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Dawn - 08:45 Mar 09, 2026
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday announced a reward of Rs1.5 million for each player of the national hockey team following the team’s performance in the FIH Hockey World Cup qualifier, state-run Radio Pakistan reported. The announcement comes after the team secured a place in the upcoming hockey World Cup, marking their return to the tournament after an eight-year absence. It will be hosted jointly by Belgium and the Netherlands in August this year. Quoting a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), Radio Pakistan said the team’s performance represented a “significant step towards promoting hockey in Pakistan”. The premier also “acknowledged the team’s hard work and dedication to the sport,” the statement added. As per the statement, the prime minister maintained that the participation of the team in the World Cup qualifiers — held in Egypt — had “generated excitement and enthusiasm among hockey fans”. The premier stressed the monetary reward was a “clear testament” to the team’s “steadfastnes... -
Dawn - 08:41 Mar 09, 2026
TEHRAN: A massive fireball erupts after an oil depot was targeted by US-Israeli bombing. The destruction of refineries and storage facilities in Iran’s capital precipitated a toxic ‘oil rain’ over the city, with skies darkened by thick black smoke.—AFP • Capital plunges into darkness; residents warned of chemical burns, acrid fumes • Lebanon terrorised as Israeli strike targets Beirut hotel • Israel, Trump vow to pursue, kill any successor to Khamenei • Iran unleashes missiles on Gulf neighbours; Pezeshkian says they were ‘forced to respond’ • Arab League condemns ‘reckless’ Iranian attacks as diplomacy falters • Bahrain blames Tehran for attack on water plant TEHRAN: Residents of Iran’s capital awoke on Sunday to a darkened, apocalyptic sky as a black, oily rain fell, a day after Israeli airstrikes targeted refineries and fuel depots, plunging the sprawling metropolis into a toxic gloom. The nine-day-old war launched by a US-Israeli coalition against Iran has now engulfed much of the Middle East, with strike... -
Dawn - 07:44 Mar 09, 2026
WASHINGTON: Tehran has confirmed the selection of Mojtaba Khamenei as Iran’s new Supreme Leader, a decision that has drawn contrasting reactions from Washington and Jerusalem, reflecting differing strategies in responding to Iran’s evolving leadership. US response: calculated and cautious So far, President Donald Trump has avoided direct criticism of Mojtaba Khamenei’s succession, instead framing the development in terms of energy markets and US strategic influence. In a post on Truth Social, an hour after the announcement, he highlighted that temporary oil price increases were a minor cost compared with global stability and security. But in an interview with ABC News earlier on Sunday, Trump repeated his suggestion that Iran’s next leader would need “approval” from Washington, implying that the US has a role in shaping acceptable leadership outcomes. While he described Khamenei’s expected appointment as problematic, he refrained from threatening direct military action. This approach underscores the US balanc... -
Dawn - 06:16 Mar 09, 2026
Oil prices surged around 25 per cent on Monday to their highest since mid-2022, with Brent on track for a record one-day gain, while gold fell 2pc as an escalating Iran war squeezed world energy supplies, boosted the dollar and dampened hopes of interest-rate cuts. Agriculture markets, led by edible oils, rose as they took their cue from oil prices due to the extensive use of vegetable oils in making biofuels. Aluminium firmed on supply worries even as other metals faced headwinds from a stronger dollar. “The violent reaction stems from the markets seeing no obvious offramp in the escalating Middle East conflict, now a high-stakes standoff where neither side appears willing to blink first,” Tony Sycamore, IG market analyst, said in a note. “The risk of more lasting economic damage continues to build by the day.” Iran on Monday named Mojtaba Khamenei to succeed his father, Ali Khamenei as Supreme Leader. Soaring oil lift vegoils, grains Brent was on track for its biggest one-day gain ever in both percent... -
Dawn - 06:13 Mar 09, 2026
PESHAWAR: The district administration in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Dera Ismail Khan has imposed Section 144 in view of the prevailing law and order situation, restricting movement on several roads and in sensitive areas, according to an official notification on Monday. Deputy Commissioner Abdul Nasir Khan said the restrictions would remain in force from 6am to 6pm, during which the movement of passenger vehicles, cargo transport and motorcycles would be completely prohibited in designated areas. According to the notification, Dera-Tank Road from Tariq Shaheed to Bhugowal will remain closed, while several other roads, including Kulachi-Hathala Road, Kot Attal Road and Garah Abdullah Road will also remain shut to traffic. Authorities said a number of link roads, including Tikwarah-Hathala Road, Pota Badh, Kanori-Garah Mohabbat, Chehkan village to Darbari and the Pota–Kot Isa Khan link road, will remain closed during the restriction period. The administration has also ordered the closure of Pota Hathala Bazaar from 6... -
