Dawn
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Dawn - 07:57 May 30, 2026
South Korea and the United States are in talks over recent public remarks by the commander of US Forces Korea (USFK), Seoul’s presidential office said on Saturday, after the comments drew sharp criticism from China. In a recent podcast interview, Xavier Brunson described South Korea as “the dagger in the heart of Asia” from China’s east coast, prompting the Chinese embassy in Seoul to say this week that he had “truly crossed the line”. The interview came amid growing speculation that Washington may seek to expand the role of USFK in countering the growing regional influence of China, a key ally of North Korea and Russia. Brunson last year also underscored South Korea’s strategic value in the broader Indo-Pacific, describing the US ally as a “fixed aircraft carrier” in the region, Yonhap reported. South Korea’s presidential Blue House said on Saturday that it was “aware of Commander Brunson’s recent series of public remarks” and that Seoul and Washington “have been maintaining communication at various levels r... -
Dawn - 07:39 May 30, 2026
LAHORE: Heavy rain lashed various parts of Lahore on Saturday, with the highest rainfall recorded in Nishtar Town. According to the data shared by the Water and Sanitation Agency (Wasa), Jail Road recorded 20.5 mm of rain, airport area 40 mm, Gulberg Head Office 20 mm, Lakshmi Chowk 30.5 mm, Upper Mall 29 mm, Mughalpura 30.5 mm, Tajpura 27 mm, Nishtar Town 48.5 mm and Chowk Nakhuda 25 mm. Rainfall was also recorded in Pani Wala Talab (22 mm), Farrukhabad (19 mm), Gulshan-i-Ravi (17 mm), Iqbal Town (20 mm), Samanabad (22.5 mm), Johar Town (37.5 mm), Defence Road (15 mm), Shadipura (0.5 mm) and Saggian (18.5 mm). Separately, Rescue 1122 said that at least two people were injured after a wall collapsed on a rickshaw in Wapda Town. It said that one of the two was taken to Jinnah Hospital for further treatment. According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department’s weather forecast, rain, windstorm/thunderstorm were likely at isolated places in Azad Kashmir, northeast/east Punjab and Potohar regions. It said that h... -
Dawn - 05:29 May 30, 2026
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth on Saturday urged Asian allies to ramp up military spending to counter China’s growing power and prevent its dominance in the region, warning of “rightful alarm” over its rapid military buildup. Hegseth, speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, Asia’s premier forum for defence leaders, militaries and diplomats, said a stronger, more self-reliant network of allies is essential to deter aggression and preserve the balance of power. “There is rightful alarm regarding China’s historic military buildup and the expansion of its military activities in the region and beyond,” he said. “A Pacific dominated by any hegemon would unravel the regional balance of power,” Hegseth said. “No state, including China, can impose its hegemony and hold the security or prosperity of our nation and our allies in question.” The US expects its Asian allies and partners to increase defence spending to 3.5 per cent of GDP as it pledged a $1.5 trillion investment in its military, the Pentagon ch... -
Dawn - 04:09 May 30, 2026
• US president demands Iran never develop nuclear weapons, wants Hormuz opened without tolls • Tehran rejects Trump’s language, demands release of $12bn in frozen assets • Araghchi accuses US of excessive, shifting demands; Baqaei says no N-talks currently taking place • Vance says ‘lot of progress’ made in talks even as both sides trade barbs over truce violations • Washington denies Iran claim of destroying US plane in Bushehr WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump met advisers in the White House Situation Room for about two hours on Friday as he considered a potential agreement with Iran, though Tehran insisted there was still “no final agreement” on ending the Middle East war. A report from Iran’s Fars news agency also rebutted several key elements of Trump’s characterisation of the deal, citing informed sources as calling his remarks a “mixture of truth and lies”. US sources had told AFP the deal was just waiting on Trump’s sign-off following weeks of halting negotiations to end a conflict that had engulf... -
Dawn - 03:52 May 30, 2026
LAHORE: The Faisalabad City police are going to launch a major operation against drug cartels after the arrest of 80 women and 20 male traffickers who were supplying narcotics to university and college students. Police reports have revealed that the women traffickers dominate the city as they are perceived as less suspicious than men. During interrogation, the suspects revealed that they were supplying drugs through several ‘supplier networks’ to education institutions. The drugs are being routed through district Jhang from Sindh and KP and some groups are working under political backing. The use of internet and social media has become popular for trafficking synthetic drugs. An official said the anti-narcotics cells of the Faisalabad City police arrested 80 women smugglers during the last five months and a majority of them were operating in urban hubs, exclusively targeting students and children of the elite for supply of ice and cocaine. Women traffickers were used to supply drugs in education institutions ... -
