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                        <title>Latest News, Breaking News &amp; Top News Stories | The Express Tribune</title>
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                        <description>latest news</description>
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			<title>SC petition challenges IHC judges' transfer</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2605815/sc-petition-challenges-ihc-judges-transfer</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2605815/sc-petition-challenges-ihc-judges-transfer#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 30 Apr 26 21:56:29 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
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			<description>
				<![CDATA[SC petition challenges IHC judges' transfer]]>
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				<![CDATA[A petition filed in the Supreme Court on Thursday challenging the transfer of three Islamabad High Court (IHC) judges has brought the controversy to the fore, with the plea arguing that the move violates constitutional guarantees and undermines judicial independence.

The petition, filed by Lahore Bar Association President Irfan Hayat Bajwa through senior counsel Hamid Khan, contends that the transfers were carried out &quot;without any publicly disclosed reasons, criteria, or demonstrable institutional necessity&quot;.

It alleges a &quot;lack of transparency and absence of procedural safeguards&quot;.

It further argues that judicial independence forms part of the Constitution&#39;s &quot;Basic Features&quot; and warns that any erosion of it &quot;undermines the Constitution&quot;.

The legal challenge comes as Justices Babar Sattar and Mohsin Akhtar Kayani prepare to assume judicial duties at the Peshawar High Court (PHC) and Lahore High Court (LHC), respectively, following their transfers from the IHC.

The transfers, approved by the Judicial Commission of Pakistan (JCP) on April 28 and notified by the law ministry on April 29, also included Justice Saman Rafat Imtiaz, who has been moved to the Sindh High Court. The decision has drawn criticism from sections of the legal fraternity.

Court rosters issued on Thursday confirmed that the transferred judges will begin hearing cases in their new postings next week.

The LHC&#39;s revised roster for May 4 to July 4 shows that Justice Kayani will sit as a single bench judge at the principal seat, where 27 single benches and nine division benches have been constituted, as notified by Additional Registrar (Judicial) Shabbir Hussain Shah.

At the PHC, Justice Sattar has been included in the May 47 roster and will sit on a division bench at the principal seat on Monday alongside Justice Wiqar Ahmad.

The PHC roster, approved by Chief Justice SM Attique Shah, lists nine single benches and one division bench.

In its arguments, the petition questions the legality of the transfers under Article 200 of the Constitution, stating that the exercise of such powers without defined criteria &quot;renders the process arbitrary, opaque, and liable to be set aside&quot;.

It also raises constitutional concerns linked to the 27th Constitutional Amendment, asserting that changes affecting judicial jurisdiction were unlawful and describing the amendment as &quot;a fraud on the electorate,&quot; while claiming that Parliament lacked the mandate to enact such measures.

The plea further challenges the transfer of the SC&#39;s jurisdiction to a newly created Federal Constitutional Court, questioning whether such a court can adjudicate matters relating to its own creation.

It reiterates that &quot;in the absence of any disclosed reasons, criteria, or demonstrable institutional necessity, the transfers of Judges are unlawful,&quot; and warns that large-scale transfers without replacement have caused &quot;institutional disruption&quot; and risk eroding public confidence in the judiciary.

The petitioner has requested the SC to declare the transfers unconstitutional and void, and to issue directions clarifying the constitutional framework governing judicial appointments and transfers.]]>
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			<title>Navy acquires advanced Chinese submarine</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2605814/navy-acquires-advanced-chinese-submarine</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2605814/navy-acquires-advanced-chinese-submarine#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 30 Apr 26 21:56:29 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
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			<description>
				<![CDATA[President describes Hangor-class sub's commissioning as historic milestone]]>
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				<![CDATA[The commissioning ceremony of Pakistan&#39;s first Hangor-class submarine, PNS Hangor, took place on Thursday in Sanya, China.

The event was attended by President Asif Ali Zardari and Naval Chief Admiral Naveed Ashraf to mark the significant milestone for Pakistan Navy, the military&#39;s media wing said.

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), President Zardari described the commissioning of Hangor as a historic milestone in Pakistan Navy&#39;s modernisation, affirming Pakistan&#39;s resolve to maintain a robust, balanced, and credible defence posture.&quot;

He stated that Pakistan is fully capable of defending its sovereignty, protecting its maritime interests, and ensuring the security of its economic lifelines, the statement added.

Admiral Ashraf highlighted that disruptions at critical maritime choke points increasingly threaten global trade and energy security. He stated that maintaining a stable, rule-based maritime order demanded technologically advanced naval forces.

He added that the Hangor-class submarines, equipped with modern weapons, advanced sensors, and Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) systems, would play a key role in maintaining regional maritime stability and deterring aggression.

&quot;These submarines will play a pivotal role in deterring aggression and ensuring the security of vital Sea Lines of Communication (SLOCs) across the Arabian Sea and the wider Indian Ocean region,&quot; he said.

The ISPR statement further noted that the naval chief reiterated the significance of the name Hangor in Pakistan&#39;s national history.

&quot;In 1971, the earlier Hangor became the first submarine since World War II to sink a warship. PNS Hangor will carry this illustrious legacy forward. This is an important milestone for Pakistan Navy that will bolster our maritime defence and modernise our fleet with cutting-edge technology,&quot; it stated.

The statement also said that the commissioning of the first Hangor-class submarine marks another chapter in the time-tested and enriching friendship between Pakistan and China. The ceremony was attended by senior officials from the Pakistan Navy and the People&#39;s Liberation Army Navy (PLA(N)).

&quot;The prime minister and Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces, Field Marshal Asim Munir have congratulated the entire nation and Pakistan Navy on achieving this historic milestone,&quot; the statement concluded.

A government official said the fleet would consist of eight submarines; four would be made ?in China and delivered to Islamabad, while another four will be made ?in Pakistan under a transfer-of-technology program.]]>
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			<title>Diesel up Rs19.39, petrol Rs6.51 per litre</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2605813/diesel-up-rs1939-petrol-rs651-per-litre</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2605813/diesel-up-rs1939-petrol-rs651-per-litre#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 30 Apr 26 21:56:29 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[ZAFAR BHUTTA]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2605813</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Diesel up Rs19.39, petrol Rs6.51 per litre]]>
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				<![CDATA[Amid a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz due to the Iran-US conflict, the government on Thursday increased the price of high-speed diesel (HSD) by Rs 19.39 per litre and the price of petrol by Rs 6.51 per litre for one week.

According to a notification issued by the Petroleum Division, HSD will now be sold at Rs 399.58 per litre, up from Rs 380.19, while petrol will be available at Rs 399.86 per litre compared to the previous rate of Rs 393.35, reflecting an increase of Rs 6.51 per litre.

High-speed diesel is widely used in the transport and agriculture sectors. With the sowing season under way, the sharp increase in its price is expected to negatively affect the agriculture sector, where input costs are already high. Fertiliser prices have also risen due to increased transportation costs.

Petrol is primarily used by motorcycles and cars. The prime minister had earlier announced a subsidy of Rs 100 per litre for motorists. Petrol also serves as an alternative to compressed natural gas (CNG), but Punjab lacks indigenous gas for CNG outlets, increasing demand for petrol.

Meanwhile, amid global tensions, reports emerged of disruptions in oil supplies due to the situation in the Strait of Hormuz, which handles around 20% of global oil shipments. Global oil prices have surged amid concerns over supply shortages, while several Gulf countries have also faced logistical challenges.

In a separate statement, the Petroleum Division rejected reports of petrol pump closures from May 1. The Oil Companies Advisory Council (OCAC) also dismissed rumours circulating on social media about a five-day shutdown of fuel stations.

Pakistan currently holds 28 days of petrol and 34 days of diesel stocks, according to the statement. It stated that all petrol pumps will remain operational and fuel will continue to be supplied to consumers. The public was urged to ignore &quot;negative publicity on social media by unscrupulous elements.&quot;

An Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (Ogra) spokesperson also rejected claims of an alleged strike by the Petroleum Dealers Association, calling the reports false and misleading. &quot;No such strike has been announced by any petroleum-related association,&quot; the spokesperson said, adding that the public should rely only on verified official sources. &quot;This clarification is issued in the public interest.&quot;]]>
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			<title>Doors on diplomacy not shut yet: FO</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2605812/doors-on-diplomacy-not-shut-yet-fo</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2605812/doors-on-diplomacy-not-shut-yet-fo#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 30 Apr 26 21:56:29 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Kamran Yousaf]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2605812</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Doors on diplomacy not shut yet: FO]]>
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				<![CDATA[At a time when tensions between Iran and the US continue to cast a long shadow over regional stability, Pakistan on Thursday struck a cautiously optimistic tone, insisting that diplomatic efforts remain alive and active.

&quot;The clock on diplomacy has not stopped,&quot; Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said during his weekly briefing, signaling that despite setbacks, space for negotiations still exists.

He underscored that the current diplomatic process was made possible only after Pakistan&#39;s call for a ceasefire, an initiative led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and accepted by both sides.

&quot;Let me underscore that these talks started after the call for a ceasefire by Pakistan. The ceasefire basically opened a window for substantive diplomacy, including dialogue between the two sides,&quot; Andrabi said.

According to the spokesperson, the ceasefire halted active hostilities in the Gulf region, preventing missile exchanges and broader military escalation.

&quot;It ceased hostilities, arms attacks, missiles to and from in the Gulf region stopped. Many lives were saved. Damage to infrastructure was averted. So, this paved the way for the talks,&quot; he added.

Following the ceasefire, Islamabad hosted talks between the two adversaries, after which communication channels remained open.

&quot;Subsequently, after these talks, the diplomatic exchanges, channels of communications, remained open. The process of facilitation of talks continued,&quot; Andrabi noted.

He emphasized that Pakistan remains directly engaged with both Washington and Tehran in pursuit of a negotiated settlement.

&quot;As such the status of talks now is that we remain actively engaged with both sides to achieve a resolution of this issue. We remain hopeful of a negotiated settlement of this issue, and we will continue our sincere efforts for the cause of peace and prosperity in the region and beyond.&quot;

The spokesperson also linked the recent high-level diplomatic visits to this ongoing effort, particularly the visit of Iran&#39;s foreign minister.

&quot;The visit of the Iranian Foreign Minister was in the same vein. He held important discussions here in both legs of his visit before leaving for Oman and then returning from Oman,&quot; Andrabi said, reiterating that &quot;the clock on diplomacy is ticking, functioning, and ongoing.&quot;

Addressing concerns over the Strait of Hormuz, Andrabi described the situation as globally consequential. &quot;The Strait of Hormuz is an important international shipping route for goods and energy. Pakistan has called for security of ships and crew members and the swift and safe passage of civilian ships and restoration of normal passage through the Strait,&quot; he said.

He warned that disruptions were already affecting economies worldwide, including Pakistan. &quot;Current situation is adversely impacting countries around the world, including the region, including Pakistan. Its consequence for global regional and global economy are significant.&quot;

Pakistan, he said, supports the legitimate interests of Gulf countries and stressed that any final arrangement must take them into account.

On the question of fresh proposals, Andrabi remained cautious but confirmed that diplomatic activity continues behind the scenes.

&quot;I&#39;ll not talk on any specifics, but I can say that the proposals old, new, not so new, not so old, are on the table,&quot; he said, noting that internal deliberations are underway in both the United States and Iran.

&quot;We hope that peace will prevail. We hope for stable relations between Iran and the United States.&quot;

He reiterated Pakistan&#39;s sustained diplomatic engagement over the past two weeks.

&quot;Pakistan&#39;s constructive diplomatic engagement in supporting de-escalation, ceasefire efforts, and the broader pursuit of stability between the United States and Iran continue. Our sustained interaction with both Washington and Tehran was maintained in the last two weeks.&quot;

Framing Islamabad&#39;s approach as principled and dialogue-driven, Andrabi said Pakistan remains committed to navigating complex geopolitical challenges through diplomacy.

&quot;In this context, under the leadership of Prime Minister Mohammad Shahbaz Sharif, with the active involvement of Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, as well as Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir, Pakistan has maintained open channels of communication with the concerned parties.&quot;]]>
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			<title>Iran's supreme leader strikes a defiant note</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2605811/irans-supreme-leader-strikes-a-defiant-note</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2605811/irans-supreme-leader-strikes-a-defiant-note#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 30 Apr 26 21:56:29 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[reuters]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[World]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2605811</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Mojtaba stakes Tehran claim on Hormuz]]>
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				<![CDATA[Iran said on Thursday it would respond with &quot;long and painful strikes&quot; on US positions if Washington renewed attacks, and also reasserted its control over the Strait of Hormuz, complicating US plans for a coalition to reopen the waterway.

