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Dawn - 01:04 Apr 18, 2026
KARACHI: After three years, the US dollar slipped below Rs279 on Friday in the inter-bank market, reflecting a sign of exchange rate stability. According to data issued by the Exchange Companies Association of Pakistan, the buying rate in the inter-bank market on Friday was Rs278.95, against Rs279 a day earlier. The US dollar was traded between Rs277-278 in March 2023 in the interbank market. However, before this appreciation of the rupee, the country was on the verge of default but recovered after the IMF programme and support from China. Atif Ahmed, a currency dealer, said that since Jan 16, the rupee had kept appreciating against the dollar and had reached this level. “For more than a year, currency dealers have not been working on ready transactions but have been doing swaps only, as the State Bank has strict rules for dollar trading,” he added. The stable exchange rate played a key role in the stabilisation of the economy despite poor growth and very high inflation during this period. Inflation has come ... -
Dawn - 18:50 Apr 17, 2026
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Friday emphasised the importance of “effectively utilising the current window of opportunity to advance durable and lasting regional peace” amid the ongoing war in the Middle East. In a statement, the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said that the premier met Erdogan on the sidelines of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum. The premier arrived in Turkiye on Thursday on the last leg of his tri-nation tour. “During the warm and cordial meeting, President Erdogan welcomed the Prime Minister to Türkiye and thanked him for his participation in the 5th Antalya Diplomacy Forum,” the statement said. According to the PMO, the premier thanked Erdogan for his warm invitation and the traditional Turkish hospitality extended to him and his delegation during his stay in Antalya. He also congratulated the Turkish president on the success of the forum, which he said had transformed into an important global event. “The two leaders exchanged views on recent region... -
Dawn - 18:18 Apr 17, 2026
Myanmar has reduced the sentence of imprisoned ex-leader Aung San Suu Kyi, her lawyer told Reuters on Friday, as part of an amnesty by a new president who ousted her government in a coup five years ago. Suu Kyi, 80, was serving a 27-year sentence for a litany of charges her allies said were politically motivated to keep her at bay, ranging from incitement and corruption to election fraud and violating a state secrets law. The sentence has been cut by one-sixth, but it remains unclear whether the Nobel Peace Prize winner will be allowed to serve the rest of her sentence under house arrest, the lawyer said. Suu Kyi, who had dismissed the charges against her as “absurd”, has not been seen in public since the end of her marathon trials, and her whereabouts have been unknown. Earlier, state media reported that President Min Aung Hlaing approved an amnesty for 4,335 prisoners, the third such move in the past six months. Amnesties typically take place in Myanmar each year to mark Independence Day in January and the ... -
Dawn - 16:53 Apr 17, 2026
The government on Friday reduced the price of diesel by Rs32.12, according to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO). The statement said that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had decided to provide relief to the nation and approved a reduction of Rs32.12 in the price of diesel. “After the approval, the price of diesel has decreased from Rs385.54 to Rs353.43,” the statement said. “The effects of the reduction in oil prices will be conveyed to the public as soon as possible,” the premier was quoted as saying. The statement did not make any mention of the price of petrol, which was set at Rs366.58 per litre last week. Petrol is mostly used in private transport, small vehicles, rickshaws and two-wheelers and has a direct bearing on the budget of the middle and lower-middle class. High-speed diesel is mainly used in the heavy transport sector and for large generators. After the US-Israeli war on Iran began, the government had initially hiked petrol and diesel prices by Rs55 per litre on March 6 and a... -
Dawn - 15:57 Apr 17, 2026
India’s government has decided not to go ahead with a proposal to require Apple, Samsung and others to pre-install the country’s biometric identification app Aadhaar on phones, a move that had been opposed by the smartphone giants, a state body said on Friday. It was reported last month that the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), the state body that operates Aadhaar, had asked the IT ministry in January to engage with Apple, Google and other leading smartphone makers to consider mandatory pre-installation of the Aadhaar app. A unique 12-digit identity number tied to an individual’s fingerprints and iris scans, Aadhaar is held by nearly 1.34 billion residents and is widely used for verification purposes in banking and telecom services, as well as for faster airport entry. India’s IT ministry reviewed the proposal and “is not in favour of mandating the pre-installation of the Aadhaar App on smartphones,” UIDAI said in a statement to Reuters on Friday, giving no reason for the decision. India’s IT... -
