Dawn
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Dawn - 19:37 Mar 21, 2026
Dubai’s property market is beginning to show early signs of weakening nearly three weeks into the US-Israeli war on Iran, with data from analysts showing tanking transaction volumes and some real estate agents pointing to price reductions. The war, and Tehran’s strikes against Israel, US bases and Gulf states including the United Arab Emirates, have pierced Dubai’s image as a safe haven for the world’s wealthy. Real-estate transaction volumes in the UAE fell 37 per cent year-on-year in the first 12 days of March, and 49pc month-on-month, Goldman Sachs analysts estimated in a note published this week. Some properties are already being offered at big discounts, with price cuts of 12-15pc, according to some real estate agents and messages on social media that Reuters reviewed. For instance, a seller was looking for a “quick sale” for a property close to the Burj Khalifa — the world’s tallest building — a message shared by an agent read. The seller was looking for $650,000, down about 12pc from a previous pric... -
Dawn - 19:35 Mar 21, 2026
Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik said on Saturday that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has asked the nation and the government to display a responsible attitude in light of the current energy crisis. “There is scarcity of energy. If we avoid travelling, try to opt work from home, continue the usual work in universities with e-learning and avoid the unnecessary entertainment it is equal to saving a dollar that we have earned or managed it from somewhere to arrange for the fuel,” Malik said in a press briefing alongside Information Minister Attaullah Tarar. Malik further said the premier urged the people to play their role with responsibility and assist those in need around them. He vowed on behalf of the prime minister that the government would “leave no stone unturned for gathering further resources in consultation with the provincial governments to deal with the crisis […] by providing protection to the weakest section of the society”. The petroleum minister said the time had arrived to make a decision abo... -
Dawn - 18:17 Mar 21, 2026
Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Asim Munir on Saturday asserted that terrorists operating from Afghanistan would not be allowed to undermine Pakistan’s security, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR). He made the remarks while visiting Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Kurram, where he offered Eid prayers with the troops and officers there, and prayed for the country’s enduring stability and prosperity. “He (Field Marshal Munir) emphasised that terrorists operating from sanctuaries across the border in Afghanistan will not be allowed to undermine Pakistan’s security,” the military’s media wing said in a statement. Reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to regional peace and stability, COAS Munir reiterated that “Afghan soil must not be used by hostile elements for activities against Pakistan”. The ISPR statement said: “Appreciating the valour and spirit of the soldiers, the field marshal lauded their achievements during Operation Ghazab lil-Haq, aimed at dismantl... -
Dawn - 17:59 Mar 21, 2026
Fourteen people were killed in a fire in a car parts factory in South Korea that also injured 59 others, authorities told AFP on Saturday, updating a previous toll of 11 fatalities. Fire crews were initially unable to enter the factory in the central city of Daejeon to look for survivors due to the risk of the building collapsing. The response was also hampered by sodium stored at the site, which can explode if improperly handled, according to South Korea’s Yonhap news agency. Around 170 workers were at the plant when the fire broke out at about 9:00am PKT (0400 GMT) on Friday, according to Yonhap. “We can confirm the latest death toll has risen to 14, with no one reported missing,” an official from the interior ministry’s department that handles fires and other disasters told AFP. Officials have not said what may have caused the fire, which spread rapidly. A witness told Yonhap about hearing an explosion. Fire crews could be seen shooting water onto the site from cranes while a thick column of black smoke fi... -
Dawn - 12:23 Mar 21, 2026
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday called for greater unity and brotherhood among Muslims as the country marked Eidul Fitr in “testing times”. In his post on X, PM Shehbaz wrote: “Even as we celebrate Eid with gratitude and joy, our hearts remain heavy for the people of Gaza and Kashmir, as well as our brothers and sisters affected by the ongoing hostilities in the Middle East and the region. “Today, more than ever, we need greater unity within the Ummah so that we may collectively uphold justice, dignity, and lasting peace for all. At a moment of uncertainty and instability, our greatest strength lies in unity,” he said. The premier extended his heartfelt greetings to the people of Pakistan and Muslims around the world, noting that the day “reminds us of the enduring values of compassion, unity and generosity that lie at the heart of our faith”. “On this auspicious occasion, we are also reminded of the strength and responsibility of the Muslim Ummah — bound together by s... -
