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.
NATIONALKarachi has reported its second suspected locally transmitted mpox case, while the city also recorded its first dengue-related death, according to the Sindh health department. Officials say the mpox patient is stable and under treatment.
WorldBritain says it tracked three Russian submarines near vital North Atlantic cables and pipelines during a month-long operation with allies. Defence Secretary John Healey said there was no evidence of any damage to subsea infrastructure.
NATIONALSeveral areas of Islamabad and Rawalpindi were sealed under strict security ahead of US-Iran talks in the capital. US Vice President JD Vance is leading the negotiations as Washington seeks to turn a fragile ceasefire into a lasting deal.
NATIONALFour people were killed in two roof collapse incidents in Kurram after torrential rain, including three siblings in Lower Kurram. Heavy rain and flash floods also caused widespread damage in Mohmand, where rescue teams saved 29 people.
CITYPeshawar’s Lady Reading Hospital is preparing to launch robotic surgeries after holding a live training workshop for urologists. Hospital officials said the event marked a step forward in minimally invasive surgical care in the region.
PoliticsThe Peshawar High Court has summoned investigation officers and records in eight cases registered against PTI MNA Sher Afzal Marwat. The court also extended his pre-arrest bail until May 27.
WorldThe IUCN has upgraded the emperor penguin’s status from near threatened to endangered, citing climate change and shrinking sea ice. It said the species’ population could fall by half by the 2080s.
EducationStudents in Bajaur staged separate protests over the shifting of a matric exam centre and an examiner’s alleged rude behaviour. In a separate development, authorities demolished several shops in Lowi Sam Bazaar over an alleged encroachment on state land.
NATIONALAn anti-terrorism court in Lahore has declared 24 workers of banned TLP proclaimed offenders in a case involving violence, vandalism and attacks on police. The court also issued perpetual arrest warrants for the absconding suspects.
CITYA Karachi civil court has ordered a private hospital and two doctors to pay Rs20 million to the heirs of a woman who died after post-caesarean internal bleeding. The court also awarded eight per cent markup on the decretal amount.
BusinessOil prices rose on Thursday after earlier surging more than 5pc amid concerns over the durability of a Middle East ceasefire. Gains later narrowed after Israel said it would begin direct talks with Lebanon.
