Dawn
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Dawn - 04:08 Jul 26, 2026
THE recent outcry by Maulana Fazlur Rehman regarding an unspecified state policy to raise private militias for local protection against terrorists has sparked controversy. Many have accused the maulana of disrespecting those who have sacrificed their lives to protect the homeland. However, the broader context of his remarks deserves scrutiny: why do states encourage local populations in conflict zones to stand up against violent actors? Take the example of Pakistan. Successive governments have used this tactic —from the then East Pakistan to Balochistan and KP. The core question, and perhaps the crux of the maulana’s argument, is why this policy has failed in most cases. Known for his sharp political timing, the maulana deliberately chose a platform near Lahore, the political heartland of Punjab, to ensure that his message reached key decision-makers. Yet, his objections to local state-backed civilian militias are far from isolated. Across KP and Balochistan, particularly in the southern districts, from Lakki... -
Dawn - 03:57 Jul 26, 2026
MERE hours after the US signed a landmark civil nuclear deal with Saudi Arabia, American President Donald Trump sprang a surprise: the deal would only go through if the Saudis recognised Israel and signed the so-called Abraham Accords. While Riyadh has remained silent over the demand, media reports indicate that recognition of the Zionist state was not part of the negotiations, and is most likely a Trumpian addition to the deal. Saudi Arabia must join “the very respected and successful Abraham Accords”, Mr Trump said, championing his pet project dating back to his first term, when the UAE, Bahrain and Morocco officially recognised Israel. To ensure there was no ambiguity about Mr Trump’s announcement, the White House press secretary said “the deal is off” if the Saudis refused to join the Accords. The American leader has been pressing Saudi Arabia and other Muslim states, including Pakistan, for some time to recognise Israel. However, this remains a morally reprehensible proposition considering Tel Aviv’s gen... -
Dawn - 03:57 Jul 26, 2026
KARACHI: The State Bank is widely expected to keep its policy interest rate unchanged at its monetary policy meeting on Monday (July 27), as policymakers are unlikely to alter the benchmark rate amid heightened uncertainty following the Gulf war. Economists, researchers and analysts are still assessing the war’s impact on Pakistan, but there is broad agreement that it pushed global oil prices above $100 per barrel, affecting economies worldwide, including Pakistan. Analysts closely tracking the economy say it would be difficult to maintain macroeconomic stability with sluggish growth. They believe the State Bank is unlikely to risk undermining that stability by changing the policy rate. Despite the surge in global oil prices, which has intensified inflationary pressures, the government and the State Bank hope to keep average CPI inflation within the 7-8pc range in FY27. While some analysts question this outlook, most believe it will depend on developments in the region. The US strikes on Iran continued, while... -
Dawn - 03:36 Jul 26, 2026
QUETTA: Two people were injured after unidentified attackers opened fire on an ambulance carrying a body in the Darg tehsil of Balochistan’s Musakhel district, officials and local sources said on Saturday. According to sources, the two individuals sustained gunshot wounds in the attack and were shifted to a nearby hospital. Reports also suggested that the body being transported in the ambulance was hit by bullets during the firing. The incident triggered panic in the area, while local authorities launched an investigation into the attack. Preliminary information indicated that the shooting may have stemmed from a longstanding personal feud, although officials have not confirmed the motive. The Musakhel district administration is conducting further investigations to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident and identify those responsible. Published in Dawn, July 26th, 2026 -
Dawn - 03:28 Jul 26, 2026
ISLAMABAD: The PTI on Saturday criticised the government for continuously increasing fuel prices while simultaneously allowing a Rs1.8 billion special allowance package for top bureaucrats who already receive free fuel. PTI Information Secretary Sheikh Waqas Akram said ordinary Pakistanis were subjected to a six-day petroleum monsoon that drove petrol to Rs335.18 and diesel to Rs383.46 per litre. He observed that the rulers have perfected a dual system: free fuel and luxuries for the elite, and daily fuel bombs for the public. Agriculture, transport and industry are being systematically executed under the excuse of international markets. “PTI demands the immediate rollback of the six-day cumulative hike; a sharp cut in the Rs80 per litre petroleum levy and the overall Rs1.7 trillion levy target; and the complete scrap of the disastrous daily pricing mechanism,” Mr Akram said. He added that Rs1.8 billion bureaucratic bonus should be cancelled. On the agricultural front, Mr Akram called the government’s sudde... -
Dawn - 03:04 Jul 26, 2026
