Sunday, May 17th, 2026
Israel built second secret military base in Iraqi desert, officials say – report
BAGHDAD, MAY 17: Israel built two secret bases in Iraq’s desert during the ongoing war with Iran, The New York Times reported on Sunday morning, citing unnamed Iraqi officials. The base was allegedly discovered on March 3 by a Bedouin shepherd in the country’s western desert. The report comes a week after the Wall Street Journal reported, citing several people familiar with the matter, on a first secret military base Israel had built in a remote part of the Iraqi desert to support an airstrike in the war against Iran.Read More
President felicitates Norwegian leadership
ISLAMABAD, 17 MAY (DNA) — President Asif Ali Zardari, Sunday, extended felicitations to King Harald V, the Government and the people of the Kingdom of Norway on the occasion of Constitution Day. In a message conveyed on behalf of the Government and the people of Pakistan, the president noted that the relations between Pakistan and Norway continued to flourish with each passing day. “He expressed confidence that the cordial ties between the two nations, further strengthened by the presence of a vibrant Pakistani community in Norway, will continue to grow forRead More
Animal-laden vehicles banned on motorways ahead of Eid ul Adha
ISLAMABAD, 17 MAY (DNA) — The National Highways and Motorway Police (NHMP) have imposed a ban on the entry of vehicles carrying sacrificial animals on motorways ahead of Eid ul Adha to ensure public safety and maintain smooth traffic flow. According to an NHMP spokesperson, overloaded, unfit and improperly loaded vehicles often become the cause of traffic accidents and congestion on motorways; therefore, such vehicles will be diverted to alternative routes. The spokesperson said that in the past, several serious accidents involving animal-laden vehicles had resulted in significant loss of lifeRead More
Isphanyar Bhandara visits historic Gurdwara Saragarhi in Hangu
HANGU, MAY 17 /DNA/ – PML-N MNA Isphanyar Bhandara on Saturday visited the historic Gurdwara Saragarhi Singh Sabha in Hangu, where he distributed food supplies, wheelchairs for elderly community members, and financial assistance among widows facing financial hardship. Mr. Bhandara also presented a donation to the Gurdwara in support of its welfare and community activities. A large number of minority community members from across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa gathered in Hangu to welcome Mr. Bhandara and participate in the event. Addressing the gathering, Mr. Bhandara emphasized the importance of interfaith harmony, minorityRead More
RASTA conference concludes with evidence-based policy dialogue for Pakistan
34 research teams presented completed projects under diverse thematic areas ISLAMABAD, MAY 17 /DNA/ – The three-day 6th RASTA–PIDE Conference 2026, organised by the RASTA–PIDE Competitive Research Grants Programme from May 15–17, 2026, successfully concluded today after intensive academic dialogue, policy engagement, and evidence-based deliberations on Pakistan’s development challenges and reform priorities. Held virtually for the first time in the PIDE’s history, the landmark event brought together researchers, policymakers, practitioners, development professionals, students, and members of the Research Advisory Committee (RAC) from across Pakistan and abroad. The Conference reaffirmed RASTA’sRead More
Bangladesh tighten grip with commanding lead over Pakistan in second Test
SYLHET, MAY 17: Hosts Bangladesh moved into a commanding position in the second and final Test of the series, after extending their lead over Pakistan on Sunday at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium. Batting in their second innings, the hosts ended day two at 110-3 in 26.4 overs, holding a 156-run advantage. Skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto remained unbeaten on 13, while Mominul Haque was dismissed on the final delivery of the day’s play. Bangladesh got off to a poor start by losing Tanzid Hasan on the third delivery of theRead More