PM Shehbaz in Washington to attend
WASHINGTON,:Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday arrived here to attend the maiden meeting of the Board of Peace, at the invitation of US President Donald Trump. Accompanying the prime minister in the Pakistani delegation are Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar, and Special Assistant Tariq Fatemi. Besides attending the meeting of the Board of Peace, he is also likely to hold meetings with senior US officials during the visit. Prime Minister Shehbaz’s visit to the United States reflects Pakistan’s role as member of the Board of Peace for the establishment of global peace and its growing diplomatic successes. The visit will also provide an opportunity for discussions on bilateral matters, as well as global issues of mutual concern.
Source:The Patriot
February 19, 2026 12:33 UTC
Govt faces criticism as minister says new jet is meant for Air Punjab
LAHORE : The Punjab government is facing criticism on social media for purchasing a plane for allegedly Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz as Information Minister Azma Bokhari has said the jet is meant for a fleet being built for Air Punjab. Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari has said that a fleet is being built for Air Punjab, this plane is a link in that chain, and people will be informed as soon as the matters take final shape. Users on social media strongly criticised the purchase of the plane. Currently, the aircraft is registered in the United States. It should be noted that Punjab Airlines is preparing to start its first flight in April, with seven aircraft being acquired in the initial phase.
Source:The Patriot
February 19, 2026 12:33 UTC
T20 World Cup: West Indies set Italy 166-run target
The West Indies set Italy 166-run victory target in the last Group C match of T20 World Cup at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, on Thursday. Put in to bat, the West Indies was led from the front by captain Shai Hope who hit 46-ball 75. He acknowledged that they were playing against a powerful West Indies team, and “we are ready for the challenge.”West Indies skipper Shai Hope said he looked forward to finishing on a high. The West Indies are at the top of Group C with three wins from as many outings and in the Super Eight stage. They will not qualify even they beat the mighty West Indies.
Source:The Patriot
February 19, 2026 12:02 UTC
moon of Ramadan has been sighted
The Ruet-e-Hilal Committee announced the sighting of the moon of Ramadan 1447 AH and the first fast tomorrow. According to the details, the central meeting of the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee was held in Peshawar under the chairmanship of Maulana Abdul Khabir Azad. Later, Chairman Ruet-e-Hilal Committee Maulana Abdul Khabir Azad announced the sighting of the moon of Ramadan 1447 AH. He said that the moon of Ramadan 1447 AH has been sighted across the country and the first fast will be observed tomorrow, February 19. Initially, the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee received 21 reports of moon sighting from Peshawar, Mardan, Swabi, Charsadda, Nowshera and Islamabad, the capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Source:The Patriot
February 18, 2026 22:51 UTC
city-destroying asteroids' in space!
NASA scientists have warned that the Earth is currently unable to defend itself against thousands of ‘city-destroying’ asteroids hurtling through space. They estimate that there are about 15,000 medium-sized space rocks that are within striking distance of Earth but have not yet been detected. The 2022 DART mission proved that we can use rockets to deflect an asteroid in an emergency. “We are concerned about these city-destroying asteroids,” said Dr. Nancy (who is affiliated with Johns Hopkins University), the head of the DART mission. He warned that space agencies do not have enough resources to keep the defense system on high alert constantly.
Source:The Patriot
February 18, 2026 22:51 UTC
how much is it per tola?
After a two-day break in global and local markets, gold and silver prices increased. The price of gold per ounce in the international bullion market increased by $13 to $4,933. After the increase in the global market, the price of gold per tola in the country also increased by Rs1,300 to Rs516,062. In addition, the price of gold per ten grams increased by Rs1,114 to Rs442,439. The price of silver per tola increased by Rs32 to Rs8,046, while the price of silver per ten grams also increased by Rs28 to Rs6,898.
Source:The Patriot
February 18, 2026 22:51 UTC
Bollywood superstar's father passes away
Bollywood star actor Sidharth Malhotra’s father Sunil Malhotra has passed away. According to Indian media reports, the news of the death of actor Sidharth Malhotra’s father Sunil Malhotra was announced by his son himself through social media. According to sources, Sunil Malhotra had been ill for a long time and had been suffering from illness for a long time. According to Indian media, family sources said that the last rites have been performed, however, the couple will spend some more time with their family in Delhi. It should be remembered that former Merchant Navy Commander Sunil Malhotra was considered an important figure in Sidharth’s childhood and professional life.
Source:The Patriot
February 18, 2026 22:51 UTC
Economic Diplomacy
The reported 10 percent increase in bilateral trade last year, with Pakistan’s exports to Uzbekistan growing by 12 percent, is encouraging. Yet when measured against the ambitious target of $2 billion in two-way trade, current volumes remain modest. This gap between potential and performance is precisely what both ministers acknowledged, using unusually candid language about the need to “materialize” opportunities. For Pakistan, whose exporters struggle with delayed shipments and volatile routes, this is not a luxury, it is a necessity. The presence of 228 Pakistani companies in Uzbekistan, with 80 new registrations in a single year, signals strong business interest.
