Dawn

Found 7447 news

  • Welcome to Quetta — from ‘Little London’ to just another city choking on its own waste
    Dawn - 07:44 Aug 27, 2025
    The Brewery Road bridge spans the city nullahIn Quetta’s Kali Ismail area, near the Balochistan Board office on Samungli Road, 12-year-old Salman, a seminary student, rummaged through a garbage dumping site to pick up a baseball. He needed it for his next fastball to Akram, who stood poised to bat — right in the middle of the trash. “We’re used to playing here,” Salman shrugged. “We wash our hands with regular water.” Like many children in the area, he had no idea how hazardous the dumping ground could be to his health. “It’s been five months, and there’s been no action from the authorities,“ lamented Jameel Langove, who runs a flour mill nearby. “The dumping ground has become a haven for drug addicts and immoral activities. It’s affecting our neighbourhood and our children.” He recounted how a recent storm had blown heaps of garbage into nearby homes. Living so close to the site, residents, particularly the elderly, now struggle with asthma and other breathing problems caused by dust and waste polluting the air. Quetta, once fondly referred to as “Litt...
    Tags: Quetta
  • PCB officials concerned over national team’s continued decline
    Dawn - 06:56 Aug 27, 2025
    LAHORE: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) officials are concerned over the continued decline in the performance of national sides across formats during the past two years, attributing it largely to frequent changes in the board’s leadership, selectors, coaches and captains. According to sources, the matter came under detailed discussion at the recent meeting of the Board of Governors (BoG), which lasted nearly three hours, Dawn has learnt. PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi also attended the session for about 15 to 20 minutes. During the meeting, various departments of the PCB including International Cricket, High Performance Cen­tre, Legal Affairs and Women’s Cricket presented their reports to the BoG. The members, sources said, voiced dissatisfaction over the performance of the men’s senior team, women’s team and Pakistan Shaheens, questioning the International Cricket department over the ongoing slump. The department, in its response, pointed to the instability at the top level, noting that the board has worked under fo...
  • Punjab residents to get cleanliness bills next week
    Dawn - 06:55 Aug 27, 2025
    LAHORE: Residents and shop­keepers in upscale localities across Punjab will start receiving ‘cleanliness’ utility bills from Sept 1, and these neighbourhoods will subseq­ue­ntly be declared ‘zero-waste’ are­as with penalties for littering. Lahore Waste Management Company (LWMC) Chief Exec­utive Officer Babir Sahib Din told Dawn that all residential and commercial property owners in Lahore’s upscale localities, including Gulberg, Johar Town, Muslim Town, New Mus­lim Town, Shadman, Faisal Town, Garden Town, Upper Mall Scheme, and the localities facing the Canal Road, Mall Road, and Jail Road will receive their bills next month. Private housing schemes are exempt, however, because they have their own disposal system. “This was in the works for long and finally the government decided to impose a clea­n­liness fee in a bid to ensure excellent cleanliness in all area­s, starting from the posh ones in the first phase,” he revealed. Penalty The proposal to introduce a cleanliness fee regime had been approved by the P...
    Tags: Punjab
  • India’s heavy rains cause floods, kill 30 in landslide on pilgrim route
    Dawn - 06:45 Aug 27, 2025
    Heavy rain set off a landslide on a famed Hindu pilgrimage route in India-occupied Jammu region, killing at least 30 people, the ANI news agency said on Wednesday, while floods prompted official warnings for people to stay indoors at night. Weather officials forecast more rain and thunderstorms with gusty winds for the mountainous region of Ladakh, while heavy rain is set to lash the occupied Jammu and Kashmir territory. Authorities were battling to restore telecom services as communication was “almost nonexistent”, said Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. Tuesday’s landslide near the shrine of Vaishno Devi on the pilgrims’ route killed at least 30 people, said ANI, in which Reuters holds a minor stake. It was the latest havoc from downpours in the Himalayan region that killed 60 people, with 200 missing in Kishtwar in occupied Kashmir last week. Authorities also ordered the closure of educational institutions in held Jammu, which weather officials said was deluged with 368 millimetres of rain on Tuesday. The river...
