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Dawn - 05:41 May 27, 2026
A chemical tank imploded and ruptured at a Nippon Dynawave Packaging facility in the US state of Washington on Tuesday, resulting in one death and nine injuries, while nine others remained unaccounted for as of Tuesday night, authorities said. A joint written statement with Nippon and the Cowlitz County Sheriff’s Department said a tank containing “white liquor,” a chemical solution of sodium hydroxide and sodium sulfide used in making paper pulp, had ruptured around 7:15 am local time (1415 GMT). While the tank was initially believed to hold around 80,000 gallons, officials later said it contained closer to 900,000 gallons of white liquor, with an estimated 90,000 gallons of material still inside the damaged tank. Recovery efforts would resume on Wednesday at the site in the city of Longview in Cowlitz County, about 45 miles (72 km) north of Portland, Oregon, as the tank remained unstable, Longview Fire Department Battalion Chief Matt Amos said during a media briefing. A drone view of a chemical tank after it... -
Dawn - 04:33 May 27, 2026
• From upscale to low-income areas, residents complain of weeks without water as demand peaks during Eidul Azha • Disrupted supply leaves many people dependent on expensive tankers for animal care, sanitation and household needs • KWSC chief claims utility taking all-out measures to ensure ‘uninterrupted supply’ during Eid days KARACHI: With Eidul Azha being celebrated on Wednesday (today), residents of the metropolis are marking the second month of an acute water crisis that has left taps dry, tanker queues long and tempers frayed. For many families, the festival of sacrifice now means sacrificing sleep to chase tankers, and sacrificing savings to buy water for ritual washings, animal care and sanitation. This is not the first time the city has faced Eid amid a severe water shortage. Residents call it a grim tradition of the Karachi Water and Sewerage Corporation (KWSC) to fail during the city’s most critical moments — Eids, Ramazan, Eid Miladun Nabi and Muharram — when water is indispensable for both ritual... -
Dawn - 03:13 May 27, 2026
KARACHI: Pakistan plans to boost domestic storage for crude oil and refined products to increase its energy security, according to a government document that was shared with oil producers and some of the world’s leading trading firms. Despite depending on supplies through the Strait of Hormuz for up to 90 per cent of its oil and liquefied natural gas imports, Pakistan has no strategic petroleum reserves. That has left it exposed to supply shocks provoked by the Iran war even as its lending programme with the International Monetary Fund limits room for costly state-owned emergency stocks. According to the document reviewed by Reuters, the energy ministry is proposing to build strategic petroleum reserves as well as commercial storage through bonded terminals, refineries and oil marketing companies. It is also pushing for more oil and gas exploration and production, upgrades to its refineries and a consolidation of its downstream sector. Govt plans to cut reliance on Hormuz imports “Pakistan’s oil security req... -
Dawn - 03:05 May 27, 2026
KARACHI: After paying higher prices for sacrificial animals to fulfil a religious obligation, consumers now face another challenge in finding extra cash to buy high-demand vegetables and flour ahead of Eidul Azha. Retailers have increased the price of onions by Rs20 per kg as demand usually rises for its extensive use in preparing Eid-related meat dishes. Consumers are paying Rs100 per kg for good-quality onions, compared with Rs80 per kg a few days ago. A good-quality tomato is now priced at Rs180-200 per kg, compared with Rs70-100 in the middle of this month and Rs50-80 per kg earlier this month. Falahi Anjuman Wholesale Vegetable Market, New Subzi Mandi, President Haji Shahjahan said the Sindh onion crop is nearing its end, while demand is being met by crops from Punjab and Balochistan. Wholesale prices lag retail hikes; traders blame low arrivals and transport priority for sacrificial animals He said retailers are fully cashing in on the high demand for onions, as the wholesale rate is no more than Rs50 p... -
Dawn - 02:29 May 27, 2026
QUETTA: In a significant boost to Gwadar’s air connectivity, private airline South Air has launched its first trial flight service from Karachi to Gwadar. The trial flight successfully landed at the New Gwadar International Airport, marking a key step towards improving air travel facilities in the coastal region. According to the airport flights schedule, South Air flight Z8-905 departed from Karachi at 12 noon on Tuesday and arrived at the New Gwadar International Airport at 3:40pm. The operationalisation of the Gwadar airport under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project is expected to facilitate smoother movement of passengers, cargo and services. The new air service is also expected to significantly reduce travel time between Gwadar, Karachi, Quetta and other cities, while boosting trade, tourism and development activities across the Makran division. According to the private airline spokesperson, improved connectivity between the Gwadar seaport and international airport could help transfor... -
Dawn - 02:25 May 27, 2026
