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Dawn - 11:30 May 04, 2026
Bulls took control of the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) on Monday as the benchmark index recovered over 900 points. The KSE-100 index gained 954.77 points (0.59 per cent) to close at 163,948.94 points from the previous close of 162,994.17 points. The index had begun the day on a positive note, reaching an intraday high of 167,245.54 at 10:39am after gaining 4251.37 points from the previous close. According to Mettis Global, the initial sharp rally came as investors reacted positively to developments surrounding rising tensions between Iran and the United States, alongside efforts to stabilise the situation in key global energy routes. However, the market witnessed a sharp fall after 3pm, reaching an intraday low of 163,417.84 points. Among the most actively traded stocks today: Hascol Petroleum Limited: up 0.76pc to Rs21.33 on a volume of 51,509,056 shares Cnergyico PK Limited: up 1.85pc to Rs8.27 on a volume of 50,165,739 Sui Southern Gas Company Limited: up 7.37pc to Rs26.52 on a volume of 49,675,264 The to... -
Dawn - 09:41 May 04, 2026
PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari on Monday hailed Pakistan’s “victory” against India during last year’s military conflict, affirming that the country was “not a nation that bows”. He was addressing an event in Karachi organised by the Sindh government to commemorate Marka-i-Haq, where Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah also spoke. The term “Marka-i-Haq” is used by the state to refer to the 2025 conflict with India, starting from the April 22 Pahalgam attack to the end of Operation Bunyanum Marsoos with a ceasefire on May 10. “This victory was not the victory of weapons alone. It was a triumph of resolve. It was a triumph of unity and of people who refused to kneel,” said Bilawal, who is also the former foreign minister and had led a delegation abroad to convey Pakistan’s stance on the conflict. “From the mountains of the north to the shores of the Arabian Sea, from the fields of Punjab to the deserts of Sindh and Balochistan, Pakistan stood as one,” he affirmed. “We are not a nation that bows before pressure. W... -
Dawn - 08:28 May 04, 2026
The United Arab Emirates’ shocking decision to leave Saudi-dominated Opec was not targeted at anyone, the UAE minister who heads the state oil giant said on Monday. The move aimed at focusing on national priorities and the UAE economy, said Sultan Al Jaber, who is CEO of state-owned Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (Adnoc) and the country’s industry and advanced technology minister. The decision, which took effect on Friday, followed months of tensions with neighbouring Saudi Arabia, the world’s top oil exporter and de facto leader of Opec, over foreign policy, oil output and the Middle East war, which has strained Gulf economies. A close partnership between the Gulf nations has turned into an open rivalry since a public falling out in December over Yemen, but the minister said the decision to withdraw from the oil cartel was not aimed at any nation. “The UAE’s sovereign decision to reposition itself within the global energy landscape, and to exit Opec and Opec+, is not a decision directed against anyone,” he t... -
Dawn - 08:16 May 04, 2026
ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court on Monday rejected the petitions of former prime minister Imran Khan and his spouse Bushra Bibi seeking the suspension of their sentences in the £190 million corruption case, observing that their main appeals were already fixed for hearing. A two-member bench headed by Chief Justice Sardar Muhammad Sarfraz Dogar will take up the central appeals on May 7. In view of this, the court declared the suspension applications infructuous. During the hearing on April 30, Justice Dogar had emphasised that the best course would be an early disposal of the main appeal. Imran — imprisoned since Aug 5, 2023, for concealing details of Toshakhana gifts — is serving a 14-year sentence at Rawalpindi’s Adiala jail in the £190m case, also known as the Al-Qadir Trust case. An accountability court in Islamabad had sentenced Imran and Bushra to 14 and seven years in prison, respectively, on Jan 17, 2025, in the case. Subsequently, both had challenged their convictions before the IHC. The case alle... -
Dawn - 07:46 May 04, 2026
Tremors were felt in Islamabad and Rawalpindi on Monday after a 5.2-magnitude earthquake was reported. According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), the earthquake was recorded at 10:56am. It added that the epicentre was located near the Tajikistan–Xinjiang border region and had a depth of 128 kilometres. According to state-run PTV, the tremors were felt in Islamabad and Rawalpindi. Pakistan falls on three major tectonic plates — the Arabian, Euro-Asian and Indian — which create five seismic zones under the country. The intersection of multiple fault lines means that tectonic movements remain a frequent occurrence in the region. Last week, a 5.7-magnitude earthquake jolted parts of Islamabad and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Residents of Islamabad and KP also felt tremors on April 3, when a 6.1-magnitude earthquake struck the Hindu Kush region in Afghanistan. -
Dawn - 05:25 May 04, 2026
