Tuesday, February 17th, 2026
Shehbaz, Qatar Amir Pledge to Strengthen Fraternal Relations
LONDON, FEB 17: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif held a telephone conversation with His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Amir of the State of Qatar, this afternoon. During their warm and cordial conversation, the two leaders extended heartiest felicitations to each other on the blessed occasion of the Holy month of Ramadan and prayed for peace and tranquility of the Ummah. Both leaders reaffirmed their resolve to further strengthen the deep-rooted fraternal relations between Pakistan and Qatar. The Prime Minister conveyed his deep appreciation for Qatar’s diplomatic efforts,Read More
Experts call for ‘One-Stop’ crisis centers to combat VAW as cybercrime surges
ISLAMABAD, Feb 17: Experts and digital rights advocates have stressed the need for an urgent overhaul of Pakistan’s cyber-governance, suggesting the establishment of “One-Stop Crisis Centers” to combat a staggering rise in technology-facilitated violence against women and girls (TFVAW). The call was made during a high-level seminar hosted by the Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI) here wherein participants highlighted that cybercrime complaints in Pakistan reached a record high of 171,000 in 2025, marking a sharp escalation from 102,000 just five years ago, said a press release. Dr Razia Safdar, SDPI’sRead More
Iran foreign minister says progress made in nuclear talks with US
GENEVA: Iran and the United States reached an understanding on the main “guiding principles” in a second round of nuclear talks in Geneva on Tuesday but work still needs to be done, said Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi. The progress does not mean an agreement will be reached soon but the path has started, he told Iranian media after the talks concluded. Iranian state media reported earlier that Iran would temporarily shut part of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global oil supply route, as it held talks over itsRead More
Ramadan moon sighted in Saudi Arabia, first day of fasting on Feb 18
RIYADH: The Ramadan crescent was sighted in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday evening, which means the first day of fasting will be observed on February 18. The Supreme Court of Saudi Arabia made the official confirmation regarding the beginning of the holy month for the year 1447 AH. Meanwhile, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Qatar also announced that Ramadan will begin on Wednesday, February 18, following confirmed sightings of the crescent moon. The UAE’s Presidential Court stated that February 18 marks the first day of fasting, after verification by theRead More
Federal Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar meets German Ambassador Anna Lepel
ISLAMABAD, FEB 17 (DNA): Federal Minister for Law and Human Rights, Azam Nazeer Tarar, held a meeting with German Ambassador to Pakistan, Anna Lepel, to discuss matters of mutual interest. During the meeting, both sides held a detailed exchange of views on bilateral cooperation in advancing and protecting human rights. Special emphasis was placed on the protection and promotion of minority rights, as well as ongoing efforts toward prison reforms and related legal measures. Ambassador Lepel appreciated Pakistan’s significant legal reforms, particularly the recent amendments to the Pakistan Penal CodeRead More
PHC orders immediate reopening of roads blocked by PTI protesters
PESHAWAR, FEB 17: The Peshawar High Court (PHC) on Tuesday ordered the immediate reopening of highways and all major roads blocked due to protests by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) against the alleged negligence in the treatment of the jailed party founder Imran Khan. In a two-page written order, the court ordered police to reopen all roads and highways today, saying the petitioner’s counsel informed the court that road closures had caused severe hardship to the public. The court observed that counsel had submitted that patients had died while being transportedRead More