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Dawn - 07:12 Jun 16, 2026
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday directed that work on a 100 megawatt solar power project in Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) be expedited and that it be completed at the earliest The directives came as the premier chaired a meeting in Islamabad reviewing the project, according to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO). The prime minister directed that the work on the project be accelerated and completed as soon as possible, adding that an independent third-party validation be conducted to ensure transparency at every stage of the project, the PMO said. According to the statement, the premier also said that the Centre would bear all the expenses for the project. During the meeting, the relevant authorities briefed participants on the federal government’s solar energy project in GB, the statement said. The meeting was told that an 18MW solarisation project for government buildings was being implemented across the region. The statement said that the 18MW solarisation project for government buildin... -
Dawn - 06:44 Jun 16, 2026
Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb said on Tuesday that the government’s economic planning and fiscal assumptions had remained mindful of possible external and geopolitical risks, including potential “second-order impacts” arising from prolonged regional uncertainty. The minister made these remarks during a meeting with UK Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan and Pakistan (MENAP), Hamish Falconer MP, held at the Finance Division in Islamabad. The meeting was also attended by British High Commissioner Jane Marriott and senior officials from both sides. According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Finance, the two sides held a “comprehensive exchange” on regional developments, Pakistan’s macroeconomic outlook, ongoing structural reforms, fiscal priorities, institutional modernisation, and opportunities to further strengthen Pakistan–United Kingdom economic cooperation. “The finance minister briefed the visiting delegation on the government’s economic refor... -
Dawn - 06:07 Jun 16, 2026
Fifteen-year-old cricket sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi blew his fuse in an India A game in Sri Lanka and pushed an opposition player after a heated on-field exchange. The spotlight has been on Sooryavanshi since his batting heroics in the recent Indian Premier League (IPL) won him a place in India’s senior men’s team for their T20 tour of Ireland and England. But he made headlines for all the wrong reasons after he and a Sri Lanka A player confronted each other, following India’s narrow defeat in a Super Over in Dambulla on Monday. Sri Lanka’s Vishen Halambage exchanged words with departing Indian batters before Sooryavanshi responded and shoved him, according to Indian media and broadcast footage. Sri Lanka A wicketkeeper Niroshan Dickwella stepped in to calm tempers and separated the two players. The teams exchanged handshakes, but TV images showed Sooryavanshi visibly upset. The left-handed opener capped off a stunning IPL 2026 season for Rajasthan Royals, where he amassed 776 runs to finish as the tourna... -
Dawn - 05:14 Jun 16, 2026
A US Air Force B-52 Stratofortress bomber crashed on takeoff on Monday at Edwards Air Force Base in Southern California’s Mojave Desert, bursting into flames and killing all eight crew members aboard, Air Force officials said. The eight-engine, jet-powered aircraft, built to carry a wide array of nuclear and conventional bombs, was on a routine test mission when it crashed on the runway at Edwards just after leaving the ground, Air Force Colonel James Hayes said at a press conference hours later. A towering pall of black smoke billowing from the crash site was visible for miles immediately after the accident. He said the “mixed crew” aboard the aircraft consisted of government civilians, government contractors and uniformed military personnel. Aerospace giant Boeing, which designed and built the plane, said two of its employees were among the dead. The flight was intended to support a radar modernisation programme, Hayes told reporters. The cause of the crash was unknown and under investigation, he added. Air... -
Dawn - 04:31 Jun 16, 2026
Iran twice battled back for a 2-2 draw with New Zealand on Monday in their frenetic opening match of a World Cup campaign that has been overshadowed by war, politics and protests. The Iranian team’s very presence at the Los Angeles Stadium had long felt uncertain, after months of military conflict between their nation and the United States. At last able to focus on the football, the Iran players twice found themselves trailing to the tournament’s lowest-ranked team, thanks to goals from New Zealand striker Elijah Just. But with a vocally pro-Iran crowd drowning out planned protests by anti-government demonstrators, equalisers from Ramin Rezaeian and Mohammad Mohebi spared Team Melli any further blushes. The Iran team have dealt with a gamut of obstacles before even arriving at this World Cup, from delayed and refused US visas, to moving their training camp to Mexico at the last minute. Hundreds of protesters against Iran’s ruling regime demonstrated outside the venue on Monday, saying the team does not repres... -
