Arts & CultureSpeakers at an event in Gwadar marked the 100th birth anniversary of Syed Zahoor Shah Hashmi, praising his literary and linguistic contributions. Organisers also held book launches, a plantation drive, a photo exhibition and a musical performance.
SportsConstruction has started on the cricket venue for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics at Fairplex Grounds in Pomona. ICC officials said the project marks a major step in cricket’s return to the Games after 128 years.
WorldPolling has started in India’s states of West Bengal and Tamil Nadu, where major assembly elections are being held. Results for both contests, along with Assam, Kerala and Puducherry, will be announced on May 4.
NATIONALPower Minister Awais Leghari has ordered an immediate halt to electricity purchases by DISCOs from small and captive producers at rates above the national merit order. He also ordered an inquiry and directed coordination with ISMO for least-cost dispatch.
BusinessFederal Minister for the Board of Investment Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh held meetings in London focused on boosting investment ties and financial sector cooperation. Discussions also highlighted skills development, global standards and diaspora engagement.
CITYRawalpindi authorities have started the process to re-award contracts for two lots of the Dream Water Supply Project, with tenders due on April 29. The ADB-funded scheme is expected to add 12 million gallons per day from Chahan Dam by December 2027.
CITYA young motorcyclist was left in critical condition after a car struck and dragged him on a road in DHA Lahore. Police have registered a case and are using Safe City cameras to trace the unidentified driver.
A newborn girl was found abandoned near a graveyard in Bhurban Kahia on the outskirts of Murree. Rescue 1122 shifted her to hospital, and she was later handed over to the Child Protection and Welfare Bureau after being declared stable.
HEALTHOfficials at PIMS have expressed concern over rising HIV registrations, especially among children, while saying increased screening is a key reason behind the higher numbers. The health ministry says 189 people have been registered as HIV-positive since October 2025.
NATIONALThe Punjab EPA has established a desk at the Safe Cities Authority to identify smoke-emitting vehicles and issue e-challans. Officials say over Rs1 million in fines has been imposed on 211 vehicles this month.
WorldIsraeli strikes in southern Lebanon killed at least four people on Wednesday, while Hezbollah said it launched a drone attack on Israeli forces. The violence came ahead of Washington talks, with Beirut seeking an extension of the US-mediated ceasefire.
NATIONALThe Punjab Assembly has passed a bill reducing traffic fines for motorcycles, rickshaws, cars, public transport and heavy vehicles. The measure will come into force after the governor’s final approval.
