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Dawn - 14:23 Sep 06, 2025
Elite United States Navy SEALs launched an audacious operation in 2019 to plant a listening device in North Korea to spy on the country’s reclusive leader, Kim Jong Un, The New York Times (NYT) reported on Friday, but the mission quickly unravelled and culminated in the deaths of multiple civilians. The operation came in the first administration of US President Donald Trump during sensitive nuclear talks with Kim, whom the US leader met three times. The mission was considered so risky that it required direct presidential approval, the NYT said, but Trump insisted on Friday he had no knowledge of the operation. “I don’t know anything about it. I’m hearing it now for the first time,” the president told journalists. Despite months of practice, the mission still went horribly wrong, the * NYT* reported. The SEALs — from the same unit that killed Osama bin Laden in 2011 — approached North Korea in mini-submarines that exposed them to frigid water for hours, then swam ashore, according to the newspaper, which inter... -
Dawn - 11:58 Sep 06, 2025
A total lunar eclipse will be visible over Pakistan on the night of September 7 (Sunday), according to the Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (Suparco). According to Suparco, a lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth comes directly between the Sun and the Moon, casting its shadow across the lunar surface. Unlike solar eclipses, lunar eclipses are completely safe to observe with the naked eye, binoculars or telescopes. In a press release on Saturday, the space agency said that the eclipse will be visible in Asia, Africa and parts of Europe, with clear visibility expected in most regions of Pakistan if the weather permits. “The event will start at 8:30pm and reach its maximum at 11:57pm,” the press release read, stating that the eclipse will conclude at 1:55am. “This is a great chance for people, especially students and astronomy enthusiasts, to connect with science and explore the wonders of our universe,” a Suparco spokesperson was quoted as saying. Sunday’s eclipse is also known as a “blood moon”, du... -
Dawn - 11:30 Sep 06, 2025
Pakistan will host South Africa for a series of test, one-day international (ODI) and Twenty-20 international (T20I) matches from October to November, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced on Saturday. In a press release, the PCB said that Pakistan’s new cycle of the ICC World Test Championship will begin with this visit by the Proteas, with the first test starting on October 12 in Lahore. “The first Test will be played at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium from October 12-16, which will also be the first five-day match at the stadium since its complete renovation earlier this year to host the ICC Champions Trophy 2025,” the PCB stated. “The second Test match is scheduled to take place at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium from October 20-24.” According to the press release, this will be the visitors’ first tour to Pakistan since 2021, where they lost a test series 2-0. “At the conclusion of the red-ball matches, both sides will feature in three T20Is from October 28 to November 1, with the first T20I taking place at ... -
Dawn - 10:17 Sep 06, 2025
US President Donald Trump signed an executive order offering some tariff exemptions as soon as Monday to trading partners who strike deals on industrial exports such as nickel, gold and other metals, as well as pharmaceutical compounds and chemicals. Trump has spent his first seven months in office building up massive tariff increases to reorder the global trading system, cut US trade deficits and extract concessions from trading partner countries in negotiations. His latest order identifies more than 45 categories for zero import tariffs from “aligned partners” who clinch framework pacts to cut Trump’s “reciprocal” tariffs and duties imposed under the Section 232 national security statute. Friday’s order brings US tariffs in line with its commitments in existing framework deals, including those with allies such as Japan and the European Union. The exemptions for countries with US trade deals are set to begin at 12:01 a.m. EDT/0401 GMT on Monday, it said. Pakistan is also among the countries that have signed ... -
Dawn - 10:14 Sep 06, 2025
Thailand’s next prime minister on Saturday pledged to make good on his promise to lead the fractured interim government to new polls. Conservative tycoon Anutin Charnvirakul was confirmed by parliament on Friday, ending a week-long power vacuum following the ouster of his predecessor Paetongtarn Shinawatra. The construction magnate cobbled together a coalition of opposition blocs to shut out Pheu Thai, the electoral vehicle of the once-dominant Shinawatra dynasty’s patriarch Thaksin. Anutin received the backing of the People’s Party, which holds a plurality of seats, on conditions that he recommitted to on Saturday. “I think we are clear in terms of politics that we are going to dissolve the parliament in four months,” he said during a meeting at his party headquarters broadcast by Thai media. “I will try to form my cabinet as soon as possible,” he said, adding that the foreign minister and energy minister were already confirmed. Thaksin unexpectedly left the kingdom before the parliamentary vote, bound for D... -
