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  • India's key objectives in Afghanistan solely driven by singular goal of destabilising Pakistan, envoy tells UNSC
    Dawn - 09:45 Jun 09, 2026
    WASHINGTON: Pakistan’s envoy to the United Nations said on Monday that India’s key objectives in Afghanistan were “solely driven by the singular goal of destabilising Pakistan”. He made these remarks during a UN Security Council meeting on Afghanistan while responding to remarks by Afghanistan’s Permanent Representative to UN Nasir Ahmad Faiq. Earlier in the session, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to UN Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad detailed the use of Afghan soil by terrorists and its impact on Pakistan, calling for the Afghan Taliban to take action against militants. He also spoke about Pakistan’s counter-terrorism measures. Responding to Faiq’s comments on Pakistan’s counter-terrorism operations, Ambassador Ahmad said: “Pakistan’s actions, including those conducted in March, were directed solely against the terrorist and military support infrastructure that is operating from Afghanistan. And it is in no way directed against the brotherly people of Afghanistan.” On March 16, the Afghan Taliban had acc...
    Tags: Afghanistan Pakistan
  • Budget likely to be announced on June 12, says minister
    Dawn - 09:34 Jun 09, 2026
    Parliamentary Affairs Minister Tariq Fazal Chaudhry said on Tuesday that the budget for the next fiscal year (FY2026-27) would likely be presented in the parliament on June 12 (Friday). He posted this on X, further stating that summaries to convene budget sessions in the National Assembly and Senate on June 10 (Wednesday) had been sent to the presidency for approval. The sessions for the NA and the Senate have been advised to be summoned at 5pm and 4pm, respectively, Chaudhry added. Before Chaudhry’s statement, uncertainty had surrounded the date for the budget’s presentation as the federal government, its coalition partners and provincial governments struggled to reach a consensus over the Centre’s demand for more than Rs1 trillion for strategic needs. The meeting of the National Economic Council (NEC) was postponed for the third time on Monday at the last moment amid continuing negotiations over the freezing of provincial shares in the federal divisible pool under the NFC Award. Muzzammil Aslam, adviser on ...
    Tags: June
  • Outdoor hospitals, cut-off communities as Philippine quake toll hits 41
    Dawn - 08:31 Jun 09, 2026
    Doctors treated patients in tents set up under a scorching Philippine sun on Tuesday — including helping a young mother give birth — as the death toll from a major earthquake that collapsed buildings and sparked tsunami warnings topped 40. Thousands remained displaced and more than 450 injured following the magnitude-7.8 quake that struck off the southern island of Mindanao on Monday, according to national and local disaster agencies, though only four people were now believed missing. In the hardest-hit Sarangani province, some areas remain accessible only by helicopter and fears of aftershocks were slowing rescue efforts, local officials told reporters at a Tuesday briefing. “There are still aftershocks, so the rescuers are very cautious in their approach. That’s a challenge,” said regional civil defence chief Rodrigo Sosmena. A series of powerful aftershocks rocked the area from about two hours after the first quake, while hundreds of tiny quakes followed. Infrastructure damage, meanwhile, means some commun...
    Tags: Philippine
  • Stokes, Atkinson under probe for nightclub incident
    Dawn - 08:03 Jun 09, 2026
    LONDON: The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) announced on Monday captain Ben Stokes and team-mate Gus Atkinson are being investigated for breaking team rules in a nightclub incident after the first Test against New Zealand. It is the latest controversy concerning the England team following a tour of Australia where the side was confronted with allegations of a drinking culture during a 4-1 Ashes series loss concluded in January. “The ECB is currently investigating a breach of team protocols following the conclusion of the first Men’s Test against New Zealand,” the governing body said. “Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson were present at a nightclub in the early hours of Monday morning when an incident took place. “We are currently seeking further information, and an announcement regarding the squad for the second Test will be made in due course. “The Cricket Regulator has been informed and we will provide a further update when possible.” Before the Ashes, white-ball captain Harry Brook was punched by a nightclub...
