Dawn
Source:
https://www.dawn.com
Found 10732 news
-
Dawn - 17:23 Mar 10, 2026
Bahrain’s interior ministry has said that the country’s Anti-Cyber Crime Directorate arrested six Asians, including five Pakistanis, after they “filmed, published and reposted videos related to the effects of the treacherous Iranian aggression”. This was shared in a statement on the police media centre’s website on Monday. The statement also alleged that the suspects expressed “sympathy with and glorified those hostile acts in a manner that harms security and public order”. It added that the videos in question were circulated through the suspects’ social media accounts, “contributing to misleading public opinion and spreading fear among citizens and residents”. “Legal procedures have been taken, and the suspects have been referred to the public prosecution,” the statement added. According to the information available on the website, apart from five Pakistanis, a Bangladeshi has also been arrested for the alleged offence. It said the interior ministry “also urged everyone to obtain information from official so... -
Dawn - 14:47 Mar 10, 2026
On the eleventh day of the war, the conflict in the Middle East is shifting into a phase of sustained attrition — one in which Iran appears determined to exploit endurance, lower operational costs and employ a network of proxies to offset the technological and financial advantages of the United States and Israel. Though the kinetic activity across the main theatre has remained comparatively limited during the past 24 hours, the effects of the operations continue to be strategically significant. Until now, Iran’s striking of Israel’s Haifa refinery complex a couple of days ago with Shahed-136 drones, in retaliation for Israeli attacks on oil depots around Tehran, remains the most consequential single event shaping current Israeli strategic calculus. Firefighting crews have now reportedly contained roughly 95 per cent of the blaze at Haifa, but several primary storage tanks have suffered structural damage and operations at the facility are expected to remain suspended for at least two weeks. On the other side o... -
Dawn - 14:35 Mar 10, 2026
The government completed its 5G spectrum auction in Islamabad on Tuesday, with 480 megahertz sold for $507 million at the end of the third round of bidding. The three bidders — Zong, Jazz and Ufone — competed heavily at 2600 megahertz for the key frequency band needed for the 5G service. Zong acquired 110MHz, Ufone 180MHz and Jazz 190MHz during the auction. Pakistan offered 700 MHz for $32.5m, 1800 MHz for $16.8m, 2100 MHz for $70m, 2300 MHz for $10m, 2600 MHz for $12.50m and 3500 MHz for $6.5m per lot. The bidding process was launched in the presence of Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, Information Minister Attaullah Tarrar, former IT minister Syed Aminul Haque, and the chairperson of the National Assembly Standing Committee on IT and Telecom, along with some members of the committee. All three telecom companies were required to acquire at least 100 MHz. Among the telcos, Jazz purchased the most spectrum, not only in 5G-compatible bands but also in the frequencies used for long-distance telephone services... -
Dawn - 13:07 Mar 10, 2026
ISLAMABAD: Senior officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) on Tuesday assured the National Assembly Standing Committee on Overseas Pakistanis that there was no situation requiring a mass evacuation of Pakistani nationals from the Middle East. The head of the MoFA’s Crisis Management Cell gave a detailed briefing to the NA committee about the number of Pakistanis stranded in various Middle Eastern countries due to the ongoing conflict and about the efforts being made to repatriate them. In the meeting, presided over by PPP MNA Syed Agha Rafiullah, the committee members expressed their serious concerns over the manifold increase in airline fares, particularly by Pakistan International Airlines (PIA). The ministry official informed the committee that Pakistanis were facing fuel shortages and transport problems in various countries, adding that the absence of public transport had created further difficulties for them. “Gulf missions reported large registered populations but comparatively manageable eva... -
Dawn - 13:04 Mar 10, 2026
Official sources dismissed on Tuesday reports that a three-member delegation sent by the government was holding talks with the Afghan Taliban in Kabul amid border tensions. The sources noted that “Afghan propaganda accounts” had been making such claims on social media. Afghanistan-based Tolo News also reported the same, citing an anonymous source. But, official sources in Pakistan said there was no truth to these reports and Pakistan had not sent any such delegation to Kabul. The sources asserted that Pakistan’s position was very clear that the Afghan Taliban would have to stop facilitating Fitna-al-Khawarij and take decisive action against them. There would be no talks with the Afghan Taliban until then, Pakistan would continue actions against the hideouts of Fitna-al-Khawarij in Afghanistan, the sources said. Fitna-al-Khawarij is a term that the state uses for the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). The reports of alleged talks and the subsequent dismissal by the official sources have come against the ... -
Dawn - 12:38 Mar 10, 2026