  • Swiatek, Sinner cruise as expanded US Open serves up tennis feast
    Dawn - 06:02 Aug 27, 2025
    Iga Swiatek and Jannik Sinner showed their championship pedigree at the US Open on Tuesday with commanding displays at the Arthur Ashe Stadium, walloping their first-round opponents on the third day of first-round action at the newly expanded major. Wimbledon champion Swiatek arrived in pristine form after capturing the Cincinnati title and made quick work of Emiliana Arango 6-1 6-2 in just an hour, never facing a break point. The 2022 winner acknowledged the unique challenge of New York’s atmosphere afterwards. “Every year is tough, because New York is just so loud, and it’s hard to find that balance off the court,” she said. “But I’ve got to say I’m probably good at it compared to other players, so I’m really trying to be in my bubble.” She next plays the Netherlands’ Suzan Lamens. Top-ranked defending men’s champion Sinner followed suit with an equally dominant performance, swatting aside Czech Vit Kopriva 6-1 6-1 6-2. The Italian, who had entered last year’s tournament under the dark cloud of a doping con...
  • Disease outbreaks feared in Karachi as stagnant water turns toxic
    Dawn - 05:44 Aug 27, 2025
    KARACHI: As dense clouds continue to dominate the city’s skies following recent monsoon devastation, health experts and senior environmentalists have urged the authorities to speed up the process of clearing standing water and lifting solid waste before the next spell to minimise the threat of disease outbreaks. They also stressed the need to prioritise regular cleaning of storm water drains and rainwater harvesting in ways that help replenish depleting groundwater resources and minimise the threat of urban flooding. “There is a high risk for the spread of vector and water-borne diseases this year, given the high intensity of rains we have just experienced. We must try to utilise the brief time available right now before the next spell hits as pools of standing water will soon turn into breeding grounds for mosquitoes,” shared Dr Imran Sarwar, who heads the emergency department of the Dr Ruth Pfau Civil Hospital Karachi. He added that generally cases of gastroenteritis, malaria and dengue see a sharp increase...
  • PM Shehbaz launches New Energy Vehicle policy
    Dawn - 05:26 Aug 27, 2025
    ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday formally launched Pakistan’s New Energy Vehicle (NEV) Policy 2025-30, calling it a landmark initiative for clean transport, climate resilience, industrial transformation, and youth empowerment. Addressing the launch ce­­remony, the prime minister said the new policy repres­e­nts a national commitment to reducing emissions, promoting clean technology, and shifting to sustainable transport solutions. He appl­auded the efforts of his ind­ustries aide Haroon Akhtar Khan and Federal Minister Rana Tanvir Hussain for crafting what he termed “a comprehensive and forward-looking framework”. “I was personally involved in the meetings and I sincerely appreciate the dedication shown by Haroon Akh­tar, the secretary for industries, and all the relevant institutions, both at the federal and provincial levels,” the PM said. He also ack­no­wledged the technical support extended by the British government and the UK High Commissioner in shaping the policy framework. PM Shehba...
  • SECP boss’ salary shocks Pu­­blic Accounts Committee
    Dawn - 04:52 Aug 27, 2025
    ISLAMABAD: The Pu­­blic Accounts Committee (PAC) on Tuesday expr­es­sed shock over reports that the chairman of the Secu­rities and Exchange Com­mission of Pakistan (SECP) was drawing an annual salary of Rs41 million. PAC Chairman Junaid Akbar Khan questioned how a country facing economic hardships could afford such packages. “Is the board free to fix salaries at its own discret­i­­on without seeking appro­­v­­al from anyone?” he asked. The chairman directed the finance division to provide details of the matter in the next meeting, to be held today (Wednesday), along with a list of how many other chairmen in various institutions were drawing salaries in the hundreds of millions. The PAC also reviewed an audit objection regarding the non-recovery of Rs1.66 billion from the Karachi Country Club. Members recalled officials had assured the committee that the case had been decided in government’s favour, the land taken over, and payments cleared, but fresh claims contradicted those statements, with officials admit...
