- Ulema meet PM Imran on coronavirus measures, ‘endorse govt’s strategy’ According to Awan, ulema appreciated prime minister’s decision to reopen mosques during Ramazan.
- Karachi police arrest 124 people for violating ban on pillion riding City police chief says even police officers violating ban were not spared.
- At least 1.3m people could lose their jobs if lockdown extended to 45 days: KP govt report Report predicts growth of province’s economy will decrease from 3.73 per cent in 2019 to 2.9pc this year.
- No transparency in govt measures to combat virus, says CJP Gulzar Ahmed Justice Bandial suggests “monitoring” by federal government of money given to provinces to tackle the virus crisis.
- Centre calls for ‘smart lockdown’ Chaman, Torkham borders to open twice a week.
- LHC seeks response from Punjab govt over dismissal of factory workers during lockdown Petitioner claims Balochistan, Sindh govts have taken step to protect workers whereas such measures missing in Punjab.
- Lyari emerges as new coronavirus hotspot in Karachi after 67 test positive “The situation is critical,” says special assistant to the Sindh CM on inspection and inquiries, Waqar Mehdi.
- Wearing masks made mandatory for air passengers All cockpit and cabin crew will wear appropriate personal protection equipment, says CAA.
- DFID, FAO to provide £1m more to fight locust upsurge This is in addition to the £1m provided for the fight against locust.
- PPP criticises package for construction industry Term the package “a windfall profit package for property developers, dealers, speculators and tax evaders”.
- 37 transporters returning from Afghanistan test positive for virus “Doctors are closely monitoring the patients,” says the Khyber deputy commissioner.
- Some markets partially reopen as lockdown relaxed on traders’ demand Certain businesses have not been allowed to open under the Sindh govt’s revised policy.
- Favouritism, political infighting mar Covid-19 relief operations in Sindh Cash distribution among the poor under the Ehsas programme is becoming a new source of political infighting.
- Two more polio cases detected, taking year’s tally to 41 Sindh and Balochistan have reported one case each.
- US crude oil falls to lowest level in 2 decades as virus throttles demand Oil markets have plunged in recent weeks as lockdowns and travel restrictions batter demand for the commodity.
- Development budget likely to be further cut Move part of larger fiscal rearrangement to put $6bn IMF programme back on track.
- Dawood hints at scheme for small businesses “It is our endeavour to help small businesses as compared to larger ones because of their weaker financial position.”
- Balochistan to give interest-free loans 30,000 youth to benefit from the scheme.
- India reports biggest one-day virus spike as lockdown eased An additional 1,553 cases have emerged over 24 hours, raising the national total past 17,000.
- At least 16 killed in Canada’s worst-ever shooting rampage 51-year-old shooter killed by officers after a 12-hour manhunt.
- Nations offer wide mix of solutions for easing lockdowns Shutdowns began in China during January and have spread around the world by now.
- AJK leader urges world to not forget Kashmir during crisis AJK president reminds world that IoK has been under lockdown since August 5 last year.
- Trump’s Ramazan remarks stir fear among American Muslims Muslim organisations in the US have issued guidelines for people to pray and break their fast at home during Ramazan.
- Indian intelligence tried to influence Canada’s politicians with money, disinformation: report One aim of operation was “to convince politicians that funding from Canada was sent to Pakistan to support terrorism”.
- Novak Djokovic opposes compulsory coronavirus vaccination “I wouldn’t want to be forced by someone to take a vaccine in order to be able to travel,” says the tennis player.
