Tuesday, May 19th, 2026
Iran stages mass weddings for couples ready for war ‘sacrifice’
TEHRAN, 19 MAY (DNA) — Iranian authorities held mass public weddings in Tehran for couples who signed up to a state-sponsored scheme declaring their readiness to sacrifice their lives in the war against the US and Israel. The ceremonies conducted late on Monday involved hundreds of couples in several major squares in the capital, including more than 100 in the vast Imam Hossein square in central Tehran, according to reports in Iranian media. They were broadcast on state TV in a bid to boost wartime morale, with US President Donald Trump repeatedlyRead More
UAE says drone that hit near its nuclear plant was launched from Iraq
DUBAI, MAY 19: The United Arab Emirates’ defense ministry said on Tuesday that a drone that caused a fire at its nuclear power plant on Sunday had been launched from Iraq. Emirati officials have said the UAE has the full right to respond to such “terrorist attacks.”
Australia celebrates its enduring partnership with Pakistan: Tim Kane
ISLAMABAD, 19 MAY (DNA) — The Australian High Commission celebrated Australia Day in Spring 2026 in Islamabad, bringing together senior government representatives, diplomats, business leaders, media, alumni and friends of Australia to mark Australia’s national day and celebrate the strong and growing partnership between Australia and Pakistan. The event highlighted the breadth of Australia’s engagement with Pakistan across trade, agriculture, education, climate resilience, water security, defence cooperation, sport and people-to-people ties developed over generations. Speaking at the event, Australia’s High Commissioner to Pakistan, Mr Timothy Kane, reflected on the deep historical linksRead More
Govt makes HIV, Hepatitis B & C screening mandatory
ISLAMABAD, 19 MAY (DNA) — On the directives of Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal, the Ministry of National Health Services issued urgent nationwide instructions to strengthen preventive measures against HIV and Hepatitis B and C. The Health Ministry has directed all four provinces, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan to ensure immediate implementation of precautionary protocols across public and private healthcare facilities. Official directives have also been issued to federally administered hospitals, District Health Officers, and the Islamabad Healthcare Regulatory Authority. According to the Ministry’s spokesperson, all public and private hospitalsRead More
U.S. Embassy hosts grand FIFA World Cup launch ceremony
AFZAL JAVED / DNA ISLAMABAD: A prestigious launch event related to the upcoming FIFA World Cup was held at the U.S Embassy in Islamabad, bringing together prominent figures from sports, government, and various sectors of society. Federal Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi, President of Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) Mohsen Gilani, Chairman of the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan, and Lahore Qalandars Chief Executive Atif Rana were among the distinguished guests in attendance. Addressing the ceremony, U.S. Chargé d’Affaires to Pakistan Natalie A. Baker said it was anRead More
Security forces kill 22 Khwarij in North Waziristan operation
RAWALPINDI, MAY 19 /DNA/ – Based on credible intelligence leads with respect to presence of khwarij, from 17 May 2026 onwards, an Area Sanitization Operation is being conducted by Security Forces in general area Shewa in North Waziristan District. During conduct of the operation, own troops effectively engaged khwarij location and after intense exchange of fire, twenty-two khwarij, belonging to Indian sponsored Fitna-al-Khwarij have sent to hell, in last twenty four hours. Weapons and ammunition have also been recovered from killed Indian sponsored Khwarij, who remained actively involved in numerousRead More