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Dawn - 05:00 May 08, 2025
LAHORE: In response to India’s brazen pre-dawn attack, the Punjab government has mobilised all departments, directing them to maintain maximum preparedness in accordance with the ‘War Book’ protocols. Rescue services have been put on high alert and a central control room established to ensure seamless monitoring and coordination. While the armed forces ferociously responded to the attack, the Punjab government swiftly took measures to ensure public safety, announcing the immediate closure of public and private sector universities, colleges, and schools, as well as the suspension of ongoing examinations at various academic levels. As 26 civilians have been martyred and 46 sustained injuries in Indian missile attacks, the Punjab government cancelled staff holidays and called all law-enforcement agencies officials to handle any eventuality. Despite high alert, educational institutes allowed to function normally; social media flooded with memes after damages to India In line with the `War Book’ protocols, the Pun... -
Dawn - 04:48 May 08, 2025
• Educational institutions remain open, exams underway • Security beefed up across province • Rescue-1122 ready to meet any eventuality KARACHI: Although routine life in Karachi and other parts of the province remained unaffected by the Indian strikes in Azad Kashmir and Punjab, the provincial authorities on Wednesday prepared a contingency plan and beefed up security across Sindh to tackle any situation. Almost all educational institutions remained opened on Wednesday and intermediate exams were held as per their schedule in Karachi and other parts of the province. The director general of Rescue-1122, retired Brigadier Wajid Sibghatullah Mahar, told Dawn that the Sindh Emergency Rescue Service had prepared an emergency plan, outlining preparedness and resource allocation in anticipation of the situation. “Rescue-1122 (Sindh) is on high alert and prepared with manpower, resources and coordination protocols to deal with any emergency efficiently,” according to the content of the plan reviewed by Dawn. “Rescue ... -
Dawn - 04:02 May 08, 2025
• Dar briefs Islamabad-based ambassadors on unprovoked Indian attacks • Discusses security situation with Chinese, Turkish and Italian reps ISLAMABAD: Amid escalating tensions, the Indian chargé d’affaires was summoned to the foreign ministry on Wednesday to receive a strong protest over the unprovoked Indian strikes at multiple locations across Pakistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir. These strikes resulted in the deaths and injuries of several civilians, including women and children. According to a statement issued by the Foreign Office, Pakistan conveyed to the envoy that India’s blatant act of aggression constitutes a clear violation of Pakistan’s sovereignty. The statement emphasised that such actions contravene the UN Charter, international law, and established norms governing inter-state relations. Pakistan firmly rejected India’s baseless justifications for its hostile actions. The Indian side was warned that such reckless behaviour poses a serious threat to regional peace and stability, the statement add... -
Dawn - 03:14 May 08, 2025
• PM offers to meet political leaders, including PTI’s, to offer joint front against Indian aggression • Barrister Gohar welcomes premier’s offer • Lawmakers laud forces on successful defence of the realm ISLAMABAD: Lawmakers in the National Assembly on Wednesday strongly condemned the brutal aggression demonstrated by India resulting in loss of civilian lives in Pakistan. In an impassioned speech on the floor of the lower house of parliament, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari said: “Only thieves and cowards attack at night. If they had even an ounce of courage, they would have announced their attack during the day.” Mr Bhutto-Zardari said that India has become barbaric and blind due to its arrogance, but the valiant people of Pakistan will make them see. “We do not condone war and never have, but India should brace itself because Pakistan is yet to respond, and it will not do so during the night, or on the basis of lies, but as per international laws and UN Charter.” Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in his ... -
Dawn - 02:59 May 08, 2025
RAWALPINDI: The Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) announced on Wednesday that air traffic had been restored on major routes, while at least 21 airports across India’s northern and north-western regions have been closed for passenger flights until May 10. According to PAA, some airspace, particularly sections over Lahore, will remain closed for another 24 hours due to “operational reasons,” a revised notice to airmen (NOTAM) said. The NOTAM specified that certain airspace sections over Lahore would be temporarily unavailable at all altitudes from 10:50am on May 7, until 12:20pm on May 9, while flights taking off from or landing at Islamabad International Airport were directed to contact Air Traffic Control (ATC) for clearance. The PAA said in a statement that it has formally conveyed its concerns to the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) “regarding the serious risks posed to civil aviation safety by India’s reckless and provocative actions.” This followed an earlier complete closure of Pa... -
