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Pakistan targets militant hideouts in Afghanistan as conflict continues
WorldThe Guardian4h ago

Pakistan targets militant hideouts in Afghanistan as conflict continues

Afghan government reports zero casualties and accuses neighbouring country of wanting to ‘fuel the fire of war’ Pakistan has targeted militant hideouts in Afghanistan’s Kandahar province overnight, as the fighting that erupted between the two neighbours late last month showed no signs of abating. The cross-border attacks, which have included Pakistani airstrikes in the Afghan capital, Kabul, is the deadliest yet between the countries. Islamabad has referred to the conflict as an “open war”, a...

Watch: Pakistan's Salman Ali Agha run-out sparks controversy during 2nd ODI
SportBBCYahooTimes of India+2indian-expressDawn6h ago5 sources

Watch: Pakistan's Salman Ali Agha run-out sparks controversy during 2nd ODI

A controversial run-out of Salman Ali Agha in the second ODI between Bangladesh and Pakistan has ignited social media debate. Agha, believing the ball dead, bent to retrieve it, only for Bangladesh skipper Mehidy Hasan Miraz to swiftly dislodge the bails. Despite Agha's strong knock, his dismissal triggered a Pakistan collapse, impacting the match's outcome.

Pakistan Railways to run four special trains for Eid travellers
CultureDawn14h ago

Pakistan Railways to run four special trains for Eid travellers

LAHORE: In a bid to enable more and more people to travel by train on the eve of the upcoming Eid, Pakistan Railways (PR) has decided to operate four special trains from major stations to various destinations. According to a spokesperson for the PR, the first special trains will depart from Lahore for Karachi via Okara, Sahiwal and Khanewal on March 16. The second train will depart from Quetta for Rawalpindi via Sukkar, Rahimyar Khan, Khanewal and Lahore on March 17. The third train will depa...

Pakistan Government Absorbs Fuel Price Hike Amid Global Shocks
Businessexpress-tribune1d ago

Pakistan Government Absorbs Fuel Price Hike Amid Global Shocks

The Pakistani government has absorbed a Rs77 fuel price hike, though it remains unclear if this will involve cutting oil levies or reimbursing oil marketing companies and refineries. This decision comes amidst global economic shocks and rising energy costs.

Iftar, Sehri timings for Ramazan 24/25
WorldDawn1d ago

Iftar, Sehri timings for Ramazan 24/25

Times for today’s Iftar (Ramazan 24) and tomorrow’s Sehri (Ramazan 25) for the federal and provincial capitals are listed below: Islamabad Fiqh-i-Hanafia Iftar (today) — 6:16pm Sehri (tomorrow) — 4:55am Fiqh-i-Jafria Iftar (today) — 6:26pm Sehri (tomorrow) — 4:45am Karachi Fiqh-i-Hanafia Iftar (today) — 6:42pm Sehri (tomorrow) — 5:23am Fiqh-i-Jafria Iftar (today) — 6:54pm Sehri (tomorrow) — 5:19am Lahore Fiqh-i-Hanafia Iftar (today) — 6:10pm Seh...

Fire chief blames management  of Gul Plaza for loss of life
WorldDawn1d ago

Fire chief blames management of Gul Plaza for loss of life

• Says lack of fire safety measures, disconnection of electricity and blocking of exits caused fatalities • Forensic investigation can determine exact origin of fire, commission told KARACHI: Chief Fire Officer Muhammad Humayun Khan has blamed the Gul Plaza administration for the loss of life due to lack of implementation of fire safety protocols, failure to make a prompt announcement about the fire, blocked emergency exits and disconnection of electricity without evacuating people trapped in...

Federal Constitutional Court sets aside Class-IV appointments at Karak DHQ Hospital
WorldDawn1d ago

Federal Constitutional Court sets aside Class-IV appointments at Karak DHQ Hospital

ISLAMABAD: Expressing serious concern over a disquieting state of affairs in public appointments in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the Federal Constitutional Court (FCC) on Friday ordered a departmental inquiry against delinquent officials of the District Headquarters (DHQ) Hospital in Karak to discourage such irregularities in the future. Headed by Justice Syed Hasan Azhar Rizvi, a two-judge FCC bench also set aside the appointments of several Class-IV employees at DHQ Hospital Karak and ordered a fres...

NDMA Issues Rain and Thunderstorm Advisory for Pakistan
Worldexpress-tribune2d ago

NDMA Issues Rain and Thunderstorm Advisory for Pakistan

Pakistan's National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued an advisory for rain and thunderstorms across the country from March 14-16, with daytime temperatures expected to drop by 3-4°C in northern and upper regions.

