NATIONALPunjab has approved a strategy to enforce lane and line discipline in major cities by converting key roads into model roads under stricter traffic management. The plan includes camera-equipped vehicles, while officials also decided to act against zigzag driving by motorcyclists.
SportsMisbah-ul-Haq says Babar Azam rediscovered his natural batting approach after reworking his game ahead of the PSL. Babar has scored 485 runs this season as Peshawar Zalmi head into the Qualifier against Islamabad United.
NATIONALPakistan’s Information Ministry has rejected Afghan media reports alleging a Pakistani strike on a university and residential areas in Kunar. It said the claims were false, while Reuters reported Taliban allegations of casualties in cross-border attacks.
NATIONALPresident Asif Ali Zardari has extended greetings to South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and the people of South Africa on their National Day. He also recalled Pakistan’s historic refusal to recognise the apartheid regime.
BusinessBusiness groups have opposed the SBP’s decision to raise the policy rate to 11.5%, calling it ill-timed and harmful to recovery. They say higher borrowing costs will hurt industry, exports and investment.
WorldIndia has declared Darul Uloom Jamia Siraj-ul-Uloom in Shopian an unlawful entity under the UAPA. The order authorises authorities to take over its premises and relocate students to government schools.
NATIONALPakistan told the UN Security Council that disruptions to maritime routes, including the Strait of Hormuz, threaten trade, energy security and economic stability. Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad said developing countries would be hit hardest if the crisis persists.
BusinessPakistan’s exports fell 7.14% to Rs6,393 billion during July-March FY2025-26, according to PBS data. Imports rose 7.98%, while sports goods exports increased 12.99% in the same period.
BusinessFPCCI has urged the Punjab government to immediately withdraw the 0.9% Punjab Infrastructure Development Cess. The chamber says reviving dry ports and shifting customs clearance to Punjab would reduce business costs and create jobs.
TechnologyPakistan’s satellite internet framework has entered its final phase, with the federal cabinet expected to approve the licensing structure for fixed satellite services. IT Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja said global operators including Starlink and OneWeb have shown interest in the market.
CLIMATE CHANGEClimate Change Minister Musadik Malik met GGGI Country Representative Laura Jalosjoki to discuss climate finance and strategic planning. The two sides reviewed priority areas under Pakistan’s 2024-2028 country programme, including agriculture, AI monitoring and clean hydrogen.
BusinessGold prices in Pakistan rose on Monday, with the per tola rate increasing by Rs800 to Rs493,962, according to the All-Pakistan Gems and Jewellers Sarafa Association. International gold prices, however, remained under pressure due to a stronger dollar and investor caution.