Dawn - 02:47 May 08, 2025
NEW DELHI: Hours after India’s cross-border strikes inside Pakistan, the Indian government urged several sensitive states from the west to the east to brace for Pakistan’s response. According to the Indian Express, Indian Home Minister Amit Shah chaired a security review meeting via video conferencing on Wednesday afternoon with the Lieutenant Governors of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, chief ministers of Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Rajasthan, Gujarat and West Bengal, and a representative from the Sikkim government. “All states should make their preparations as per the guidelines issued for the mock drill. Arrangements should be made for smooth operation of essential services like hospitals, fire brigade etc. and uninterrupted supply of essential goods should be ensured,” said Home Minister Shah in a statement. “Strict vigil should be kept on anti-national propaganda by unwanted elements on social and other media platforms and prompt action should be taken in coordination with state governments ... -
Dawn - 02:38 May 08, 2025
• India will have to bear consequences of its actions, says PM • Military’s response proved ‘superiority in conventional war’ • NSC authorises military to act at ‘time, place, and manner of its choosing’ • Forum terms blatant violation of sovereignty, territorial integrity ‘act of war’ • Apex committee warns India ‘has once again ignited an inferno’ • Two cabinet members hint at lowering of tensions if India avoids further escalation ISLAMABAD: PM Shehbaz Sharif declared that Pakistan has decided to avenge the overnight incursion as the National Security Committee — the apex security forum — authorised the armed forces to undertake corresponding actions in self-defence at a time, place, and manner of its choosing. India conducted several strikes inside Pakistan, including in Azad Kashmir, early on Wednesday. Pakistan responded swiftly and downed “five jets” of the Indian air force, immediately forcing them to retreat. As the fear of an India-Pakistan war loomed large, PM Shehbaz convened a meeting of the Na... -
Dawn - 02:34 May 08, 2025
• ISPR says 31 lives lost, 57 injured in six Indian strikes, Lt-Gen Chaudhry accuses India of perpetrating ‘terrorism’ against innocent civilians • Military touts shooting down five jets including Rafales; India claims three planes ‘crashed’ in its territory • Firing continues across LoC; Neelum-Jhelum hydel project also targeted • Trump urges both countries to stop, offers to help however he can • Erdogan conveys message of solidarity • UN says world can’t afford conflict in S. Asia • Dar confirms contact between national security advisers on both sides • UNMOGIP team visits damaged sites in AJK as emergency response centre set up to coordinate relief efforts ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Wednesday mourned the loss of 31 lives in attacks by Indian forces on civilians, terming New Delhi’s actions “terrorism” and accusing it of continuous ceasefire violations on the Line of Control (LoC). Despite a ramping up of rhetoric from the Indian side, diplomatic channels remained open, as Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar confirmed ... -
Dawn - 14:50 May 07, 2025
With two judges dissenting, the Supreme Court’s Constitutional Bench (CB) on Wednesday gave its go-ahead for civilians involved in the May 9, 2023 riots to be tried in military courts. The case pertains to the military trials and the subsequent sentencing of civilians for their role in attacks on army installations during the riots that followed ex-premier Imran Khan’s arrest on May 9, 2023. The 5-2 ruling came as the CB accepted a set of 38 intra-court appeals (ICAs) moved by the federal and provincial governments as well as Shuhada Forum Balochistan, among others, against the widely-praised October 2023 ruling that declared that trying the accused civilians in military courts violated the Constitution. Highlights: SC restores three provisions of Army Act struck down earlier Bench orders legislation within 45 days to ensure civilians’ right to appeal Minority ruling declares military court sentences as ‘without jurisdiction’, against Constitution Lawyers, PTI slam ruling, voice concern over fair trial The b... -
Dawn - 14:10 May 07, 2025
The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has announced the restoration of air traffic across major routes, while a few routes are to remain closed for another 24 hours, as per a revised notice to airmen (NOTAM) issued by the CAA. The authority had earlier announced a complete closure of Pakistan’s airspace in the aftermath of a military confrontation between India and Pakistan on Tuesday night. The airspace was initially closed for 48 hours, and all flights were cancelled, with passengers advised to return home. The military confrontation between Pakistan and India began a little after 1am on Wednesday when India launched late-night airstrikes at six sites in Pakistan’s Punjab and Azad Jammu and Kashmir. The attack resulted in 26 civilian casualties and over 40 injuries. In retaliation, Islamabad took down five Indian jets. According to military spokesperson Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, several Indian check posts were destroyed in response. Subsequently, the CAA announced that Pakistan’s airspace was closed for al... -