Dawn - 12:21 Mar 21, 2026
Muslims in several countries are celebrating Eidul Fitr for 1447 AH, marking the end of the month of Ramazan. One of Islam’s most significant holidays, Eidul Fitr is typically celebrated by feasting and gift-giving. Dawn takes a look at some of the scenes around the world as Muslims offered Eid prayers and indulged in festivities, while those in Gaza, Lebanon and Iran observed the occasion amid Israeli bombing. Muslims offer Eidul Fitr prayers, in Skardu, Gilgit-Baltistan, on March 21, 2026. — AFP Women react as they take a selfie after attending an Eidul Fitr prayer, at the Badshahi Mosque in Lahore on March 21, 2026. — Reuters A child looks on as Muslims offer Eidul Fitr prayers, in Rawalpindi on March 21, 2026. — AFP Muslim children hug each other after offering Eidul Fitr prayers, at a mosque in Karachi on March 21, 2026. — AFP Muslims offer Eidul Fitr prayers at Alamgir Mosque (R) along the banks of the river Ganges in Varanasi on March 21, 2026. — AFP Muslims gather to offer prayers during a foggy morni... -
Dawn - 11:40 Mar 21, 2026
KARACHI: Three children were among seven injured by “stray bullets” across the city last night on the eve of Eidul Fitr, police said on Saturday. According to the Karachi Police Media Cell (KPMC), which issued separate statements for each incident, the victims included three children, three men and a woman. Four of the injured were taken to Abbasi Shaheed Hospital (ASH), two to Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC), and one to Civil Hospital Karachi (CHK). An eight-year-old boy was “injured from [a] stray bullet near Dawood Chowrangi” and taken to JPMC for medical treatment, said the police. A nine-year-old girl was “injured by [a] stray bullet at Janjal Goth near Imran Bakery” and taken to ASH. At Lyari’s Shah Baig Lane, police said a stray bullet injured a 13-year-old boy, who was then taken to CHK. Another incident from a stray bullet occurred at Shah Latif Daud Chali near Radio Pakistan Ground, wounding an 18-year-old. In similar incidents, a 29-year-old was injured in Islamia Colony, while a 32-year-... -
Dawn - 10:41 Mar 21, 2026
President Donald Trump ends the third week of the Iran war, confronting a crisis that seems to be slipping out of his hands. Global energy prices are surging, the United States stands isolated from allies and more troops are preparing to deploy despite his promise that the war would be only a “short excursion.” A defensive Trump called other NATO countries “cowards” for refusing to help secure the Strait of Hormuz and insisted the campaign was unfolding according to plan. But his declaration on Friday that the battle “was Militarily WON” clashed with the reality of a defiant Iran that is choking off Gulf oil and gas supplies while launching missile strikes across the region. Trump, who took office promising to keep the US out of “stupid” military interventions, now appears to control neither the outcome nor the messaging of a conflict he helped to initiate. The lack of a clear exit strategy carries risks both for his presidential legacy and his party’s political prospects as Republicans scramble to defend nar... -
Dawn - 09:42 Mar 21, 2026
A new study in the field of space medicine marks a number of significant contributions from physicians working to advance space exploration, highlighting the unique strengths they bring to the field. Dr Farhan M Asrar, a Canadian physician and internationally known space medicine researcher, has worked with experts and astronauts from space agencies around the world. He looks at human health in space, including deep space missions, as well as how space technology can be used to innovate health, public health and the environment on Earth. One of his most recent pieces of research, ‘From bedside to orbit: the enduring impact of physician-astronauts over six decades of space exploration’, published in the Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine, looks at the role of medical doctor in advancing space exploration. According to Dr Asrar, the work addresses two historical milestones: it has been 61 years since the first physician-astronaut — a medical doctor who became an astronaut — went to space for Russia, as we... -
Dawn - 07:19 Mar 21, 2026
Donald Trump’s war with Iran is weighing on independent US voters, a crucial bloc likely to determine if the president’s Republican Party maintains control of Congress in the November midterm elections. At a breakfast diner in Pennsylvania, a swing state where voters often shift between parties, there was a mix of anger and confusion over the new conflict. “Trump’s just miring us in another Iraq, Vietnam situation,” said retired postal worker Jolene Lloyd, 65, referencing the two prolonged wars often seen as failures for the United States. Lloyd has never voted for Trump, but has previously split her ticket between parties. Not this year — in November, she will only support Democrats. Republicans only narrowly control Congress — where every seat is up in the House and about one-third of the Senate — so even a small loss of voters could spell trouble. The midterm contests will determine whether Trump governs with a cooperative Congress or faces a Democratic majority empowered to block legislation and launch in... -