FO confirms engagement with China to reduce Kabul tensions
WorldDawn2d ago

FO confirms engagement with China to reduce Kabul tensions

ISLAMABAD: The Foreign Office (FO) on Thursday acknowledged that Pakistan was engaging with Beijing on the issue of the recent Pakistan-Afghanistan border hostilities. During his weekly briefing, spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said that Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar had recently held a phone call with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, adding that Islamabad and Beijing “cherish a long-standing strategic partnership, founded in mutual trust and deep respect”. “We [Pakistan an...

Abrar move 'a step in the right direction'
SportBBC2d ago

Abrar move 'a step in the right direction'

BBC cricket correspondent Stephan Shemilt and former England cricketer Steven Finn are encouraged by the Sunrisers Leeds' signing of spinner Abrar Ahmed in The Hundred auction, after concerns that…

PIA raises fuel surcharge as Gulf crisis drives up costs
BusinessDawnexpress-tribune3d ago2 sources

PIA raises fuel surcharge as Gulf crisis drives up costs

Airlines in Pakistan, including Pakistan International Airlines, are raising fuel surcharges after war in the Gulf disrupted regional air routes and canceled about 300 flights from the country in recent days, airline officials and flight data show. PIA spokesman Abdullah Khan told Reuters that fuel costs have risen 34 per cent due to the Gulf crisis. He added that the airline was raising fuel surcharges on domestic flights by $20 and up to $100 on international flights. In the past 12 da...

KSE-100 rebounds after early plunge
FinanceDawn3d ago

KSE-100 rebounds after early plunge

Pakistan’s benchmark KSE-100 index rose modestly by 968.93 points, or 0.62 per cent, by 10:40am on Thursday after opening on a volatile note. Earlier in the session, the index had dropped more than 1,700 points by 9:55am before staging a recovery. So far, the index has recorded an intraday high of 156,837.83 points and a low of 153,503.70 points. The volatility comes in the wake of oil prices surging more than 9pc to break back above $100 a barrel after fresh Iranian strikes on supplies and i...

IMF staff-level deal delayed amid Middle East crisis
BusinessDawn3d ago

IMF staff-level deal delayed amid Middle East crisis

• Lender, govt remain tight-lipped on review outcome • War tensions cloud fiscal, economic projections • Final session focuses on FBR transformation plan • Budget discussions may continue until IMF-WB spring meetings ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) could not reach a staff-level agreement (SLA) on the third review of the country’s $7 billion Extended Fund Facility (EFF) and the second review of the Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF) within the scheduled ...

Attack on police checkpoint repulsed in Dera Ismail Khan; one constable injured
WorldDawn11h ago

Attack on police checkpoint repulsed in Dera Ismail Khan; one constable injured

DERA ISMAIL KHAN: Unidentified armed militants attacked the Khutti police checkpoint in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Dera Ismail Khan district late on Saturday night, triggering an exchange of fire with security personnel, police officials said. According to the police, the assailants carried out the attack under the cover of darkness using heavy weapons. Personnel stationed at the checkpoint responded swiftly and returned fire, forcing the attackers to retreat. During the exchange, one police const...

Pakistan cricket 'not destroyed' by T20 World Cup exit: Aaqib Javed
SportYahoo15h ago

Pakistan cricket 'not destroyed' by T20 World Cup exit: Aaqib Javed

Pakistan's T20 World Cup 2026 journey ended prematurely, missing the semifinals on net run rate despite a final win. Selector Aaqib Javed admitted the situation is serious but not catastrophic, emphasising the team's capability. He pledged a review of the campaign to learn from mistakes and shape the future of Pakistan cricket.

Karachi citizens fume as unannounced gas cuts continue to disrupt Sehri cooking, Iftar
BusinessDawn16h ago

Karachi citizens fume as unannounced gas cuts continue to disrupt Sehri cooking, Iftar

A man walks past scores of gas cylinders, while LPG (right) is filled at a shop in North Nazimabad. —Fahim Siddiqi / White Star KARACHI: Following the suspension of supply of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Qatar due to Iran’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, the city’s gas crisis has worsened amid Ramazan’s peak demand, leaving fasting residents struggling during crucial Sehri and Iftar hours. Meanwhile, the Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) has introduced an unannounced supply schedule...

The music of makran
Cultureexpress-tribune1d ago

The music of makran

Generations of Baloch musicians carry on a musical tradition rooted in poetry, longing and history

Nehal's Nomination Signals PML-N Thaw with PPP
Politicsexpress-tribune1d ago

Nehal's Nomination Signals PML-N Thaw with PPP

The decision to nominate Nehal Hashmi is seen as a strategic move by PML-N, signaling a cautious coexistence and potential thaw in relations with the PPP. This development could impact the political landscape.

Global Shocks Spark Calls for Thar Coal Use in Pakistan
Businessexpress-tribune1d ago

Global Shocks Spark Calls for Thar Coal Use in Pakistan

Analysts are urging Pakistan's State Bank and government to increase project financing and set targets for blending Thar coal with imported coal. This push comes as global economic shocks highlight the need for domestic energy sources.

