News

All roads lead to Islamabad

The state of the world's health is not good. As a turbulent week draws to a close, there are genuine fears that the next few days could see a dangerous move towards escalation in the war with Iran.Yet, hope survives.And it is visible in Islamabad. If any breakthrough has to happen, it will happen right here. Pakistan is not just in the eye of the diplomatic storm - it is the eye of the storm.On Saturday, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif spoke with...

2026-03-29T08:10:15Z

Ian Huntley remains in serious condition after prison attack, police say

Soham killer Ian Huntley remains seriously ill two days after he was attacked in the workshop of a maximum security jail by an inmate with a metal bar. On Saturday morning, Durham Constabulary said there had been no change in his condition in hospital overnight. A spokesperson said: "The 52-year-old man remains in hospital in a serious condition, there have been no changes overnight."

2026-02-28T15:33:01Z

Nantucket locals at war over 'geotubes' installed to protect mansions from falling into sea

Tensions came to a boiling point in January when supporters claimed that the geotubes had been slashed by a vandal and launched their own independent investigation into the event.

2026-04-08T19:12:33Z

Saudi Arabia opens Black Gold Museum with 350 artworks from 30 countries

RIYADH — Saudi Arabia has inaugurated the Black Gold Museum, a new cultural destination that presents the story of oil through a contemporary artistic and human lens.The museum was launched by the Museums Commission and is located at the King Abdullah Petroleum Studies and Research Center (KAPSARC) in Riyadh.According to the Commission, the Black Gold Museum reinterprets the history of one of the world’s most prominent natural resources through...

2026-04-07T13:07:25Z

31 killed, 149 injured in Israeli strikes on Lebanon

BEIRUT, 2nd March, 2026 (WAM) -- Israeli airstrikes on Beirut suburbs and southern Lebanon have killed 31 people, Lebanon’s health ministry said on Monday.A further 149 people were injured, according to preliminary figures released by the ministry’s Public Health Emergency Operations Centre in a statement carried by Lebanon’s National News

2026-03-02T08:03:42Z

JPA honors winners of Al Hussein Award for Journalistic Creativity, journalists with 25 years of service

Amman, April 4 (Petra) – The Jordan Press Association celebrated on Saturday the winners of the 2024 Al Hussein Award for Journalistic Creativity and journalists who have completed 25 years on the practitioners’ register at an event held at its headquarters and attended by Minister of Government Communication and government spokesperson Mohammad Momani. The ceremony was attended by media stakeholders, including Director General of the Jordan...

2026-04-05T01:07:35Z

Iran has launched its second attack on Britain's RAF base in Cyprus

The Daily Mail understands that the weapons of the Iranian regime were destroyed by RAF Typhoons launched from RAF Akrotiri at just after midday.

2026-03-02T12:53:27Z

Israel says Iran’s new supreme leader a ‘tyrant’ who will continue ‘regime’s brutality’

Israel's foreign ministry said Monday that Iran's new supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei was a "tyrant" like his slain father, and would continue what it described as the Iranian "regime's brutality". In a post on X featuring a picture of Mojtaba Khamenei and his father Ali Khamenei, holding guns, the ministry wrote: "Mojtaba Khamenei. Like Father Like Son". "Mojtaba Khamenei's hands are already stained with the bloodshed that defined his father's...

2026-03-09T20:00:37Z

Islamabad to host Sunday quadrilateral meeting to explore avenues for de-escalation

The Pakistani Foreign Ministry said that the foreign ministers of the four countries will meet in Islamabad on March 29 and 30 to hold "in-depth talks on a range of issues, including efforts to reduce tensions in the region." ----- RIYADH — Pakistan announced on Saturday that the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, and Egypt will gather in Islamabad on Sunday for a two-day quadrilateral meeting to explore avenues forreaching a settlement...

2026-03-28T15:07:25Z

Chilling moment child missing for weeks was found in car with 37-year-old man

Joshua Magraff was pulled over for speeding in Florida when police discovered a missing child in his car. The girl, who was only 16, was reported missing last month.