  • Govt approves Rs47bn petroleum levy recovery, Rs11bn PTV bailout
    Dawn - 04:48 Aug 27, 2025
    • ECC greenlights Multan-Rawalpindi oil pipeline, Rs3bn flood relief package for Gilgit-Baltistan • Gas levy funds to reduce power tariffs for all consumers ISLAMABAD: The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet on Tuesday approved a financial bailout for Pakistan Television (PTV), a recovery plan for Rs47 billion in outstanding petroleum levy from Cynergico Refinery, and the use of funds collected under the captive levy on gas to reduce electricity rates for all consumers. The committee also gave the green light to the construction of the Multan to Rawalpindi oil pipeline in partnership with Azerbaijan and sanctioned Rs3 billion in relief for flood-affected families in Gilgit-Baltistan. Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb chaired the meeting. The captive levy, imposed as part of the government’s agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), applies to gas and RLNG supplies to captive power plants of industrial units. Introduced on July 1 it began at 5pc above the notified tariff, with sc...
  • Imran ‘vetoes’ party decision on by-elections
    Dawn - 02:59 Aug 27, 2025
    • Calls on lawmakers to quit parliamentary bodies, including PAC; party’s political committee also endorses his opinion • Jailed founder refuses to accept Salman Akram Raja’s resignation; throws his weight behind Achakzai as potential replacement for NA opposition leader ISLAMABAD: Changing its mind once again, the PTI has decided to boycott the upcoming by-elections for national and provincial assemblies, in line with the opinion of its incarcerated leader, Imran Khan. The decision was taken by the party’s political committee, which met to consider Mr Khan’s input following a meeting with his legal team at Adiala Jail on Tuesday. Earlier in the day, Mr Khan’s message was relayed to the media by his sister, Aleema Khan, who also met Mr Khan in prison. She was flanked by PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja — whose resignation was reportedly turned down by the incarcerated former PM. Denying reports of a bitter exchange with Mr Raja, she said the lawyer was “like family” to them. She said her brother had as...
  • 25 countries suspend postal services to US over tariffs: UN
    Dawn - 18:49 Aug 26, 2025
    At least 25 countries have decided to suspend package deliveries to the United States, as concern grows over the impact of President Donald Trump’s looming tariffs, a UN body said on Tuesday. The Trump administration said late last month that it would abolish a tax exemption on small packages entering the US from August 29. The move has sparked a flurry of announcements from postal services, including in France, Britain, Germany, Italy, India, Australia and Japan, that most US-bound packages would no longer be accepted. The United Nations’ Universal Postal Union (UPU) said it had already been advised by 25 member countries that their postal operators “have suspended their outbound postal services to the US, citing uncertainties specifically related to transit services”. It said the suspensions would remain in place until there was more clarity on how US authorities planned to implement the announced measures. The UPU did not provide a list of postal services it had heard from. ‘Considerable operational change...
  • Pakistan, Iran army chiefs affirm readiness to eradicating terrorism for secure borders
    Dawn - 18:25 Aug 26, 2025
    Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir and his Iranian counterpart, Major General Abdolrahim Mousavi, affirmed their readiness on Tuesday to eradicate terrorism for securing the borders of both countries. Pakistan and Iran, earlier this month, agreed that peace and prosperity in their border regions hinged on effectively combatting terrorism. The nearly 900-kilometre border between the two countries has long faced security threats from proscribed groups, such as Jaish al-Adl and the Balochistan Liberation Army. Persistent issues, including terrorism, smuggling, and mutual accusations of harbouring militants, have periodically strained ties. A statement issued by the Iranian embassy said Field Marshal Munir and Gen Mousavi, the chief of staff of the Iranian Armed Forces, held a telephonic conversation today. “The two sides are ready to eradicate terrorism to secure common borderlines,” it read. A statement carried by Iranian state news agency IRNA said Gen Mousavi mentioned that Iran was prepared to erad...
