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Dawn - 06:40 Jun 20, 2026
Paraguay’s Miguel Almiron claimed an unwanted piece of football history on Friday after becoming the first player to be sent off for covering his mouth during an on-field confrontation under new FIFA rules. Former Newcastle player Almiron was given his marching orders in first half stoppage time after covering his mouth while he appeared to direct a comment at Turkiye’s Mert Muldur during the two teams’ World Cup Group D game in Santa Clara, California. Paraguay were leading 1-0 when Almiron was dismissed following a VAR review. FIFA announced in April that players who cover their mouths in confrontations with opponents will be given a red card. The initiative being rolled out at the World Cup is part of a broader effort to combat racism, FIFA has said. The new rule follows controversy earlier this year when Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni was accused of racially abusing Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior during a Champions League game in February. Prestianni denied racially abusing Vinicius but was later ba... -
Dawn - 05:26 Jun 20, 2026
US President Donald Trump unveiled on Friday a replacement Air Force One aircraft gifted by Qatar, which he dubbed a “flying White House”. “This is considered the world’s most luxurious plane,” Trump said at a speech inside the plane’s hangar, praising the gulf emirate for being “so nice and providing” it. Qatar’s gift of the aircraft — valued in the hundreds of millions of dollars — has raised ethical, constitutional and security concerns. Trump has previously said it would be “stupid” to reject the gift, while also stoking further concern by saying the plane would eventually be donated to his presidential library. At the unveiling on Friday at Joint Base Andrews, just outside Washington, Trump praised the workmanship that went into modifying the jet, saying “with the extraordinary devotion of many of you here today, this plane was transformed into a flying White House at a level of luxury that nobody’s ever seen before”. “When you see it, you won’t believe it, actually, the quality of woods, the quality of ... -
Dawn - 04:15 Jun 20, 2026
LAHORE: Eighteen Pakistani universities have secured places in the QS World University Rankings 2027, with Quaid-i-Azam University (QAU) retaining its status as the country’s highest-ranked institution despite slipping in the global standings but no university managed to break into the world’s top 350. The latest rankings, released by UK-based Quacquarelli Symonds (QS), showed mixed performance of the Pakistani institutions with QAU as well as the National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST) registering slight declines while the Pakistan Institute of Engineering and Applied Sciences (PIEAS) posted improvement to emerge as the country’s third-highest ranked university. According to the rankings, QAU fell to joint 381 place from 354 last year while NUST slipped to 384 position from 371. However, the PIEAS staged a remarkable recovery, climbing from the 721-730 band in the previous edition to joint 560 place globally. The University of the Punjab was ranked 588, followed by Lahore University of Manageme... -
Dawn - 03:06 Jun 20, 2026
MUZAFFARABAD: Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) has placed 147 activists and supporters of the proscribed Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) on the Fourth Schedule of the Anti-Terrorism Act, even as a standoff between the group’s protesters and law enforcement personnel in Rawalakot continued on Friday and a region-wide strike entered its 11th day. According to official notifications issued by the AJK Home Department, those placed on the Fourth Schedule included 33 activists from Poonch, 31 from Sudhnoti, 15 each from Kotli and Bagh, 14 from Mirpur, 10 from Bhimber, eight each from Neelum and Haveli, and four from Muzaffarabad. The notifications said the decision had been taken at the 41st meeting of the AJK cabinet on June 5. Strike enters its 11th day; life remains disrupted across much of Poonch, Muzaffarabad divisions Official sources said more names could be added to the Fourth Schedule on the basis of intelligence reports and ongoing investigations. One official claimed that the properties of those placed o... -
Dawn - 02:48 Jun 20, 2026
• Rules judicial integrity cannot be compromised • Restores removal penalty for judicial officer, overturning tribunal’s decision to grant compulsory retirement ISLAMABAD: Establishing ethical standards for members of the judiciary, the Supreme Court on Friday ruled that removal from service became justified when a judge’s conduct compromised his or her integrity, undermined the moral authority of the institution and eroded public confidence in the judiciary. “The moment public confidence in the integrity of a judicial officer is fractured, the fracture runs through the entire structure of the rule of law, undermining the integrity of the judicial institution itself,” emphasised Justice Shahid Waheed, who headed a three-judge bench also comprising Justices Naeem Akhtar Afghan and Muhammad Shafi Siddiqui. The bench, which had taken up a set of appeals revolving around the question of preserving the integrity of the judicial institution, observed that the robe of a judge was not stained only by proven corrupt... -
