Home - DAWN.COM

Afghanistan bears heavier economic cost as Pakistan trade suspension bites harder

Trade data shows that export losses for Afghanistan have reached around 10 per cent since October 10, compared with about 0.6pc for Pakistan due to the suspension of bilateral trade, placing Kabul at a clear disadvantage.

Updated 31 Dec, 2025 09:28am

Pakistan to enter 2026 as fifth-most populous country

UNFPA calls for a shift in how population is reflected in national planning and financing, particularly in the NFC formula.

Updated 31 Dec, 2025 07:32am

Bangladesh mourns ex-PM Khaleda Zia with state funeral

Thousands of security officers line the streets as her body is carried through the streets of Dhaka; her body will be interred alongside her late husband.

Published 31 Dec, 2025 11:04am

Afghans returning from Iran, Pakistan face different challenges: UN report

UNHCR says Afghans coming from Iran more educated, have better food security than those returning from Pakistan.

Updated 31 Dec, 2025 08:25am

Doctors Without Borders expects to be barred from Gaza after missing Israel’s deadline for relief agencies

MSF says the impact will be devastating if it is barred from operating in Gaza as the humanitarian crisis deepens.

Published 31 Dec, 2025 10:29am

Imran’s sisters, PTI protesters again met with water cannons during sit-in outside Adiala jail

PTI says Aleema arrested, taken to Chakri and then later released; visuals on social media show her raising her fist in the air while being driven away in a police van.

Updated 31 Dec, 2025 07:32am

First winter rain drenches parts of Karachi

Showers reported in almost all parts of the metropolis.

Published 31 Dec, 2025 08:30am

Judicial Commission of Pakistan likely to meet on January 12 to confirm three additional IHC judges

The judges under consideration are Justice Mohammad Azam Khan, Justice Mohammad Asif and Justice Raja Inaam Ameen Minhas.

Published 31 Dec, 2025 07:44am

Govt launches first bond for skill development

The Pakistan Skills Impact Bond has been designed to deliver measurable outcomes such as certification, job placement, and at least six-month retention for every trainee.

Updated 31 Dec, 2025 07:56am

Connection between BRT Orange and Green lines inaugurated in Karachi

Sindh minister Sharjeel Memon says commuters can now travel from Orangi to Numaish in one fare; double-deckers to hit Karachi roads today.

Updated 31 Dec, 2025 08:46am

Giuffre Family Demands Answers Over Heavily Redacted Epstein Documents

Mercosur Leaders Meet in Brazil Ahead of EU Trade Deal Signing

Cambodian Students Struggle to Attend School Amid Ongoing Border Clashes

US, Jordanian Forces Launch Airstrikes on ISIS Targets in Syria

Funeral Held for 5 Palestinians Killed in Israeli Attack on Gaza School Shelter

Elise Stefanik exits politics, drops New York governor bid in surprise move

Taiwan stabbing: President Lai vows full probe after 3 killed in Taipei rampage

MUST READ STORIES

Editorial: India’s anti-Pakistan agenda is not only reason why constructing hydel projects on Chenab is a bad idea

Why Pakistan will continue to remain in a low-growth quagmire until Karachi’s infrastructure is improved

Jaffar Express woes derail best-laid travel plans

Pakistan does not require yet another rhetorical recommitment to democracy — it needs a practical covenant

Pakistan’s first year on the UN Security Council: diplomacy tested in turbulent times

Soaring prices spark Australia gold rush for new generation of fortune hunters

What will 2026 bring for Pakistan’s economy?

Everything that defined 2025 for Team Images

The race to find Formula 1’s first-ever woman champion

Malcolm in the Middle returns for four-episode miniseries 19 years after original series ended

2025 might not have been the year for big-budget drama serials, but smaller story-led dramas thrived

Karachi’s infrastructure is killing us, literally

Dawn News English

Giuffre Family Demands Answers Over Heavily Redacted Epstein Documents

Mercosur Leaders Meet in Brazil Ahead of EU Trade Deal Signing

Cambodian Students Struggle to Attend School Amid Ongoing Border Clashes

US, Jordanian Forces Launch Airstrikes on ISIS Targets in Syria

Funeral Held for 5 Palestinians Killed in Israeli Attack on Gaza School Shelter

Elise Stefanik exits politics, drops New York governor bid in surprise move

Taiwan stabbing: President Lai vows full probe after 3 killed in Taipei rampage

Branded Content

K&N’s SmartCooking Recipes: Shami Kabab Lasagna

A flavour packed casserole combining soft pasta, savoury kababs and bubbling cheese.