Two months into the US-Israeli war with Iran, the vital sea channel remains closed, choking off 20% of the world&#39;s oil and gas supplies. That has sent global energy prices surging and heightened concerns about the risks of an economic downturn.

Efforts to resolve the conflict have hit an impasse, with a ceasefire in place since April 8 but Iran still blocking the strait in response to a US naval blockade of Iran&#39;s oil exports, the country&#39;s economic lifeline.

US President Donald Trump is slated to receive a briefing on Thursday on plans for a series of fresh military strikes on Iran to compel it to negotiate an end to the conflict, a US official told Reuters.

Such options have long been part of US planning but reports of the proposed briefing, first issued by news site Axios late on Wednesday, initially spurred big gains in oil prices, with the benchmark Brent crude contract LCOc1 hitting more than $126 a barrel at one point. It later slipped back to around $114.

Any US attack on Iran, even if limited, will usher in &quot;long and painful strikes&quot; on US regional positions, a senior Revolutionary Guards official said.

&quot;We&#39;ve seen what happened to your regional bases, we will see the same thing happen to your warships,&quot; Aerospace Force Commander Majid Mousavi was quoted by Iranian media as saying.

Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei said in a written message to Iranians that Tehran would eliminate &quot;the enemies&#39; abuses of the waterway&quot; under new management of the strait, indicating that the country intended to maintain its hold over it.

&quot;Foreigners who come from thousands of kilometres away...have no place there except at the bottom of its waters,&quot; he said.

Brent prices have doubled since the war began on February 28, driving inflation and sending pump prices to politically painful levels worldwide.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned that if the disruption caused by the closure dragged on through mid-year, global growth would fall, inflation would rise and tens of millions more people would be pushed into poverty and extreme hunger.

&quot;The longer this vital artery is choked, the harder it will be to reverse the damage,&quot; he told reporters in New York.

Trump faces a formal US deadline on Friday to end the war or make the case to Congress for extending it. However, analysts and congressional aides said they expect him to either notify Congress that he plans a 30-day extension or simply disregard the deadline.

As well as blocking almost all but its own shipping through the strait, Iran launched drones and missiles at Israel and at US bases, infrastructure and US-linked companies in Gulf states.

Another plan to be shared with Trump involves using ground forces to take over part of the Strait of Hormuz to reopen it to commercial shipping, Axios said. Trump is also considering extending the U.S. blockade on Iran or declaring a unilateral victory, officials have said.

In a sign the US was also envisaging a scenario where hostilities cease, the State Department cable invited partner countries to join a new coalition called Maritime Freedom Construct (MFC) to enable ships to navigate the strait.

&quot;The MFC constitutes a critical first step in the establishment of a post-conflict maritime security architecture for the Middle East,&quot; said the cable, which was due to be delivered orally to partner nations by May 1.

France, Britain and other countries have held talks on contributing to such a coalition but said they were willing to help open the Strait only when the conflict ends.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi and Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri held a phone call on Thursday to discuss developments in Lebanon and the region, as well as the Islamabad negotiations process.

Araqchi said halting Israeli attacks on Lebanon formed part of the IranU.S. ceasefire understanding and would remain a key issue in any future process, according to his Telegram account. A shaky ceasefire is in place in Lebanon, limiting clashes between Israel and Iran-backed Lebanese armed group Hezbollah.

Mediator Pakistan was trying to avoid escalation while the U.S. and Iran exchange messages on a potential deal, a Pakistani source said on Wednesday. Trump has said Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon, while Tehran says its nuclear ambitions are peaceful.

Iran&#39;s latest offer for resolving the war would set aside discussion of its nuclear program until the conflict is formally ended and shipping issues resolved.

That did not meet Trump&#39;s demand to tackle the nuclear issue at the outset.]]>
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			<title>PM unveils Rs3.2tr 'Apna Ghar' plan to build 0.5m units</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2605810/pm-unveils-rs32tr-apna-ghar-plan-to-build-05m-units</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2605810/pm-unveils-rs32tr-apna-ghar-plan-to-build-05m-units#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 30 Apr 26 21:56:29 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2605810</guid>
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				<![CDATA[Says initiative to act as powerful economic multiplier
  Loans of up to Rs10m will be available on easy terms]]>
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				<![CDATA[Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday launched a landmark five-year, Rs3.2 trillion housing programme, aimed at funding the construction of 500,000 homes nationwide, with a vision to provide affordable shelter for low-income citizens, lacking the financial means to build their own houses.

The prime minister, addressing the programme&#39;s launch ceremony of Wazir-e-Azam Apna Ghar Programme, said that besides enabling people to own a house, the initiative will also act as a powerful economic multiplier to boost significant industrial growth and create jobs for a diverse workforce, ranging from manual laborers to engineers.

&quot;No programme is quite as dear to me as this, for it holds the promise of revitalizing our industrial and commercial sectors while paving the way for economic prosperity This landmark program is the culmination of extensive deliberations and tireless effort, having successfully overcome a myriad of complex challenges,&quot; the prime minister told the ceremony attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Housing and Works Minister Mian Riaz Hussain Pirzada, other federal ministers, banking professionals, representatives from the construction industry, and the beneficiaries of the program.

He described the &quot;Apna Ghar&quot; initiative as a sacred obligation of any government, intended to support the needy who have long been deprived of the security of homeownership.

The prime minister, who earlier pushed the button to launch the initiative and distributed cheques of loans among the beneficiaries, sanctioned by different banks, said that the program was a reflection of Ashiana housing scheme he had launched while being Chief Minister of Punjab.

He told the gathering that the programme was not confined to Islamabad as it would cater to the needs of all four provinces, Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), and Gilgit-Baltistan (G-B).

Explaining the contours of the program, he said that for the first year, the government has set a target to fund 50,000 houses for which an amount of Rs321 billion had been earmarked. Over the five years, the government would finance 500,000 housing units supported by an allocation of Rs3.2 trillion.

He said that the programme featured a 20-year repayment timeline, with a 5% markup for the first ten years, after which the market rate would apply.

Under the scheme, loans of up to Rs10 million will be available on easy terms. The eligible applicants will be able to construct houses over a land measuring up to 10 marlas.

Prime Minister Shehbaz extended his gratitude to the Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb and the Governor of the State Bank for their cooperation in finalizing this financing, besides expressing gratitude to Housing Minister Mian Riaz Hussain Pirzada and his team for helping the formulation of the program.

He announced to personally review the project&#39;s progress on a monthly basis to address any shortcomings and ensure timely payments.

In a clear message to the banking sector, he said that the banks leading the way in serving the common man through the housing program would be honored with national awards on August 14. However, those demonstrating laxity to the plight of the homeless should not expect &quot;anything good&quot; from him.]]>
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			<title>Imran's treatment not possible in jail, IHC told</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2605809/imrans-treatment-not-possible-in-jail-ihc-told</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2605809/imrans-treatment-not-possible-in-jail-ihc-told#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 30 Apr 26 21:46:21 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Fiaz Mahmood]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
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				<![CDATA[.]]>
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				<![CDATA[The Islamabad High Court was informed on Thursday that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi were facing deteriorating eyesight and prolonged solitary confinement in jail, with their counsel raising concerns over medical treatment and prison conditions.

Barrister Salman Safdar, representing the PTI founder and Bibi, told the division bench headed by Chief Justice Sardar Muhammad Sarfraz Dogar and Justice Muhammad Asif that both were suffering health complications, adding that adequate treatment was not possible in Adiala Jail.

During hearing of appeals in the &pound;190 million case, the lawyer questioned the prison environment, asking what &quot;infection&quot; was affecting the right eye of both detainees and stating that required surgical procedures necessitated hospital access, which he said was not feasible within jail premises.

Safdar argued that prolonged solitary confinement was not part of the court&#39;s judgment and amounted to &quot;torture&quot; if continued over extended periods. He further claimed Bushra Bibi had previously been placed in solitary confinement despite earlier judicial observations against such treatment.

The lawyer told the court that during a recent jail meeting, the PTI founder had reported significant deterioration in eyesight, claiming only 15% vision remained, while 85% had been lost, and that doctors had indicated the damage was irreversible.

He also alleged that the PTI founder was kept in 22-hour solitary confinement, with no response even to greetings, while Bushra Bibi was held in 24-hour isolation.

Safdar further referred to an alleged emergency call from Adiala Jail on April 16 regarding Bushra Bibi&#39;s condition, saying the family was asked to reach immediately, and urged the court to summon senior jail officials, including the Inspector General of Prisons, to explain the conditions of confinement.

He said Bushra Bibi&#39;s bail request had been pending for over a year and questioned whether courts had historically been reluctant to grant relief to women.

Chief Justice Dogar questioned why arguments on the main appeal were not being advanced, stating the court was ready to hear the case and dispose of it expeditiously. He added that appeals were being taken up on a daily basis and decided without delay.

In response, Safdar said there was no objection to hearing the appeal, but he had instructions to first argue the suspension of sentence applications. He also indicated that senior counsel Latif Khosa may appear for arguments on the appeal.

The chief justice observed that once an appeal is fixed for hearing, appeal for suspension of sentence generally becomes ineffective, and directed counsel to prepare within 10 days for scheduling.

During the hearing, lawyers also referred to other pending cases, including the Toshakhana appeal, and exchanged arguments over the prioritisation of matters before the court. At the conclusion of proceedings, the bench remarked on frequent objections raised by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chief minister, before retiring to chambers.]]>
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			<title>Pakistan, US reaffirm commitment to 'constructive engagement'</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2605808/pakistan-us-reaffirm-commitment-to-constructive-engagement</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2605808/pakistan-us-reaffirm-commitment-to-constructive-engagement#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 30 Apr 26 21:46:21 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[afp]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
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				<![CDATA[.]]>
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				<![CDATA[Pakistan&#39;s Ambassador to the United States Rizwan Saeed Sheikh has expressed Islamabad&#39;s steadfast commitment to promoting conflict resolution through dialogue and constructive engagement following a meeting with US Congressman Brian Mast, chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee&#39;s Republican caucus.

Sheikh described the interaction as &quot;broad-based and productive,&quot; noting that both sides exchanged views on evolving regional and global developments. He also thanked the Congressman for recognising Pakistan&#39;s role in facilitating peace efforts in the Middle East and beyond.

The discussions included prospects for strengthening the historically significant Pakistan-US partnership, particularly in the context of an increasingly complex global landscape, according to a statement shared on social media.]]>
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			<title>Suu Kyi to be moved to house arrest</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2605807/suu-kyi-to-be-moved-to-house-arrest</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2605807/suu-kyi-to-be-moved-to-house-arrest#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 30 Apr 26 21:46:13 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[reuters]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[World]]></category>
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				<![CDATA[.]]>
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				<![CDATA[Myanmar&#39;s detained former leader Aung San Suu Kyi is to be moved to house arrest, state media reported on Thursday, more than five years after the military ousted the civilian government she led and jailed the Nobel laureate.

Suu Kyi, 80, has been detained by the junta since and her whereabouts have been unclear amid a deadly civil war that was triggered by the February 2021 coup that has engulfed much of the impoverished Southeast Asian nation.

&quot;...the remaining portion of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi&#39;s sentence has been commuted to be served at a designated residence,&quot; state-run MRTV reported, using an honorific for the veteran politician.

State media also broadcast a photograph of Suu Kyi, seated on a wooden bench and flanked by two uniformed personnel - the first public image of her in years.

At the United Nations in New York, U.N. spokesperson Stephane Dujarric welcomed the news.

&quot;We&#39;ve just seen the reports,&quot; he said. &quot;I can tell you that we appreciate the commutation of Aung San Suu Kyi to a so-called house arrest in a designated residence. It is a meaningful step towards conditions conducive to credible political process.&quot;

Dujarric added that the only viable political solution in Myanmar &quot;must be based on immediate cessation of violence and a genuine commitment to inclusive dialogue.&quot;

However, in a statement, her son Kim Aris said Thursday&#39;s announcement by Myanmar authorities did little to dispel fears about her condition or even confirm that she was still alive.

&quot;I still do not know where my mother is. I do not know how she is. I remain deeply concerned about whether she is still alive,&quot; he said. &quot;If she is alive, I ask for proof of life.&quot;

In December, Aris told Reuters he has not heard from his mother in years, only receiving sporadic, secondhand details about her heart, bone and gum problems since her detention.

&quot;It is good to hear that the house arrest has been confirmed but we haven&#39;t received any direct notification,&quot; a member of her legal team told Reuters. &quot;We only found out about it from the news announcement.&quot;

THIRTY-THREE-YEAR SENTENCE

After a marathon run of trials, Suu Kyi was sentenced to 33 years after convictions on charges ranging from corruption and inciting election fraud to violating state secrecy rules, which her allies maintain were politically motivated and aimed at sidelining her.