Dawn - 13:35 May 07, 2025
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed on Wednesday that the HBL Pakistan Super League 2025 will continue as per schedule, amid escalating regional tensions. The statement comes hours after the Pakistani military brought down five Indian jets in retaliation for late-night strikes launched by the neighbouring country at six sites in Punjab and Azad Jammu and Kashmir. “HBL Pakistan Super League X will continue as planned with Islamabad United set to take on Quetta Gladiators later today at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium,” the PCB said in a press release issued on Wednesday morning. The statement added that the toss for today will take place at 7:30pm, with the first ball to be bowled at 8pm. The tenth edition of the HBL PSL started on April 17. This year’s event marks a decade of the country’s very own franchise T20 tournament, which has over the years attracted sizeable crowds stadiums as well as a dedicated online viewership. Tonight’s match sees the return of HBL PSL to Rawalpindi for four matches on May... -
Dawn - 13:03 May 07, 2025
The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) on Wednesday witnessed yet another bloodbath this year — tumbling by over 3,500 points — as investors’ fears of a military action by India against Pakistan came true last night. The Pakistani military brought down five Indian jets in retaliation for late-night strikes launched by its neighbouring country at six sites in Punjab and Azad Jammu and Kashmir. The benchmark KSE-100 index decreased by 6,560.82 points (5.78pc) to stand at 107,007.68 from the last close of 113,568.50 when the market opened at 9:30am. Due to the massive dip, the market was immediately suspended briefly. This marked the second-largest intra-day plunge (points-wise), ranking next to the nearly 8,700-point loss that followed the United States’ tariff announcement last month. However, the market started recovering slightly, reaching 112,457.37 points at around 10:34am, before closing at 110,009.02 points — 3,559.48 points (3.13pc) below yesterday’s close. “The market opened under pressure today following I... -
Dawn - 11:06 May 07, 2025
Analysts and diplomats on Wednesday raised concerns over “increased risks of escalation” after India launched late-night airstrikes at six sites in Pakistan’s Punjab and Azad Jammu and Kashmir. The attack resulted in 26 civilian casualties and over 40 injuries. In retaliation, Islamabad took down five Indian jets. According to military spokesperson Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, several Indian checkposts were destroyed in response. Separately, the government said Pakistan did not target any civilians in India in its retaliatory actions. Amid the ongoing developments, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif called a meeting of the country’s apex security body and is expected to address the nation afterwards. Here is what journalists and analysts are saying about the recent updates and what they are predicting for the future. Maleeha Lodhi, diplomat “This is a very serious crisis brought on by Indian aggression. Pakistan has responded to the Indian attack by downing five Indian aircraft and destroying Indian posts along t... -
Dawn - 09:55 May 07, 2025
Pakistan on Wednesday reinforced contingency plans to ensure operational resilience and secure communication lines across financial institutions following Indian attacks and the subsequent stock market dip. The Pakistani military brought down five Indian jets in retaliation for late-night strikes launched by its neighbouring country at six sites in Punjab and Azad Jammu and Kashmir. The plans were fine tuned at an emergency meeting presided over by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb through video link from London currently on a two day visit to promote investment opportunities in the country. The emergency meeting was convened to assess the current financial landscape in light of escalating regional tensions following the recent belligerent Indian aggression. The finance minister said: “Pakistan’s financial system remains stable and secure, and all relevant authorities are working in close coordination to uphold national economic integrity in the face of emerging challenges.” The participants of the meeting ... -
Dawn - 09:38 May 07, 2025
India said it attacked Pakistan early on Wednesday following a deadly attack on tourists in Kashmir last month. Pakistan reported eight deaths and said it had responded to the Indian strikes. This is what global leaders have said about the latest hostilities between the nuclear-armed neighbours: Turkish foreign ministry Turkiye warned of the “risk of all-out war” between India and Pakistan, in a statement from the Foreign Ministry. “Last night’s attack by India poses the risk of all-out war. We condemn this provocative move and attacks targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure,” the ministry wrote. German foreign ministry The German government called to prevent “any escalation” and urged to “protect civilians.” Berlin, in contact with both countries, has opened a crisis unit to “monitor the situation closely,” the Foreign Ministry said on X. This is the most serious military confrontation between India and Pakistan in two decades. Qatar foreign ministry The state of Qatar, in a statement posted on X, ex... -