Dawn - 06:32 Mar 21, 2026
Gold prices fell by 1.8 per cent on Friday as the dollar strengthened on a report that the United States will deploy extra troops in the Middle East, fanning concerns of higher oil prices, inflation, and with it, elevated interest rates. Spot gold fell 1.8pc to $4,563.64 per ounce after earlier rising 1pc. US gold futures for April delivery were 0.7pc lower at $4,574.90. The dollar and US Treasury yields extended gains after a Reuters report, citing three US officials, that the US military is deploying thousands of additional marines and sailors to the Middle East. A stronger dollar makes dollar-priced bullion less attractive to holders of other currencies. The US-Israeli war on Iran has killed thousands, spilled across the Middle East and hit the global economy since the two countries launched a joint attack on February 28. Iran’s prolonged blockade of the Strait of Hormuz could keep energy prices elevated and fuel inflation. “Gold and silver are being dragged lower as markets climb the usual wall of worry a... -
Dawn - 06:28 Mar 21, 2026
Wall Street ended sharply lower on Friday, with the S&P 500 closing at its lowest in six months, as the US-Israeli war against Iran entered its fourth week, deepening worries about inflation and the potential for higher interest rates. The conflict in the Middle East showed no signs of easing. The US military was deploying an amphibious assault ship with thousands of additional Marines and sailors to the Middle East, while Iran’s new supreme leader hailed Iran’s “unity” and “resistance”. “The market is finally settling into the idea that this may go on longer than initially expected, and I think that’s why markets are selling off. This conflict may go on not for just a few weeks, but maybe beyond several months,” said Jake Dollarhide, CEO of Longbow Asset Management in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Magnificent 7 companies fall Wall Street’s most valuable companies dropped, with Nvidia and Tesla losing over 3pc each. Alphabet, Meta Platforms and Microsoft were all down about 2pc. US Treasuries fell for a third session, in ... -
Dawn - 05:38 Mar 21, 2026
President Donald Trump said Friday that the United States was considering “winding down” military operations against Iran but was not seeking a ceasefire with the Islamic Republic. Iran’s new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei meanwhile, claimed in a message to mark the first day of the Persian New Year to have delivered a “dizzying blow” to enemies in the three-week-old Middle East war. On Wall Street, stocks ended sharply lower after oil prices shot up on fears that lengthy supply disruptions could lead to a global economic downturn. All three major indices were firmly in the red, with the broad-based S&P 500 down 1.5 percent and the price of Brent crude, the international benchmark, rising 3.3 percent to $112.19 per barrel. Turkiye lashed out at Israel meanwhile, for striking Syrian army camps in southern Syria, calling it a “dangerous escalation” and urging the international community to intervene. Syria has so far avoided being dragged into the regional war that began on February 28 when Israel and the Unit... -
Dawn - 05:34 Mar 21, 2026
CHITRAL: A tragic incident occurred during trophy hunting of Himalayan Ibex in Barp area of Upper Chitral, where a non-local hunter’s long struggle and investment of hundreds of thousands of rupees went to waste when his shot hit a juvenile ibex instead of the intended target. According to details, a hunter from another district, assisted by local community members, had selected a large ibex with heavy horns for the hunt after exhausting tracking and searching. However, reportedly due to his weapon failure, the bullet’s trajectory changed, and instead of hitting the selected adult ibex, it struck a nearby three-year-old ibex and killed it. Locals said that aggrieved and heartbroken over the failure to secure his dream trophy and the unintentional mistake, the hunter departed. Meanwhile, an emergency meeting of valley conservation committee (VCC) Thorjal Barp was held with its president Sultan Zarin in the chair to discuss the incident in which a unanimous resolution was passed. The resolution stated that hunt... -
Dawn - 04:15 Mar 21, 2026
