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Dawn - 04:24 Jul 23, 2026
HERE we go again. Having succeeded in stabilising the economy and failed at reforming it, the government is now preparing to transition to high growth the old fashioned way: through borrowed dollars procured as a geopolitical rent against services rendered. A couple of things have happened. Most recently, we have the announcement that Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb met the US treasury secretary and ‘asked’ for a $10 billion swap line from the Exchange Stabilisation Fund, the same fund from where the Trump administration gave a $20bn swap line to Argentina in October last year. Argentina drew $2.5bn from the fund for a few weeks then zeroed it down by December, and has made no further drawings from it since. In April, President Donald Trump announced that they were in talks with the UAE for a similar facility, and that a number of other Asian countries had approached the US with requests for the same. That is when word first began to circulate that Pakistan may be among those Asian countries. Now that wor... -
Dawn - 03:35 Jul 23, 2026
ISLAMABAD: Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Wednesday called for making full use of opportunities to strengthen Pakistan-Iran relations and stressed the need for promoting unity among Muslim countries. He made these remarks after receiving the credentials of Pakistan’s new ambassador to Iran, Imran Ahmed Siddiqui, at a ceremony. Pezeshkian described Pakistan as a “brotherly country” and “a second home for all Iranians”, underscoring the importance Tehran attaches to its relationship with Islamabad. According to the Pakistan Embassy in Tehran, the Iranian president recalled Pakistan’s efforts to facilitate dialogue between Iran and the United States, saying Islamabad had demonstrated a genuine commitment to peace. He expressed confidence that bilateral relations would continue to grow stronger in the years ahead. Siddiqui conveyed good wishes of Pakistan’s leadership to Pezeshkian and the Iranian people, and highlighted the considerable potential for expanding cooperation across a wide range of sectors. ... -
Dawn - 03:20 Jul 23, 2026
The United States on Wednesday announced a landmark deal with Saudi Arabia that would establish a civilian nuclear programme in the Gulf country, with Washington insisting the agreement includes non-proliferation safeguards. The move comes as the United States under President Donald Trump fights a war with Iran that began in large part over concerns with Tehran’s nuclear programme — an issue that remains a key point of contention during now-stalled peace talks. Two agreements — one on “peaceful nuclear cooperation” and another on “bilateral safeguards” — were signed by US Energy Secretary Chris Wright and his Saudi counterpart Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman, the US Energy Department said. The text of the deals was not immediately made public. “Together, these two agreements lay the legal foundation for a decades-long, multi-billion-dollar partnership that advances several priority economic and strategic objectives, including nuclear non-proliferation,” the department said in a statement. A provision in the deal ... -
Dawn - 03:19 Jul 23, 2026
ISLAMABAD: The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has established a direct, official communication channel with Meta Asia Pacific (APAC) to accelerate investigations into organised cybercrime, online fraud, and hate speech. Under the agreement, Meta formally recognised the FIA’s Single Point of Contact (SPOC) based at the National Command and Control Centre (NC3), allowing secure, lawful coordination for data requests concerning Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp. Previously, the federal agency had to route requests through Mutual Legal Assistance Treaties (MLATs) or Interpol channels, a process that often took months. Officials say the new mechanism will cut response time to days. All lawful requests will now be processed exclusively through NC3. These include preservation requests, basic subscriber information, account registration details, login IP history, content removal requests, and emergency disclosure requests. As per the procedure, the Investigating Officer will compile the case with all requisite l... -
Dawn - 03:07 Jul 23, 2026
ISLAMABAD: After expressing concerns on renovations at Taxila heritage sites, Unesco has raised objections to certain interventions at Rohtas Fort that have the potential to adversely affect the outstanding universal value of the World Heritage property. The concern was raised after Unesco’s team visited the premises on Tuesday, following information from a third party regarding ongoing restoration works at Rohtas Fort that allegedly violated international standards. Unesco’s Pakistan office had requested the Ministry of National Heritage and Cultural Division to assist the visit to Rohtas Fort to inspect the ongoing project by the Punjab Directorate General of Archaeology and Museums. According to sources in the Ministry of National Heritage, Unesco wanted to examine the ongoing work to collect information and report to the World Heritage Centre. The source said the restoration work was not in compliance with Unesco’s approved guidelines. “This is the second time Unesco has expressed concern with the governm... -
