Pakistan to try 33 supporters of former Premier Imran Khan in military courts over recent violence
May 26, 2023 GMTISLAMABAD (AP) — Pakistan’s government said Friday that 17 more supporters of Imran Khan would be tried in military courts over recent anti-government violence, bringing the overall number of followers of the former prime minister facing military tribunals so far to 33.
Pakistani journalist, supporter of former Prime Minister Imran Khan goes missing, second in 2 weeks
May 25, 2023 GMTISLAMABAD (AP) — A prominent Pakistani television journalist known for his public support of former Prime Minister Imran Khan has gone missing, the police, his family and his employer said.
Sami Abrahim's disappearance was first announced in a police tweet late Wednesday, hours after he went missing.
Pakistan’s ex-premier Imran Khan softens demand for snap vote amid crackdown on party
May 24, 2023 GMTISLAMABAD (AP) — Pakistan’s embattled former Prime Minister Imran Khan on Wednesday softened his year-long demand for early elections and said he is forming a committee for talks with the government to end the country's lingering political turmoil.
Pakistan’s Imran Khan presses legal fight, gets protection from arrest in multiple terrorism cases
May 23, 2023 GMTISLAMABAD (AP) — Pakistan's former Prime Minister Imran Khan on Tuesday pressed his legal battle before a court in the capital, Islamabad, which granted him protection from arrest until early next month in several cases including terrorism charges for inciting violence.
ISLAMABAD (AP) — Pakistani authorities Monday arrested a key associate of former Prime Minister Imran Khan just hours after she was released from custody as authorities pressed on with a crackdown on Khan's supporters.
G20 delegates begin meeting in disputed Kashmir, with region’s intense security largely out of view
May 22, 2023 GMTSRINAGAR, India (AP) — Delegates from the Group of 20 leading rich and developing nations began a meeting on tourism in Indian-controlled Kashmir on Monday that was condemned by China and Pakistan, as authorities reduced the visibility of security in the disputed region’s main city.
State TV says armed group kills 5 Iranian border guards in clash near Pakistani border
May 21, 2023 GMTTEHRAN, Iran (AP) — Five Iranian border guards were killed in a clash with an unknown armed group trying to enter the country near the Pakistani border, state TV reported Sunday.
The fighting happened in the town of Saravan in the southeastern province of Sistan and Baluchistan, some 1,360 kilometers (850 miles) southeast of the capital Tehran.
Pakistani transgender activists to appeal Shariah court ruling against law aimed at protecting them
May 20, 2023 GMTISLAMABAD (AP) — Transgender activists in Pakistan said they plan to appeal to the highest court in the land an Islamic court's ruling that guts a law aimed at protecting their rights.
The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act was passed by Parliament in 2018 to secure the fundamental rights of transgender Pakistanis.
Pakistan’s Imran Khan dials down campaign of defiance, allows police search of home for suspects
May 19, 2023 GMTLAHORE, Pakistan (AP) — Pakistan’s former Prime Minister Imran Khan dialed down his campaign of defiance on Friday, saying he would allow a police search of his home over allegations that he was harboring suspects wanted in recent violence during anti-government protests by his supporters.
A dozen poor countries are facing economic instability and even collapse under the weight of hundreds of billions of dollars in foreign loans, much of them from the world’s biggest and most unforgiving government lender, China.
Pakistani police besiege Imran Khan’s home as deadline for him to hand over suspects expires
May 18, 2023 GMTLAHORE, Pakistan (AP) — Pakistani police kept up their siege around the home of Imran Khan as a 24-hour deadline given to the former premier to hand over suspects allegedly sheltered inside expired on Thursday.
Top leaders of Pakistan, Iran inaugurate border market in their first meeting in 10 years
May 18, 2023 GMTISLAMABAD (AP) — The top leaders of Pakistan and Iran on Thursday inaugurated the first border market as relations warm between the two countries, officials said.
