Sunday, August 17th, 2025
Palestine condemns Israel’s tax attack on Christian holy sites
RAMALLAH, AUG 17 /DNA/ – The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates strongly condemns the decision of the Israeli occupation authorities to freeze the bank accounts of the Orthodox Patriarchate in occupied Jerusalem and to impose exorbitant taxes on its properties, with the aim of undermining its ability to carry out its work in all fields. The Ministry considers this measure part of the occupation’s systematic targeting of Palestinian holy sites in general, and Christian holy sites, institutions, properties, and the Christian presence in Palestine in particular. The Ministry callsRead More
PM Shehbaz orders ministers to supervise relief operations after KP floods leave 314 dead, 156 injured
ISLAMABAD, AUG 17: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday ordered federal ministers to supervise relief operations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa after flash floods left 314 people dead and 156 injured, along with severe damage to infrastructure. The KP government declared an emergency on Saturday as torrential rains ravaged homes, displaced families, and left a trail of destruction across Buner, Swat, Shangla, Mansehra, and beyond, with authorities warning that dozens of victims may still be trapped under debris. According to state-run Radio Pakistan, additional relief goods are being dispatched to the flood-affectedRead More
Salman Agha to lead Pakistan’s Asia Cup squad as Babar, Rizwan left out
ISLAMABAD, AUG 17: Pakistan left out Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan from the T20 squad named on Sunday for the Asia Cup and a warm-up tri-series beginning this month against Afghanistan and the United Arab Emirates, according to a press release issued by the Pakistan Cricket Board. Azam and Rizwan have been star performers in the shortest format in the past, but have not played since December, which head coach Mike Hesson put down to other players performing well while addressing a press conference. “We know what a fine playerRead More
Hajj 2026 applications can be submitted until Aug 18
ISLAMABAD, AUG 17: The Ministry of Religious Affairs has extended the deadline for receiving Hajj applications by one day. According to a ministry spokesperson, designated banks will continue accepting applications on Monday, August 18. The spokesperson said more than 110,000 applications have been received in the past 12 days, while 7,000 seats remain under the government Hajj scheme. The extension is based on a “first come, first served” basis, and applications will be closed once the quota is filled, the ministry added. According to a ministry spokesperson, designated banks willRead More
British Secretary Lammy conveys condolences
ISLAMABAD, AUG 17 (DNA) — British Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs David Lammy on Sunday contacted Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar to convey his condolences on the tragic loss of lives caused by the recent flash floods in Pakistan. He expressed UK’s solidarity with Pakistan in this difficult time and also wished the DPM/FM productive engagements during his visit to London, Foreign Office Spokesperson said in a press release. The DPM/FM expressed gratitude for UK’s solidarity and its readiness to support relief and recovery efforts.Read More
Floods, terror, and the nation’s unending crisis
Opinion Ansar Mahmood Bhatti August 15, 2025, will be remembered as yet another dark day in Pakistan’s troubled history. In the past 48 hours, devastating floods in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Gilgit-Baltistan (GB), and parts of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) have claimed more than 200 lives. Entire villages have been washed away, roads destroyed, and families torn apart by nature’s fury. The tragedy comes barely a day after terrorists struck in KP on August 14 — a day meant for national pride and celebration — killing scores of innocent citizens.Read More