NATIONALPakistan has strongly condemned Israel’s continuing attacks on Lebanon, with the Foreign Office saying the strikes undermine peace efforts and violate international law. Lebanon has declared a national day of mourning after attacks that killed 254 people, according to its civil defence.
WorldUS Senator Edward J Markey visited Shahid Khan’s residence on Wednesday to thank WorldBoston for its continued work promoting dialogue and peaceful solutions in the Middle East. Civic and community leaders attended the gathering.
CITYA conference in Islamabad organised by the Awami Workers Party called on the CDA to stop demolition drives against katchi abadis. Speakers also urged courts to protect residents, citing a Supreme Court stay order from 2015.
BusinessExperts at a policy dialogue warned that taxing solar panels and batteries would hurt consumers and weaken Pakistan’s energy security. They urged a faster shift towards renewables, storage and grid modernisation.
HEALTHAKUH experts have urged an immediate public health response after a confirmed mpox outbreak in Khairpur infected seven newborns and killed four. They also warned that recent cases suggest possible local transmission beyond travel-related infections.
CITYRawalpindi has declared a public holiday on April 9 and 10, with schools and government offices closed as Islamabad prepares for US-Iran talks. Traffic restrictions, Red Zone closures and diversions will remain in place during the visit of foreign delegations.
CITYFBISE has postponed examinations scheduled for April 9 and 10 at three Islamabad centres due to ongoing diplomatic activities in the capital. Revised dates will be announced later, according to the board.
Major political parties, including PTI, welcomed Pakistan’s diplomatic role in the US-Iran deal. PTI also postponed its April 9 Rawalpindi rally, citing the sensitive regional situation and the need to support peace efforts.
WorldNASA’s Artemis progress has sharpened focus on China’s plan to land astronauts on the moon by 2030. The race carries both technical challenges and growing geopolitical significance.
CITYThe CDWP has approved a revised PC-I of nearly Rs7 billion for the Kuri Daanish School in Islamabad, with approval limited to the girls’ hostel component. The ECC also cleared Rs2 billion for the school project and the Prime Minister’s Youth Skill Development Programme.
WorldDonald Trump’s decision to back a two-week ceasefire with Iran after issuing an extreme threat has renewed scrutiny of his negotiating style. Analysts and officials said the episode exposed both the risks and limits of pressure-based tactics.
WorldJasveen Sangha has been sentenced to 15 years in prison in connection with the ketamine overdose death of actor Matthew Perry. She was among five people charged in the US investigation.