  • US judge blocks Trump’s $100,000 fee for H-1B visas
    Dawn - 06:51 Jun 09, 2026
    WASHINGTON: A United States federal judge has blocked a controversial Trump administration rule that would have required a $100,000 fee for each new H-1B visa application, it emerged on Tuesday. US President Donald Trump had ordered the annual fee be added to H-1B skilled worker visas in September 2025. H-1B visas allow companies to sponsor foreign workers with specialised skills — such as scientists, engineers, and computer programmers — to work in the US, initially for three years, but extendable to six years. Judge Leo Sorokin ruled that the charge was effectively a tax, and therefore illegal because only the US Congress has the authority to create new taxes. The decision came after 20 state attorneys general, all Democrats, filed a legal challenge. They argued that the fee would make it harder for public universities, schools, and hospitals to hire qualified international staff. The Trump administration had defended the policy, saying the president had the power to impose the fee as part of immigration en...
    Tags: H-1B Trump
  • Lebanese army commander calls on CDF Munir, discusses regional security environment
    Dawn - 05:13 Jun 09, 2026
    The Lebanese army commander held a meeting with Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir on Tuesday, during which the two exchanged views on the evolving regional security environment. The military’s media affairs wing said in a statement that Lebanese armed forces’ Commander-in-Chief General Rodolphe Haykal called on CDF Munir at the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi. He was presented a guard of honour by a smartly turned-out tri-services contingent upon his arrival at the GHQ, the statement by the Inter-Services Public Relations said. “During the meeting, both dignitaries exchanged views on matters of mutual interest, evolving regional security environment, defence cooperation and prospects for enhancing bilateral military relations,” it added. The discussions focused on strengthening professional interactions, training cooperation and institutional linkages between the armed forces of the two countries, the statement said. It said Field Marshal Munir reaffirmed during...
    Tags: Lebanese CDF Munir
  • Flamingos’ killing at Islamabad’s Rawal Lake raises alarm
    Dawn - 04:38 Jun 09, 2026
    ISLAMABAD: A flock of flamingos resting at Rawal Lake was hunted down by poachers with the help of locals, raising concerns among environmentalists. “We also have evidence that poachers also killed other medium-sized water birds such as the magnificent coots and moorhens,” said an official of the Islamabad Wildlife Management Board (IWMB). Most of the IWMB staff was engaged with seasonal firefighting efforts in the Margalla Hills National Park, the official said, adding that “poachers took advantage of our absence to hunt the birds. About 12 to 13 flamingos were allegedly killed but we are still ascertaining the correct numbers”. A report of the incident has been submitted with the assistant commissioner Islamabad. Incident being investigated; report submitted with assistant commissioner “The police are cooperating with the board and a first information report (FIR) will be registered after further investigations are complete,” the IWMB said. According to the management board, the incident occurred on June 3,...
    Tags: Rawal Lake Islamabad
  • PPP poised to form govt in GB
    Dawn - 02:36 Jun 09, 2026
    GILGIT: The PPP is all set to form a government in Gilgit-Baltistan after it gained 11 out of 24 seats in the Gilgit-Baltistan Legi­slative Assembly, according to unofficial results (Forms-47) of the June 7 elections. As per Forms-47 issued by returning officers from 24 constituencies, the PPP bagged 11 seats, with the PML-N trailing with six seats. The candidates backed by the PTI won two seats, and its ally MWM was victorious in one seat. The independent candidates secured four seats. In a post on X in the early hours of Monday, Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari declared victory, saying the PPP had become the “single largest party” in the region. “The Pakistan Peoples Party is emerging as the single largest party and we will be attempting to form government. I am grateful to the people for their trust and congratulations to Jiyalas on their victory,” said Bhutto-Zardari, whose party had alleged rigging during the polling. Recount ordered On Monday, the Elec­tion Commission of Gilgit-Baltistan ordered a reco­unt in two...
