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Dawn - 13:47 Aug 06, 2026
Security forces conducted two intelligence-based operations (IBOs) in Balochistan’s Washuk and Mastung districts, killing 12 terrorists in total, the military’s media wing said on Thursday. In a statement, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said the “high-tempo” operations were carried out as part of the ‘Radul Fitna’ counterterrorism campaign against Fitna-al-Hindustan in Balochistan. Balochistan-based terrorist groups have been designated as Fitna-al-Hindustan to highlight India’s alleged role in terrorism and destabilisation across Pakistan. The ISPR said that on August 5, “[The] movement of six terrorists was picked up by the security forces in Washuk District of Balochistan. Own troops effectively engaged these terrorists. As a result of precise and skilful engagement, all six terrorists belonging to Indian proxy, Fitna-al-Hindustan were sent to hell.” The military’s media wing further said that during an operation in the Mastung district earlier today, six terrorists were “sent to hell after the... -
Dawn - 13:14 Aug 06, 2026
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to Instagram recently with selfie-style videos shot after hours in a bid to win over young voters following Gen Z protests that highlighted growing frustration over a lack of job and education opportunities. From clips showing the prime minister in a biker jacket and sunglasses against a rap soundtrack, to others that borrow the theme song from the sitcom Friends to signal his dependability, the messaging of Modi’s party has pivoted towards the young. A vertically shot clip posted on July 31 featuring Modi uttering a casual greeting, “Hi, friends” was the latest in his digital charm offensive that aims to win over 400 million Gen Z voters ahead of general elections in 2029. “They are platforms where you broadcast a well-rehearsed and disciplined political message to millions of followers in a top-down manner,” said Delhi-based political columnist Asim Ali. The pivot to youth-focused social media follows protests last month that led to the resignation of the education m... -
Dawn - 12:50 Aug 06, 2026
Progressive candidates continue to rack up wins in primary elections across the United States, propelled by a new left-wing media ecosystem allowing them to build a national profile on their own terms — and sidestep the traditional gatekeepers of the Democratic establishment. For Pennsylvania state Representative Chris Rabb, a Democratic socialist who recently prevailed in a congressional primary against a more moderate rival, appearances on programs like “The Majority Report with Sam Seder” and “Breaking Points” played a key role in his political breakthrough. “It helps me increase my visibility, validation and ability to raise money,” said Rabb, describing it as “a Venn diagram of success”. This fast-growing world of left-wing websites, podcasters, YouTube hosts and livestreamers — many of whom blend opinion journalism and activism — affords candidates a sympathetic space to sharpen their message and mobilise grassroots support. But it also risks deepening the fissures in the Democratic Party, analysts say,... -
Dawn - 12:30 Aug 06, 2026
“And worse I may be yet. The worst is not So long as we can say, ‘This is the worst.’” — William Shakespeare, *King Lear* PROLOGUE The United States’ on-again, off-again war against Iran continues. While we are witnessing another lull at the time of writing, after a brief escalation following the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), the structural logic of the conflict remains unchanged. If anything, Ukraine’s sinking of Iran’s merchant ship in the Caspian Sea threatens to imbricate the European and Asian theatres, especially if Kyiv attacks more Iranian ships and Iran retaliates. The war imposed on Iran by the US and its Zionist partner already involves 12 active state actors, a number that makes untangling the entanglement into a nightmare. Notwithstanding, many people in Pakistan have raised a number of questions regarding Iran’s policy and continue to fuss over why Iran can’t just cut a deal with the United States, get sanctions relief and get on with life. This article is an attempt to expla... -
Dawn - 11:49 Aug 06, 2026
England have recalled Dan Lawrence from two years of Test exile to face Pakistan, with the batsman pencilled in to fill the middle-order vacancy created by the retirement of captain Ben Stokes. National selector Marcus North, announcing a 16-man squad for the first two matches of the three-Test series on Thursday, confirmed Lawrence would bat at number six. Jordan Cox, who replaces the injured Jacob Bethell, will bat at number three. Joe Root leads the side after being appointed for a second stint, with the first Test starting at Headingley on August 19. Lawrence has been in the international wilderness since he made his 14th Test appearance in September 2024, playing out of position as an opener against Sri Lanka. The Surrey batter, 29, has been in impressive form in the County Championship this season, averaging more than 65, with five centuries. Cox, 25, made his debut against New Zealand in the second Test at the Oval in June, when he replaced Stokes, who was omitted after he broke a team curfew. Fast bow... -