• Washington says strikes targeted Iranian missile sites, mine-laying boats • Rubio says Iran deal may take ‘a few days’; insists Hormuz will reopen ‘one way or the other’ • Iran says US drone downed, F-35 fired at; tanker damaged by external explosion off Oman • Trump to hold Camp David cabinet meeting on Iran crisis TEHRAN: Iran accused the United States of breaching their ceasefire on Tuesday and warned it was ready to retaliate and “will not leave any evil unanswered” after overnight US strikes targeting Iranian missile sites and mine-laying boats threatened a deal to end the war. The Brent benchmark oil price jumped up by more than four per cent after US Central Command announced the new wave of bombings, and China urged both sides to respect the truce and to resolve their dispute peacefully. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, meanwhile, said negotiating a deal to halt the conflict could “take a few days”. According to Iranian media, Iran’s negotiators had been pushing for the memorandum to include the ... -
Dawn - 01:48 May 27, 2026
• Verdict authored by Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar notes solid grounds needed if wedlock policy is to be ignored • Bench sets aside Punjab service tribunal order; authorities directed to reconsider petitioner’s request for transfer within fortnight ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court has ruled that a government employee may not have a vested right to transfer to a particular station, but spouses covered under the wedlock policy have a legitimate expectation to be considered for joint postings unless compelling public interest dictates otherwise. A division bench, headed by Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar and also comprising Justice Musarrat Hilali, gave its ruling on an appeal filed by Naheeda Aziz against the Jan 17, 2023 decision of the Punjab Service Tribunal, that had rejected her transfer request. While citing federal and provincial governments’ wedlock policies, Justice Mazhar noted that such policies mitigate and alleviate the socio-economic problems and hardships faced by husbands and wives in government service... -
Dawn - 19:01 May 26, 2026
The Punjab Home Department on Tuesday issued a list of banned and monitored organisations ahead of Eidul Azha, urging citizens not to donate sacrificial animal hides to such groups or their affiliated organisations. According to a spokesperson for the department, “Providing any kind of assistance to banned organisations is a punishable offence under the Anti-Terrorism Act 1997.” He further warned that individuals found supporting organisations involved in terrorism or anti-state activities would face legal action. According to the list issued by the Home Department, the banned organisations included Lashkar-i-Jhangvi, Jaish-i-Mohammed, Lashkar-i-Taiba, Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan, Al Qaeda, Daesh, Jamaatud Dawa, Falah-i-Insaniat Foundation and several other proscribed or monitored entities. “Citizens are advised to donate sacrificial hides only to organisations registered with the Punjab Charity Commission (PCC),” he said, adding that the authenticity of registered organisations could be verified through QR co... -
Dawn - 17:58 May 26, 2026
JEHLUM: At least one person was killed and 11 others were injured after several houses were seriously damaged following a reported earthquake in Jhelum’s Pind Dadan Khan tehsil on Tuesday, the area administration said. According to Jhelum Deputy Commissioner Mir Reza Ozgen, the earthquake was reported in the Jalalpur Sharif area of Jhelum’s Pind Dadan Khan tehsil. Ozgen said around 10 houses were seriously damaged in the earthquake and confirmed that at least one person had died in the incident. According to a press release issued by the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), an earthquake measuring 4.8 on the scale was recorded at 7:06pm on Tuesday. The quake had a depth of 12 kilometres, with its epicentre located 58 kilometres southwest of Jhelum at latitude 32.59 north and longitude 73.23 east, the release added. “Police, rescue teams and the local administration are present at the site. Further search and assessment of the area is underway,” the DC said. Assistant Commissioner Pind Dadan Khan Ayesha S... -
Dawn - 17:20 May 26, 2026
UNITED NATIONS: Pakistan on Tuesday used the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to push for sustained diplomacy in the ongoing United States-Iran crisis, with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar highlighting Islamabad’s role in efforts aimed at reducing tensions between Tehran and Washington. Addressing a high-level UNSC debate chaired by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi at the UN headquarters in New York, the deputy prime minister warned that another conflict in the Middle East would have serious regional and global consequences. “Another prolonged conflict would serve no one,” he told the council. “It would endanger regional peace, disrupt global energy flows, deepen humanitarian suffering and strain an already fragile international order.” In remarks closely watched because of Pakistan’s diplomatic engagement in the crisis, Dar said Islamabad had consistently advocated for restraint and dialogue because of its ties with both Tehran and Washington. “As a friendly neighbour of I... -
