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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... -
Dawn - 18:35 Sep 05, 2025
Afghanistan won by four runs against the United Arab Emirates in their T20 tri-series match in Sharjah on Friday. Pakistan and Afghanistan will now face each other in the final on September 7 (Sunday). Pakistan entered the final after beating the UAE twice and Afghanistan once. They set a target of 171 for the UAE today, with the latter side managing 166. Afghan skipper Rashid Khan won the toss earlier and opted to bat first. The tri-series of Twenty20 international matches is to tune up for the Asia Cup and features Pakistan, the UAE and Afghanistan. Afghanistan had already beaten the UAE by 38 runs in Sharjah on Monday. -
Dawn - 18:14 Sep 05, 2025
The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) has summoned YouTuber Rajab Butt on September 9 to join an inquiry regarding his alleged promotion of online gambling apps, it emerged on Friday. Butt has one of the largest online followings in the country and has been embroiled in controversy for years, including over his brief custody of a lion cub. A notice by the NCCIA on Thursday to the YouTuber said the allegation against him was of “involvement in financial scams through online trading apps, motivating youth for investments in online gambling app, use of social media platforms to project online gambling investments, designed an orchestrated scheme for looting innocent people hard-earned income on basis of convincing them to invest in unregistered/non-licenced online apps”. It directed him to appear in person before NCCIA Assistant Director Shoaib Riaz to record his version in his defence at Lahore’s NCCIA Office on Tuesday at 11am for a fair trial process. “In case of non-appearance, it will be ass... -
Dawn - 17:13 Sep 05, 2025
The police said two women were arrested on Friday for throwing an egg at PTI founder Imran Khan’s sister Aleema Khanum during a media talk in Rawalpindi outside the Adiala Jail, where a hearing of the Toshakhana case was held earlier. Footage of the incident was widely shared on different news channels and social media accounts, capturing the expression of shock on Aleema’s face when the egg was hurled at her. @dawn.today An egg was thrown at PTI founder Imran Khan’s sister Aleema Khanum on Friday while she was holding a press conference in Rawalpindi. The footage of the incident was widely shared on different news channels and social media accounts, capturing the expression of shock on Aleema’s face when the egg was hurled at her. DawnToday ♬ original sound - Dawn.com - Dawn.com A statement released by the Rawalpindi Police said that the two arrested suspects were PTI supporters, who had travelled to Rawalpindi with other members of the All Government Employees Grand Alliance and the All Pakistan Clerks Asso... -
Dawn - 16:40 Sep 05, 2025
Supreme Court Justice Mansoor Ali Shah has written a letter to Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Yahya Afridi asking him to publicly answer six questions regarding “pressing institutional concerns”, it emerged on Friday. In a letter dated Thursday, seen by Dawn.com, Justice Shah said he was reluctantly writing it in “discharge of an unavoidable institutional duty”, adding that what compelled him was “your (CJP’s) persistent and complete indifference”. The judge wrote that his “repeated letters and written communications to you (CJP) on the undermentioned issues have gone unanswered and undiscussed; not once have I received a reply-neither in writing nor verbally”, adding that such silence from the chief justice to the senior puisne judge was “not merely discourteous; it undermines the collegial traditions of this court and violates the institutional courtesy without which a constitutional court cannot function”. Justice Shah said that with the new judicial year commencing from Monday, CJP Afridi had convened a ... -
Dawn - 15:01 Sep 05, 2025
Foreign Office (FO) spokesperson Ambassador Shafqat Ali Khan on Friday said that Pakistan will decide what to do with the refugees it is hosting, such as those from Afghanistan. Last month, Pakistan started deporting up to 1 million documented Afghan refugees ahead of its deadline for them to leave, following the interior ministry’s July 31 announcement that Proof of Registration (PoR) cardholders — the last category of Afghans legally residing in Pakistan without visas — became unlawful residents after their cards expired on June 30. Addressing a press briefing today, Khan said, “Those Afghans waiting to travel to Germany should be deported as soon as possible,” referring to 2,400 Afghan refugees who were promised refuge by Berlin, before its approach to migrants hardened under a new government. Germany has since announced it is considering an appeal to take in 200 refugees. “Germany should take in these refugees as soon as possible,” the spokesperson added. “Pakistani law will apply to those Afghans livi... -
Dawn - 14:27 Sep 05, 2025
