Pakistan - DAWN.COM

Higher education goes online, schools shut for 2 weeks, 4-day work week announced as ‘austerity measures’

PM Shehbaz announces "austerity measures" as govt prepares to deal with the impact of the Middle East war; 50pc cut in fuel allowance for official vehicles, parliamentarians’ salaries to see a 25pc cut.

Updated 09 Mar, 2026 11:51pm

Islamabad police release Aurat March activists a day after detention; probe demanded into ‘manhandling’ of detainees

“Females were manhandled and beaten up. And when their relatives and friends reached the [police station], they were also locked up," alleges HRCP secretary general.

Published 10 Mar, 2026 12:13am

Pakistan Navy launches Operation Muhafizul Bahr to counter threats to shipping, maritime trade: ISPR

According to ISPR, decision taken to ensure the uninterrupted flow of national energy supplies and the security of sea lines of communication.

Updated 09 Mar, 2026 07:51pm

Branded Content

Fatima Fertilizer launches Sarsabz Tabeer: Seeds of Change campaign on International Women’s Day to celebrate women in agriculture

The campaign recognizes the resilience, strength and unwavering dedication of women working across the agricultural value chain.

Women in Thar: Breaking barriers, transforming lives

Thar Foundation has enabled hundreds of women to step into roles that once seemed unimaginable.

ParkView City homebuyers can now avail UBL Home Financing

The initiative enables aspiring homeowners to purchase property through formal banking channels instead of paying the full amount upfront.

Public, private schools in Sindh to remain closed on March 11 on account of Youm-i-Ali

All educational institutions under the administrative control of the School Education and Literacy Department remain closed.

Updated 09 Mar, 2026 08:48pm

PMD warns winds could carry pollutants from Iran, worsen air quality in western parts of Pakistan

Major airstrikes on Tehran’s fuel depots have plunged it into a toxic gloom and resulted in black, oily rain with dark skies.

Updated 09 Mar, 2026 10:25pm

KP cuts fuel allowance for govt vehicles, Punjab and Balochistan close schools amid global oil crisis

KP decides to introduce "50pc work-from-home policy” for government departments; Punjab govt says educational institutions to be closed from March 10-31.

Updated 09 Mar, 2026 09:19pm

PM to unveil austerity plan today to cope with war fallout

Finance minister warns monthly oil import bill could rise to $600 million; Punjab CM calls for uninterrupted diesel supply for agricultural use.

Updated 09 Mar, 2026 07:48am

Section 144 imposed in Dera Ismail Khan amid security concerns

Citizens have been advised to carry identification documents and comply with instructions issued by security personnel.

Published 09 Mar, 2026 11:13am

Registration of more displaced persons from Tirah begins today

Akkakhel Qaumi Council seeks protection from militant groups assembled in their area.

Updated 09 Mar, 2026 08:34am

Court rejects plea for FIR against driver in DHA over rider’s death

The driver was later released on “personal surety” by the police, with the consent of the deceased’s parents, without being formally charged.

Updated 09 Mar, 2026 09:06am

Brace for impact: The Middle East war has reached Pakistan

Iftar, Sehri timings for Ramazan 19/20

A train journey into the silence of Mohenjo-Daro, where time still breathes

Highlights

Netizens roll their eyes at PM’s Women’s Day message after Aurat March participants arrested in Islamabad

From Mahira Khan to Iqra Aziz, Pakistani celebrities prove they’re girls’ girls this Women’s Day

The Aurat March will be held on May 10 in Karachi

Pakistanis rage over price hikes and govt fuel allowances on X after Rs55 ‘petrol bomb’ hits

You can’t have an authentic Arabic meal without these two dips on your table

Arooj Aftab features alongside Arctic Monkeys, Olivia Rodrigo on album to benefit kids affected by war

This Pakistani says he was ‘enjoying the explosions when made to leave Iran’ and X is both amused and worried

X is worried about PM Shehbaz Sharif spending too much time on his phone

Meet the Parsi cousin of biryani — Niloufer Mavalvala’s Murghi no Palau

Jarri Masood Zaidi appointed CEO of Karachi’s National Academy of Performing Arts

Ramazan dramas are proof Pakistani TV can do joy — so why only one month a year?

Trying three iftar buffets in Islamabad to see what all the fuss is about

Sindh

Public, private schools in Sindh to remain closed on March 11 on account of Youm-i-Ali

All educational institutions under the administrative control of the School Education and Literacy Department remain closed.

Updated 09 Mar, 2026 08:48pm

Women’s Day observed across Sindh with call to end conflicts in Iran, Palestine

Mehnatkash Aurat Rally reaffirms commitment against war hysteria, religious extremism and gender oppression.

Updated 09 Mar, 2026 09:02am

Rs1.47bn flyover in Shah Faisal Colony to be ready in 100 days: mayor

Wahab lays foundation stone of Azeempura flyover, reconstruction of roads.

Published 09 Mar, 2026 07:07am

Punjab

PA speaker dilly-dallies on the question of ‘fake’ encounters by CCD

Reiterates doubts on credibility of HRCP’s damning report; says house must comply with assembly rules; will facilitate debate.

Updated 09 Mar, 2026 09:33am

12 cops suspended for aiding wheat smuggling in Dera Ghazi Khan

Those suspended include sub-inspectors and assistant sub-inspectors, head constables, and constables.

Updated 09 Mar, 2026 09:36am

Private sector eyeing Pakistan Railways freight business after passenger trains

While the passenger services remain the public face of the PR, freight is its true commercial backbone.

Updated 09 Mar, 2026 09:41am

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

KP cuts fuel allowance for govt vehicles, Punjab and Balochistan close schools amid global oil crisis

KP decides to introduce "50pc work-from-home policy” for government departments; Punjab govt says educational institutions to be closed from March 10-31.

Updated 09 Mar, 2026 09:19pm