NATIONALThe National Assembly finance committee said the federal budget for FY2026-27 needs stronger structural reforms to ensure lasting economic stability and growth. The panel reviewed the budget under chairmanship of Syed Naveed Qamar.
NATIONALPrime Minister Shehbaz Sharif spoke by phone with Qatar’s prime minister and foreign minister on Saturday and discussed issues of mutual interest. He thanked Doha for backing Pakistan’s peace efforts and said a peace deal could soon be ready for signing.
NATIONALTalal Chaudhry has called for a transparent inquiry into an alleged phone call linked to the banned JAAC, saying it raises serious concerns. In a separate development, police registered a case against a Mirpur resident over alleged remarks against state institutions.
NATIONALThree cases have been registered in Lahore against PML-N Punjab Assembly member Saqib Chaddhar over alleged cheque dishonour worth Rs270 million linked to a property deal. The FIRs were lodged at Defence-A police station on a complaint by Mah Rukh Arif.
BusinessHyderabad’s industry bodies have welcomed selected tax relief in the federal budget but say key business concerns remain unaddressed. They pointed to energy prices, borrowing costs, infrastructure gaps and the neglect of SMEs as major shortcomings.
CITYKarachi police said they arrested a suspect in Sukhan after raiding a warehouse where hazardous oil was allegedly being made from the fat and bones of dead animals. The site was sealed and the case has been handed to investigators.
CITYA woman was killed and eight others were injured in separate incidents in Rawalpindi and Islamabad on Saturday. Rescue officials said the cases included a road accident on the Islamabad Expressway and a house explosion in Rawalpindi.
SportsGilgit-Baltistan defeated Chitral 6-5 to win the Shandur Polo Festival title for the first time in 15 years. The final drew large crowds as the annual event returned with sport and cultural activities.
SportsScotland opened their World Cup campaign with a 1-0 win over Haiti in Boston, thanks to a first-half goal from John McGinn. The result put Steve Clarke's side top of Group C after Brazil and Morocco drew earlier in the day.
CITYHarbanspura police have arrested two suspected gang members accused of stealing mobile phones from wedding functions and other gatherings in Lahore. Police said the suspects were linked to at least 45 cases.
NATIONALThe Lahore High Court has upheld the death sentence of a man convicted in a Sheikhupura rape and murder case. The court said the prosecution proved the case beyond reasonable doubt.
PoliticsGilgit-Baltistan’s chief election commissioner has rejected rigging allegations in the June 7 polls and said decisions on pending petitions will be announced Monday. The PPP and PML-N, meanwhile, have continued to clash over the results and government formation.
