NATIONALFederal Minister Abdul Aleem Khan said delays by the Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa governments were holding up key highway projects. He directed the NHA to accelerate work and ordered federal intervention where provincial funding had not materialised.
SportsPakistan have begun an extended training programme focused on fitness and technique ahead of the Australia white-ball series. A seven-day camp in Lahore starts Friday, with a longer conditioning plan set to continue until September.
SportsPakistan head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed has confirmed that Babar Azam is available for the second Test against Bangladesh in Sylhet after missing the opener with a knee injury. Bangladesh are also dealing with injury concerns in their top order ahead of the match.
KARACHIKarachi police say they have found foreign links in the drug network allegedly run by Anmol alias Pinky. AIG Azad Khan said the ring included six African nationals and Lahore-based women, while investigators also traced major financial transactions.
BusinessGold prices fell sharply on Friday in Pakistan and international markets, with the local per tola rate dropping Rs15,500 to Rs476,862. Silver and other precious metals also posted losses.
WorldIndia and the UAE agreed on a framework for a strategic defence partnership during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Abu Dhabi. The two sides also signed agreements on strategic petroleum reserves, LPG supply and highlighted $5 billion in UAE investments.
WorldUS authorities are reportedly moving toward resolving fraud charges against Gautam Adani after he hired a legal team led by Donald Trump’s personal lawyer. Reports said settlement talks are also under way in related US cases.
PoliticsBilawal Bhutto-Zardari says the government has not contacted the PPP over any constitutional amendment, including a possible 28th amendment. He also announced a four-member committee for budget talks and warned the upcoming budget could be difficult for the public.
NATIONALThe government has told a Senate committee that civil servants’ asset declarations will be made public in redacted form under revised rules and a digitised system. The panel also ordered investigations into missing silver and skimmed milk cases linked to Pakistan Customs.
WorldOpenAI has backed a proposal for a US-led global AI governance body that would also include China. The idea is aimed at improving coordination on AI safety, standards and oversight as competition over the technology intensifies.
SportsCanada is preparing for a defining moment as it gets ready to play its first men’s World Cup match on home soil in 2026. Coach Jesse Marsch and football officials say the tournament could accelerate the sport’s growth across the country.
SportsInter Milan beat Lazio 2-0 in Rome to win the Italian Cup and complete a domestic double with their Serie A title. An Adam Marusic own goal and a Lautaro Martinez strike sealed Inter's 10th cup triumph.
