Pakistan

Top Saudi general holds extensive talks with PM Shehbaz, Field Marshal Asim

Rejects counsel's request to meet Imran over appeal

Outgoing CJCSC bids farewell to leadership

Until the new elections, each board will function under a two-member caretaker set-up

LHC pushes forward with case record digitalisation

Senate body vows support for sports revival

Report reveals harmful social media posts show routine misogyny

Arrest warrant out for Gandapur in liquor case

Leaders vow to curb violence against women

PM directs acceleration of JMC projects

Imran’s May 9 cases fixed for hearing

Parliament yet to provide a right of appeal against constitutional court’s decisions

Pakistan Super League (PSL) outfits Lahore Qalandars, Peshawar Zalmi and Quetta Gladiators have renewed their franchise rights for another 10 years, the country’s cricket board announced on Monday. The agreements, finalised at market valuations determined by global audit firm Ernst & Young after what the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) described as a “comprehensive and transparent assessment”, come ahead of the league’s expansion to eight teams from its 11th edition next year. Lahore Qalandars — the PSL’s most valuable franchise and winners of three of the last four editions under Pakistan ODI captain Shaheen Shah Afridi — were among the first to extend their rights. “It gives me immense pleasure that Lahore Qalandars will continue to stay with its current owners,” PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi said in a statement. “[Qalandars owners] Atif Rana and Sameen Rana have worked extremely hard to turn this franchise into a household name across Pakistan and a reputable brand around the world.” Peshawar Zalmi, one of the le...

The Trading Corporation of Pakistan (TCP) has issued a tender to purchase 100,000 tonnes of rice for supply to Bangladesh, it emerged on Monday. After decades of troubled relations, Islamabad and Dhaka have seen improved ties and increased bilateral engagement since the August 2024 ouster of ex-premier Sheikh Hasina. The deadline for submission of price offers is 11:30am on November 28, according to the TCP tender issued on November 20, which was seen by Dawn. The tender invites “separate sealed bids” from companies, partnerships and sole proprietors for buying 100,000 tonnes of long grain white rice (IRRI-6) “for export to Bangladesh in the shape of break bulk cargo” through Karachi ports. Price offers have to be valid for 21 working days after submission. The rice must be available for shipment within 45 days after the contract award. The bids shall be submitted for a minimum quantity of 25,000 tonnes, or multiples thereof, and a maximum quantity of 100,000 tonnes, +/- 5 per cent MOLSO (5pc variance margin)...

Pakistan’s owl population is facing a steep decline as habitat loss, shrinking prey and illegal poaching continue to threaten the survival of the nocturnal raptors that play a vital role in balancing ecosystems. Local experts warn that without stronger protection and enforcement, several species could disappear from large parts of the country. “Like many other birds, owls have lost their habitat and prey base, especially in and around urban areas,” Uzma Khan, a Lahore-based wildlife expert with WWF-Pakistan, told Anadolu. “Deforestation, pollution and unplanned urbanisation have drastically reduced tree cover and nesting sites.” Gradual deforestation, ornamental tree planting and unplanned urbanisation have led to a steady decline in owl numbers, as most species prefer to nest in tree cavities or old nests of larger birds, she explained. “Owls are predators and feed on small animals like birds, rodents, reptiles and some of them on insects as well,” she said. “But the unchecked conversion of agricultural land...

The Uks Research Centre on Monday announced that it released a new report detailing misogynistic and harmful content on social media and a compendium of slurs used online, according to a press release seen by Dawn.com. A media monitoring and advocacy organisation, Uks, for over two decades, has been engaged with the media on how to report women’s issues in general, and cases of violence against women in particular. In the press release, Uks said it would observe “16 days of activism” against gender-based violence in Pakistan under the theme ‘Unite to End Digital Violence against All Women and Girls’. The published reports are part of Uks’ 2023–2024 initiative ‘Safe Word, Safer Word’, which was done in collaboration with the World Association for Christian Communication (WACC). The report, titled ‘365 Posts, One Message: Stop Online Sexualised Violence!’, is a collation of 365 harmful posts shared by Uks over the course of one year, tracking people’s responses. “Respond they did, sometimes with support, someti...

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday received General Fayyadh Bin Hameed Al Rowaili, Chief of General Staff of the Saudi Armed Forces, at the Prime Minister’s House in Islamabad.

Decision taken to slash business cost for exporters, address misuse complaints

Revises cost to Rs186b, higher by Rs19b from earlier estimate

Underscores joint container and bulk services, technical training programmes