Syria’s President Ahmed al-Sharaa receives UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres at presidential palace.—AFP • Guterres pledges support for Syria’s reconstruction; backs Syria’s request for EU support; calls situation in Golan Heights ‘totally unacceptable’ • Damascus demands Israeli withdrawal from ‘buffer zone’ DAMASCUS: UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres pledged help for Syrian reconstruction on Saturday during the first visit to Damascus by a serving United Nations chief since 2009, before the start of a civil war that killed hundreds of thousands and displaced millions. Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa received Guterres at the presidential palace in Damascus, state news agency SANA said, without providing further details. “No country emerges from a very severe conflict and rebuilds itself on its own,” Guterres said after the talks with Sharaa at a joint press conference with Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani. “We must help Syria in its determination and resolve to do so,” Guterres added. Shaibani rei... -
Dawn - 03:01 Jul 26, 2026
LAHORE: While a vast area of Punjab, covering nearly 400 square kilometres, has come under water following ongoing torrential rains and the overflow of several drains carrying water far beyond their designed capacity, the Chenab and Ravi rivers are expected to reach medium to high flood levels over the next 24 hours. The warning at a time when the flooding has already caused widespread damage to standing crops, livestock and infrastructure prompted district administrations in several areas to expedite flood-response measures, including the establishment of relief camps. “The situation is very alarming this time, as a vast area of around 400sq-kms has come under water in Sheikhupura, Muridke, Gujranwala, Narowal, Sambrial and Pasrur, which fall within the Lahore and Gujranwala divisions,” a senior official of the Punjab irrigation department told Dawn on Saturday. “The current situation resembles an inland sea because of the vast expanse of floodwater,” the official added, requesting anonymity. Floodwaters swa... -
Dawn - 02:59 Jul 26, 2026
ISLAMABAD: A sub-committee of the federal cabinet, headed by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, has approved the prices of 52 life-saving drugs, prompting Health Minister Mustafa Kamal to say that patients would finally have access to cheaper and better-quality medicines. “However, the approval is subject to the final approval of the federal cabinet,” Mr Kamal said while speaking to Dawn on Saturday. The sub-committee, headed by Mr Aurangzeb, has five members, including the health minister. Replying to a question, Mr Kamal said that there were two categories under which medicine prices could be increased. “The first category is hardship [under which prices are increased when production becomes unviable due to rising production costs], and the second category is only the fixation of prices for new molecules. “All 52 medicines were placed under the price-fixation category,” he said. The federal health minister said that the majority of the molecules were either new to the market or alternatives to some of th... -
Dawn - 02:53 Jul 26, 2026
LAHORE: At least seven people, including two children, were killed and 20 others injured in rain-related incidents across Punjab during the last 24 hours, while downpour also damaged houses and killed livestock, according to the Provincial Disaster Management Authority. The PDMA report, available with Dawn, said 14 rain-related incidents were reported across the province up to 2pm on Saturday. These included deaths caused by structural collapses and drowning, injuries from roof collapses and electrocution, the collapse of seven house roofs, and the death of five buffaloes. In Lahore, three people, including a man, a woman and a child, died, while five others were injured in four separate roof-collapse incidents in Bobby Plaza, Garhi Shahu Railway Colony, Saggian Pind and Kahna. Two people, including a man and a child, were killed and three others, including a woman and two children, were injured when the roof of a house collapsed near Adda Dhing Shah on Depalpur Road in Kasur. A woman died after the roof of a... -
Dawn - 02:40 Jul 26, 2026
• Maryam shares video of green buses reaching AJK • PPP alleges code of conduct violations by rivals • Election commissioner warns against new schemes, reviews election preparations • 2,316 polling stations set up across division • MQM-P withdraws candidates in PML-N’s favour MUZAFFARABAD: The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and its coalition partner at the Centre, the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), are set to face off in the Mirpur Division elections on Monday, as electioneering ended at midnight amid allegations of pre-poll rigging by the PPP and a warning from the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Election Commission that no individual or institution would be allowed to violate the election code of conduct. The Election Commission on Saturday reiterated that no individual or institution would be allowed to violate the election code of conduct, amid a controversy over development promises made during the election campaign. Although the commission’s statement did not name any individual or political party, it... -
Dawn - 02:05 Jul 26, 2026
