NATIONALThe Lahore High Court has ruled that special courts for overseas Pakistanis can hear a full range of immovable property disputes, including inheritance, partition and contract matters. The court also ordered pending relevant cases to be transferred to these courts.
CLIMATE CHANGEThe second day of the Breathe Pakistan International Climate Change Conference began in Islamabad on Wednesday. An IFAD official said Pakistan is on the frontline of climate change and noted that only 0.8pc of global climate financing reaches farmers.
NewsResidents of Sonoghur and Parwak in Upper Chitral say they are still forced to use a dangerous suspension bridge damaged in the 2007 flash floods. The deputy commissioner says efforts are under way to secure a special repair grant.
PoliticsKP Chief Minister Mohammad Sohail Afridi says consultations with political leaders, including Mahmood Khan Achakzai, are under way for an Islamabad protest seeking Imran Khan’s release. He also announced Rs25 billion in development projects for Mansehra.
NATIONALThe Balochistan government has approved plans to convert Quetta’s public buses to electric vehicles and shift the CM Secretariat to solar power. Officials also reviewed progress on the People’s Train Service, Safe Cities, immunisation, education, water and irrigation projects.
BusinessKARACHI: A widening trade deficit of as much as $32 billion is increasing pressure on Pakistan’s balance of payments as the fiscal year nears its close. Analysts cited foreign outflows, import growth and exchange-rate management among the key concerns.
BusinessPakistan and the United States have agreed to continue negotiations on unresolved issues under the Agreement on Reciprocal Trade. Officials from both sides said the talks were constructive and aimed at a balanced, mutually beneficial trade framework.
NATIONALThree coal miners were kidnapped by armed men from the Zahri coalfield area of Harnai on Wednesday, police said. Security forces launched a search operation, while authorities said no group had claimed responsibility.
CITYRawalpindi’s Kutchery Chowk remodelling project is likely to open for traffic next week, with Tuesday expected as the probable date. Officials say the signal-free intersection will ease congestion for more than 250,000 vehicles.
WorldFrance said its aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle is heading to the southern Red Sea to prepare for a possible mission in the Strait of Hormuz. Paris said the move is meant to speed up any future deployment once conditions allow.
NATIONALSindh has approved a Rs14 billion early childhood development programme under which caregivers of children up to five will receive Rs3,000 every quarter. The SSPA board also cleared changes to the Mamta programme and seasonal support for rural women.
CITYThe Hyderabad Development Authority has cancelled Bahria Town’s provisional 80-acre allotment in Gulistan-i-Sarmast over unpaid dues. The case has also renewed attention on longstanding concerns surrounding the wider housing scheme.
