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GOVT enacts law to regulate virtual assets

Pakistan has fulfilled another key condition set by the IMF by establishing a new legal framework for the country's digital financial sector.Parliament recently approved the Virtual Assets Act 2026, which formally established the Pakistan Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (Pvara).Pvara was initially created in July 2025 through a presidential ordinance, but the legislation now grants it formal legal status. Under the law, measures will also be...

2026-03-07T08:10:23Z

Debris from drones intercepted by air defence systems falls on façade of one of Etihad Towers buildings

ABU DHABI, 1st March, 2026 (WAM) -- Relevant authorities in Abu Dhabi dealt with an incident involving the fall of debris from a drone after it was intercepted by air defence systems onto the façade of one of the buildings at Etihad Towers. The incident resulted in minor injuries to a woman and her child, as well as minor material damage.The Abu Dhabi Media Office said the authorities clarified that the sounds heard across the emirate were due...

2026-03-01T10:33:43Z

Prime minister and Czech counterpart discuss military escalation in region, its repercussions on security and stability

DOHA: Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani on Friday received a phone call from Prime Minister of the Czech Republic HE Andrej Babis.During the call, they discussed developments related to the military escalation in the region and its serious repercussions on regional and international security and stability, as well as ways to resolve all disputes through peaceful means.The Prime...

2026-03-06T14:08:39Z

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

Transport minister reviews maritime services amid regional tensions

AMMAN — Transport Minister Nidal Qatamin on Thursday met with the head and members of the Jordan Shipping Association to review maritime services and challenges facing shipping companies amid ongoing regional tensions.During the meeting, held at the association’s headquarters and attended by Transport Ministry Secretary-General Fares Abu Deyyeh, the minister stressed the importance of maintaining the efficiency and continuity of supply chains...

2026-03-05T16:32:03Z

Man allegedly stabbed to death at Inner West Sydney home after argument erupted between mates

A man has died after an alleged stabbing in a Sydney home.

2026-03-08T07:12:25Z

Six arrested during anti-Muslim protest outside NYC mayor’s residence

NEW YORK — Six people were arrested Saturday after clashes erupted during a far-right anti-Muslim protest outside the residence of Zohran Mamdani, according to the New York Police Department.The incident occurred near Gracie Mansion, where about 20 demonstrators linked to far-right activist Jake Lang gathered for the protest while around 120 counter-protesters assembled nearby.Jessica Tisch said tensions escalated when a member of the...

2026-03-08T12:07:26Z

Woman is arrested on suspicion of murder after Brit found dead in Tenerife hotel room

The 56-year-old was arrested on Wednesday after Russell Watts was found dead in his hotel room at the Hotel Catalonia Punta Del Ray on January 10.

2026-02-25T19:42:25Z

6 injured in Abu Dhabi by debris from intercepted drone

Asharq Al Awsat Falling debris from an intercepted drone injured six people in the Emirati capital Abu Dhabi on Thursday, the UAE's media office said."Authorities in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi responded to an incident involving falling debris at two locations in the ICAD 2 area, following the successful interception of a drone by air defenses.The incident resulted in six minor to moderate injuries to Pakistani and Nepalese nationals," Abu Dhabi...

2026-03-05T12:15:38Z

Cyclist who knocked girl, 5, over blames her for not moving out of his way

A video of the incident which occurred in Belgium on Christmas Day in 2020 has since been viewed tens of millions of times globally - but the culprit's identity has always remained secret.

2026-03-08T16:27:29Z

15 million expatriates live and work in Saudi Arabia under rights-based framework

GENEVA — President of the Saudi Human Rights Commission Dr. Hala Al-Tuwaijri said more than 15 million residents from over 60 countries live and work in Saudi Arabia under an integrated legislative, institutional and judicial framework that guarantees respect for their rights.Speaking during the high-level segment of the 61st session of the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva, she affirmed the Kingdom’s commitment to strengthening and...