Large infrastructure projects are often presented as symbols of progress. New transport corridors promise faster mobility, greater regional connectivity and economic growth. Yet, the success of such projects depends not only on engineering but also on the way they transform the lives of the people who occupy the spaces through which they pass. In Karachi, the proposed modernisation of Pakistan Railways’ Main Line-1 (ML-1) and the revival of the Karachi Circular Railway (KCR) illustrate this contradiction. Both projects promise substantial improvements to the country’s transport network, but both also require extensive clearance of settlements that have existed for decades along the railway corridors. The discussion surrounding these demolitions has largely focused on removing what are considered ‘encroachments’ and reclaiming public land. Far less attention has been paid to the rehabilitation of the displaced population, despite the fact that it is rehabilitation, not demolition, that ultimately determines th... -
Dawn - 19:10 Jul 25, 2026
The government on Saturday kept the prices of petrol and high-speed diesel unchanged for July 26 and 27 due to the non-publication of “Platts prices on weekends”. A day earlier, the prices of petrol and high-speed diesel (HSD) were increased by Rs3.66 and Rs4.80 per litre, respectively. The current price of petrol stands at Rs335.18 per litre, while HSD is priced at Rs383.46 per litre. The government is charging a total of Rs110 per litre in taxes and duties on petrol and Rs96 on diesel. The Petroleum Division’s notification said the price increase announced for July 25 would also remain applicable on July 26 and 27. The diesel price has come down from a peak of Rs520.35 recorded on April 3. Its price had started rising from Rs281 per litre after the US-Iran war broke out on February 28. The petrol price had peaked at Rs458.41 on April 3 after beginning its upward trajectory from Rs266 in the first week of March. Earlier, Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik announced that fuel prices would now be fixed on a ... -
Dawn - 17:50 Jul 25, 2026
Light to moderate rainfall accompanied by high winds was reported in multiple areas across Karachi on Saturday evening, marking the second consecutive day of rain in the current monsoon spell. Rain was reported in Scheme 33, Gulshan-i-Maymar and adjoining areas, while a light drizzle fell in Hassan Square. Heavy rain was reported in Gulistan-i-Jauhar. Video footage also showed commuters travelling through 4K Chowrangi in Surjani Town amid heavy rainfall. Light rainfall was also reported in Saddar, multiple blocks of Clifton and the Defence Housing Authority (DHA). In a meeting held today, the provincial chief secretary directed provincial and district authorities to activate the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) and district control rooms immediately, while ordering the submission of 24-hour situation reports every morning throughout the monsoon season for continuous monitoring. Chairing the meeting on monsoon preparedness, the chief secretary stressed that contingency plans must include the ide... -
Dawn - 17:21 Jul 25, 2026
Security forces foiled a suicide bombing in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s South Waziristan district and killed four terrorists, including the suicide bomber, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement on Saturday. According to the military’s media wing, the terrorists attempted to ram an explosives-laden vehicle into a security forces checkpost in the district. However, “their nefarious designs were checked and decisively foiled by the vigilant and resolute response of security forces”. “The attackers explosive-laden vehicle was successfully engaged and destroyed outside the perimeters of post, killing one suicide bomber in it, which failed to cause any damage,” said the ISPR, adding that the objective was to breach the checkpost. The ISPR further said that the troops “engaged the remaining intruders, forcing three khwarij into a nearby compound, where they were later neutralised in a deliberate clearance operation carried out with precision, without any casualties on the security forces’ side”. Fi... -
Dawn - 16:38 Jul 25, 2026
An Israeli airstrike on Saturday killed the head of the police force in the northern Gaza Strip, Brigadier-General Abdel-Nasser Al-Maqadma, the enclave’s interior ministry and medics said. Maqadma, one of at least five Palestinians killed in Israeli strikes on Saturday, was also known as the governor of the northern Gaza Strip. He was killed in the Sheikh Radwan area north of Gaza City, medics said. The Israeli military claimed he was part of Hamas’ military wing. Israel has killed dozens of members of the police force, including senior officials, in the past months, accusing many of them of being members of the Hamas armed wing. Hamas says Israeli attacks on the police force and its headquarters are intended to sow chaos and anarchy in the enclave and violate the US-brokered October ceasefire. Medics, high school student among dead Another Israeli strike on Saturday killed a Palestinian medic in the Nuseirat refugee camp in the central Gaza Strip, medics said, adding that a police officer wounded by an Israe... -
Dawn - 15:50 Jul 25, 2026