  • Main suspect in Raiwind murder video case arrested, handed over to CCD: lawyer
    Dawn - 18:15 Aug 26, 2025
    The main suspect in the torture of two brothers by some street vendors in Raiwind has been arrested and handed over to the Crime Control Department (CCD), the lawyer of their father said on Tuesday. The incident went viral on social media when a video clip showed some street vendors subjecting both brothers to severe torture on a road in the Raiwind area a few days back. They were lying in a pool of blood, and the suspected attackers, holding clubs in their hands, were spotted torturing them at a public place with many onlookers and passersby standing around. One brother died of severe torture marks at the spot, while the other succumbed to his injuries on Sunday. A first information report (FIR) of the incident was filed on the complaint of the victims’ father on August 22 at the Raiwind City Police Station under Sections 147 (punishment for rioting), 149 (unlawful assembly) and 302 (murder) of the Pakistan Penal Code. It said the incident occurred on August 21 at 5:45pm when the brothers were returning home...
    Tags: Raiwind
  • NDMA issues high-flood alert for Ravi as India releases water
    Dawn - 18:08 Aug 26, 2025
    The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) on Tuesday issued a high-flood alert for the Ravi River after India released additional water into the tributary. A devastating monsoon season marked by record rainfall, glacier melt, and widespread flooding has exposed Pakistan’s extreme vulnerability to climate change. The “high flood” warnings this week have put Punjab on high alert and prompted mass evacuations in various places. In a high flood alert posted at 5:40pm, the NDMA said: “Heavy rainfall expected in the upper regions of Ravi over the next 48 hours. The Indian dam Thein is 97 per cent full, and its spillways may be opened at any time. Due to potential discharge, a high-level flood is expected in the Ravi River. High-level flow is also expected in Pir Panjal, Bain, Basantar and Deek.” The NDMA cautioned citizens to stay away from rivers, drains and low-lying areas, along with avoiding unnecessary travel. It also issued instructions to agencies and emergency services to remain on high alert. A sta...
  • 9 TTP terrorists killed so far in joint operation in KP’s Upper Dir: police
    Dawn - 17:35 Aug 26, 2025
    Nine terrorists of the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) group have been killed in a joint operation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Upper Dir district, the police said on Tuesday. A statement issued by Upper Dir District Police Officer (DPO) Muhammad Bilal said the police and Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) conducted a targeted operation against the TTP in the district. “Nine terrorists were killed in the operation that has been going on for three days, and the bodies of five were recovered,” he said, adding that 10 police personnel were injured in firing by terrorists and two locals were also killed. The statement said the operation was carried out in adjoining areas within the limits of the Dir City Police Station based on credible information indicating the presence of elements of banned terrorist organisations. “Dir Police is always ready to eliminate terrorism and protect the lives and property of the people, and is determined to make every kind of sacrifice. This operation will continue until the comp...
    Tags: Upper
  • Steep US tariffs set to hit Indian exports from Wednesday
    Dawn - 17:05 Aug 26, 2025
    The chart shows India’s monthly imports and export to USIndian exporters are bracing for a sharp decline in orders from the United States after trade talks collapsed and Washington confirmed that steep new tariffs on the South Asian nation’s goods would take effect from Wednesday, escalating tension between the strategic partners. An additional 25 per cent duty announced by President Donald Trump, confirmed in a notice by the Homeland Security Department, takes total tariffs to as much as 50pc, among Washington’s highest, in retaliation for New Delhi’s increased buying of Russian oil. “The government has no hope for any immediate relief or delay in US tariffs,” said a commerce ministry official, who sought anonymity for lack of authorisation to speak to the media. Exporters hit by tariffs would receive financial assistance and be encouraged to diversify to alternative markets such as China, Latin America and the Middle East, the official added. However, the commerce ministry did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment on the latest notice. The new duti...