  • AJK braces for long march as tensions persist
    Dawn - 02:25 Jun 09, 2026
    • ‘Proscribed’ JAAC to go ahead with rally from Bhimber to Muzaffarabad, sit-in outside assembly • Officials say govt ‘will not allow’ march to go ahead; large crowds unlikely since group’s leadership is ‘on the run’ MUZAFFARABAD: In the aftermath of Sunday night’s fierce clashes that claimed the lives of seven civilians and four law enforcement personnel in Rawalakot, Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) braced for a shutter-down and wheel-jam strike on Tuesday (today) , announced by the proscribed Joint Awami Action Com­mittee (JAAC). According to initial plans, the JAAC had decided that protesters would start a long march from the southernmost district of Bhimber, passing through Mirpur, Kotli and Poonch before reaching Muzaffarabad on June 10 for a sit-in outside the Legislative Assembly. Government officials, meanwhile, appeared hopeful about the prospects of a tepid response to the protest call for several reasons, including the recent crackdown. In action against JAAC, the authorities had rounded up more than ...
  • Pak-Iran border trade halt to trigger LPG shortages
    Dawn - 01:30 Jun 09, 2026
    GWADAR: Cross-border trade between Pakistan and Iran through the Gabd-Rimdan border crossing has come to a complete halt, raising fears of a severe LPG shortage across the country and leaving hundreds of tonnes of perishable export goods, including rice and mangoes, at risk of spoilage. The Gwadar Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) urged the federal government, senior customs officials and other relevant authorities to take immediate notice of the strategic importance of the Gabd-Rimdan border crossing, remove bureaucratic bottlenecks and ensure the smooth movement of commercial vehicles. It blamed the suspension of trade at the Gabd-Rimdan border on what it described as the incompetence of Pakistan Customs officials. The chamber accused customs authorities of deliberately disrupting formal border trade through unnecessary procedural delays. “This crisis comes at a time when Pakistan’s border trade infrastructure is already under severe strain,” said GCCI President Jiand Hoot. He noted that the Chaman bo...
  • Speaker hesitant to convene KP Assembly amid PTI lawmakers’ dissent
    Dawn - 20:13 Jun 08, 2026
    PESHAWAR/MANSEHRA: Following the emergence of a dissident group of lawmakers within the ruling PTI, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly Speaker Babar Saleem Swati seems reluctant to hold an assembly session, apparently fearing criticism against the provincial government by the party’s own MPAs over the question of Imran Khan’s continued imprisonment. Reports of rifts within the PTI emerged soon after the induction of new ministers, advisers and special assistants – who took oath on May 22. It is understood that some of the MPAs in question are unhappy after not being included in the provincial cabinet. The last sitting of the KP Assembly was held on May 18, which was adjourned by the chair till June 1. However, the house did not meet on the scheduled date, as the speaker first postponed it to June 8. The latest notification issued by the assembly secretariat on Sunday said that the sitting would now be held on Monday, June 15 at 2pm. One of the dissidents told Dawn that there were initially 25 of them, but the number...
    Tags: Assembly
  • In meeting with PM, president stresses ‘provincial rights, economic stability’ in upcoming budget
    Dawn - 19:19 Jun 08, 2026
    President Asif Ali Zardari on Monday stressed that the upcoming 2026–2027 federal budget should prioritise “public welfare, provincial rights and economic stability” during a meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the Presidency said. The meeting, part of wider pre-budget consultations between major allied parties in the Centre, came a couple of days ahead of the government’s announcement to present the federal budget for FY2026–27 on June 10. A handout released after the meeting said Zardari and Shehbaz discussed the upcoming budget at the President’s House. “While discussing budget proposals and public relief, the president stressed prioritising public welfare, provincial rights and economic stability in the federal budget,” the handout said. It added that the president directed that every effort should be made to harmonise the growth rate with public welfare schemes in the upcoming budget. National security, as well as the internal and regional situation, were also discussed. The Presidency said Inter...