That sentence was later commuted to 27 years, and then by a sixth in a Myanmar New Year amnesty on April 17 that freed her ally and co-defendant Win Myint, the former president.

Earlier on Thursday, her sentence was reduced by a further one-sixth as part of a wider amnesty of all prisoners in Myanmar&#39;s jails.]]>
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			<title>Bangladesh seals Boeing jet deal, shifts from Airbus</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2605806/bangladesh-seals-boeing-jet-deal-shifts-from-airbus</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2605806/bangladesh-seals-boeing-jet-deal-shifts-from-airbus#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 30 Apr 26 21:46:13 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[reuters]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[World]]></category>
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				<![CDATA[Bangladesh signed a deal on Thursday to buy 14 aircraft from U.S. planemaker Boeing BA.N, officials said, a move that marks a shift away from Europe&#39;s Airbus AIR.PAamid trade pressure from Washington.

Officials did not disclose the value of the deal, though at list prices it would be worth about $3.7 billion.

Boeing will supply a mix of narrow-body and wide-body aircraft, including 10 787 Dreamliners and four 737 MAX jets, to Biman Bangladesh Airlines, as the national carrier looks to modernise its fleet and expand capacity to meet rising demand.

The order features eight 787?10s, marking Biman&#39;s first purchase of the largest Dreamliner variant, along with two 787?9s, Boeing said on Thursday, confirming the order.

The aircraft will be delivered in phases, a Biman official and an official from the aviation ministry said, without providing further details.]]>
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			<title>Lebanon hunger crisis deepens</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2605805/lebanon-hunger-crisis-deepens</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2605805/lebanon-hunger-crisis-deepens#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 30 Apr 26 21:46:13 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[News Desk]]>
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			<category><![CDATA[World]]></category>
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				<![CDATA[Conditions going from bad to worse in Gaza]]>
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				<![CDATA[At least nine people were reported to have been killed in southern Lebanon on Thursday, as ongoing hostilities continue to exact a heavy toll on civilians and drive a worsening humanitarian crisis marked by rising hunger and strained public services.

The UN relief coordination office, OCHA, cited reports from Lebanese authorities that at least 13 people were also injured in multiple airstrikes and military activity across towns in the south.

Between 17 and 28 April alone, 48 people were killed and 183 injured, bringing the total toll since the escalation began on 2 March to more than 2,500 killed and over 7,800 wounded, according to the country&#39;s health ministry.

Despite an extended ceasefire, the situation remains &quot;fragile and volatile,&quot; OCHA said, with continued violence hampering humanitarian access and recovery efforts.

Aid agencies have managed to carry out 100 assisted missions to hard-to-reach areas through a UN-coordinated notification system, allowing some relief to reach communities under strain.

Insecurity, coupled with the economic impact of the conflict, has further strained livelihoods, while rising costs and supply disruptions are worsening food insecurity.

Estimates indicate that nearly a quarter of the population is facing acute hunger.

A new alert from the UN-backed global food security tracker IPC on Wednesday warned that the situation is deteriorating rapidly.

Around 1.2 million people could face high levels of acute food insecurity between now and August.

&quot;Behind every number are families struggling to meet their food needs consistently,&quot; the UN World Food Programme (WFP) said, as it continues to scale up assistance, together with partners.

In one school-turned-shelter in Jdeideh, in northern Beirut city, 377 people &ndash; around 90 families &ndash; are living in cramped conditions, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported, highlighting the pressures on basic infrastructure.

The UN health agency has been working with partners to strengthen medical treatment options including support for hospital blood banks to ensure lifesaving transfusions during emergencies.

Gaza conditions deteriorate

In Gaza, humanitarian conditions remain dire, with families facing overcrowded shelters, limited access to water and growing health risks.

OCHA said UN and partner teams visiting displacement sites in eastern Gaza city found around 600 families living in &quot;harsh conditions,&quot; sheltering in damaged buildings and tents with little access to clean water and virtually no sanitation services.

Rodents and insects are widespread, increasing the risk of disease, while untreated waste and overcrowding are compounding already difficult living conditions.]]>
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			<title>Guterres rebukes US over dues</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2605804/guterres-rebukes-us-over-dues</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2605804/guterres-rebukes-us-over-dues#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 30 Apr 26 21:46:13 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[reuters]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[World]]></category>
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				<![CDATA[.]]>
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				<![CDATA[United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said on Thursday that the billions of dollars the United States owes to the world body is &quot;non-negotiable,&quot; after reports that Washington had placed conditions on releasing the funds.

The development newswire Devex reported this week that two diplomatic notes circulated by the U.S. called for nine &quot;quick-hit&quot; reforms as a condition for releasing more funds, including further cost-cutting, and moves to counter China&#39;s influence at the United Nations.

&quot;The money we are talking about is referred to as assessed contributions,&quot; Guterres told reporters when asked about the reports. &quot;Assessed contributions are an obligation of member states. They are non-negotiable.&quot;

Guterres, who has been leading reform efforts under pressure from member states, especially the United States, said the U.N. would do its best &quot;to make sure that we make this organization as effective and as cost-effective and as able to deliver for the people we care for.&quot;

&quot;But these are two separate things,&quot; he added.

According to Devex, the U.S.-demanded cost-cutting included overhauling the U.N. pension system, ending long-distance business-class travel for some senior and all mid-level professionals, additional cuts to senior U.N. ranks and a 10% reduction in long-running and ineffective peacekeeping missions.]]>
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			<title>Afghan linked to2021 Kabul airport attack convicted</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2605803/afghan-linked-to2021-kabul-airport-attack-convicted</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2605803/afghan-linked-to2021-kabul-airport-attack-convicted#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 30 Apr 26 21:46:13 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[reuters]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[World]]></category>
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				<![CDATA[A federal jury in Virginia on Wednesday convicted an Afghan man of conspiring to provide material support to a terrorist organization in connection with the 2021 suicide bombing at Kabul airport that killed 13 US service members and about 160 Afghan civilians.

But the jury deadlocked on whether his actions directly caused the deaths, sparing the defendant, Mohammad Sharifullah, from a possible life sentence. He still faces up to 20 years in prison.

US District Judge Anthony Trenga did not immediately set a sentencing date. The attack occurred on August 26, 2021, as US forces were evacuating from Afghanistan at the end of America&#39;s longest war.

A suicide bomber detonated an explosive vest at Abbey Gate, killing 11 Marines, one Navy corpsman and one Army soldier, along with an estimated 160 Afghan civilians.

Prosecutors said Sharifullah helped the Islamic State group&#39;s Afghanistan affiliate, ISIS-K, by conducting reconnaissance and facilitating communications ahead of the attack.

Defense attorneys argued the government relied too heavily on Sharifullah&#39;s own statements during FBI interrogations and failed to independently prove his role in the bombing.

The case marked the first US criminal trial stemming from the Abbey Gate attack, a politically charged episode that has continued to shape debate over how former President Joe Biden&#39;s administration withdrew from Afghanistan.

Early in President Donald Trump&#39;s second term, Sharifullah was arrested in Pakistan, near the Afghan border, by Pakistani security forces working with the FBI and CIA.]]>
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			<title>Wang tells Rubio Taiwan is 'biggest risk' in ties</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2605802/wang-tells-rubio-taiwan-is-biggest-risk-in-ties</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2605802/wang-tells-rubio-taiwan-is-biggest-risk-in-ties#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 30 Apr 26 21:46:13 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[reuters]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[World]]></category>
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				<![CDATA[.]]>
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				<![CDATA[China and the US should prepare for &quot;important high-level exchanges&quot;, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said in a call with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Thursday, while warning the Taiwan issue is &quot;the biggest point of risk&quot; for relations.

&quot;The Taiwan issue concerns China&#39;s core interests,&quot; Wang told Rubio, adding that the U.S. should &quot;keep its promises and make the right choices in order to open up new space for China-U.S. cooperation and make due efforts for world peace&quot;, an official summary of the call released by Wang&#39;s ministryshowed.

The phone conversation came weeks before an expected mid-May summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing, and it underscored Taiwan&#39;s place at the top of Beijing&#39;s agenda.

Wang and Rubio last met in-person in Munich in February, as trade tensions between the world&#39;s two largest economies eased. A fragile tariff truce was struck during a Trump-Xi meeting in South Korea last October.

&quot;Under the strategic guidance of President Xi Jinping and President Trump, China-U.S. relations have generally remained stable,&quot; Wang told Rubio during Thursday&#39;s call, the first publicly known conversation between the two men since the U.S. and Israel began strikes against Iran on February 28.

&quot;Both sides should safeguard the hard-won stability, make good preparations for agendas of important high-level interactions, expand cooperation, and manage differences,&quot; Wang said.

The two men also discussed the situation in the Middle East, the Chinese readout showed, without providing further details.]]>
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			<title>Four sentenced in murder, drug cases</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2605801/four-sentenced-in-murder-drug-cases</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2605801/four-sentenced-in-murder-drug-cases#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 30 Apr 26 21:40:26 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
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			<category><![CDATA[Punjab]]></category>
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				<![CDATA[.]]>
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				<![CDATA[The Sessions courts on Thursday handed down severe sentences to four convicts in separate cases involving murder, grievous bodily harm, and narcotics offences, awarding cumulative punishments of life imprisonment, 18 years&#39; imprisonment, and fines exceeding Rs5.15 million.

In one case, Bilal was sentenced to life imprisonment and ordered to pay Rs300,000 in compensation for murder. In the same incident, Jibran received five years&#39; imprisonment along with Rs4.91m in diyat/arsh compensation for causing the loss of a citizen&#39;s eye, while Muhammad Azram was fined Rs80,000 as daman compensation for causing injury.

The convicts had, in April 2023, murdered a man and injured two others in the Saddar Wah police jurisdiction over a prior dispute.

In a separate case, Tauseef was also sentenced to life imprisonment and fined Rs200,000 in compensation for murder. He had fatally shot a man in June 2023 within the limits of the Kallar Syedan police station following a personal enmity.

Meanwhile, in two narcotics cases, courts sentenced two drug suppliers to a combined total of 18 years&#39; imprisonment and fines amounting to Rs160,000.

Hussain was awarded nine years&#39; imprisonment and fined Rs80,000 after being arrested by Wah Cantt police in November 2024 with 1.7 kilogrammes of hashish in his possession.]]>
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			<title>Mall Road operation targets hotels, shops</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2605800/mall-road-operation-targets-hotels-shops</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2605800/mall-road-operation-targets-hotels-shops#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 30 Apr 26 21:40:26 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
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			<category><![CDATA[Punjab]]></category>
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				<![CDATA[Acting on directives from the Punjab government, the district administration has launched an operation to reclaim 20 kanal of land acquired under the Mall Road Hillside Acquisition project as part of the Murree Development Plan.

On Wednesday, the operation began at a residential hotel on Mall Road Hillside under the supervision of Assistant Commissioner Murree, Captain (retd) Arshad Iqbal, accompanied by heavy contingents of para force, civil defence, and Punjab Police. The hotel was demolished using heavy machinery during the operation.

The project includes more than 10 large residential hotels and over 50 shops on Mall Road. The acquisition collector has also issued orders to owners to vacate hotel buildings and shops.

Under the land acquisition plan, affected landowners and traders will be compensated for land, structures, and loss of business.

However, affected individuals say hundreds of families depend on these hotels and shops for their livelihoods and will lose their source of income, while hundreds of employees working there for years will also become jobless.]]>
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			<title>Boards raise registration, migration fees</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2605799/boards-raise-registration-migration-fees</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2605799/boards-raise-registration-migration-fees#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 30 Apr 26 21:40:26 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Punjab]]></category>
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				<![CDATA[.]]>
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				<![CDATA[Citing financial constraints, education boards across the province have increased fees for Class 9 and 10 registrations, along with charges for subject changes, data correction, and migration for the 202628 academic session, creating difficulties for low-income families.

All nine education boards in the province have formally started the registration process for the new academic session of Classes 9 and 10. Registration with the normal fee will continue until June 8.

The total registration cost has been set at Rs2,350, which includes a registration fee of Rs1,150, a processing fee of Rs870, and a sports fee of Rs300.

From June 9 to June 23, a late fee of Rs600 will be charged.

Correction of personal data will be allowed until October 31, with a fee of Rs750. After the deadline, the fee will increase to Rs1,250. Subject changes can also be made until October 31 at a cost of Rs2,400, rising to Rs2,900 after the due date.

The migration fee has been fixed at Rs4,800.