Dawn - 02:34 Jun 20, 2026
NEW DELHI: Indian police are investigating allegations of embezzlement at a temple in the country’s north that has been a focal point of Prime Minster Narendra Modi’s Hindu-first politics, a top state official said on Friday. The Ram Mandir temple in Uttar Pradesh state, built on grounds where a mosque stood for centuries before being torn down by Hindu zealots, was inaugurated in 2024 with great fanfare by Modi himself. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said that a Special Investigations Team (SIT) had been set up to look into alleged syphoning of cash offerings made by devotees. “We have set up an SIT inquiry on the recommendation of the trust that administers the temple,” said Adityanath, a firebrand Hindu monk, at a public function. “If anyone has any documentary proof, please provide it to the SIT,” he added. The scale of the alleged embezzlement is unclear but opposition parties and local media reports say it could amount to more than $20 million. The construction of the temple cost an estima... -
Dawn - 02:16 Jun 20, 2026
• Lawmakers fear access to such data could be misused • Body okays proposed tax rates for salaried class, calls for more relief • Finance minister says no room for more concessions this year • Panel rejects stricter penalties for filers, non-filers in certain cases • Luxury vehicles above 3,000cc to face 41pc levy • IT, related services to remain taxed at 4pc; professionals, independent software developers to face 15pc rate ISLAMABAD: A parliamentary committee on Friday questioned the government’s claim of providing relief to the middle-income salaried class, while rejecting a proposal to grant tax authorities access to taxpayers’ bank account data and opposing stricter penalties for taxpayers in certain cases. The National Assembly Standing Committee on Finance and Revenue, chaired by MNA Naveed Qamar, approved higher surcharges for late filing of tax returns as well as the imposition of a special excise duty on imported luxury vehicles. Following extensive deliberations, the committee finalised its recomm... -
Dawn - 22:09 Jun 19, 2026
As soon as Switzerland and Bosnia were off the pitch after their World Cup match on Thursday, another team were on it. But instead of tearing at the grass with studs this team were mowing, brushing, seeding, and repairing it. After being battered by some of the world’s best and most physically abusive (to grass) players for two hours, the surface was getting some tender loving care - a necessity in this World Cup, which is often being played atop grass pitches placed on a sub-surface that usually supports artificial turf. It has not all gone well. French coach Didier Deschamps, after his side’s 3-1 win over Senegal on Tuesday, said his squad had to alter their boots for the New York-New Jersey pitch, which was not great. “Let’s just say it’s … it’s different. It’s unusual, so you have to get used to it,” said Deschamps. “It’s different, so the bounce is different too.” None of his players used screw-in studs “even though boots today are a bit more adaptable.” France midfielder Adrien Rabiot added: “The pitch ... -
Dawn - 19:01 Jun 19, 2026
British Transport Police said on Friday that it was responding to reports of a train “collision” north of London, with other emergency services saying they were attending to the incident amid media reports of injuries. “We’re responding to reports of a collision involving two trains in the Bedford area,” the transport police force said on X, referring to a market town around 56 miles (90 kilometres) north of the capital. Unverified footage posted to social media appeared to show two East Midlands Railway (EMR) trains having collided, with one running into the other, and passengers pictured standing on the tracks beside damaged rail carriages. The trains appeared to have remained upright on the track, according to the images posted. “Emergency services are dealing with an incident between London St Pancras and Leicester,” EMR said on X, without providing further details. The East of England Ambulance Service said on social media it had sent “a number of resources, including air ambulance and our Hazardous Area... -
Dawn - 17:55 Jun 19, 2026
ATTOCK: Train services on the Attock–Mari Indus–Multan railway section were temporarily suspended on Friday after heavy rainfall triggered a landslide between Jhamat and Chhab railway stations in Attock’s Jand tehsil in Punjab, blocking the track and leaving passengers stranded. According to an official of the track maintenance department, mud and debris fell onto the track following the downpour, prompting authorities to suspend train services as a precautionary measure. One train was reportedly stranded near Tunnel No. 129, while the 202-Up passenger train was halted at Jhamat Railway Station. The disruption caused inconvenience to hundreds of passengers, particularly women, children and elderly travellers. Emergency maintenance teams work on clearing debris from the railway track in Attock’s Jand tehsil on June 19. — photo via author Several passengers complained about the lack of basic facilities during the unexpected delay. Female passengers aboard the affected train said they faced difficulties due to a... -
Dawn - 17:40 Jun 19, 2026