  • US-Israel defence integration plan heads for House vote despite opposition
    Dawn - 19:16 Jun 08, 2026
    A controversial proposal to expand military technology cooperation between the United States and Israel is headed for a vote in the House of Representatives after surviving its first major congressional challenge, setting the stage for a broader debate over the future of one of Washington’s closest strategic relationships. The measure, known as the United States-Israel Defence Technology Cooperation Initiative, advanced out of the House Armed Services Committee on Friday after lawmakers rejected an amendment seeking to remove it from the annual defence policy bill. Opponents are expected to renew their challenge when the legislation reaches the House floor, likely in July. The initiative is part of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), the annual legislation through which Congress sets policy and priorities for the US military. If enacted, it would establish a formal framework for expanding cooperation between American and Israeli defence industries and research institutions. The proposal would requi...
    Tags: House
  • Karachi police formulate anti-drug policy with educational institutions
    Dawn - 17:53 Jun 08, 2026
    KARACHI: Recognising the growing threat of narcotics consumption in the city’s educational institutions, the city’s South Zone police have prepared an anti-drug policy in collaboration with the heads of 22 universities and schools. Speaking to Dawn on Monday, South Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Syed Asad Raza said: “Recognising the need for a coordinated, proactive and sustainable response, the police have adopted this comprehensive anti-drug policy to safeguard students from substance abuse and foster a safe, healthy and drug-free educational environment.” He added that the policy was founded on the principles of “prevention, early intervention, parental engagement, rehabilitation, institutional accountability and lawful enforcement”. “It aims to establish and maintain drug-free educational institutions, protect students from exposure to narcotics and other harmful substances, and promote awareness of the physical, psychological, social and legal consequences of substance abuse,” the South DIG sai...
  • 'Give peace a little more chance': PM Shehbaz calls for restraint after Israel, Iran exchange attacks
    Dawn - 17:46 Jun 08, 2026
    Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday urged all sides in the ongoing Middle East conflict to “exercise restraint and give peace a little more chance” after a new round of hostilities between Iran and Israel. “The recent surge in violence in the Middle East is a stark reminder of the dangers associated with a tenuous ceasefire and the unbearable consequences it may lead to,” PM Shehbaz said in a post on X. “We sincerely urge all sides to exercise restraint and give peace a little more chance,” the premier wrote, emphasising that the “final objective is just about to be achieved”. He noted that Pakistan was working “earnestly and painstakingly, together with our brothers and partners, to find a peaceful diplomatic solution to the conflict”. “Let us continue to remain on the path of peace and diplomacy which have bright prospects of success instead of violence and destruction!” PM Shehbaz urged. PM Shehbaz’s statement comes after Israel and Iran exchanged attacks on Monday for the first time since the shaky ce...
    Tags: Iran Israel Shehbaz
  • Pakistan rejects 'unwarranted' remarks on AJK by individuals in UK
    Dawn - 17:03 Jun 08, 2026
    Pakistan on Monday rejected “unwarranted” remarks on Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) by members of the diaspora in the United Kingdom, advising the individuals to refrain from interfering in Pakistan’s internal affairs. “We have noted with concern the irresponsible and ill-informed insinuations made by certain members of the diaspora in the UK regarding AJK,” said the Foreign Office (FO) in a statement. “These individuals are advised to refrain from interfering in the internal affairs of Pakistan and AJK. They would do well to contribute positively to their country of residence,” it maintained. It added that the ministry has also noted the “unwarranted remarks and queries” raised by certain British members of parliament, which reflected a “lack of awareness and disregard for the historical background of the issue”. “For those still living in colonial times, it bears reiterating that Pakistan is a sovereign and democratic republic that firmly believes in non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries...
