WorldJapan is considering another oil reserve release of about 20 days' worth as uncertainty continues over the Strait of Hormuz. The country has already made available about 50 days of oil consumption from stockpiles.
WorldVoting has started in Assam, Kerala and Puducherry as India begins a series of major state elections. The contests are being watched closely as a measure of support for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ruling coalition.
WorldAl-Aqsa Mosque in occupied East Jerusalem reopened on Thursday after a 40-day closure by Israel. Hundreds of Palestinian Muslims entered the compound at dawn, with many seen in tears and offering prostrations of gratitude.
WorldNASA’s Artemis II astronauts said they are preparing for a high-speed, fiery re-entry after becoming the farthest-flying humans in history during a moon flyby. The crew is due to splash down off California on Friday.
NATIONALThe Supreme Court has upheld the life sentence of a man convicted of killing his sister over her marriage of choice. In its judgment, the court called such acts an unnatural breach of trust and voiced concern over their growing visibility in society.
NATIONALPakistan is set to host US-Iran talks in Islamabad after a two-week ceasefire brokered through Pakistani mediation. The truce, however, has come under strain amid Israeli strikes in Lebanon and renewed regional military activity.
PoliticsRawalpindi police have registered an FIR under anti-terrorism provisions against PTI leaders, Imran Khan’s sisters, several lawmakers and about 1,400 unidentified people after unrest on Adiala Road.
NATIONALThe Lahore High Court has dismissed a petition challenging Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s acquittal in the FIA money laundering case. The court said the petitioner was a private individual and had no legal authority to contest the acquittal.
PoliticsTTAP has refused to announce any delay in PTI’s planned April 9 Rawalpindi rally, saying the alliance was not consulted before the event was declared. Alliance leaders said PTI should use its own platform for any rescheduling announcement.
NATIONALThe National Judicial (Policy Making) Committee has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening institutional capacity. At its 59th meeting, the committee also stressed access to justice and efficient case disposal as top priorities.
HEALTHThe ECC has approved a Rs2.8 billion technical supplementary grant for the Federal Directorate of Immunization to support vaccination of over eight million children. The committee also cleared proposals related to areca nut imports, ASF funding and education allocation.
PMDC has approved a one-time relaxation of up to 3% in MDCAT passing marks for the 2025-26 academic session to help fill vacant MBBS and BDS seats. The council said existing admissions will remain valid and the process must stay merit-based.
