NATIONALBilawal Bhutto Zardari has urged protesters in Azad Jammu and Kashmir to end demonstrations peacefully, saying continued unrest is harming Pakistan’s image and the Kashmiri cause. His appeal came amid conflicting accounts over deadly clashes involving police and the JAAC.
EducationThe Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Directorate of Higher Education has approved a BS Zoology programme at Government Girls Degree College Bara. The programme will initially offer 40 seats and is being seen as a step toward improving women’s access to higher education in Khyber district.
EducationPunjab has backed a university framework aimed at tackling student substance abuse and mental health challenges. The HEC is also moving to review the model for possible adoption across Pakistan.
CITYThe Sindh government has opened the Azeempura Flyover in Karachi, with Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah saying the Rs1.56 billion project was completed in 90 days. The scheme is aimed at easing congestion and improving links to key city corridors and the airport.
Construction work at the Sindh Assembly has obscured the building’s original foundation stone, prompting concern over changes to a protected heritage site. Officials and heritage experts say such alterations require prior approval under the law.
PoliticsA sharp exchange broke out in the National Assembly as ministers defended the federal budget as a recovery plan and PTI lawmakers called it IMF-driven. The debate centred on tax relief claims, economic indicators, farmers’ losses and the FBR revenue target.
Women and girls in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, particularly in the merged districts, continue to face severe barriers to technical and vocational education. Officials, advocates and development workers cite limited centres, high costs and distance as key obstacles.
NATIONALRetailers in Karachi continued selling food items above officially notified rates despite fresh price revisions. Chicken, potatoes, tomatoes and onions were all reported to be costlier in local markets.
NATIONALThe federal government has accepted two demands of the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa government, enabling the Peshawar Bus Terminal to move towards operations and resolving a wheat supply issue. The NHA has issued the required approval for a road link to GT Road.
WorldThe first aircraft dismantling project in the Hainan Free Trade Port has been launched in Haikou. The project is expected to support recycling, re-manufacturing and the broader aviation maintenance industry in Hainan.
CITYLPG prices in Peshawar have surged to Rs550 per kilogram as households switch from unreliable piped gas to cylinders. The district administration has arrested 67 dealers and sealed 53 shops over overcharging and other violations.
WorldSwiss voters have rejected a far-right proposal to cap the population at 10 million by 2050. Initial projections showed nearly 55 percent voted against the measure.
