EntertainmentPatrick Schwarzenegger has been cast opposite Phoebe Dynevor in the film adaptation of Emily Henry’s bestselling novel Beach Read. The 20th Century Studios project will be directed by Yulin Kuang.
EntertainmentAlan Ritchson is set to host and executive produce a new Netflix survival competition series. The Reacher actor will lead public figures into a stripped-down endurance format.
NATIONALThe Sindh government reviewed 23 land encroachment and illegal occupation cases at a special committee meeting chaired by Home Minister Ziaul Hasan Lanjar. Officials said four cases had been resolved, while directions were issued for early action on the rest.
NATIONALA BBC undercover investigation has alleged that immigration advisers and intermediaries in the UK helped migrants submit false LGBT asylum claims for money. The report said Home Office data showed a disproportionately high share of such claims came from Pakistani nationals.
NATIONALTwo children and a woman were killed, while three others were injured, after mortar shells fired from across the Afghan border hit a house in Bajaur’s Kitkot village. Security sources blamed the Afghan Taliban and said the army carried out retaliatory action.
SportsKarachi Kings have released Muhammad Waseem and Khuzaima bin Tanveer for the rest of PSL 11 due to national duty commitments. England opener Jason Roy has been signed as Waseem’s replacement.
PoliticsThe ECP has issued a schedule for delimitation of union councils in Punjab, a mandatory step before local government elections can be announced. The commission has also frozen changes to administrative boundaries until the process is completed.
WorldChina’s foreign trade rose 15% year-on-year to 11.84 trillion yuan in the first quarter of 2026, the fastest growth in nearly five years. Official data showed imports outpaced exports, while private firms and diversified markets drove the increase.
BusinessThe IMF has projected Pakistan’s fiscal deficit at 3.2pc of GDP for the current year and next year, while urging the country to phase out costly fuel subsidies and broaden the tax base. It also forecast a gradual decline in public debt over the medium term.
NATIONALK-Electric has appointed Shaheryar Chishti as chairman of its board of directors, according to a disclosure filed with the PSX. The move follows recent leadership changes at the utility, including the appointment of a new CEO in March.
SportsThe AFC has rescheduled the 2027 Asian Cup draw to May 9 in Riyadh after regional conflict disrupted travel and sporting calendars. Saudi Arabia will host the tournament from January 7 to February 5.
InternationalA second round of Iran-US talks is likely to be held in Islamabad by the end of next week, with security and administrative preparations under way. Iran has also confirmed that messages between Tehran and Washington are being exchanged through Pakistan.