Dawn - 03:00 Mar 09, 2026
• Najafabad ‘double-tap’ airstrike kills 19 civilians seeking municipal services, emergency workers • Bombing of Qeshm Island desalination plant cuts off fresh water to 30 villages THE United States and Israel stand accused of committing “war crimes” in Iran, after a series of recent airstrikes that have killed hundreds of civilians and devastated non-military infrastructure, targeting a water desalination plant, and a park housing emergency responders, hospitals, and schools. The accusations followed a deadly strike on Sunday morning in Najafabad, where local officials reported 19 civilians were killed. Akbar Salehi, the security and law enforcement deputy of the Isfahan Governorate, said fighter jets he linked to the US and Israel struck a local office for traffic and driving services. He added that a second missile targeted the same location minutes later as residents and emergency personnel were attempting to rescue the wounded. The Iranian Red Crescent Society said it has formally requested the Internati... -
Dawn - 02:48 Mar 09, 2026
• Premier stresses ‘sensible use’ of petroleum products during Iran crisis; says burden should be borne ‘judiciously’ by all segments of society • Three fuel shipments expected today, petroleum minister tells Sindh CM; predicts LNG supply disruptions • Finance minister warns monthly oil import bill could rise to $600 million • Punjab CM calls for uninterrupted diesel supply for agricultural use ISLAMABAD / LAHORE: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is expected to unveil an austerity plan today (Monday) in view of the global fuel crisis, triggered by the US-Israel war on Iran, and the subsequent attacks on oil-producing Gulf states. Last week, the government increased the prices of petrol and high-speed diesel by Rs55 per litre, the highest-ever such hike, as the country felt the first direct economic impacts of the ongoing regional conflict. According to the Prime Minister’s Office, the premier chaired a meeting on Sunday to review the government’s austerity strategy, amid the prevailing situation in the Middle Ea... -
Dawn - 20:16 Mar 08, 2026
Three petroleum shipments are expected to reach Pakistan by tomorrow (Monday), Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik informed a briefing called to discuss rising global oil prices and fuel reserves amid the widening Middle East conflict on Sunday. The meeting attended by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb and Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah comes a day after Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif directed the finance and petroleum ministers to work with provincial governments on a strategy to conserve and ensure uninterrupted supply of petroleum products amid fuel shortage concerns sparked by the Israel-Iran war. The federal government delegation offered a detailed briefing to the Sindh CM on the recent price hike and fuel reserves, according to a statement issued by CM House. Finance Minister Aurangzeb told the meeting that Pakistan’s monthly oil import bill could increase to $600 million in the backdrop of the conflict, adding that the government is continuously monitoring global energy markets and preparing alt... -
Dawn - 18:55 Mar 08, 2026
MIRANSHAH: A child was killed and four people were left injured on Sunday after a mortar shell allegedly fired from the Afghan side landed in a residential area during an exchange of fire near the Pak-Afghan border in North Waziristan, police said. According to police sources, the incident occurred at around 7:30pm when heavy firing erupted between both sides of the border in the Ghulam Khan area. During the exchange of fire, a mortar shell fired from across the border fell in the nearby village of Golakhel and exploded in a residential locality, they added. As a result of the explosion, they said a minor died on the spot while four other people sustained injuries. Local residents immediately took the injured to the Tehsil Headquarters Hospital in Miranshah, where they were being provided medical treatment. Hospital sources said some of the injured were in critical condition, while doctors and medical staff remained engaged in emergency treatment. Following the incident, Tehsildar Miranshah Ghani Wazir and Te... -
Dawn - 18:13 Mar 08, 2026
A civilian was killed, and a police constable was injured when armed men on motorcycles opened fire on a police patrol in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Lakki Marwat district, officials said. A police official confirmed that the attack occurred in the Serai Naurang town, adding that “a gun battle between the police and the assailants erupted after the firing attack.” The official said the bodies of the civilian and the injured cop were taken to the Tehsil Headquarters Hospital in the Serai Naurang town. The attack comes amid a worsening security situation in Lakki Marwat district, which has witnessed repeated militant assaults on police and security forces in recent years. The area, along with neighbouring Bannu and North Waziristan, has experienced a surge in attacks attributed largely to the outlawed Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), with patrols, checkpoints and police stations frequently targeted. A day ago, two people were killed, and 10 were injured in a bomb explosion in the same area. Last month, terrorists mar... -