Located in the remote village of Pashin in Pakistan's southwestern Baluchistan province, the marketplace is the first of six to be constructed along the Pakistan-Iran border under a 2012 agreement signed by the two sides.
Pakistani police surround Imran Khan’s home, claim former leader is hiding suspects in recent riots
May 18, 2023 GMTISLAMABAD (AP) — Police surrounded the home of former Pakistan’s former Prime Minister Imran Khan on Wednesday, claiming he was sheltering dozens of people allegedly involved in violent protests over his recent detention.
Government supporters call for Pakistani chief justice to quit over releasing ex-Premier Imran Khan
May 15, 2023 GMTISLAMABAD (AP) — More than 20,000 supporters of Pakistan's government converged on the country's Supreme Court on Monday, in a rare challenge to the nation's judiciary. The demonstrators demanded the resignation of the chief justice for ordering the release of former Prime Minister Imran Khan in a graft case.
Pakistan tests feature in Australian domestic cricket summer
May 14, 2023 GMTSYDNEY (AP) — The Australia men’s cricket team’s home tests in the coming summer will be crammed into an unusually narrow window in December and January.
Australia will meet Pakistan in three tests and the West Indies in two in the traditional school holiday period.
ISLAMABAD, Pakistan (AP) — The Pakistan Cricket Board is still hopeful India agrees to its hybrid model of hosting majority of the Asia Cup games at a neutral venue in September.
The hybrid model is the brainchild of Najam Sethi, who is the head of the PCB management committee.
Pakistan leader says those involved in violence following Khan detention will face terrorism trials
May 13, 2023 GMTISLAMABAD (AP) — Pakistan's prime minister said Saturday that authorities would go after those involved in violent protests following the detention of his predecessor, Imran Khan, including prosecution in anti-terrorism courts.
Pakistan appoints Grant Bradburn as cricket team head coach
May 13, 2023 GMTISLAMABAD (AP) — Former New Zealand international Grant Bradburn was appointed as Pakistan's head coach on a two-year contract on Saturday.
The 56-year-old Bradburn had been serving as Pakistan’s interim head coach during the white-ball home series against New Zealand.
ISLAMABAD (AP) — The arrest of former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan earlier this week has shown how quickly his fervent loyalists can mobilize in large numbers.
ISLAMABAD (AP) — Pakistan's Supreme Court on Thursday ordered the release of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, whose arrest on corruption charges earlier this week sparked a wave of violence across the country by his supporters.
ISLAMABAD (AP) — Pakistan is witnessing a wave of violence following the arrest of popular opposition leader and former Prime Minister Imran Khan on corruption charges.
Pakistan deploys troops to halt unrest after ex-Prime Minister Khan is ordered held on new charges
May 11, 2023 GMTISLAMABAD (AP) — Pakistan’s government called out the military Wednesday in areas roiled by deadly violence following the arrest of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, who was dragged from a courtroom and ordered held for another eight days on new corruption charges that outraged his supporters and deepened the country’s political turmoil.
Reluctant critic China urges Afghan changes on women’s roles
May 10, 2023 GMTBEIJING (AP) — China on Wednesday called on Afghanistan to reform its radical policies excluding women from education and public life and “adopt a more resolute attitude in combating terrorism.”
Pakistan’s ex-PM Imran Khan arrested, sparking violence
May 10, 2023 GMTISLAMABAD (AP) — Pakistan’s former Prime Minister Imran Khan was arrested and dragged from court Tuesday as he appeared to face charges in multiple graft cases, a dramatic escalation of political tensions that sparked violent demonstrations by his angry supporters across the country.
Pakistan, Afghan Taliban agree to boost trade, lower tension
May 8, 2023 GMTISLAMABAD (AP) — Pakistan and Afghanistan's Taliban-appointed government have agreed to boost trade and lower tensions along their border amid a surge in militant attacks on security forces, officials said Monday.