2026-03-13T01:57:24Z

Hostile drone attack on Kuwait National Guard site causes material damage without casualties

KUWAIT, 10th April, 2026 (WAM) -- The Kuwaiti National Guard announced today that one of its sites was targeted by hostile drones, resulting in significant material damage without any human casualties recorded.Brigadier General Dr Jadaan Fadel, Director of the Moral Guidance Directorate and spokesperson for the National Guard, stated in a release reported by the Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) that competent authorities within the National Guard...

2026-04-09T21:03:42Z

Pakistan blames Israel for 'dangerous development' amid US-Iran talks

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Tuesday blamed Israel for trying to spoil Islamabad's efforts to facilitate ceasefire talks between the United States and Iran by attacking Tehran when 'both sides were in a stage to sit down'.'We were very optimistic [about talks] before [Monday] night,' Dar told lawmakers in the Senate, adding that Iran and the US had agreed on Pakistan's facilitation, with both sides accepting talks to...

2026-04-08T14:10:17Z

Morocco dismantles terrorist cell suspected of committing crimes motivated by extremism

Rabat - Morocco's Central Bureau of Judicial Investigations (BCIJ), under the General Directorate of Territorial Surveillance (DGST), dismantled on Sunday and Monday (April 5-6) a terrorist cell consisting of six extremists for their alleged involvement in criminal acts motivated by extremism, including theft, robbery, and the laundering of criminal proceeds, according to the principle known as "legitimization of spoils". Suspects were arrested...

2026-04-07T17:11:09Z

Train driver killed, dozens injured as French TGV collides with truck

Asharq Al Awsat The driver of a high-speed TGV train was killed and 27 people injured in France on Tuesday when the train collided with a truck, officials said. The accident occurred at a level crossing between the towns of Bethune and Lens in the northern French region of Pas-de-Calais at around 7:00 am (0500 GMT), said rail operator SNCF. "I am heading to the scene with the chief executive of the SNCF, Jean Castex," Transport Minister Philippe...

2026-04-07T14:15:36Z

GCC welcomes Lebanese Cabinet decision on state authority in Beirut

RIYADH, 10th April, 2026 (WAM) -- The Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council, Jasem Albudaiwi, welcomed a decision issued by the Lebanese Cabinet calling on the army and security forces to strengthen the state’s full control over the governorate of Beirut and restrict weapons exclusively to legitimate authorities.Albudaiwi said the decision represents an important step toward reinforcing Lebanon’s sovereignty and strengthening its...

2026-04-10T14:33:42Z

Interior minister inspects Aqaba services, border crossing upgrades

AMMAN — Interior Minister Mazen Farayah on Thursday conducted a field visit to Aqaba Governorate, where he inspected several administrative and service facilities, including the governorate headquarters, the specialised civil defence centre in the Southern Industrial Zone, and the Durra Border Crossing.The minister commenced his tour at the governorate’s headquarters, holding a meeting with Aqaba Governor Ayman Awaysheh in the presence of local...

2026-04-02T19:32:02Z

Operation Sindoor: An orchestrated deception masking real aggression

India has honed a deceptive skill of disguising violence with military displays. After last year's Pahalgam terrorist attack, New Delhi blamed Islamabad without evidence and launched Operation Sindoor by executing air strikes. The facade of responsible counterterrorism resembled a scripted farce, a staged act of aggression and lies meant to distract domestic politics and international scrutiny.Their theatrical cycle functions as a well-rehearsed...

2026-03-10T08:10:16Z

New arrest over Golders Green 'arson' on Jewish ambulance charity - as three appear in court

The arrest took place at Westminster Magistrates' Court this morning, and was announced by prosecutor Emma Harraway during the hearing.

2026-04-04T14:27:30Z

War hits Lebanon dollar lifeline, remittances fall sharply

Beirut: A Lebanese mother described the sharp decline in one of her last sources of income, once a pillar of her financial stability, as remittances from her son abroad dwindled in the wake of the war.“My son used to send me $600 a month. I lived on it, covered my medication and basic needs. After the war, the transfer does not exceed $200,” she told Asharq Al-Awsat.Her account reflects a broader trend among Lebanese households, in which...