Dawn - 04:19 Jun 16, 2026
LAHORE: A BS-18 police officer, Kamran Hamid, was ‘removed’ from the post of Hafizabad district police officer (DPO), allegedly following an altercation with a local MPA of the ruling party, who is also close to the politically influential Tarar family, after he was held guilty in an inquiry conducted by Punjab Inspector General of Police (IGP) Abdul Kareem on the orders of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz. The CM had directed the Punjab police chief to hear both parties and find out who was responsible for the “dispute over the use of the DPO office’s toilet by the PML-N MPA’s son”. Giving details, a senior police officer told Dawn on the condition of anonymity that the dispute erupted when PML-N MPA Shahid Bhatti visited the Hafizabad DPO’s office, along with his young son and some complainants from his constituency. He says that the MPA had visited the office of (now former) DPO Kamran Hamid as the CM had issued instructions to ruling party parliamentarians to get locals’ police-related matters resolved in the ... -
Dawn - 03:39 Jun 16, 2026
KARACHI: The investigating officer (IO) of a case against alleged cocaine dealer Anmol Pinky on Monday filed an interim charge sheet, stating that the accused had been involved in drug trafficking for the last 16 years and she used to supply narcotic substances in posh areas, as well as among university and school students. The charge sheet was submitted before the judicial magistrate (South). The IO also sought time to submit the final report, stating that he was awaiting forensic reports and responses from the concerned departments regarding the suspects’ travel history and assistance in the investigation. However, due to the absence of defence counsel, the court adjourned the matter till June 20. In the interim charge sheet, the IO has placed three suspects — Humaira, Sabra and Aina — in Column-II with red ink, while three suspects, Humza, Aqib and Aizaz, have been placed in Column-II with blue ink as their whereabouts are not known. Meanwhile, four others, including Anmol, are in jail on judicial remand. ... -
Dawn - 03:15 Jun 16, 2026
• Curfew-like restrictions eased • Commercial activity takes a hit as internet outages affect ATMs • AJK Legislative Assembly to meet today MUZAFFARABAD: The standoff between law enforcement personnel and supporters of the proscribed Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) in Rawalakot seemed to be winding down, with officials claiming on Monday that the days-long protest had visibly shrink. According to officials, who spoke to Dawn on condition of anonymity, the central gathering at the Eidgah Ground is steadily shrinking, with most participants from other areas having quietly left. The majority of those still present are residents of nearby localities who arrive in the afternoon and return home late at night, an official said. The official maintained that law enforcement personnel had only engaged armed activists, and ruled out the possibility of negotiations with the proscribed group, stating that its members would either have to surrender or face strict legal action. Authorities have relaxed curfew-like res... -
Dawn - 02:59 Jun 16, 2026
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has the right under international law to defend itself against attacks originating from Afghanistan, British Parliamentary Under-Secretary for the Middle East, Afghanistan and Pakistan Hamish Falconer said on Monday, while stressing the need for dialogue and regional stability. Speaking during a visit to Islamabad to discuss security concerns with senior Pakistani officials, the British official noted that any country facing cross-border threats was entitled to protect its citizens within the framework of international law. The remarks came amid rising tensions and recent incidents of violence that Pakistani authorities say were linked to terrorist groups operating from Afghan territory. Talking to Dawn, the visiting dignitary expressed condolences over the recent loss of life in Pakistan, describing the security situation as deeply concerning. ‘Sustainable solutions’ “No one wants to see civilian casualties anywhere, whether in Pakistan or Afghanistan,” the official said, adding tha... -
Dawn - 02:31 Jun 16, 2026
• Govt signals gradual end to super tax • State minister says target of bringing 3.5m retailers into tax net in one year ‘unrealistic’ • NA panel seeks detailed estimates of revenue generation, relief measures to assess their overall economic impact ISLAMABAD: A parliamentary committee on Monday approved a five per cent tax on earnings generated through social media platforms by both local and foreign digital content creators, as lawmakers continued their review of proposals under the Finance Bill 2026. The move reflects the growing significance of social media as a source of income, with digital platforms increasingly serving as lucrative business avenues rather than merely communication tools. Content creators, influencers and online entrepreneurs are now generating millions of rupees annually through platform monetisation, advertising revenue and audience engagement. The Senate Standing Committee on Finance, chaired by Senator Saleem Mandviwalla, reviewed the proposed taxation framework and endorsed the m... -
Dawn - 02:30 Jun 16, 2026
