WorldChinese President Xi Jinping told visiting KMT leader Cheng Li-wun in Beijing that Chinese and Taiwanese people would unite. The meeting drew criticism from Taiwan’s ruling party amid rising cross-strait tensions.
NATIONALThe Pakistan Navy says it rescued 18 crew members, including foreign nationals, from MV Gold Autumn in the North Arabian Sea after a distress call. The evacuated crew were transported to Karachi for medical care and repatriation.
NATIONALPakistan is hosting the highest-level US-Iran talks in years as both sides seek to extend a ceasefire due to expire on April 22. The negotiations follow weeks of conflict, disruption in the Strait of Hormuz and sharp differences over key demands.
WorldA viral video shared on X as evidence of a new US troop deployment to the Middle East is actually old footage from a 2023 military homecoming ceremony in California, a fact check by iVerify Pakistan found.
BusinessGold and silver prices increased in Pakistan on Friday after gains in the international bullion market. APGJSA said gold rose to Rs497,662 per tola, while silver climbed to Rs8,014 per tola.
NATIONALIshaq Dar and French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot discussed regional developments, Lebanon ceasefire violations and bilateral ties in a phone call. Both sides also reaffirmed support for stronger economic and trade cooperation.
WorldNASA’s Artemis II astronauts were heading back to Earth on Friday after completing the first crewed moon voyage in more than half a century. The mission is a key step toward a planned lunar landing later this decade.
EntertainmentHania Aamir has spoken out against online bullying of women, saying society often targets women who are happy, outspoken and independent. In an Instagram story, she urged women not to shrink themselves to satisfy others.
BusinessKARACHI: The PSX stayed bullish in Friday’s midday session as the KSE-100 Index rose more than 1,443 points to around 166,961. Strong buying in key sectors and upbeat investor sentiment kept the market in positive territory.
WorldDubai has capped foreign airlines at one daily flight to its airports until May 31, a move that is expected to hit Indian carriers the hardest. Indian airlines have asked New Delhi to seek relief from the restrictions and consider reciprocal steps if needed.
NATIONALThe Sindh government has ordered shops, markets and malls in Karachi and other divisional headquarters to close at 9pm under austerity measures. Districts outside divisional headquarters will follow an 8pm closing time, with essential services exempted.
BusinessThe Asian Development Bank has projected Pakistan’s economy to grow by 3.5% in FY2026 and 4.5% in FY2027 after growth strengthened to 3.1% in FY2025. It also warned of inflation and external risks linked to Middle East tensions.
