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Dawn - 10:59 Mar 19, 2026
A ministerial meeting, hosted by Saudi Arabia, called on Iran to “immediately and unconditionally” halt attacks against Gulf countries in the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, the Saudi Arabian Foreign Ministry said on Thursday. The conflict began with US-Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28. In retaliatory strikes, Iran has targeted US assets and bases in Gulf countries. A day earlier, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar travelled to the Saudi Arabian capital Riyadh for the ministerial meeting. In a statement on X, the ministry said that the consultative meeting was attended by Azerbaijan, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Pakistan, Turkiye, Syria, Qatar, Kuwait, Lebanon and Egypt, where they condemned Iranian “missile and drone attacks” and held Iran “fully responsible”. They called on the country to “immediately and unconditionally cease its aggression and to comply with UN Security Council resolutions”. The ministers maintained that Iran’s actions amount to “violation of sov... -
Dawn - 10:57 Mar 19, 2026
Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) on Thursday dismissed claims regarding a missile attack near Fujairah in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) involving its flight, terming it “entirely baseless and false”. Several media reports had claimed that a PIA flight on Tuesday had narrowly escaped a missile attack during landing at the Fujairah airport. “PIA clarifies that the news circulating regarding a missile attack near Fujairah involving a PIA flight is entirely baseless and false,” it said on the social media platform X. “No such statement was issued by the airline and its spokesperson. We urge all to refrain from sharing unverified information,” it said. It should also be noted that on Wednesday morning, the national flag carrier had suspended its flights to Fujairah for the next 48 hours in view of the “security situation” amid the war in the Middle East. In a statement, the carrier’s spokesperson said that for the time being, PIA flights to the UAE would only be operated to Al Ain. -
Dawn - 09:55 Mar 19, 2026
ISLAMABAD: The federal government on Thursday appointed lawyer and incumbent Islamabad Advocate General Ayaz Shaukat as the first chairman of the newly established Social Media Protection and Regulatory Authority (SMPRA). Sources privy to the development revealed that Shaukat is expected to tender his resignation from the office of advocate general soon after Eidul Fitr vacations to assume his new responsibilities. The authority was established under the amended Prevention of Electronic Crimes (Amendment) Act, 2025, and will comprise a total of eight members. The federal government also notified 5 members, namely Sohail Iqbal, Adnan Khan, Muhammad Salman Zafar, Fahad Malik, and Muhammad Saad Ali. According to the amendment, the remaining two members are to be a journalist and a software engineer. The chairman and the members will be appointed for a period of five years. SMPRA will function as a corporate body with the power to sue and be sued in its own name. Its principal office will be based in Islamabad, w... -
Dawn - 06:25 Mar 19, 2026
NATIONAL Intelligence Director Tulsi Gabbard testifies along with FBI, DIA and CIA directors during a Senate intelligence committee hearing on worldwide threats.—AFP • Director of National Intelligence places Pakistan alongside Russia, North Korea; believes their projectiles could reach ‘homeland’ in future • Lawmakers told Iran govt ‘degraded’, but remains capable of attacking US, Gulf allies • South Asian militant groups ‘persistent danger’ to US interests, Gabbard warns WASHINGTON: US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard has listed Pakistan among states that pose a significant threat to the United States, warning US lawmakers that Islamabad’s evolving missile capabilities could potentially put the American homeland within range. Presenting the 2026 Annual Threat Assessment before the United States Senate Intelligence Committee on Wednesday, Ms Gabbard said, “Russia, China, North Korea, Iran and Pakistan have been researching and developing an array of novel, advanced, or traditional missile ... -
Dawn - 06:20 Mar 19, 2026
Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Asim Munir reiterated Pakistan’s resolve to eliminate terrorists and their infrastructure “wherever they may be” through “precise, intelligence-based operations”, said a statement by the Inter-Services Public Relations on Thursday. The CDF, during an interaction with ulema in Rawalpindi, emphasised that the Afghan Taliban must prevent the use of Afghan soil for terrorism against Pakistan. Pakistan has decided on a “temporary pause” in the ongoing Operation Ghazab lil-Haq against the Afghan Taliban in view of Eidul Fitr and “at the request of brotherly Islamic countries”. The field marshal, during the interaction, also highlighted Pakistan’s efforts and pro-active diplomacy in seeking regional de-escalation, in reference to the ongoing US-Israeli war against Iran, said the military’s media wing. “He emphasised the critical role of Ulema to strengthen unity and counter extremism, reiterating that religious sentiments must not be expl... -
