Staff Report

Foreign

NASA says Artemis II relies on a single 3-inch heat shield with no fallback if it fails during reentry. The crew returns today after 10 days in space.

Sports

Babar Azam hit a six to reach 12,000 T20 runs in just 338 innings, setting the fastest mark in men’s T20 history during PSL 11 for Peshawar Zalmi vs Karachi Kings.

NATIONAL

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz announced 2026 Grade 8 Assessment results are available from 3 PM on the official PECTAA portal. Nearly one million students appeared; overall pass rate was 88%.

NATIONAL

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif warned that reported breaches of a two-week Middle East ceasefire could weaken fragile peace efforts. He urged all sides to honour commitments and exercise restraint so diplomacy can lead to a settlement.

NATIONAL

Transworld says scheduled submarine cable maintenance may slow internet speeds or cause temporary outages across Pakistan from Apr 9 to Apr 13. The ISP urges users to expect connectivity issues during the window.

NATIONAL

FBISE clarified that examinations scheduled for April 9 and 10 will continue as per the existing timetable nationwide, including Islamabad, despite local holiday announcements. Students should report to their centres on time.

World

The White House says VP JD Vance will lead the US delegation to Islamabad for Iran talks on Saturday, with talks focused on ceasefire terms, tariffs and sanctions relief amid fragile regional tensions.

NATIONAL

Residents of Murree warn of increasing landslide danger at the Jhika Gali Chowk remodeling site, citing cracks, threatened homes, and past subsidence. Heavy rain worsens risk as rescue teams respond.

NATIONAL

An Indian TV anchor went viral after an on-air meltdown over reports that Pakistan mediated between the US and Iran, helping secure a two-week ceasefire—ending with him smashing an iPad.

Top Headlines

Pakistan and Afghanistan agreed to avoid escalation after week-long China-hosted talks in Urumqi. Both sides pledged to resolve differences and return bilateral relations to normal as soon as possible.

NATIONAL

Hours after Pakistan’s PM said the US-Iran ceasefire covers “everywhere, including Lebanon,” Netanyahu clarified it won’t stop Israel’s Lebanon campaign against Hezbollah.

Top Headlines

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif asks US President Donald Trump to extend a two-week deadline for Middle East diplomacy, urging a Strait of Hormuz opening and a ceasefire to help talks progress.