Author: i2wtc
Tourists select lanterns at the Fuzi (Confucius) Temple scenic area in Nanjing, east China’s Jiangsu Province, Feb. 28, 2026.Various activities were held across China to celebrate the Lantern Festival, which falls on the fifteenth day of the first month of the Chinese lunar calendar, or March 3 this year. (Photo by Li Wenbao/Xinhua)A girl looks at a fish-shaped lantern during a parade in celebration of the upcoming Lantern Festival in Ninghai County of Ningbo, east China’s Zhejiang Province, Feb. 28, 2026.Various activities were held across China to celebrate the Lantern Festival, which falls on the fifteenth day of the first…
A file photo os Sindh Police personnel. PHOTO: AFP HYDERABAD: Syed Ali Haider Shah, a resident of Umerkot, on Sunday has a different story to tell about the alleged police brutality against women and girls in the recent incident of eviction in Umerkot. The images of women being beaten and a young girl sitting in a police mobile, her chador – a symbol of modesty in rural society – snatched away, created a storm on the social media as well as political circles. At least 10 policemen were suspended for the use of excessive force. Squatters were allowed to go…
QUETTA: Pakistan Railways has indefinitely suspended the renowned Bolan Mail train service operating between Quetta and Karachi, according to railway officials. The decision, announced by the railway authorities, stems from persistently low passenger occupancy and declining revenue, which had rendered the daily service financially unsustainable. The Bolan Mail, a historic and popular route connecting the provincial capital of Balochistan with the commercial hub of Karachi, has been a vital link for travelers, goods, and communities along the way. However, officials noted a steady decline in ridership over time, making continued operations untenable amid mounting losses. Passengers who have booked tickets…
Mirsad Sarajlic | Istock | Getty ImagesIran is facing a severe internet blackout impacting its population of over 90 million as the country’s conflict with the U.S. and Israel continues.The country has now spent over 48 hours in a near-total internet blackout, according to data from independent internet watchdog NetBlocks posted at 2:35 a.m. ET on Monday, which showed connectivity at around 1% of ordinary levels. NetBlocks has attributed the blackout to a “regime-imposed” nationwide internet shutdown, though the country’s government has not commented.”Shutdowns are a go-to tactic for the regime, with the previous instance in January lasting several weeks…
Motorcyclists queue for M-Tag installation at Kachnar Park. Photo: APP ISLAMABAD: The federal capital’s decision to make M-Tag registration mandatory for motorcycles has triggered mounting public frustration, with riders questioning both the timing and clarity of the policy as long queues form outside registration centres during Ramazan. Authorities have set up 13 M-Tag registration points across Islamabad, requiring motorcyclists to obtain the electronic tag — previously used primarily for cars — as part of what officials describe as a broader drive to enhance security monitoring and streamline vehicle record management. However, several citizens visiting the centres this week said the…
FILE PHOTO: Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei waves during a meeting with students in Tehran, Iran, November 2, 2024. Office Of The Iranian Supreme Leader | Via ReutersAyatollah Ali Khamenei’s death following joint U.S.-Israeli airstrikes has thrust Iran’s leadership into the urgent process of selecting a new supreme leader.Under Iran’s constitution, the supreme leader is appointed by the Assembly of Experts, an 88-member clerical body elected by the public every eight years. Candidates for the Assembly are first vetted by the Guardian Council, tightly controlling who can run. When the position becomes vacant, the Assembly convenes to deliberate and…
RAWALPINDI: Following a second major increase in petroleum prices, public transport operating within the city, on long routes between the twin cities and surrounding areas has raised fares. The stop-to-stop fare has been increased to Rs30, making it the new minimum fare. Rawalpindi-Islamabad public transport has raised per passenger fare by Rs15, while routes to suburban areas and tehsils including Rawat and Taxila have seen a Rs20 increase. Intra-city routes have increased fares by Rs10. Pakistan Railways is also expected to raise fares this week. Karachi to Peshawar goods transport, including trailers and containers, has increased from Rs0.25 million to…
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif addresses the federal cabinet on February 4, 2026. SCREENGRAB ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday chaired a high-level meeting to review regional and national security issues, including the evacuation of Pakistani citizens from Iran amid escalating tensions following the US-Israel attacks on Iran. The meeting was convened following confirmation of the assassination of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei — a development that was followed by country-wide protests in Pakistan with at least 10 people dying in Karachi. According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office, the meeting took a detailed look at…
Pakistan’s shortcomings were laid bare during their lacklustre T20 World Cup campaign which ended on Saturday when the team failed to reach the semi-finals. From the captain Salman Agha, who was criticised for not being a T20 player, to slow batting rates and the use of all-rounders not up to the job, the Green Shirts were shown to be behind the times in the rapid-fire format. Former wicketkeeper-batsman Kamran Akmal believes there is a huge gulf in standard between Pakistan and the top sides such as India, West Indies, South Africa and England. “Other teams have evolved to the demands…
Hezbollah attacks escalate regional conflict; US casualties confirmed as oil prices and air travel face disruptionSmoke rises after Israeli strikes in Beirut’s southern suburbs, Lebanon, March 2, 2026. PHOTO: REUTERS BEIRUT: Israel launched new air strikes targeting Tehran and expanded its military campaign to include attacks on Iran-backed Hezbollah fighters in Lebanon on Monday, as US President Donald Trump signalled the US-Israeli military assault on Iranian targets could continue for weeks. Israel said it was attacking sites connected to Lebanon’s Shia Muslim armed group Hezbollah, one of Tehran’s principal allies in the Middle East, after Hezbollah acknowledged launching missiles and drones toward…