BusinessPakistan’s exports to the Middle East fell 8pc year-on-year in April to $230.079 million, according to State Bank of Pakistan data. Imports from the region, however, rose 5pc during the month, led by the UAE, Kuwait and Jordan.
NATIONALMetro Bus Service workers protested in Islamabad on Monday over dismissals, unpaid salaries and alleged deductions, disrupting operations for several hours. The protesters also demanded reinstatement of terminated employees and timely payment of wages.
NATIONALPrime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reviewed the current development budget and next year’s PSDP proposals, directing that public funds go to projects with measurable results. He also held a separate meeting with Pakistan’s envoys to Iran and GCC countries on bilateral ties and economic diplomacy.
CITYTwo passengers were taken into custody at New Islamabad International Airport after being offloaded during immigration clearance, police said. The men were allegedly involved in harassing staff and disrupting official and security operations.
NATIONALThe National Assembly was told that more than 164,000 Pakistanis were deported from Gulf countries over the past five years, with Saudi Arabia topping the list. The figures were presented during a stormy sitting marked by opposition protests and a walkout.
NATIONALImran Khan has moved the Supreme Court seeking transfer to Shifa International Hospital, access to personal doctors, family and counsel, and release of his medical records. Separately, he and Bushra Bibi have challenged a deadline set for arguments in their £190 million case appeals.
PoliticsPTI senators told the Senate that the treatment of political detainees reflected the state’s moral and constitutional character. Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar defended the government and urged cooperation on prison reforms.
NATIONALThe Sindh Assembly has passed the Domestic Workers Welfare Bill 2025, setting out legal protections, working hour limits and leave entitlements for household workers. The house also discussed Karachi EV buses, gutka and mawa sales, hospital care and traffic policing.
CITYThe Public Accounts Committee has ordered a special three-year audit of all 246 union committees in Karachi after a request by Mayor Murtaza Wahab. The review will examine OZT funds, expenditures, employee records, pensions and road cutting charges.
HEALTHSindh has launched a sub-national anti-polio campaign across 20 districts targeting more than 5.8 million children under five. In Karachi, the booster dose drive has resumed, with over 1.1 million children vaccinated so far.
PoliticsPPP leader Sassui Palijo has warned that Sindh will resist any proposed 28th Constitutional Amendment that reduces provincial autonomy or alters provincial boundaries. She also voiced concern over possible changes to the NFC Award and the rollback of the 18th Amendment.
NATIONALA Senate committee has expressed concern over poor maintenance, garbage and security issues at Quaid-i-Azam’s mausoleum in Karachi. The panel recommended police involvement, provincial funding and closer oversight of the site’s affairs.