2026-04-02T21:00:38Z

Strike action in Spain set to hit 14 airports across the country bringing travel chaos

Some 14 Spanish airports are set to be impacted by strike action involving air traffic control workers. This is on top of strike action already happening in the Canary Islands.

2026-04-08T08:55:47Z

'Held in motion': Emerging artists explore identity

A new art exhibition titled "Held in Motion" has opened at Sanat Art Gallery, bringing together a diverse group of emerging artists whose works delve into human identity, memory, and lived experiences. Featuring artists including Behzad Ahmed Warsi, Laiba Abid, Ronaque Ali and Shahzad Baloch, the exhibition runs from April 7 to April 16, with an evening reception held earlier this week.The exhibition presents a compelling mix of visual...

2026-04-08T08:10:16Z

CM Murad assures transport fares will remain unchanged across province despite rising fuel costs

Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah on Sunday assured the public that transport fares in the province would not increase despite rising costs and that all transporters have agreed to support the government.'Today, we met with transport owners regarding fares. Two days ago, following federal directives, we decided that fares for public transport users in Sindh would not be increased,' Shah said during a press conference in Karachi.On Thursday,...

2026-04-06T14:10:18Z

Dreama launches 2026-2030 strategy focused on empowerment

DohaQatar's Orphan Care Center ‘Dreama’ has launched its 2026-2030 strategy aimed at strengthening care and empowerment programs for orphans.The launch event was held under the patronage of Minister of Social Development and Family Buthaina bint Ali Al Jabr Al Nuaimi, and attended by senior officials, partners and supporters.Speaking at the event, the center's Executive Director Sheikha Najla bint Ahmed Al Thani said the new strategy marks a...

2026-04-06T17:08:41Z

Calls for Labour to designate Islamic Revolutionary Guard as terrorist organisation

EXCLUSIVE: The IRGC, the feared military arm of the Iranian regime, is already designated a terrorist organisation by the US, Canada, Australia and the European Union.

2026-04-01T15:57:26Z

One dead, eight wounded in Iranian attack on residential building in Manama

Asharq Al Awsat Bahrain’s Interior Ministry said early on Tuesday that a 29-year-old woman was killed and eight others were wounded as the result of a blatant Iranian attack on a residential building in the capital Manama. The Bahrain Defense Force General Command confirmed that air defense systems continue to confront successive waves of what it described as Iranian terrorist attacks, noting that since the start of the aggression they have...

2026-03-10T10:00:39Z

New Yorkers step out in their extravagant Easter creations and take over the streets of Manhattan

New Yorkers spilled onto the streets of Manhattan in their most extravagant creations for the 2026 Easter Bonnet Parade.

2026-04-05T20:57:36Z

Gas industry calls for ramping up production

The local gas industry has welcomed the US-Iran ceasefire by terming it a gateway to substantive future progress in international oil and gas trade, which will lower global inflation and fiscal pressure by normalising trade routes.The regional development will also lead to significant progress in Pakistan's oil and gas sector and the overall economy.Ghiyas Abdullah Paracha, a leading entrepreneur in the energy and gas sector, has praised Prime...

2026-04-10T09:10:19Z

Egypt urges int’l support for Lebanese army to ensure state exclusivity over arms

Asharq Al Awsat Egypt on Tuesday urged the international community to better support Lebanon's armed forces to ensure that all weapons in the country come under the exclusive authority of the state. Speaking at a preparatory meeting in Cairo ahead of next month's Paris conference in support of the Lebanese army, Egypt's Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty praised "the success of the Lebanese army in completing the first phase of the plan". "This...

2026-02-24T17:15:38Z

Housing crisis deepens as 63% lack shelter

Housing quality and living conditions in Pakistan reveal a stark contrast between urban and rural areas, reflecting not just numbers but the everyday realities faced by millions of families across the country.While homeownership rates stand at 52% in urban centres, providing many with a sense of security and stability, only 39% of rural households own their homes. For those who rent in rural areas, this insecurity is especially acute, made even...

2026-04-09T14:10:20Z

Prime minister condemns Israeli aggression, reiterates full support for Lebanon

AMMAN — Prime Minister Jafar Hassan on Wednesday held a phone call with his Lebanese counterpart Nawaf Salam, reiterating Jordan’s full solidarity with Lebanon and condemning the "brutal" Israeli aggression against its territory.Hassan also stressed the Kingdom's unwavering support for Lebanon’s security, stability, sovereignty, and the protection of its citizens, according to a Prime Ministry statement.He also expressed support for the Lebanese...

