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Local govt elections in Islamabad likely to be postponed again

The federal cabinet’s approval of fresh amendments to the Local Government Act, 2015 has made it almost impossible to hold the polls next month; the first and only local government elections in the capital were held in 2015–16.

Published 03 Jan, 2026 07:16am

NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s letter to jailed student leader in India riles BJP

Party warns NYC mayor against "interfering" in New Delhi’s internal affairs; stays silent on US lawmakers’ letter pushing for bail, fair trial for incarcerated activist.

Published 03 Jan, 2026 07:47am

UK honours Pakistan-born surgeon with OBE

Dr Syed Saeed Ashraf regularly uses his annual leave to perform voluntary, complex heart operations at the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases in Karachi.

Published 03 Jan, 2026 05:50am

Cervical cancer vaccine now part of Sindh’s programme

Becomes available free of charge for nine-year-old girls at EPI centres; other provinces expected to follow suit.

Updated 03 Jan, 2026 07:22am

PM Shehbaz has not set a ‘minus Imran’ condition, says Rana Sanaullah, referring to negotiations

PM's adviser says nothing will materialise unless Imran policy shifts in favour of dialogue.

Updated 03 Jan, 2026 07:16am

Nur Khan’s daughter dies in US road accident

Dr Qureshi died at the scene when her car reportedly collided with an obstruction and caught fire, says officials.

Updated 03 Jan, 2026 09:12am

Grok AI being used to ‘digitally remove women’s clothing’

The proliferation of AI image-generating platforms since the launch of ChatGPT in 2022 has raised concerns over content manipulation and online safety across the board.

Updated 03 Jan, 2026 08:01am

Mirwaiz Farooq says conflict in India-held Kashmir remains unresolved and volatile

Says "enforced silence" hides widening trust deficit; urges renewed dialogue.

Published 03 Jan, 2026 08:06am

Exports plunge over 20pc in December

Trade gap widens 35pc in first half, driven by fifth straight monthly contraction.

Updated 03 Jan, 2026 07:30am

Gunmen attack brother of PTI’s Sheikh Waqas Akram in Jhang; guard killed, 3 others injured

Deceased and injured were Sheikh Jawad Akram's guards; Fawad says he wasn't permitted to carry weapons.

Published 03 Jan, 2026 12:00am

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

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The year the judiciary lost everything

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Afghanistan bears heavier economic cost as Pakistan trade suspension bites harder

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

Dun & Bradstreet Pakistan and Gallup Pakistan issue the 19th edition of Pakistan Consumer Confidence Index (CCI)

Consumer confidence declined in the first quarter of FY2025–26 but remained significantly higher than a year earlier, reflecting cautious optimism amid economic pressures.

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.

Afghanistan bears heavier economic cost as Pakistan trade suspension bites harder

Punjab bar suspends licence of lawyer representing TikToker Rajab Butt

The committee referred the matter to the disciplinary committee of the council for further proceedings regarding the permanent cancellation of the licence.

Pakistan , Published 01 Jan, 2026 09:02pm

Punjab bar suspends licence of lawyer representing TikToker Rajab Butt

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.

Pakistan , 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.

Newspaper , Updated 31 Dec, 2025 07:32am

Pakistan to enter 2026 as fifth-most populous country

Petrol price slashed by Rs10.28, diesel by Rs8.57 for next fortnight

New ex-depot prices of petrol and diesel at Rs253.17 per litre and Rs257.08 per litre, respectively.

Pakistan , Updated 01 Jan, 2026 07:49am

Petrol price slashed by Rs10.28, diesel by Rs8.57 for next fortnight

The year ahead

Three alarm bells in particular are sounding off: resurgent terrorism, economic fragility, and a steady squeeze on fundamental rights.

Newspaper , Updated 01 Jan, 2026 09:41am

NA Speaker Sadiq, Indian FM Jaishankar shake hands in Dhaka in first high-level contact since May conflict

Statement says Jaishankar approached Sadiq personally for a handshake; both officials were attending former Bangladeshi prime minister Khaleda Zia’s funeral.

World , Updated 31 Dec, 2025 06:36pm

NA Speaker Sadiq, Indian FM Jaishankar shake hands in Dhaka in first high-level contact since May conflict

Zohran Mamdani sworn in as New York’s first Muslim mayor

“This is truly the honour and the privilege of a lifetime,” he says; takes oath with his hand on the Holy Quran.