  • Engineer Muhammad Ali Mirza detained under MPO, also booked under blasphemy charges
    Dawn - 16:42 Aug 26, 2025
    Jhelum police said on Tuesday that they have detained cleric Engineer Muhammad Ali Mirza for 30 days under the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) ordinance for alleged controversial remarks and later booked him under blasphemy charges. Mirza, a resident of Machine Mohallah of Jhelum city, frequently uploads his lectures and speeches on his social media accounts and has amassed 3.1 million followers on his YouTube channel. Earlier today, Jhelum Deputy Commissioner Muhammad Meesam Abbas and District Police Officer (DPO) Ahmed Mohiyuddin confirmed Mirza’s arrest under MPO to Dawn.com. Section 3 of the MPO ordinance gives authorities the power to arrest and detain suspected persons to prevent “any person from acting in any manner prejudicial to public safety” or to maintain public order. A religious group had yesterday filed an application, seen by Dawn.com, requesting legal action against Mirza for alleged controversial remarks made during an interview that “went viral on social media”. Separately, a first inform...
  • Aleema rejects reports of tense exchange with PTI’s Salman Akram Raja
    Dawn - 14:36 Aug 26, 2025
    PTI founder Imran Khan’s sister, Aleema Khanum, on Tuesday rejected rumours of a tense exchange with PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja that allegedly led to his decision to resign. There seems to be a tug of war within the PTI over whether to participate in the upcoming by-elections for national and provincial assembly seats — vacated after the recent disqualifications of a number of key lawmakers. Insiders had told Dawn the party’s political committee — in its meeting on Monday — had a change of heart after a majority of members voted against the decision to boycott by-polls. This contravenes the opinion reportedly expressed by Imran, transmitted by Aleema on a couple of occasions, to steer clear of by-elections so that the party isn’t seen as legitimising the process. PTI Central Information Secretary Sheikh Waqqas Akram had shared the party’s decision on social media and triggered a wave of criticism from across the globe. When approached, Akram confirmed that he, Raja and a few others were against t...
    Tags: Aleema
  • Many areas in GB’s Ghizer cut off for 5th day as Gilgit-Shandur road remains blocked
    Dawn - 14:13 Aug 26, 2025
    Locals working voluntarily to restore the Hisper Road, which has been blocked for a month, cutting off residents in the area. — Photo by the authorSeveral areas in Gilgit Baltistan’s (GB) Ghizer district have been cut off for five days, as preparations are underway to clear the Gilgit-Shandur road, authorities said on Tuesday. Since late July, monsoon rains have wreaked havoc across the country, especially in its northern regions like GB, by triggering deadly floods, landslides and displacement, particularly in vulnerable, poorly drained, or densely populated areas. According to locals, majority of the areas in the Ghizer district, including Gupis, Phander, and Yasin tehsils, remained stranded for five days as five kilometres of the region’s main road were submerged by an artificial lake formed at Raushan village in Ghizer. Local resident Meraj Ali Shah told Dawn.com that 300 houses had been dama­ged by the glacial flood, with houses submerged due to artificial lake in Hakis, Thangi, and Raushan villages as they remained without basic necessities. He added that hundreds of people had been displaced when a glacial lake outburst flood (Glof) swept everyth...
  • New Zealand fast bowler Will O’Rourke out for three months as injuries mount
    Dawn - 13:06 Aug 26, 2025
    Fast bowler Will O’Rourke will be out for at least three months with a stress fracture in his lower back, New Zealand Cricket said onb Tuesday, adding to a mounting injury list. The 24-year-old was injured while bowling in the first Test against Zimbabwe this month and returned home, where scans revealed the extent of the damage. “We’re really feeling for Will at the moment and wishing him speedy recovery,” New Zealand head coach Rob Walter said. O’Rourke will miss the home white-ball series against Australia in early October, England later that month and the West Indies in November. All-rounder Glenn Phillips was also ruled out of the Australia series as he recovers from the groin injury that saw him miss the Zimbabwe tour. And opening batsman Finn Allen will be out for a minimum of three months after having surgery on his right foot. “It’s disappointing to lose the services of Glenn and Finn, who have played important batting roles in our T20 set-up in recent times,” said Walter. White-ball captain Mitchell...

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