Dawn - 09:39 Sep 06, 2025
Despite almost two years of what has now been dubbed a “genocide” in the Gaza Strip, Israel continues to bomb, starve and torture more than a million Palestinians in the besieged enclave. After blocking aid from entering Gaza, Israel established the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) in collaboration with the United States, which set up food distribution sites, luring starving civilians and then allowing them to be shot by Israeli forces. The GHF sites have been slammed by humanitarian organisations as ‘killing fields’. Attempting to break the blockade and put pressure on Israel to end its onslaught is a fleet of boats with participants from over 44 countries, including Pakistan. The movement, known as the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF), will embark on its journey to Gaza in the early morning hours of Sunday, September 7. The GSF is made up of four coalitions: the Sumud Nausantara, Maghreb Sumud Flotilla, Freedom Flotilla Coalition and Global March to Gaza. A five-member Pakistan delegation led by former Jamaat-... -
Dawn - 09:36 Sep 06, 2025
KARACHI: Hub Power Company (Hubco) has disclosed that BYD has sold over 2,000 cars in less than six months, while more than 500 orders have already been placed for its Shark model. The company is currently importing completely built units (CBUs) under the normal duty regime. Hubco is setting up a completely knocked down (CKD) assembly plant in Gharo with an annual production capacity of 25,000 units. According to a report by Asad Ali of Topline Securities, based on the company’s analyst briefing, financial close is expected in the last quarter of 2025. The project carries an estimated cost of $150 million, structured on a 60:40 debt-to-equity ratio. Both foreign and local lenders are on board, with a term sheet already signed. Hubco expects CKD production to begin within 24 months. Regarding ownership, the company clarified that the project is a 50:50 joint venture between Hub Power Holding — a wholly owned Hubco subsidiary — and Mega Conglomerate. BYD has not taken an equity stake in the venture. Globally, B... -
Dawn - 08:15 Sep 06, 2025
The Pakistan Telecommunications Limited (PTCL) announced on Saturday that cuts to submarine internet cables in Saudi waters may impact internet services in the country during peak hours. In a statement shared on X, the telecom giant said the submarine cable cuts near Saudi capital Jeddah had impacted the partial bandwidth capacity SMW4 (South Asia-Middle East-West Asia) and IMEWE (India-Middle East-Western Europe) networks. “Internet users in Pakistan may experience some service degradation during peak hours,” the PTCL statement read. “Our international partners are working on priority to resolve the issue while our local teams are actively arranging alternative bandwidth to minimise the impact.” The Ministry of Information Technology has not issued any statement on the development yet. This is not the first time that damage to undersea internet cables has affected services in Pakistan. Internet users across Pakistan complained of slow internet and hindered access to services throughout 2024. On January 3 thi... -
Dawn - 07:00 Sep 06, 2025
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Saturday that New Delhi and Washington still shared “very positive” ties, after US President Donald Trump reaffirmed their personal friendship and downplayed his earlier remarks about “losing India” to China. The exchange comes amid strains after Washington imposed tariffs of up to 50 per cent on Indian imports, accusing New Dehli of fuelling Moscow’s deadly attacks on Ukraine by purchasing Russian oil. But Trump and Modi, both right-wing populists, have shared a strong bond since the US president’s first term. “Deeply appreciate and fully reciprocate President Trump’s sentiments and positive assessment of our ties,” Modi wrote on X, adding that India and the United States shared a “very positive and forward-looking comprehensive and global strategic partnership”. Earlier, Trump told reporters that he “will always be friends with Modi”. “India and the United States have a special relationship. There is nothing to worry about,” Trump said, downplaying his earlier rem... -
Dawn - 05:58 Sep 06, 2025
Carlos Alcaraz overpowered Novak Djokovic in straight sets on Friday to set up a blockbuster US Open final showdown against world number one and defending champion Jannik Sinner. Spanish second seed Alcaraz produced a ruthlessly efficient display to end Djokovic’s latest bid for a record 25th Grand Slam title, winning 6-4, 7-6 (7/4), 6-2 in two hours and 23 minutes. Alcaraz was then followed into the final by arch-rival Sinner, who was forced to work hard by Canadian 25th seed Felix Auger-Aliassime before wrapping up a 6-1, 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 victory on the Arthur Ashe Stadium court. It means that Alcaraz and Sinner will collide in a third consecutive Grand Slam final this year on Sunday, where United States President Donald Trump will be among a 23,000 crowd to watch the latest instalment of the gripping “Sincaraz” rivalry. Alcaraz won the duo’s first meeting in an epic five-hour 29-minute tussle at the French Open in June before Sinner dethroned the Spaniard in the final at Wimbledon the following month. Alcaraz... -
