NATIONALThe Punjab Assembly voiced concern over low salaries in the Zakat and Ushr Department and severe overcrowding in provincial prisons. Members also raised questions about inmate healthcare and sought a report on employees’ legal status.
NATIONALThe Sindh government has suspended three police officers after an inquiry into the alleged use of force and unlawful detention of Aurat March organisers and activists outside the Karachi Press Club. Home Minister Ziaul Hasan Lanjar also ordered a further probe.
CITYLahore authorities have launched stricter anti-smog measures, including checks on uncovered cargo vehicles and smoke-emitting transport. The move comes as the city’s AQI stays above 190 and weather conditions continue to trap pollutants.
CITYA 38-year-old labourer, Muhammad Rasool, was found murdered on a rooftop in Lahore’s Hanjarwal area. Police said his throat had been slit and investigators were examining multiple angles, including personal enmity.
BusinessFinance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb launched the Capital Market Development Fund and called for reforms to strengthen Pakistan’s capital markets. He also said the country is pursuing green bonds and other funding avenues to support climate resilience and energy transition goals.
CITYActor and host Yasir Hussain has launched a relief effort in Karachi to distribute cold drinks to labourers working outdoors during the ongoing heatwave. The move comes as the Met Office warns that extreme temperatures are likely to persist into next week.
WorldParis is hosting the 13th edition of NollywoodWeek, a five-day festival showcasing films from Nigeria, other African countries and the diaspora. Organisers say the event aims to broaden European audiences’ understanding of African cinema.
EntertainmentChristopher Nolan’s first extended trailer for The Odyssey has split viewers, with praise for its scale and criticism over modern-sounding dialogue. The film, starring Matt Damon as Odysseus, is due for global release on July 17.
WorldOil prices rose on Thursday after sharp losses a day earlier as investors weighed the chances of a Middle East peace deal. Markets remained focused on diplomacy, supply risks and falling US crude inventories.
WorldA US hotel industry survey says World Cup-related bookings in host cities are falling short of expectations. Operators cited visa barriers, geopolitical concerns and high travel costs among factors affecting demand.
EntertainmentThe season two finale of Daredevil: Born Again brings Luke Cage back into the Marvel fold and raises the prospect of a wider Defenders reunion. The episode also points to shifting power in New York and new threats ahead.
Pakistan’s telecom operators are preparing to launch 5G services by mid-August after the March spectrum auction, but limited handset availability remains a major hurdle. Officials say iPhone users may have to wait until 2027 for 5G access in Pakistan.
