BusinessPrime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed commercial banks to improve access to easy loans for women entrepreneurs and SMEs and help them export their products. The instruction came during a review meeting where the SBP governor reported a 28pc rise in SME loans.
NATIONALEnergy Minister Awais Leghari told the National Assembly that net metering applications are continuing at the same pace despite policy changes. He said existing consumers would remain unaffected, while new prosumers would receive Rs9.80 per unit.
NATIONALThe Supreme Court registrar’s office has returned the Lahore Bar Association’s petition against the 27th Amendment and transfer of three IHC judges without a written order. The LBA is expected to challenge the move through an appeal.
HEALTHPakistan has launched a Rs67 billion hepatitis C elimination programme, with free screening and treatment promised under the initiative. Health Minister Syed Mustafa Kamal said the campaign aims to tackle one of the country’s most serious public health threats.
NATIONALHeavy rain-triggered landslides blocked multiple sections of the Karakoram Highway in Lower Kohistan, stranding thousands of passengers and vehicles. Authorities and FWO teams continued clearance work on Wednesday, while local residents provided shelter and food to travellers.
ForeignThe Foreign Office will hold a regional envoys’ conference in Islamabad from May 14 to 18 to review the Iran-US conflict and broader regional developments. Ishaq Dar said the meeting will also examine Pakistan’s bilateral ties with brotherly countries.
BusinessCooking oil and ghee prices in the open market have risen by Rs50 per kilogram during the current week, according to market figures. The Rawalpindi Grocers and Merchants Association has also warned of further increases before and after the June budget.
WorldANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula backed President Cyril Ramaphosa as the ruling party met to consider a court ruling reviving impeachment proceedings over the Farmgate scandal. He said the judgment did not require Ramaphosa to resign.
The PMD has forecast above-normal rainfall in northern Pakistan and below-normal rainfall in southern areas over the next three months. It warned that higher temperatures could increase the risks of heatwaves, flooding, landslides and crop losses.
CITYIslamabad police said a suspected member of a dacoit gang was injured by gunfire allegedly fired by his own accomplices during an attack on a police team in Humak. The suspect, Liaqat Zahoor, was being taken for recovery of stolen valuables when the firing took place.
PoliticsOpposition leaders have called for a fresh political consensus to protect the Constitution and restore parliamentary democracy. Speaking in Islamabad, they also voiced concern over inflation, unemployment and institutional challenges.
WorldIsraeli airstrikes on vehicles in Lebanon killed 12 people, including two children, the health ministry said. The attacks came a day before Lebanese and Israeli officials were due to meet in Washington.