Partab Shivani, a Hindu in Pakistan, has fasted on and off during Ramazan for years, but this time is different as he practices abstinence for the entire holy month. Every year, he and his friends in Mithi arrange Iftar to foster peace and solidarity between the two religions. “I believe we need to promote interfaith harmony. First, we are humans — religions came later,” Shivani, a 48-year-old social activist, told AFP, adding that he also reads the teachings of the Buddha. “His message is about peace and ending war. Peace can spread through solidarity and by standing with one another. Distance only widens the gap between people,” he added. This photograph taken on February 26, 2026 shows Mohan Lal Malhi (2L), a Hindu caretaker of a Sufi shrine, breaking his fast during Ramazan at Mithi in the Tharparkar district of Sindh. — AFP Most of the country’s Hindu population, which comprises two per cent population, lives in rural areas of Sindh. In Mithi itself, most of the 60,000 inhabitants are Hindu. Many of the ... -
Dawn - 12:30 Mar 10, 2026
Let’s face it — half the joy of Eid shopping is buying for the kids. Tiny kurtas. Mini kameezes. Pocket-sized waistcoats. Dresses that twirl dramatically for no reason at all. Children in festive wear just feel like Eid. But somewhere between “Awww” and “Let’s take a thousand photos,” we sometimes forget one important thing: Kids do not care about structure, layering, or perfect pleats. They care about running around, eating less, climbing furniture, and running again. So, when it comes to dressing children for Eid, the golden rule is simple — comfort first, everything else after. The non-negotiable Adults can tolerate a slightly tight sleeve or a heavy dupatta for a few hours. Children cannot. And they shouldn’t have to. Eid mornings are long. There are guests, hugs, food, visits, and photos. If an outfit is itchy, stiff, too layered, or difficult to move in, it won’t survive the day — and neither will your patience. Choose breathable fabrics. Soft cotton blends, lightweight silk-cotton mixes, airy lawn, or ... -
Dawn - 12:21 Mar 10, 2026
The Sindh government on Tuesday announced its own set of austerity measures to curtail the economic impact of the ongoing regional tensions, stating that schools will observe a spring vacation and government offices will work from home on Fridays. Addressing a press conference, Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon said schools across the province will have a “spring vacation from March 16 to 31, while colleges and universities will switch to online classes”. However, he noted, no ongoing exams will be postponed. The minister also clarified that, contrary to some media reports, government functioning will not stop on Fridays. Instead, government officials will work from home (WFH). “Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday — you have to work. On Friday, you have to work from home,” he said. The Sindh minister affirmed that the province endorsed all the decisions announced by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday. “The Sindh government has launched its austerity campaign,” he added. He declared that the prov... -
Dawn - 10:55 Mar 10, 2026
Oil prices fall after topping $119 a barrel on Monday Trump predicted the war in the Middle East could be over soon G7 ready to act on oil surge but holds off tapping reserves Oil prices plummeted 7 per cent on Tuesday after soaring to a more than three-year high in the previous session as US President Donald Trump predicted the war in the Middle East could end soon, easing concerns about prolonged disruptions to oil supplies. Brent futures were down $6.75, or 6.8pc, to $92.21 a barrel at 10:12 GMT, while US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude was down $6.41, or 6.8pc, to $88.36 a barrel. Both contracts fell as much as 11pc earlier. Volumes in Brent dropped to about 213,000 contracts, the lowest amount since February 27, just before the start of the conflict. Volumes in WTI fell to 212,000, the lowest since February 20. Oil surged to more than $119 barrel on Monday to its highest since mid-2022 as supply cuts by Saudi Arabia and other producers stoked fears of major disruptions to global supplies. Prices late... -
Dawn - 10:01 Mar 10, 2026
Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar on Tuesday called on the media to exercise caution when discussing matters related to Pakistan’s foreign policy amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, citing “unease” voiced by “friendly countries”. He made the remarks while addressing a press conference alongside Information Minister Ataullah Tarar and Minister of State for Interior Tallal Chaudry. The press conference came against the backdrop of conflict in Iran, which has been embroiled in a war with the United States and Israel since the latter’s February 28 strikes, prompting retaliatory strikes from Iran on neighbouring countries, which house US bases. Taking note of the recent escalation in the Middle East following US-Israeli attacks on Iran, the minister stressed the need for caution in the “narrative on these matters on social media, electronic media, and print media”. “As a nation, we must keep in mind that when expressing our views, we have to keep the constitution and Pakistan’s foreign policy under considera... -
Dawn - 09:27 Mar 10, 2026