Dawn - 03:01 Jul 23, 2026
THROUGHOUT our history, we have played around with varying notions of democracy, dictatorship, autocracy, and despotism, mixing and matching these formulas with presidential and parliamentary systems to create a much sought-after hybrid model. These models have wreaked chronic instability, often changing with a greater frequency than people tend to change their cars, houses and, in some cases, jobs. Ironically, amid these constant changes, instability has remained the only real constant underpinning Pakistan governance landscape. Behind these changes have been arguments regarding the inefficiencies of the existing model, the failure of alternatives, or changed socioeconomic circumstances. Whatever the reason, objective, or deficiency identified, one truth has remained: the tendency to sway from one extreme to another because of a consistent state of impatience. What this means is that no matter what model we apply — and then declare a failure — the underlying motivation for doing this again and again is our p... -
Dawn - 02:44 Jul 23, 2026
WASHINGTON: Pakistan has called for a Syrian-led and Syrian-owned transitional justice process in the Arab nation, stressing that respect for national sovereignty was essential for bringing lasting peace and stability to Syria. Speaking at an Arria-Formula Meeting in the UN on Transitional Justice and Missing Persons in Syria on Tuesday evening, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad said efforts to address the consequences of years of conflict must remain under Syrian ownership, with international support serving only a complementary role. “National ownership, reconciliation and inclusive institutions are essential for achieving lasting peace and stability in Syria,” he said. The Pakistani envoy welcomed steps taken by the Syrian government, including the establishment of the National Commission for Transitional Justice and the National Commission for Missing Persons, as well as the preparation of a draft law on transitional justice. “Effective cooperation between Syrian nati... -
Dawn - 02:44 Jul 23, 2026
WHILE the exchange of fire across the Gulf — and the wider Middle East — continues between the US and Iran, efforts are also underway to de-escalate matters and revive the ceasefire. An important development in this regard was the series of meetings between Iranian Interior Minister Eskander Momeni and Pakistan’s top civil and military officials on Tuesday. As expected, the regional situation was amongst the main agenda items, and Mr Momeni indicated that talks will continue. That Tehran sent a senior official to Pakistan shows that despite the hostilities, it is still interested in an off-ramp. Meanwhile, speaking in Manila yesterday, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio used a tough tone for Iran, but did not rule out the possibility of a diplomatic settlement to the conflict. Revival of the peace process is an incredibly difficult undertaking. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has said his country is in a “full-scale war” with the US, and the growing escalation over the last two weeks shows that the conflic... -
Dawn - 02:18 Jul 23, 2026
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has invited Samsung to set up the country as a regional hub for manufacturing, refurbishing, and exporting mobile phones. The invitation was extended during a meeting between Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan and a delegation led by Samsung Pakistan’s Country Head at the Ministry of Commerce on Wednesday. An official announcement said the minister assured the company of the government’s full support in facilitating investment aimed at boosting exports, increasing value addition, and expanding industrial production. The minister encouraged Samsung to look beyond Pakistan’s domestic market and export Pakistan-manufactured smartphones to emerging markets, particularly to Africa and other regions. He said Pakistan should leverage its growing manufacturing base to become part of global supply chains rather than serving only local demand. Mr Kamal also appreciated Samsung’s proposal to establish certified mobile phone refurbishment facilities in Pakistan. He said a regulated refurbishment ecosyst... -
Dawn - 19:29 Jul 22, 2026
Authorities imposed an indefinite curfew in the Khud Kocha sub-tehsil of Mastung district on Wednesday after three people were killed and five others injured in a gun attack on a Karachi-bound passenger bus, while a bridge on the National Highway was damaged in an explosion in the area. Citing the deteriorating security situation, the Balochistan Home Department imposed an indefinite curfew in the sub-tehsil from 9pm on Wednesday. Babar Yousafzai, spokesperson for the Home Department, said the curfew would remain in force until further orders to maintain peace and public safety. Residents were not allowed to leave their homes, and all unnecessary movement was prohibited. “Strict legal action will be taken against anyone found violating the curfew orders,” Yousafzai said, urging citizens to avoid unnecessary travel and cooperate with authorities until normal conditions were restored. The gun and bomb attacks were reported at a time when security forces killed 10 terrorists and arrested two female suicide bombe... -
