WorldSyria says the transfer of former US military sites to government control has been completed in coordination with Washington. Damascus linked the move to the integration of the SDF into state structures.
BusinessPakistan and Saudi Arabia have signed an agreement to extend the maturity of a $3 billion Saudi deposit with the State Bank of Pakistan. The signing took place in Washington on the sidelines of the World Bank-IMF Spring Meetings.
SportsWADA says tackling India’s production of performance-enhancing drugs is essential to addressing doping in sport. The agency says it is working with the CBI and other authorities to target suppliers and criminal networks.
SportsIslamabad United beat Karachi Kings by eight wickets at the National Bank Stadium, chasing 151 in 16 overs. Sameer Minhas starred on debut with 58 as United climbed to second in the PSL standings.
NATIONALThe Peshawar High Court granted bail to a man claiming Pakistani citizenship who was arrested for illegal stay while holding an Afghan Citizen Card. The court also issued separate bail orders in two other cases involving Afghan nationals.
CITYTwo labourers died after losing consciousness while cleaning a sewer in Dera Ismail Khan's Garaha Bakhsha area, Rescue 1122 officials said. One victim was identified as Mohammad Saleem, while the second had not been identified immediately.
NATIONALPractical steps have begun to restore train services in five districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa after federal approval. The project will be carried out in phases, starting with the Peshawar-Nowshera-Jahangira section.
PoliticsKP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi said Imran Khan’s release was indispensable in the broader national interest and called his health a matter of life and wellbeing. He also approved budgetary and policy measures related to the KP Highways Authority.
NATIONALHundreds of AGEGA workers protested outside the Civil Secretariat in Lahore, demanding restoration of pension, gratuity and leave encashment. They also called for a 30pc disparity allowance and a 50pc salary increase.
LocalPolice in Sahiwal have arrested two suspects after registering a case against an alleged honey-trap gang accused of extorting Rs2.5 million from a commission agent. The case was lodged after the complainant approached the IGP.
NATIONALThe Lahore High Court has set aside the Punjab government’s withdrawal of time-scale upgradation granted to four directors of physical education. The court ordered restoration of the benefit and barred recovery proceedings.
HEALTHPolice in Rawalpindi have booked four people for allegedly threatening and obstructing a polio vaccination team in Sadiqabad. The case was registered after a health official said the team faced abuse, resistance and threats during the campaign.