For registration, a B-Form and the father&#39;s national identity card have been made mandatory. Teachers and parents have expressed concern over the increase in fees.]]>
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			<title>Government moves to rein in expenditures</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2605798/government-moves-to-rein-in-expenditures</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2605798/government-moves-to-rein-in-expenditures#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 30 Apr 26 21:40:26 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2605798</guid>
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				<![CDATA[Bodies told to curb spending; funds shift aims to sustain relief projects]]>
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				<![CDATA[The Punjab government has directed all public-sector bodies to eliminate non-essential expenditure and transfer surplus financial deposits to the provincial exchequer, citing rising welfare spending, public relief measures, and a shortfall in revenue targets.

Under the directive, development authorities, Parks and Horticulture Authorities (PHA), Water and Sanitation Agencies (WASA), waste management companies and other public entities across the province have been instructed to retain funds only for salaries, pensions, utility services and critical emergency operations, and to remit remaining balances to the government. Authorities have also been asked to submit schedules for the repayment of outstanding liabilities.

The decision was taken at a meeting held in Lahore under the chairmanship of Punjab Chief Secretary Zahid Zaman Akhtar, attended by heads and representatives of development authorities and public companies from across the province.

Participants presented their financial positions, including essential expenditures, ongoing and future development projects, and details of funds held in bank accounts.]]>
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			<title>Bari Imam residents lose stay bid</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2605797/bari-imam-residents-lose-stay-bid</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2605797/bari-imam-residents-lose-stay-bid#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 30 Apr 26 21:40:26 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Jahanzeb Abbasi]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
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				<![CDATA[.]]>
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				<![CDATA[The Federal Constitutional Court on Thursday rejected a plea seeking to halt the CDA&#39;s operation in Islamabad&#39;s Bari Imam area.

A two-member bench headed by Justice Aamir Farooq heard the case. Justice Farooq remarked that it would be more appropriate for the matter to proceed before the relevant forum.

Counsel for the local residents argued that all houses could be demolished before a decision is issued by the High Court.

The court observed that no observations should be sought from it and advised the petitioner to pursue the appropriate legal remedy. The counsel submitted that a request for an early hearing had already been filed in the High Court but had not been taken up.

Justice Farooq questioned under what law a committee could be formed in a judge&#39;s chamber. The counsel responded that the committee had earlier been constituted by the CDA.

The court, however, remarked that it was not within a High Court judge&#39;s mandate to form such committees.

The counsel warned that if the operation was not halted, all houses would be razed, and requested the court to direct the High Court to issue an early decision. Justice Farooq reiterated that the petitioner should adopt the proper legal course without seeking observations from the court.]]>
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			<title>Exhibit spotlights award-winning artists</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2605796/exhibit-spotlights-award-winning-artists</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2605796/exhibit-spotlights-award-winning-artists#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 30 Apr 26 21:40:26 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
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			<description>
				<![CDATA[.]]>
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				<![CDATA[The New Cadence II exhibition, featuring 14 emerging artists, is opening today, May 1 at Gallery 6 in the federal capital.

Curated by Dr Arjumand Faisel, this exhibition is the second edition of a programme that traces the artistic journeys of the participants of the National Biennial Arjumand Painting Award 2025, beyond the competition itself.

As Dr Faisel stated in the preview, &quot;A cadence is not a beginning, it is what a voice finds after moving through uncertainty. The exhibition asks what happens when 14 such voices, sharing a single point of departure, are given space to develop on their own terms.&quot;

The works on view resist easy classification as they span oil, acrylic, watercolour, pen and ink, impasto, Neo-miniature and mixed media. Their subjects range from the domestic and the devotional to the social and the ecological. What unites them is not a shared aesthetic but a shared seriousness, with each artist bringing a distinct practice and perspective.

Among the exhibiting artists, Aafia Ali Shah, a recipient of the three-way First Prize at the Arjumand Painting Award 2025, works at the intersection of Islamic spirituality and metaphysics, using light and transparency to render the fine line between divine love and longing. Swarim Abid Hassan, also a First Prize recipient, layers oil paint over oxidised silver leaf to explore displacement, fragility, and quiet resistance in an era of shifting borders. Sabahat Nisar and Buland Iqbal, both Merit Prize recipients, bring portraits and figures that are as psychologically searching as they are technically accomplished. Nisar with faceless crowds that speak to modern alienation, Iqbal with intensely personal figurative work rooted in vulnerability and lived experience.]]>
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			<title>Man, declared dead, loses home</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2605795/man-declared-dead-loses-home</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2605795/man-declared-dead-loses-home#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 30 Apr 26 21:40:26 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Qaiser Shirazi]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2605795</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Elderly victim alleges official involvement in fraud]]>
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				<![CDATA[A striking case of alleged property fraud against a vulnerable citizen has come to light, involving the use of a forged death certificate to seize valuable assets.

A 65-year-old man, Sagheer Shah, who had been serving a five-year sentence in a narcotics case, claims he was falsely declared dead by suspects who subsequently usurped his property.

According to Sagheer Shah, son of Feroz Shah, several years ago he was convicted and imprisoned. During his incarceration, suspects identified as Nauman Iqbal and Muhammad Iqbalresidents of Gawalmandiallegedly deceived his underage daughter, Shaneez Bukhari, into signing documents under the pretext of filing bail and an appeal.

He further alleged that the suspects fraudulently procured a death certificate from Union Council 37, Dhok Dalal, falsely declaring him deceased. The forged document was reportedly supported by a written statement attributed to a gravedigger.

Using the fake death certificate, the accused allegedly transferred ownership of his 4.5-marla house located in Millatabad, Dhok Banarasvalued at Rs12 millionfor a mere Rs2.6m. The property was then swiftly transferred to a relative of the suspects.

Upon his release, Sagheer Shah returned home only to discover that his house had been sold and he had been forcibly evicted. When he approached the Union Council (UC) office with the death certificate, officials were reportedly taken aback to find him alive, raising serious concerns about the issuance of the fraudulent document.]]>
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			<title>Ring Road project opening delayed</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2605794/ring-road-project-opening-delayed</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2605794/ring-road-project-opening-delayed#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 30 Apr 26 21:40:26 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Jamil Mirza]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Punjab]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2605794</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Work on key interchanges is ongoing; linking routes remain under development]]>
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				<![CDATA[The completion of the Rawalpindi Ring Road is now expected between May 30 and June 30, following delays in the construction of the broad-based Thallian Interchange, which will link the project to the motorway network.

Meanwhile, 88 per cent of work on the Kachehry Chowk Interchange Projectcomprising flyovers and underpasseshas been completed, and it is likely to be opened to traffic by May 10.

Both projects are expected to be inaugurated by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz. Authorities are also considering the option of opening them to traffic prior to their formal inauguration.

Rapid progress continues on the Rawalpindi Ring Road project, with approximately 70 per cent of carpeting work already completed, while the remainder is ongoing.

However, construction work on several bridges along the route, as well as five interchanges at Banth, Chak Beli Khan Road, Adiala Road, Chakri Road and Thallian, is still underway.

The 38.6-kilometre route, extending from Banth Interchange on GT Road to Thallian Interchange, is estimated to cost Rs42 billion. The previously designed Thallian Interchange is being upgraded to a broad-based interchange at an additional cost of Rs5b.

In addition, under the supervision of the National Highway Authority (NHA), linking routes to Motorways M-1 and M-2, as well as a connection to Sangjani, are yet to be completed, incurring further expenditure.

Plans are also in place to utilise 500 metres of land on both sides of the Ring Road for the establishment of transport terminals, fruit and vegetable markets, an expo centre, an IT zone, education and health zones, and industrial areas.

On the other hand, the Kachehry Chowk projectfeaturing two flyovers, three underpasses, and a broad-based pedestrian overhead bridgeis nearing completion. According to sources within the executing agency, the Communication and Works Department, the project is expected to be completed by May 10, although a formal opening date has yet to be finalised.

The Kachehry Chowk scheme, the largest road infrastructure project in Rawalpindi since the Rawalpindi Metro Bus Project, carries an estimated cost of Rs5.974b and is fully funded by the Punjab government.]]>
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			<title>Istanbul push seeks Pak-Afghan thaw</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2605792/istanbul-push-seeks-pak-afghan-thaw</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2605792/istanbul-push-seeks-pak-afghan-thaw#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 30 Apr 26 21:22:07 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Shahabullah Yousafzai]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2605792</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Track 1.5 dialogue brings together officials, experts to explore de-escalation]]>
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				<![CDATA[Informal AfghanistanPakistan talks aimed at dialing down tensions between Kabul and Islamabad have begun in Istanbul, with Qatar and Turkey playing a facilitating role, sources told The Express Tribune on Thursday.

According to participants, the first meeting was arranged by a Turkish organisation, which invited political figures, policy experts, journalists, and former diplomats from both countries to take part in the discussions.

The Afghan delegation included former diplomat Atif Mashal, Obaidullah Bahir (grandson of Gulbuddin Hekmatyar), Jafar Mahdavi, and Ghuncha Gul. Pakistan is represented by former special envoy for Afghanistan Asif Durrani, ex-senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed, senior journalist Hamid Mir, and Senator Sitara Ayaz.

Sources familiar with the meeting said both sides agreed on the need to work towards de-escalation and reducing tensions between the two countries.

However, they added that the process still lacks a formal mandate, while Turkey and Qatar continue to support peace efforts.

The discussions are being held under a &quot;Track 1.5&quot; format, involving former officials, experts, and individuals close to policymaking circles. This framework allows informal exchanges on sensitive issues without binding diplomatic commitments.

According to organisers, the focus of the dialogue is on addressing the root causes of tensions and exploring practical ways to improve relations between Kabul and Islamabad.

Sources further said that this is the fourth such initiative involving regional and international stakeholders, including engagements in China, Saudi Arabia, Doha, and Istanbul.

They added that despite recent border skirmishes, the ceasefire situation remains intact and no major escalation has been reported through official channels.]]>
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			<title>Pakistan Post resumes global mail services</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2605791/pakistan-post-resumes-global-mail-services</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2605791/pakistan-post-resumes-global-mail-services#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 30 Apr 26 21:22:07 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
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			<description>
				<![CDATA[.]]>
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				<![CDATA[Pakistan Post has restored international mail booking for 188 countries with immediate effect after a temporary suspension caused by the Middle East conflict.

According to Additional Director General (Operations) Maqsood Ahmed, arrangements have been finalised with seven international transit hubs to facilitate outbound mail from Pakistan. These include Azerbaijan Post via Baku, Emirates Post via Dubai, Malaysia Post via Kuala Lumpur, Turkish Post via Istanbul, PostNL via Amsterdam, Australia Post via Sydney, and China Post via Beijing.]]>
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			<title>PTI leaders reach Adiala after two-week hiatus</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2605790/pti-leaders-reach-adiala-after-two-week-hiatus</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2605790/pti-leaders-reach-adiala-after-two-week-hiatus#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 30 Apr 26 21:22:07 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2605790</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[.]]>
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				<![CDATA[After missing visits to Adiala Jail for two straight weeks, PTI leaders on Thursday reached the prison to meet incarcerated party founder Imran Khan, but were again denied access.

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) permits Imran to hold meetings twice a week - on Tuesdays and Thursdays - with family members, lawyers and associates. However, despite these directives, his interactions with family and party leaders have largely remained curtailed.

While Imran&#39;s sisters continued to appear at Adiala Jail on Tuesdays, PTI leaders remained absent over the past two weeks, drawing criticism of the party leadership.

A day earlier, a list of PTI leaders&#39; names was submitted to the Adiala Jail superintendent for a scheduled meeting with the party founder.

The initial list included PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, Advocate Hamid Khan and Barrister Ali Zafar.

However, PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja - authorised by the Islamabad High Court (IHC) to submit the names of party leaders wishing to meet Imran to the jail administration - later withdrew the initial list and issued a revised one.

The updated list, in addition to Raja himself, included Humayun Mohmand, Ali Muhammad Khan, Sahibzada Sibghatullah, Mehboob Shah and Ali Bukhari.

On Thursday, all six leaders arrived at Adiala Jail in an attempt to meet Imran, but despite their efforts, they were once again denied access.

Raja criticised authorities for denying party leaders access to the party&#39;s founder, warning that attendance of those visiting on designated meeting days would be recorded and made public.]]>
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			<title>Etisalat's $800m dues draw Senate scrutiny</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2605789/etisalats-800m-dues-draw-senate-scrutiny</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2605789/etisalats-800m-dues-draw-senate-scrutiny#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 30 Apr 26 21:22:07 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2605789</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Panel on IT orders probe into internet outages]]>
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				<![CDATA[Lawmakers on Thursday raised the long-pending issue of $800 million owed by Etisalat to Pakistan.

