1. Pakistan-India ceasefire agreement has been extended until May 18.
FM Ishaq Dar confirmed diplomatic channels maintained the 2021 LoC truce.
The move is seen as a stabilizing gesture in regional tensions.
India has not officially responded yet.
2. A film executive at Cannes faces allegations of sexual assault.
Incident reportedly occurred during an official event at the festival.
Authorities have launched a formal investigation.
The festival organizers have not yet issued a detailed statement.
3. Donald Trump pledged stronger UAE ties during his Gulf visit.
He emphasized joint economic and defense cooperation.
Trump hinted at new investment deals in energy and AI sectors.
His Gulf tour is seen as part of his 2024 campaign strategy.
4. Pakistan reduced diesel prices but kept petrol unchanged.
Govt also raised freight margins to adjust oil transportation costs.
Diesel cut aligns with global oil trends and inflation control.
Petrol stability aims to ease urban transport burden.
5. Opposition parties blocked a key government money bill.
The bill’s failure embarrassed the treasury bench in parliament.
This setback complicates fiscal planning and IMF negotiations.
Government is now seeking alternative legislative strategies.
6. A five-year tariff reform plan has been approved by the govt. It aims to promote export competitiveness and reduce import reliance. The plan includes phased rationalization of customs duties. Exporters welcomed the reforms but seek timely implementation.
7. Pakistan urged IAEA to probe stolen nuclear material in India.
Concerns were raised after Indian media reported uranium theft.
Islamabad cited global non-proliferation obligations.
IAEA has yet to respond formally to Pakistan’s request.
8. Pakistan called for a ‘composite dialogue’ with India.
The FO stressed resolving all outstanding issues, including Kashmir.
The call comes amid renewed border tensions.
India remains non-committal on bilateral talks.
9. Lawmakers questioned delays in Gwadar’s key development projects.
Concerns include CPEC-related infrastructure and basic facilities.
Officials blamed funding and administrative hurdles.
Senators demanded a comprehensive progress report.
10. Nepra told government’s Rs4tr savings in power sector are halved.
Independent audits revealed discrepancies in projected vs real savings.
Power sector reforms are facing credibility issues.
Experts urge more transparency in reporting fiscal gains.
11. Senate committee cleared IMF-driven grid levy bill.
The bill imposes new charges on electricity consumers.
It’s part of fiscal adjustments under IMF loan conditions.
Consumer groups have criticized the move as inflationary.
12. Govt is considering tax waivers on infant milk powder imports.
Move aims to ease financial pressure on low-income families.
Prices of milk substitutes have surged in recent months.
FBR is reviewing fiscal impact before formal approval.
13. PAAPAM rejected claims of 98% tariff protection for auto parts.
The association says actual effective protection is much lower.
They called for clearer data on tariff impact on localization.
Govt has yet to respond to the industry’s rebuttal.
14. SBP foreign exchange reserves increased by $71 million.
Total reserves now stand above $9 billion.
Rise attributed to improved remittances and donor inflows.
This boosts confidence ahead of IMF review talks.
15. PFF elections delayed by a week due to procedural issues.
ECP cited incomplete paperwork by some regional bodies.
New election date set to ensure fair contest.
Delay adds to uncertainty in Pakistan’s football governance.
16. South African cricketers returned to IPL before WTC final.
Team management faces balancing act ahead of crucial Test.
Franchise demands clashed with national duty.
Cricket boards agreed on player workload management.
17. Lahore Qalandars signed Shakib and Rajapaksa for PSL.
Karachi Kings recruited Scotland’s George Munsey.
PSL teams are finalizing squads for upcoming season.
Franchise strategies focus on top-order power hitters.
18. PPP held a political rally in Karachi on Victory Day.
Leadership showcased support amid pre-election mobilization.
Event aimed at energizing party workers and voters.
Bilawal Bhutto highlighted PPP’s development record.
19. A man sentenced to death in clerics’ double murder case.
His accomplice received life imprisonment from the court.
The 2019 case involved sectarian violence.
Court termed the act as ‘heinous and premeditated.’
20. SBCA reversed decision allowing commercial use in housing zones.
Public protests and legal concerns prompted the change.
Policy initially allowed businesses in residential buildings.
City planners urged strict land-use regulation enforcement.
21. Moscow Metro unveiled a restored monument of Stalin.
The statue was part of a Soviet-era reconstruction project.
Critics call it an attempt to whitewash Stalin's brutal legacy.
Officials defended it as preserving historical architecture.
22. Putin declined to meet Zelensky in Türkiye peace talks.
Russia maintains military action until "objectives are met."
Ukraine sought high-level dialogue amid continuing conflict.
Analysts see no diplomatic breakthrough on the horizon.
23. UN expert asked India to clarify navy’s treatment of Rohingyas.
Reports claim Indian forces pushed refugees back to sea.
Concern was raised over humanitarian law violations.
India has not issued an official response yet.
24. Germany agreed to increase defense spending after US pressure.
Move aligns with NATO's 2% GDP military target.
Germany will now accelerate arms procurement and modernization.
Decision follows heightened tensions with Russia.
25. Trump predicted a nuclear deal with Iran was possible.
He emphasized diplomacy over military confrontation.
Remarks came during a Middle East tour.
Experts remain skeptical of any quick agreement.
26. SC judge expressed concern over merging bar and national politics.
He warned of legal system being politicized.