World , Updated 01 Jan, 2026 12:51pm

Zohran Mamdani sworn in as New York’s first Muslim mayor

Dozens killed, 100 injured in fire at Swiss ski resort bar, police say

Local prosecutor Beatrice Pilloud said a full investigation had been opened into the incident at the bar, says not considering the possibility of an attack.

World , Updated 01 Jan, 2026 09:52pm

Dozens killed, 100 injured in fire at Swiss ski resort bar, police say

Pakistan, India exchange lists of nuclear installations in continuation of annual practice: FO

FO also says that under the Indus Waters Treaty, India cannot not misuse its restricted allowance for unilaterally building any hydroelectric projects on the western rivers.

, Updated 01 Jan, 2026 05:26pm

Pakistan, India exchange lists of nuclear installations in continuation of annual practice: FO

Modi asked to explain China’s claim on mediating Pak-India truce

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has said that the conflict between India and Pakistan in May was among the contentious matters mediated by Beijing in 2025.

Newspaper , Updated 01 Jan, 2026 09:34am

Modi asked to explain China’s claim on mediating Pak-India truce

Double-decker buses introduced in Karachi, to be available to the public from tomorrow

"They will be available to the public from tomorrow, and today, they will be tested [on the city's roads],” Sindh minister says; buses to run between Zainab Market and Model Colony; one-way ticket to cost Rs80-120.

Pakistan , Updated 31 Dec, 2025 05:20pm

Double-decker buses introduced in Karachi, to be available to the public from tomorrow

Islamabad ATC hands double life sentences to YouTuber Adil Raja, 6 others for ‘waging war against Pakistan’

Journalists Wajahat Saeed Khan, Sabir Shakir and Shaheen Sehbai, anchorperson Haider Raza Mehdi and analyst Moeed Pirzada among those sentenced in May 9-related cases.

Pakistan , Updated 02 Jan, 2026 08:07pm

Islamabad ATC hands double life sentences to YouTuber Adil Raja, 6 others for ‘waging war against Pakistan’

Afghan border closure brings down terrorist violence in Pakistan

CRSS report says terrorist attacks went down by almost 17pc in December, preceded by 9pc decline in November.

Newspaper , Updated 01 Jan, 2026 08:14am

Afghan border closure brings down terrorist violence in Pakistan

Correcting our consumption

Sweet milky tea, sugary sweets and ghee-drenched parathas are everyday comforts that cost us over $4 billion for edible oils, $600 million for tea, and significant subsidies and spikes for sugar.

Newspaper , Updated 01 Jan, 2026 09:29am

Climate resilience

THE Asian Development Bank’s latest climate resilience financing for Pakistan should reinforce the country’s...

Newspaper , Published 01 Jan, 2026 05:07am

Endless winters

Viewers are still trying to make sense of the PIA transaction.

Newspaper , Published 01 Jan, 2026 05:07am

Confidence-building measures between ‘five’ big players can improve political situation, says Sanaullah

PM's adviser links the success of measures to shutting down social media accounts propagating a hate campaign against the institutions.

Pakistan , Updated 02 Jan, 2026 07:35am

Confidence-building measures between ‘five’ big players can improve political situation, says Sanaullah

Just a handshake

It was, doubtless, a significant moment which invited attention across three countries.

Newspaper , Updated 02 Jan, 2026 09:01am

PTCL to participate in 5G spectrum auction

PTCL president hopes telecom industry's concerns will be addressed and spectrum will be offered on favourable terms.

Newspaper , Updated 01 Jan, 2026 08:21am

PTCL to participate in 5G spectrum auction

A deadly threat

Only a collaborative effort can control rabies.

Newspaper , Published 01 Jan, 2026 05:07am

Karachi Metropolitan Corporation declares sealing of cotton exchange building by ETPB, FIA ‘unlawful’

Karachi mayor writes to FIA, saying record shows the property is "municipal land" transferred to KCA in 1936, lease renewed by KMC in 1982.

Pakistan , Updated 31 Dec, 2025 08:41am

Karachi Metropolitan Corporation declares sealing of cotton exchange building by ETPB, FIA ‘unlawful’

Punjab to run e-buses from Gujar Khan to T-Chowk

Buses start from Gujar Khan Adda, reach T-Chowk in Rawalpindi and Islamabad via Mandra stop, and return to Gujar Khan.