The issue was raised during a Senate Standing Committee on Information Technology and Telecommunication meeting chaired by Senator Palwasha Khan.

She asked whether the funds had been recovered, while the IT secretary said the matter remained under discussion between the government of Pakistan and Etisalat, with the last round of talks held a few months ago. He added that this was a privatisation-related shareholder issue.

Palwasha proposed a joint meeting between the IT and privatisation committees to take up the matter, with plans for a combined session in the next round.

The committee also discussed concerns over content moderation on X, after a tweet by Defence Minister Khawaja Asif regarding Israel was reportedly removed.

Senator Palwasha Khan claimed that content critical of Israel was routinely taken down, calling X a &quot;biased platform&quot; and questioning whether any action had been taken. The PTA chairman responded that the minister had described the account as personal and that no formal complaint had been received by the authority.

Highlighting regional disparities, Senator Syed Kazim Ali Shah said signal outages were a major issue in Sindh, particularly in Khairpur, Sukkur, Ghotki, Jacobabad, Nawabshah, Larkana and Hyderabad.

He noted that load-shedding, combined with diesel theft, had rendered connectivity &quot;almost non-existent&quot; in several areas, urging PTA to curb theft and improve services.

The parliamentary panel raised alarm over widespread signal outages on motorways and across Sindh, linking disruptions to diesel theft, load-shedding and weak regulatory oversight, affecting nearly 60 million users nationwide.

The committee took serious notice of the situation, constituting a sub-committee to investigate persistent connectivity breakdowns, including the absence of telecom towers along motorways and the reported theft of diesel used to power network infrastructure.

Lawmakers also raised concerns over the role of the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) and the Ministry of IT in addressing systemic failures in service delivery.

During the meeting, Senator Palwasha Khan said she had repeatedly pointed out the lack of signals on motorways.

&quot;I have said many times that there is no signal on the motorway,&quot; she said, adding that despite repeated calls to install towers, no action had been taken.

She noted that several parliamentarians had also raised the same concern, questioning why infrastructure gaps remained unaddressed.

PTA officials said they were attempting to address the issue through licensing mechanisms.

Senator Atta ur Rehman claimed that diesel and even batteries were being stolen in Lakki Marwat, but Senator Sadia Abbasi rejected the explanation, arguing that surveillance systems already existed and solutions were available.

Demonstrating the problem in real time, Senator Attaur Rehman dialled a number during the meeting and said, &quot;The number is switched off, there is no signal. You can see for yourself.&quot;]]>
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			<title>'Inflation to rise to 89%'</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2605788/inflation-to-rise-to-89</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2605788/inflation-to-rise-to-89#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 30 Apr 26 21:22:07 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Irshad Ansari]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
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			<description>
				<![CDATA[.]]>
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				<![CDATA[Pakistan&#39;s inflation is expected to edge higher in April as the Ministry of Finance projects it in the range of 89%, as supply chain disruptions and global uncertainty continue to exert pressure on prices despite signs of macroeconomic stability.

In its Monthly Economic Update and Outlook for April 2026, the ministry warned that inflationary pressures were being driven largely by supply-side constraints, even as the broader economy remained on a stable footing.

The report noted that geopolitical tensions, particularly in the Middle East, had heightened uncertainty around the macroeconomic outlook.

The ministry said inflation, measured by the consumer price index, was expected to rise from 7.3% in March to 89% in April. &quot;External demand may remain supportive in some markets, but the balance of risk becomes less favourable than in a pre-war setting,&quot; the report stated.

At the same time, the report pointed to continued resilience in key economic indicators. The overall primary surplus during the first eight months of the current fiscal year stood at 3.3% of GDP (Rs4.319 trillion), compared to 3% (Rs3.452 trillion) in the same period last year.]]>
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			<title>PM extends fuel subsidy relief</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2605787/pm-extends-fuel-subsidy-relief</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2605787/pm-extends-fuel-subsidy-relief#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 30 Apr 26 21:22:07 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2605787</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[.]]>
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				<![CDATA[Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday extended the fuel subsidy for motorcyclists, public transport and goods transport by another month as he announced the continuation of measures aimed at providing relief to the public amid the prevailing economic situation.

According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister&#39;s Office, the premier directed the relevant authorities to ensure that any increase in passenger fares and freight charges was prevented at all costs.

He stressed the need for effective monitoring of relief measures so that their benefits reached deserving individuals directly.]]>
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			<title>EU praises Pakistan's peace role</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2605786/eu-praises-pakistans-peace-role</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2605786/eu-praises-pakistans-peace-role#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 30 Apr 26 21:22:07 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2605786</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[.]]>
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				<![CDATA[EU Vice President/High Representative Kaja Kallas appreciated Pakistan&#39;s continued constructive and facilitative role in promoting regional peace and stability in a call with DPM/FM Ishaq Dar on Thursday.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, both discussed the evolving regional situation, including its economic and broader implications, and agreed to remain in close contact.

Dar reaffirmed Pakistan&#39;s sustained commitment

to promote dialogue

and engagement in this regard.

&quot;He also commended the recent successful convening of the EU-Pakistan Business Forum in Islamabad,&quot; said the statement.]]>
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			<title>Airlines reel as jet fuel prices take off</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2605785/airlines-reel-as-jet-fuel-prices-take-off</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2605785/airlines-reel-as-jet-fuel-prices-take-off#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 30 Apr 26 21:22:07 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2605785</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Passenger numbers shrink despite fare cuts, reduced flights]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Passenger traffic has sharply declined at airports across Pakistan amid rising IranUS tensions and surging jet fuel prices, with aviation activity at Allama Iqbal International Airport reduced to a trickle, limited largely to Hajj pilgrims and a small number of essential travellers.

Despite a temporary ceasefire in the Middle East, the fallout has continued to disrupt aviation operations.

Passenger numbers for both domestic and international travel have fallen from the hundreds of thousands to just a few thousand, while airlines, both local and foreign, have slashed flight operations by 40 to 50 per cent.

Moreover, fare reductions have failed to revive demand, as escalating jet fuel costs have pushed ticket prices beyond the reach of many. Industry sources say airlines are increasingly cancelling flights due to insufficient passenger loads.

&quot;If operational costs cannot be met, how can flights continue?&quot; an airline source remarked, pointing to declining purchasing power among consumers. &quot;People can barely afford daily necessities. How can they afford air travel?&quot;

As a result, only those compelled by necessity are opting to fly, a stark contrast to earlier periods when flights would sell out quickly.

According to Khawaja Ayub Naseem of the Travel Agents Association, while higher fuel costs have contributed to the downturn, broader economic pressures have significantly weakened demand.

He said domestic fares have dropped from Rs50,00070,000 for routes such as LahoreKarachi return tickets to around Rs30,00040,000, yet passenger numbers remain low.

He added that instability in Gulf countries and tighter visa policies, particularly in the United Arab Emirates and Dubai, have further reduced outbound travel, with visas now being issued in limited numbers.

The combined impact of geopolitical tensions, economic strain, and restricted mobility has pushed Pakistan&#39;s aviation sector to what industry insiders describe as the brink of collapse.]]>
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			<title>April 29 peak hours pass without power cuts</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2605784/april-29-peak-hours-pass-without-power-cuts</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2605784/april-29-peak-hours-pass-without-power-cuts#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 30 Apr 26 21:22:07 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2605784</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[.]]>
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				<![CDATA[The Power Division on Wednesday said no load management was carried out during peak hours on the night of April 29, attributing improved supply to higher hydel generation and increased availability of local gas.

In a statement, the Power Division spokesperson said hydropower generation stood at 6,000 megawatts (MW), against the country&#39;s total installed hydel capacity of 11,500MW.

The spokesperson added that electricity generation increased after more power plants were supplied with locally sourced gas.]]>
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			<title>ECP delists two political parties over violations</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2605783/ecp-delists-two-political-parties-over-violations</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2605783/ecp-delists-two-political-parties-over-violations#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 30 Apr 26 21:22:07 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2605783</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[.]]>
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				<![CDATA[The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has delisted two political parties, including one founded by former chief justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry, over repeated violations of electoral laws, shrinking the total number of registered parties in the country to 167.

In a set of notifications, the ECP removed the Pakistan Justice and Democratic Party and the Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP) from its list of registered political parties.

The decision followed earlier orders issued on April 16 and was taken on the recommendation of the commission&#39;s political finance wing.]]>
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			<title>FO in touch with Somalia over hijack standoff</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2605782/fo-in-touch-with-somalia-over-hijack-standoff</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2605782/fo-in-touch-with-somalia-over-hijack-standoff#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 30 Apr 26 21:22:07 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2605782</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[.]]>
			</description>
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				<![CDATA[The Foreign Office on Thursday said that it was in contact with the Somali government over the hostage crisis involving Pakistani sailors aboard a hijacked oil tanker, adding that it believed the crew members were safe.

During his weekly briefing, Spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said the oil tanker &quot;Honor 25&quot; was hijacked by pirates near the southeastern coast of Somalia on April 21 while carrying oil to the Puntland region. The vessel had 17 crew members on board, including 10 Pakistanis.

He said Pakistan&#39;s embassy in Djibouti had approached Somali authorities, including their foreign ministry, and was informed that the vessel was anchored off the coast of Eyl in Puntland, a semi-autonomous region of Somalia.

&quot;We have fair reason to believe that our crew members are safe and secure,&quot; the FO said, adding that the Somali Ministry of Foreign Affairs had been &quot;very cooperative&quot; and was closely monitoring the situation.

According to the statement, Somali authorities had assured Pakistan that any updates regarding the vessel and the safety of the crew would be shared promptly. &quot;They are trying their best to ensure that the safety and well-being of our detained Pakistanis and all crew members are taken care of,&quot; it said, noting that local authorities and the ship&#39;s owner were in contact with the pirates.

Meanwhile, families of the crew members expressed deep concern over the safety of their loved ones, saying 10 days have passed since the hijacking of the vessel and no tangible progress has been made for their recovery.

Addressing a news conference at the Karachi Press Club on Thursday, the relatives said the lives of the kidnapped crew members remain at serious risk amid reported shortages of food and water on board the vessel.]]>
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			<title>13 terrorists killed as infiltration bids foiled</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2605781/13-terrorists-killed-as-infiltration-bids-foiled</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2605781/13-terrorists-killed-as-infiltration-bids-foiled#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 30 Apr 26 21:22:07 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2605781</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Eight killed in Mohmand, five in North Waziristan]]>
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				<![CDATA[Security forces killed 13 terrorists while foiling two separate infiltration attempts along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, the military&#39;s media wing said on Thursday.

In a statement, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said the incidents took place on Tuesday and Wednesday, when terrorists belonging to the &quot;Indian-sponsored&quot; Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) attempted to cross into Pakistan.

According to the ISPR, security forces detected the movement of a group attempting to infiltrate through the border in Mohmand district.

&quot;Own troops effectively engaged this group of khwarij. As a result of precise and skilful engagement, eight khwarij belonging to Indian-sponsored Fitna al-Khwarij were sent to hell,&quot; the statement said.

The term Fitna al-Khwarij is used by the state to refer to terrorists affiliated with the banned TTP.

The ISPR said another infiltration attempt was foiled in North Waziristan district, where security forces engaged a group of terrorists in an intense exchange of fire, neutralising five.

The statement said the engagements once again underscored Pakistan&#39;s stance regarding the failure of the Afghan Taliban regime to ensure effective border management on their side.

&quot;Afghan Taliban regime must fulfil its obligations and deny the use of Afghan soil by khwarij and prevent the involvement of its citizens in terrorism inside Pakistan,&quot; the ISPR said.

It added that security forces remained resolute in their commitment to defend the country&#39;s frontiers.

According to the ISPR, sanitisation operations were being conducted to eliminate any other terrorists in the area, adding that the counterterrorism campaign under the vision &quot;Azm-e-Istehkam&quot;, approved by the federal apex committee on the National Action Plan, would continue at full pace to eradicate foreign-sponsored terrorism from the country.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised security forces for foiling infiltration attempts along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border.

In a statement, the prime minister lauded the professionalism and operational readiness of the officers and personnel of the security forces for successfully thwarting attempts to infiltrate into Pakistan from Afghanistan.

&quot;The security forces effectively foiled infiltration attempts in Mohmand and North Waziristan and killed 13 khwarij,&quot; the prime minister said, adding that the forces had once again demonstrated their professional capabilities in defending the country&#39;s frontiers.