2026-02-23T23:07:25Z

Priti Patel urges Labour to ditch Chagos surrender 'once and for all' amid Foreign Office chaos

Foreign Office minister Hamish Falconer was left humiliated by his own department after assuring MPs that the treaty to hand over the territory to Mauritius was being paused.

2026-02-25T22:42:24Z

Suicide attack at checkpost in K-P's North Waziristan injures 14

At least 14 civilians were injured after a suicide attack at a checkpost in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa's North Waziristan on Friday, according to officials.The police said the attack targeted the Chashma Sarbandi checkpost on the Miranshah-Bannu Road and left 14 injured."Four of the injured are in critical condition," said Miranshah District Headquarters Hospital Medical Superintendent Dr Asif Iqbal, adding that additional injured victims were being...

2026-03-07T08:10:16Z

Digital Economy Ministry adjusts working hours for Airport Government Service Center

Amman, March 2 (Petra) - The Ministry of Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship announced a modification to the working hours at the Government Service Center located at the airport, effective Monday until further notice. The ministry said in a statement on Monday that the center's hours will now be from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. The ministry invited citizens to communicate via the official page of the Government Service Centers, the Ministry of...

2026-03-02T21:37:34Z

Makkah shuttle service transports over 31 million faithful in first 10 days of Ramadan

MAKKAH — The General Transport Center in Makkah announced that the transport system in the holy capital has transported more than 31 million passengers during the first 10 days of Ramadan. This is through the shuttle transport service to the Grand Mosque and the Makkah bus network, as part of operational efforts to organize movement and facilitate the mobility of residents, visitors, and Umrah pilgrims heading to the Grand Mosque. The center...

2026-03-08T14:37:26Z

Türkiye says NATO defenses destroyed Iran missile, risking war expansion

Asharq Al Awsat Türkiye said that NATO air defenses destroyed an Iranian ballistic missile headed into Turkish airspace on Wednesday, marking the first time the alliance member has been drawn into the Middle East conflict and raising the possibility of a major expansion involving its bloc allies. Turkey - Iran's neighbor that had sought to mediate US-Iran talks before the air war that began at the weekend - warned "all parties to refrain from...

2026-03-04T21:15:37Z

Morocco's model of religious coexistence, interfaith dialogue highlighted in Geneva

Geneva - Morocco’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations Office in Geneva, Omar Zniber, highlighted on Thursday the Kingdom’s historic model of religious coexistence and its commitment to promoting interfaith dialogue and combating religious discrimination on the international stage. "Morocco has always been a strong advocate of tolerance as well as of interreligious and intercultural dialogue and remains committed to...

2026-03-06T09:11:06Z

Ministry of Commerce conducts 3,500 inspection visits in Makkah

MAKKAH — The Ministry of Commerce has conducted 3,498 inspection visits in Makkah, covering the central area and roads leading to the Grand Mosque. These visits aimed to verify the compliance of commercial establishments and retail outlets with regulations, ensure the availability of consumer goods, and monitor prices during the holy month of Ramadan. Related Article Eng. Sami Al-Jasser named CEO of Misk City The field inspections targeted a...

2026-03-03T22:37:25Z

K-P bans private drone flights

In response to the prevailing security situation, the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa government has imposed an immediate temporary ban on the outdoor operation of privately owned drones, quadcopters, and other remote-controlled aerial devices across the province.The directive, issued through an advisory from the Chief Secretary's office, prohibits individuals, commercial operators, and various institutions from flying such devices in open areas until...

2026-02-28T08:10:16Z

Blast in Karachi flat kills teen, leaves two critically burned

A 15-year-old boy was killed and two others critically injured after a gas cylinder exploded in a residential flat in Karachi's North Nazimabad area early on Sunday morning, police said.The incident occurred at Bismillah Residency near Five Star Chowrangi in Block D. Rescue 1122 said the explosion sparked a fire, causing panic among residents.Three people were taken to the hospital. Tasleem, 70, sustained 90% burns, while Haneen, 40, suffered...