Dawn - 17:57 Mar 08, 2026
India won a record third T20 World Cup title and became the first team to defend their crown with a 96-run thumping of New Zealand in a lop-sided final on Sunday. Suryakumar Yadav’s India were also the first team to lift the trophy on home soil as over 86,000 fans celebrated at the Narendra Modi Stadium. England and the West Indies have won two titles each. Sanju Samson’s blistering 89 off 46 balls guided the co-hosts to 255-5 and Jasprit Bumrah starred as New Zealand were bowled out for 159 in 19 overs. Part-time spinner Abhishek Sharma claimed the final wicket of Jacob Duffy, securing a dominant victory. Axar Patel struck two early blows, including the dangerous Finn Allen for nine, with his left-arm spin. Bumrah was again at his mesmerising best, delivering a succession of brilliant slower-ball yorkers to finish with figures of 4-15. Opener Tim Seifert hit 52 off 26 balls but his departure in the ninth over off struggling spinner Varun Chakravarthy effectively ended the Black Caps’ slim hopes. Wickets kept... -
Dawn - 17:17 Mar 08, 2026
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif would unveil an austerity plan of the government on Monday in view of the prevailing global fuel crisis due to the US/Israel-Iran war, the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said. On Friday, the government announced an increase in the petroleum product prices by up to Rs55 in the wake of the regional energy crisis. In a press release, the PMO said the PM Shehbaz chaired a meeting on Sunday and reviewed the austerity plan. “The meeting was apprised that the final plan regarding austerity and savings will be announced tomorrow (Monday),” it confirmed. The meeting was, however, informed that the country had adequate reserves of petrol and diesel, and the government had already taken precautionary measures to meet any awkward situation, it said. It added that the government had already prepared a contingency plan under which work from home and distance learning had been proposed till the situation returns to normal. However, the PM had halted the plan on Friday and decided to r... -
Dawn - 17:08 Mar 08, 2026
In a war already redrawing the region’s red lines, with the death toll from the US-Israeli attacks on Iran reportedly having surpassed 1,000, Tehran has brought one of the Middle East’s most sensitive strategic sites into the escalation equation: Israel’s Dimona nuclear site. A senior Iranian military official told the Iranian website Iran Nuances, later reported by Iran’s semi-official ISNA news agency, that if the US and Israel pursue a “regime change” scenario in practice, Tehran’s “final effective missiles will target the Dimona nuclear reactor and all regional energy infrastructure,” adding: “This is a scenario we have already prepared for.” Iran has retaliated with waves of drone and missile strikes targeting Israel as well as Gulf countries hosting US military assets, raising fears of a wider regional war. The warning has reignited questions that often remain muted in regional crises: what is Dimona, why is it seen as the backbone of Israel’s nuclear capability, and how does its secrecy shape the polit... -
Dawn - 16:57 Mar 08, 2026
ISLAMABAD: Several women’s rights activists, including Aurat March members, were detained by police in Islamabad ahead of a rally they planned to hold on the occasion of International Women’s Day on Sunday. Police sources told Dawn that they were detained near Super Market in Sector F-6. They had planned to reach the National Press Club, but a huge contingent of police was already present there, which arrested the marchers and took them to the Women’s Police Station. The Women’s Police Station released a list of 19 women activists of Aurat March. Those detained include prominent activist Dr Farzana Bari, two of her daughters, and human rights defender Tahira Abdullah, along with other Aurat March organisers and participants, police sources confirmed. Aside from women activists, several participants, including men, were also detained by the police for participating in the march. Zoya Rehman, a participant of the march, wrote on X that her husband, along with 20 other men, was taken into custody by police. “No ... -
Dawn - 14:53 Mar 08, 2026
Outside a mosque in Hilliard, Ohio, a police officer stood in the cold night air, handing out candies and stickers to children while their parents prayed taraveh inside. Hilliard, a quiet suburb near Columbus, the state capital, is home to a growing Muslim community. At its centre stands Masjid-i-Noor, a striking modern structure whose wide glass frontage glows softly after sunset. Smaller mosques also serve the area, including Masjid as Shurooq, where the North American Indian Muslim Association (Naima) hosted an iftar dinner for a small group earlier in the evening. Many who broke their fast there later drove a few minutes to join the larger taraveh congregation at Masjid-i-Noor — a reminder that in a small town, distances are short and communities are closely knit. Muslims offering taraveh prayers inside Masjid-i-Noor in Hilliard, Ohio. — Author Inside, worshippers raised their hands in dua, praying for an end to war and for peace in a troubled world. Outside, beneath the glow of parking-lot lights, a unif... -
