HEALTHNai Zindagi has questioned the reliability of HIV projections used in Pakistan, saying methodological flaws in IBBS surveys may be inflating estimates. The NGO has called for independent validation and a review of the methodology guiding policy and funding decisions.
CITYSindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah reviewed more than Rs10 billion worth of Karachi infrastructure schemes and directed officials to ensure timely completion. He said future-oriented planning was needed to ease traffic congestion and improve urban connectivity.
CITYThe Sindh High Court has upheld the life sentence of a man convicted in a Karachi hashish trafficking case, while acquitting his wife. The court said there was no evidence showing she knew about or controlled the narcotics found in the rickshaw.
NATIONALPunjab has decided to include Marka-i-Haq in the academic curriculum and produce films on the conflict and national unity. A special social media monitoring cell will also be set up ahead of Muharram, according to Information Minister Azma Bokhari.
NATIONALThe Lahore High Court has upheld a PPRA appellate committee ruling against Fesco in a procurement dispute. The court said bids must be evaluated strictly on the basis of criteria disclosed in the bidding documents.
NewsThe NCCIA has arrested two suspects in Dera Ghazi Khan over an alleged fake prize call scam. Officials said the men used multiple SIM cards, posed as representatives of government schemes and asked victims to transfer money.
PoliticsFormer Punjab health minister Dr Yasmin Rashid has welcomed a Peshawar court ruling in the May 9 cases, calling it a positive sign for judicial independence. Speaking through her lawyer from Kot Lakhpat Jail, she also sought a judicial commission on post-May 9 arrests and prosecutions.
NATIONALPresident Asif Ali Zardari has conferred the Tamgha-i-Imtiaz on PACCC President Naveed Anwar Chaudhry for services related to export promotion, Pakistan-US business ties and community work. The award was presented at a ceremony held at the Presidency in Islamabad.
PoliticsPTI has defended MNA Iqbal Afridi’s son after reports that he sought asylum in Italy, saying he left Pakistan due to fear of detention and harassment. The party disputed a government claim that he was travelling on a diplomatic passport.
NATIONALThe Islamabad High Court has set aside the supersession and deferment of senior officers in promotion cases and ruled that such disputes can be reviewed by high courts. The court directed fresh consideration of the affected officers’ cases.
LAHOREHeavy rain and hail lashed Lahore on Wednesday, lowering temperatures and providing brief relief from the heatwave. The Met Office said hot weather was likely to persist after the current system weakens.
NATIONALPrime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed Climate Change Minister Dr Musadik Malik to strengthen preparations for the upcoming monsoon season. He also ordered improvements in early warning systems for disaster-prone areas, including vulnerable regions in Gilgit-Baltistan.