    Tags: Pakistan
  • Why Houthis threatening Red Sea shipping could mean more for the oil market this time
    Dawn - 15:43 Jun 08, 2026
    Yemen’s Houthis said on Monday that they would ban ships linked to Israel from the Red Sea after Israel renewed its military attacks on Iran, adding to concerns about global shipping and energy flows. This is why it matters and what it means for the Iran war and the global energy crisis: How big is the risk to global energy markets? Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz since Israel and the United States attacked it on February 28 has disrupted most oil and other energy exports from the Gulf, raising prices and causing a major energy shock. Saudi Arabia has responded by diverting more than 70 per cent of its normal daily crude exports to the Red Sea port of Yanbu. That has been a lifeline for the energy market, helping to keep down global oil prices. Any sustained Houthi disruption to Red Sea shipping, including potential attacks on shipping or ports, could be a big problem. When the Houthis launched attacks on Red Sea shipping in November 2023, Gulf oil exports were flowing freely, meaning cargoes were dive...
  • ‘Action replay of 2024 elections’: PTI, TTAP reject GB election results, level rigging allegations
    Dawn - 15:28 Jun 08, 2026
    The PTI on Monday rejected the tentative election results for 24 seats of the Gilgit-Baltistan Legislative Assembly, levelling allegations of rigging and calling for re-election in a constituency in Astore. The preliminary count from Sunday’s polls indicates that the PPP is currently leading in 10 constituencies, the PML-N in six, and independent candidates in five. Addressing a press conference, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan said PTI was barred from campaigning in the days leading up to the election, alleging that it was part of a “planned arrangement aimed at eliminating the party from the polls”. He said that out of the region’s 24 seats, PTI-backed candidates were leading in two constituencies — Naik Karim in Hunza and Sohail Abbas in Gilgit — while their ally Majlis Wahdat-i-Muslimeen’s Muhammad Kazim was ahead in Skardu. However, Gohar claimed PTI-backed candidates were “winning 100 per cent” in a total of eight constituencies — one seat from Astore, one from Diamer, two from Nagar, and one from...
  • Iran halts military operations against Israel, warns of harsher attacks if strikes on Lebanon persist
    Dawn - 15:01 Jun 08, 2026
    Iran on Monday said it was ending its latest military operation against Israel after the first exchanges of fire between the foes since a shaky ceasefire began, but warned it could inflict a more “crushing” response. United States President Donald Trump earlier on Monday told both Iran and key ally Israel to stop fighting, against the background of reports of an increasingly testy relationship between the US leader and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Iran fired dozens of missiles at Israel overnight and Israel responded by targeting military sites in the Islamic republic, sparking fears the escalation could usher in a new full-scale conflict after the April 8 truce. “Israel and Iran must immediately stop ‘shooting.’ President DONALD J. TRUMP,” the US leader wrote on his Truth Social network. Minutes later, he added in a new post that “final negotiations” towards peace were proceeding “subject to ignorance or stupidity getting in its way.” Iran’s military command then said it was halting the operati...
    Tags: Iran Israel
  • Women detained in Afghanistan's Herat in clothing crackdown
    Dawn - 14:55 Jun 08, 2026
    Afghan residents in the western city of Herat have told AFP of witnessing multiple women detained by the Taliban government’s morality police, in a crackdown over clothing which has drawn criticism from the United Nations. The UN mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) said on Sunday it was “concerned over multiple arrests and detentions of women in Herat Afghanistan for alleged non-compliance with dress requirements”. Taliban authorities have gradually tightened restrictions on women since returning to power in August 2021. Women nationwide must be completely covered when they leave home, with many wearing a flowing abaya robe along with a headscarf and a face covering. In Herat, residents witnessed women being detained on Saturday for not wearing the body-cloaking chador or burqa. They spoke to AFP on condition of anonymity for security reasons. “I saw two employees of the ministry, one of whom was carrying a whip, putting two women who were not wearing chadors into a vehicle,” said a 23-year-old woman, referring to...
    Tags: Women Herat

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