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Dawn - 09:19 May 11, 2026
Iran on Monday asserted that it made “legitimate” demands in its latest formal response to the United States’ peace proposal, after US President Donald Trump rejected the reply as “totally unacceptable”. Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei said Tehran had called for an end to the war across the region, the lifting of the US blockade of Iranian ports, and the release of frozen assets abroad in its response. “We did not demand any concessions. The only thing we demanded was Iran’s legitimate rights,” said Baqaei in a weekly press briefing. He said Iran’s demands included “an end to the war in the region”, lifting the US blockade and “piracy”, and the “release of assets belonging to the Iranian people, which have for years been unjustly trapped in foreign banks”. “Safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz and establishing security in the region and Lebanon were other demands of Iran, which are considered a generous and responsible offer for regional security.” Baqaei said Washington continued to uphold ... -
Dawn - 08:37 May 11, 2026
An American national and a French woman evacuated from the cruise ship hit by a deadly hantavirus outbreak have tested positive, officials said on Monday, as the complex operation to repatriate those on board continued. The French woman, one of five passengers from France flown back from the MV Hondius and placed in isolation in Paris, started to feel unwell on Sunday night, and “tests came back positive”, said Health Minister Stephanie Rist. Late on Sunday, the US health department said one American national evacuated from the ship had “mild symptoms” and that another had tested positive for the Andes virus, the only hantavirus strain that is transmissible between humans. Three passengers from the ship, a Dutch couple and a German woman, have died, while others have fallen sick with the rare disease, which usually spreads among rodents. No vaccines or specific treatments exist for hantavirus, which is endemic in Argentina, where the ship set sail in April. But health officials have insisted that the risk for... -
Dawn - 08:13 May 11, 2026
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was told on Monday that Pakistan’s information technology exports were expected to reach $4.5 billion to $4.6bn, according to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO). The development came as the premier chaired meeting to review the affairs of the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication. During the meeting, the premier was told that the number of domestic internet connections had increased from 1.9 million in 2024 to 5.1m in 2026. He was also told that IT exports were expected to reach between $4.5bn-$4.6bn during the current fiscal year, the PMO said. Further, the premier was told that the recent 5G spectrum auction had generated $509m dollars in revenue. The meeting was also told that, under efforts to promote artificial intelligence, “Indus AI Week” was organised in February 2025 across 30 cities, attracting over 100 international delegates and featuring 88 pavilions. The meeting was told that fibre connectivity had been provided to government schools and health uni... -
Dawn - 08:10 May 11, 2026
Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Junaid Anwar Chaudhry on Monday announced a major reduction in tariffs at Gwadar Port aimed at boosting global transit traffic, according to an official statement. According to the statement, the minister said that berthing fees for container ships have been reduced by 25 per cent, while port charges on international transshipment containers have been cut by 40pc. He added that port charges on transit container cargo have also been reduced by up to 31pc. Further, a one-month free storage facility has been introduced for general cargo, compared to the standard five-day allowance at other national ports, the minister added. “Ships bringing transit and transshipment cargo have been given major relief,” Chaudhry was quoted as saying. “These incentives take effect immediately, and further adjustments will be reviewed in phases based on operational data and market response,” the minister added, noting that future revisions would be guided by cargo trends, regional competition, ... -
Dawn - 07:43 May 11, 2026
Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb has called on the judiciary to encourage alternative dispute resolution (ADR) and detailed the Supreme Court’s ongoing efforts to establish a mediation centre. In remarks aired on television on Monday, the SC judge stressed the need for mediators to be referred more cases, saying, “For that, the courts have to be willing to refer cases to mediation and must never think that by doing so, they are shying away from their primary responsibility of adjudication.” He noted that, having already paid lawyers, parties were reluctant to pay a fee for mediators and, therefore, some mediation centres had a policy of pro-bono mediations. “To encourage parties to go into mediation, what we have decided now is to train as many judges as mediators, and also officials in the high court and the Supreme Court who are law graduates, who will be willing to conduct mediation in their own pay scale,” the judge said. Justice Aurangzeb, along with Lahore High Court’s Justice Jawad Hassan, was presenti... -
