HEALTHSeveral lawmakers have endorsed PANAH’s call for higher taxes on unhealthy ultra-processed food and beverages after a post-budget consultation on non-communicable diseases. Participants were told obesity and diabetes rates in Pakistan are rising sharply.
NATIONALPunjab has ended fuel conservation and other austerity measures for officials and government offices, following a federal notification. However, business closing-hour restrictions imposed on the public will remain in effect.
CITYThe Crime Control Department says serious crime fell by 58pc in Lahore and 55pc in Multan over the past year. Its regional reports link the decline to operations against organised and heinous crime across Punjab.
NATIONALPakistan Rangers said they arrested a suspected TTP member in a raid in Karachi's Shah Latif Town. Officials linked him to a June 7 rocket attack in Swat and said he was wanted by KP police.
TechnologyThe NCCIA and UMT have signed an MoU in Lahore to promote collaboration in cyber security education and research. The partnership includes joint R&D, workshops, student mentoring and curriculum support.
WorldA report in the Observer said British Prime Minister Keir Starmer may resign on Monday and set out an exit timetable. A government source denied any shift, saying Starmer remains focused on governing.
WorldIsraeli strikes in Lebanon killed at least 20 people a day after a ceasefire with Hezbollah took effect, according to Lebanon’s state news agency. Hezbollah and Israel accused each other of violating the truce as tensions persisted in southern Lebanon.
WorldA powerful heatwave has swept across much of Europe, bringing public warnings, event restrictions and disruptions in several countries. France, Germany, Italy and Spain were among those affected as temperatures climbed sharply.
WorldItalian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and US President Donald Trump exchanged new public criticism on Saturday as their dispute deepened after the G7 summit in France. The row also expanded to include claims about popularity ratings and Italy’s stance on US military bases.
NATIONALAt least seven people were killed and three injured in two consecutive IED blasts in Bannu’s Marka Bera area. Police said the attacks targeted vehicles carrying local tribesmen, and a search operation has been launched.
PoliticsPTI lawmakers accused the government of pursuing anti-farmer and anti-poor policies, alleging misreporting of economic indicators and neglect of agriculture. The party also denounced the 10-year sentences awarded to senior leaders in the Mughalpura May 9 case.
WorldIsraeli attacks in Gaza killed at least 11 people on Saturday, including a journalist and four members of one family, according to Gaza officials. The deaths were reported despite a ceasefire that remains under severe strain.