&quot;War against terrorism will continue until the complete elimination of this menace from the country,&quot; he said. &quot;Every soldier of the Pakistan Army is engaged day and night in safeguarding the homeland.&quot;

PM Shehbaz said the entire nation, including himself, stood shoulder to shoulder with the armed forces in their unwavering commitment to the defence of the country.]]>
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			<title>Airport security deal reports dismissed as exaggerated</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2605779/airport-security-deal-reports-dismissed-as-exaggerated</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2605779/airport-security-deal-reports-dismissed-as-exaggerated#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 30 Apr 26 20:39:48 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
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			<category><![CDATA[Business]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2605779</guid>
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				<![CDATA[Procurement for API, PNR systems to follow transparent bidding under PPRA rules, say sources]]>
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				<![CDATA[Recent media reports regarding a proposed $2.4 billion airport security investment by an international firm and the award of a Rs20 billion e-gate project without open bidding are exaggerated and misleading, according to informed sources.

These sources said that the deployment of advanced airport security systems, including Advanced Passenger Information (API) and Passenger Name Record (PNR), is being pursued in line with established procurement procedures. The process is being conducted in full compliance with the Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (PPRA) rules, the sources added.

Sources further stated that any contract for a project of such national importance would be awarded through an open and competitive bidding process, ensuring transparency and merit-based selection. They added that key considerations would include cost-effectiveness, technical capability, and adherence to national data protection laws.

Sources underscored that safeguarding sensitive passenger data remains the government&#39;s top priority. Any system implemented must ensure that all data generated at Pakistan&#39;s airports remains under the complete ownership, control, and legal jurisdiction of the government of Pakistan, the sources said, describing this requirement as non-negotiable. The widely reported $2.4 billion figure associated with the proposal may be significantly overstated, the sources further said, adding that the actual cost of such systems could only be determined following a transparent bidding process involving multiple competitors. They cautioned against portraying any single proposal as finalised or preferred.

They also expressed concern over what they described as a coordinated misinformation campaign driven by vested interests, aimed at projecting a particular proposal as highly favourable or internationally endorsed. Such efforts, they warned, could undermine public trust and distort facts surrounding government processes.

Referring to past controversies in similar technology procurements, the sources stressed the need for thorough scrutiny and due diligence. They reiterated the government&#39;s commitment to transparency, accountability, and strict adherence to procurement laws. While acknowledging the importance of international cooperation, the sources maintained that all decisions regarding national infrastructure projects would be made in accordance with Pakistan&#39;s institutional procedures and strategic priorities.]]>
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			<title>PSX sinks 2,830 points on oil, geopolitics</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2605778/psx-sinks-2830-points-on-oil-geopolitics</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2605778/psx-sinks-2830-points-on-oil-geopolitics#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 30 Apr 26 20:39:48 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
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			<category><![CDATA[Business]]></category>
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			<description>
				<![CDATA[Investor sentiment takes a hit, leading to broad-based selling]]>
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				<![CDATA[The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) plunged on Thursday, with the benchmark KSE-100 index tumbling 2,830 points, as escalating Middle East tensions and a sharp spike in global oil prices triggered broad-based selling and dampened investor sentiment.

At the close of trading, the KSE-100 index posted a sharp decline of 2,829.70 points, or 1.71%, and settled at 162,994.17.

Nawaz Ali of JS Global noted that the PSX witnessed sustained selling pressure driven by escalating geopolitical concerns and rising international crude oil prices. Investor risk appetite weakened further as market participants chose to reduce exposure ahead of the extended weekend.

The KSE-100 index traded in negative territory throughout the session, hitting an intra-day low of 160,391 (down 5,432 points). Although value-hunting at depressed levels triggered a partial recovery, the index still closed significantly lower at 162,994, down 2,830 points. Near-term market direction will largely hinge on geopolitical developments in the Middle East, particularly their impact on global oil prices and investor confidence.

Ahmed Sheraz at KASB KTrade highlighted that the KSE-100 closed down 2,830 points, as broad-based selling pressure dominated the session amid weak global cues and rising oil concerns. Volumes remained moderate at 366 million shares, reflecting cautious participation with a clear sell-side tilt. Pressure was led by banks, E&amp;P firms, and cement companies, with heavyweights including UBL, PPL, FFC, NBP, Engro Holdings, and Lucky Cement among key laggards.

Sentiment remained fragile as international oil markets spiked, with Brent touching $126/barrel and WTI crossing $110/barrel, intensifying inflationary concerns and keeping risk appetite subdued, he said. Additional pressure stemmed from weak overnight performance in US and Asian equities, offering no supportive trigger for local markets.

A brief intra-day recovery was observed in the latter half as oil prices cooled (Brent easing towards $117), though this appears more of a knee-jerk rebound rather than a trend reversal. Going forward, market direction remains tied to geopolitical developments, particularly the evolving US-Iran situation and trajectory of global oil prices. Near-term outlook stays cautious, with volatility expected to persist until clarity emerges, according to KTrade.

Overall trading volume was recorded at 837.37 million shares compared with the previous session&#39;s tally of 1.08 billion. The value of shares traded during the day was Rs36.35 billion.

Shares of 485 companies were traded. Of these, 101 stocks closed higher, 348 fell, and 36 remained unchanged.]]>
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			<title>Oil shock fuels EV surge, fertiliser sector stable</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2605777/oil-shock-fuels-ev-surge-fertiliser-sector-stable</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2605777/oil-shock-fuels-ev-surge-fertiliser-sector-stable#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 30 Apr 26 20:39:48 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
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			<category><![CDATA[Business]]></category>
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			<description>
				<![CDATA[Mega Motor sees spike in EV demand; Engro banks on domestic gas to shield food security]]>
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				<![CDATA[As global oil prices surge past $100 per barrel amid ongoing Middle East tensions, industry leaders in Pakistan&#39;s mobility and agriculture sectors are describing the crisis as both a challenge and an opportunity, particularly for accelerating electric vehicle (EV) adoption and safeguarding domestic fertiliser production.

Representatives from Mega Motor Company and Engro Fertilizers, speaking at a webinar hosted by The Express Tribune, highlighted how rising fuel costs and supply disruptions are reshaping consumer behaviour, industrial strategy, and policy priorities. Danish Khaliq, representing Mega Motor, Pakistan&#39;s partner of Chinese EV giant BYD, said the volatility in fuel prices has directly impacted transportation costs, prompting a sharp shift in consumer interest toward electric mobility. &quot;The auto sector is directly exposed to fuel price fluctuations, and what we&#39;re seeing now is a significant behavioral shift,&quot; Khaliq noted. &quot;Consumers are increasingly factoring in running costs, not just the upfront price of vehicles.&quot;

According to Khaliq, customer inquiries for electric vehicles have surged by 200-250% over the past two months, driven by the promise of up to 75% savings in fuel costs. He described the current crisis as a &quot;tipping point&quot; that could accelerate Pakistan&#39;s transition toward new energy vehicles.

Mega Motor, which began operations in Pakistan in 2025, is already moving to capitalise on this momentum. The company recently launched an electric vehicle priced at around Rs7.3 million, aiming for price parity with conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) and hybrid vehicles.

&quot;We are not just testing the market through imports; we are also investing in local production,&quot; Khaliq said, adding that the company is establishing a manufacturing plant with an annual capacity of 25,000 vehicles, expected to become operational later this year.

However, he stressed that achieving the government&#39;s target of 30% EV penetration by 2030 remains a &quot;tall order,&quot; citing the need for consistent policies and long-term regulatory clarity to sustain investor confidence.

On the agriculture front, Atif Muhammad, Chief Commercial Officer at Engro Fertilizers, offered a relatively reassuring outlook on food security, despite the broader energy crisis.]]>
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			<title>KSE-100 earnings rise 8.8% to Rs1.24tr in 9MFY26</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2605776/kse-100-earnings-rise-88-to-rs124tr-in-9mfy26</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2605776/kse-100-earnings-rise-88-to-rs124tr-in-9mfy26#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 30 Apr 26 20:39:48 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Shazia Tasneem Farooqi]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Business]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2605776</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Banks, OGMCs, refineries drive growth; E&amp;P and fertiliser sectors decline]]>
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				<![CDATA[Pakistan&#39;s benchmark equity market, the KSE-100 index, delivered a steady earnings performance during the first nine months of FY26, with aggregate profitability rising 8.8% year-on-year (YoY) to Rs1.243 trillion. The growth comes despite mixed macroeconomic conditions and uneven sectoral performance, reflecting resilience in key industries and the impact of easing financial costs across the board.

A detailed report issued by Arif Habib Limited (AHL) covers 82 listed companies representing approximately 88% of the KSE-100 index&#39;s total market capitalisation, providing a comprehensive snapshot of corporate earnings trends. AHL highlighted that while some sectors faced headwinds from declining global commodity prices and demand constraints, others benefited significantly from cost efficiencies, improved margins and favourable policy dynamics.

&quot;KSE-100 companies have posted an exceptional earnings performance, with profitability reaching a record Rs457 billion in 3QFY26 and Rs1,243 billion in 9MFY26, reflecting the strength of the ongoing corporate earnings cycle. This growth is broad-based, led by key sectors including banks, fertilisers, E&amp;Ps, OGMCs, cements and refineries,&quot; AHL economist Sana Tawfik told The Express Tribune.

She said the surge was driven by margin expansion in cyclical sectors, higher non-funded income and provisioning reversals in banks, along with improved crack spreads and volumetric gains in energy, signalling resilient earnings.

The banking sector, which holds the largest weight in the index, remained a key pillar of profitability, posting earnings of Rs483 billion during the nine-month period, a 3% YoY increase. The growth was largely attributed to a strategic shift towards current deposits, which significantly reduced interest expenses by 19% YoY. On a quarterly basis, banks recorded an 8.7% increase in profits to Rs173 billion, indicating improving momentum towards the latter part of the period.

Among other major contributors, the cement sector posted a 7% YoY rise in profits to Rs65 billion (excluding Lucky Cement), driven by a 14% decline in coal prices and a 10% increase in dispatch volumes. Lower finance costs further supported margins, although reduced other income in a declining interest rate environment limited upside potential. The oil and gas marketing companies (OGMCs) emerged as standout performers, recording a robust 58% YoY increase in earnings to Rs63.1 billion, compared with Rs40 billion in the same period last year. This surge was primarily driven by inventory gains, particularly during the third quarter, along with higher average product prices and reduced borrowing costs.

Similarly, the auto assembler sector witnessed a strong recovery, with profits increasing 25% YoY to Rs48 billion (excluding select companies). The growth was fuelled by improved sales volumes, new model launches, a gradual revival in auto financing and stronger balance sheets that enhanced other income streams.

On the other hand, several sectors faced notable declines. The exploration and production (E&amp;P) segment reported a 9% YoY drop in profitability to Rs226 billion, impacted by lower international oil prices.]]>
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			<title>War can cost Pakistan $10b to $68b</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2605775/war-can-cost-pakistan-10b-to-68b</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2605775/war-can-cost-pakistan-10b-to-68b#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 30 Apr 26 20:39:48 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Business]]></category>
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			<description>
				<![CDATA[Fallout may halve exports, slash remittances by 40%, push inflation to 17%]]>
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				<![CDATA[The Middle East conflict can cause $10 billion to $68 billion annual losses to Pakistan&#39;s economy, and inflation could hit 17% in an extreme oil price volatility situation, said an economist in a briefing to the National Assembly Standing Committee on Finance on Thursday.

The three different impact scenarios that Ali Salman, who is also head of the Policy Research Institute of Market Economy (PRIME), showed that in case of a severe shock, remittances can go down by 40% while exports may dip by almost 50% against their current monthly levels.

National Assembly Standing Committee on Finance Chairman Syed Naveed Qamar had arranged the briefing for the benefit of legislators.

There could be a minimum of $10 billion to a maximum of $50 billion in losses in three different scenarios of the war, said Salman. The estimated losses are far greater than Pakistan&#39;s current three-year $7 billion International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme, stated Qamar.

The war began on February 28. Although Israel and the US are not attacking Iran anymore, Iran has virtually closed the Strait of Hormuz while the US has enforced a naval blockade to disrupt Iranian oil shipments.

Inflation is a major challenge that will impact the entire macroeconomic framework of the country, said Salman.

Current scenario

While presenting three different shock scenarios, he briefed the committee that the annual impact of 51 days of war on Pakistan&#39;s economy was in the range of $10 billion to $14 billion. This includes $334 million additional per month impact of oil import, $333 million estimated reduction in monthly remittances, $400 million impact on exports and $100 million monthly increase in freight charges. Inflation is projected to stay in the range of 10% to 12%. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Wednesday that the weekly oil import bill has already jumped from $300 million to $800 million.