Dawn - 07:23 May 11, 2026
KARACHI: Twenty-five sacrificial goats worth Rs1.9 million were stolen from Gulistan-i-Jauhar, police said on Monday. Malir Cantt Station House Officer (SHO) Agha Abdul Rasheed told Dawn that a man had bought 25 goats and housed them at an empty plot in Block 8. The police official said that the man had also hired a watchman to watch the animals. However, on Saturday night, around three to four suspects arrived at the location in a Suzuki van and took away all the goats, the SHO said. According to SHO Rasheed, the watchman told police that he was awake at the time of the incident, but the suspects tied a cloth over his face and forcibly took away the goats. The official said that police had obtained CCTV footage from the area and asked the owner to lodge a first information report (FIR) to initiate legal proceedings. However, so far, the owner appeared reluctant to pursue the case, the official said. In 2024, a truck containing a consignment of sacrificial goats was hijacked by four armed men in Gulistan-i-Ja... -
Dawn - 06:00 May 11, 2026
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued an alert for glacial lake outburst floods (Glof) for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan, it emerged on Monday. According to the alert issued by the PMD on Sunday night, a moderate westerly wave was expected to enter the upper regions of the country. It said that the weather system was expected to hit KP and extend to Gilgit-Baltistan by Monday. During this period, the department predicted widespread rain and wind-thunderstorms, with isolated heavy falls in mountainous catchments. “The weather patterns significantly elevated the risk of Glofs, debris flow, and flash flooding in vulnerable areas, especially in Swat, lower Chitral, Dir, Upper Hazara, Kohistan, Hoper, Ghulkin, Shishper, Ghizer, Hunza, Nagar, Ghanche, Shigar and Astore,” it said The Met department advised people in glacial valleys to avoid proximity to riverbanks and stream beds during the rainfall; monitor local nullahs for sudden changes in water colour (muddiness) or unusual sounds (g... -
Dawn - 05:23 May 11, 2026
Australia will use the upcoming white-ball tours of Pakistan and Bangladesh to test their depth after naming squads featuring three potential debutants, selectors said on Monday. All-rounder Liam Scott has been included in the ODI squads for Pakistan and Bangladesh, with Victoria batter Ollie Peake joining him in the Pakistan squad. T20 specialist Joel Davies has been included in the squad for three T20Is in Chattogram, Bangladesh, starting on June 17. Mitchell Marsh will captain all squads, with Australia to play three ODIs against Pakistan in Rawalpindi and Lahore from May 30 before travelling to Bangladesh for three ODIs in Dhaka in the run-up to the T20 series. “It’s always exciting to see new players get an opportunity to play international cricket and be a part of the national team,” selector George Bailey said in a statement. “The blend of experienced players coupled with new or returning players will provide a nice mix for these subcontinent tours.” Fast bowlers Billy Stanlake and Riley Meredith retur... -
Dawn - 04:26 May 11, 2026
Oil prices rallied on Monday, after US President Donald Trump said Iran’s response to a US proposal was “unacceptable,” raising supply fears as the Strait of Hormuz stayed largely closed, which kept the global market tight. Brent crude futures climbed $4.16 or 4.11 per cent to $105.45 a barrel at 0340 GMT. US West Texas Intermediate was at $99.80 a barrel, up $4.38, or 4.59pc. Last week, both contracts recorded 6pc weekly losses on hopes for an imminent end to the 10-week-old conflict that would allow oil transit through the Strait of Hormuz. “The oil market continues to trade like a geopolitical headline machine, with prices swinging sharply based on every comment, rejection, or warning coming from Washington and Tehran,” said Priyanka Sachdeva, senior market analyst at Phillip Nova. Trump is scheduled to arrive in Beijing on Wednesday and is expected to discuss Iran, among other topics, with Chinese President Xi Jinping, according to US officials. “Market attention now shifts squarely to President Trump’s v... -
Dawn - 02:18 May 11, 2026
ISLAMABAD: The government is considering reducing the income tax burden on salaried individuals while refraining from increasing salaries and pensions in the upcoming budget, aiming to provide equitable fiscal relief to both public and private sector employees. Informed sources told Dawn that Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb has expressed a desire to lower tax rates and, if possible, raise the taxable income threshold for the salaried class in recognition of their significant contribution to revenue generation compared to retailers, wholesalers, exporters, and real estate players. On the other hand, the government may keep salaries and pensions unchanged at current levels, using the resulting fiscal savings to provide tax relief instead. “There is no reason to increase salaries if it pushes employees into higher taxable income brackets, leaving government employees with little to no increase in take-home pay,” an official said. He added that with lower tax rates and higher taxable income thresholds, gove... -
Dawn - 20:56 May 10, 2026