Six Terrorists Killed in Pakistan's Lakki Marwat Operation
Worldexpress-tribune1d ago

Six Terrorists Killed in Pakistan's Lakki Marwat Operation

Six terrorists involved in the martyrdom of seven police personnel were killed during a Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) operation in Lakki Marwat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The president and prime minister lauded the security forces for their actions.

Iftar, Sehri timings for Ramazan 23/24
CultureDawn2d ago

Iftar, Sehri timings for Ramazan 23/24

Times for today’s Iftar (Ramazan 23) and tomorrow’s Sehri (Ramazan 24) for the federal and provincial capitals are listed below: Islamabad Fiqh-i-Hanafia Iftar (today) — 6:15pm Sehri (tomorrow) — 4:56am Fiqh-i-Jafria Iftar (today) — 6:25pm Sehri (tomorrow) — 4:46am Karachi Fiqh-i-Hanafia Iftar (today) — 6:41pm Sehri (tomorrow) — 5:24am Fiqh-i-Jafria Iftar (today) — 6:53pm Sehri (tomorrow) — 5:20am Lahore Fiqh-i-Hanafia Iftar (today) — 6:09pm Seh...

PMDC allows 19 medical, dental colleges to increase annual fees upto Rs2.1m
HealthDawn2d ago

PMDC allows 19 medical, dental colleges to increase annual fees upto Rs2.1m

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) has allowed 19 medical and dental colleges to increase their fees. However, applications from 20 institutions have been deferred due to shortcomings and failure to fulfil the required documentation. It is worth mentioning that last year the council had fixed the annual fee of medical and dental colleges at a maximum of Rs1.8 million, with an annual increase of five per cent. However, for the ongoing year, the tuition fee, inclusive of ...

Staff-level agreement delayed amid Middle East crisis, negotiations to continue: IMF
WorldDawn3d ago

Staff-level agreement delayed amid Middle East crisis, negotiations to continue: IMF

ISLAMABAD: The International Monetary Fund (IMF) on Thursday confirmed that its mission could not reach a staff level agreement (SLA) on the third review of the country’s $7 billion Extended Fund Facility (EFF) and the second review of the Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF) despite considerable progress, and that negotiations would continue. In its ‘end of mission statement’, the IMF said its team, headed by Iva Petrova, held discussions with Pakistani authorities on the third revie...

Govt announces Eid holidays for offices from March 20-21
PoliticsDawn9h ago

Govt announces Eid holidays for offices from March 20-21

The federal government has declared March 20 and March 21 public holidays for offices on the occasion of Eidul Fitr, according to a Cabinet Division notification. “In continuation of Cabinet Division’s circular F. No. 10-1/2025-Min-II, dated January 19, 2026 specifying public and optional holidays for the year 2026, the prime minister has been pleased to declare March 20 and 21, 2026 (Friday and Saturday) as public holidays on the occasion of Eidul Fitr, both for offices observing five- and s...

Rawalpindi Traffic Police trolls Pakistan batter Salman Ali Agha after controversial run-out vs Bangladesh
SportYahoo15h ago

Rawalpindi Traffic Police trolls Pakistan batter Salman Ali Agha after controversial run-out vs Bangladesh

A controversial run-out of Salman Ali Agha during the ODI between the Pakistan national cricket team and Bangladesh national cricket team sparked online debate after Mehidy Hasan Miraz dismissed him. As the moment went viral, the Rawalpindi Traffic Police used the clip to share a safety message, urging people to stay alert and take personal responsibility on roads and in daily life.

Job contracts can’t override NIRC jurisdiction: IHC
BusinessDawn17h ago

Job contracts can’t override NIRC jurisdiction: IHC

ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court has dismissed a petition filed by M/s Reko Diq Mining Company, ruling that “exclusive jurisdiction” clauses in employment contracts cannot be used to “oppress” workers or oust the statutory jurisdiction of the National Industrial Relations Commission (NIRC). A single bench comprising Justice Raja Inaam Ameen Minhas observed that while commercial entities are free to choose forums for dispute resolution, such freedom is not absolute in employment contracts w...

Of canvas and code
Cultureexpress-tribune1d ago

Of canvas and code

A country rich with talent yet short on studio systems, a new breed of artists is learning to balance therapy & hustle

PTI signals drive for Imran’s release ‘after Eid’
PoliticsDawnexpress-tribune1d ago2 sources

PTI signals drive for Imran’s release ‘after Eid’

ISLAMABAD: Warning the federal government against what it described as “criminal negligence” in former prime minister Imr­an Khan’s medical care, the PTI has hinted at lau­n­ching a massive movement for his release after Eid. At a press conference on Friday, PTI leaders reiterated their demand for Mr Khan’s immediate transfer to Shifa International Hospital, saying that any further delay could have serious consequences. They said the party had made every possible effort to secure appropriate ...