Pakistan’s benchmark KSE-100 index advanced 9,696.98 points on Tuesday, closing in the green, up 6.62 per cent from its previous close. Shortly after opening, the index gained 9,303.75 points, or 6.35pc, in early trading before a temporary market halt was enacted following the sharp rally. Trading was temporarily suspended in accordance with regulations of the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX), according to an official notice issued by the exchange. The notification stated that the halt was triggered after the KSE-30 index recorded a 5pc increase from the previous trading day’s close, activating the exchange’s market suspension mechanism. Trading resumed at 10:27am. After the resumption of trade, the index rose to the intraday high of 11,846 points, after which it dipped to 10,085.15 points by 12:55pm. It later pared some gains before closing in the green at 2pm. This rally is in sharp contrast to the market’s previous close. On Monday, the KSE-100 index closed the session at 146,480 points, marking a decline of ... -
Dawn - 08:07 Mar 10, 2026
WASHINGTON: During a heated debate on Afghanistan at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) on Monday, Pakistan lambasted India’s criticism of cross-border strikes, accusing Delhi of complicity in the terror threat at the western border. Pakistan’s Permanent Representative Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad exchanged strong words with his Indian and Afghan counterparts after the former accused Islamabad of “flagrant violations of international law” during the Pak-Afghan conflict. During the session, India’s Permanent Representative Parvathaneni Harish said his country “reiterates UNSG’s deep concern at civilian casualties caused by cross-border violence and strongly condemns airstrikes which are flagrant violations of international law, UN Charter and state sovereignty”. India also expressed “grave concern on ‘trade and transit terrorism’” and said “these vulnerabilities of Land-Locked Developing Countries should not be weaponised”. India a ‘spoiler’ in Afghanistan: Pak envoy Ambassador Ahmad, following the r... -
Dawn - 07:54 Mar 10, 2026
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, on Tuesday, in a phone call with his Bahraini counterpart, reiterated Pakistan’s call for de-escalation and dialogue for stability in the Middle East amid escalating tensions in the region. Iran, Pakistan’s western neighbour, has been embroiled in a war with the United States and Israel since the latter’s February 28 strikes that assassinated its supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. In retaliation for the strikes, Iran resorted to targeting neighbouring countries, which house US bases, including Bahrain. According to a statement by the Foreign Office (FO), Dar spoke with Bahrain’s Foreign Minister Dr Abdullatif Bin Rashid Al Zayani last night, and the two “exchanged views on the developments in the Middle East and the wider region, conveying grave concern over recent attacks, including in Bahrain”. FO added that during the call, Dar “reaffirmed Pakistan’s solidarity with Bahrain and its people”. He also underscored the need for “de‑escalation, dialogue,... -
Dawn - 06:43 Mar 10, 2026
WASHINGTON: The United States on Monday designated Afghanistan as a ‘State Sponsor of Wrongful Detention’, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio accusing the Taliban of using hostage-taking as leverage against Washington. Earlier, in February, Iran was also designated a ‘State Sponsor of Wrongful Detention’. The announcement came as Washington sharpened its criticism of Taliban policies at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), where US Ambassador Mike Waltz questioned continued international engagement and funding provided to Afghanistan. Rubio, in a statement issued on Monday evening, said: “Today, I am designating Afghanistan as a State Sponsor of Wrongful Detention.” He warned Americans against travel to Afghanistan, saying: “It is not safe for Americans to travel to Afghanistan because the Taliban continues to unjustly detain our fellow Americans and other foreign nationals.” He alleged that the Taliban “continue to use terrorist tactics, kidnapping individuals for ransom or to seek policy concessions... -
Dawn - 05:34 Mar 10, 2026
WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump on Monday declined to say whether Iran’s newly appointed supreme leader has a “target on his back,” but made clear his dissatisfaction with Tehran’s choice, calling it “going to lead to more of the same.” Asked at a news briefing in Doral, Florida, whether Iran’s new leader was a target, Trump replied: “The new leader, you mean the son?… I was disappointed to see their choice,” before adding, “I don’t want to say whether he has (a target on his back).” Pressed again at the end of the session, he repeated that he would not comment on any targeting decision but reiterated his broader frustration, saying the Iranian people are “an amazing people but the system they have only leads to failure.” The remarks came a day after Iran’s Assembly of Experts formally appointed Mojtaba Khamenei — son of the late supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei — to succeed his father following his death in a US-Israeli strike. The succession consolidates power within the clerical circles and sign... -