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar spoke with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, with the regional situation and Pakistan’s ongoing diplomatic efforts coming under discussion, the Foreign Office (FO) said on Monday. “Discussion focused on the regional situation and Pakistan’s ongoing diplomatic efforts for peace and stability in the region,” the FO said, adding that the call took place late Sunday night. It added that the Iranian foreign minister appreciated Pakistan for its “constructive role and sincere mediation efforts between the parties”. The FO said that Dar reaffirmed Pakistan’s continued commitment to promoting constructive engagement and underscored that “dialogue and diplomacy remain the only viable path toward the peaceful resolution of issues and achieving lasting peace and stability in the region and beyond”. The development comes after Tehran said on Sunday that the United States had responded to its new peace proposal. Iranian state media said Washington had conveyed it... -
Dawn - 04:59 May 04, 2026
• Establishment Division transfers ‘encadred’ officers, many of whom are close to retirement, to KP and Balochistan • Under rotation policy, these postings were supposed to go to younger officers • IGP says matter will be taken up with Islamabad • Estab secretary claims rotation policy ‘suspended’ at provinces’ request LAHORE: The Establishment Division has transferred 10 police officers from Punjab to ‘hard areas’ in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan for a mandatory period of one year, despite concerns about their advanced age and health, Dawn has learnt. The term ‘hard areas’ refers to designated regions in the country that are recognised for being challenging to live or work in due to factors like remoteness, lack of infrastructure, harsh terrain, or security threats. Officers posted to these areas are usually given incentives, such as a special allowance. A senior police officer told Dawn that in line with the policy announced by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, younger officers were previously posted t... -
Dawn - 02:54 May 04, 2026
QUETTA: Federal Planning and Development Minister Ahsan Iqbal has convened a meeting of the authorities concerned on Monday in Islamabad to review the situation created by a Chinese company’s sudden announcement of closing all its operations in Pakistan and China as well as a factory in Gwadar. The management of the company, Han Geng Group, issued a statement on Friday citing administrative, policy and other hurdles in running its business. However, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the planning minister took notice of the company’s announcement and immediately directed the authorities concerned to review its grievances and ensure their immediate resolution. Mr Iqbal sent a clear message that all operational and bureaucratic hurdles faced by companies investing under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) would be removed on a priority basis to maintain investor confidence. Ahsan Iqbal calls meeting after Chinese firm’s shutdown announcement After the assurance and swift action, the Chinese company withd... -
Dawn - 02:15 May 04, 2026
LONDON: British social activist and Imran Khan’s ex-wife, Jemima Goldsmith, is reportedly set to remarry, marking a new chapter in her personal life. According to recent media reports, Jemima, 52, is engaged to Irish-Australian financier Cameron O’Reilly after the two maintained a relationship for just over a year. O’Reilly, 62, is the son of the late media tycoon Sir Anthony O’Reilly and has built a substantial fortune through investments in smart metering and software ventures. The couple is said to have met through professional collaboration in the film and documentary space, where O’Reilly has served as an executive producer. Friends close to the pair describe the relationship as stable and mutually supportive, noting their shared interest in media production as a key factor in their bond. They are believed to divide their time between Switzerland and West London. Goldsmith, known for her work on documentaries such as The Case Against Adnan Syed and the romantic comedy What’s Love Got to Do with It?, has ... -
Dawn - 21:55 May 03, 2026
US President Donald Trump said on Monday that his representatives were having “very positive discussions” with Iran that could “lead to something very positive for all”. He made these remarks in a Truth Social Post, also announcing an initiative to guide vessels stuck in the Strait of Hormuz out of the waterway, hours after Tehran said on Sunday that the United States had responded to its 14-point proposal via Pakistan. Iranian state media quoted a foreign ministry spokesperson as saying that Tehran was reviewing the response. Later, US Special Envoy on Middle East Steve Witkoff told CNN the US was “in conversation” with Iran as they weighed negotiations to end the war. This was followed by Trump’s post on Truth Social, where he said: “I am fully aware that my Representatives are having very positive discussions with the Country of Iran, and that these discussions could lead to something very positive for all.” He also said that countries from across the world, “almost all of which are not involved in the Mid... -
Dawn - 20:03 May 03, 2026
