- Army shoots down ‘spying quadcopter’ along LoC DG ISPR Maj Gen Asif Ghafoor says the quadcopter had flown 150 metres inside of Pakistan.
- Qureshi denounces ‘racist elements’ in Western states in wake of NZ terror attacks Shah Mahmood Qureshi says racism in Western countries is influencing politics.
- FBR extends deadline to file tax returns till March 31 The deadline has been extended mainly to facilitate taxpayers excluded from the Active Taxpayers’ List.
- Australian senator egged after racist comments following New Zealand mosque terror attacks Senator Fraser Anning drew international condemnation for his efforts to blame the attack on immigration
- Senate committee to discuss expenditure incurred during MBS’s visit to Pakistan The Senate Standing Committee on Cabinet Secretariat meeting will include a briefing on vehicles auctioned at PM house.
- Foreign Office confirms deaths of 6 Pakistanis in New Zealand terror attacks Three Pakistanis remain ‘missing’; authorities in contact with counterparts in New Zealand.
- Zardari, Bilawal summoned in Park Lane probe: NAB spokesperson Faryal Talpur has not been summoned to the NAB Rawalpindi office as yet, says the bureau spokesperson.
- Mashal Khan case verdict delayed, to be announced on March 21 Verdict against four remaining suspects, that was reserved on March 12, was to be announced today
- New Zealand mosque terror attack suspect charged with murder Two other people remain in custody; an 18-year-old has been charged with incitement.
- Youth Strike 4 Climate demo held at Bagh-i-Jinnah Youth Strike 4 Climate is a growing international movement also referred to as ‘School Strike for Climate’.
- No rallies for my health, Nawaz tells workers Former premier urges workers to observe March 23 as Pakistan Day only.
- Kaira berates Imran for ‘using CoD for propaganda’ PPP leader accuses PTI of spreading negative propaganda about Charter of Democracy without reading it.
- Current account deficit shrinks by 59pc in February SBP reports that CAD came out at $356 million, down from $873m in January.
- Govt must expand reforms initiative, says World Bank Washington-based bank says piecemeal approach to reforms will not work given overlapping layers of regulations.
- MQM-P slams ‘plot’ to create new districts in Karachi on ethnic lines The party reiterates demand that more provinces be carved out on administrative basis.
- Textile exports inch up One of the reasons for partial revival in exports is the cash subsidy offered under PM’s Exports Enhancement Package.
- Economists sound warning over India data ahead of poll Modi is vulnerable over his economic record in the polls starting on April 11.
- Foreign investment plunges 41pc Pakistan relies heavily on Chinese FDI, which constituted 44pc of the total inflows during this eight-month period.
- Asad, ADB team discuss economy Finance minister discusses priority areas and new avenues for future interventions.
- US report cites widespread rights violations in India-held Kashmir 2018 US State Department’s country report notes that an estimated up to 145 civilians were killed by security forces.
- Former army officer Asad Munir found dead at Islamabad home In a purported suicide note, the retired brigadier asks CJP to take notice of NAB officials’ conduct.
- Senate panel tells govt to demystify CPEC details Senate special committee tells Planning Ministry to give information of CPEC projects with groundwork and timeline.
- Sale of carbonated drinks in Balochistan’s educational institutions banned Recently established Balochistan Food Authority takes decision in its first meeting.
- Pakistan, Iran vow to boost counterterrorism cooperation Foreign Secretary Tehmina Janjua, Iran’s Deputy FM Seyed Abbas Araghchi discuss “issues of mutual interest” over phone.
- Washington, Kabul publicly disagree over talks with Taliban State Department summons Afghan official for criticism over ongoing peace talks between US and Afghan Taliban.
- SHOs in Punjab regain ‘judicial powers’ of granting bail Initiative taken after meeting of steering committee on police reforms took decisions regarding police reforms.
- Students hold rallies across world to draw attention to climate change The youth carry placards reading: “You’re destroying our future’ and ‘If you don’t act like adults, we will.”
- After PM’s criticism, Punjab Assembly speaker amends bill to omit lifetime perks for CM After the governor okays the bill, the chief minister will only be provided adequate security as a lifetime perk.
- US to deny visas to ICC members probing US troops in Afghanistan Secy of State Pompeo says US prepared to impose economic sanctions if the ICC does not change course.
- US expects North Korea to live up to moratorium on nuclear tests Pompeo says they “have every expectation” Kim Jong Un will honour his promise to not restart the nuclear tests.
- EU leaders urge clarity from Britain before Brexit delay French President Macron says if the current deal is rejected again “a clear and new alternative plan” must be presented.
- New Zealand mosques massacre provides test for live video platforms “There’s no excuse for the content from that livestream to be still circulating on social media now.”
- ‘Dangers of Islamophobia, racist hatred’: Terrorist attack on New Zealand mosques sparks global outcry “We mourn for those who were attacked and murdered out of racist hatred while peacefully praying in their mosques.”
- Decision over complaints against police divides legal fraternity PBC demands reversal of decision to open complain cell in SP’s office to deal with complaints about unregistered FIRs.
- 49 murdered in terror attack on two New Zealand mosques; at least 4 Pakistanis among injured 28-year-old Australian man charged with murder; no information on 5 Pakistani nationals ‘missing’ after attack, says FO.
- North Korea considering suspending nuclear talks with US “We have no intention to yield to the US demands in any form,” a top diplomat says.
- UK lawmakers vote strongly to delay Brexit The House of Commons voted 412-202 to ask the bloc to postpone Britain’s exit until at least June 30.
- PSL 2019 trophy revealed at Karachi’s National Stadium The final will be played between Quetta Gladiators and Peshawar Zalmi on Sunday, March 17.
- Legendary football star Carles Puyol arrives in Karachi Former defender will kick off ticket sales for next month’s World Soccer Stars 2019.
- Young cancer survivor meets his hero, Darren Sammy Hamza had made a video saying it was his dream to meet the Zalmi skipper.
- PSL’s impact will be tenfold when fully relocated to Pakistan: Sarfraz ‘Quetta Gladiators are gelling well for Sunday’s final’.
- Australia series a great chance for youngsters eyeing World Cup squad: Shinwari Usman’s dream of playing the HBL Pakistan Super League final at the National Stadium this Sunday was abruptly shattered.
- Peshawar Zalmi knock defending champions Islamabad United out of PSL to reach final Yellow storm Zalmi advance on to the final for a face-off against the Quetta Gladiators on Sunday.