Newspaper , Updated 31 Dec, 2025 08:59am

Punjab to run e-buses from Gujar Khan to T-Chowk

Malicious intent

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

Newspaper , Updated 31 Dec, 2025 09:16am

Economy In Focus: The Limits Of Stability

2025 was the year when a new opportunity for a geopolitical rent dawned on the country and a path out of a crippling stabilisation programme began to open up.

Sp Supplements , Updated 01 Jan, 2026 10:00am

Economy In Focus: The Limits Of Stability

We envision a promising future for Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, says PM Shehbaz after phone call with MBS

Calls phone call with Saudi crown prince "warm and most cordial".

Pakistan , Updated 01 Jan, 2026 11:21am

We envision a promising future for Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, says PM Shehbaz after phone call with MBS

OPINION

Trapped in sham austerity

Pakistanis have been crushed by fiscal austerity while the ruling elite has never had it better.

Sakib Sherani

Lessons from PIA’s privatisation

Nadeem-ul-Haque | Shahid Kardar

Climate reckoning

Aisha Khan

A Muslim mayor

Rafia Zakaria

Words without actions

Faisal Bari

EDITORIAL

Helpful suggestions

Both sides should see what the other is willing to concede in its requirements for dialogue.

OICCI proposals

THE proposals of the Overseas Investors Chamber of Commerce & Industry, relating to Pakistan’s march towards a...

Dangerous celebrations

EACH New Year’s Eve, as fireworks light the sky in much of the world, Pakistan witnesses a darker ritual. Bullets...

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Sweet milky tea, sugary sweets and ghee-drenched parathas are everyday comforts that cost us over $4 billion for edible oils, $600 million for tea, and significant subsidies and spikes for sugar.

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BUSINESS

Short-term inflation rises 2.41pc on costly flour, rice

VEON to invest $20m in Mobilink Bank

Urea sales hit all-time high; cement, oil surge

Aurangzeb lauds FBR for record tax collection

Exports plunge over 20pc in December

Attock Refinery Ltd’s crude unit goes for temporary shutdown

SPORT

Australia’s Usman Khawaja to retire after Ashes finale, slams ‘racial stereotyping’

India to tour Bangladesh for white-ball matches in September

South Africa go pace heavy for T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka

Venus Williams, 45, receives wildcard entry for Australian Open

‘Positive signs’ on hospitalised Australian cricket great Damien Martyn

Russians won’t represent their country at Winter Olympics even if Ukraine war ends, IOC chief says

WORLD

China’s BYD overtakes Tesla as world’s top EV seller

Maduro says Venezuela is ready for talks with US

Israeli army fires shots near UN troops in Lebanon

Tech campaigner decries US ‘punishment’ after visa sanctions

Nur Khan’s daughter dies in US road accident

UK honours Pakistan-born surgeon with OBE

Unfolding Identities brings together artists with different perspectives at Karachi’s ArtCiti Gallery

Ayesha Majeed Published 02 Jan, 2026 06:02pm

Makers of Indian film Dhurandhar mute word ‘Baloch’ after backlash from Baloch community

An updated version of the film is being shown in Indian theatres with two muted words and some changed dialogue.

Images Staff Published 02 Jan, 2026 02:59pm

‘People have started laughing at vulgarity’ — Bushra Ansari laments downfall of comedy in Pakistan

The artist spoke to a crowd of students and faculty members at Karachi's Sindh Madressatul Islam University.

Shazia Hasan Published 02 Jan, 2026 02:15pm

The year the judiciary lost everything

Asad Rahim Khan | Hassan Abdullah Niazi Updated 02 Jan, 2026 11:58am

The year of Gen Z

While history has often only recognised generations after they have altered the course of things, 2025 hints at a time when recognition and impact arrived simultaneously.

Aniqa Atiq Khan Updated 02 Jan, 2026 02:57pm

2025 — Pakistan’s year of water wars

Pakistan has now witnessed the consequences of weakened water diplomacy, internal mistrust, infrastructure neglect, and climate volatility converging at once.

Ehsan Leghari Published 31 Dec, 2025 12:00pm

TECH

BUSINESS & FINANCE