Dawn - 18:39 Jul 22, 2026
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent met Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb a day earlier and welcomed Pakistan’s progress in implementing economic reforms and laying the groundwork for a return to international capital markets, the Treasury said in a statement on Wednesday. According to a statement, Bessent emphasised the “importance of Pakistan’s work to continue its reforms, become more economically self-reliant, boost growth and strengthen its economic resilience”. “Secretary Bessent welcomed the progress Pakistan has made in restoring macroeconomic stability and advancing fiscal consolidation, recognising the government’s efforts to implement significant economic reforms,” Treasury said. The statement added that Bessent also expressed support for Pakistan’s efforts to build greater economic self-reliance and commended the government’s commitment to creating the conditions for a successful return to international capital markets. The statement, however, did not address Pakistan’s request for a $10 billion... -
Dawn - 18:16 Jul 22, 2026
The government on Wednesday increased the price of petrol by Rs6.39 and that of high-speed diesel (HSD) by Rs7.83 per litre to pass on the impact of fluctuating global prices following renewed regional hostilities in the Persian Gulf. Following the changes, the price of petrol stands at Rs327.12 per litre and that of HSD at Rs375.04. The Petroleum Division’s notification said the new prices would be applicable on July 23 (Thursday). Earlier today, the All Pakistan Petroleum Pump Owners Association (APPPOA) deferred its nationwide strike call for two weeks after negotiations with the petroleum minister. A day earlier, the association announced a nationwide strike after negotiations with the government over daily petroleum pricing failed. 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 ... -
Dawn - 16:58 Jul 22, 2026
South Korean technology giant Samsung unveiled new, sleeker smartphone models on Wednesday, priced more than previous models as artificial intelligence raises component costs. One of the models resembles a miniature tablet when unfolded. Samsung, which launched the high-end products in London, aims to reaffirm its dominance in the foldable smartphone market, where it has operated since 2019, ahead of a potential move by US rival Apple this year. “By setting a new standard for foldables, we are once again advancing the premium mobile experience,” said TM Roh, head of Samsung’s mobile division. The most innovative device unveiled Wednesday is the Galaxy Z Fold8. Measuring 4.5 millimetres thick when unfolded, it features a 7.6-inch, 4:3 aspect ratio screen optimised for video viewing. Its starting price is set at $1,900. “Galaxy Z Fold8 is the clear star of the show,” said Paolo Pescatore, a technology analyst for PP Foresight. “It underscores Samsung’s dominance of the foldable category and its determination to... -
Dawn - 16:52 Jul 22, 2026
The All Pakistan Petroleum Pump Owners Association (APPPOA) on Wednesday deferred its nationwide strike call for two weeks after negotiations with the petroleum minister. A day earlier, the association announced a nationwide strike from Wednesday night after negotiations with the government over daily petroleum pricing failed. Addressing the media, Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik said that after another round of negotiations with the APPPOA, it was decided to defer the strike call after the government assured stakeholders that their grievances would be addressed within the next two weeks. “From February 28 till today, the government has used around Rs100 billion to mitigate the impact of rising fuel prices and initiated a subsidy scheme for the most vulnerable section of the society,” said Malik while referring to the actions taken by the government following the outbreak of the Iran-US war. “The clouds of war are again building in the region and fuel prices are rising,” said Malik, adding that he discus... -
Dawn - 16:46 Jul 22, 2026
Member states of the International Criminal Court (ICC) will vote on Friday on whether to fire chief prosecutor Karim Khan for alleged sexual misconduct in a case that has damaged the tribunal’s credibility at a time when the US has ramped up its attacks on the court. Khan, 56, denies any wrongdoing. The vote on his fate comes just a week after Washington announced a renewed diplomatic campaign to dismantle the ICC, which it says is a threat to US sovereignty. “The court is already in a precarious state,” Mark Ellis, the executive director of the International Bar Association and a longtime ICC observer, told Reuters. “The Khan situation is a separate but very significant part of the overall perception of the court’s credibility,” he added. The US has said no diplomatic options are off the table in its campaign against the ICC, which has already seen 11 of the ICC’s top officials facing sanctions. Accuser points to power disparity, Khan denies wrongdoing The Khan vote also lays bare internal divisions amon... -
Dawn - 16:43 Jul 22, 2026
Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) will sell Anthropic tens of billions of dollars’ worth of AI servers and invest as much as $5bn in the Claude maker, in a deal that would strengthen its foothold in a market dominated by rival Nvidia. The announcement on Wednesday marks the latest so-called circular deal in the AI industry, where chipmakers invest in AI firms that are among their biggest customers. Nvidia has been in talks to invest $30bn in ChatGPT creator OpenAI. Buying AMD chips would secure Anthropic much-needed AI computing capacity. The startup has emerged as one of the leaders in Silicon Valley’s artificial intelligence race, thanks to strong adoption of its enterprise tools such as Claude Code. Anthropic will buy up to two gigawatts of AMD’s latest-generation Instinct MI450 chips, starting in the first half of 2027, the companies said. AMD’s investment in Anthropic will be tied achieving certain deployment milestones. AMD executives have said 1 gigawatt of computing power, enough to power roughly 750,000 U... -
Dawn - 16:09 Jul 22, 2026
A steady stream of food delivery riders carrying meals, snacks and bottled water is helping sustain a youth-led protest movement that has sprung up in the heart of India’s capital. Motorcycles weave through traffic before pulling up beside clusters of volunteers, ferrying donations from supporters across India and abroad unable to join a rare display of public dissent against Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government. “From Kerala to the USA, orders are coming from everywhere,” said rider Suraj Kumar, 25, sitting atop his motorcycle with a bag of kachoris, a popular deep-fried snack, as some volunteers climbed over police barricades to take delivery of the packages. A volunteer took the packet and passed it hand-to-hand towards the centre of the protest site a few hundred metres away around Delhi’s Jantar Mantar observatory, where hundreds of people gathered around a raised platform. There, leaders of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), a movement that began as online satire in May, demanded the resignation of E... -
Dawn - 15:55 Jul 22, 2026
A US missile struck the Iranian island of Larak on Wednesday, the Tasnim news agency reported, in the latest attack to target the Islamic republic’s islands in and around the Strait of Hormuz. The islands have been hit multiple times as the two sides fight over the strategic waterway, which Iran has sealed following the collapse of a preliminary deal aimed at ending the war. Here AFP looks at the significance of the Iranian islands in the strait and the nearby Gulf: Larak This small island occupies a particularly strategic position at the narrowest point of the Strait of Hormuz, the key shipping route that Iran has choked shut. A site for Iranian oil exports since 1987, it also hosts a military base. It came to prominence recently as “Tehran’s tollbooth” — a stopping-off point for the handful of vessels that Iran approved to exit or enter the Gulf during its initial blockade earlier in the war. Ships that used this route had to pay a substantial fee, according to maritime data company Lloyd’s List Intelligenc... -
Dawn - 15:24 Jul 22, 2026
Pakistan on Wednesday condemned the Houthis’ recent threats to Saudi Arabia and to trading with the kingdom via the Red Sea, warning that it had the right to self-defence if its “maritime interests” were targeted in “any hostile act”. Islamabad’s statement comes after Yemen’s Houthi rebels, aligned with Iran, announced an immediate maritime embargo on Saudi Arabia, opening a new front in the Middle East conflict. The naval blockade, if enforced, could cut off access to Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea ports, which have been vital for oil exports as renewed US-Iran fighting limits passage through the Strait of Hormuz. A map showing the locations of the Bab al-Mandeb strait, Strait of Hormuz and Suez Canal. — made using ArcGIS “Threats against commercial shipping and trading with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia are unacceptable and violate established principles of international law,” the Foreign Office (FO) said in a statement on Wednesday, denouncing the “continued threats” by Houthis. Islamabad said it was “particularly c... -
Dawn - 14:10 Jul 22, 2026
Intermittent heavy rainfall lashed several cities in Punjab over the previous 24 hours, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) said on Wednesday. According to the Water and Sanitation Agency (Wasa), 123 millimetres of rain was recorded in Lahore, a record 245mm in Gujranwala and 95mm in Gujrat. The PDMA said 139mm of rainfall was recorded in Sialkot, 138mm in Mandi Bahauddin, 117mm in Narowal, 85mm in Hafizabad, 70mm in Chakwal, 64mm in Okara, 35mm in Jhang, 33mm in Layyah and 32mm in Jhelum. The disaster management authority further said that since the start of the monsoon season in the province, at least 17 people have died in rain-related incidents. Of the reported deaths, 12 were caused by the collapse of buildings or other structures, two by lightning strikes and three by electrocution, the PDMA said. Meanwhile, CM Maryam also appealed to the public not to risk their lives by going near or bathing in canals, rivers and rainwater drains during the monsoon season and flood conditions. Resident...
12682 items