The Pakistan Chapter

30/07/2026

18/07/2026

New Petrol Price Set at Rs. 316.15/Litre, Diesel at Rs. 354.35/Litre, Rates Effective Through July 18–20

18/07/2026

Pakistan and are holding early-stage talks to expand their defence cooperation, with discussions linked to greater energy collaboration and potential investment. The proposed agreement could build on existing military ties, including training and joint exercises.
According to sources, is seeking stronger energy cooperation, including a bonded fuel storage project, while is exploring broader defence partnerships. Officials say no decision has been made, and the negotiations remain at an initial stage.
The talks come amid heightened regional tensions, making the discussions strategically significant for both countries. Whether the negotiations lead to a formal defence pact will depend on how regional developments evolve in the coming months.

18/07/2026

The Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecast widespread monsoon rains, thunder_storms and strong winds across many parts of the country from July 18 to 25.
Heavy to very heavy rainfall may trigger flash floods, urban flooding and landslides, particularly in northern regions, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, , , Gilgit- and parts of .
Sindh is expected to remain hot and humid, with isolated rain in some districts. Authorities have advised citizens, tourists and farmers to stay alert, avoid unnecessary travel and follow official weather updates throughout the forecast period.

18/07/2026

Punjab Chief Minister has ordered all deputy commissioners to replicate the successful "Sanjhi Sabzi" initiative across the province after its launch in Muzaffargarh.
The project grows seasonal vegetables on government-owned land and vacant public spaces, distributing the produce free of cost to deserving families. Currently, vegetables are being cultivated on 140 plots covering 139 kanals. The initiative began in a Christian community village, where residents also joined the effort voluntarily.

18/07/2026

will begin issuing only e-Passports to its citizens in the from July 20, 2026, the Embassy of Pakistan in Abu Dhabi has announced.
All passport applications submitted through the Embassy in and the Consulate General in will be processed exclusively as e-Passports in line with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards.
Existing machine-readable passports will remain valid until their expiry date, and holders with more than six months of validity are advised to renew only when their passports are nearing expiration. The embassy has also released updated e-Passport issuance and renewal fees.

18/07/2026

For a sixth night in a row, the hit Iran in a wave of major attacks. hit back, launching missiles and drones at multiple countries in the and at US bases in other regional countries.

Iran has said 38 people have been killed, and more than 400 injured, in the US attacks since the two sides met in on June 22 for talks to end the war through a 60-day negotiation period, the AFP news agency reported. That includes at least eight people whom Iran said had been killed in overnight attacks by the .

18/07/2026

produced a commanding all-round performance to defeat by 34 runs in the second International on Friday, keeping the three-match series alive and setting up a winner-takes-all finale.

After being asked to bat first at Queens Sports Club, posted an imposing 186-5, thanks to an outstanding opening partnership between Tanzid Hasan and Saif Hassan. The pair laid a solid foundation with a brilliant 120-run stand, putting Zimbabwe’s bowlers under pressure from the outset.

18/07/2026

Ravail Farhan's unbeaten half-century, followed by Mahnoor Zeb's three-wicket haul, powered to a dominant 47-run victory over in the second U19 Women's T20 of the five-match home series here at the National Bank Stadium on Friday.

18/07/2026

The International Council banned Pakistan all-rounder Mohammad Nawaz for three months on Friday for breaching its anti-doping code.

But the ban was backdated to May 1, 2026, when Nawaz’s voluntary provisional suspension started, the statement said.