BusinessGold prices in Pakistan surged on Monday, with the per-tola rate rising Rs10,800 to Rs455,136 in step with a strong international bullion rally. Global gold climbed to a one-week high as investors reassessed interest rate expectations.
BusinessHaroon Akhtar Khan met an Alibaba.com delegation in Islamabad to discuss support for Pakistan’s digital economy and SME exports. The talks covered DigiSME Pakistan, AI-based tools and greater use of e-commerce platforms.
EntertainmentA third Princess Diaries film appears to be moving closer, with producer Debra Martin Chase saying substantial groundwork has been completed. Disney has also attached Adele Lim to direct, although final approval and plot details remain pending.
WorldAmerican singer Oliver Tree and Argentine YouTuber Gaspi were among six people killed when two helicopters collided over Rio de Janeiro. Brazilian authorities have opened an investigation into the crash.
NATIONALGilgit-Baltistan's local government elections have been deferred from August 2 to September 27 due to Muharram and Chehlum. The chief election commissioner also announced changes to the nomination scrutiny schedule and updates on election petitions.
NATIONALAn anti-terrorism court in Islamabad has upheld Sohail Afridi’s arrest warrants in a case tied to the killing of a police officer during PTI’s October 4, 2024 protest. The court also declared Omar Ayub, Amir Mughal and Hafeezur Rehman proclaimed offenders.
GOVERNANCEPakistan has launched its first State of Freedom Report 2026, an assessment covering political, civil, economic, digital, legal and social freedoms. The report was unveiled in Islamabad by Mishal Pakistan.
WorldFighting in southern Lebanon subsided after the announcement of a US-Iran deal, but an Israeli drone strike later killed one person in Kfar Tebnit. Hezbollah said it had halted operations after the agreement and linked its stance to Israel observing the ceasefire.
NATIONALPrime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed authorities to accelerate a 100MW solar power project in Gilgit-Baltistan. The PMO said the federal government will bear the project’s cost.
NATIONALJustice Malik Shahzad Ahmad Khan, in a dissenting opinion, said false narcotics recoveries are common and urged strict interpretation of drug laws. He argued full testing protocols in analyst reports are essential for fair trial safeguards.
CITYElectric bikes are becoming more common in Lahore as fuel costs rise, but high upfront prices, expensive batteries and limited charging facilities are slowing wider adoption. Experts say infrastructure and local manufacturing will be key.
CITYFour men travelling to a court hearing were shot dead near Khanewal Toll Plaza on Monday. Police said the attack appeared to be linked to an old enmity, and an FIR has been registered naming one suspect.
