Three-day basant festival begins in Quetta
QUETTA: After Lahore, people of Quetta began celebrating the festival of Basant with traditional enthusiasm on Friday. Festivities will continue till February 15. The administration and police have issued guidelines urging citizens to celebrate Basant safely and peacefully, and to completely avoid aerial firing during the festivities. The citizens have been urged to celebrate the festival peacefully and follow safety precautions to ensure the festivities remain free of any untoward incidents. Earlier, Basant festivities returned to Lahore after two decades, creating an atmosphere of excitement across the city, where spirited Lahorites gathered in large numbers on streets and rooftops to fly kites
Source:The Patriot
February 13, 2026 15:08 UTC
PSX plunges over 2,100 points
KARACHI : Heavy selling gripped the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) on Friday, dragging the benchmark KSE-100 Index down by more than 2,100 points within the first few minutes of trading. By 10:05am, the index stood at 178,391.58, reflecting a decline of 2,121.06 points, or 1.18%. Major sectors came under pressure, including cement, commercial banking, fertiliser, oil and gas exploration, oil marketing companies (OMCs), and power generation. Prominent index-weighted stocks such as OGDC, MARI, POL, PPL, HUBCO, ARL, MCB, MEBL, and UBL were all trading in negative territory. On Thursday, the KSE-100 Index fell by 2,537.16 points, or 1.39%, closing at 180,512.65.
Source:The Patriot
February 13, 2026 15:08 UTC
Mishi Khan breaks down in viral vi
KARACHI – Pakistani actress Mishi Khan, known for her outspoken views and candid commentary, has gone viral on social media after sharing an emotional video that left many of her fans visibly moved. In the widely circulated clip, Mishi Khan appears tearful and distressed while speaking about former prime minister Imran Khan’s reported eye condition. The video quickly gained traction online, prompting an outpouring of support and consolatory messages from her followers. In the video, the actress is seen expressing sorrow over the reported deterioration of Imran Khan’s eyesight. Without naming anyone directly, Mishi Khan also questioned those she held responsible, saying, “How can you be so cruel?”The video has sparked widespread reaction on social media, with many users offering words of comfort to the actress and sharing their views on the matter.
Source:The Patriot
February 13, 2026 15:08 UTC
Trump plans to announce Gaza funding plan,
The details on Trump’s plans for the first meeting of his Board of Peace for Gaza have not been previously reported. The board’s creation was endorsed by a United Nations Security Council resolution as part of Trump’s Gaza plan. “The president will make announcements vis a vis the money raised.”STABILISATION FORCEDeployment of the International Stabilisation Force is a key part of the next phase of Trump’s Gaza plan, announced in September. Under Trump’s Gaza plan, Hamas members who commit to peaceful co-existence and to decommission their weapons will be given amnesty. Other updates will cover humanitarian aid for Gaza as well as the Gaza police, the officials said.
Source:The Patriot
February 13, 2026 15:08 UTC
Two labourers killed in Okara factory boiler explosion
OKARA :At least two labourers were killed when boiler of a private factory located at the Dipalpur Road in Okara exploded on Thursday, Dunya News reported. According to details, the labourers were working in the factory when the boiler suddenly exploded, as a result two labourers died on the spot. On receiving the information, rescue teams immediately reached the spot, and started relief operations. Police and administrative officials also arrived at the scene and have begun investigation after collecting evidences.
Source:The Patriot
February 13, 2026 07:09 UTC
UAE agrees to two-month rollover of $2 billion deposit for Pakistan
A senior official confirmed that the UAE has consented to extend the deposit until April 17, 2026, at an interest rate of 6.5 percent. Sources said the assurance came after Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar contacted senior Emirati officials earlier this week. The decision comes just days before the expiry of a previous one-month extension. Islamabad has informed the UAE that it will seek a longer-term rollover after concluding negotiations with the IMF. Earlier in January, the UAE had granted a one-month extension when the deposit matured.
Source:The Patriot
February 13, 2026 07:09 UTC
Sri Lanka Showcases Authentic Cuisin
The High Commission of Sri Lanka in Islamabad participated in the Sri Lanka Food Festival held in Karachi from 6–7 February 2026 at the Avari Hotel, Karachi, showcasing the rich and diverse culinary heritage of Sri Lanka. Two professional chefs from Sri Lanka prepared a range of authentic Sri Lankan dishes, offering guests a unique gastronomic experience that highlighted the island nation’s vibrant food culture. Mr. Mehmood Mandviwalla, Honorary Consul, warmly welcomed the High Commissioner, Deputy Speaker and delegation, Minister of Sri Lanka High Commission and distinguished invitees to the Sri Lankan Food Festival, organised as part of the celebrations marking the 78th Independence Day of Sri Lanka. He highlighted that two master chefs were specially flown in from Sri Lanka to present the authentic flavours of Sri Lankan cuisine. The Sri Lanka Food Festival in Karachi successfully reinforced cultural ties and highlighted Sri Lanka’s commitment to promoting friendship and cooperation through cultural engagement.
