Saudi authorities launch a “Hajj Without Luggage” pilot for 2026, letting pilgrims ship baggage from home to Makkah and Madinah hotels. The plan aims to cut airport congestion and speed arrivals.
Researchers say they successfully developed a chick using an artificial egg system that mimics natural incubation. The advance could aid cloning and de-extinction research, but experts warn revival remains far off.
NATIONALThe Punjab government has imposed Section 144 for 30 days around airports and PAF bases across the province. The order bans pigeon homing, laser lights and throwing meat within a 13km radius due to aviation safety concerns.
NATIONALSecurity forces killed four terrorists, including wanted commander Umar alias Jan Mir alias Tor Saqib, in an intelligence-based operation in North Waziristan’s Spinwam area. The development came days after the military said 22 militants were killed in a separate operation in Shewa.
WorldA press briefing during Narendra Modi’s visit to the Netherlands turned contentious after Dutch journalists questioned an Indian diplomat over concerns about press freedom and minority rights. The exchange followed remarks by Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten on developments in India.
PoliticsPrime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has approved the inclusion of MQM-P leader and Education Minister Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui in the Economic Coordination Committee, the PMO said. The move came a day after an MQM-P delegation presented budget proposals to the premier.
NATIONALA revised Iran peace proposal involving Pakistan has reportedly added strain to talks between Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu as Washington and Tehran continue indirect exchanges. Iran says it is reviewing the US response to its latest proposal.
CITYPeshawar Deputy Commissioner Sanaullah Khan has suspended three Livestock Department officials over shortcomings at the GT Road cattle market. He also ordered a departmental inquiry after inspecting cleanliness, security and water supply arrangements.
NATIONALTwo miners from Shangla district were killed and another injured in separate coal mine accidents at Akhorwal and Chaparmashti. Residents and labour groups have urged authorities to enforce safety measures at mines.
NATIONALAt least 18 terrorists, including a senior commander, were killed in a clash between rival extremist groups in Central Kurram, authorities said. Officials said the cause of the infighting has not yet been confirmed.
BusinessIndustrialists from the merged tribal districts have asked the federal government to cut sales tax from 10 per cent to four per cent and provide income tax relief. They say prolonged border closure and worsening conditions have pushed local industry into crisis.
CITYA Lahore Special Gender Based Violence Court has sentenced Qari Muhammad Anwar to 15 years in prison in a sexual abuse case involving 15 minors. The court also imposed a Rs1 million fine, according to the Human Rights Council of Pakistan.