K&N’s SmartCooking Recipes: Cheesy Tikka Wontons

A crunchy bite-sized treat packed with rich, cheesy tikka filling.

Karachi winter festivities magnify through the Dolmen Shopping Festival 2025-26

Dolmen Shopping Festival returns with an adventure theme across all Dolmen Mall locations.

Karachi’s infrastructure is killing us, literally

YouTuber Rajab Butt physically assaulted at sessions court in Karachi

Butt's lawyer alleges his client was attacked by "some lawyers"; video shared after the incident shows Butt's shirt torn from places.

Pakistan , Updated 29 Dec, 2025 12:21pm

YouTuber Rajab Butt physically assaulted at sessions court in Karachi

Appeal filed against ex-spymaster Faiz Hameed’s conviction by military court: lawyer

“Yes, we have appealed his sentencing,” Hameed's lawyer, Mian Ali Ashfaq, tells Dawn.

Pakistan , Updated 29 Dec, 2025 02:33pm

Appeal filed against ex-spymaster Faiz Hameed’s conviction by military court: lawyer

Sirajuddin Haqqani thanks JUI-F’s Fazl, other Pakistani ulema for ‘extending goodwill’ towards Afghanistan

“If goodwill, good interaction and positive relations are established between countries, and nations are brought closer to each other, then we welcome it,” he says.

Pakistan , Updated 29 Dec, 2025 07:07am

Sirajuddin Haqqani thanks JUI-F’s Fazl, other Pakistani ulema for ‘extending goodwill’ towards Afghanistan

PTI founder Imran Khan, Bushra Bibi challenge Toshakhana 2 verdict in IHC

Appeals claim that NAB deliberately chose to bifurcate the prosecution, saying the Toshakhana 2 conviction was the fourth prosecution in the Toshakhana case and constitutes double jeopardy.

Pakistan , Updated 29 Dec, 2025 07:00pm

PTI founder Imran Khan, Bushra Bibi challenge Toshakhana 2 verdict in IHC

‘Blatant disregard for international law’: Pakistan, 20 other nations reject Israel’s recognition of Somaliland

Joint statement by 21 countries and OIC also register their "full rejection of any potential link between such measure and any attempts to forcibly expel the Palestinian people out of their land”.

World , Updated 28 Dec, 2025 06:14pm

‘Blatant disregard for international law’: Pakistan, 20 other nations reject Israel’s recognition of Somaliland

Why Pakistan should stay out

Sending troops to an ill-defined ISF unacceptable to one of the parties is high-risk.

Newspaper , Updated 29 Dec, 2025 09:23am

‘Weaponisation of water neither sane nor acceptable,’ Sherry says after India approves hydel project on Chenab

"It will inflame tensions in a bilateral relationship already bristling with hostility and distrust,” she says.

, Updated 29 Dec, 2025 12:04pm

‘Weaponisation of water neither sane nor acceptable,’ Sherry says after India approves hydel project on Chenab

Property disputes

THE intention appears to have been noble enough, but the manner in which the Punjab government set about trying to...

Newspaper , Updated 29 Dec, 2025 11:06am

Muttahida groups in war of words over Dr Imran Farooq’s murder

Mustafa Kamal again blames Altaf Hussain for being involved in the 2010 murder of senior party leader Dr Imran Farooq in London.

Pakistan , Updated 29 Dec, 2025 07:34am

Muttahida groups in war of words over Dr Imran Farooq’s murder

From sick man to regional security provider: Pakistan’s year of geopolitical openings

After years of strategic drift, 2025 has placed Pakistan in a rare sweet spot where its allies and partners see it as a country that offers them things they value and need.

Blogs , Updated 29 Dec, 2025 05:25pm

From sick man to regional security provider: Pakistan’s year of geopolitical openings

The rupee in 2026

Under the current SBP regime, the rupee remains an important optic, but reserves now anchor policy credibility.