The final of 11th HBL Pakistan Super League edition turned out to be a one-man show as Aaron Hardie’s spectacular all-round performance led Peshawar Zalmi to their second title win on Sunday in Lahore. They defeated Hyderabad Kingsmen by five wickets after opting to bowl first against the debutants at the Gaddafi Stadium. Peshawar Zalmi achieved the 130-run target in the 16th over of the second innings, becoming the HBL PSL champions for a second time. The first claimed the trophy with a win against the Quetta Gladiators in 2017. They have now joined Islamabad United and Lahore Qalandars as the winners who have lifted the PSL trophy more than once. Zalmi’s second win was led by a stunning performance by Hardie, who took four wickets before scoring an unbeaten 56 runs off 39 deliveries. He smashed a total of nine boundaries and was named the player of the match. They initially quickly lost four wickets after scoring just 40 runs by the end of five overs. In a disappointing start, opener Muhammad Haris and Kusa... -
Dawn - 19:31 May 03, 2026
BAJAUR: Two people, including a social activist, were killed in separate attacks in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Bajaur district on Sunday, police and rescue officials told Dawn. The first incident took place in the Kohi area of Salarzai tehsil, where unidentified armed assailants attacked social activist Malik Ziaur Rehman near his residence, Salarzai Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Jamal Shah said. “Unidentified assailants opened fire on him near his house, leaving him critically injured,” he said. According to Rescue 1122 Khar station spokesperson Riaz Ahmad Khan, the 37-year-old succumbed to his injuries at the district headquarters hospital Khar, where he was taken in a critical condition after the attack. An official at the Salarzai police station told Dawn that a team of law enforcers was immediately sent to the site of the incident, and a search had been launched to locate the attackers, who had fled after firing at Rehman. Police are also further investigating the incident. Area residents told Dawn tha... -
Dawn - 19:24 May 03, 2026
The final match of the 11th HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) edition was preceded by a star-studded closing ceremony, featuring fireworks and performances by popular singers, including Aima Baig, Arif Lohar and Atif Aslam. Scores of spectators arrived at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium on a hot Sunday to witness the gala event that was followed by the final clash between Peshawar Zalmi and debutants Hyderabad Kingsmen. Here are some glimpses of the closing ceremony. Spectators witness fireworks at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium ahead of HBL PSL 11 final match on May 3, 2026. — White Star Dancing groups representing different franchises perform at the closing ceremony of the HBL PSL 11 on May 3, 2026. — White Star Singers perform at the closing ceremony of the HBL PSL 11 on May 3, 2026. — White Star Singer Arif Lohar performs at the closing ceremony of the HBL PSL 11 on May 3, 2026. — White Star Singers Aima Baig and Atif Aslam perform at the closing ceremony of the HBL PSL 11 on May 3, 2026. — White Star Singer Aima Baig p... -
Dawn - 18:27 May 03, 2026
KARACHI: Aurat March organisers in Karachi said on Sunday that they had not been issued a no-objection certificate (NOC) yet for holding the annual march in the city, scheduled for May 10. The organisers said they had sent a letter to PPP’s Aseefa Bhutto Zardari “after receiving no positive response from the authorities” on the matter. “Seven days to the march, and we still have no NOC! We really hope that Aseefa Bhutt-Zardari will stand with Aurat March in the spirit of Sindh’s history of women in political life, and ensure that an NOC is promptly issued!” they said in a post on X. The march is planned to be held at Sea View on Mother’s Day, which is observed on the second Sunday of every May. Dawn reached out to the relevant authorities regarding the matter, among whom South Deputy Inspector General Asad Raza said police would provide “maximum security to the organisers of the Aurat March” like they did every year. But as far as the issuance of an NOC is concerned, that was to be “dealt with by the district... -
Dawn - 16:50 May 03, 2026
An Israeli court on Sunday extended for two days the detention of two foreign activists from a Gaza-bound flotilla, who were brought to Israel for questioning, a rights group representing them said. The flotilla of more than 50 vessels had set sail from France, Spain and Italy to break Israel’s blockade of Gaza and bring supplies to the devastated Palestinian territory. They were intercepted by Israeli forces in international waters off Greece early on Thursday, with Israel saying it had removed some 175 activists — two of whom were taken to Israel for questioning. Spanish national Saif Abu Keshek and Brazilian Thiago Avila appeared before a court in the southern city of Ashkelon on Sunday. AFP footage showed the pair being escorted into the courtroom, with Avila walking with his hands behind his back and Abu Keshek’s feet in shackles. “The court extended their detention by two days,” Miriam Azem, international advocacy coordinator at the rights group Adalah, told AFP. Adalah said the state attorney had prese... -
Dawn - 16:12 May 03, 2026
