Dawn
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Dawn - 08:00 Jul 11, 2026
Pakistan and the United States made “significant progress” in a fresh round of negotiations on a proposed reciprocal trade agreement, Foreign Office (FO) spokesperson Tahir Andrabi quoted the commerce secretary as saying on Saturday. The two-day talks, held on Thursday and Friday in Washington DC, were led by Commerce Secretary Jawad Paul. They aimed to address tariff-related concerns and broaden economic cooperation between the two countries. Paul “characterised the talks as positive and appreciated the significant progress made during the negotiations”, Andrabi said on X on Saturday. “The talks were conducted in a cordial atmosphere, with both sides ironing out differences and building convergence, with a view to the early conclusion of the agreement,” said Andrabi, who was also a part of the talks. The Pakistani delegation also included Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development Secretary Nadeem Chaudhary and Joint Secretary (Tariff Policy) Mohammad Ashfaq, while officials from other ministries par... -
Dawn - 06:48 Jul 11, 2026
China evacuated more than 600,000 people on Saturday ahead of Typhoon Bavi hitting the major eastern city of Wenzhou after pummelling Japan’s southern Sakishima island chain with heavy rain and violent winds and brushing past northern Taiwan. Even as Bavi continues to slow and weaken on its northwesterly path over cooler seas, the typhoon is still a potent risk due to the sheer volume of moisture it holds within its rain bands, about the size of France from end to end. Bavi is forecast to make landfall around Wenzhou, home to some 10 million people, in the early hours of Sunday. State media said more than half a million people had been evacuated in Zhejiang province, where Wenzhou is located, and more than 100,000 in neighbouring Fujian province. People ride electric scooters in the rain as Typhoon Bavi approaches, in Wenzhou, Zhejiang province, China July 11, 2026. —Reuters “I’m a little worried, but I think it’ll be ok. We’ve been through typhoons before. We’ll get through it,” said Wenzhou resident Huang X... -
Dawn - 05:46 Jul 11, 2026
New Zealand and India announced on Saturday a “strategic partnership” encompassing defence and security, during a landmark visit by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon feted his guest with an indigenous Maori welcome and guard of honour, seeking to expand relations after signing a free-trade pact in April that he has touted as an economic boon. Modi’s visit, at the tail end of a July 6-11 tour that has also taken him to Indonesia and Australia, came in the aftermath of China’s test-fire of a ballistic missile into the Pacific Ocean on Monday, stirring unease in the region. It was the first visit to New Zealand by an Indian prime minister in 40 years, a sign of Delhi’s deeper engagement at a time of strengthened Chinese diplomatic and military presence in the Pacific. Modi described the creation of the strategic partnership as a “milestone” that would inspire greater energy and confidence, as he was hosted by the New Zealand leader at Government House in Auckland. “Our firm belief in... -
Dawn - 04:11 Jul 11, 2026
• Senior lawyers agree with Federal Constitutional Court that SC had overstepped its domain by ordering a citywide demolition drive • Say verdict binds provincial govt to regulate and preserve public amenities for future generations A DAY after the Federal Constitutional Court (FCC) verdict recalling some Supreme Court orders that led to the demolition of the 15-storey Nasla Tower, senior lawyers and constitutional experts endorsed the FCC’s stance that the apex court had overstepped its domain, but caution that the fresh decision now puts the onus on the Sindh government and Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) to prevent illegal construction on amenity plots. Dawn spoke to four senior lawyers who were of the view that the Supreme Court had exceeded and overstepped its domain while issuing sweeping demolition orders, since there was limited scope, especially in its appellate jurisdiction. They also maintained that now, the issues of commercial activities and status of the subject plots, as well as illegal... -
Dawn - 03:42 Jul 11, 2026
IN this article, I argue that India’s decision to hold the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance fails on two independent grounds. First, ‘abeyance’ is a status unknown to the treaty and to the law of treaties: the IWT contains no suspension or exit clause, and Article XII(4) continues it in force until terminated by a duly ratified treaty between the Pakistani and Indian governments. Second, even according to India’s own logic the step was premature, for every fact it relies upon is disputed and none has been examined by any competent multilateral or bilateral forum or court. The tragic Pahalgam incident occurred on April 22, 2025. FIR No. 25/2025 was registered within 10 minutes of the incident. No Pakistani national was named in it. Without proper investigation, without the apprehension of any suspect, without a confessional statement, and without seeking cross-border cooperation through any mutual legal assistance, India assumed that it was Pakistan that caused the terrorist incident. Let us now turn to a ... -
