Pakistan Today

The Supreme Court has issued guidelines for courts and law enforcement agencies to improve narcotics trials, citing persistent investigative and procedural flaws. The bench also set aside life sentences in a Jacobabad case involving 26kg of narcotics.

Haroon Akhtar Khan said the government is prioritising MSME growth through reforms, financing support and a new Rs30 billion development fund. He said the sector contributes nearly 40% of GDP and supports more than 80% of the non-agricultural workforce.

Four policemen were injured in a roadside blast in Mastung on Saturday, police said. Separate incidents in Balochistan included an accidental explosion near Khanuzai, a deadly firing incident in Dasht, and a vehicle overturning on Musa Khail Road.

Pakistan women closed their T20 World Cup campaign with a 37-run win over the Netherlands in Bristol, powered by Gull Feroza’s unbeaten 63. Ireland also stunned West Indies, while Sri Lanka beat Scotland to stay in semi-final contention.

Police have arrested two suspects in the rape and murder case of a teenage seminary student who went missing from Peshawar and was later found in Swat. The girl, originally from Abbottabad, died in hospital after being traced by authorities.

PVARA chief Bilal Bin Saqib told the Point Zero Forum in Zurich that Pakistan wants a role in shaping the rules of digital finance. He said developing economies should help define tokenised finance rather than adopt frameworks designed elsewhere.

Rawalpindi police have added anti-terrorism and other serious charges in the Sidra Bibi killing case and plan to seek cancellation of bail for all 18 accused. The case is set to be moved to an anti-terrorism court next week.

The FBR has declared Taftan railway station a land customs station for imports and exports, formally integrating the border rail terminal into Pakistan’s customs network. The move is expected to support rail-based trade with Iran and improve formal cross-border commerce.

DR Congo reached the World Cup knockout stage for the first time after beating Uzbekistan, while Iran were eliminated when Austria and Algeria drew 3-3. England, Colombia, Croatia and Argentina also completed their group-stage campaigns on Saturday.

The 2026 World Cup group stage has featured emotional moments, surprise qualifiers and major exits. Mexico, the United States, Cape Verde and South Africa were among the standout stories as the tournament moved into the knockout rounds.