CITYISLAMABAD: The 2026 K-Wave Festa organised by the Korean Embassy was ended early after overcrowding and bad weather. Thousands arrived at the venue, while many visitors were left outside and later voiced disappointment online.
CITYKarachi traffic police have raised the speed limit on Sharea Faisal to 70km/h for cars, motorcycles and light transport vehicles. The 30km/h limit for heavy transport vehicles will remain unchanged.
WorldHeavy rains in northeastern Brazil have killed at least six people and displaced thousands in Pernambuco and Paraiba, according to a federal government statement. Flooding and landslides were reported in Recife and nearby areas.
HEALTHMedical experts in Karachi have urged the government to declare a national health emergency over rising HIV cases, particularly among children. They also called for stricter infection control, enforcement of single-use syringe laws and better disease data.
CITYThe Lahore High Court has ordered authorities to release pensionary benefits to retired doctor Dr Rizwan Iqbal, setting aside a federal ministry’s refusal. The court held that his long service and regular promotions cured any defect in his initial ad hoc appointment.
CITYKarachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab and K-Electric CEO Syed Taha discussed electricity transmission, affordable energy and solar projects. KE also said it would pause preventive shutdowns and economic loadshedding during the heatwave.
WorldBritish Prime Minister Keir Starmer said some pro-Palestinian marches could be banned, especially when chants such as ‘globalise the intifada’ are used. His remarks came amid pressure following antisemitic incidents, including a stabbing attack in Golders Green.
WorldA newly updated CIA account says Osama bin Laden had agreed to leave his Abbottabad hideout by September 2011, a plan unknown to US intelligence at the time. The agency said a delayed raid could have allowed him to escape.
BusinessBanks are increasingly investing in government securities while private-sector lending remains weak, according to PwC and Arif Habib data. Deposits and investments rose strongly, but advances grew at a slower pace.
TechnologyBilal Bin Saqib says Pakistan is moving ahead with a regulatory framework for digital assets and should bring around 40 million users into the formal economy. He says blockchain could also improve the efficiency of remittance inflows.
BusinessFinance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb has directed key institutions to prepare targeted reforms to improve taxation, regulation and market development for REITs. The government says the effort is aimed at supporting investment and deepening capital markets.
NATIONALThe FIA says it seized nearly 2 billion Iranian rials in a raid on an illegal currency exchange network in Karachi and arrested two men. In a separate statement, the agency defended offloading 23 Bahrain-bound passengers on May 1.