Dawn - 03:27 Jul 11, 2026
THIS year, there is much to celebrate on World Population Day (July 11). Population issues have finally risen to the top of the government’s agenda. The prime minister has announced the formation of a high-level National Population Council, which includes the defence chief and four chief ministers among others. The long-term goal of a supra-body focused on population and related human development, to be headed by the PM, has been realised. Given the relentlessly high population growth rates with their huge, documented human and financial costs, this announcement was long overdue. There are great expectations of the NPC. Much can be learned from other countries in the region and most parts of the world about how to accelerate and support fertility decline, mainly through investments and priority given to education — especially female education — women’s empowerment — especially through paid work — and above all, voluntary high-quality family planning services integrated with other aspects of healthcare. Pakist... -
Dawn - 03:21 Jul 11, 2026
WORLD Population Day has traditionally prompted discussions on population growth and fertility rates. This year’s theme, ‘Realising the hopes and aspirations of young people — today and for the future’, invites a different conversation. It reminds governments that population policy should begin not with numbers, but with people. The aim is not simply to influence how many children are born, but to ensure that every young person has the opportunity to make informed choices about education, employment, marriage and parenthood. Experience shows that these choices are closely linked to access to healthcare, quality education, economic security and gender equality. When such conditions improve, demographic outcomes improve as well. Population policy, therefore, is ultimately about expanding people’s choices rather than merely managing population trends. That shift in perspective is particularly relevant for Pakistan. Public debate often revolves around census figures, fertility rates and warnings about a rapidly e... -
Dawn - 03:11 Jul 11, 2026
WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump faces questions about the security of his new Air Force One plane gifted by Qatar, after he took an older jet home from a Nato summit this week. The billionaire president has barely been able to contain his excitement over the retrofitted Boeing 747-8 aircraft, which took him to Ankara on its maiden trip outside the United States. But then Trump abruptly announced in Turkiye that he was sending the luxury plane on ahead to a British airbase — saying it was so US troops could tour the plane donated by the Qatari royal family. The New York Times reported on Friday that the new plane lacked the same security countermeasures boasted by the older jet, including anti-missile defences. US media also reported that the Secret Service had advised the switch. Speculation was fuelled by the fact that US hostilities had flared again with Iran, which borders Turkiye, and because journalists on the old plane out of Ankara were also told to keep their window blinds down, a step normally ... -
Dawn - 02:33 Jul 11, 2026
MUZAFFARABAD: Azad Jammu and Kashmir Prime Minister Faisal Mumtaz Rathore on Friday welcomed the latest assertions by a senior leader of the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) about the ‘misuse’ of the platform by some individuals. Sharing a video clip of the address by senior JAAC leader Umar Nazir Kashmari at the Eidgah sit-in on the outskirts of Rawalakot, the AJK PM called it a ‘positive’ development. “Positive. Now let’s talk and resolve issues on the table instead of [the] streets,” PM Rathore wrote. In his speech on Thursday night, Mr Kashmiri distanced the alliance from controversial speeches and slogans delivered from its platform, insisting that only remarks by its core leadership should be regarded as the organisation’s official position. He had told the protesters that JAAC’s struggle was confined to the demands laid down in its charter and had no connection with personal, ideological or organisational agendas advanced by individuals. “Our Charter of Demands, our agreement and our standard operat... -
Dawn - 02:22 Jul 11, 2026
• Restores headmistress’ penalty for negligence in protecting female teachers • Orders strict anti-harassment mechanisms, law enforcement ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court on Friday restored a severe penalty imposed on a government school headmistress for gross negligence in failing to prevent the sexual harassment of female teachers under her supervision. A two-judge SC bench, headed by Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar and comprising Justice Musarrat Hilali, also issued wide-ranging guidelines to all educational institutions, requiring strict enforcement of workplace harassment laws. In a 12-page judgement authored by Justice Mazhar, the court observed that the sexual harassment of female teachers by male colleagues in any educational institution was “a grave transgression, illegal behaviour and a violation of law, ethics, workplace dignity and self-respect”. The judgement explained that unsolicited comments, remarks, jokes or messages of a sexual nature, catcalling and other inappropriate behaviour, pressure for i... -