Newspaper , Updated 29 Dec, 2025 07:52am

Major martyred, 5 terrorists killed during IBO in KP’s Bajaur: ISPR

"A brave officer who was leading his troops from the front, having fought gallantly, rendered the ultimate sacrifice," said ISPR.

Pakistan , Updated 29 Dec, 2025 09:47pm

Major martyred, 5 terrorists killed during IBO in KP’s Bajaur: ISPR

In letter to Maryam, KP CM expresses ‘deep concern’ over treatment meted out to him in Punjab

Says Punjab government's conduct was marked by “discourtesy and unnecessary hostility”; says their actions were “beneath the status of a provincial government".

Pakistan , Updated 29 Dec, 2025 08:24pm

In letter to Maryam, KP CM expresses ‘deep concern’ over treatment meted out to him in Punjab

Khaleda Zia, Bangladesh’s first female prime minister, dies at 80 after prolonged illness

Khaleda had advanced cirrhosis of the liver, arthritis, diabetes, chest and heart problems; Bangladesh declares three-day state mourning; PM Shehbaz calls her a "committed friend of Pakistan".

World , Updated 30 Dec, 2025 12:00pm

Khaleda Zia, Bangladesh’s first female prime minister, dies at 80 after prolonged illness

Lawyer requests inquiry into IHC judge’s ‘misconduct, abuse of power’ in son’s hit-and-run case

Complaint filed before SJC alleges that IHC judge exerted pressure on victims' heirs using "state machinery", abused office for personal gain.

Pakistan , Updated 29 Dec, 2025 08:30pm

Lawyer requests inquiry into IHC judge’s ‘misconduct, abuse of power’ in son’s hit-and-run case

A lethal year

DATA released by an Islamabad-based think tank confirms that 2025 was a lethal year where terrorism-related...

Newspaper , Updated 30 Dec, 2025 08:55am

Italy offers over 10,000 jobs to Pakistani workers

Pakistani workers to be provided employment in various sectors, including ship breaking, hospitality, healthcare and agriculture.

Newspaper , Published 28 Dec, 2025 05:04am

Italy offers over 10,000 jobs to Pakistani workers

Three projects approved to end water shortage in Rawalpindi

Punjab govt has approved Rs3.1bn to resolve issue by next summer, says Wasa chief.

Newspaper , Updated 28 Dec, 2025 11:11am

Three projects approved to end water shortage in Rawalpindi

WHERE ARE TV DRAMAS HEADING?

Pakistani TV dramas are increasingly making their mark internationally, gathering new audiences in Bangladesh and Arab

Newspaper , Published 28 Dec, 2025 05:06am

More SOEs on the way out?

In FY24, SOEs recorded cumulative revenues of Rs13.5 trillion, doubling from FY21 levels.

Newspaper , Updated 29 Dec, 2025 07:30am

Sarfraz Bugti assumes role as chief of Bugti tribes

The position is the highest rank within the Bugti tribe after Nawab Aali Bugti, who heads all six Bugti clans.

Pakistan , Published 30 Dec, 2025 06:33am

Sarfraz Bugti assumes role as chief of Bugti tribes

Lahore DC gives formal go-ahead for 3-day Basant celebrations

Notification prohibits manufacture, trade, storage or sale of kite flying materials without registrating with DC office.

Pakistan , Updated 29 Dec, 2025 06:04pm

Lahore DC gives formal go-ahead for 3-day Basant celebrations

Peca misuse

PAKISTAN has travelled this road many times before. Laws introduced in the name of order and security are quietly...

Newspaper , Published 29 Dec, 2025 05:57am

Karachi-Dhaka flights likely from January, says Pakistan’s high commissioner

During a meeting with Bangladesh Chief Advisor Professor Muhammad Yunus, both sides discussed ways to expand cooperation in trade, investment, and aviation.

World , Published 29 Dec, 2025 08:17pm

Karachi-Dhaka flights likely from January, says Pakistan’s high commissioner

PM Shehbaz condemns reported targeting of Russian President Putin’s residence, calls it ‘heinous act’

"Such a heinous act constitutes a grave threat to peace, security and stability, particularly at a time when efforts aimed at peace are underway," he says.