Dawn - 09:07 May 07, 2025
The Pakistani military has brought down five Indian jets in retaliation for late-night strikes launched by its neighbouring country at six sites, including in Punjab’s Sialkot and Bahawalpur, as well as Azad Jammu and Kashmir. Soon after the reports of military confrontation emerged, the Inter-Services Public Relations confirmed the strikes, saying that India had carried out the attacks from within its airspace. The military spokesperson provided an updated damage assessment of the scenario earlier today, reporting the death of 26 civilians and injuries to 46 others. A damaged portion of Bilal Mosque is seen after it was hit by an Indian strike in Muzaffarabad on May 7. — Reuters People look at the damaged building of the Government Health and Educational complex after Indian strikes in Muridke on May 7. — AFP Security personnel walk on a road near the site of a damaged building of the Government Health and Educational complex after Indian strikes in Muridke on May 7. — AFP A damaged building of the Governmen... -
Dawn - 06:26 May 07, 2025
The Pakistani military has brought down five Indian jets in retaliation for late-night strikes launched by its neighbouring country at six sites, including in Punjab’s Sialkot and Bahawalpur, as well as Azad Jammu and Kashmir. The military confrontation between Pakistan and India began a little after 1am on Wednesday with the Indian air strikes when the neighbouring country launched what it termed “Operation Sindoor”. Soon after reports emerged, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) confirmed the strikes, saying that India had carried out the attacks from within its airspace. The military spokesperson provided an updated damage assessment of the scenario at around 4am, reporting the death of eight civilians. Information Minister Attaullah Tarar confirmed the downing of two Indian jets around 2:45am after Pakistan launched its swift response, while the confirmation for the third plane, a Rafale aircraft, came an hour later. Confirmation of the fourth and fifth Indian jets being taken down came after 5am b... -
Dawn - 06:16 May 07, 2025
RAHIM YAR KHAN: Police on Tuesday arrested a schoolteacher for allegedly raping a number of schoolchildren in Nawankot town of Khanpur tehsil, some 65km from here. Reports said a resident of Mauza Syedpur of Liaqatpur tehsil approached the Khanpur Saddar police, alleging that his 14-year-old cousin (A) was raped by his teacher (Z) five to six months back who made a video of the act. The complainant said he along with his cousin and his two friends visited the suspect (Z) at Chak 195-NP, who confessed to committing the crime. He alleged that they found a number of explicit videos of other boys in the cell phone of the suspect. Police have registered a case under sections 376iii and 292 of Pakistan Penal Code and arrested the suspect. A cousin of the victim told this correspondent through cell phone that the private school had employed 23 female teachers and two male teachers, including the principal. He said due to the good strength of students, Punjab Education Foundation (PEF) took over the school under its ... -
Dawn - 05:57 May 07, 2025
• Inflows at Marala rise to 28,300 cusecs • Ex-Indus water commissioner says Delhi’s actions violate IWT, independent expert’s decision on Baglihar LAHORE: Flows in the River Chenab increased substantially on Tuesday — a day after they slowed to a trickle — after India ostensibly caved to international pressure over its illegal act of stopping river water from flowing to Pakistan. Following its unilateral suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, New Delhi had severely cut flows in the Chenab, which slowed from 34,000 cusecs on Sunday to around 3,000 cusecs on Monday. The very next day, however, the situation improved, with inflows at Marala recorded at 28,300 cusecs on Tuesday. “The situation started improving on Tuesday with discharge of water by India from up to downstream. Hope it will improve more in coming days if there is no halt on part of India,” a senior official told Dawn. According to a report shared by the Pakistan Water and Power Development Authority, the inflows and outflows in Chenab at Marala w... -
Dawn - 05:49 May 07, 2025
ISLAMABAD: The National Judicial Policy Making Committee (NJPMC) will meet on May 26 to develop a policy aimed at creating an institutional response to the emotive and chronic issue of enforced disappearances in the country, Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Yahya Afridi said on Tuesday. “I have engaged the government on the subject, the response of which is still awaited but when received will be placed before the chief justices of the high courts during the NJPMC meeting along with suggestions from the lawyers community as well as the response of the intelligence agencies,” CJP Afridi said during an interaction with members of the Press Association of the Supreme Court (PAS) at the Supreme Court Building. The CJP said the purpose is “to resolve the missing persons issue and to deal with the future cases by the high courts,” adding “there should be a closure of this issue for all times to come.” He assured the media he was open to suggestions from journalists and said the missing persons issue will always be t...
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