Dawn - 15:45 Apr 17, 2026
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said on Friday that the Strait of Hormuz, vital for the global trade in oil and other commodities, was open following a ceasefire accord agreed in Lebanon. Araqchi said in a post on X that the Strait was open for all commercial vessels for the “remaining period of ceasefire”. It was not immediately clear whether he was speaking of the 10-day truce agreed by Lebanon and Israel that went into effect at midnight or an earlier two-week truce between Iran and the United States that began on April 8. He said the passage of ships would need to be along the route that Iran’s Ports and Maritime Organisation had announced. US President Donald Trump welcomed Iran’s announcement. “THANK YOU!” he wrote on his Truth Social platform, before going on a posting spree. In a separate post, he said that the US military blockade of ships sailing through the Strait to Iranian ports — announced after talks with Iran last weekend in Islamabad ended without a breakthrough — remained in place. “T... -
Dawn - 15:11 Apr 17, 2026
ISLAMABAD: A day after receiving $2 billion in assistance from Saudi Arabia, the government on Friday announced it had raised $500 million from the international capital market through a Eurobond after four years. In a post on the social media platform X, Adviser to the Finance Minister Khurram Schehzad said, “Pakistan has successfully returned to the international capital markets after a four-year hiatus, with the issuance of a $500m Eurobond today, at attractive terms under its Global Medium-Term Note (GMTN) Programme.” “The three-year Eurobond witnessed strong investor demand despite ongoing global market and geopolitical uncertainties — signalling renewed confidence in Pakistan’s economic outlook,” he said. Informed sources said the bond attracted 6.95 per cent interest rates with maturity in April 2029. The announcement came a day after Saudi Arabia announced it was extending its support of $5bn to $8bn, with the first additional disbursement of $2bn. In his X post, Schehzad said that this “well-timed is... -
Dawn - 14:09 Apr 17, 2026
Ancient maps are often labelled with a warning: “Hic Sunt Dracones” (here be dragons), marking the point where civilisation ended, and the unknown began. Today, we have updated the legend for a colder, more administrative age: “Here be collateral damage.” The modern cartography of power trades the dragon for the statistic. And human loss is codified as a necessary friction of a global machine. This logic does not remain confined to maps or language — it settles into terrain. The geographic transition from the Anatolian heights in Turkiye to the scorched arteries of the Levant and the sub-Saharan corridors marks the threshold of a profound moral silence. In this landscape, faces dissolve into grainy wide-shots of a crowd, dubbed over with the dry, percussive phrase of “regional volatility”, where deaths are merely the ticking of a metronome: expected, rhythmic, and, eventually, ignored. The value of human life is determined by its proximity to the centres of Western hegemony. Peering at the Levant or the Horn ... -
Dawn - 13:43 Apr 17, 2026
The air force escorted Iranian negotiators home from inconclusive peace talks with the United States last weekend, launching a major operation after the Iranians said Israel might seek to kill them, three sources told Reuters. Pakistan deployed some two dozen jets in the escort, as well as the force’s Airborne Warning and Control System for aerial surveillance to ensure the safety of the delegation back from Islamabad, said two Pakistani sources with knowledge of the operation. One said similar security protection would be provided for subsequent talks if the Iranians ask for it, “otherwise Pakistani aircraft would receive them in Pakistan airspace”. A third source involved in the talks said measures were already in the works ahead of an expected further round of talks as soon as this weekend. ‘They might be targeted’ A regional diplomat briefed by Tehran, however, said Pakistan insisted on the escort after Iranian delegates raised the “hypothetical” possibility of a threat. The discussions with the Iranian d... -
Dawn - 13:20 Apr 17, 2026
The Islamabad and Rawalpindi administrations on Friday refuted reports regarding the closure of transport terminals. In a post on the social media platform X, Islamabad Deputy Commissioner Irfaz Nawaz Memon said, “All bus terminals in Islamabad are open as usual. All types of transport are operating as usual at all bus terminals, including Faizabad.” Further, the Islamabad Traffic Police also clarified that reports regarding the closure of transport stands in the federal capital were baseless. A traffic police official said that inter-city transport in Islamabad was operating as usual and no shutdown had been ordered. He said any decision regarding closure of bus terminals or inter-city public transport would be communicated to the public in advance through official channels. The official urged citizens to rely only on verified information and avoid spreading unconfirmed reports. The same was also shared by the Islamabad Traffic Police on X. Meanwhile, Rawalpindi Deputy Commissioner Hassan Waqar Cheema also s... -