World , Updated 30 Dec, 2025 02:01pm

PM Shehbaz condemns reported targeting of Russian President Putin’s residence, calls it ‘heinous act’

OPINION

Misgovernance & low growth

With Karachi’s neglect, Pakistan continues to suffer from a low average growth syndrome.

Mohammad Younus Dagha

Hoping against hope

Tariq Khosa

Scrappy new year?

Mahir Ali

COP30 unpacked

Jamil Ahmad

What will 2026 bring?

Arifa Noor

EDITORIAL

Malicious intent

India is only accelerating ecological collapse, which will not spare it either.

Florida meeting

EXPECTATIONS that peace will prevail in the Middle East in the new year remain slim, especially after US President...

Touring CM

OUR leaders have developed a strange tendency to be everywhere other than where they need to be. The KP chief...

POPULAR OPED WRITERS Over last 24 hours

Maleeha Lodhi

Why Pakistan should stay out

Sending troops to an ill-defined ISF unacceptable to one of the parties is high-risk.

Anis Shivani

The eventless 21st century

As neoliberal capitalism and liberal democracy collapse, there will be openings for humane creators.

Mohammad Ali Babakhel

WPS agenda

UN resolutions link women, peace & security.

Zarrar Khuhro

InsAInity

Victims of such delusions have usually been those suffering from mental illness.

Muhammad Amir Rana

MENA partnerships

Pakistan’s role suits the architects of the new Middle East.

Rafia Zakaria

The mega-shadi

The Pakistani wedding used to be a rich cultural event full of heritage.

BUSINESS

Economy expands 3.71pc in 1QFY26

Govt launches first bond for skill development

SBP buys $9.7bn in 16 months

Lobbying over hybrid vehicles’ classification as EVs sparks row

Afghanistan bears heavier economic cost as Pakistan trade suspension bites harder

Retail payment transactions rise 10pc to 2.8bn

SPORT

Shaheen Shah Afridi to return home after knee injury cuts short BBL stint

Ex-heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua injured in Nigeria highway crash that killed two

Injured Archer included in England T20 World Cup squad but no place for Smith

The race to find Formula 1’s first-ever woman champion

FIFA received 150 million World Cup ticket requests, Infantino says

Ronaldo confident of reaching 1,000 goals, keen to keep playing

WORLD

Bangladesh mourns ex-PM Khaleda Zia with state funeral

Doctors Without Borders expects to be barred from Gaza after missing Israel’s deadline for relief agencies

Beijing vows to ‘counter’ US arms sales to Taipei

NYT says marijuana traces in boat wreckage dispute US ‘narco-terrorist’ claim

Govt offers talks as Iran protests spread to varsities

‘Flawed’ Everest waste management rule scrapped

Malcolm in the Middle returns for four-episode miniseries 19 years after original series ended

Images Staff Published 30 Dec, 2025 04:44pm

2025 might not have been the year for big-budget drama serials, but smaller story-led dramas thrived

Our dramas are reaching growing audiences across Bangladesh, the Arab world, India, Europe and North America.

Sadaf Haider Published 30 Dec, 2025 12:54pm

Beyoncé is now the world’s fifth billionaire musician, Forbes confirms

It should cost a billion to look this good, she sang in ‘Pure/Honey’. Now, it does.

Images Staff Published 30 Dec, 2025 12:38pm

From sick man to regional security provider: Pakistan’s year of geopolitical openings

Uzair M. Younus Updated 29 Dec, 2025 05:25pm

Paradise lost: Kashmir, orientalism, and the politics of belonging

Colonial travelogues and Hindu nationalist narratives have long cast Kashmiri Muslims as perpetual outsiders in their own land.

Maheen Azmat Updated 26 Dec, 2025 12:57pm

Pakistan’s solar shift has a gender problem

Rapid household solarisation across the country is often celebrated as a quiet revolution. But beneath this hopeful imagery lies a harder, less comfortable question: who is this transition really empowering?

Zahra Naeem Published 24 Dec, 2025 11:04am

TECH

BUSINESS & FINANCE