Dawn - 14:41 Mar 08, 2026
The joint US-Israeli strikes on Iran represent a further erosion of the international legal order. Under international law, these attacks are neither preemptive nor lawful. Israel and the United States launched Operation Shield of Judah and Operation Epic Fury while diplomatic negotiations between Washington and Tehran were actively underway on Iran’s nuclear programme. Just two days earlier [on February 27], the most intense round of US-Iran talks concluded in Geneva, with both sides agreeing to continue. US President Donald Trump indicated he would give negotiators more time. Then came the bombs. Neither preemptive nor legal, US‑Israeli strikes on Iran have blown up international law The illegality of the attack Israel said the strikes were “preventive”, meaning they were to prevent Iran from developing a capacity to be a threat. But preventive war has no legal basis under international law. The UN Security Council did not authorise any military action, meaning the sole lawful pathway for the use of force f... -
Dawn - 14:33 Mar 08, 2026
Tens of thousands of Indian cricket fans crowded the T20 World Cup final stadium on Sunday, and millions more were glued to their televisions, desperate to witness a historic home triumph. India face New Zealand in Ahmedabad as they attempt to become the first team to retain the trophy, the first to win it on home soil and the first to claim a third world T20 crown. Cricket’s T20 showpiece, a month-long tournament of 55 matches featuring 20 teams, concludes on Sunday evening at the 130,000-seat Narendra Modi Stadium, the world’s largest cricket venue. Diehard supporters arrived from across the country, many clad in Indian colours and waving the tricolour flag as the match began. Anil, a wedding photographer, travelled 1,200 kilometres (745 miles) by train from the southern city of Hyderabad with his brother, dreaming they would see their team triumph. “I hope India wins,” said the 18-year-old who goes by only his first name. Hundreds of vendors, all dressed in Indian jerseys, lined the pavement from the neare... -
Dawn - 14:23 Mar 08, 2026
MANDI BAHAUDDIN: Punjab Police on Sunday registered a first information report (FIR) after a 15-year-old girl was allegedly sexually assaulted in a hospital near the district’s King Chowk, officials said. Per officials, the incident allegedly occurred in a private hospital when the victim went there to collect medicines. She was reportedly taken to a room in the facility. The Civil Lines Police Station registered an FIR on the complaint of the victim’s mother against three individuals under Sections 376(3) (punishment for rape of a minor) and 114 (abetment) of the Pakistan Penal Code. One of the suspects was named in the FIR, while the other two had been listed as unidentified individuals, officials said. The FIR stated that the victim went to the hospital with her aunt and uncle. “She excused herself to go to the toilet, but when she didn’t return for a long time, her aunt grew concerned,” the mother stated in the FIR. “The aunt and uncle went to look for the girl and heard someone crying in a room. Upon ope... -
Dawn - 13:36 Mar 08, 2026
War has a way of widening even when some of the actors involved are simultaneously trying to contain it, and the events of the past day in the US-Israel war with Iran offered a striking illustration of this paradox. The conflict is no longer confined to air strikes and the exchange of missiles and drones between adversaries. It is steadily drawing in the economic lifelines of the region, from oil infrastructure to desalination plants, as a diplomatic effort to end Iranian strikes on its neighbours faltered because of a statement by President Donald Trump and subsequent US and Israeli strikes. The diplomatic opening had begun to emerge quietly through regional channels over the preceding 48 hours. Oman and Qatar, supported by several Muslim countries, attempted to facilitate mediation between Tehran and its neighbours, while Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke directly with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. The Iranian leader then issued a carefully worded public statement in which he referred to neighbo... -
Dawn - 12:59 Mar 08, 2026
Iranian clerics involved in choosing a successor to Ayatollah Ali Khamenei after his assassination a week ago in US-Israeli strikes say they are close to naming the Islamic Republic’s new supreme leader. Iran’s revolutionary theocracy has never been in greater jeopardy, and with the clerical body tasked with naming a new leader ready for an announcement as soon as Sunday, it is hard to predict what might happen next. Israel and the United States have vowed no let-up in their war, promising to kill whoever replaces Khamenei and even those involved in selecting the new leader — a group that may include the clerics who formally make the choice and the Revolutionary Guardsmen and political insiders who influence them. The following explains how power is meant to operate in the Islamic Republic, how a new supreme leader can be chosen, some of the main candidates, and how the US and Israeli attacks have changed the equation. What is Iran’s ‘Supreme Leader’? Iran’s theocratic system dates to the 1979 revolution that...
10418 items