Dawn - 05:39 Sep 06, 2025
ISLAMABAD: National Commission on the Status of Women (NCSW), in collaboration with UNFPA and Legal Aid Society, convened a consultation on Friday to address the pressing issue of child marriage in Pakistan. Opening the session, Ume Laila Azhar, who is NCSW chairperson, stressed the urgent need to standardise the minimum age of marriage across Pakistan, highlighting persistent gaps in the implementation despite Sindh pioneering law. Key insights were shared by government representatives, law enforcement, civil society and community stakeholders emphasising on more female station house officer (SHOs) and specialised training for handling child marriage cases. Reforms in nikah registration through digitisation and mandatory CNIC verification were also emphasised by participants. Among other demands was on strengthening Sindh Child Protection Authority’s role with resources and awareness. Participants also emphasised on government ownership to ensure sustainability and real improvements. Shaheena Sher Ali, who i... -
Dawn - 05:27 Sep 06, 2025
PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari meets flood-hit farmers in Kasur.—Dawn • Seeks loan, electricity bill waivers for flood-hit farmers • Says PM has assured him of help for affected people • Accuses India of violating Indus treaty by withholding flood data KASUR: As floods continue to batter Punjab and severely impact farmers, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari on Thursday urged both the federal and provincial governments to declare an agricultural emergency in the province. The PPP leader visited the flood-hit Talwar Post in Kasur, on the border with India, met affected families and later spoke to the media. According to statement, Mr Bhutto-Zardari also telephoned Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and briefed him on the problems being faced by farmers across Punjab. He told the premier that the floods had caused severe damage to the agriculture sector and said the Centre must play its role in helping farmers. According to a readout of the call issued by the PPP, PM Shehbaz assured Mr Bhutto-Zardari that the g... -
Dawn - 04:50 Sep 06, 2025
DUBAI: Could the Indian government’s own sports policy hold the key to reviving the most watched, most lucrative and most emotionally charged rivalry in Test cricket — Pakistan versus India? Upon reviewing India’s Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports’ policy on international events, a key clause stands out: “Indian teams and individual players will take part in international events that also have teams or players from Pakistan. Similarly, Pakistani players and teams will be able to participate in such multilateral events hosted by India.” Another important line states: “About international and multilateral events, in India or abroad, we are guided by the practices of international sports bodies and the interest of our own sportspersons.” Taken together, the policy is clear: bilateral series remain off-limits, but participation in international and multilateral events is allowed, and India defers to the practices of international sports bodies — in this case, the International Cricket Council (ICC). This is wh... -
Dawn - 03:18 Sep 06, 2025
ISLAMABAD: The UN refugee agency has said that the expiry of Proof of Registration (PoR) cards grace period that ended on August 31, has triggered a sharp rise in the return of Afghans from Pakistan. A situation report of the UNHCR released on Friday said that in August alone, returns increased by 254 per cent, while deportations rose by 191pc as compared to July, coinciding with the start of the third phase of the ‘Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Plan’ (IFPR). The report says 531,700 Afghans have returned from Pakistan,as of September 4. Since April, more than 483,700 Afghans have returned from Pakistan to Afghanistan, including 145,200 in August alone, with some 55,000 making the journey in just the final four days of the month. The proportion of Proof of Registration (PoR) card holders among returnees has steadily increased, rising from 6 per cent in April to 21–23 per cent between May and July. UNHCR report reveals that as of Sept 4, around half a million refugees have returned In August, this share grew ... -
Dawn - 03:10 Sep 06, 2025
• No further breaches planned as major surge crosses Multan, Muzaffargarh without incident • High alert along Sutlej as official warns of more flows from India • PDMA estimates over 3m people displaced; minister announces Rs2m compensation for families of the slain • PM orders climate change ministry to start preparing for next monsoon LAHORE: Although a major surge, exceeding 600,000 cusecs in the River Chenab, has crossed Multan and Muzaffargarh without incident, the threat from surging waters has not yet subsided, as more rains are expected to disrupt rescue and rehabilitation work, and bring more water to Punjab’s already swollen rivers. A major wave crossed the Head Muhammadwala and Sher Shah Bridges and is now advancing towards Panjnad Headworks, where it is expected to peak at 600,000 cusecs by tonight (Saturday), a senior irrigation department official told Dawn. The episode reveals the complex interplay of Punjab’s river systems. In the River Ravi, water levels at Sidhnai Headworks only began recedin... -
Dawn - 02:55 Sep 06, 2025