2026-02-23T12:10:29Z

Pending justice

It has been 12 long years since the Army Public School massacre - one of the most high-profile and defining terrorism cases in Pakistan's history - and yet there is little to show in terms of credible judicial closure. For a tragedy that altered the country's security discourse and led to sweeping policy shifts, the slow drift of proceedings is deeply unsettling.The recent acquittal of two accused by an Anti-Terrorism Court in Peshawar, on the...

2026-03-04T13:10:18Z

K-P governor, Centre discuss cooperation

Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi on Wednesday met Minister for Law and Justice Azam Nazeer Tarar and discussed matters of mutual interest and ways to strengthen coordination between the federation and the province.During the meeting, detailed discussions were held on enhancing federal-provincial relations, introducing legal reforms, and ensuring the provision of speedy and affordable justice to the public.The governor highlighted...

2026-02-26T08:10:13Z

Remote work for up to 70% of government employees to continue from Monday

DOHA: The Secretariat General of the Council of Ministers has announced that the remote work system will continue to be implemented for up to 70 percent of the total number of employees in each government entity starting Monday.According to the announcement, priority will be given to mothers and persons with disabilities when applying the remote work arrangement. The measure will be implemented in a manner that does not affect operational...

2026-03-08T11:08:41Z

Fancy a morning dip? King penguins on the Falkland Islands spotted after their sunrise swim

The colony can be seen coming back from the sea early in the morning after collecting lantern fish, squid and krill to feed their family at Volunteer Point on East Falkland.

2026-03-05T01:57:27Z

Türkiye jailed mayor says demand for change cannot be stopped

Asharq Al Awsat Political efforts to cripple Türkiye's main opposition and lock up its presidential candidate will never stifle the people's frustration with the government and their growing demand for change, Istanbul's jailed mayor told AFP in an interview."An irreversible process for a change in power has begun in Türkiye and it won't stop until it is complete. I cannot stop it ... nor can the ruling party nor the judiciary," Ekrem Imamoglu...

2026-03-08T15:00:36Z

Protests erupt outside US consulate in Lahore

Protests erupted outside the US Consulate on Shimla Hill in Lahore on Sunday following the killing of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a joint US-Israeli air strike.Rangers personnel were deployed alongside police to maintain order at the site.Tensions escalated when additional barriers were placed near the NADRA office, leading to clashes between police and demonstrators. Protesters reportedly began removing the barriers, while...

2026-03-02T15:10:24Z

Delivery man killed in traffic accident

A delivery boy was critically injured and later died following a horrific traffic accident near the Saba Traffic Signal on Khiyaban-e-Ittihad, police and hospital sources confirmed. CCTV footage of the incident has also surfaced, showing the harrowing sequence.The accident occurred around midnight between Sunday and Monday near the Saba Traffic Signal in the Saahil police limits. The footage shows a speeding vehicle colliding with a delivery boy...

2026-02-24T12:10:23Z

Trump says Iran apologized to neighbors, vowed to halt attacks

WASHINGTON — US President Donald Trump said Saturday that Iran had apologized to neighboring countries and pledged to stop firing at them following sustained military pressure from the United States and Israel.In a post on the social media platform Truth Social, Trump said Tehran had backed down as a result of ongoing strikes carried out by Washington and its regional ally.“Iran, which is being beat to HELL, has apologized and surrendered to its...

2026-03-07T14:07:25Z

Qatar intercepts two Su-24 bombers as Iran targets Gulf energy sites

Qatar’s Ministry of Defence confirmed that its Emiri Air Force successfully shot down two Su-24 bombers coming from Iran. The strike marks a major defensive move amid escalating regional attacks targeting Gulf energy facilities.Missiles and Drones Stopped in Their TracksOn Monday, Qatari force

2026-03-02T16:48:57Z

Math teacher is killed in freak accident outside his home as teens' prank goes horribly wrong

Jason Hughes, a beloved Georgia high school teacher, was killed on Thursday evening after a group of teens played what was meant to be a harmless prank on him at his home in Gainesville.