Adverse scenario

In case of adverse impact where war continues for three months, Salman said that the annual impact will be in the range of $24 billion to $32 billion. His assessment was that the oil import bill can increase by $1 billion per month, remittances can go down by $700 million per month, exports could take a hit of $800 million a month and war risk impact is $150 million a month. Inflation can go up to 13% to 15%. Pakistan&#39;s normal monthly remittances range around $3.8 billion while its exports are roughly $2.5 billion a month.

Severe scenario

In case of severe shock where oil prices can go as high as $150 per barrel, Pakistan&#39;s economy may take an annual hit of $50 billion to $68 billion, said Salman. The monthly impact is $5.7 billion in this case. In the severe case scenario, the monthly oil import bill could increase by $2.8 billion, remittances can go down by $1.5 billion a month, and exports can take a hit of $1.2 billion.

The war risk surcharge can go as high as $5.7 billion a month and inflation may increase to 17%, he added. The estimates shared by the economist with the standing committee thus far are the highest and are equal to 17% of the size of Pakistan&#39;s economy.

Salman said that the oil price hike has already added approximately $4 billion to Pakistan&#39;s external payments by April 30 or in two months. He said that cabinet salary cuts for two months, coupled with a 25% reduction in salaries of legislators, would hardly save Rs85 million to Rs100 million. Despite the difficult economic times, for the Ministry of Finance it was business as usual. It moved a bill to amend the Fiscal Responsibility and Debt Limitation Act, which the standing committee also approved. The purpose of the amendments was not to control the public debt but to get powers to appoint as many directors in the Debt Office as the finance ministry deemed fit.

MNA Sharmila Faruqi objected to giving powers to appoint an unlimited number of directors, but Naveed Qamar said that he knew that appointing more directors would not change anything. This should not be used as an excuse for not managing the debt, he said.

MNA Jawad Hanif Khan questioned that the Ministry of Finance was showing eagerness to appoint more directors, but the post of director general had been vacant for months. Omar Khan, who is leading the Debt Office and is not an employee of the federal government, could not give a satisfactory response except for saying that the post has already been advertised.

MNA Hina Rabbani Khar asked why the Ministry of Finance was not able to observe the 56% debt-to-GDP limit. The debt-to-GDP ratio in the last fiscal year remained at 70.7%, admitted Omar Khan.

Jawed Hanif proposed that an amendment should be made to bind the finance ministry to report to parliament whenever the statutory debt limit is breached. However, Minister of State for Finance Bilal Azhar Kayani said that the debt limit was not a border &quot;that you cross and report when you come back&quot;. His view was that the statutory debt limit was an aspirational clause, but Naveed Qamar did not agree with it.]]>
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			<title>Investment in AI, robotics sought</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2605774/investment-in-ai-robotics-sought</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2605774/investment-in-ai-robotics-sought#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 30 Apr 26 20:39:48 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Business]]></category>
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				<![CDATA[.]]>
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				<![CDATA[Pakistan Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (PVARA) Chairman and Minister of State Bilal bin Saqib on Thursday held an industry briefing, bringing together founders, chief executives, technologists, and financial innovators from Pakistan&#39;s digital assets sector.

The chairman called on industry participants to deepen their investment in Pakistan across artificial intelligence, robotics, and blockchain, positioning these not as isolated verticals but as interconnected pillars of a technology-led economy.

The centrepiece of the session was the establishment of a formal industry consultative group under PVARA.]]>
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			<title>Pakistan fights US forced labour probe</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2605773/pakistan-fights-us-forced-labour-probe</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2605773/pakistan-fights-us-forced-labour-probe#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 30 Apr 26 20:39:48 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[ZAFAR BHUTTA]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Business]]></category>
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			<description>
				<![CDATA[Steering committee approves draft submission as public hearing runs from April 28 to May 14]]>
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				<![CDATA[Pakistan is pursuing a case in Washington in the backdrop of the withdrawal of reciprocal tariffs imposed by the Trump administration. Officials said a public hearing began on April 28 and will continue until May 14, 2026.

Pakistan&#39;s ambassador to the United States is pursuing the case along with representatives of the textile and commerce ministries and the Ministry of Human Resource Development. The government has imposed a ban on imported goods produced or manufactured by forced labour to avoid the tariff imposed by the Trump administration. Pakistan is one of 60 economies facing investigations by the Trump administration after the US Supreme Court withdrew the reciprocal tariff. In a recent high-level meeting of the steering committee, the commerce secretary briefed that following the withdrawal, the US Trade Representative (USTR) initiated an investigation under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 regarding acts, policies and practices of 60 economies (including Pakistan) related to the failure to impose and effectively enforce a prohibition on the importation of goods produced with forced labour.

The USTR is examining national laws, regulations and enforcement practices of these 60 economies related to the prohibition of forced labour imports. Questions raised include whether any economy subject to these investigations maintains or is in the process of establishing a forced labour import prohibition, and whether any such prohibition is being effectively enforced; whether the failure to establish and enforce such a prohibition is unreasonable, discriminates against US goods, or constitutes a persistent pattern of conduct permitting forced or compulsory labour; and how such failure has negatively affected US commerce. The USTR also seeks input on what action should be taken, including duties or import restrictions on products from these economies.

The commerce secretary further apprised the committee that three consultative sessions were held with the secretary for overseas Pakistanis and representatives of the textiles and apparel industry to deliberate on Pakistan&#39;s draft response. After thorough consultation, it was agreed that written statements would be submitted to the USTR from both the public and the textiles sector, and that a process would be initiated to prohibit importation of goods mined, produced or manufactured with forced labour under the Import Policy Order as determined by the International Labour Organisation (ILO). All written statements were deliberated to avoid divergences between public and private stakeholders.

The SAPM for industries inquired whether the draft submission addressed concerns raised a couple of years ago regarding forced labour on a few cotton farms in Sindh. The director general (textile) shared that, as a similar concern was also reported in the US Department of Labour&#39;s 2024 report on the &#39;List of Goods Produced by Child Labour or Forced Labour&#39; (referencing an ILO report published in 2004), the draft encompasses key initiatives undertaken by the government and industry in collaboration with international development partners and global brands. These include Better Cotton Initiatives, organic and regenerative cotton, and traceability systems to align the local cotton value chain with global regulations on supply?chain traceability, elimination of forced and compulsory labour, and strengthening of farmer livelihoods.

The secretary of the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development suggested a few changes to the draft. While Pakistan maintains strict enforcement on eliminating forced labour at the manufacturing level, the government is also aligning its trade?related regulations with emerging global standards concerning the importation of goods produced with forced labour. The secretary further shared a proposed amendment under the Import Policy Order of the commerce ministry to prohibit import of goods made with forced labour. The chair desired that the necessary process be immediately initiated by the Ministry of OPHRD, enabling the commerce ministry to move a summary for consideration of the amendment by the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the cabinet.

During the meeting, it was decided that the draft submission from the government of Pakistan to the USTR investigation, as presented by the commerce ministry with slight amendments suggested by the secretary of OPHRD, was approved by the steering committee for onward submission to the USTR by the Pakistani embassy via its online portal. The steering committee also recommended that Pakistan&#39;s ambassador to the US attend the public hearing at the US International Trade Commission (USITC) in person for an oral statement on behalf of the government, accompanied by the commercial attache in Washington, the director general (textile) of the commerce ministry, and a representative of the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis.]]>
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			<title>FinMin, businessmen discuss reforms</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2605772/finmin-businessmen-discuss-reforms</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2605772/finmin-businessmen-discuss-reforms#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 30 Apr 26 20:39:48 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Business]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2605772</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[See progress on setting up independent tax policy office]]>
			</description>
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				<![CDATA[Federal Minister for Finance Muhammad Aurangzeb held a meeting with Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) President Atif Ikram Sheikh and FPCCI&#39;s Policy Advisory Board Chairman Zahid Hussain to discuss key issues related to business environment, financial-sector dynamics and reform initiatives.

The minister emphasised the importance of sustained consultation between the government and private sector to ensure that reforms remain responsive to industry needs and support long-term economic stability. He underscored the need for a predictable and transparent regulatory environment, noting that policy continuity and institutional strengthening were essential for building investor confidence and addressing the needs of the business community.

He highlighted ongoing efforts to advance end-to-end digitalisation, improve compliance systems, and enhance transparency across revenue administration. In that context, he noted progress towards operationalising an independent Tax Policy Office under the Finance Division, formally separating tax policy formulation from the Federal Board of Revenue.

This institutional reform is aimed at strengthening policy formulation, enhancing transparency, and ensuring greater clarity and consistency in the overall tax framework, thereby facilitating a more conducive environment for businesses.

The finance minister and the businessmen discussed the pivotal role of a well-functioning financial system in supporting the needs of the business community and facilitating economic activity. Aurangzeb said that improved access to finance, efficient credit flows, and stronger alignment with the real economy were essential to support investment-led growth and enable businesses to expand and operate effectively.]]>
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			<title>SBP reserves jump $730m on Eurobond</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2605771/sbp-reserves-jump-730m-on-eurobond</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2605771/sbp-reserves-jump-730m-on-eurobond#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 30 Apr 26 20:39:48 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Usman Hanif]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Business]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2605771</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Central bank deposits 
climb to $15.8b; gold gains on softer dollar]]>
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				<![CDATA[Pakistan&#39;s foreign exchange reserves held by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) increased by $730 million during the week ended April 24, 2026, supported primarily by Eurobond proceeds.

According to data released on Thursday, the SBP&#39;s reserves climbed to $15.83 billion, reflecting an improvement in the country&#39;s external liquidity position after recent pressure when the UAE withdrew its holdings amid shifting geopolitical alignments in the Middle East in the wake of Israel-US war on Iran. The overall liquid foreign reserves held by the country stood at $21.27 billion. In addition to the SBP&#39;s $15.83 billion, the net foreign reserves held by commercial banks stood at $5.44 billion.

Furthermore, the Pakistani rupee edged up 0.01% to close at 278.77 against the US dollar in the inter-bank market on Thursday, gaining Rs0.03 from Wednesday&#39;s close at 278.80, while the dollar hovered near more than a two-week high.

Meanwhile, gold prices in Pakistan moved higher, tracking gains in the international market, as a softer US dollar and easing oil prices supported bullion, though lingering inflation concerns tied to the Middle East conflict kept the metal on course for a second consecutive monthly decline.

In the local market, the price of gold per tola surged by Rs4,400 to settle at Rs483,962, according to rates issued by the All-Pakistan Gems and Jewellers Sarafa Association. Similarly, the price of 10-gram gold rose by Rs3,772 to Rs414,919.

The increase follows a sharp decline in the previous session, when gold per tola had dropped by Rs5,500 to close at Rs479,562, highlighting ongoing volatility in the bullion market. On Thursday, silver prices also edged higher, gaining Rs55 to reach Rs7,821 per tola.

In the international market, spot gold rose 1.6% to $4,615.50 per ounce by midday trading, recovering from a one-month low hit a day earlier, as reported by Reuters. Market participants attributed the rebound to a weaker dollar, which typically makes gold more attractive for investors holding other currencies, alongside easing crude oil prices that helped temper inflation expectations.

Adnan Agar, Director at Interactive Commodities, noted that the market showed signs of recovery after testing lower levels. On Wednesday, gold touched a low of $4,509, but on Thursday it rebounded to a high of $4,646 and was later hovering around $4,616, he said.

He added that the market&#39;s near-term direction hinges on its ability to sustain levels above $4,600. &quot;If gold closes above $4,600, it could maintain upward momentum. Otherwise, strong support exists around $4,450, where the market may find a base and reverse,&quot; Agar explained.

Meanwhile, global financial institutions continue to flag mixed signals for bullion. The Bank of England has warned that the Iran conflict could exacerbate inflation risks, complicating the outlook for rate cuts.]]>
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			<title>FBR's tax shortfall hits Rs683b</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2605770/fbrs-tax-shortfall-hits-rs683b</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2605770/fbrs-tax-shortfall-hits-rs683b#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 30 Apr 26 20:39:48 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Shahbaz Rana]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Business]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2605770</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Revenue collection reaches Rs10.26tr; IMF approves two-step fuel tax hike]]>
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				<![CDATA[The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has allowed Pakistan to pass on the impact of the remaining agreed Rs53-per-litre increase in petroleum levy in two phases, as the tax shortfall of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has further widened to Rs683 billion in this fiscal year.

According to an earlier understanding, the entire increase had to be recovered from consumers from May 1. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif asked his economic team to seek any possible relaxation without compromising the approval of $1.2 billion loan tranches on May 8.

With tax revenues going down, the pressure on the government to increase the levy rates has been on the rise, aimed at ensuring that the primary budget surplus target agreed with the lender remains on track.