2026-04-08T22:32:02Z

Mother says she is proud of armed son who was fatally shot by Florida sheriff's deputy at Walmart

Jairus Jones, 16, was fatally shot by a Florida deputy in an armed shoplifting incident at a Walmart. His mother, Naporsha, has since spoken out about her son's character.

2026-02-23T18:42:39Z

Trump slams right-wing commentators who oppose Iran war

US President Donald Trump on Thursday angrily lashed out at multiple well-known conservative commentators who have criticized his war against Iran, slamming his onetime allies as attention-seeking "NUT JOBS." "They're stupid people, they know it, their families know it, and everyone else knows it, too!" Trump wrote in a nearly 500-word social media diatribe. In the president's crosshairs were Tucker Carlson and Megyn Kelly -- two former Fox News...

2026-04-10T09:15:37Z

Diplomatic breakthrough earns global praise

The world leaders on Wednesday praised Pakistan after Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced that the United States and Iran had reached a two-week ceasefire, marking a temporary but significant halt to the ongoing Middle Eastern conflict.In a post on X, Shehbaz wrote, "With the greatest humility, I am pleased to announce that the Islamic Republic of Iran and the United States of America, along with their allies, have agreed to an immediate...

2026-04-09T14:10:25Z

Teenage farm worker, 17, was crushed to death in malfunctioning bale wrapping machine, inquest told

Teenage farm worker Luke Searle, 17, was fatally crushed while using a bale wrapping machine that had malfunctioned, on Sherwell farm, Plympton, Devon, an inquest has heard.

2026-03-31T12:57:26Z

Hegseth unleashes at reporter over Iran ceasefire question

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth snapped at a reporter during a Wednesday morning press conference after being pressed on Donald Trump and Iran's ceasefire deal.

2026-04-08T18:23:17Z

Qatar rejects claims of payments, condemns attacks on civilian targets

DOHA: Advisor to the Prime Minister and Official Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr Majed bin Mohammed Al Ansarihas strongly condemned ongoing attacks in the region, highlighting what he described as a “clear contradiction” in Iranian claims regarding their targets.In an interview with Al Jazeera, Dr Al Ansari stated that while Iranian officials assert that attacks are limited to military bases, evidence on the ground indicates...

2026-04-11T17:08:41Z

Starmer calls for joint effort with business on Iran war economic impact

Business chiefs have been urged to help address the economic impact of the Iran war as Sir Keir Starmer admitted the Government could not shoulder all the burden. Bosses from energy, shipping and banking firms were called in to Downing Street for talks as Donald Trump threatened to escalate the Middle East conflict.

2026-03-30T21:33:03Z

Iran's aggression: HM the King's phone calls with GCC leaders reflect consistent brotherly solidarity - Morocco's FM

Rabat/Manama - The telephone calls held by HM King Mohammed VI, may God assist Him, with several GCC leaders following the abject Iranian aggression are the highest expression of Morocco's unwavering and constant brotherly solidarity with these States, Morocco's Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita stated on Thursday Speaking at the 8th Morocco-GCC Joint Ministerial Meeting, held via videoconference, Bourita reaffirmed Morocco's total support and...

2026-03-13T01:11:07Z

Trump escalates pressure on Tehran

President Donald Trump on Thursday sharpened his threat against Iran by publicly celebrating the destruction of a major bridge and warning that more infrastructure could be hit unless Tehran accepts a deal, a move that deepened concern over the direction of the conflict and added to volatility across energy and financial markets. In a social media post, Trump said “the biggest bridge in Iran” had come down and declared that “much more” could...

2026-04-03T09:34:41Z

Mother aged fourteen crashed her car and killed her one-year-old under the influence

A one-year-old Virginia boy named Ma'Khai was tragically killed when his 14-year-old mother drove under the influence and crashed a car in a late night collision, police say.