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday announced a Rs74 reduction in petrol prices and a Rs67 cut in high-speed diesel (HSD) prices as the government seeks to pass on the benefit of declining international oil prices. The official notification for the new petroleum prices is yet to be issued. Once notified, the price of petrol will stand at Rs299.78 and high-speed diesel (HSD) at Rs311.78, down from Rs373.78 and Rs378.78 per litre, respectively. Pakistan Fuel Prices 2026 – Dawn.com Pakistan fuel prices: Feb 28 – Jun 19, 2026 Official ex-depot prices (PKR/litre) per OGRA & Ministry of Energy notifications Petrol (MS-92) Diesel (HSD) Pre-crisis baseline Petrol peaked at Rs458.41 and diesel at Rs520.35 on April 3, 2026. After successive cuts, petrol reached Rs299.78 and diesel Rs311.78 on June 19, 2026. Sources: OGRA / Ministry of Energy (Petroleum Division) official notifications; Dawn.com reporting. Pre-crisis prices: petrol Rs266.17, diesel Rs280.86 (effective Feb 28, 2026). Jun 19 prices as announced by PM ... -
Dawn - 17:30 Jun 19, 2026
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi on Friday presented the provincial budget for the fiscal year 2026-27. The budget outlay is Rs2.17 trillion, with an estimated fiscal deficit of Rs48 billion, according to the budget documents. At the outset of his budget speech, he said all parliamentarians of the PTI from the provincial assembly had “unanimously decided” to present the budget. Earlier, the presentation of the KP budget remained doubtful as the provincial government reportedly linked it to a meeting with incarcerated PTI founder Imran Khan. In his speech, Afridi also announced that the budget he was presenting had a deficit of Rs48bn. “The KP government will not seek a loan of Rs48bn from anyone,” he said, adding that “we will provide this amount to the people of KP from our own resources”. Moreover, he said the budget would be in accordance with the Federal Board of Revenue’s tax collection target of Rs15.2 trillion. “There will be no grants for the Centre in this budget,” he added. Here, he w... -
Dawn - 17:23 Jun 19, 2026
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, following a phone conversation with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman, said the two leaders agreed that the next phase of Iran-US negotiations must be “guided by a firm commitment to dialogue and diplomacy, and vigilance against any attempt to undermine the peace process”. On Thursday, a long-awaited peace deal was finally signed between the United States and Iran after a preliminary agreement was reached between the two sides earlier in the week, heralding an end to the bitter animosity that has afflicted the Middle East for months. In a post on his X handle, the premier said he held a “warm and most cordial” conversation with the Saudi crown prince and thanked him for the kingdom’s steadfast support for Pakistan’s peace efforts. The premier also congratulated the crown prince on the signing of the “Islamabad Peace Deal”. “His Royal Highness’s wise leadership and the Kingdom’s unwavering commitment to regional peace and stability remained vital guiding forces throughout th... -
Dawn - 17:20 Jun 19, 2026
Italy reacted angrily on Friday after reported comments by US President Donald Trump mocking Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, with the foreign minister cancelling a planned US visit. Meloni said she was “frankly stunned” by Trump’s comments to Italian channel La7. According to a written transcript of the phone interview provided to AFP by the network, he said Meloni “begged me for a picture” at the G7 summit this week and he agreed only because he “felt sorry for her”. He also suggested that Meloni was probably “happy that I talked to her, I didn’t have to talk to her”. Meloni called what Trump said “made up”, adding: “Neither I nor Italy ever beg.” “I don’t know why the president of the United States behaves this way with his own allies,” the far-right leader wrote on X. “I can only say that it’s a pity he doesn’t show the same determination with enemies of the West, with enemies of the United States, with leaders with whom, instead, he is far more accommodating,” she said. Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Taj... -
Dawn - 16:21 Jun 19, 2026
United States Vice President JD Vance is poised to take on his biggest role yet on the international stage as President Donald Trump’s chief negotiator to end the three-month war with Iran, a moment that could shape Vance’s prospects as a White House successor. The two nations agreed to a provisional peace agreement on Wednesday that suspended hostilities but left core issues unresolved, deferring decisions on Iran’s nuclear programme, its support for regional groups and the economically vital Strait of Hormuz to 60 days of talks. The discussions are a high-risk scenario for all sides in the conflict, the broader Middle East, and for Vance’s political ambitions. And the situation remains fluid: Vance cancelled a planned Thursday night flight to Switzerland for the start of talks, though the White House said the US delegation is “prepared to depart at the first available opportunity”. The fast-moving developments coincide with the publication of Vance’s book on his conversion to Catholicism, Communion, and a... -
Dawn - 15:35 Jun 19, 2026