Dawn - 13:17 Apr 17, 2026
Pope Leo has debuted a new, forceful speaking style on his four-nation Africa tour this week, issuing sharp denunciations of war and inequality that have sparked repeated attacks on the pontiff from US President Donald Trump. The change in rhetoric reflects Leo’s growing concern with the direction of global leadership, experts said, after he maintained a relatively low profile for a pope during the first 10 months of his papacy. Trump first attacked Leo as “terrible” on Sunday, in an apparent response to the pope’s criticisms of the US-Israeli war on Iran. He lobbed more criticism again on Thursday, suggesting the pope didn’t understand foreign policy issues. The first US pope, speaking earlier that day in Cameroon, had said the world was “being ravaged by a handful of tyrants”, without naming individuals. “Normally popes and the Vatican are cautious when it comes to international politics, preferring diplomacy to public censure,” said John Thavis, a retired Vatican correspondent who covered three papacies. “... -
Dawn - 11:45 Apr 17, 2026
The International Cricket Council (ICC) said on Friday it is investigating Cricket Canada over allegations of match corruption, including the team’s loss to New Zealand at the recent T20 World Cup hosted by India and Sri Lanka. The game in Chennai — which Canada lost by eight wickets — is under scrutiny following allegations of corruption highlighted in a documentary aired by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) on Thursday. “The ACU (anti-corruption unit) is aware of the programme broadcast by CBC,” Andrew Ephgrave, interim general manager of the ICC’s Integrity Unit, said in a statement. The documentary by the public broadcaster made wide-ranging accusations of corruption and poor governance against Canada Cricket. In the Chennai game, suspicion is focused on the fifth over bowled by captain Dilpreet Bajwa during New Zealand’s chase, according to ESPNCricinfo. He started with a no-ball, bowled a wide, and ended up conceding 15 runs in the over. Canada scored 173 for four wickets in 20 overs, while Ne... -
Dawn - 11:37 Apr 17, 2026
LAHORE: The Lahore High Court has upheld the federal government’s policy to monetise free electricity units for officers of the Water and Power Development Authority (Wapda) and power distribution companies, it emerged on Friday. As per the ruling, the benefit was a non-statutory service perk and could be lawfully altered as part of administrative and financial reforms. Justice Malik Javid Iqbal Wains announced the verdict dismissing a constitutional petition challenging a notification issued by the Ministry of Energy (Power Division) on December 5, 2023. The impugned notification introduced a policy to monetise free electricity units previously provided to officers in BPS-17 and above working in Wapda and ex-Wapda entities, including distribution and generation companies. Previously, officers from BPS-18 to 22 were given a total of 75 million units of electricity collectively, costing up to Rs4-4.5 billion annually. Under the policy, officers are now required to pay electricity bills, while a fixed monetary ... -
Dawn - 11:10 Apr 17, 2026
Bushra Bibi, the wife of incarcerated ex-premier and PTI founder Imran Khan, was shifted back to Adiala jail on Friday after undergoing an eye surgery at a Rawalpindi hospital, according to jail authorities. Bushra is serving a seven-year sentence in the £190 million corruption case. In December 2025, she was sentenced to 17 years’ imprisonment in the Toshakhana 2 case, which revolved around the purchase of an expensive jewelry set gifted to Imran by the Saudi crown prince during his May 2021 visit. The PTI has expressed concern over reports about her health, demanding that she be taken to a hospital for diagnosis and treatment. According to a press release by the Adiala jail authorities, she had complained of impaired vision in her right eye, due to which the prison administrators immediately had her examined by ophthalmologists. The superintendent of the jail said that retinal detachment was diagnosed in the right eye. In view of the diagnosis, doctors advised surgery, he added. On Thursday evening, the pa... -
Dawn - 10:23 Apr 17, 2026
KARACHI: Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and FIA Director General (DG) Dr Usman Anwar on Friday directed the timely redressal of complaints and ensuring transparent investigations at all costs. The directions were issued during their visit to the FIA Karachi Zone, where they conducted a detailed inspection of various departments. On the occasion, the director of FIA Karachi Zone and the additional director general (South) gave a comprehensive briefing on ongoing complaints, inquiries, and important cases. The senior officials conducted a detailed review of the performance of all circles and emphasised that public grievances must be resolved on a priority basis. During the visit, special attention was also given to matters related to the welfare of officers and staff. Director FIA stated that the promotion system was being further improved to ensure the professional development of officers. He also issued directions regarding the conduct of medical tests for officers and staff, as well as the provision ... -
Dawn - 09:39 Apr 17, 2026