Dawn - 04:00 Mar 10, 2026
PM Shehbaz Sharif • PM defends ‘difficult decision’ on fuel prices, says global oil market ‘not in Pakistan’s hands’ • Public, private workplaces to shift half their staff to ‘work from home’; won’t apply to essential services such as banks, hospitals, agricultural or industrial sectors • All schools, colleges to stay closed for two weeks; higher education institutes to shift classes online • Special cabinet committee reviews fuel stocks, assesses national preparedness • Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan also announce measures; Sindh cabinet meets today ISLAMABAD / LAHORE / PESHAWAR: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced unprecedented austerity measures to cope with the situation that emerged due to the US-Israel war on Iran, which has led to a global oil crisis affecting various countries, including Pakistan, as three provinces with the exception of Sindh have taken their own set of steps to deal with the situation. In his address to the nation on Monday night, the premier unveiled the government’... -
Dawn - 02:58 Mar 10, 2026
Members of the Lebanese Civil Defence extinguish a fire in a building after an Israeli strike on Beirut’s southern suburbs.—Reuters • Lebanese parliament postpones legislative elections for two years • Lebanese president says Hezbollah risks state collapse, suggests full truce, direct talks BEIRUT: The Israeli onslaught in Lebanon has displaced nearly 700,000 people, with reports of children among the casualties, as the conflict with the Lebanese resistance group Hezbollah enters its second week, a UN agency said on Monday. “Mass displacement across Lebanon has forced nearly 700,000 people including around 200,000 children from their homes, adding to the tens of thousands already uprooted from previous escalations,” UNICEF Regional Director Edouard Beigbeder said. “Children are being killed and injured at a horrifying rate, families are fleeing their homes in fear, and thousands of children are now sleeping in cold and overcrowded shelters.” Lebanon, a country of 6 million, has turned its largest sport... -
Dawn - 02:45 Mar 10, 2026
• US president calls Mojtaba’s appointment ‘bad idea’; says war could be ‘over soon’ • Kremlin says Putin gave Trump proposals for a quick settlement of conflict • Israel launches more attacks on Tehran, Isfahan; Iran pledges bigger warheads in response • Bahrain oil facilities attacked; Nato defences shoot down missiles aimed at Turkiye • Two UAE servicemen killed; strike hits near Iraqi base, Baghdad airport TEHRAN / WASHINGTON: Monday was a rough day for global markets, which saw Brent crude oil prices jumping to a peak of $119.50 as Iran launched fresh strikes on energy installations in the Gulf, before coming back down to around $82 a barrel. For his part, US President Donald Trump predicted the war in the Middle East could be over soon, even as Tehran saw rallies in support of the new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei. Iranian state media showed large crowds in several cities rallying behind the new leader, waving Iranian flags and holding portraits of his father Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed by... -
Dawn - 00:34 Mar 10, 2026
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday announced a host of austerity measures to conserve fuel in view of the global fuel crisis triggered by the US-Israel war on Iran. Austerity measures 50pc cut in fuel allowance for official vehicles, with the exemption of operational vehicles such as ambulances and public buses, for the next two months 60pc vehicles of official vehicles to be grounded in all federal and provincial government establishments for the next two months The federal cabinet and provincial cabinet members will forgo salaries and allowances for the next two months Salaries of members of federal and provincial legislatures to see a 25pc cut for two months BS-20 government officials, in federal and provincial government establishments, who earn Rs300,000 or more, may forgo two days’ salary; officials serving in health and education sectors are exempted 20pc reduction in non-employee related expenditure for the fourth quarter for all federal and provincial government establishments 50pc staff to work... -
Dawn - 21:18 Mar 09, 2026
US President Donald Trump indicated for the first time on Monday that US military operations in Iran could be coming to an end, saying the war was “very complete” and progressing ahead of schedule. The war had sent stock markets slumping and oil prices soaring again on Monday as Tehran, under new leader Mojtaba Khamenei, fired a new barrage of missiles at its Gulf neighbours and signalled that the strategic Strait of Hormuz would likely remain closed. But Wall Street vaulted into positive territory on Monday after Trump’s remarks, despite the lack of details on any solution to the conflict still raging in the Middle East. “I think the war is very complete, pretty much. They have no navy, no communications, they’ve got no air force,” Trump told CBS News by phone, repeating battle damage assessments that he has given in previous days. Trump told the US broadcaster that the United States was “very far” ahead of his initially stated timeframe for the war of four or five weeks. On the first day in power for the 56...
10732 items