WorldThe UAE is discussing a possible currency swap line with the United States, Trade Minister Thani Al Zeyoudi said in Abu Dhabi. He said such an arrangement would reflect the scale of bilateral trade and investment ties, not a bailout measure.
CITYThe Islamabad administration has ordered strict enforcement of the one-dish policy at marriage halls and marquees. Violators will face cases, arrests, sealing of venues on repeat offences, and heavy fines for events held in sealed buildings.
CITYKarachi is expected to remain hot and dry over the next 24 hours, with the maximum temperature likely to stay between 37°C and 39°C, the PMD said. Rescue officials also reported at least eight deaths, linking some cases to the intense heat.
CITYA 13-year-old domestic worker in Rawalpindi alleged that she was tortured by her employer’s wife in Bahria Town Phase VIII. Police said a case has been registered, some arrests have been made, and raids are continuing.
WorldAn explosion at a fireworks factory in China’s Hunan province killed 21 people and injured 61. President Xi Jinping ordered a swift investigation and called for stricter safety controls in key industries.
NewsAt least four people, including two 13-year-old boys, died in separate lightning strike incidents in Toba Tek Singh and Jhang districts during rain. Rescue 1122 provided details of multiple cases, including two boys who were taken to hospital but could not survive.
NATIONALKP Assembly members objected to the outsourcing of hospitals they said were performing well and sought a review through the relevant house committee. Lawmakers also raised concerns over delayed flood compensation and low-paid community school teachers in merged districts.
WorldAsia faces the prospect of strong El Nino conditions that could worsen energy, hydropower and food security pressures already heightened by Middle East conflict. Experts warn the region could see hotter weather, drought, flooding and higher economic strain.
HEALTHHealth experts in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa say poor financial and career incentives for emergency medicine specialists are weakening patient care. They say stronger emergency departments and better training could reduce deaths and disabilities.
NATIONALKP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi has inaugurated a digital system for driving licence issuance under the transport department. Officials said the pilot phase issued 19,966 learner licences and 2,212 permanent licences, generating Rs50 million.
Samarkand hosts the ADB’s 59th Annual Meeting as Uzbekistan’s cooperation with the bank expands. The ADB portfolio totals $27.5B, and a new 2027–2030 Expanded Strategic Partnership Programme targets human capital and resilience.
WorldRecent surveys show support for the US-led war on Iran has declined among American Jews, while opposition has risen. The findings also point to sharp ideological divisions and weaker perceptions of the war’s success.
