NATIONALPresident Asif Ali Zardari asked the government to provide maximum relief to the public amid the Middle East crisis and rising inflationary pressure. He made the remarks during a meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif at Aiwan-e-Sadr.
PoliticsThe Senate saw strong criticism of the latest petroleum price increase, with opposition lawmakers calling it an added burden on the public and linking it to inflation and debt. The house also debated a bill seeking blue passports for senators’ children.
PoliticsA Fafen report says 128 petitions challenging the February 2024 general election results remain undecided more than two years later. It says disposal rates vary sharply by province, with none of Islamabad’s petitions decided so far.
NATIONALPakistan has extended its austerity and fuel conservation measures until June 13 as the US-Iran deadlock continues. The restrictions include fuel cuts for official vehicles, reduced office operations and limits on official spending.
NATIONALImaan Mazari and Hadi Chattha have submitted additional documents in the Supreme Court before a May 12 hearing on their plea against the IHC’s denial of interim relief in the social media posts case. The documents include charge sheets, statements and trial court orders.
NATIONALBalochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti said intelligence agencies foiled a planned suicide attack in Islamabad by arresting a female suspect in Balochistan. He said the woman had been threatened and would be handed over to her father respectfully.
SportsAustralia have picked Oliver Peake, Liam Scott and Joel Davies in squads for white-ball tours of Pakistan and Bangladesh. Mitchell Marsh will captain the sides, while Glenn Maxwell and Marcus Stoinis have been left out.
NATIONALThe National Assembly unanimously passed a resolution praising Pakistan’s armed forces for their response to India during last year’s May conflict. The House also warned that any future misadventure against Pakistan would draw a forceful response.
WorldEU foreign ministers have agreed on sanctions against violent Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank and leading Hamas figures. The package had been blocked for months by Hungary’s previous government, according to Kaja Kallas.
SportsKristoffer Reitan won the Truist Championship in Charlotte for his first US PGA Tour title, finishing at 15-under 269. The Norwegian rookie held off a crowded field with a strong back-nine finish.
SportsAC Milan’s hopes of returning to the Champions League were dented by a 3-2 home defeat to Atalanta, while Como secured European qualification for the first time. Roma also stayed in the hunt with a dramatic late win at Parma.
SportsNew York routed Philadelphia 144-114 to complete a 4-0 series sweep and reach the Eastern Conference finals. Minnesota beat San Antonio 114-109 to level their Western Conference semi-final at 2-2 after Victor Wembanyama was ejected.
