HEALTHFederal Health Minister Syed Mustafa Kamal has announced the relaunch of the Sehat Sahulat Programme in 42 hospitals in Islamabad and Rawalpindi. The scheme has been restored for two years, with plans to work toward free OPD services in the third year.
NewsA businessman and his driver were allegedly abducted in Taxila after armed men intercepted their vehicle near Dhok Panoo. Police said a later call from an overseas number demanded Rs30 million for their release.
BusinessThe Punjab government has sought details of vacant, unused and underutilised state-owned properties from 12 institutions. The move is part of efforts to help meet a Rs500 billion revenue target for the next fiscal year.
EducationPunjab's Education Department has begun eliminating vacant grade 1 to 16 posts across the province's school system. In the first phase, 3,352 teaching and non-teaching positions have been abolished.
Arts & CultureResidents, historians and visitors are urging urgent restoration of Jamia Mosque Rajgan in Old Khanpur as the 19th-century structure, adjoining shrine and historic graveyard show signs of serious decay.
SportsThe CDA has decided to involve the PCB in upgrading five cricket grounds in Islamabad for first-class and grade II matches. Officials say the venues will remain under CDA control and stay open to local players outside PCB events.
CITYThe Punjab housing secretary suspended the Lodhran Wasa MD and action was initiated against three officials after two workers died in a sewer line incident. Separate incidents included a forest fire near Jallah Arian and a fatal shooting near Channigoth Bypass.
WorldUNHCR says the number of forcibly displaced people worldwide fell to 117.8 million in 2025, the first decline in a decade. The agency warned, however, that many returns took place under pressure and in unsafe conditions.
NewsThree FIA officials have been booked in Faisalabad over alleged cheating in promotion exams after test footage was reviewed. In a separate incident, a Lahore police ASI died in a motorway crash near Jaranwala and his wife was critically injured.
CITYLawyers in Islamabad have demanded that most future appointments to the Islamabad High Court be made from the federal capital's own bar. They also raised concerns about corruption in the district judiciary and opposed filling IHC vacancies through judge transfers.
LocalMurree’s Patriata Cable Car and Kashmir Point Safari Train have remained closed for three months during the peak summer season. Visitors and local businesses say the prolonged shutdown is hurting tourism in the hill station.
CITYAuthorities in Rawalpindi Division have finalised Muharram security arrangements for 4,376 majalis and 757 processions. Restrictions have also been imposed on 199 speakers, while 312 people were placed on the Fourth Schedule.