Dawn - 02:42 May 30, 2026
• 1pc advance tax removal may bring a meagre Rs100bn relief • Textile sector pushes for broader reforms, refunds, and lower energy costs • 68pc tax burden eroding competitiveness; industry demands restoration of Final Tax Regime ISLAMABAD: The government is considering abolishing the one per cent advance tax on exporters in the upcoming federal budget, a move that could provide relief of around Rs100 billion. However, no broader fiscal support for the struggling sector is currently on the table. Officials familiar with the budget discussions told Dawn on Friday that the proposal is under active consideration as part of limited, targeted measures for the export industry, particularly the textile sector, which has been pressing for wide-ranging reforms. The 1pc advance tax, charged on export proceeds, has long been criticised by exporters as a liquidity-draining measure that ties up working capital despite thin margins and delayed refunds. Industry data showed that exporters alone had paid nearly Rs200bn in exc... -
Dawn - 02:36 May 30, 2026
• Legal fraternity says ‘facilitative measure’ has turned into ‘gatekeeping mechanism’ • Notes technical glitches make access to justice needlessly complicated LAHORE: The enforcement of mandatory biometric verification for litigants filing cases has triggered widespread concern across Punjab’s legal community, with lawyers describing the requirement as an unreasonable obstacle to access to justice. Notified in January and in force since March of this year, the move was envisioned as a facilitative, technical measure. According to a statement attributed to LHC Chief Justice Aalia Neelum, the system would “help curb fake litigation, prevent impersonation and eliminate the use of bogus witnesses and sureties”. It was described as a significant step towards modernising the judiciary and safeguarding the integrity of judicial proceedings, which would enhance the credibility of the judiciary and provide a secure and efficient mechanism for conducting proceedings. But after a few months of seeing it in action, la... -
Dawn - 01:02 May 30, 2026
KARACHI: Pakistani freelancers have earned more than $950 million in foreign exchange during 10MFY26, up 49 per cent year on year (YoY), according to data released by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP). Dr Imran Batada, the newly appointed President and CEO of the Pakistan Freelancers Association (PFA), said Pakistani freelancers had outperformed those in India, China, the UAE, and several other countries despite multiple global and domestic challenges. In a statement, he said the growth in freelancers’ income was driven by the increasing participation of Pakistani freelancers on various platforms, including Upwork, Fiverr, and social media. He noted that awareness of freelancing has increased significantly among Pakistanis over the past few years, encouraging many individuals to acquire skills through online learning, private institutions, government-led training programmes, and initiatives by various NGOs. Pakistan’s freelancing community is estimated at around three million people, and this number should con... -
Dawn - 01:02 May 30, 2026
• At least 85 officials penalised over misuse of authority during past year, Senate told • FIA says Directorate of Internal Accountability working to strengthen internal oversight within the agency • More than 130 passengers offloaded from flights across country in 2025 ISLAMABAD: At least 132 passengers were offloaded from their scheduled flights at various airports across the country in the past year by immigration officers of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) while 85 of its officials were penalised for misuse of authority during this period, according to a report submitted to the Senate. The FIA informed the Senate earlier this week that strict measures were in place against immigration officials involved in the unjustified offloading of passengers or collaboration with human smugglers. It added that during 2025, final inquiries found 85 officials guilty of misuse of authority in immigration-related matters and they were penalised. Among the complaints against FIA officers were allegations of offload... -
Dawn - 21:23 May 29, 2026
Several PTI leaders, including party president in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa MNA Junaid Akbar, were expelled from Gilgit-Baltistan on Friday while they were campaigning for upcoming elections. Accounts from the PTI and its leaders also suggested Akbar and his companions were also briefly detained by the authorities before being expelled. However, an official statement by the GB government said that no arrests were made and the leaders had only been expelled over violating of the election code of conduct. Initially, the PTI said in a post on X that “PTI KP President Junaid Akbar, along with MNAs Saleemur Rehman, Amjab Ali Khan, Syed Mehboob Shah, MPA Naeem and […] Dr Nawaz were arrested by the GB government and administration at a check post when they were returning from the Ghizer district”. The PTI also shared a video of the alleged arrest on X, in which Akbar and others were seen sitting inside what appeared to be a van. In the background, a man in a police uniform could also be seen. Akbar, meanwhile, posted on X ... -