Source:The Patriot
February 18, 2026 22:51 UTC
this is a blessed month of appreciation
He added in his message that Ramadan strengthens family and social ties along with spiritual renewal. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, while congratulating Muslims on Ramadan, said that this month is a time for hope, support and working for better human rights. British King Charles, in his message at the beginning of Ramadan, said that this holy month reminds us of patience, compassion, generosity and spiritual reflection. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said that Ramadan is a month of spiritual strength, charity and community service for Muslims. Italian President Sergio Mattarella called Ramadan a month of human values, sacrifice and mutual solidarity and gave a message of goodwill to Muslims.
Source:The Patriot
February 18, 2026 20:35 UTC
Two years child kidnapped while playing outside home in Lahore
LAHORE : A two-year-old boy was abducted while playing outside his home in Lahore, and CCTV footage of the incident has now surfaced. The child, identified as Zohan, went missing from the Johar Town area. According to the family, Zohan was playing inside his house when he suddenly wandered outside, where a suspect on a motorcycle seized the opportunity to abduct him. The released CCTV footage shows the young boy sitting on the motorcycle with the suspect, providing crucial evidence for the ongoing investigation. The family and local community remain on alert as efforts continue to locate Zohan and ensure his safe return.
Source:The Patriot
February 18, 2026 14:52 UTC
Bangladeshi Prime Minister's swearing-in ceremony Archives
The swearing-in ceremony of the newly elected Prime Minister of Bangladesh will be on February 17. According to details, Prime Minister of Pakistan Shahbaz Sharif has also been invited to attend the swearing-in ceremony of the Bangladeshi Prime Minister. However, Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif is on a visit to Austria and will not be able […]
Source:The Patriot
February 18, 2026 14:52 UTC
Pakistan cricketer Hassan Ali blessed with baby boy
ISLAMABAD :Pakistan cricketer Hassan Ali has announced the birth of a baby boy. Taking to social media platform X, Hassan shared the joyous news of the birth of his son. In his post, the cricketer wrote, “Helena, Hezel,Samiya and I welcomed a new addition to our family last night”. “Alhamdulillah, our beautiful baby boy (Hamdan Hassan Ali ) is doing well, and his Mama (my Queen) is recovering strongly,” he added. Hasan also requested his fans and followers to keep them in their prayers during this special time.
Source:The Patriot
February 18, 2026 14:52 UTC
Gold prices in Pakistan rise again after two-day pause
KARACHI : Gold and silver prices registered an increase in both international and domestic markets after a two-day pause. Following the global uptrend, gold prices in the local market also moved higher. Similarly, the price of 10 grams of gold increased by Rs1,114, taking it to Rs442,439. Silver prices also witnessed a rise. Market analysts attribute the upward trend to fluctuations in the international bullion market, which directly impact domestic gold and silver rates.
Source:The Patriot
February 18, 2026 14:52 UTC
Barrister Danyal Stresses Need for P
ISLAMABAD, : Parliamentary Secretary for Information and Broadcasting, Barrister Danyal Chaudhry, has emphasized the critical importance of parliamentary oversight regarding the newly introduced NEPRA Prosumer Regulations 2026, which carry far-reaching implications for solarized consumers, renewable energy adoption, and Pakistan’s international climate commitments. “The surge in rooftop solar adoption reflects public demand for affordable and reliable electricity. Experts also shed light on potential risks, including reduced solar uptake and the possibility of consumers defecting from the national grid altogether. He underscored that informed parliamentary engagement on this issue is essential to ensure that Pakistan’s energy policies align with both national interests and international commitments to clean energy transition. As we navigate this energy transition, we must ensure that regulations encourage renewable energy adoption rather than discourage it, and that consumers are treated fairly while maintaining grid stability”.
Source:The Patriot
February 18, 2026 12:36 UTC
Cop martyred as police foil heavy gun attack in DI Khan
DERA ISMAIL KHAN: In a late-night act of terror, heavily armed militants launched an attack on passenger buses and a Customs Office in Dera Ismail Khan, spreading panic and fear across the area. The attackers reportedly used heavy weapons, creating chaos and forcing passengers and nearby residents into a state of extreme distress. Due to the timely and effective retaliation by security personnel, the attackers were unable to sustain their assault and were ultimately forced to flee the scene. Following the attack, a heavy contingent of police was deployed to the area. Officials stated that efforts are ongoing to apprehend the attackers, and security measures across the region have been further tightened to prevent any similar incidents.
Source:The Patriot
February 18, 2026 12:36 UTC