KP Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Afridi reviewed education reforms and approved Rs500 million for an Inter-Disciplinary Research Centre. He also backed community schools, expansion of double-shift schooling and the introduction of IT and AI courses.
NATIONALMedicine prices in Peshawar have risen sharply, with insulin and other essential drugs becoming increasingly unaffordable for many patients. Officials and stakeholders have also raised concerns over weak regulation and arbitrary pricing at some medical stores.
WorldRussian watchmaker Raketa has been revived as a luxury brand under David Henderson-Stewart, with demand rising in Russia and abroad. The company says its in-house production and Soviet-era designs have helped it weather sanctions-era disruption.
NATIONALA Karachi court on Monday sent a man to judicial custody in a case involving an alleged threat to bomb the US Consulate General. Police said the suspect was arrested on Sunday and booked under PPC provisions and the Telegraph Act.
SportsLahore Qalandars and Quetta Gladiators meet in a key PSL match at Gaddafi Stadium with both sides chasing playoff qualification. In Karachi later, winless Rawalpindiz take on second-placed Multan Sultans.
SportsAzhar Mahmood has defended Babar Azam, saying he was not used properly during Pakistan’s T20 World Cup campaign. He also said frequent coaching changes and a results-driven approach were hurting Pakistan cricket.
HEALTHExperts have asked the KP government to adopt a CBC-first pre-marriage screening model and provide free CVS testing to help contain thalassaemia. They say the current law remains poorly implemented due to the high cost and limited availability of HPLC testing.
CITYA six-month delay in appointing contractors in MEPCO Division Mailsi has left damaged poles and low-hanging wires posing safety risks in several areas. Officials say tenders will be issued soon, while residents say complaints have brought no concrete action.
BusinessPakistan has received $1 billion from Saudi Arabia as the second tranche of a recently agreed $3 billion deposit, the State Bank of Pakistan said. The first $2 billion tranche was transferred last week.
NATIONALDivisional Commissioner Musarrat Jabeen directed departments to strengthen flood preparedness through planning, mock drills and preventive measures. She also ordered wider desilting and an audit of Rescue 1122 machinery.
BusinessFPCCI Senior Vice President Saquib Fayyaz Magoon said Pakistan needs targeted investment in value-added production to change its export mix to China. Agriculture, food processing and IT were identified as key areas for growth.
BusinessPCJCCI has endorsed the proposed $1 billion AI fund and said, together with CPEC 2.0, it could support Pakistan’s shift towards a knowledge-based digital economy. The chamber highlighted youth skills, AI education and cooperation with China as key elements.