Dawn - 17:12 May 26, 2026
Imam of the Prophet’s Mosque, Sheikh Ali Al-Hudhaifi, on Tuesday prayed for unity among Muslims and better conditions for them around the world while delivering the Haj sermon at Masjid-i-Namirah. Huge numbers of Muslims prayed on Mount Arafat, as a harsh desert sun sent temperatures soaring towards 40°C. The imam concluded the sermon with an emotional prayer, seeking acceptance of the pilgrims’ rituals, unity among the Muslim world, and the safe return of pilgrims to their homes. “Oh God, improve the conditions of Muslims, create unity among them, and set them on the path of the truth,” he said, according to a televised Urdu translation. During his sermon, Sheikh Al-Hudhaifi emphasised that Haj is a fundamental pillar of Islam rooted in absolute monotheism and submission to Allah, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported. He underscored that the pilgrimage serves as a vital platform for mutual acquaintance, harmony, cooperation, and unity among Muslims of all nationalities and backgrounds. The sermon also highl... -
Dawn - 16:28 May 26, 2026
ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication (MoITT) has started registering cloud service providers (CSPs) to ensure that services meet required standards and safeguard national and public data security. The government had announced strict accreditation criteria for CSPs under the Pakistan Cloud First Policy (PCFP). So far, six applications have been received by the ministry for accreditation. IT Minister Shaza Fatima told Dawn that strict security criteria and quality standards have been set for CSPs, and that they must pass a rigorous security check and an audit by a third-party auditor registered with the Pakistan Computer Emergency Response Team (PKCERT) to ensure that the data of Pakistanis and government data remain secure from hackers. “For the first time, the policy ensures that Pakistan’s sensitive data is stored on servers physically located within the country, which will help keep national data under Pakistan’s legal control,” she said. “Under the PCFP, all public sector... -
Dawn - 15:31 May 26, 2026
KARACHI: The Central jail authorities on Tuesday requested Civil Hospital Karachi to depute a medical team for the examination of alleged drug queenpin Anmol alias Pinky following complaints of kidney issues. In an application dated May 26, the jail superintendent requested that a medical team be deputed for the prisoner after she was recommended for further evaluation following an initial medical examination at the prison clinic on May 23. “Her ultrasound findings were: an echogenic area seen in one kidney at the lower pole, likely suggestive of a benign ileology (angiomyolipoma),” the application read. The examining physician advised a “re-scan with proper fasting, along with further work-up and laboratory tests.” It also added that the accused needs a gallbladder evaluation for calculi (kidney stones) as well, directing that she be sent to the Sindh Institute of Urology & Transplantation (SIUT). However, the jail administration maintained that, given the prisoner’s “high-profile” status, transporting her t... -
Dawn - 14:54 May 26, 2026
With temperatures hitting 45°C in Makkah this week, Saudi health workers have increasingly relied on drones to supply a vast array of medical clinics treating heat-stressed pilgrims during the Haj. The rituals at the Haj have been a constant for centuries. But technology is rapidly changing the experience for pilgrims and officials alike — with artificial intelligence, drones and mobile apps providing crucial services, logistical support and helping manage the mammoth crowds. Rather than relying on congested roads filled with over 1.5 million pilgrims, drones in particular have proven to be a technological remedy for helping keep the 127 clinics spread across Makkah, Mina and Arafat adequately provisioned. “The main goal is to provide fast service to the guests of God during the season,” Fahd Al-Bathi, the chief operating officer at the National Unified Procurement Company (NUPCO), told AFP. Preparations for the medical needs of the Haj season began nine months ago. Standing before a colour-coded map of medic... -
Dawn - 14:47 May 26, 2026
US President Donald Trump demanded several Muslim countries join the Abraham Accords recognising Israel as part of a deal with Iran, but the plan appears doomed to failure, experts said. Trump’s surprise demand on Monday came at the height of the latest negotiations with Tehran and hours before an American strike on southern Iran piled pressure on a fragile ceasefire. Trump, apparently eyeing a grand bargain to calm the turbulent Middle East, named five countries that already have relations with Israel along with Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Pakistan — which are considered highly unlikely to take such a step. It was unclear whether Trump really believes the countries will join. Analysts said he may be trying to demonstrate support for Israel or seeking a political win to justify an unpopular war. What are the Abraham Accords? Washington brokered the Abraham Accords during Trump’s first term, seeking to build bridges between Israel and the Arab world. The United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Morocco were signatories, ... -
Dawn - 14:14 May 26, 2026