Dawn - 03:22 Mar 19, 2026
KARACHI: Despite 19 days of war in the Middle East, Pakistan’s exchange rate remained stable, encouraging stakeholders, including the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) and the government. The exchange rate has largely remained stable during the current fiscal year, and predictions of destabilisation proved unfounded despite the prolonged conflict. This stability comes as regional currencies weakened; the Indian rupee depreciated by up to five per cent from Rs88 to Rs92 against the US dollar during the war, while fears of further depreciation persist. Financial sector experts believe the exchange rate is being managed to some extent, though they caution that continued war could still pose risks. Flights to Dubai, Umrah travel continue; airfares surge “This is highly appreciable and extremely supportive for the country that, despite almost three weeks of war, the exchange rate is under control,” said Zafar Paracha, a currency dealer. Exporters, however, fear that the ongoing Middle East conflict could reduce exports... -
Dawn - 02:51 Mar 19, 2026
ISLAMABAD: A medical team on Wednesday visited Adiala Jail to examine former premier Imran Khan on the directives of the Islamabad High Court (IHC). Mr Khan’s eye ailment — right central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) — came to light in late January. His first medical procedure, carried out on January 24, was confirmed by the government five days later. According to sources, the medical board included Dr Mohammad Arif, Professor Akhtar Ali and Dr Ali Arif of the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (Pims), as well as Dr Nadeem Qureshi and Dr Arif Khan of Al-Shifa Eye Trust Hospital. Dr Mohammad Arif heads the ophthalmology department at Pims, while Dr Qureshi is a retina specialist at Rawalpindi’s Al-Shifa Trust Eye Hospital. Last week, the IHC directed the formation of a medical board in its verdict on a plea seeking the transfer of the PTI founder to Shifa International Hospital for treatment of his eye condition. His lawyer told the court that his client had been complaining of retinal issues since Oct... -
Dawn - 02:43 Mar 19, 2026
• Structural walls, mound formation and scattered remains unearthed • Structures may belong to historic settlement or mosque complex; scientific analysis underway to determine their age and function • Experts regret fragile structures at risk of damage yet to be declared protected THATTA: Archaeologists have discovered submerged ruins, including a mound and structural remains believed to be part of a historic structure, during Sindh’s first marine archaeology exploration in the Indus Delta, officials said. According to the exploration team, the discoveries include submerged structural walls, a mound-like formation and scattered architectural remains located beneath shallow coastal waters near Lahori Bandar in Banbhore, Sindh. Archaeologists said visible stone and brick alignments suggest the remains could belong to a historic structure, possibly part of a settlement or a mosque complex that once existed along the historical port. Detailed scientific analysis and documentation of the site are underway to deter... -
Dawn - 02:34 Mar 19, 2026
• Decision taken on requests from S. Arabia, Qatar, Turkiye • Tarar warns action to resume promptly if attacks occur • DG ISPR insists Afghan soil being used for attacks against Pakistan • FO rejects Indian statement ISLAMABAD: Information Minister Attaullah Tarar on Wednesday announced that Pakistan had decided on a “temporary pause” in the ongoing Operation Ghazab lil-Haq against the Afghan Taliban in view of Eidul Fitr and “at the request of brotherly Islamic countries”. In his post on X, Mr Tarar said: “In view of the upcoming Islamic festival of Eidul Fitr, upon its own initiative as well as on the request from the brotherly Islamic countries of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the State of Qatar and the Republic of Turkiye, the government of Pakistan has decided to announce a temporary pause amidst ongoing Operation Ghazab lil-Haq against terrorists and their support infrastructure in Afghanistan.” Operation Ghazab lil-Haq was launched on the night of Feb 26 following cross-border firing by the Afghan Talib... -
Dawn - 01:54 Mar 19, 2026
LAHORE: Pakistan will take on arch-rivals India on Aug 19 in this year’s hockey World Cup, the International Hockey Federation (FIH) announced on Wednesday. The 2026 World Cup is expected to showcase top-quality hockey, with fans set to witness thrilling and competitive encounters during the event to be co-hosted by Belgium and the Netherlands. The game’s international governing body unveiled the schedule of the World Cup, featuring teams from 16 nations, being staged from Aug 15 to 30. Former four-time World Cup winners Pakistan are placed in pool ‘D’ alongside England, India and Wales. The Green-shirts, who will be competing in a World Cup after eight years, begin their campaign in the event with a match against England on Aug 15 at the Wagener Hockey Stadium in Amstelveen, Netherlands. Pakistan in their second pool-stage match face Wales on Aug 17 at the same venue before locking horns with India two days later. Pakistan secured qualification for the mega event by reaching the final of the qualifier held ... -