Rallygoers in Pakistan kill man accused of blasphemy
May 8, 2023 GMTPESHAWAR, Pakistan (AP) — Rallygoers for a political party in Pakistan beat to death a participant for allegedly making a blasphemous speech, police said Sunday.
Local police officer Iqbal Khan said Maulana Nigar Alam, 40, was killed Saturday night by demonstrators in Sawaldher village of Mardan district northeast of Peshawar in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.
Attackers kill Pakistani Sikh in drive-by shooting in Lahore
May 6, 2023 GMTLAHORE, Pakistan (AP) — A Pakistani Sikh was killed by unknown assailants in a drive-by shooting in the eastern city of Lahore on Saturday, police said.
The man, identified as Sardar Singh, was shot by gunmen riding on a motorcycle in Lahore’s residential neighborhood of Nawab Town.
Babar leads Pakistan to big win over NZ and No 1 ODI ranking
May 5, 2023 GMTKARACHI, Pakistan (AP) — Run machine Babar Azam's 18th century made the difference as Pakistan defeated New Zealand by 102 runs on Friday and closed in on a one-day international series sweep.
Babar's 107 off 117 balls propped up Pakistan's 334-6, and New Zealand stumbled to 232 all out, its lowest total of the series.
After attacks on Chinese, Pakistan pledges more security
May 5, 2023 GMTISLAMABAD (AP) — The Pakistani president on Friday assured Beijing’s top diplomat that his country will boost security for all Chinese nationals working on multi-billion dollar projects in cash-strapped Pakistan.
Group led by China, Russia criticizes global institutions
May 5, 2023 GMTPANAJI, India (AP) — Foreign ministers from a group of nations led by China and Russia criticized on Friday the ability of world institutions to resolve geopolitical problems, including the coronavirus pandemic, and said their organization should do more to address such challenges.
Rebels kill 5 Indian soldiers in Indian-controlled Kashmir
May 5, 2023 GMTSRINAGAR, India (AP) — Rebels fighting against Indian rule in disputed Kashmir triggered an explosive device during an encounter with the Indian army on Friday, killing five soldiers who were trying to flush them out of a forested area, the army said.
Mourners attend funerals of 7 Shiite teachers in NW Pakistan
May 5, 2023 GMTPESHAWAR, Pakistan (AP) — Thousands of mourners on Friday attended the mass funeral of seven minority Shiite teachers who were shot and killed at a school in northwestern Pakistan, drawing nationwide condemnation, officials said.
Attacks across Pakistan, including school shooting, kill 14
May 4, 2023 GMTPESHAWAR, Pakistan (AP) — Gunmen stormed a school in Pakistan's volatile northwest on Thursday, killing seven teachers and gunning down another teacher from the school in a separate attack. Earlier in the day, a shootout with militants elsewhere in the region killed six Pakistani soldiers.
Russia unlikely to face criticism at Central Asian meeting
May 4, 2023 GMTPANAJI, India (AP) — Russia is unlikely to face backlash over its war in Ukraine at an upcoming meeting of Central Asian foreign ministers and instead could flex its influence with the regional group.
Pakistan beats New Zealand in 3rd ODI, clinches series
May 3, 2023 GMTKARACHI, Pakistan (AP) — Pakistan top-order batters continued to prosper as they beat under-strength New Zealand by 26 runs in the third one-day international on Wednesday for an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-match series.
Pakistani security forces kill 3 militants, arrest 7 in NW
May 2, 2023 GMTPESHAWAR, Pakistan (AP) — Pakistani security forces acting on intelligence raided two hideouts of militants along the border with Afghanistan, triggering intense shootouts that left three insurgents dead, the country’s military said late Sunday.
14 people killed in rain-related incidents across Pakistan
May 2, 2023 GMTEight tourists who went missing over the weekend when their jeep fell into a river in Pakistan-administered Kashmir have been declared dead by rescuers who could not find any of them despite a massive search, police said Monday, as the prime minister ordered authorities to remain alert to handle any situation.
