BusinessThe government is considering tax and duty changes in the new auto policy to make vehicles more affordable for the middle class. EDB CEO Hammad Ali Mansoor said the policy is expected on July 1, while small electric vehicles priced below Rs1 million are due this year.
BusinessCurrency dealers in Karachi say the Iranian rial has strengthened during the conflict, with demand rising due to increased trade and investor interest. Some experts, however, say uncertainty will persist unless the war ends.
NATIONALThe third day of Karachi’s matric exams saw allegations of cheating, power outages and poor facilities at several centres. Police also registered an FIR against an exam centre in-charge over alleged paid cheating.
HEALTHPakistan has launched the Pakistan National Medical Tourism Initiative under the SIFC during the annual plastic surgeons’ conference in Islamabad. Separately, the health minister was briefed on Sehat Kahani’s telemedicine rollout across eight facilities in Islamabad and Karachi.
HEALTHSindh has launched a seven-day anti-polio campaign targeting more than 10.6 million children from April 13 to 19. Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah said over 83,000 workers and 24,000 security personnel have been deployed for the drive.
NATIONALSenior Sindh Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon said the provincial government has introduced welfare measures to address rising fuel prices. He highlighted support for farmers, subsidised urban transport, housing schemes and planned pink scooters.
WorldUN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called for the US and Iran to continue talks constructively and urged all sides to respect the ceasefire. The UN also stressed freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and highlighted the plight of stranded seafarers.
NATIONALThe Islamabad High Court was told that private schools in the federal capital may be withholding Rs5bn-Rs6bn annually by failing to implement a mandatory 10pc scholarship quota. Peira said at least 38,900 students should be receiving free education under the law.
NATIONALThe government has allowed hybrid cottonseed imports on a trial basis, requiring two years of testing and certification before commercial imports can begin. Industry stakeholders say the delayed SOPs mean the move is unlikely to help farmers in the current sowing season.
CITYKarachi is set to get three new single-screen cinemas in DHA, with two nearing completion and a third under construction. Nadeem Jafri said the initiative is aimed at reviving film culture and expanding entertainment options in the city.
BusinessPakistan used the WB-IMF Spring Meetings in Washington to seek support for reforms and court investment. Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb held talks with multilateral officials and investors on stability, growth and private sector-led development.
NATIONALThe Sindh High Court has directed provincial authorities to complete appointments of differently-abled persons against the reserved quota within two months. The court also warned that failure to comply could trigger consequences under Article 204 of the Constitution.
