hail ties in video call as Ukraine war nears anniversary

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin hailed their ties during a video call on Wednesday held in the run-up to the fourth anniversary of Moscow’s war in Ukraine. In a Russian state TV broadcast of the talks, Putin said Moscow-Beijing relations were an important stabilising factor at a time of growing global turmoil, and praised […]

Pakistan took ‘very considered’ stance on boycotting T20 World Cup match against India: PM Shehbaz

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif defended Pakistan’s decision to not play its match against India in the T20 World Cup as one taken after great deliberation and said the country should fully stand by Bangladesh in the matter. Pakistan came close to withdrawing from the tournament in solidarity with Bangladesh, who pulled out after refusing to […]

UN experts raise alarm on Imaan, Hadi’s convictions

United Nations experts expressed alarm on Wednesday at the conviction of lawyers and human rights defenders Imaan Mazari-Hazir and Hadi Ali Chattha on multiple criminal charges. The two were convicted in Islamabad last month linked to alleged posts and reposts on X that investigators described as “anti-state”. The case was registered in August 2025 by the National Cyber Crime […]

Karachi Kings, Islamabad United announce direct signings ahead of PSL 11

Karachi Kings and Islamabad United have announced high-profile direct signings ahead of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11, as franchises begin shaping their squads under the league’s new auction-based player recruitment system. Former champions Karachi Kings confirmed the signing of England all-rounder Moeen Ali for the upcoming HBL PSL 11, which is scheduled to begin […]

19 countries in attendance as Pakistan hosts 9th International Army Team Spirit event

The military kicked off the 9th International Pakistan Army Team Spirit (PATS) Competition 2026 on Wednesday with the attendance of contingents from the forces of 19 friendly countries. A post on X by state broadcaster PTV News said the opening ceremony was held at the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), Pabbi, with the aim to enhance military-to-military cooperation amongst contingents from […]