Dawn - 02:10 Jul 11, 2026
• Former lawmakers’ spouses, children under 28 to get entitlement if bill becomes law • FBR resists placing officers on ECL in Rs250m cigarette theft case • Panel questions FBR probe for blaming junior staff • Inquiry committee to be set up in Islamabad girl’s alleged forced marriage case • Senators raise concerns over misuse of official security personnel ISLAMABAD: A Senate panel on Friday unanimously approved a bill seeking to allow the issuance of blue passports to dependent children under the age of 28 of ex-members of parliament, bringing them in line with the existing entitlement available to dependent children of retired Grade-22 government officers. The Members of Parliament Salaries and Allowances (Amendment) Bill, 2026, was introduced as a private member’s bill by Senator Abdul Qadir and approved by the Senate Standing Committee on Interior and Narcotics Control during a meeting chaired by Senator Faisal Saleem Rahman. Minister of State for Interior Muhammad Talal Chaudhry supported the passage of... -
Dawn - 02:08 Jul 11, 2026
QUETTA: Protesters who had been staging a sit-in at the Quetta Airport Road, triggered by the killing of five tribesmen, injuring of eight and the kidnapping of 11 others from Hanna Urak Valley, called off their protest after the release of the kidnapped people, following successful negotiations between Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti and leaders of the protest committee. On July 5, armed men attacked the Hann Urak Valley area on the outskirts of Quetta, killing five tribesmen, injuring eight others, and abducting 11 others. In protest against the incident, the family members and local tribesmen had blocked the Airport Road for five days, severely affecting city traffic. The protest sit-in was called off after 11 abducted tribesmen were released late Thursday night. Martyred policemen’s families continue their protest; traffic between Quetta, Pishin, and Ziarat remains at a standstill Also, bodies of the five people were handed over to their families who buried them in their graveyards. Balochistan m... -
Dawn - 02:03 Jul 11, 2026
• CM Bugti says 75 terrorists killed in joint ops since July 5; 39 killed in ‘Operation Shaban’ • Claims attempt to attack police station in Khuzdar foiled • NA panel to visit Quetta for security assessment • Police issue detailed account of how attack on Mangi dam post unfolded • Deny reports of policemen resigning, regret spread of ‘fake, planted material’ QUETTA: Security forces have killed 39 more terrorists during the last 48 hours in a massive operation launched in the Shaban area of Quetta district, officials said on Friday. They said security forces, including the Pakistan Army, Frontier Corps and police, had been conducting a joint operation in the Shaban area since July 5 against terrorists involved in the killing of 27 police personnel during an attack on a police post at Mangi dam pumping station. The terrorists had martyred nine police personnel, including two station house officers, and took away 18 other policemen at gunpoint. Later, they killed the abducted police personnel, whose bodies were ... -
Dawn - 01:48 Jul 11, 2026
Super sub Mikel Merino broke Belgian hearts and sent Spain through to a World Cup semi-final against France with a late goal in a gripping 2-1 win on Friday. The stunning finish at SoFi Stadium sets up a tantalising showdown between European champions Spain and the tournament favorites France and the red-hot Kylian Mbappe in Dallas on Tuesday. But it was heartbreak for Belgium’s substitute goalkeeper Senne Lammens, sent on late, who spilled a shot into the path of Merino. The dramatic finale came after Fabian Ruiz had opened the scoring for Spain, before Charles De Ketelaere grabbed one back for Belgium against the run of play before halftime. Welcoming Kevin De Bruyne and Jeremy Doku back to the starting XI, Belgium were rocked by a hamstring injury during the warm-ups to captain Youri Tielemans that hit them hard. Having already lost Amadou Onana to a ruptured ACL, the Red Devils would have to play a near second-choice midfield against the Spanish possession masters. Ruiz, brought in for Pedri, wasted no ti... -
Dawn - 01:05 Jul 11, 2026
• Senate panel seeks transparent probe into tunnel collapse, project cost escalation • Wapda reports Rs23bn loss due to fake bank guarantee in Nai Gaj Dam scheme ISLAMABAD: The over Rs500 billion Neelum-Jhelum Hydropower Project (NJHPP), shut since a tunnel collapse on April 2, 2024, may resume power generation by March 2028, nearly four years after its closure. This was disclosed to a parliamentary committee on Friday by Water and Power Development Authority (Wapda) Chairman retired Lt Gen Muhammad Saeed, who also reported a Rs23bn loss caused by a fake bank guarantee submitted by the defaulting contractor of the Nai Gaj Dam project in Sindh. The Senate Standing Committee on Water Resources, chaired by Senator Jam Saifullah Khan, was also informed that groundwater levels had been falling beyond sustainable limits, particularly in Punjab’s agricultural belt, because of overexploitation, worsening Pakistan’s water crisis despite it already being among the world’s most water-stressed countries. Gen Saeed told t... -
