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The Pakistan Stock Exchange rallied strongly, with the KSE-100 gaining 4,027 points as hopes of easing Middle East tensions improved investor sentiment. The move was also supported by better domestic external-account data, though the durability of the rally will depend on whether geopolitical and macroeconomic conditions continue to improve.
Pakistan reportedly provided a heavy air escort to Iranian negotiators returning home after US-Iran talks in Islamabad, following concerns that their aircraft could be targeted amid regional tensions. The episode has highlighted Islamabad’s growing role in crisis diplomacy and the security risks that come with hosting high-stakes negotiations.
Pakistan has cut the price of high-speed diesel by Rs32.12 per litre, lowering the rate to Rs353.43 with effect from midnight on April 18. The move follows a sharp drop in world oil prices and could ease pressure on transport, freight and farm costs if the reduction is passed on quickly across the economy.
The Lahore High Court has upheld the government’s decision to end free electricity units for senior Wapda and ex-Wapda officers, ruling that the benefit was a service perk rather than a protected legal right. The verdict strengthens Islamabad’s reform drive in the power sector as it seeks to cut costs, improve transparency and confront long-running financial pressures.
Pakistan Navy has successfully test-fired a locally developed anti-ship ballistic missile, with officials calling it a major step in strengthening sea-based deterrence and indigenous defence capability. The launch, witnessed by naval leadership and scientists, adds momentum to Pakistan’s push for greater self-reliance in strategic weapons systems.
Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb told Chinese officials in Washington that Beijing’s support remains vital for Pakistan’s IMF programme, external financing plans and investor outreach. The meetings signal Islamabad’s push to pair economic reforms with new funding avenues, including a Panda bond, as it manages regional and market pressures.
AJK police say they have arrested a student in Rawalakot over an alleged RAW-linked espionage network that reportedly used social media, small payments and blackmail to obtain information on sensitive sites. The case has raised fresh concern over digital recruitment methods and the vulnerability of young Pakistanis online.
Bushra Bibi has been moved to a hospital after PTI said her health required urgent attention, turning the development into a major political story. The party is demanding family access, medical transparency and clearer official information on her condition and treatment.
A gas supply line fire in Haripur’s Hattar Industrial Estate killed eight people, including women and children, and injured several others after flames spread near homes and factories. Authorities have launched an investigation as rescue teams complete assessments and the provincial government pledges support for victims’ families.
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have signed an agreement in Washington to extend a $3 billion Saudi deposit with the State Bank, giving Islamabad timely support as it navigates reserve pressure, energy-related risks and upcoming external repayments. The move improves short-term external stability while the government pursues IMF-backed reforms and plans a return to global debt markets.
Pakistan has urged the UN to support the swift restoration of normal shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, warning that disruption is hurting trade, energy flows, food security and vulnerable populations. The appeal highlights Islamabad’s effort to combine diplomacy with a practical push to reduce the wider economic fallout of regional instability.
Pakistan’s power minister says peak-hour load-shedding will continue until LNG supplies normalize, blaming fuel disruptions, lower hydropower output and rising demand. The government says emergency steps are under way, but a full improvement now depends on restored gas availability and better generation conditions.