Source:The Patriot
February 13, 2026 07:09 UTC
Bangladesh's BNP wins two-thirds majority in landmark election
DHAKA : The Bangladesh National Party (BNP) won a decisive two-thirds majority on Friday in general elections, a result expected to bring stability after months of tumult following the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in a Gen Z-led uprising. Latest counts in an election seen as the South Asian nation’s first truly competitive in years gave the BNP and its allies at least 212 of the 299 seats up for grabs, domestic TV channels said. The opposition Jamaat-e-Islami and its allies won 70 seats in the Jatiya Sangsad, or House of the Nation. BNP leader Tarique Rahman is widely expected to be sworn in as prime minister. Nobel peace laureate Muhammad Yunus, 85, held office as interim head after Hasina fled to neighbouring India in August 2024.
Source:The Patriot
February 13, 2026 07:09 UTC
Pakistan remains concerned by presence : Asim Iftikhar
UNITED NATIONS :Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad on Thursday said that Pakistan remains seriously concerned by the presence of terrorist groups on Afghan soil. Speaking at the UN Security Council, Asim Iftikhar said that these groups include TTP, BLA and Majeed Brigade, ISIL-K and Al Qaeda, he said, noting that they have been responsible for some of the most heinous terrorist attacks against Pakistan, as well as incidents of hostage-taking. They have killed 80 innocent people in terrorist attacks in Pakistan in a month, Ambassador Asim told the Security Council. Earlier, the UN Security Council has extended for 12 months the mandate of the team tasked with monitoring sanctions against the Taliban and its associated groups and individuals. Those are imposed both on the Taliban and related “individuals, groups, undertakings and entities” that threaten Afghanistan’s peace, stability and security.
Source:The Patriot
February 13, 2026 07:08 UTC
President Zardari, PM Shehbaz
ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday congratulated the people on the successful conduct of the general elections in Bangladesh, and extended congratulations to the BNP-led alliance for securing a two-thirds majority, as well as to the expected Prime Minister Tariq Rahman. President Zardari also conveyed his best wishes for the continued stability, progress and prosperity of Bangladesh. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz extended heartfelt congratulations to Tariq Rahman on his success in Bangladesh’s parliamentary elections. According to unofficial results, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) alliance has secured a commanding majority, winning 212 out of 300 seats. The Jamaat-e-Islami alliance has accepted the election results and emphasized moving forward in a positive and constructive manner.
Source:The Patriot
February 13, 2026 07:08 UTC
Karan in legal battle against YouTuber
Bollywood’s influential producer Karan Johar has taken a strong stand against popular Indian YouTuber Ajay Nagar, better known as ‘Carryminati’ worldwide. Karan has alleged that the YouTuber is trying to tarnish the producer’s image through his videos. The matter has reached the court. Ajay’s recent series, ‘Koffee with Jalan’, is a parody of Karan’s popular talk show ‘Koffee with Karan’, which takes a dig at Bollywood’s star kids and industry personalities. Karan’s legal team claims that these videos are highly disrespectful and are a deliberate attempt to tarnish Karan’s image.
Source:The Nation
February 13, 2026 06:06 UTC
Criminal neglect
Supreme Court report reveals Imran Khan denied jail facilities, suffers severe vision lossThe amicus curiae's report submitted to the Supreme Court on Imran Khan's living conditions in jail is a damning indictment of the government. This criminal neglect caused a severe infection in the PTI founder's right eye, which is now left with less than 15% of vision. It is now documented that the jail superintendent ignored all pleas for a course correction, including access to a qualified ophthalmologist. The situation calls for accountability of jail officials and those at the helm, whose criminal neglect is costing the former chief executive his eyesight. It's time to make amends and let justice and fair play be the hallmarks in dealings with imprisoned political inmates.
Source:The Express Tribune
February 12, 2026 23:56 UTC
Trumpism and the age of economic uncertainty
More than a personality-driven phenomenon, Trumpism represents a shift toward economic nationalism, unilateralism and a deep skepticism of multilateral institutions. Its ripple effects have extended far beyond the United States, contributing to heightened uncertainty in global markets and complicating an already fragile international order. Beyond trade, Trumpism reshaped global investment flows. Countries that had long depended on access to the US market began exploring alternative partnerships, accelerating a fragmentation of the global economic landscape. Ultimately, global economic stability rests on predictability, transparency and cooperation.
Source:The Patriot
February 12, 2026 23:09 UTC
US House passes bill to require proofrs
A similar measure passed the House twice – last April and in 2024 – only to die in the Senate. The House vote came barely a week after Trump called for Republicans to “take over” elections in more than a dozen locations. Republicans also added a photo ID requirement for people casting ballots at the polls or via mail-in ballots in subsequent federal elections. It is already illegal for non-citizens to vote in federal elections. Independent groups on the left and the right, as well as state election officials, have found such voting to be extremely rare.
Source:The Patriot
February 12, 2026 15:10 UTC
SC directs formation of medical board to assess
A division bench of the apex court, comprising Chief Justice Yahya Afridi and Justice Shahid Bilal Hassan, resumed hearing the case on Imran Khan’s living conditions in Adiala jail on Thursday. The barrister met Imran at Adiala Jail on Tuesday and submitted a seven-page report to the court regarding Imran’s living condition in the prison. Chief Justice Yahya Afridi remarked that the court would pass an appropriate order after reviewing the recommendations presented in the report. The court rejected a request to allow a family member to be present during the medical examination. It also observed that books would be provided to the PTI founder if doctors recommend reading as part of medical advice.
Source:The Patriot
February 12, 2026 15:10 UTC