Dawn - 18:54 Jul 10, 2026
Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti on Friday stated that a total of 75 terrorists had been killed since July 5 in various intelligence-based operations in the province. In a post on social media platform X, CM Bugti said: “Operation Shaban is progressing successfully following the terrorist attack on Mangi Dam Police Station.” He elaborated that 39 terrorists had been killed in Operation Shaban as a result of joint ground and air operations by the Pakistan Army, Frontier Corps and Balochistan Police in rugged mountainous areas, while a total of 75 terrorists had been killed in various intelligence-based operations since July 5. Bugti further said that a terrorist attack on Zehri Police Station in the Kachhar area of Balochistan had also been foiled today. “The writ of the state will be maintained in Balochistan at any cost; terrorists cannot escape their fate,” he declared. A day earlier, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said the country’s civil and military leadership had taken a “mutual and singular deci... -
Dawn - 18:34 Jul 10, 2026
The government raised the price of petrol by Rs13.18 per litre and that of high-speed diesel (HSD) by Rs13.80 on Friday. Following the increase, the price of petrol stands at Rs310.71 per litre and HSD’s at Rs323.30. The Petroleum Division’s press release notifying the increase said the new prices would be effective from July 11. 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 the first week of March. Petrol is mainly used in private transport, small vehicles, rickshaws and two-wheelers, and changes in its price affect the middle and lower-middle classes. Similarly, changes in diesel prices also impact the public at large, as it is mainly used in the heavy transport sector, power plants and large generators. Under IMF conditions, the government doubled the climate support levy to Rs5 ... -
Dawn - 17:58 Jul 10, 2026
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday called on Iran and all other parties involved in the Middle East conflict to exercise restraint following an escalation in tensions between Washington and Tehran. Efforts to end the Middle East war have suffered a setback following an escalation in hostilities after Iranian attacks on ships in the strategic Strait of Hormuz. Iran struck at least three ships in recent days, prompting extensive US strikes on Iranian targets on Tuesday and Wednesday, which were followed by retaliatory attacks by Iran on Gulf countries. According to the Prime Minister’s Office, the premier issued the call during a telephone conversation with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, during which he expressed “deep concern” over the escalation and “underscored the urgent need to restore regional peace and stability”. “He called on Iran and all other parties to exercise restraint and refrain from any action that could jeopardise the hard-earned peace gains achieved over the past few months,” the s... -
Dawn - 17:22 Jul 10, 2026
Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti on Friday stated that a total of 75 terrorists had been killed since July 5 in various intelligence-based operations in the province. In a post on social media platform X, CM Bugti said: “Operation Shaban is progressing successfully following the terrorist attack on Mangi Dam Police Station.” He elaborated that 39 terrorists had been killed in Operation Shaban as a result of joint ground and air operations by the Pakistan Army, Frontier Corps and Balochistan Police in rugged mountainous areas, while a total of 75 terrorists had been killed in various intelligence-based operations since July 5. Bugti further said that a terrorist attack on Zehri Police Station in the Kachhar area of Balochistan had also been foiled today. “The writ of the state will be maintained in Balochistan at any cost; terrorists cannot escape their fate,” he declared. A day earlier, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said the country’s civil and military leadership had taken a “mutual and singular deci... -
Dawn - 16:49 Jul 10, 2026
KP govt decides to withdraw controversial clauses from law granting expanded privileges to lawmakers
PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government on Friday decided to withdraw the controversial clauses from recently enacted legislation that expanded lawmakers’ powers and privileges after widespread backlash. In April, the provincial assembly passed the KP Provincial Assembly (Powers, Immunities and Privileges) Act, 2026, granting blue passports to members and their spouses, arms licenses, blanket immunity from preventive detention and making the speaker’s permission necessary before arresting members on criminal charges. The law faced harsh criticism from the media and general public, prompting KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi to order a review of the legislation on Wednesday. In a video message shared on X, KP Information Minister Shafi Jan said: “On the directives of Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, the provincial government has decided to withdraw all controversial provisions incorporated into the KP Provincial Assembly (Powers, Immunities and Privileges) Act, 2026.” He said that cabinet members met with the c...
12400 items