Capital and largest city of Punjab, Pakistan; a major industrial, educational hub.
A continent-wide spectacle has unfolded as Europe tracks a rare total solar eclipse. From Russia to Spain, observers have witnessed moments of darkness and a corona glow, with Spain hosting some of the best views. Partial coverage has affected parts of the UK and Europe, while live coverage from ESA and NASA accompanies crowds gathered to view the event.
Ashoura is being observed across major Shiite communities as conflict continues in Iran and Lebanon. Mourners mark Imam Hussein’s martyrdom in Karbala while security forces and militias reinforce processions amid ongoing Israeli-Hezbollah clashes and US-Iran diplomacy. The day blends ritual mourning with the realities of a regional war.
A roof collapse at a private tutoring centre in Lahore has killed 14 children and injured several others. The centre was housed in an aging building and authorities say the incident is being investigated for potential negligence. Arrests have been made as rescue crews continue assessing the rubble and relatives mourn.
A privately operated K2 Airways cargo Boeing 737 disappeared after reporting a navigation failure while en route from Sharjah to Karachi. Wreckage has been recovered south of Ormara, but the five crew members remain missing as authorities coordinate ongoing search-and-rescue efforts amid rough seas.
Torrential rains and flash floods have intensified across Afghanistan, Pakistan and neighboring regions. Authorities have recorded hundreds of deaths, with the NDMA and local agencies warning of ongoing risks as rivers swell and monsoon systems persist. Cities face evacuations, damaged homes, and disrupted livelihoods.
Protests linked to the JAAC have escalated as elections in Pakistan-administered Kashmir proceed in three phases amid a nationwide crackdown. Officials report clashes and casualties, while JAAC demands political reform and abolition of reserved refugee seats. International observers call for access and transparency as media restrictions intensify.
Pakistan is experiencing above-normal rainfall linked to climate change. The deluges have killed more than 100 people since late June, including 14 children, with a roof collapse in Lahore killing multiple residents. Authorities warn the extreme weather could repeat as floods displace millions and submerge large parts of the country.
Amid court cases and protests, Imran Khan’s party faces renewed scrutiny. Amnesty International and UN bodies have raised concerns over prolonged detention and access to legal counsel, as Khan and his wife face years in prison on multiple charges. Meanwhile, a Pakistani politician’s arrest and UK bail conditions amplify cross-border tensions.
Pakistan’s Foreign Media Facilitation Guidelines 2026 have been issued, requiring accreditation and travel clearance for reporting outside Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi. Rights groups call the move a restriction on press freedom; the government says it provides a transparent framework for registration and reporting.