2026-04-01T20:27:29Z

Another case of alleged police brutality surfaces

Another serious case of alleged police misconduct against a citizen has come to light in Rawalpindi. The complainant has accused the SHO, sub-inspector, and other officials of RA Bazaar Police Station of torturing him at the police station, blackmailing him and extorting money while falsely implicating him in a minor case.According to the complaint, the citizen was allegedly forced to raise his hands while a rod was inserted between them causing...

2026-02-17T09:10:24Z

Moment police arrest alleged phone snatching gang that stole £300,000 of devices in dawn raids

The group would allegedly befriend drunk or unsuspecting members of the public as they came out of pubs before snatching their phones.

2026-02-27T00:12:30Z

Pope Leo praises Iran war ceasefire after criticizing Trump threat

Asharq Al Awsat Pope Leo on Wednesday praised the two-week ceasefire in the Iran war, hours after calling US President Donald Trump's threat against the population of Iran "unacceptable". The pope, who has emerged as an outspoken critic of ‌the war in recent ‌weeks, said he welcomed ‌the ⁠announcement of the ceasefire ⁠with satisfaction and urged continued negotiation to bring a full end to the regional conflict. "In light of these past hours of...

2026-04-08T14:00:38Z

Three suspects in assault cases held

Police arrested three suspects involved in cases of sexual assault and attempted rape. The arrested suspects were handed over to the investigation wing. A domestic servant was allegedly assaulted in Stokttala. A case was registered, and the suspect, Yousaf, was arrested.In another case, a man attempted to assault a girl in Kahna. An FIR was lodged, and suspect Sufyan was taken into custody. The third arrest occurred in Liaquatabad, where a...

2026-04-10T09:10:14Z

Qatar National Library to reopen on this date

Qatar National Library is set to reopen to the public on March 24, 2026, following a temporary closure that had limited physical access to the facility in recent weeks.Read More: Qatar Expels Iran's Envoy After Attack on Ras Laffan The library had earlier announced its closure until further noti

2026-03-23T07:33:59Z

Countries where polygamy is legal

The world is full of diverse traditions and cultural beliefs. The idea of marriage, for instance, can take on many fascinating forms. Some of these extend far beyond the concept of two individuals pledging a lifelong partnership in a monogamous union. In certain societies, polygamy has flourished for centuries, and they are often shaped by ancient customs and religious principles. In these countries, having multiple spouses is not only accepted, but sometimes celebrated as part of their cultural identity. But despite the fact that more than 42 sovereign nations have legalized polygamy, only about 2% of the global population actually lives in polygamous households. Still, that’s about 164 million people worldwide! Curious? Click through this gallery to see which countries have laws that allow marriages like these.

2024-11-07T09:16:48Z

Shocking allegation: police turned away young mother just days before she was murdered by ex-husband

An inquest has heard Kelly Wilkinson was denied help from police just days before she was murdered.

2026-03-05T11:42:28Z

CTD busts terrorists involved in track attacks

Sindh's Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD), in a joint operation with intelligence agencies, arrested five terrorists belonging to a banned terrorist outfit - the Baloch Republican Guard (BRG) - foiling a planned series of attacks on railway tracks, officials said on Sunday.Addressing a press conference at the CTD headquarters in Karachi, DIG CTD Captain (retd) Ghulam Azfar Mahesar, along with SSP Operations Irfan Bahadur, said law enforcers...

2026-03-25T09:10:26Z

Metro buses hit by flooding, poor maintenance

The heavy rain has badly affected the condition of the metro buses running between the twin cities with public buses becoming swamped by water leaks, causing damage to its interior and troubling passengers.Passengers reported that during the thunderstorm, water began pouring inside the buses from the windows and other parts. One such sight was captured by a passenger in a metro bus going from Rawalpindi to Islamabad on his mobile phone camera....

2026-03-31T08:10:22Z

Historical events that have no clear explanation

In the digital age, you expect to have every mystery solved and every question answered. Truth is, history is full of extraordinary events and occurrences which have remained unexplained for years. There have been disappearing islands, never-ending thunderstorms, and what could be a message from aliens. Here's a selection of the most mind-blowing mysteries in history. Click on to examine the historical events that nobody can explain.

2024-10-15T13:05:13Z

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