• Call for a cut in next MPC meeting to support industrial recovery • OICCI, PBC term SBP decision ‘balanced, prudent’ KARACHI: The business community on Monday expressed disappointment over the State Bank’s decision to keep the policy rate unchanged at 11.5pc, urging monetary easing to support growth, exports and investment amid easing inflation expectations. Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) President Atif Ikram Sheikh said that a static policy rate in double digits is highly detrimental to the country’s economic survival, adding that failure to ease borrowing costs would accelerate de-industrialisation and severely undermine export targets, which are critical for earning foreign exchange. Expressing concern over what he termed a disconnect between the central bank and the challenges faced by trade and industry, he said the decision to hold the policy rate was unfortunate despite expectations of a downward trend in inflation following the announcement of a US-Iran peace deal f... -
Dawn - 02:23 Jun 16, 2026
ISLAMABAD: Despite the government’s claims of austerity and tight fiscal discipline, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb has actually asked the parliament to give post-facto approval for a record Rs3.684 trillion supplementary grants for expenditure overruns and re-appropriation. Budget documents suggest that parliament would be required to approve more than four times higher supplementary grants later this month when compared to Rs895bn it regularised last year. This put a question mark on the processes leading to budget estimates and expenditures. Documents placed before parliament by the finance ministry indicate that debt servicing, subsidies, power sector, water division, defence services, health related expenditures, civil armed forces and related agencies stand out in exceeding budgetary allocations. The ministry said the amounts that it was seeking approval as a fait accompli pertained to May 17 to June 30 of 2024-25 and from July 1 to May 15 for 2025-26 after the conclusion of budgetary processes for... -
Dawn - 18:33 Jun 15, 2026
European champions Spain were held to a shock 0-0 draw by tiny World Cup debutants Cape Verde on Monday. Regarded as one of the strong pre-tournament favourites, Spain had been expected to cruise past Cape Verde in their Group H opener in Atlanta. But despite enjoying 74 per cent possession and laying siege to the Cape Verde goal, the 2010 world champions were unable to find a breakthrough against the underdogs from the volcanic archipelago of just 525,000 people, who are ranked as 2000-1 outsiders to win the World Cup by several betting websites. Cape Verde’s Vozinha applauds fans after the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group H match between Spain and Cabo Verde at Atlanta Stadium on June 15, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia, the US. — AFP Not even the introduction of Barcelona superstar Lamine Yamal off the bench could engineer a goal for Luis de la Fuente’s men. Cape Verde’s players and supporters, meanwhile, celebrated wildly after securing an improbable point in what was their first-ever World Cup match. The underdogs, ni... -
Dawn - 18:15 Jun 15, 2026
UNITED NATIONS: The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) on Monday unanimously adopted a resolution extending the mandate of the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (Unama) until June 17, 2027, while highlighting concerns over Afghanistan’s humanitarian crisis, terrorism threats, human rights situation and regional stability. The resolution, drafted by China and adopted by all 15 UNSC members, reaffirms the UN’s central role in supporting peace and stability in Afghanistan and maintaining engagement with the country’s de facto authorities and other stakeholders. Although Pakistan is not mentioned by name in the text, several provisions of the resolution carry direct implications for Islamabad, particularly on refugee returns, regional security, counterterrorism cooperation and economic connectivity. The Security Council directed Unama to support efforts to create conditions conducive to the “voluntary, safe, dignified and sustainable return and reintegration of internally displaced persons and refugees,” a... -
Dawn - 18:07 Jun 15, 2026
Pakistan is set to assume the chairmanship of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation’s (SCO) Council of Heads of State (CHS) in September, while next year’s CHS summit will also be hosted by Pakistan. Commemorating the 25th anniversary of the SCO, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar acknowledged that the group has played an important role in “promoting regional peace, security, stability, economic cooperation, connectivity and people-to-people exchanges among its member states”, according to a statement released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday. Dar said that Pakistan’s involvement in the regional bloc has advanced from observer to a proactive full member since 2017, reflecting the country’s “unwavering commitment to multilateralism and confidence in the potential of our region”. Ahead of Pakistan assuming chairmanship of the CHS, Dar added, “This is a reflection of trust and confidence in Pakistan’s leadership role regionally and globally.” “Pakistan will continue to advance a for... -
