WorldThe United States has linked payment of billions in UN dues to a list of reforms, including cost cuts and measures aimed at limiting China’s influence. UN officials said assessed contributions are a treaty obligation and noted reform efforts are already under way.
BusinessNepra told a public hearing that revenue-based electricity load-shedding by Discos is illegal and has no legal basis. Power company officials warned ending the practice could add over Rs500 billion to circular debt.
BusinessECAP Chairman Malik Muhammad Bostan says cryptocurrency could raise Pakistan’s remittances from $38 billion to $50 billion if it becomes a stable payment medium. Officials also said regulatory work involving the SBP, SECP and PCC is under way.
CITYPolice in Gujranwala said they arrested a woman’s husband and a neighbour over the killing of her and her young daughter in Gajjakh. In a separate development, police and the CCD said three alleged criminals were killed in separate encounters across the district.
CITYA private medical college in Narowal said a dispute between junior and final-year students in a girls’ hostel escalated into a scuffle but was quickly controlled. The administration said normalcy has since been restored.
NATIONALAgricultural experts have advised mango growers to carefully manage orchards during fruit development to improve yield and quality. Agriculture Department scientific officer Muhammad Iqbal highlighted irrigation, balanced fertilisation and potassium use as key measures.
PoliticsThe Punjab Assembly adopted unanimous resolutions praising Operation Bunyan-un-Marsoos, warning about rapid population growth and backing anti-smog measures. The House also supported cyclist Muattar Manzoor and saw tense exchanges during question hour.
LocalA woman was detained for questioning in Hazro after her four-month-old son was found dead and the father accused her of causing the death, police sources said. In a separate incident, police arrested eight people in a gambling crackdown and recovered Rs980,000.
NewsAJK Prime Minister Raja Faisal Mumtaz Rathore said youth awareness and skills development were essential for the region’s progress. He also inaugurated a two-day job festival aimed at connecting young people with education and employment opportunities.
NATIONALThe KP Assembly saw a heated debate over tree cutting in South Waziristan, with lawmakers demanding an immediate halt and an inquiry. The law minister said forests in merged districts are locally owned and regulated through a jirga system.
NATIONALA Senate committee has asked the Establishment Division to devise a mechanism for uniform salaries for officers of the same grade across departments. The panel also reviewed dual nationality rules for civil servants and received a briefing on OGRA-related claims.
NATIONALRights groups, political figures and activists in Islamabad have urged the federal government to frame a housing policy for informal settlements and stop summary evictions. They also objected to the CDA’s proposed framework in the ongoing katchi abadis case.