Gilgit-Baltistan Supreme Appellate Court Chief Justice Sardar Muhammad Shamim Khan suspended the election results in three constituencies on Friday, while consolidated results for another — GBA-16 — could not be issued despite an order from the GB chief election commissioner (CEC). The election process has been delayed since June 7, prolonging the formation of the GB government. The chief justice heard various election-related petitions on Friday concerning PPP candidate Fida Muhammad Nashad from GBA-9 (Skardu), PPP candidate Mohammad Naseem from GBA-17 (Diamer-III), and independent candidate Dilpazeer Khan — who later joined the Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP) — from GBA-15 (Diamer-I). Nashad, the PPP candidate from GBA-9, was disqualified by the returning officer (RO) for failing to declare his assets in his nomination papers. An election tribunal judge had also upheld the decision to disqualify the candidate; however, he later challenged it in the GB chief court, which allowed him to contest the elections.... -
Dawn - 15:11 Jun 19, 2026
The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) benchmark KSE-100 index tumbled by over 2,400 points on Friday, breaking its four-day bullish spree. Falling oil prices following the signing of the ‘Islamabad MoU’ between the United States and Iran had fueled optimism, triggering buying interest across multiple sectors. As a result, the KSE-100 index had maintained its recovery for the fourth straight session on Thursday. On Friday, initial positive momentum pushed KSE-100 to an intraday high of 182,185.87 points at 10:14am. However, the market declined almost steadily after 10:30am until it regained some points later. The KSE-100 index declined by 2,858.75 points (1.58 per cent) to stand at 178,539.46 at 12:03pm. After hitting an intraday low of 177,836.16 at 2:34pm, it reversed some of its losses but closed at 178,922.75, down by 2,475.46 (1.36pc) from the previous close of 181,398.21. The downward trend followed the postponement of the planned US-Iran talks in Geneva, which were seen as a key step in the peace framework ... -
Dawn - 15:06 Jun 19, 2026
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar will attend the fourth meeting of the R-4 group of countries in Cairo on June 21 at the invitation of his Egyptian counterpart, Dr Badr Abdelatty, according to a statement issued by the Foreign Office (FO). “At the invitation of Egyptian Foreign Minister Dr Badr Abdelatty, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar will attend the 4th Meeting of the Foreign Ministers of the R-4 Group of Countries, to be held in Cairo, Egypt, on 21 June 2026,” said the statement. The meeting would bring together the foreign ministers of Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, and Pakistan to “discuss regional developments and exchange views on issues related to peace, security, and stability”. “Building on the outcomes of previous R-4 meetings, the ministers will also discuss ways to further strengthen cooperation in areas of shared interest,” added the statement. During the visit, FM Dar would hold bilateral consultations with his Egyptian counterpart and would also call on... -
Dawn - 14:02 Jun 19, 2026
ISLAMABAD: The government on Friday assured the PTI that it would discuss with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) the extension of tax exemptions for the merged districts of the erstwhile Fata and Pata regions, according to federal minister Rana Sanaullah. Sanaullah, who also serves as the prime minister’s adviser on political affairs, made the remarks after key leaders from the government and the PTI met at Parliament House. “The finance minister has promised [the opposition] that he will seek to extend these exemptions after speaking with the IMF, and God-willing, will make efforts for it,” Sanaullah told reporters after the meeting. The meeting was held in the chamber of Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb. Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan Amir Muqam also attended from the government side, while Asad Qaiser, Junaid Akbar and PTI MNAs from the erstwhile Fata represented the opposition. Sanaullah said the opposition had raised concerns with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in the National As... -
Dawn - 12:39 Jun 19, 2026
Australia has detected its first suspected mainland case of H5N1 bird flu in a remote part of the country’s southwest, authorities said on Friday. A migratory sea bird known as a brown skua found in Western Australia’s Cape Le Grand National Park tested positive for avian influenza, and further testing is being conducted to confirm the strain, said state Agriculture Minister Jackie Jarvis. “We are taking the suspected case of H5 bird flu seriously,” Jarvis said. “If this is confirmed H5 bird incursion, there will be a rapid and coordinated national response.” The virulent strain of H5 bird flu has spread through wild bird and mammal populations since 2021, killing millions, infecting poultry and dairy farms and even some farm workers. Australia is the only continent without a confirmed mainland case of the deadly strain. H5 was confirmed on Heard Island, a sub-Antarctic Australian territory in late 2025. The country has been preparing for the arrival of H5N1 bird flu by tightening biosecurity at farms...
10706 items