LAHORE: The Punjab government has decided in principle to restore original names of roads, streets, and historic colleges. However, it has yet to finalise a plan to revive Minto Park’s historical cricket ground and wrestling arena. Several prominent colleges in Lahore had been upgraded to universities, transitioning from degree-awarding colleges to degree-granting universities that include Government College Lahore (GCU), Lahore College for Women (LCWU), Forman Christian College (FCCU), King Edward Medical College (KEMU), Kinnaird College for Women University, University of Home Economics Lahore and etc. Several historic streets and roads in Lahore have been renamed over the years, often replacing British-era or Hindu-associated names with those of Islamic, Pakistani, or local historical figures such as Queen’s Road was renamed Fatima Jinnah Road, Jail Road renamed Allama Iqbal Road, Davies Road renamed Sir Aga Khan Road, Lawrence Road renamed Bagh-i-Jinnah Road, Empress Road renamed Shahrah-i-Abdul Hameed bi... -
Dawn - 02:45 Mar 21, 2026
• Marriage hall owners urge govt to reconsider decision; call restrictions ‘impractical, distressing and likely to cause confusion’ • Considering ground realities, it would be difficult for authorities to enforce ‘complete implementation’, remarks opposition leader Khurshidi KARACHI: The Sindh government’s decision to limit wedding guests to 200 has sparked fears, leaving many in a dilemma and unsure whether to invite or attend functions. The provincial government, as part of its “austerity” drive in the wake of the Middle East war, took a host of measures, including limiting number of guests at wedding ceremonies or any other party to 200 with one-dish serving. Families who had already sent invitations to their loved ones months in advance are now worried about financial implications of reducing the number of guests, having already booked venues and caterers. The Karachi Marriage Hall Owners Association (KMHOA) expressed grave concern over the government’s decision and said it was not practical to implement ... -
Dawn - 02:36 Mar 21, 2026
KARACHI: Digital payments have changed the landscape of banking transactions in the country as 92 per cent retail transactions were carried out through this mode during the second quarter of FY26, according to the State Bank of Pakistan. The central bank released its report on payment systems for the October-December 2025 quarter on Thursday. Out of the 3.4 billion retail transactions carried out during the period, 92pc were conducted through digital channels. The percentage for the same period during October-December 2024 was 88pc. The number of retail transactions went up by eight per cent from the previous quarter, while its value rose by seven per cent, reaching Rs167 trillion. The number of payments through the digital channel reached 3.1bn, amounting to Rs64tr, reflecting the growing adoption of digital payment methods across the economy. App-based payments Mobile app-based payments continued to dominate the digital landscape, with 2.6bn transactions conducted through apps offered by branchless banking ... -
Dawn - 02:03 Mar 21, 2026
QUETTA: Balochistan Inspector General of Police Muhammad Tahir has congratulated provincial police personnel for arresting 497 proclaimed offenders over the 40-day special campaign launched against criminals wanted by police for cases of murder, attempted murder, robberies and kidnapping for ransom. He announced cash rewards and CC-1 certificates for police officers from Kachhi, Hub, Quetta, Sibi and Kohlu and Ziarat districts. Presiding over a meeting on Thursday to review law and order situation in the province, the IGP expressed satisfaction over the performance of police personnel. He said that last year only 587 proclaimed offenders were arrested, while in 2026, during the special campaign launched on Jan 26, 497 proclaimed offenders were arrested till March 18, which reflects the dedication and coordinated efforts of the police force. The IGP also announced cash awards for the districts that showed good performance during the campaign. Published in Dawn, March 20th, 2026 -
Dawn - 20:37 Mar 20, 2026
Supreme Leader Mojtaba denies Iran’s role in attacks in Oman, Turkiye, dubs them ‘false flag tactic’
Iran’s supreme leader, Mojataba Khamenei, denied on Friday Tehran’s role in recent attacks in Turkiye and Oman, claiming that it was a “false flag tactic” by Israel instead. “I should also remark that the attacks against Turkiye and Oman – both of which have good relations with us — targeting certain locations in these countries, were in no way carried out by the armed forces of the Islamic republic or the other forces of the Resistance Front. “This is a ploy by the Zionist enemy (Israel), employing the false flag tactic to create discord between the Islamic republic and its neighbours, and it may also occur in some other countries,” Khamenei said in a statement published on his Telegram channel and official Iranian media on the occasion of Nowruz, the Persian New Year. This is Mojtaba’s second message since becoming Iran’s supreme leader following the assassination of his father and the previous supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Ali Khamenei was assassinated on February 28, when the US and Israel launc...
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