Dawn - 20:38 May 29, 2026
WASHINGTON: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said on Friday that Pakistan remained firmly committed to its longstanding position on Palestine and Gaza and that there could be no change in Islamabad’s stance towards Israel without the establishment of an independent Palestinian state. He said this during a press conference at Pakistan’s embassy in Washington after a meeting with Rubio. Dar was asked whether US President Donald Trump had dropped his calls for Muslim countries to join the Abraham Accords as part of a potential deal with Iran. The question arose because Trump did not mention the issue in a statement issued earlier on Friday outlining potential key areas in the deal. DPM Dar did not respond directly to the question. Instead, he said he had reiterated Pakistan’s position during his engagements at the United Nations earlier this week. “Pakistan remains steadfast in its position on Palestine and Gaza,” Dar said, adding that Israel “must move towards the establishment of a Palestin... -
Dawn - 18:27 May 29, 2026
The government announced a reduction of Rs22 per litre in the prices of petrol and high-speed diesel (HSD) each on Friday. Last week, the government cut the prices of petrol and diesel by Rs6-7 per litre each with immediate effect for the week ending May 29 owing to lower global prices. Following the last reduction, the price of HSD stood at Rs402.78 per litre and that of petrol at Rs403.78 per litre. Another reduction of Rs22 in the price of each commodity means that the new price of HSD has been set at around R380 per litre and of petrol at around Rs381 per litre. The latest reduction in the prices was announced in a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), which said PM Shehbaz had promised to pass on “the relief to the people as soon as some space was created for it”. “That promise has been fulfilled,” it added. “It has been decided to reduce the price of petrol by Rs22 per litre and also cut the price of diesel by Rs22 per litre.” Later, the Petroleum Division said the new prices were to re... -
Dawn - 18:19 May 29, 2026
The United Nations warned on Friday that an Israeli plan to take control of 70 per cent of Gaza will increase suffering among children already hit by the impacts of severe overcrowding. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered the military to take control of more territory in the Gaza Strip, flouting the terms of a fragile ceasefire that took effect in October. He said the military had controlled 50pc of the Palestinian territory under the terms of the ceasefire, then advanced to take over 60pc. “My directive is to move to… 70pc,” he said. The United Nations children’s agency Unicef warned that this would deepen the health crisis among children in the territory, suffering from acute lack of food, water and hygiene. Israel controls the flow of aid into the territory along with all entry points into Gaza, which has been under an Israeli blockade since 2007. Even before Israel’s assault in Gaza that began in 2023, the territory was already very densely populated. Now “people have been crammed into a... -
Dawn - 16:13 May 29, 2026
Pakistan ODI captain Shaheen Shah Afridi expressed hope on Friday that Babar Azam, who had been recalled for the upcoming three-match series against Australia, would continue his PSL form. In the 11th HBL Pakistan Super League edition that concluded earlier this month, Babar finished as the highest run-getter for the season and also led his side, Peshawar Zalmi, to lifting the trophy. He also struck two spectacular centuries in the season against Quetta Gladiators and Islamabad United. Babar’s return to form in the PSL followed a disappointing T20 World Cup campaign by Pakistan, during which the former captain was seen struggling. Subsequently, he was not included in the squad for the away ODI series against Bangladesh in March. After he was recalled for the Australia series, scheduled from May 30 to June 4 in Rawalpindi and Lahore, Shaheen said during a press conference on Sunday that Babar had been the “backbone” of Pakistan’s middle order. “We hope that his form from PSL continues and he wins matches for P... -
Dawn - 16:04 May 29, 2026
The World Health Organisation (WHO) said on Friday that there were 906 suspected cases of Ebola in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), including 223 suspected deaths that were being investigated. An outbreak of the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola is ongoing in the DRC, with cases also reported in Uganda. There have been 125 confirmed cases of Ebola in the DRC, including 17 confirmed deaths in Ituri, North Kivu and South Kivu. There have also been seven confirmed cases of Ebola in Uganda, three of which were imported from the DRC, and one death. However, no community transmission has been reported, the WHO said. The Ebola outbreak in eastern DRC likely started two months ago, the WHO said in early May. The outbreak of the rare Bundibugyo strain, for which there is no vaccine, was declared by the WHO a public health emergency of international concern. It has alarmed experts because of how long it went undetected while spreading across a densely populated area, making it difficult to trace and isolate the contact... -
Dawn - 13:17 May 29, 2026