ISLAMABAD: Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi conveyed to Bangladeshi Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaid Islam on Sunday that there were “vast opportunities for investment”, as the two sides agreed to increase cooperation in trade and business. Naqvi, who is on an official visit to Bangladesh, called on Islam in Dhaka, where the two held “detailed discussions on bilateral relations, the regional situation, and Pakistan’s conciliatory role”, according to an official statement released by the Ministry of Interior. The Bangladeshi state minister appreciated Pakistan’s efforts aimed at resolving the Iran-US conflict, it said. Pakistan has been leading the efforts for the resolution of the conflict, which began with US-Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28, and hosted the first round of face-to-face talks between Washington and Tehran in April. The interior ministry’s statement said that during Naqvi’s meeting with Islam, both sides agreed to increase cooperation in the fields of trade, business, and c... -
Dawn - 20:55 May 10, 2026
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif confirmed on Sunday that Pakistan had received Iran’s response to a US proposal to end the war in the Middle East. Speaking at a ceremony held in Islamabad to commemorate Marka-i-Haq, the premier mentioned Pakistan’s efforts for de-escalation between the US and Iran, stating that Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of the Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir had informed him “a while ago” that Pakistan had received Iran’s response. “I cannot go into more detail. But, I commend the efforts of Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and congratulate Field Marshal Asim Munir, who has dedicated himself [to this cause],” he said. Earlier, Iranian media reported that Iran had sent its response to the US proposal via Pakistan. “The Islamic Republic of Iran sent today through Pakistani mediators its response to the latest text proposed by the United States to end the war,” the official IRNA news agency said. Iranian news agency ISNA reported that Tehran’s response to the latest US peace proposal fo... -
Dawn - 20:52 May 10, 2026
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif recalled the “historic” response of Pakistan to India during Marka-i-Haq on Sunday as he addressed a ceremony held at the Pakistan Monument in Islamabad to commemorate the conflict’s first anniversary. The conflict with India — starting from the April 22 Pahalgam attack to the end of Operation Bunyanum Marsoos with a ceasefire between the two countries on May 10 — has been called “Marka-i-Haq” (Battle of Truth) by the state. President Asif Ali Zardari and Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir were among those attending the ceremony in Islamabad, where Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf and Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmad Baber Sidhu were also present. PM Shehbaz began his address by observing one minute of silence for those martyred during the period of conflict. Recalling the conflict, PM Shehbaz said that India “using Pahalgam as an excuse, made baseless accusations against us”. And despite Pakistan offering a transpa... -
Dawn - 19:02 May 10, 2026
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday urged the people of to cut down on petrol and diesel consumption amid supply disruptions due to the Middle East war. India is one of the few countries in the region that has not increased the prices of petrol and diesel for domestic consumers or rationed supplies. But it has increased prices of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) — a primary cooking fuel in this country — after disruptions following the US-Israeli strikes on Iran, which led to Iran’s near-total blockade of the strategic Strait of Hormuz. “We have to reduce our use of petrol and diesel. In cities with metro lines, we should try to travel by metro … If we must use a car, then we should try to car pool,” he said, addressing a gathering in southern Telangana state. He added that restrictions on use were also necessary to save foreign currency spent on fuel imports. “We must also place a strong emphasis on saving foreign exchange, as petrol and diesel have become so expensive globally.” Modi also urged peopl... -
Dawn - 18:58 May 10, 2026
BANNU: At least 15 police personnel were martyred on Saturday night after a suicide attack on the Fateh Khel police post in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Bannu district. The terrorists launched their attack on the post by ramming a vehicle laden with explosives. According to Bannu Regional Police Officer Sajjad Khan, a total of 18 police personnel were present at the post at the time of the attack, of whom 15 were martyred and three sustained injuries. A crane removes a burned armored vehicle from a damaged police checkpost site following a car bombing attack by terrorists. — AFP Police said that following the explosion, terrorists opened heavy fire and attacked the post from multiple directions. Multiple blasts were heard in the area, causing fear and panic among local residents. “During the assault, the militants used quadcopters along with heavy weaponry,” a senior administrative official in Bannu told AFP on condition of anonymity. Sources said that communication with the Fateh Khel police post was lost briefly af... -
Dawn - 18:27 May 10, 2026
