PM reaffirms commitment to eradicate polio as cases drop sharply in 2026
Officials say 1 polio case in 2026 vs 74 in 2024, 31 in 2025, showing sharp decline nationwide Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif presided high level meeting on polio eradication on April 22, 2026 in Islamabad. PHOTO: APP ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday reaffirmed the government’s resolve to completely eradicate polio from Pakistan, noting […]
2 Pakistani astronauts selected as candidates for China’s space programme – World
China has selected two Pakistani astronauts as candidates for its manned space programme, state broadcaster CCTV reported on Wednesday. Both will travel to China for training, and one will participate in a flight mission as a payload specialist and become the first foreign astronaut in China’s space station, CCTV said. Meanwhile, China Daily reported on […]
Mandelson scandal shatters UK PM Starmer’s promise of stable government
Starmer faces backlash over Mandelson envoy pick, raising doubts about leadership grip ritain’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer steps outside 10 Downing Street to welcome Council of Europe Secretary General Alain Berset, in London, Britain, April 22, 2026. REUTERS Prime Minister Keir Starmer came to power on a promise to govern Britain efficiently after years of […]
Indonesia denounces Israel ‘propaganda’ banner over Gaza hospital ruins – World
Indonesia on Wednesday accused Israel of flying a “propaganda” banner over the ruins of a hospital that had been built in Gaza with Indonesian funding. The Indonesia Hospital, in the north of the Gaza Strip near the fortified border with Israel, was opened in late 2015 after Indonesia’s Medical Emergency Rescue Committee, a humanitarian NGO, […]
PCB investigates all-rounder Mohammad Nawaz for alleged recreational drug use – Pakistan
LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Wednesday began an investigation into the alleged use of recreational drugs by spin-all-rounder Mohammad Nawaz. A spokesperson for the cricket board said that after completing an investigation, it would inform the International Cricket Council (ICC) about the player’s medical history. He added that until then, Nawaz would continue […]
PM Shehbaz directs to accelerate efforts for promoting electric vehicles in Pakistan – Pakistan
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday directed that efforts for promoting electric vehicles (EVs) in the country be accelerated. He expressed these views while chairing a review meeting on promoting electric vehicles in the country, the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said in a statement. “In view of the prevailing regional situation and the requirements of […]
Iran murals project defiance in war with US
Murals and banners long shaped Iran’s cities, reflecting state political messaging and policy A woman walks next to an anti-Israeli mural on a street, amid a ceasefire between U.S. and Iran, in Tehran, Iran, April 20, 2026.REUTERS Since the outbreak of war between Iran, Israel and the United States, colourful murals have sprung up across […]
World Cup last-minute ticket sales phase re-opens 50 days from kick-off
FIFA says over five million tickets sold for June 11 tournament across North America Apr 20, 2026; Irvine, California, USA; A general overall view of the FIFA World Cup 2026 base camp for the United States at the Championship Soccer Stadium at the Great Park Sports Complex.Kirby Lee- Images/Reuters With 50 days remaining until the […]
Ink and rubble: The systematic assault on Iran’s intellectual soul – Prism
What we are witnessing today is not merely conflict; it is a struggle over who is allowed to produce knowledge, preserve culture, and imagine the future. Last year, my plans to celebrate Eid in Iran were dismantled by the sudden escalation of regional aggression. What was meant to be a personal pilgrimage became a casualty […]
In Gaza, first local vote in years offers gauge of Hamas popularity
It will be Gaza’s first vote of any kind since 2006, when Hamas won PA’s legislative elections Palestinians walk past an electoral candidates list displayed in Deir al-Balah, central Gaza Strip, April 16, 2026. Photo: Reuters Palestinians in one of the only Gaza cities not overrun by Israeli ground forces during the military conflict will […]