Alarm raised over shortage of paediatric TB medicines
HealthDawn1d ago

Alarm raised over shortage of paediatric TB medicines

KARACHI: The Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) raised on Friday an urgent national alarm over the severe and persistent shortage of essential paediatric tuberculosis (TB) medications, warning that the situation could lead to a “catastrophic surge” in drug-resistant tuberculosis in the most vulnerable population. Citing reports from healthcare facilities across the country, the association stated that they indicate “a near-total depletion” of first-line paediatric TB drugs, signalling a com...

Roshan Digital Account Inflows Reach $12.17 Billion
Financeexpress-tribune2d ago

Roshan Digital Account Inflows Reach $12.17 Billion

The Roshan Digital Account has achieved a significant milestone, with total inflows reaching $12.17 billion, including $241.8 million recorded in February, while gold prices experienced a notable drop despite a firm global market.

Who is Pakistan supporting in Iran war?
WorldDW2d ago

Who is Pakistan supporting in Iran war?

Islamabad has so far presented itself as a "neutral" party in the conflict, condemning the US-Israeli strikes on Iran as well as castigating Tehran for its attacks on Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries.

Seven killed in IED blast in northwest Pakistan
Worldhinduexpress-tribune2d ago2 sources

Seven killed in IED blast in northwest Pakistan

The incident occurred in the Shadi Khel Bettani area in Lakki Marwat district when a police mobile on routine patrol near the Rasool Khel check post was hit by a roadside IED.

7 policemen, including SHO, martyred in attack on police vehicle in KP’s Lakki Marwat
PoliticsDawn2d ago

7 policemen, including SHO, martyred in attack on police vehicle in KP’s Lakki Marwat

PESHAWAR: An attack on a police vehicle martyred seven policemen, including an officer, in the Bettani subdivision of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Lakki Marwat district on Friday. The spokesman of the district police officer, Qudratullah, said that a squad of the Shadikhel police station was on routine patrol duty in the area when the terrorist attack occurred. The vehicle was targeted with an improvised explosive device (IED). The official said that terrorists had planted an IED along the Shahdikhel...

Sindh announces public holiday on March 13
WorldDawnexpress-tribune3d ago2 sources

Sindh announces public holiday on March 13

The Sindh government on Thursday announced a public holiday for March 13 (Friday). A notification issued by the government, a copy of which is available with Dawn, said: “The government of Sindh has been pleased to declare March 13, 2026 (Friday) as a public holiday throughout the province of Sindh for all government offices, autonomous bodies, semi-autonomous bodies, corporations, corporations and local councils under the administrative control of the government of Sindh, except essential se...

WC controversy: Pakistan's Mirza denies 'misbehaviour’, sends legal notice
SportTimes of India3d ago

WC controversy: Pakistan's Mirza denies 'misbehaviour’, sends legal notice

Pakistan pacer Salman Mirza sent a legal notice to a news outlet and journalist over reports alleging he misbehaved with a woman during the T20 World Cup 2026 in Sri Lanka. Calling the claims “false, malicious, and highly defamatory,” Mirza denied wrongdoing. The PCB also dismissed the reports, demanding a public apology and warning of action.

Cop wounded as unidentified assailants hurl hand grenade at police post in Bajaur
WorldDawn3d ago

Cop wounded as unidentified assailants hurl hand grenade at police post in Bajaur

BAJAUR: A cop was wounded after unidentified assailants hurled a hand grenade at a police post in Bajaur district’s Khar tehsil, officials said on Thursday. According to police, the attack occurred on Wednesday night when unidentified attackers hurled a hand grenade at a police post located near the Jinnah Bus Terminal, a major bus station, located around three kilometres from Khar, the headquarters of the district. “One cop was slightly wounded in the attack which caused no damage to the pos...

FCC upholds SHC order on deceased employee quota
PoliticsDawn3d ago

FCC upholds SHC order on deceased employee quota

ISLAMABAD: The Federal Constitutional Court (FCC) on Wednesday rejected a set of appeals filed by the Sindh government challenging the Sindh High Court’s (SHC) order regarding appointments under the deceased son/spouse quota, ruling that accrued rights of dependants cannot be taken away even if the relevant rule was subsequently struck down. Headed by Justice Aamer Farooq, a two-judge FCC bench heard consolidated petitions filed by the province of Sindh against multiple orders passed by the S...

Fuel price hike adds to Ramazan inflation burden
BusinessDawnexpress-tribune3d ago2 sources

Fuel price hike adds to Ramazan inflation burden

• Public anger grows over timing, scale of increase in petrol, diesel rates • Daily-wage earners, gig workers take the brunt • Transport fares surge; vegetable and fruit prices jump within hours •…