Wednesday, March 18th, 2026
Airlines extend Middle East flight suspensions
ISTANBUL, Mar 18: A broad range of international airlines have extended suspensions of flights to destinations across the Middle East as regional tensions continue to disrupt air travel, prompting carriers to revise schedules and limit operations on key routes. The latest extensions reflect the broadening impact of the conflict on commercial aviation, with carriers continuing to adjust schedules because of security concerns, restricted airspace and operational uncertainty across key Middle East corridors. The disruptions have affected routes linking Europe, North America and Asia to major regional hubs, with some airlinesRead More
US judge orders restoration of VOA
WASHINGTON: A federal judge has ordered the US Agency for Global Media (USAGM) to recall more than 1,000 Voice of America (VOA) journalists and staff by March 23 and restore the broadcaster’s operations. In a sweeping decision announced on Tuesday, US District Judge Royce C. Lamberth found that actions taken under the agency’s previous leadership to shut down large parts of VOA and its sister networks violated federal law and the agency’s statutory mandate. The ruling directs USAGM to return VOA and affiliated networks to the air and reinstate employeesRead More
CM Maryam meets newly-appointed Chinese envoy
ISLAMABAD, MAR 18 /DNA/ – Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif had a meeting with the newly-appointed Chinese Consul General in Lahore, Sun Yan, in which both sides agreed to further promote strategic cooperation and CPEC. She termed Pakistan-China friendship as unparalleled, and expressed gratitude for China’s cooperation in defense collaboration and reducing tensions with other countries. She congratulated the new Consul General on his posting in Lahore, and praised his diplomatic skills. Both leaders emphasized on strategic partnership and friendship between Pakistan and China, and agreed to expand economicRead More