India’s Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned on Saturday after mass youth-led protests demanded his ouster in anger over a string of irregularities in potentially life-changing exams. Protesters continuing their sit-in at Jantar Mantar, a key protest site in New Delhi on a road leading to the Parliament House, and other parts of India erupted in joy after Pradhan’s announcement. They shouted “Jai Hind”, a patriotic slogan meaning “Victory to India”, as the national anthem played on loudspeakers and sweets were distributed among the crowd. Dawn takes a look at some of the scenes of joy seen in New Delhi as young CJP supporters celebrated the education minister’s resignation. Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) supporters celebrate the resignation of India’s Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on July 25, 2026 amid the ongoing protests over alleged NEET exam irregularities. — AFP Supporters of India’s Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) celebrate after India’s Education Minister Dharm... -
Dawn - 15:36 Jul 25, 2026
GILGIT: Road access to several parts of Gilgit-Baltistan remained cut off for the fourth consecutive day on Saturday as flash floods and glacial lake outburst floods (Glofs), triggered by rapid glacier melting, continued to damage highways and hamper restoration efforts. The continued flooding, driven by unusually high temperatures and accelerated glacier melt, disrupted relief operations and delayed the restoration of road links to affected areas. Director General of the GB Disaster Management Authority (GBDMA) Ataur Rehman Kakar told Dawn that heavy machinery had been deployed and restoration work was continuing round the clock to reopen blocked roads. He said the Karakoram Highway (KKH) and the Gilgit-Shandur Road had been reopened for traffic, while efforts were underway to restore the Baltistan Road, Astore Valley Road, Naltar Highway and other routes connecting remote areas across the region. Despite progress on some major roads, thousands of residents and tourists remained stranded as road closures sev... -
Dawn - 15:12 Jul 25, 2026
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) on Saturday warned of rising flood risks across several parts of Pakistan as monsoon rains continued to swell rivers and streams, with medium-level flooding reported at key points along the Chenab River. According to the NDMA’s National Emergencies Operation Centre (NEOC), medium-level flooding was recorded at Khanki, Qadirabad and Chiniot Bridge on the Chenab River, while the Palkhu Nala at Wazirabad was also flowing at medium flood level. Low-level flooding persists at Kalabagh, Chashma and Taunsa on the Indus River, Marala and Trimmu on the Chenab River, Balloki and Sidhnai on the Ravi River, and Nowshera on the Kabul River. Low flood conditions were also reported at Nala Aik and Palkhu Nala Cantonment Bridge. The authority said water flows in the Chenab River were expected to increase further over the next 24 hours at Marala, Khanki, Qadirabad and Chiniot Bridge. Water levels at Trimmu Barrage were also likely to rise to the medium flood level during the s... -
Dawn - 13:31 Jul 25, 2026
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi visited Quetta on Saturday, where he chaired a high-level meeting with Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti to review the province’s law and order situation. According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Interior, the chief minister briefed the meeting on the overall security situation, ongoing measures and the provincial government’s future strategy. The statement said the meeting decided to further enhance the professional capacity of the Counter-Terrorism Force and Balochistan police, while expediting the implementation of measures aimed at strengthening the provincial police. It said the interior ministry assured the provincial government of its full cooperation in providing the resources required for the purpose. “The federal government will continue to provide all possible support for sustainable peace in Balochistan,” Naqvi was quoted as saying. He also stressed the need for the immediate and effective implementation of the province’s peace restoration plan and c... -
Dawn - 13:19 Jul 25, 2026
MUZAFFARABAD: E-buses announced by the PML-N as a “gift” arrived in Muzaffarabad on Saturday as the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Election Commission warned against violating the code of conduct for election campaigns. The AJK Election Commission warned that it would not allow any individual or institution to violate the code of conduct, a day after former prime minister Nawaz Sharif and Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz announced development schemes, including the “gift” of 10 e-buses at election rallies in Muzaffarabad and Mirpur. CM Maryam confirmed on Saturday afternoon that the green buses had arrived in the regional capital, sharing a video that showed several of the vehicles bearing posters with her picture. The PML-N’s Friday announcement had not gone well with the PPP, which described it as “political bribery”. It then approached the Election Commission, urging it to take notice of what it termed a violation of the election code of conduct. Subsequently, an Election Commission spokesperson said feder...
12392 items