FO refutes Reuters reports of CDF visit to US
ISLAMABAD: The Foreign Office (FO) on Thursday said that Pakistan had dispatched an aid convoy for the Afghan people; however, authorities in Afghanistan were not ready to receive it. Briefing the media, the spokesperson said official channels for engagement with Afghanistan remained in place, adding that talks could have been
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa courts announce winter holidays
By: Kamran Ali Shah PESHAWAR: The Peshawar High Court (PHC) on Thursday announced winter vacations for all courts across the province. According to a statement issued by the PHC, it has announced winter vacations for 2025-26 for all upper and lower courts across the province. It said that all lower
KP govt announces winter vacations for educational institutions
PESHAWAR: The Higher Education Department (HED) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Thursday issued a notification regarding the winter vacation schedule for public and private universities, colleges, and degree-awarding institutions (DAIs) for the academic year 2025-26. According to the notification, educational institutions located in the summer zone or plains will have winter vacations
Peshawar-Islamabad motorway reopens for traffic
PESHAWAR: The National Highways and Motorway Police (NHMP) announced on Thursday that the M-1 Peshawar-Islamabad Motorway has been reopened to traffic, providing relief to travellers after closures caused by thick fog. Previously, the motorway had been closed from the Peshawar Toll Plaza to the Rashakai interchange due to fog and
Midlife depression symptoms linked to higher dementia risk, study finds
LONDON: A recent study has shown that certain depressive symptoms experienced during midlife could greatly elevate the likelihood of developing dementia in the future. Although depression is among the prevalent mental health conditions impacting millions globally scientists have discovered that the long-term risk varies depending on the particular symptoms of
The end of winter? Study warns of shrinking seasons due to climate change
LONDON: Researchers from the University of London have shared their concerns that the global heating process will probably lead to the disappearance of the winter months in most areas of the globe, while summers may get particularly prolonged over the next 40 to 50 years. As per the study, if
Get ready to pay more: Smartphone prices set to jump in 2026
ISLAMABAD: The prices of smartphones may go up for consumers who are planning to buy new devices in 2026 since the analysts have cautioned that the next year is likely to be one of the most expensive ones for buying new gadgets. A study by Counterpoint, a market research agency,
New Zealand increases visa fees in Pakistan and 25 other countries
AUCKLAND: Immigration New Zealand (INZ) announced that from 1 January 2026, service fees at New Zealand Visa Application Centres (VACs) will be increased in 26 countries, including Pakistan. The officials declared that the major reason for the increment is the rise in operational costs and inflation. However, the actual visa
From classrooms to careers: New Technical, Agriculture groups proposed at Matric level
ISLAMABAD: The government is considering a proposal to introduce two new academic groups including Technical and Agriculture at the matriculation level across the country. The Inter Board Coordination Commission (IBCC) has called a consultative meeting on December 23 in Islamabad to review the proposal. The meeting will examine subject groupings
Steve Smith ruled out 20 minutes before third Ashes Test
ADELAIDE: Steve Smith was ruled out due to an inner ear issue only twenty minutes before the toss, thus Australia received a major blow before the third Ashes Test. Cricket Australia announced that Smith did not pass the very late fitness test as he had discomfort in his ear. Therefore,