ISLAMABAD: The ‘worsening’ law and order situation in Balochistan overshadowed the ongoing debate on the flood situation in the National Assembly on Friday as the lawmakers belonging to the province protested over the alleged government’s failure to protect life and property of the citizens in the wake of recent spike in terrorism incidents. The house also passed a resolution “condemning in the strongest words” the recent suicide bombing at the public meeting of the BNP-Mengal in Quetta and “demanding of the provincial government to bring the perpetrators to justice.” The resolution, read out by Pullain Baloch of the National Party (NP), said that 15 people died and more than 75 people were injured in the incident. The blast took place near Shahwani Stadium in Quetta’s Sariab area on Tuesday night, shortly after the conclusion of the public meeting of the BNP-M held to mark the death anniversary of late Sardar Attaullah Mengal. Lawmakers slam govt’s handling of situation in the province; cite ongoing ‘militar... -
Dawn - 02:52 Sep 06, 2025
• FO rejects Taliban minister’s criticism, defends border operations • Says no pause in expulsion of Afghans after deadly earthquake • Spox avoids addressing Trump’s remarks, says SCO promotes multilateralism, peace ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Friday emphasised the seriousness of the threat posed to regional peace and stability by Afghanistan-based terrorist groups, calling it a common challenge that required collaborative efforts. “Groups like Fitna Al-Khwarij represent a common threat to the peace and stability of our region, necessitating collective action to counter their malign influence,” Foreign Office spokesman Shafqat Ali Khan said at a weekly media briefing. The government uses the term to refer to the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) terrorist group. The spokesman was responding to questions about reported Pakistani strikes across the border and comments by Taliban acting Defence Minister Mullah Yaqoob, who accused Pakistan of blaming Afghanistan for its own security shortcomings. Pakistan has lo... -
Dawn - 23:53 Sep 05, 2025
RAWALPINDI: The Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education Rawalpindi on Friday announced new dates for the Matriculation Second Annual Examinations 2025, which were earlier scheduled to start from September 10, will now be held from September 29. According to BISE spokesman Arslan Cheema, this decision has been taken in view of the flood in many parts of the province and the difficulties faced by students and parents due to the recent flood situation and continuous rains in different parts of Punjab. He said that the aim of postponing the examinations for about three weeks is to provide better facilities and a conducive environment for the students. RBISE Chairman Adnan Khan said that the examinations have been rescheduled, giving top priority to the convenience of the students. The new date sheet will be released in a few days. He further explained that the change in the dates will not affect the results of the Matriculation Second Annual and Intermediate Part-II. Published in Dawn, September 6th, 2025 -
Dawn - 19:20 Sep 05, 2025
Pakistani-origin MP Shabana Mahmood was made the United Kingdom’s interior minister in a cabinet reshuffle on Friday after Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner resigned saying she deeply regretted her mistake of underpaying property tax on a new home. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer also brought in new deputy and foreign ministers in a sweeping reshuffle intended to restore his authority after Rayner’s resignation. Starmer moved foreign minister David Lammy to become deputy prime minister and replaced him with interior minister Yvette Cooper. She was, in turn, replaced by justice secretary Mahmood. All are loyal, trusted hands. After reshaping his Downing Street team last week to bolster his economic advice, a ministerial reshuffle had been expected. Rayner’s departure meant it was much deeper than widely predicted, forcing Starmer to draw a line under more than a week of distracting speculation over her tax affairs. Starmer could do little to protect Rayner after Britain’s independent adviser ruled that s... -
Dawn - 18:51 Sep 05, 2025
The European Union on Friday slapped Google with a massive 2.95 billion euro ($3.47bn) antitrust fine for favouring its own advertising services, despite President Donald Trump’s warnings not to target United States big tech. Google vowed to appeal the decision by the European Commission, which accused the US firm of distorting competition in the 27-nation bloc. “Google abused its dominant position in adtech, harming publishers, advertisers, and consumers. This behaviour is illegal under EU antitrust rules,” EU competition chief Teresa Ribera said. Trump has threatened to go after Europe for its rules on the digital market and on policing content, which affect tech giants based in the US. Earlier this week, it emerged Ribera had hit pause on the fine, seemingly for fear of US retaliation. The EU is still waiting for the US to make good on a promise to lower tariffs on cars under a trade deal agreed in July. Brussels ordered Google to end its “self-preferencing practices” and take steps to cease its inherent c...
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