Dawn - 17:43 Jun 15, 2026
The Ministry of Religious Affairs on Monday announced that the Muharram 1448 AH moon was not sighted in the country. The first of Muharram will fall on Wednesday, June 17, while Ashura will be observed on June 26. In a notification, the ministry said: “In pursuance of the decision of the Central Ruet-i-Hilal Committee in its meeting held today in Lahore, the federal government in the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, Islamabad, hereby announces that the moon of Muharram 1448 AH has not been sighted.” “Therefore, the 1st Muharram 1448 AH shall commence from Wednesday, June 17, 2026,” it added. Earlier today, the state-run Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) reported that the committee would meet at Iqbal Hall, Badshahi Mosque in Lahore to sight the Muharram moon, the first month of the Islamic calendar. Muharram is a month of mourning, observed in particular by Shia Muslims worldwide. It commemorates the Battle of Karbala in 680 AD, where, amongst many, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (Peac... -
Dawn - 17:32 Jun 15, 2026
The State Bank of Pakistan decided to keep the policy rate unchanged at 11.5 per cent on Monday. The decision was made during a meeting for the final policy review of FY26. In a detailed statement, the MPC said that global oil prices had eased in light of recent geopolitical developments; however, it noted that the prices remained elevated compared to pre-conflict levels. “Nonetheless, as anticipated in the last MPC meeting, the impact of the conflict is now reflecting in recent economic indicators,” it said, noting that “headline inflation rose to double digits in April and May, while core inflation also edged up”. The statement continued: “Moreover, economic activity is showing some signs of moderation, reflecting the impact of elevated prices, austerity measures and prevalent economic uncertainty”. It added that the external account pressures remained moderate. As per the statement, the MPC observed that the macroeconomic outlook remained “broadly unchanged” since its previous meeting. “In this context, th... -
Dawn - 17:26 Jun 15, 2026
KARACHI: Two bureaucrats have been booked over an advance payment of Rs8.5 billion to contractors of the Yellow Line BRT project in an alleged case of misuse of authority, it emerged on Monday. The Yellow Line is planned to connect Quaidabad’s Dawood Chowrangi with Numaish and will exclusively use electric buses to ensure it remains environmentally friendly. The advance payment, which caused significant financial losses to the Sindh government, violated the contract, as the contractors were required to arrange financing from the commercial market. The Anti-Corruption Establishment (ACE) has registered a first information report (FIR) against the then project director (PD) of the Karachi Mobility Project (KMP), Zameer Abbasi, its then director of procurement, Jhaman Das, and others on behalf of the state. The FIR was lodged by Inspector Mohammed Sher Zaman Awan of ACE District South. The FIR was registered under Sections 34 (acts done by several persons in furtherance of common intention), 409 (criminal breach... -
Dawn - 17:16 Jun 15, 2026
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Monday that while the signing ceremony of an agreement reached between the US and Iran — aimed at ending a war that began three months ago — would be held in Geneva, it would be hosted by Pakistan. “The official [signing] ceremony of this historic agreement will be held on Friday, June 19, in Geneva, and by the grace of God, it will be hosted by Pakistan,” he said while addressing a National Assembly session after he announced the agreement past midnight on Monday. Under the agreement, the US and Iran have agreed on a framework to end the war, halt the US blockade of Iran and reopen the Strait of Hormuz. The war began in late February, with the US and Israel launching strikes on Iran. Throughout the conflict, Pakistan has remained actively involved in mediating for peace and also hosted the first round of talks between the two sides in Islamabad in April. The historic direct US-Iran talks had ended without an agreement, but also without a breakdown. This was after Pakista... -
Dawn - 16:16 Jun 15, 2026
LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Monday unveiled a new framework for awarding central contracts to players from the next fiscal year beginning July 1, 2026, while making no changes to either the national selection committee or the coaching staff. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, at a press conference held at a local hotel, made the announcements. He was accompanied by the High Performance Centre Director Aaqib Javed, white-ball head coach Mike Hesson, PCB Chief Medical Officer Dr Javed Mughal and other officials. Earlier, the PCB chairman also met all 49 players of Pakistan’s red- and white-ball squads, who are currently attending training camps in Lahore, and briefed them on the new central contract system. Interestingly, Naqvi had hinted during a media briefing on Saturday that several changes could be made within the PCB set-up. However, Monday’s announcement focused primarily on reforms to the central contracts system. Under the new structure, players will be placed in five categories instead of the ...
10706 items