WorldIndia’s April gold imports are expected to fall to around 15 tonnes, near a 30-year low, after banks halted shipments over a 3pc tax demand. Industry and government sources said the disruption followed customs action and a delay in a formal order on bullion imports.
NATIONALQuetta was placed on high alert after four rockets struck different parts of the city late on Wednesday night, injuring three people and damaging houses. Security forces launched search operations and detained more than two dozen suspects for questioning.
NATIONALPakistan Post has resumed booking of international outbound mail to 188 destinations with immediate effect. Booking remains suspended for 19 destinations, with services to those countries set to resume gradually.
PoliticsSenior politician Sardar Yar Mohammad Rind has criticised the transfer of Rs340 million from the Bolan Dam budget to Baiker in Dera Bugti. He said funds approved for specific regions should be spent there to ensure timely completion of public welfare projects.
NATIONALThe commerce ministry has delayed the start of mango exports for the 2026 season to June 1 after requests from stakeholders. The ministry said the move is aimed at ensuring proper fruit maturity, quality standards and compliance for export markets.
EducationA new study has found discriminatory and exclusionary content in Punjab’s primary-level textbooks and called for urgent curriculum reforms. It says minority faiths are underrepresented and urges greater emphasis on tolerance, empathy and interfaith harmony.
CLIMATE CHANGEA Jinnah Institute report says governance failures and weak community-level systems are undermining Pakistan’s climate disaster response. It calls for urgent reforms to strengthen resilience, improve early warning systems and revive local governance.
NATIONALNAB says it has secured the transfer of 6,500 kanals of amenity and public utility land from two private housing societies to the CDA. The bureau also said further transfers are in progress and discussed housing asset management with the federal housing ministry.
KARACHIPublic hospitals in Karachi and Sindh face major gaps in medical waste disposal, with many facilities lacking incinerators and relying on private contractors. Health experts have warned that weak oversight is increasing public health risks.
WorldThe Norwegian Nobel Committee secretary said 287 candidates are under consideration for the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize. Donald Trump is likely among the nominees, though nominations remain secret for 50 years.
PESHAWARKP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi says the province may legislate against civilian casualties in drone strikes after protests in Khyber district. The issue was debated in the KP Assembly, which also heard calls for a jirga and broader political action.
NATIONALThe Petroleum Division has rejected reports that petrol pumps will shut from May 1 due to a fuel shortage. It said petroleum supplies will continue uninterrupted and urged people not to spread panic through fake propaganda.
