NATIONALThe US administration has backed a $2.4 billion proposal by Securiport to install API and PNR systems at major Pakistani airports. The offer comes as Pakistan's own E-gate project faces scrutiny over procurement transparency.
BusinessThe European Investment Bank has shown interest in infrastructure investment for Reko Diq while seeking access to part of the project’s mineral output. Pakistani officials also said tax issues during development are being discussed, as Barrick Gold slows activity over security concerns.
BusinessPakistan’s FMCG industry has asked the government to expand the GST Third Schedule to more essential goods. It says the move would improve price transparency, reduce tax evasion and simplify compliance without increasing the tax rate.
CITYBurglars broke into a jewellery shop in Karachi’s Saddar after cutting the shutter and escaped with a safe containing gold jewellery. Police are investigating, while the Sindh home minister has sought a report on the incident.
BusinessThe Competition Commission of Pakistan has cleared the proposed acquisition of PIA by PIA Equity Limited, a consortium-backed special purpose vehicle. The regulator said the deal would not create a dominant position or significantly reduce competition.
TechnologyIT Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja said Pakistan aims to raise telecom tower fiberisation from 16% to nearly 60% in three years. She also said fibreised home passes are targeted to rise to at least 10 million within two years.
NATIONALThe federal government has directed provinces to ensure uninterrupted inter-provincial wheat movement to maintain smooth supplies. The order came during a meeting reviewing procurement, harvesting progress and market prices.
BusinessOGDCL posted a profit after tax of Rs115.263 billion in the first nine months of FY26, down 11pc from a year earlier. The company said forced production curtailments and lower realised crude oil and LPG prices weighed on its results.
CITYA private school principal and a teacher have been booked on manslaughter charges after a 15-year-old student died following a fall from a school roof in Karachi’s Orangi Town. Police said both suspects have fled.
NATIONALSpeaking at an APNS event in Karachi, Hameed Haroon said independent journalism in Pakistan was under severe pressure and described the current environment as deeply restrictive. He also urged media organisations to innovate and provide job security to journalists.
BusinessPakistan Customs has launched the first land-route export from Karachi Export Processing Zone to Kyrgyzstan under the TIR regime via Sost Dry Port, China. The FBR said the move opens a new corridor to Central Asia and broadens trade options for exporters.
NATIONALSpeaking in Karachi, Senator Sherry Rehman said the Iran-US war was reshaping the global energy map and creating long-term economic risks. She also highlighted Pakistan’s energy exposure, remittance dependence and renewed diplomatic relevance.