2026-03-08T13:27:28Z

Gohar calls for security briefing in parliament

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Barrister Gohar Khan on Wednesday said his party had adopted a "principled stance" on national security and demanded that briefings be held in parliament.The federal government on Tuesday decided to convene a closed door briefing for heads of political parties and parliamentary leaders on the fast-evolving regional security situation, including recent developments involving Iran and ongoing tensions with...

2026-03-05T09:10:13Z

Amir visits Air Operations Center, reviews military readiness

DOHA: His Highness the Amir of the State of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani visited the Air Operations Center on Wednesday to review the operational readiness of the country’s armed forces.During the visit, HH the Amir was briefed on the high level of preparedness of military units and received updates on the progress of ongoing operations. HH the Amir also reviewed procedures implemented to enhance the security of vital installations and...

2026-03-04T20:08:39Z

Special relationship in tatters as Trump tells Starmer 'we don't need your aircraft carriers'

The president warned the US will 'remember' the lack of support from 'our once great ally' and suggested the Prime Minister was attempting to join a war after it had already been won.

2026-03-08T00:57:28Z

Saudi Arabia summons Iranian ambassador over attacks

RIYADH — Saudi Arabia summoned on Sunday Iranian Ambassador Ali Reza Enayati following the blatant Iranian attacks targeting the Kingdom and several Gulf states. During the meeting, Deputy Foreign Minister Eng. Waleed Al-Khuraiji conveyed the Kingdom’s strong condemnation and denunciation of the Iranian attacks on Saudi Arabia and neighboring Gulf countries. Related Article Over 2.9 million iftar meals served at Prophet’s Mosque He stressed...

2026-03-01T13:37:26Z

Up to 23,000 terrorists operating in Afghanistan, Russian report says

Russia's Foreign Ministry has said that between 20,000 and 23,000 terrorist fighters are currently operating in Afghanistan, with more than half of them foreign nationals.According to the ministry's report, the total number of terrorists from international organisations active in Afghanistan is estimated at 20,000 to 23,000, and more than half are foreign fighters.Key groups include ISIS, with about 3,000 members; the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan...

2026-02-25T09:10:18Z

UK says Iran must never be allowed to develop nuclear weapons

Asharq Al Awsat Britain said on Saturday that Iran must never be allowed to develop nuclear weapons and it was ready to defend its interests, following strikes by the United States and Israel against Iran. A government source said Britain had not taken part in the strikes, and that British Prime Minister Keir Starmer held an emergency response meeting, Reuters reported. Starmer was expected to speak to his French and German counterparts...

2026-02-28T16:15:38Z

ICRC president urges respect for rules of war amid regional escalation

AMMAN — The military escalation in the Middle East is igniting a dangerous chain reaction across the region, with potentially devastating consequences for civilians, said International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) President Mirjana Spoljaric.Upholding the rules of war is an obligation and not a choice. In international armed conflicts, international humanitarian law, in particular all four Geneva Conventions, apply, according to an ICRC...

2026-02-28T16:32:02Z

The worst train accidents in history

Since the mid-19th century, history has recorded some terrible train crashes. Whether due to brake failures, derailments, accidental fires, or human error, a rail wreck is a traumatic and very often fatal event. Fortunately, accidents are rare occurrences given the advancements in railway safety technology. But they can—and do—still happen. Click through and be reminded of dramatic train crashes through the ages.

2025-02-13T14:11:50Z

Protesters try to storm Baghdad zone housing US embassy

Asharq Al Awsat Hundreds of Iraqis attempted early Sunday to storm Baghdad's fortified Green Zone, where the US embassy is located, after the death of Iran's supreme leader, Ali Khamenei, a security source told AFP. "Their attempts had been thwarted so far, but they keep trying," the source said. Videos shared on social media showed protesters throwing stones at security forces, who responded with tear gas. An AFP staffer saw hundreds of people...