Fakhar’s 180 powers Pakistan to comfy ODI win over NZ
April 29, 2023 GMTRAWALPINDI, Pakistan (AP) — Fakhar Zaman’s second successive century anchored Pakistan to another comfortable seven-wicket victory over New Zealand in the second one-day international on Saturday.
Pakistan releases Chinese national charged with blasphemy
April 28, 2023 GMTPESHAWAR, Pakistan (AP) — A Chinese national arrested in Pakistan on charges of blasphemy has been released from a high-security prison after a court granted him bail, a defense lawyer and local police said Friday.
Pakistan: 3 troops, 7 militants killed in overnight attacks
April 28, 2023 GMTPESHAWAR, Pakistan (AP) — Militants targeted Pakistani security forces in three overnight attacks in the country's volatile northwest, triggering shootouts that killed three soldiers and seven militants, the military said Friday.
Pakistani lawmakers back PM in confidence vote in Parliament
April 27, 2023 GMTISLAMABAD (AP) — Lawmakers from Pakistan's ruling party overwhelmingly backed Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif's government in a confidence vote in Parliament on Thursday — a show of hands intended to halt speculations that he was losing support amid a major economic crisis.
Fakhar Zaman century drives Pakistan to 5-wicket win over NZ
April 27, 2023 GMTRAWALPINDI, Pakistan (AP) — Fakhar Zaman smashed his ninth ODI century and powered Pakistan to a five-wicket victory over New Zealand in the first one-day international on Thursday.
Fakhar, the left-handed opener, made 117 off 114 balls and guided Pakistan to 291-5 with more than an over to spare for a 1-0 lead in the five-match series.
Va. man pleads to terror charge after doing time in Pakistan
April 26, 2023 GMTALEXANDRIA, Va. (AP) — A northern Virginia man who traveled to Pakistan with four friends nearly 15 years ago seeking to engage in holy war pleaded guilty Wednesday to a terrorism charge, but he is likely to receive only a 1-day jail sentence.
Pakistan says 2 soldiers, 6 police officers killed in raids
April 26, 2023 GMTISLAMABAD (AP) — Pakistani police raided Wednesday a suspected hideout of hostage-takers in the country's south, triggering a firefight that killed six officers, officials said. Earlier in the day, a military operation against militants in northwestern Pakistan killed two soldiers.
Pakistani health officials confirm first case of monkeypox
April 25, 2023 GMTISLAMABAD (AP) — A Pakistani man has tested positive for monkeypox, becoming the country’s first confirmed case of the disease, authorities said Tuesday. Health officials provided no additional details about the man.
Chapman’s maiden ton leads NZ to T20 series comeback draw
April 24, 2023 GMTRAWALPINDI, Pakistan (AP) — Mark Chapman's blistering maiden Twenty20 century powered an inexperienced New Zealand to a series-leveling victory against Pakistan on Monday.
New Zealand looked out of it at 73-4 in the 10th over, chasing 194.
No result in Pakistan vs New Zealand T20 due to hailstorm
April 20, 2023 GMTRAWALPINDI, Pakistan (AP) — New Zealand batters Mark Chapman and Chad Bowes struck half-centuries against Pakistan before a strong hailstorm brought a premature end to the fourth Twenty20 on Thursday.
India military: 5 soldiers killed in rebel ambush in Kashmir
April 20, 2023 GMTSRINAGAR, India (AP) — Five Indian army soldiers were killed on Thursday when rebels fighting against Indian rule ambushed a military vehicle in the disputed Himalayan region of Kashmir, the military said.
Pakistan’s FM to attend regional group’s meeting in India
April 20, 2023 GMTISLAMABAD (AP) — Pakistan's top diplomat Bilawal Bhutto Zardari will travel to India next month for a meeting of a regional grouping known as the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, the foreign ministry spokesperson said Thursday.