Dawn - 20:03 Mar 18, 2026
KARACHI: At least 15 people died in rain-related incidents on Wednesday night, officials and rescue services said, as heavy showers lashed parts of Karachi hours after the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) said that a westerly wave was likely to bring rainy weather to the metropolis and other parts of Sindh. South Deputy Inspector General of Police Asad Raza told Dawn that 12 of the victims died when a wall of the telephonce exchange’s building collapsed in Saeedabad. He said the victims were sitting near the wall, which collapsed due to strong winds. Separately, the Edhi rescue service said a couple died as the wall of a house collapsed in Landhi while a man died when a tree fell in Korangi. According to DawnNewsTV, rainfall was reported in Gulshan-i-Iqbal, Gulistan-i-Jauhar, Gulzar-i-Hijri, North Karachi, Surjani Town, North Nazimabad, Saddar, Tower, Sharea Faisal, I I Chundrigar Road, Federal B Area, Hassan Square, Manghopir, Site area, Liaquatabad, Nazimabad, Defence and Clifton. According to the P... -
Dawn - 18:15 Mar 18, 2026
President Emmanuel Macron on Wednesday announced that France’s next nuclear-powered aircraft carrier will be called “France Libre” (Free France), as the country looks to reinforce its status as a major maritime power. Once completed, the warship, which is set to replace the country’s sole aircraft carrier — the Charles de Gaulle — and due to enter service in 2038, will be the largest warship ever built in Europe. Macron said the vessel was being named after the French Resistance movement that General de Gaulle led against the Nazi occupation of France during World War II. “I wanted our future aircraft carrier to follow in the footsteps of General de Gaulle. His life, his destiny,” Macron said at a shipyard in the western town of Indret, near Nantes, where the vessel’s two nuclear reactors will be built. “Our new aircraft carrier will be named France Libre,” he added. “This name honours the memory of the men and women who stood up against barbarity.” Macron in December announced the start of construction of th... -
Dawn - 17:54 Mar 18, 2026
FO rejects India’s ‘unwarranted’ statement on action against terrorist infrastructure in Afghanistan
The Foreign Office (FO) on Wednesday rejected the “baseless, misleading, and unwarranted statement” issued by India’s Ministry of External Affairs on action against terrorist infrastructure in Afghanistan. The development comes after targeted overnight airstrikes were carried out in Kabul and Nangarhar amid Operation Ghazab lil-Haq. A day earlier, Pakistan maintained that it had targeted ‘Camp Phoenix’ — a former US military base currently being used by Afghan Taliban forces — even as Afghanistan claimed a drug rehabilitation centre had been bombed instead. Subsequently, India’s Ministry of External Affairs had condemned Pakistan’s actions, calling it a “direct threat” to regional peace and stability. In a statement issued on Wednesday, FO spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said, “Pakistan rejects the baseless, misleading, and unwarranted statement issued by the Indian Ministry of External Affairs on Pakistan’s ongoing action against terrorist infrastructure in Afghanistan.” “Against the backdrop of India’s active sp... -
Dawn - 17:26 Mar 18, 2026
Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry on Wednesday stated that the strike carried out in Kabul earlier this week had targeted an ammunition storage site. He made the remarks while speaking on Geo News programme ‘Capital Talk’. The military’s spokesperson stated that the public needed to understand the context behind Operation Ghazab lil-Haq, which was launched against the Afghan Taliban last month, specifically that it was not a “standalone” military campaign, but rather a part of Pakistan’s ongoing war against terrorism. “This war has been imposed upon Pakistan by terrorists and their sponsors,” he said. He said that it was common knowledge that India was behind terrorism in Pakistan and was using Afghanistan as “a base of operations”. He said that Afghanistan had acted as a base of operations for every act of terrorism in Pakistan, pointing to the suicide bombing in an imambargah in Islamabad’s Tarlai area. “Innocent children, people and worshippers... -
Dawn - 16:37 Mar 18, 2026
Saudi Arabia announced that Eidul Fitr would be celebrated on Friday, according to a statement published by state media. “The Supreme Court has decided that tomorrow, Thursday, is the completion of the 30th day of the month of Ramazan, and that Friday is the day of the Blessed Eidul Fitr,” the Saudi Press Agency reported. Across the Muslim world, Ramazan festivities this year were overshadowed by the ongoing war in the Middle East, triggered by the US and Israel’s attack on Iran. The Gulf region has been pummelled with repeated strikes by Iran in a retaliatory blitz, with airports, residential areas, energy installations and military bases targeted with ballistic missiles and drones. Last week, the Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (Suparco) forecast that Eidul Fitr was expected to fall on March 21 as the chances of sighting the Shawwal moon on March 19 were low. However, it said that the final decision would be made by the Central Ruet-i-Hilal Committee. Earlier, the Pakistan Meteorolog... -