2026-03-01T07:00:38Z

2 killed in shooting

Two men were shot dead and a third critically injured in a clash between rival groups in Sultan Kay village in the Sundar area.According to Sundar police, the violence erupted over a trivial issue that escalated after cow dung was reportedly thrown in front of a house, leading to an altercation and gunfire.One of the deceased was Muneer alias Muneera Mochi, while the identity of the second could not be confirmed till the evening. The injured man...

2026-02-25T09:10:39Z

IHC suspends Airblue crash compensation order

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has suspended the implementation of a decision directing a private airline, Airblue, to pay around Rs5.04 billion in compensation to the families of victims of the 2010 private airline plane crash in the federal capital.IHC's Justice Arbab Muhammad Tahir heard the appeal filed by the airline against the order of a district and sessions court in Islamabad.The IHC judge after hearing the preliminary arguments issued...

2026-03-08T09:10:20Z

Canadian tourist's cause of death revealed after attack by dingoes

A coroner has found that Canadian tourist Piper James died after dingoes attacked her, leading to her drowning.

2026-03-06T08:38:22Z

Moment woman steals £200 of shellfish from Michelin star restaurant as she avoids prison

Ekaterina Frolova, 46, was convicted last month for the theft and was fined a total of £350.

2026-02-23T20:27:27Z

JI resolution against Iran attacks lands in PA

A member of the Sindh Assembly from Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan, Muhammad Farooq, has submitted a resolution in the Sindh Assembly condemning the alleged attacks on Iran by the United States and Israel.According to the text of the resolution, the assembly strongly condemns the reported attacks and the claimed martyrdom of Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, along with other Iranian leaders, students and civilians. It states that the attacks...

2026-03-03T08:10:17Z

Penny Wong tight-lipped about claim linking Australian Defence Force personnel to US submarine

The Iranian IRIS Dena was hit with a Mark-48 torpedo fired from a US submarine on Wednesday.

2026-03-05T09:42:28Z

UfM, CIHEAM bring justice for Mediterranean women farmers to heart of International Women’s Day

AMMAN — Across the Mediterranean, women grow the food that feeds families and communities. They tend the land, manage the herds, run the market stalls and come home to shoulder the household responsibilities that rarely appear in any economic statistic.Yet, in many countries, the law does not protect them enough: as workers, as landowners, as cooperative members or as claimants when those rights are violated, according to a Union for the...

2026-02-28T16:32:03Z

District resolution committees stripped of judicial powers

The Lahore High Court (LHC) has declared all decisions of District Resolution Committees (DRCs) in property possession disputes null and void, referring more than 500 pending petitions to the designated tribunal for fresh adjudication under the amended Punjab Property Ownership law.A three-member full bench headed by Chief Justice Aalia Neelum issued the order while hearing a batch of petitions challenging actions taken under the Punjab Property...

2026-02-24T12:10:15Z

'Would he be brave enough?': Woman who became the 'face of the war' has challenged Putin to meet her

Olena Kurylo, 56, is a Ukrainian nursery school teacher who suffered horrific eye damage and facial scars in an attack on her apartment in Chuhuiv in February 2022.

2026-02-25T01:57:30Z

ADNOC: Operations continue despite current regional developments

ABU DHABI, 7th March, 2026 (WAM) -- ADNOC confirms that its operations continue despite current regional developments. The company has activated its well-established protocols and is working closely with the relevant authorities to protect its people, assets, and operations.Business units are assessing the situation on a product-by-product and transaction-by-transaction basis, considering the ongoing disruption that is affecting shipping through...

2026-03-07T18:03:42Z

Saudi Arabia, various foreign ministers condemn Israel over West Bank moves

Asharq Al Awsat The ‌foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Brazil, France, Spain, Türkiye and various other states condemned Israeli decisions that they said introduce sweeping extensions to unlawful Israeli control over the West Bank. "Changes are wide-ranging, reclassifying Palestinian land as so-called Israeli ‘state land’, accelerating illegal settlement activity, and further entrenching Israeli administration," said the joint statement,...

2026-02-24T07:15:37Z

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