Pakistan-held Kashmir elects Imran Khan ally as new chief
April 20, 2023 GMTISLAMABAD (AP) — A lawmaker from the party of Pakistan’s former Prime Minister Imran Khan was elected to the top post in the Pakistani-administered section of Kashmir Thursday, officials said.
Local lawmakers elected Anwarul Haq to replace Tanveer Ilyas, who was removed as the territory's chief last week by a court for insulting judges.
Pakistan court jails Chinese national charged with blasphemy
April 18, 2023 GMTPESHAWAR, Pakistan (AP) — A Pakistani court has ruled that a Chinese national arrested on blasphemy charges be held in jail for two weeks, pending trial, a police officer said Tuesday. Under Pakistan’s controversial blasphemy laws, anyone convicted of blasphemy can be sentenced to death.
Massive landslide buries trucks, kills 2 people in Pakistan
April 18, 2023 GMTPESHAWAR, Pakistan (AP) — A massive landslide struck a key highway in northwestern Pakistan near the border town of Torkham before dawn Tuesday, burying two dozen trucks and killing at least two people, officials said.
NZ snatches dramatic 4-run T20 win over strong Pakistan
April 17, 2023 GMTLAHORE, Pakistan (AP) — An inexperienced New Zealand survived Iftikhar Ahmed’s late onslaught to snatch a stunning four-run win against Pakistan and keep alive their five-match Twenty20 series on Monday.
Chinese national arrested on blasphemy charges in Pakistan
April 17, 2023 GMTPESHAWAR, Pakistan (AP) — Pakistani police arrested a Chinese national on blasphemy charges after he allegedly insulted Islam and the Prophet Muhammad, authorities said Monday. Under Pakistan’s controversial blasphemy laws, a conviction for the offense carries the death penalty.
Traffic collision kills 7 police officers in Pakistan’s SW
April 16, 2023 GMTISLAMABAD (AP) — A head-on traffic collision in Pakistan's southwest killed seven police officers who were returning home for the Eid holidays, an official said.
They died at the scene of the crash on a national highway in the Khuzdar area of Baluchistan province on Saturday night, according to police official Fahad Khoso.
Pakistani police: 3 children killed while playing with bomb
April 14, 2023 GMTQUETTA, Pakistan (AP) — Three children were killed on Friday while playing with an unexploded bomb at an abandoned house in southwestern Pakistan, near the Afghan border, police said.
According to police official Shabir Ahmed, the explosion took place in the border town of Chaman in Pakistan’s Baluchistan province, some 150 kilometers (90 miles) from the provincial capital of Quetta.
Suspect extradited from Pakistan over 2005 UK police slaying
April 13, 2023 GMTLONDON (AP) — A 74-year-old man extradited from Pakistan appeared in a London court Thursday to face a murder charge in the death of a police officer who was fatally shot while responding to a bank robbery almost two decades ago.
IMF slashes cash-strapped Pakistan’s growth outlook to 0.5%
April 12, 2023 GMTISLAMABAD (AP) — The International Monetary Fund has slashed the growth outlook for cash-strapped Pakistan, forecasting the South Asian country's fragile economy will grow just 0.5% this year, down from 6% in 2022.
Shooting in Indian army station kills 4 soldiers
April 12, 2023 GMTNEW DELHI (AP) — A firing incident inside a military station in northern India killed at least four soldiers early Wednesday, an army statement said.
The statement didn't give details, saying only that quick reaction teams were activated, and the area cordoned off and sealed.
Shootout in SW Pakistan kills 4 police officers, militant
April 11, 2023 GMTQUETTA, Pakistan (AP) — Pakistani security forces raided a suspected hideout of the Pakistani Taliban in the southwestern city of Quetta early Tuesday, triggering a shootout that killed four officers and a militant commander, officials said.