PTI founder Imran Khan’s nephew, Shershah Khan, was released on Friday from Kot Lakhpat jail, a day after being granted bail by an anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Lahore. On Thursday, he was granted bail in a case pertaining to the Jinnah House attack during the May 9, 2023 riots, as Shershah’s triathlete brother, Shahrez Khan, was also released from jail after being granted bail a day earlier. The Lahore Police had arrested Shershah, son of Imran’s sister Aleema Khan, from outside his home on August 22. He was then sent on a five-day physical remand and later to jail for 14 days on August 28. Shershah’s lawyer, Rana Mudassar Umer, confirmed to Dawn.com that Shershah had been released from Kot Lakhpat jail. He also posted about his release in a post on X, along with a picture of his co-counsel and Shershah himself. In the last hearing on Tuesday, the ATC had again granted the prosecution time till today to present the case record in connection with Shershah’s post-arrest bail plea. ATC Judge Manzer Ali Gill pre... -
Dawn - 14:08 Sep 05, 2025
World Health Organisation (WHO) Director General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus on Friday announced that he was lifting the global mpox emergency, based on the advice of a committee convened to assess the impact of the disease. “More than a year ago, I declared a public health emergency of international concern over the spread of mpox in Africa on the advice of an emergency committee,” he said during a live press briefing. The committee meets every three months to evaluate the outbreak. “Yesterday, they met again and advised me that, in its view, the situation no longer represents an international health emergency. I have accepted that advice.” Dr Ghebreyesus said that the decision was based on sustained declines in cases and deaths in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi, Sierra Leone and Uganda, among other affected nations. Mpox is caused by a virus from the same family as smallpox. It can be transmitted to humans by infected animals but can also be passed between people through close physical contact.... -
Dawn - 14:05 Sep 05, 2025
The publisher of Roblox has promised to set up age verification mechanisms after allegations that the video game, massively popular with children and teens worldwide, has fallen short on safety. Roblox will “expand age estimation to all users who access our on-platform communication features by the end of this year”, the American company’s head of safety, Matt Kaufman, wrote in a blog post. The company would combine estimates of users’ ages, checks on official IDs and parental consent to “launch new systems designed to limit communication between adults and minors unless they know each other in the real world”, he added in the post on Wednesday. Around 100 million people use Roblox every day, with under-13s accounting for around 40 per cent of 2024 users, according to the company. But the game has repeatedly been accused of failing to protect its youngest players in recent years. The US state of Louisiana filed a lawsuit in August, accusing Roblox of facilitating child exploitation and the distribution of chi... -
Dawn - 13:54 Sep 05, 2025
United States President Donald Trump on Friday said India and Russia seem to have been “lost” to China after their leaders met with Chinese President Xi Jinping this week, highlighting his split from New Delhi and Moscow as Beijing pushes a new world order. “Looks like we’ve lost India and Russia to deepest, darkest China. May they have a long and prosperous future together!” Trump wrote in a social media post accompanying a photo of the three other world leaders together at Xi’s summit in China. Asked about Trump’s post, the Indian foreign ministry spokesperson told reporters in New Delhi that he had no comment. Representatives for Beijing and Moscow could not be immediately reached for comment on Trump’s post on his Truth Social platform. Xi hosted more than 20 leaders of non-Western countries for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) in the Chinese port city of Tianjin, including Russian President Vladimir Putin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Putin and Modi were seen holding hands at the su... -
Dawn - 13:10 Sep 05, 2025
The Pakistan Stock Exchange on Friday breached the 154,000-point barrier in intraday trade amid continued investor optimism. The KSE-100 index climbed 1,615.05 (1.06 per cent) to stand at 154,280.77 from the last close of 152,665.72 at 3:24pm. The market had opened on a positive note, gaining over 1,000 points by 11am. Finally, the index closed at 154,277.19, with a gain of 1,611.47 points (1.06pc) compared to the previous session. Awais Ashraf, research director at AKD Securities, told Dawn.com: “Investors remain optimistic amid improving macroeconomic conditions, particularly the strengthening of the rupee. “In addition, limited returns in alternative avenues such as real estate, fixed income, commodities, and currency markets make equities a more attractive option,” he added. The PSX has witnessed a bullish trend in recent days, despite concerns over risks to the economy due to the ongoing floods, with the Pakistan Business Forum estimating the losses to crops worth billions of rupees. Today’s gains for a ...
10444 items