Complaints from maize growers over hybrid seed performance have revived debate on accountability in Pakistan’s agriculture sector. Aamer Hayat Bhandara says farmers bear the costs and risks when inputs fail to match marketed claims.
CITYA temporary waste dumping site set up at Rawalpindi’s Sunday Market has disrupted trading and drawn complaints from nearby residents and businesses. Locals say the foul smell and proximity to homes and commercial buildings have created health and financial concerns.
EntertainmentPublishers are rearranging release schedules to avoid competing with Grand Theft Auto VI, due on November 19 after two delays. Industry analysts expect the Rockstar title to dominate attention well into the new year.
Arts & CultureA Karachi exhibition titled Colours of Sindh has brought together more than 70 artworks celebrating the province’s traditions, heritage and everyday life. Organised by the Sindh Culture and Tourism Department, the show is being held at Sambara Art Gallery.
NATIONALPakistan has proposed a crypto and blockchain zone in Karachi under a wider Saudi-backed waterfront development plan at Karachi Port. The 140-acre project also includes finance, logistics, healthcare, education and commercial infrastructure components.
NATIONALDigital creators and influencers have asked the government not to impose fresh taxes on online earnings in the upcoming budget. They say the sector brings in foreign exchange, creates jobs and should be supported through balanced policy measures.
NATIONALA new request by sugar millers to export surplus stock has revived concerns over domestic prices after last year’s exports were followed by a sharp retail surge. Officials are reviewing the industry’s stock claims before a cabinet decision.
WorldUS-traded semiconductor stocks lost about $1.3 trillion in value on Friday as Broadcom’s weak report deepened a selloff in AI-linked shares. The PHLX chip index posted its worst one-day drop since March 2020.
BusinessHisense has launched operations in Pakistan through a partnership with Airlink Communication Limited. At the Lahore event, SAPM Haroon Akhtar Khan said the move supports local manufacturing, investment and job creation.
HEALTHPunjab has introduced a framework to address a growing backlog of open-heart surgeries at five major cardiology hospitals. Authorities have been directed to prioritise pending cases from 2024 and 2025 on merit and medical urgency.
BusinessThe Grocery Merchants Association has rejected the proposed Rs25,000 annual fixed tax for small traders and warned of nationwide protests. Traders say the levy, along with a one per cent turnover tax, would be unworkable for small grocery businesses.
HEALTHRawalpindi has reported negative poliovirus results in all environmental samples and passed all 12 independent monitoring checks after its latest anti-polio campaign. Health officials also said a suspected CCHF case in Taxila tested negative.