As a result of the new understanding reached with the IMF, the government on Thursday reintroduced a roughly Rs29-per-litre levy on diesel but cut the tax on petrol by roughly Rs4 per litre. The new levy rate for petrol is Rs103.5 per litre. After these adjustments, the prices of both diesel and petrol were again increased.

According to an agreement with the IMF, Pakistan is required to impose Rs80-per-litre petroleum levy on both diesel and petrol. The government was already charging Rs107.4-per-litre levy. Due to fluctuations in international market prices and the need to increase the levy, petrol and diesel prices are set to rise significantly.

The prices are already out of reach of many Pakistanis and they face a double-edged sword of increase in rates as well as taxes.

PM Sharif had asked the finance ministry to get whatever possible relief from the IMF. The global lender has agreed to give only temporary relief by allowing the recovery of the remaining Rs53 per litre in two phases, said the officials. The remaining levy is likely to be increased next week; irrespective of whether global prices go down or not.

The government is facing huge challenges in meeting the FBR&#39;s targets whereas the levy collection is exceeding the annual target. During the first 10 months of this fiscal year, the levy collection amounted to over Rs1.330 trillion. The annual target is Rs1.468 trillion.

Compared to this, the FBR received Rs10.26 trillion in taxes for the July-April period of fiscal year 2025-26, facing a huge shortfall. There was a shortfall of about Rs683 billion compared to the downward revised target. The IMF has already refused to further slash the annual target of Rs13.98 trillion.

The 10-month increase in revenue collection was just 10.5%, which was half the rate needed to reach the annual target. The FBR paid Rs499 billion in tax refunds, including Rs51 billion in April. The government is offsetting the tax shortfall with the increase in petroleum levy rates and by drastically reducing development spending. This is done to achieve the primary surplus target agreed with the IMF, but the policy is giving an artificial sense of fiscal stability.

The IMF has also linked the approval of the third review and the release of $1.2 billion loan tranches with the FBR&#39;s ability to recover Rs322 billion in court cases.

Details showed that the FBR collected Rs5.08 trillion income tax in July-April 2025-26, missing the goal by a margin of Rs210 billion. The receipts were 13.6% higher than last year. The amount is inclusive of over Rs200 billion that the FBR recovered as super tax after the court ruled in its favour.

Sales tax collection amounted to Rs3.42 trillion, behind the target by a huge margin of Rs382 billion. It was higher by 8% over last year. Federal excise duty collection reached Rs673 billion, which was 11% higher than the last fiscal year. The FBR missed the excise duty collection target by Rs14 billion.

Customs duty collection fell short of the target and stayed at Rs1.08 trillion. The 10-month target was missed by a margin of Rs79 billion. The increase in customs duty receipts was hardly 3.6%.

However, the cumulative tax collection at the import stage was Rs3.86 trillion during the first 10 months of the current fiscal year, which was Rs473 billion, or 14%, higher than the last fiscal year. The import-stage sales tax collection was Rs2.2 trillion, which was equal to two-thirds of the total sales tax collection in 10 months.

The FBR also missed the monthly target by Rs72 billion. Against the target of Rs1.029 trillion, the FBR collected Rs956 billion in April. The increase in the monthly collection was 13%, or Rs111 billion.]]>
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			<title>Court awards death sentence in murder case</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2605769/court-awards-death-sentence-in-murder-case</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2605769/court-awards-death-sentence-in-murder-case#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 30 Apr 26 20:31:26 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Sarfaraz Akram]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Punjab]]></category>
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				<![CDATA[.]]>
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				<![CDATA[An additional sessions court in Mailsi sentenced a man to death after finding him guilty of murdering an 18-year-old local cricketer in an alleged honour killing and subsequently burning the body.

Additional Sessions Judge Mailsi Irfan Naseem Tarar announced the verdict in the case involving the killing of Zain Arain, a young cricketer from a rural area, in Mouza Ratha Saee.

According to court records and prosecution details, the accused Akram Khan Pathan called the victim to his house on January 17, 2025, where he allegedly killed him using a sharp-edged weapon.

The accused then beheaded the victim and later set the body on fire in a nearby field in an attempt to destroy evidence.

The prosecution stated that the accused suspected the victim of having an alleged illicit relationship with his wife, which led to the brutal killing.

Following the incident, police from Matru police station, led by then Station House Officer Chaudhry Ashraf Zohar and Investigation Officer Rao Yasir Nawaz, launched an investigation and arrested the accused along with the murder weapon.

Police officials said that strong investigative work and effective prosecution led to the conviction, with the court finding the accused guilty beyond doubt.

After the announcement of the verdict, the legal heirs of the deceased cricketer expressed satisfaction over the judgment, calling it the delivery of long-awaited justice.]]>
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			<title>Lawmakers debate wheat policy, AIDS surge in Taunsa</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2605768/lawmakers-debate-wheat-policy-aids-surge-in-taunsa</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2605768/lawmakers-debate-wheat-policy-aids-surge-in-taunsa#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 30 Apr 26 20:31:26 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Punjab]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2605768</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Women's development initiatives, disparities in South Punjab discussed]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[The Punjab Assembly on Thursday witnessed a heated debate on key public issues, including the provincial wheat policy, women&#39;s development initiatives, and a reported surge in AIDS cases in Taunsa, with the speaker referring the health crisis to a committee for detailed investigation.

The session, chaired by Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan, began with a delay of one hour and 42 minutes and was largely dominated by opposition criticism over wheat procurement policies, governance challenges and public health concerns.

Opposition lawmaker Rana Shahbaz strongly criticised the government&#39;s wheat policy, saying that although authorities had announced they would not procure wheat, the Food Department was allegedly harassing citizens through continued license checks and administrative pressure.

Responding to the concerns, Speaker Khan stated that wheat prices in the market were currently stable between Rs3,600 and Rs3,700 per maund, adding that any operational issues raised by members would be reviewed through proper channels.

The opposition also raised concerns over development disparities in South Punjab.

Lawmaker Nadeem Qureshi pointed out the lack of basic facilities in the region and questioned the effectiveness of government programmes aimed at women&#39;s skill development and empowerment.

Parliamentary Secretary Saadia Taimur defended the government&#39;s initiatives, stating that efforts were underway to improve departmental performance and expand employment opportunities for women, particularly through digital platforms and vocational training programmes.]]>
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			<title>Wooden fragment removed from patient's brain</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2605767/wooden-fragment-removed-from-patients-brain</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2605767/wooden-fragment-removed-from-patients-brain#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 30 Apr 26 20:31:26 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Nasheed Anjum]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Punjab]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2605767</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Crash victim survives rare foreign body retrieval surgery]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Doctors at Nishtar Hospital removed a five-inch wooden fragment that had entered a young traffic accident victim&#39;s eye and penetrated his brain, saving his life in a complex surgery carried out jointly by neurosurgery and ophthalmology specialists.

Twenty-year-old Muhammad Faheem was brought to the hospital&#39;s emergency department in critical condition after sustaining severe injuries in a traffic accident.

Hospital officials said emergency teams, led by Director Emergency Dr Zahid, carried out diagnostic tests and alerted the ophthalmology and neurosurgery departments after assessing the seriousness of his condition. Spokesperson for Nishtar Hospital Rao Naushad said test reports revealed that what initially appeared to be a wooden object lodged in the patient&#39;s eye had in fact entered through the eye socket and extended into the brain.

The fragment measured nearly five inches in length, making the case highly delicate and life-threatening. Following the diagnosis, Principal Nishtar Medical College and Head of Ophthalmology Dr Rashid Qamar Rao assigned a specialist ophthalmology team, including senior postgraduate resident Dr Waheedullah and Senior Registrar Dr Nosherwan Adil, to assist in the surgery.

The neurosurgery department assigned Senior Registrar Dr Ahmad Shah, Dr Abdullah Umar and other specialists to the operation.

The lengthy and intricate procedure was led by neurosurgeon Dr Ahmad Shah, assisted by Dr Abdullah Umar and the ophthalmology team. Throughout the surgery, Dr Rashid Qamar Rao supervised the ophthalmology side and remained in constant coordination with the surgical team.

Doctors said the wooden fragment was removed with exceptional precision without causing further damage to the patient&#39;s brain, eye structure, or vision.

Dr Ahmad Shah described the procedure as a highly complex &quot;foreign body retrieval&quot; surgery, saying the case was especially challenging because the object had damaged the eye and extended into the brain.

He said the role of ophthalmology specialists was critical in ensuring that the patient&#39;s eye structure and eyesight were preserved while the object was extracted without harming the brain.

&quot;This was an extremely delicate surgery, but by the grace of Allah, we were able to remove the foreign object successfully without damaging the brain or vision,&quot; he said.

Nishtar Medical University Vice Chancellor Dr Mehnaz Khakwani and Medical Superintendent Dr Rao Amjad Ali Khan congratulated the surgical team on the successful operation.]]>
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			<title>Four family members die in roof collapse</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2605766/four-family-members-die-in-roof-collapse</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2605766/four-family-members-die-in-roof-collapse#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 30 Apr 26 20:31:26 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Punjab]]></category>
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				<![CDATA[.]]>
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				<![CDATA[Four members of a family were killed and a young woman injured after the roof of an under-construction house caved in in the Lalian area. Rescue 1122 sources said the incident occurred overnight in Bashir Colony.

The family were sleeping in a room when the roof collapsed, burying them under rubble. Officials said all available resources were used in an effort to reach the trapped victims under the supervision of District Emergency Officer Tahira Khan.

However, Waqar, 22, his brother Waqas, 20, 50-year-old mother Razia Bibi and 50-year-old father Ghulam Mohammad were killed.

The rescue workers retrieved the bodies from the debris and handed them over to the heirs. An 18-year-old woman, Zainab, was pulled from the rubble with injuries and given first aid.

Preliminary reports suggested the collapse had been caused by excessive load on the building, though officials said an investigation was under way.

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif on Thursday expressed deep sorrow over the death of four people after the house roof collapsed near Chhiniot.

In a statement, the chief minister extended her heartfelt condolences and sympathies to the bereaved family and prayed for the departed souls.]]>
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			<title>Assembly panel to pursue public pleas</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2605765/assembly-panel-to-pursue-public-pleas</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2605765/assembly-panel-to-pursue-public-pleas#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 30 Apr 26 20:31:26 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Punjab]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2605765</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[.]]>
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				<![CDATA[In a move aimed at expanding public participation in legislative affairs, the Punjab Assembly has constituted a Scrutiny Committee to examine and process public petitions, creating a formal mechanism through which citizens can raise matters of urgent public importance before the House.

A notification issued by the Punjab Assembly Secretariat said the new system would allow citizens to directly engage with the provincial legislature by submitting petitions on issues requiring legislative or administrative attention. The initiative is being viewed as a significant step toward participatory governance, enabling the public to formally place collective concerns before elected representatives.

Under the new procedure, any public petition must carry at least 200 signatures to be considered admissible.

Assembly officials said the requirement is intended to ensure that only issues with wider public support are taken up, while filtering out personal grievances and frivolous complaints.

The newly formed Scrutiny Committee will be headed by the Deputy Speaker and will examine each petition for admissibility, relevance and substance. It will also review whether the issue falls within the jurisdiction of the provincial government or a statutory body under its control.]]>
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			<title>Punjab PTI in the dark over TTAP Labour Day event</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2605764/punjab-pti-in-the-dark-over-ttap-labour-day-event</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2605764/punjab-pti-in-the-dark-over-ttap-labour-day-event#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 30 Apr 26 20:31:26 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Rameez Khan]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Punjab]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2605764</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[.]]>
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				<![CDATA[Confusion continues to cloud coordination between Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and the Tehreek Tahaffuz-e-Ayeen Pakistan (TTAP) alliance, as PTI&#39;s Punjab leadership says it remains unaware of - and unprepared for - a Labour Day event planned in Lahore over the weekend.

TTAP leaders are set to arrive in Lahore for another round of political activity, but PTI, considered its key ally in Punjab, has distanced itself from the event, saying no formal instructions have been conveyed through official party channels.

Uncertainty surrounds the Labour Day gathering, with PTI leaders and office-bearers maintaining that they are not currently part of the event. According to TTAP, its central leadership, including National Assembly Opposition Leader Mehmood Khan Achakzai and Senate Opposition Leader Allama Raja Nasir Abbas, will attend, while PTI is expected to be represented by its Secretary General Salman Akram Raja.

However, senior PTI leaders in Punjab insist they have received no official communication and cannot confirm participation, let alone make organisational arrangements.

Both TTAP and PTI have indicated that the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa chief minister will not attend the event, according to the information relayed to them.]]>
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