Alongside hundreds of others forced to flee south Lebanon, Amani Atrash and her family waited eagerly on Friday morning for bulldozers to reopen the Qasmiyeh bridge, which Israel bombed just hours before a ceasefire began. Her family was among the tens of thousands of people hoping to go home after being displaced by the Israel-Hezbollah war — despite warnings against returning to the south from the Iran-backed militant group, Lebanese officials and the Israeli army, which continues to occupy parts of the area. “We set off an hour before the ceasefire took effect so we could reach the bridge once it opens, allowing us to return to our town,” said Atrash, 37, who fled north at the start of the war. “The wait is very difficult because we want to get there as quickly as possible,” she told AFP as she sat in her car in a line stretching for kilometres northeast of the coastal city of Tyre. The 10-day ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel went into force at midnight, hours after it was announced by US President Don... -
Dawn - 08:49 Apr 17, 2026
Sweden’s government has faced growing criticism over its plans to require migrants to adhere to “honest living”, with rights groups and legal experts saying the proposed measure is discriminatory. Sweden’s government, which came to power in 2022 on vows to get tough on immigration and crime, is trying to rapidly push through a slew of reforms in various areas ahead of legislative elections in September. If approved by parliament, the “honest living” measure would come into force on July 13. Under the change, the Migration Agency will consider, when granting or renewing non-EU citizens’ residence permits, whether applicants have at any time posed a threat to public order or security, had extremist sympathies or links to groups advocating violence, or committed minor offences punishable by fines. Other factors may include going into debt “without any intention or effort to repay”, organised begging, committing welfare fraud, or working off the books. Those found not adhering to the “honest living” standard coul... -
Dawn - 07:41 Apr 17, 2026
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Friday faced renewed calls from his political opponents to resign after it was revealed that his former ambassador to the United States failed security vetting and was still allowed to take up the job. The government on Thursday confirmed Mandelson — who was subsequently fired after Starmer said he had lied about the strength of his relationship with sex offender Jeffrey Epstein — had failed his security vetting before taking up the role. The government said Starmer was unaware officials in the Foreign Office had overruled the vetting recommendation, and a source said the most senior official at the Foreign Office, Olly Robbins, would leave his role after losing Starmer’s confidence. “I don’t think the prime minister can get out of his responsibility by sacking Olly Robbins. I think the buck has to stop with Mr Starmer,” Liberal Democrat Leader Ed Davey told BBC Radio. “I think the evidence suggests that he misled the Commons (parliament) and misled the public. ... -
Dawn - 07:35 Apr 17, 2026
Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb appreciated China’s support in facilitating Pakistan’s engagements with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in a meeting with his Chinese counterpart, the finance ministry said on Friday. Aurangzeb arrived in the United States on Monday to participate in the World Bank Group and International Monetary Fund (IMF) Spring Meetings 2026, taking place from April 13 to 18 in Washington, DC. The Spring Meetings bring together finance ministers, central bank governors, policymakers and development experts from around the world amid ongoing global economic uncertainty. While there, the finance minister held an important meeting with China’s Finance Minister Lan Fo’an on the sidelines of the meetings, the ministry said in a statement on X. During the meeting, he expressed deep appreciation for China’s “long-standing and unwavering bilateral support” to Pakistan, as well as the constructive role played by China’s Executive Director at the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in facilit... -
Dawn - 05:37 Apr 17, 2026
An Australian court granted bail on Friday to former soldier Ben Roberts-Smith, charged with murdering unarmed prisoners captured in Afghanistan following a sweeping war crimes probe. The towering soldier became a household name across Australia when he was awarded the Victoria Cross in 2011, a medal reserved for only the most courageous wartime exploits. But a landmark military report in 2020 revealed grave allegations against Australian troops sent to fight Taliban forces, accusing elite units of torture, summary executions and “body count” competitions. This month Roberts-Smith was charged with five counts of “war crime — murder”, with police alleging he was complicit in a string of unlawful killings between 2009 and 2012. After ten days behind bars he was granted bail, with Judge Greg Grogin telling a Sydney court that the former soldier faced the prospect of “years and years” in jail before his case went to trial. In court via video link, Roberts-Smith appeared impassive as he was shown on screen in a gr...
10418 items