Groups of passengers and crew disembarked from a cruise ship hit by a deadly hantavirus outbreak on Sunday to be evacuated to their home countries where they will isolate according to national protocols to prevent further spread of the disease. Government planes carrying Spanish and French nationals landed in Madrid and Paris, where the passengers were transported to hospitals, according to the two countries’ governments. One of the five French passengers showed symptoms during the repatriation flight, French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu said on X. Planes to Canada, the Netherlands, Turkey, the UK, Ireland, and the United States were due to depart by 8:30 local time on Sunday, with the final flights departing on Monday. The passengers will be tested upon arrival and then either taken to local hospitals or quarantine facilities or transported home for isolation. The World Health Organisation has recommended a 42-day quarantine for all passengers from the boat from Sunday, its director of epidemic and ... -
Dawn - 16:14 May 10, 2026
Mehidy Hasan Miraz claimed five wickets to give Bangladesh a slender lead after Pakistan debutant Azan Awais hit 103 on a rain-hit third day of the first Test on Sunday. Pakistan made 386 all out in response to Bangladesh’s first innings total of 413 in Dhaka. Bangladesh closed the day on 7-0 in their second innings to increase their lead to 34 runs, after bad light ended play with Mahmudul Hasan Joy unbeaten on two and Shadman Islam yet to score. left-handed Azan, who resumed on 85, completed his hundred off 153 balls to become the 14th Pakistani and sixth player overall to score a century on debut against Bangladesh. He became pace bowler Taskin Ahmed’s 50th Test wicket after captain Najmul Hossain Shanto caught the opener at slip. “It’s a very blessed feeling for me because I know it’s my debut match and I performed really well for my country,” a visibly moved Azan said. “When I was going in to bat, I was a little nervous, but I performed very well for my team.” Pakistan lost wickets at regular intervals b... -
Dawn - 16:11 May 10, 2026
Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and Chief of the Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir warned on Sunday that any future “misadventure” against Pakistan will result in “extremely far-reaching and painful” consequences for the enemy. He made the remarks at a ceremony held at General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi to mark one year since Pakistan’s victory in last year’s conflict with India. The conflict with India — starting from the April 22 Pahalgam attack to the end of Operation Bunyanum Marsoos with a ceasefire between the two countries on May 10 — has been called “Marka-i-Haq” (Battle of Truth) by the state. CDF Munir, as the chief guest, addressed the event. Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal (ACM) Zaheer Ahmed Babar Sidhu and Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf were also in attendance. Addressing the ceremony, Field Marshal Munir warned: “Our enemies should know that if any attempt is made in the future to carry out a misadventure against Pakistan, then the impact of war would not be limite... -
Dawn - 15:48 May 10, 2026
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi in a meeting with PTI leaders on Sunday at Governor House KP discussed the province’s constitutional and economic rights, stressing on the need to present a firm case before the federal government to ensure “justice and fair treatment”. In a social media post on X, Governor Kundi said that PTI leaders, including former National Assembly speaker Asad Qaiser, MNA Junaid Akber, and other parliamentarians, called on him for a “constructive exchange on the pressing issues of KP”. “We discussed the province’s constitutional and economic rights, including Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) closures, wheat concerns, National Finance Commission (NFC) matters, and the challenges faced by the merged districts and the business community,” he stated. The meeting comes less than a week after KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi had announced observing a province-wide pen-down strike over the federal government’s alleged “discrimination” against KP in the NFC Award, electricity and gas. S... -
Dawn - 12:00 May 10, 2026
As fears of renewed conflict hang over Iran, conservationists are shoring up battered historic sites and taking stock of the damage caused by the war with the United States and Israel, though experts warn some repairs could take years. At Golestan Palace, a defining cultural landmark in central Tehran, shattered mirrors, broken doors and debris from ornate ceilings now lie scattered across parts of the site after shockwaves from strikes on the capital following the outbreak of war on February 28. The former royal residence, known for its sprawling gardens, pools and royal halls, has been listed as a Unesco World Heritage site since 2013. The fragile truce in place since April 8 has allowed experts to begin gauging the scale of the damage, though the complex remains closed to the public. Visitors walk through the damaged interiors of the historic Golestan Palace in Tehran on April 4, 2026. — AFP/File “The damage has been assessed at several levels, but a more detailed specialised evaluation is still underway,”...
10418 items