The remarks were made during a case involving lawyers’ conduct.
Legal community urged to maintain professional neutrality.
27. IHC issued notices in £190m corruption case.
NAB and others named in the Al-Qadir Trust probe.
Case involves property funds linked to PTI leadership.
Court seeks written responses within 10 days.
28. JUI-F chief condemned India and Israel, calling for Muslim unity.
Maulana Fazlur Rehman addressed a public gathering.
He urged OIC action on Palestine and Kashmir issues.
His speech resonated with anti-Israel sentiments.
29. PTI denied reports of Imran Khan accepting PM’s dialogue offer.
Party officials called the news "propaganda."
Government had claimed Imran agreed to backdoor talks.
Political tensions between both sides remain high.
30. PM said India’s “false pride” has been broken.
Statement came after ceasefire violations along LoC.
He reaffirmed Pakistan’s defense preparedness.
FO also warned India of a strong response to aggression.
31. Finance Minister Aurangzeb vowed to complete M6 motorway.
He called it vital for regional connectivity and trade.
Project has faced delays due to land acquisition issues.
Govt allocated additional funds to expedite work.
32. Protests erupted in GB over arrests of ACC leaders.
Demonstrators blocked roads demanding their release.
Authorities imposed Section 144 to prevent escalation.
Opposition accused the govt of suppressing political voices.
33. Two policemen martyred in an anti-bandit operation in Dalbandin.
A notorious dacoit was also killed during the raid.
Operation was part of a broader security sweep in Balochistan.
Funeral prayers were held with full honors.
34. GB Assembly condemned India’s aggression and praised military.
A resolution was passed unanimously.
Lawmakers also reiterated support for Kashmir’s self-determination.
The statement aligns with Pakistan’s national policy.
35. LHC adjourned hearings on Imran Khan’s bail pleas.
Delay due to absence of key legal documents.
PTI leaders expressed concern over judicial delays.
36. Panel recommended action against staff of Multan burn center.
Inquiry found negligence in handling patient care.
Health department ordered reforms and staff reshuffling.
Victims’ families had staged protests demanding justice.
37. RDA launched investigation into Rs1.5 billion scam.
The alleged fraud involves land acquisition and misappropriation.
Multiple officials are under scrutiny.
Initial findings suggest major regulatory violations.
38. Rawalpindi board announced new dates for cancelled exams.
Papers were earlier postponed due to protests and unrest.
Revised schedule ensures minimal academic disruption.
Students have been urged to check the official portal.
39. No new housing schemes announced under PHAF.
Despite Islamabad’s housing crisis, allocations remain unchanged.
Govt cites funding limitations as the main reason.
Critics demand urgent public housing initiatives.
40. PHC extended protective bail for top PTI leaders.
Court granted relief until further hearing.
Bail relates to multiple cases, including May 9 violence.
Lawyers claim charges are politically motivated.
41. Three police officers injured in attack on Swabi station.
Gunmen opened fire on Gadoon police post.
Security forces retaliated and launched a manhunt.
Officials suspect militants hiding in nearby areas.
42. KP received Rs42 billion less than its NFC share.
CM aide said federal govt withheld allocated funds.
Shortfall affected public services and salaries.
Finance ministry yet to respond to provincial complaints.
43. Experts say civil service reforms need empowered local govts.
Without devolution, reforms won't reach grassroots.
Current bureaucracy resists structural change.
Study recommends bottom-up governance strategy.
44. Alana Hadid helped launch Watermelon+, a Palestinian streaming site.
Platform highlights films from occupied territories.
Initiative aims to amplify marginalized voices.
It launched amid rising global interest in Palestinian narratives.
45. Two climbers from India and Philippines died on Everest.
Deaths attributed to altitude sickness and harsh weather.
Rescue operations were hindered by poor visibility.
Season sees rising death toll due to overcrowding.
46. Watermelon Pictures acquired US rights for 'The Glassworker'.
Pakistani animated film directed by Usman Riaz gained global buzz.
Deal marks a milestone for South Asian animation.
US release expected later this year.
47. India mulls new project to cut Pakistan’s Indus water share.
Plan involves diverting river flow through storage dams.
Pakistan warned it violates 1960 Indus Waters Treaty.
World Bank has been asked to mediate.
48. Papua New Guinea declared a polio outbreak.
WHO confirmed multiple new cases in rural areas.
Vaccination campaigns launched to contain spread.
Country had previously eradicated the disease in 2000.
49. UAE’s Flydubai began flights to Peshawar.
New route boosts tourism and labor mobility.
Peshawar airport now hosts five international carriers.
Travelers welcomed increased flight options.
50. Pakistan observed Youm-i-Tashakur to honor armed forces.
Ceremonies held nationwide acknowledging military sacrifices.
PM praised army’s role in safeguarding borders.
Public events featured tributes and national songs.
51. Hollywood celebrities condemned silence on Gaza genocide.
Over 150 actors signed an open letter.
They criticized media and studios for inaction.
Call urged public support for Palestinian rights.
52. NYU withheld diploma of a student over Palestine speech.
The student made pro-Gaza remarks during graduation.
University cited policy violations in public discourse.
Rights groups have condemned the decision.
53. Pakistan’s FO warned India to respect ceasefire or face response.
Statement followed reports of Indian shelling near LoC.
FO reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to regional peace.
Army placed on alert amid rising border tensions.
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