Dawn - 16:19 Mar 18, 2026
Elon Musk’s social media platform X was back up after a brief outage for thousands of users on Wednesday, according to Downdetector.com. At its peak, there were more than 34,500 reports of issues with X in the US, according to Downdetector, before coming down to 845 reports as of 11:39am ET. The website also showed that 158 users in Pakistan reported issues with the social media platform at 8:21pm. Indian media also reported that the outage affected users in the country. Downdetector tracks outages by collating status reports from a number of sources. The actual number of affected users may differ from what is shown on Downdetector, as the reports are submitted by users. X did not immediately respond to a Reuters’ request for comment. Last month, the social media platform was briefly hit by international outages. -
Dawn - 16:17 Mar 18, 2026
Information Minister Ataullah Tarar on Wednesday announced that Pakistan has decided on a “temporary pause” in the ongoing Operation Ghazab lil-Haq against the Afghan Taliban in view of Eidul Fitr and at the “request of brotherly Islamic countries”. The information minister made the announcement in a post on the social media platform X. Operation Ghazab lil-Haq was launched on the night of February 26, following unprovoked firing by the Afghan Taliban from across the border. In his post, the information minister said, “In view of the upcoming Islamic festival of Eidul Fitr, upon its own initiative as well as on the request from the brotherly Islamic countries of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the State of Qatar and the Republic of Turkiye, the government of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan has decided to announce temporary pause amidst ongoing Operation Ghazab lil-Haq against the terrorists and their support infrastructure in Afghanistan.” Tarar said the pause would be applicable from “midnight March 18/19 to m... -
Dawn - 14:52 Mar 18, 2026
Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said on Wednesday that the children of incarcerated former premier Imran Khan were “welcome” to visit Pakistan on their National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis (Nicop). He made the remarks on X, in response to a post by Imran’s former spouse, Jemima Goldsmith, who had appealed to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif regarding the delay in issuing visas to his sons, Kasim and Sulaiman. “Imran Khan’s phone call will be arranged on Eid day with his children as done in the past as well,” the information minister said. “His children are welcome to visit Pakistan on their Nicop cards as Pakistani citizens for which no visa is required. However, they will fully comply with the laws of Pakistan during their stay,” he said. Kasim and his older brother Suleiman live in London with their mother and will have to travel to Pakistan to meet Imran, who is imprisoned at Rawalpindi’s Adiala jail. In her appeal to PM Shehbaz on Monday, Jemima had stated, “My sons Sulaiman and Kasim Khan app... -
Dawn - 14:21 Mar 18, 2026
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar arrived in Riyadh on Wednesday for a meeting with the foreign ministers of regional countries, where he will advocate for a “swift end” to the conflict in the Middle East, according to the Foreign Office (FO). The conflict began with US-Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28. In retaliatory strikes, Iran has targeted US assets and bases in Gulf countries. Amid the hostilities, the FO has termed Pakistan’s role a “bridge builder”. In a statement, FO said Dar had arrived in Riyadh, where he is set to “participate in the Consultative Ministerial Meeting of Foreign Ministers from Arab and Islamic countries, hosted by Saudi Arabia”. Upon arrival, Dar was received by Pakistan’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Ahmed Farooq and representatives of the Saudi Arabian Foreign Ministry, FO said. In a separate statement earlier in the day, the FO said that Dar was travelling to Riyadh at the invitation of Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud. It said Dar would at... -
Dawn - 13:57 Mar 18, 2026
On the 19th day of the US-Israeli war against Iran, the conflict is being shaped by two interlocking dynamics wherein the nuclear threshold has not been crossed but is increasingly blurred, while the fighting has spread across multiple theatres. Together, these trends reinforce each other, with each escalation raising the nuclear risk even as the grinding nature of the war makes de-escalation harder. The latest escalation underscores this shift. A strike on the Bushehr nuclear power facility, though limited in immediate damage, has pushed the conflict into a more dangerous phase. The absence of a radiological incident has not diminished the significance of the event. It has instead introduced a new risk regarding the possibility of reciprocal targeting of nuclear-linked infrastructure. Similarly, Trump’s plan for seizing enriched uranium stockpiles carries extreme escalation risks. While any such move would almost certainly trigger Iranian retaliation, there are risks with even attempting to seize those stock...
12427 items