Dawn - 11:44 Aug 06, 2026
North Korea fired a short-range ballistic missile over the Sea of Japan on Thursday, Seoul’s military said, with the launch coming after Pyongyang lambasted Japan’s military build-up in the Pacific. North Korea, which since 2019 has repeatedly declared itself an “irreversible” nuclear state, featured among growing regional threats in a recent Japanese government assessment. Tokyo’s Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi said this week that Japan’s military needs to be boosted with a “sense of urgency and crisis”. In a statement carried by North Korean state media on Wednesday, Kim Yo Jong — the powerful sister of leader Kim Jong Un — said Pyongyang’s “leadership will set up additional military options which are obviously due to Japan’s transformation”. On Thursday, South Korea’s joint chiefs of staff (JCS) said that “our military detected one short-range ballistic missile launched from the Wonsan area of North Korea at around 5pm (0800 GMT)”. Authorities in Seoul and Washington were analysing the missile’s exact s... -
Dawn - 10:58 Aug 06, 2026
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday left for a three-day visit to Saudi Arabia, where he will be accompanied by the Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir. In a post on X, the government said that the premier has left for the visit at the invitation of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Apart from CDF Munir, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, and Special Assistant Tariq Fatemi will also accompany the premier on the visit. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar, who is currently in Saudi Arabia after concluding a visit to Jordan, will be part of the delegation as well. The premier will also perform Umrah and visit Holy Prophet’s (PBUH) mosque in Madina during the visit, the government said. Earlier, FO spokesperson Tahir Andrabi announced the visit in a weekly briefing. “During the visit, the prime minister will meet the Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and discussions will focus on consolidating the Pa... -
Dawn - 10:53 Aug 06, 2026
Bodies of five more international climbers, including world-renowned British-Nepali Nirmal Purja, have been airlifted to Skardu after they were killed in an avalanche on Broad Peak, the Alpine Club of Pakistan (ACP) said on Thursday. The avalanche struck on July 30, cutting off contact with the 10-member international expedition led by 43-year-old Purja on Broad Peak, one of the world’s highest mountains. His company confirmed there were no survivors. “Following one of the most technically demanding recovery operations on Broad Peak, the Alpine Club of Pakistan confirms that the bodies of Nirmal Purja, Wang Zhong, Nima Sherpa, Gyalu Sherpa, and Killi Pemba “Kilu” Sherpa have been transported to Skardu CMH Hospital by helicopter,” ACP said in its statement on Thursday. “Following necessary procedures and documentation, they will be transferred to Islamabad,” it said, adding that they have been prepared for repatriation to their respective home countries under special arrangements. ACP Secretary General Ayaz Sh... -
Dawn - 10:21 Aug 06, 2026
KARACHI: A Karachi court on Thursday allowed the exhumation of Institute of Business Administration (IBA) graduate Mir Raza Ali’s body, which was found last month with a gunshot wound to the chest in the bushes in Gulistan-i-Jauhar. The court issued the order on an application filed by Ali’s father, after a controversy emerged between the Karachi police surgeon and investigators over alleged loopholes in the medico-legal report regarding the post-mortem examination. In its order, the court directed the police surgeon and the Sindh health secretary to constitute a medico-legal board for the exhumation of Ali’s body “under intimation to this court at the earliest possible date and time”. The court order, issued after the ruling by Judicial Magistrate Hameedullah, stated that Ali’s father, Mir Hussain Ali Khan, had filed an application seeking the exhumation of his son’s body in accordance with law. He also requested the formation of a medico-legal board, comprising senior forensic experts and pathologists, unde... -
Dawn - 10:03 Aug 06, 2026
The sons of ex-prime minister Imran Khan, Kasim and Sulaiman, have reiterated concerns about their incarcerated father’s health in a fresh interview with CNN published on Thursday. Their interview comes as the PTI marked three years since Imran was imprisoned on Aug 5, 2023 for concealing details of Toshakhana gifts. After his eye ailment came to light in January, the PTI founder’s family and party leaders have repeatedly voiced concerns over a lack of access to him. In the CNN interview, Kasim and Sulaiman said they had “no updates because his (Imran’s) family, doctors [and] lawyers haven’t been allowed to see him for seven months”. “Been more in the dark than we’ve ever been through his incarceration,” Kasim said, noting the Islamabad High Court’s (IHC) order for a phone call between them every two weeks. Speaking to CNN from London, the duo claimed that each time they speak to the media about their father, Pakistani authorities made it harder for them to see him by allegedly delaying their visas or bogging... -
Dawn - 08:56 Aug 06, 2026