The United States and Iran have reached an agreement to extend a ceasefire, allow shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and lift a US blockade and some sanctions on Iran, sources have said, but the deal has not been finalised. US President Donald Trump’s approval is still pending. An agreement would represent a big step towards ending a war that has pushed the world towards an energy crisis, though the underlying dispute over Iran’s nuclear programme would only be thrashed out in talks over subsequent weeks. Where have the discussions got to? Following a ceasefire in early April, the two sides have remained at odds on issues including Iran’s nuclear ambitions, Israel’s war in Lebanon with Hezbollah, and Tehran’s demands for the lifting of sanctions and the release of frozen assets. After weeks of mainly indirect talks, four sources familiar with the matter told Reuters on Thursday that the US and Iran had agreed to a memorandum of understanding that would halt the war and give negotiators 60 days to reach a f... -
Dawn - 11:30 May 29, 2026
An uncrewed Blue Origin New Glenn rocket exploded on a Florida launchpad during a test on Thursday, in a major setback for Jeff Bezos space venture as it seeks to narrow the gap with Elon Musk’s IPO-bound SpaceX. Video posted by NASASpaceflight, which livestreams launches from Florida, showed the towering New Glenn rocket igniting on the pad at about 9pm ET (6am PKT on Friday) before erupting into a massive fireball that billowed skyward, sending a towering plume of flames and smoke into the air. Blue Origin was preparing the rocket for its fourth launch, which was due to deliver 48 Amazon Leo satellites into low-Earth orbit, part of efforts to build a broadband constellation to rival Musks Starlink network. Amazon Leo satellites were not integrated on the rocket at the time of the incident, a source familiar with the matter said, asking not to be named due to its sensitivity. The explosion marks the latest setback for the long-delayed New Glenn, which is supposed to play a central role in delivering lunar la... -
Dawn - 10:22 May 29, 2026
Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah on Friday met with World Bank Country Director Bolorma Amgaabazar to review progress on Karachi’s water supply, infrastructure development projects, and the K-IV augmentation scheme. According to a press release issued by the Chief Minister House, Murad said the Sindh government, with the World Bank’s support, aims to establish a “modern and sustainable water supply system for Karachi”. He added that the K-IV project is vital for meeting the city’s future water requirements. CM Murad directed the authorities concerned to “remove all technical and administrative hurdles in the K-IV project and ensure its timely completion”. He emphasised that effective water management and transparent governance were essential in view of Karachi’s rapidly growing population. During the meeting, the chief minister and the World Bank country director also discussed water metering, urban improvement works in informal settlements, and ongoing reforms in the Karachi Water & Sewerage Corporation (... -
Dawn - 10:02 May 29, 2026
Commemorating the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers 2026, Pakistan on Friday reaffirmed its support for UN peacekeeping missions and vowed its renewed “investment in peace”. President Asif Ali Zardari in a statement highlighted that Pakistan was host to one of the oldest UN peacekeeping missions, the United Nations Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan. “The continued presence and relevance of this Mission reaffirm the responsibility of the international community to support a just and lasting resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute,” he added. President Zardari said that the work of UN peacekeepers “brings stability and hope to communities affected by conflict and displacement”. This year’s theme, “Invest in Peace”, highlights the importance of “sustained political commitment and financial support” for peace worldwide, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said in his statement. On this day in 1948, the first UN peacekeeping mission commenced operations in Palestine, the premier added. Sin... -
Dawn - 09:46 May 29, 2026
ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has fixed June 1 for hearing the sentence suspension applications filed by human rights lawyers Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir and Hadi Ali Chattha in the social media posts case. As per a one-page written order issued by IHC’s Justice Muhammad Azam Khan, following last week’s hearing, a certified copy of the Supreme Court’s May 12 order had been submitted. It should be noted that the SC had directed the IHC on May 12 to decide within two weeks on Imaan and Hadi’s pleas seeking the suspension of their sentence. On May 20, the IHC had issued notices to officials of the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) on applications requesting an expedited hearing of the sentence suspension petitions. Earlier this month, the judge had raised objections over the non-submission of certified copies of the SC order and directed the defence counsel to submit the certified order through the court office in accordance with the prescribed procedure. Following the submission of the...
10706 items