WorldLuxury sales at major brands fell sharply in Dubai and Abu Dhabi in March as the Iran conflict disrupted footfall at key UAE malls. Industry sources said the downturn hit a market that had been one of the sector’s few recent growth areas.
SportsPhil Salt and Virat Kohli hit fifties as Royal Challengers Bengaluru posted 240-4 and beat Mumbai Indians by 18 runs. Earlier, Gujarat Titans defeated Lucknow Super Giants by seven wickets.
SportsAmjad Aziz Malik, president of the Pakistan Sports Writers Federation, has been elected a Lifetime Honorary Member of AIPS. He is the first Pakistani sports journalist to receive the honour in the organisation’s 102-year history.
NATIONALPrime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said Pakistan facilitated high-level direct talks between the United States and Iran for the first time. He said Islamabad would continue working for sustainable peace in the Middle East.
SportsKusal Mendis struck 68 off 40 balls as Peshawar Zalmi made 196-6 against Multan Sultans in PSL 11 in Karachi. Multan had won the toss and elected to field first.
Arts / EntertainmentJournalist Gharidah Farooqi says sexually explicit AI-generated videos using her image were circulated online, calling the material a form of sexual violence. She said the episode reflects wider digital abuse faced by women in public life.
NATIONALResidents across Punjab have reported prolonged electricity outages, with some rural areas facing up to 16 hours of loadshedding. Officials linked the situation to power shortfalls, maintenance shutdowns, anti-theft measures and reduced gas supply to power plants.
WorldIsraeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel supports President Donald Trump’s decision to impose a naval blockade on Iran. He said Israel is in constant coordination with the United States after talks with Tehran in Islamabad ended without a deal.
NATIONALA Punjab Assembly standing committee has approved the Child Marriage Restraint Bill 2026, setting 18 as the minimum marriage age for both boys and girls. The bill now moves to the Punjab Assembly for approval before the ordinance lapses in May.
SportsThe ICC has announced a record $8.8 million prize pool for this year’s Women’s T20 World Cup in England and Wales. The winners will receive $2.3 million, while all 12 participating teams are guaranteed at least $248,000.
PoliticsPTI has expressed concern over the health of jailed leader Ejaz Chaudhry, saying his kidney disease has reached stage three. His son says he remains in Kot Lakhpat jail, while his lawyer alleges delays in treatment.
NATIONALThree policemen were martyred and four others injured after unidentified attackers opened fire on a police vehicle in Diamer, officials said. The police team was returning from an operation against poppy cultivation when it came under attack.