The Foreign Office (FO) said on Thursday that India had “neither the standing nor the moral authority” to comment on the elections in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), which are being held in phases amid security concerns and unrest in the region. FO spokesperson Tahir Andrabi made the remarks while addressing a weekly press briefing, where he was asked about the Indian External Affairs Ministry’s (MEA) “reaction” to the ongoing polls. While the question did not elaborate further, the Indian ministry had termed the polls a “farce” on Tuesday, saying that such “hollow exercises” could not hide the reality. “Pakistan categorically rejects the baseless and politically motivated remarks of the Indian MEA regarding the ongoing legislative elections in the AJK,” Andrabi said on Thursday. “It is unsurprising that India has chosen to issue such remarks on the eve of the 7th anniversary of its illegal and unilateral actions of August 5, through which it seeks to alter the internationally recognised disputed status of Jamm... -
Dawn - 08:48 Aug 06, 2026
The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) announced on Thursday that the Medical and Dental College Admission Test (MDCAT), previously scheduled to be held on August 16, would now be held on September 20. A press release issued by the council said, “On the directions of the honourable prime minister of Pakistan, PMDC hereby informs all candidates, parents, educational institutions and other stakeholders that the MDCAT, previously scheduled to be held on Aug 16, has been rescheduled to Sept 20.” It said that the decision was taken to ensure the “smooth, secure and transparent conduct of the examination while facilitating all candidates”. “All other terms, conditions and examination arrangements shall remain unchanged unless notified otherwise,” it added. The council advised candidates to regularly visit the official PMDC website and official communication channels for further updates and instructions. The statement also said it “appreciates the understanding and cooperation of all stakeholders and regrets... -
Dawn - 07:57 Aug 06, 2026
ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Thursday reserved its verdict on the maintainability of a plea challenging President Asif Ali Zardari’s delay in approving a summary for the appointment and confirmation of judges to various high courts. The writ petition, filed by advocate Luqman Zafar Chaudhary through his counsel Zahid Asif Chaudhry on Wednesday, urged the court to direct the president to approve the summary forwarded by the prime minister for the appointment of 19 additional judges and the confirmation of five judges to the Islamabad, Lahore, Sindh, Balochistan and Peshawar high courts. Justice Arbab Muhammad Tahir took up the plea on Thursday, with the counsel for the petitioner arguing that the Judicial Commission of Pakistan (JCP) had recommended the appointments under consideration during its meetings on July 20 and 21. He contended that the summary had reportedly not been approved by the president even after 15 days had passed. After the JCP — which is responsible for appointing judges to ... -
Dawn - 07:41 Aug 06, 2026
ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Thursday restrained the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) from harassing vlogger and journalist Asad Toor during the course of its inquiry. The agency had issued a notice to Toor on July 29 for an inquiry into “alleged dissemination, transmission and/or public exhibition of false/fake information” by him. He was directed to appear before the NCCIA Cybercrime Reporting Centre in Islamabad at 11am on July 31. Toor had challenged the summons in the IHC the following day, arguing that the NCCIA had failed to fulfil the legal requirements while issuing the notice and had not provided details of the allegations against him. The court had subsequently directed the agency to provide Toor with details of the allegations against him; his counsel argued that the agency had not specified the accusations, making it impossible for him to respond to the inquiry. On Thursday, Justice Khadim Hussain Soomro heard the petition. During the proceedings, the petitioner’s... -
Dawn - 07:39 Aug 06, 2026
The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) and the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) have expressed concerns regarding media freedom after the government mandated foreign media personnel to seek permission for travelling to any city outside Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi for news coverage. “The requirement that journalists obtain state approval to report from large parts of the country sends a chilling message: that critical reporting is unwelcome,” HRCP noted in a statement on Wednesday about the ‘Foreign Media Facilitation Guidelines 2026’. Expressing its deep concern, the commission said the rules would “invariably institutionalise bureaucratic control over news gathering and risk deterring independent reporting on matters of public interest” rather than facilitate journalism. “This is the latest in a growing pattern of restrictions on media freedom in Pakistan. From arbitrary curbs on reporting and increasing censorship to legal and administrative barriers, the space for independent journali... -
