BusinessPakistan’s revised IGCEP 2025–35 projects the country may need up to 70,720MW in additional power capacity by 2035. The plan also outlines a shift toward hydropower and renewables, alongside major generation and transmission investment needs.
NATIONALSecurity forces and law enforcement agencies killed 22 India-sponsored militants in an intelligence-based operation in Khyber district, the ISPR said. A 10-year-old child was martyred after the militants opened indiscriminate fire, according to the military’s media wing.
Security arrangements remain in place in Islamabad despite uncertainty over the next round of US-Iran talks. A report says backchannel efforts are continuing as both sides remain divided over the pace and terms of any deal.
NATIONALThe food ministry has been directed to coordinate with provinces and submit a plan within a month to improve crop yields. Commerce, health, railways and NLC were also asked to provide updates on commodities, medicines and logistics.
NATIONALPakistan told the UN Security Council it supports Syria’s efforts to stay on the path of recovery and stability amid a critical political and economic transition. Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad said a peaceful, prosperous and stable Middle East remains a shared priority.
BusinessPakistan is exploring fuel imports from Russia, Nigeria and Venezuela and seeking LNG cargoes after supply disruptions linked to Middle East tensions. The government has also ordered a review of the oil supply chain.
WorldA US Army soldier has been charged with allegedly using classified information to place Polymarket bets tied to the operation that captured Nicolas Maduro. Prosecutors say he made more than $400,000 from the wagers.
NATIONALWorld Book Day passed without any event in Rawalpindi, where libraries and public reading spaces have steadily disappeared. The report says book borrowing and reading habits have sharply declined in the city.
HEALTHPunjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has praised Dr Hasnat Khan for returning from England to head the Jinnah Institute of Cardiology. She said the government aims to develop the institute into a state-of-the-art facility.
NATIONALA 15-day lockdown and strict security arrangements have disrupted court proceedings in Rawalpindi and Islamabad. Lawyers say around 50,000 cases have been adjourned and accused persons have not been produced from Adiala Jail for two weeks.
NATIONALPrime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has ordered a high-level inquiry after an early warning system in Gilgit-Baltistan meant for glacial lake outburst floods was found inactive. He also chaired separate meetings on energy security and met two Pakistani astronauts selected for a human space mission.
NATIONALA drone strike hit Speen Masjid in Hassan Khel on the outskirts of Peshawar early Thursday, causing panic among residents. Police said no casualties were reported and an investigation is under way.