Prince Rahim al-Hussaini Aga Khan V on Tuesday departed Pakistan after completing a week-long visit, during which he met the country’s top political leadership and affirmed his commitment to development in the country. He was seen off at the Nur Khan airbase by Parliamentary Affairs Minister Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry, who posted on X that Prince Rahim’s visit would play an “important role in further strengthening cooperation, friendship, and partnership between Pakistan and the Aga Khan Development Network”. The minister said the Aga Khan was presented with a photo album containing “memorable pictures” from his visit. He added that the government of Pakistan valued the welfare projects of the Aga Khan Development Network in the country and commended the organisation’s services in the fields of education, health, social welfare and economic development. “A strong partnership for shared development, prosperity and public welfare guarantees a bright future,” Chaudhry said. Prince Rahim arrived in Pakistan on Wedne... -
Dawn - 14:12 May 26, 2026
Israel’s military on Tuesday announced the dismissal of its former top lawyer, months after she resigned amid a scandal involving a leaked video appearing to show soldiers severely abusing a Palestinian detainee. The case, which sparked international outrage as well as protests within Israel, focused on footage taken at the high-security Sde Teiman military base in southern Israel in 2024. The scandal led to the resignation last year of military advocate general, MG Yifat Tomer-Yerushalmi, who in her resignation letter acknowledged that her office had leaked the abuse video to the media. “From the moment suspicions arose regarding the former Military Advocate General in the ‘Sde Teiman’ affair, the Chief of the General Staff, Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir, decided to immediately suspend her from IDF service,” the military said in a statement. “In light of the prolonged criminal proceedings, and given the severity of the alleged actions and suspicions, the Chief of the General Staff has decided to dismiss the ... -
Dawn - 13:42 May 26, 2026
Federal Minister for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination Dr Musadik Malik on Tuesday warned against “water aggression” and efforts to undermine international water-sharing agreements, urging India to respect the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) of 1960. Addressing a high-level international water conference — the Fourth High-Level International Conference on the International Decade for Action “Water for Sustainable Development” (2018–2028) — in Tajikistan’s capital Dushanbe, the minister warned that attempts to undermine such agreements could jeopardise the rights of downstream countries. He accused India of seeking to politicise shared water resources in violation of longstanding international commitments. The minister added that unilateral actions affecting transboundary rivers could create serious global challenges related to water security, food production and climate resilience. Malik said water aggression was unacceptable, stressing that no country should be allowed to use water as a weapon or suspe... -
Dawn - 12:37 May 26, 2026
KARACHI: The main suspect involved in the killing of a newly married couple in the Malir area yesterday was arrested by police, according to a statement issued by the Korangi police spokesperson on Tuesday. On Monday, a newly married couple was shot dead when assailants opened fire on their car near the RCD ground in Malir’s Saudabad. They were returning from the court, where the woman recorded her statement, maintaining that she married of her own free will. The couple had also submitted their Nikahnama in the court. “On the strict directives of the Korangi senior superintendent of police (SSP), Saudabad police carried out an operation using modern technical methods and intelligence and arrested the main suspect involved in the murder of a husband and wife, yesterday,” said the police statement. The spokesperson added that the arrested suspect was identified as Sajid, son of Aslam, who confessed during interrogation to opening fire on the couple. A case related to the incident was also registered at Saudabad... -
Dawn - 12:35 May 26, 2026
Ireland aims to pass a law curbing goods trade with settlements in the Israeli-occupied West Bank by mid-July, with Israel, some US lawmakers and business groups opposing the move, Foreign Minister Helen McEntee said on Tuesday. Ireland’s government, one of the most outspoken critics of Israel’s war on Gaza, first promised to sanction Israeli settlements in October 2024. The legislation has since been held up by pressure from opposition politicians who aimed to extend the ban also to the services trade, on one side, and international company lobbyists seeking to scrap the bill, on the other. Sources told Reuters last October that the bill was set to be limited to goods. Prime Minister Micheal Martin confirmed that last week and said widening the scope to services was neither “implementable” nor “viable”. Limiting the bill to goods only will impact just a handful of products imported from Israeli-occupied territories, such as fruit that are worth just €200,000 ($234,660) a year, Ireland’s Central Statistics Of...
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