Dawn - 05:12 Aug 06, 2026
Windows were smashed and petrol bombs hurled at former Bangladesh cricket captain Shakib Al Hasan’s residence after he joined ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s first public media interaction since her 2024 removal from power, in which she vowed to return in December. Police said a group of people attacked Shakib’s ancestral home in Magura town, about 170 km (105 miles) southwest of the capital Dhaka on Wednesday, causing a fire on the upper floor of the residence. The property was unoccupied at the time and no injuries were reported. The attack came hours after Shakib, a former Awami League lawmaker, joined a virtual event organised by the Foreign Correspondents Club of South Asia in New Delhi. During the audio address, Hasina reiterated that she would return to Bangladesh, where she has been sentenced to death. Shakib, who was elected to parliament as an Awami League candidate in January 2024, has remained outside Bangladesh since the student-led uprising that toppled Hasinas government. He faces multipl... -
Dawn - 04:54 Aug 06, 2026
WASHINGTON: Immigrants seeking work permits, green cards, or changes of status could face a greater risk of having their applications denied under a new US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) policy that took effect on August 5. The policy, announced by USCIS on Wednesday, gives immigration officials broader discretion to deny incomplete applications without first allowing applicants an opportunity to submit missing documents or other required evidence. The new policy applies to a wide range of applications handled by USCIS, including those for green cards, work permits, US citizenship, travel documents, and other immigration-related approvals. Under the revised guidance, applicants must prove they qualify for the immigration status or approval they are seeking and submit all required supporting documents when they file their application. If they fail to do so, USCIS officers may deny the application without first issuing a request for evidence (RFE) or a notice of intent to deny (NOID), both of whic... -
Dawn - 04:47 Aug 06, 2026
PESHAWAR: Four additional judges of the Peshawar High Court have ceased to function as the president of Pakistan has yet to give assent to the confirmation of their services as recommended by the Judicial Commission of Pakistan (JCP). The four judges, including Justice Farah Jamshed, Justice Inamullah Khan, Justice Sabitullah Khan and Justice Aurangzeb, were appointed as additional judges for a period of one year and they had taken oath of their offices on Feb 4, 2025. On the JCP’s recommendations early this year, their service terms as additional judges were extended for six months. The time ended on Aug 4. In a meeting on July 20, the JCP recommended confirmation of the services of the said four judges under Article 175(A) of the Constitution. Article 175(A)(8) declares: “The Commission, by the majority of its total membership, shall nominate one person for each vacancy of a Judge in the Federal Constitutional Court, the Supreme Court, a High Court or the Federal Shariat Court, as the case may be, to the Pr... -
Dawn - 04:13 Aug 06, 2026
PAKISTAN boxer Qudratullah LAHORE: Pakistan authorities have launched a high-level effort to trace boxer Qudratullah, who failed to return home with the national contingent at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, well-informed sources told Dawn on Wednesday. The disappearance of the 20-year-old boxer, who competed in the men’s 60kg category, is being treated as a high-profile case, the sources said. “Until around 2:00am in Glasgow, when the contingent was due to leave for Pakistan the following morning, every member of the contingent was present at one place,” a member of the Pakistan contingent told Dawn on condition of anonymity. “Later in the night, as the Games organisers had provided separate accommodation for each athlete, everyone returned to their respective rooms. Qudratullah also went to his room,” the source added. “The passports and air tickets of all contingent members, including Qudratullah, were in the custody of the head of the contingent. Despite taking all the preventive measures that the ... -
Dawn - 03:48 Aug 06, 2026
THE 2024 upheaval that toppled Sheikh Hasina’s government in Bangladesh, alongside the youth-led protests over joblessness in India, point to a shared crisis across South Asia: strong economic growth has not translated into enough good jobs for a workforce that is more educated than ever before. As access to schooling and universities has expanded, so have people’s employment expectations — expectations that a narrow job market has failed to meet, sparking widespread anger. In India, nearly 40 per cent of graduates under 25 can’t find work; youth joblessness is near 29pc. Roughly four in five Indian workers depend on informal, insecure employment. Economic theory holds that growth happens as workers shift from low-output farming to more productive factory and service jobs, and that this shift should expand labour demand and shrink joblessness. But India, Bangladesh and Pakistan complicate that story. India and Bangladesh have sustained 6-7pc annual growth for over three decades; Pakistan has managed only 3-4p...
12385 items