ISLAMABAD: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) announced on Sunday a $70 billion initiative on Sunday to expand energy and digital infrastructure across the Asia-Pacific region by 2035, aiming to strengthen power grid links, boost cross-border electricity trade and increase broadband access. The plan includes $50bn for a new Pan‑Asia Power Grid Initiative and $20bn for the Asia-Pacific Digital Highway project. At the inaugural session of its May 3-6 annual meeting in Samarkand, the Manila-based lending agency said it “will back $70bn in new energy and digital infrastructure initiatives by 2035, aiming to connect power grids, expand cross-border electricity trade, and improve broadband access across Asia and the Pacific”. “Energy and digital access will define the region’s future,” said ADB President Masato Kanda. “These two initiatives build the systems Asia and the Pacific need to grow, compete, and connect. By linking power grids and digital networks across borders, we can lower costs, expand opportunity, an... -
Dawn - 13:31 May 03, 2026
Israel gave final approval for a plan to purchase two new combat squadrons of F-35 and F-15IA advanced fighter aircraft from Lockheed Martin and Boeing in a deal worth tens of billions of dollars, the defence ministry said on Sunday. The deal, approved by Israel’s Ministerial Committee on Procurement, is a first step in a 350 billion shekel ($119 billion) plan to bolster Israel’s military and “strengthen readiness ahead of a demanding decade for Israeli security,” it said. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said much of this expanded defence budget will be to produce munitions in Israel and not be dependent on foreign countries. Israel, he noted, will also develop “groundbreaking” aircraft. The ministry added that the new squadrons will serve as a cornerstone of the military’s long-term force development, addressing regional threats and preserving Israel’s strategic air superiority. “Alongside immediate wartime procurement needs, we have a responsibility to act now to secure the Israeli Defence Forces’ militar... -
Dawn - 12:49 May 03, 2026
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif called on PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif at their Jati Umra residence in Lahore on Sunday, a statement issued by the PM’s Office (PMO) said, adding that the Middle East conflict and the political situation in the country were discussed during the meeting. Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz was also present on the occasion. The PMO statement said the premier briefed Nawaz on the “situation in the country” and exchanged views on the political situation. He further informed him about the situation in the Middle East and Pakistan’s efforts for the restoration of peace in the region, the statement added. The conflict in the Middle East, which is now more than two months old, began with US-Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28. And while hostilities have paused following a Pakistan-brokered two-week ceasefire on April 8 — which has been extended indefinitely by US President Donald Trump — the world continues to face its consequences. Pakistan’s civil and military leadership has been engag... -
Dawn - 12:13 May 03, 2026
Opec+ agreed on Sunday on a modest oil output hike for June, an increase that will remain largely on paper as long as the US-Israeli war on Iran continues to disrupt Gulf oil supplies through the Strait of Hormuz. Seven Opec+ countries will raise oil output targets by 188,000 barrels per day in June, the third consecutive monthly increase, Opec+ said in a statement after an online meeting. The increase is the same as that agreed for May minus the share of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which left the group on May 1. The move is designed to show the group is ready to raise supplies once the war stops and signals that Opec+ is pressing on with a business-as-usual approach despite the departure of the UAE from Opec+, sources associated with the alliance and analysts said. Opec+ is sending a two-layer message to the market: continuity despite the UAE’s exit, and control despite limited physical impact, said Jorge Leon, an analyst at Rystad and former Opec official. While output is increasing on paper, the real i... -
Dawn - 11:33 May 03, 2026
Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon on Sunday acknowledged that the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Red Line had proven to be a “very tough” project for the provincial government, but asserted that there had been no delay on its end. Speaking to reporters in Karachi, Memon said the Sindh government had to make some difficult decisions on the BRT Red Line after “all other options were exhausted”. The senior minister asserted that there had been “no mistake, mal-intent or delay” from the Sindh government on the BRT Red Line. He noted that work on the project’s Lot-1 was “underway with great speed”, while work on Lot-2 had been restarted. The Sindh government recently cancelled the construction contract for the BRT Red Line project. Subsequently, it chose the Frontier Works Organisation (FWO) to resume construction on a section of the BRT Red Line along University Road, where commuters have been facing inconvenience. Designed to cover around 27 kilometres from Malir Halt to Numaish via University Road, work on BRT...
10418 items