The Monetary Policy Committee of the SBP will meet today to review inflation trends, rising fuel and petroleum prices, and the broader direction of monetary policy.

Analysts are meanwhile anticipating a possible increase of up to 1 percentage point in the policy rate, pointing to regional pressures and higher energy costs as key factors.

At present, the benchmark interest rate stands at 10.5 per cent.

The meeting will also assess policy against the backdrop of the ongoing International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme and conditions set by the lending agency.

Business groups, including the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI), have argued that the recent spike in inflation is the result of temporary pressures and does not require an interest rate hike.

Security was heightened, and restrictions were imposed for several days in the area ahead of anticipated US-Iran peace talks.

“Traffic restrictions around the Serena Hotel and the Red Zone have been lifted as of today. I extend my deepest gratitude to the people of Pakistan—particularly the residents of Islamabad and Rawalpindi—for their patience and cooperation,” Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar wrote on his X account.

DPM Dar said their support had enabled the government to ensure the safety of the state guests and to advance the efforts for regional peace. “We remain committed to these objectives and deeply value your continued prayers and well wishes,” he maintained.

Authorities were seen removing barricades in the twin cities on Sunday.

The development comes as Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif earlier said he had spoken to Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on April 25 after the second round of US-Iran negotiations in Islamabad were called off and reiterated Islamabad’s commitment to facilitating “durable peace”.

President Donald Trump said on Sunday that Iran can reach out to the United States if it wants to negotiate an end to the war between the two countries.

“If they want to talk, they can come to us, or they can call us. You know, there is a telephone. We have nice, secure lines,” Trump said in an interview on Fox News’ “The Sunday Briefing.”

Trump cancelled a trip by his envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to Pakistan on Saturday, dealing a new setback to peace prospects after Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi departed Islamabad after speaking only to Pakistani officials.

According to a spokesperson for the provincial Home Department, the decision has been taken in view of security concerns to ensure public safety, maintain law and order, and protect property.

The restriction will remain in place until May 25.

The statement added that limited use of small drones will be allowed during indoor events at halls and marquees, with organisers responsible for ensuring their safe operation.

The Home Department said intelligence and law enforcement agencies will be exempt from the ban.

Authorities have directed district administrations and police across Punjab to strictly enforce the orders to prevent any untoward incidents.

The tremors were reported in Peshawar, Swat, Malakand, Buner, Dir, Swabi, Nowshera, Abbottabad and Mansehra.

According to the information provided, the earthquake had a magnitude of 5.7 on the Richter scale.

The epicentre was located in Tajikistan, at a depth of 170 kilometres.

No further details about damage or casualties were provided in the input.

An ITP official told APP on Sunday that Chief Traffic Officer Muhammad Sarfraz Virk and other traffic officers were also present on the occasion.

IGP Rizvi reviewed the newly established paperless counters and issued directions regarding the smooth implementation of the system.

The initiative had been taken to facilitate citizens and save their valuable time.

He said earlier, citizens were required to fill out medical forms, attach photographs and submit multiple documents during the licensing process. He said under the new system, citizens would no longer need to bring documents, photocopies or photographs. He said the entire process, from medical examination to issuance of a driving licence, had been made completely paperless.

The IGP appreciated CTO Muhammad Sarfraz Virk and his team for completing the project in a short time. He added that the licensing fee system would also be digitalised soon.

The official said citizens would now only need to bring their Computerised National Identity Card (CNIC) to obtain a driving licence from the Islamabad Traffic Police.

In a statement issued during his ongoing five-day visit to China, President Zardari described the incident as a “heinous form of terrorism” and said it deserved the “strongest possible condemnation.”

He also expressed relief that the US president and First Lady were unharmed during the episode.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said he was “deeply shocked” by the shooting at the event, which was attended by President Trump and other senior officials before being abruptly interrupted.

“Deeply shocked by the disturbing shooting incident at the White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner in Washington, DC,” he wrote on X.

He later expressed relief over the safety of all those present, adding that his thoughts and prayers were with the US president and others affected.

The project, which will be developed within the Nawaz Sharif IT City, will be the country’s first fully integrated “end-to-end” media production hub, offering modern facilities for film, television, animation and digital media under one roof.

Maryam Nawaz said the initiative aims to revive Pakistan’s film industry by providing advanced technology, resources and infrastructure, while reducing reliance on foreign services for visual effects (VFX) and post-production.

The planned Film City will include state-of-the-art studios, sound stages, post-production labs, and purpose-built shooting sets.

A central lake and convention halls for international events and award shows will also be part of the project.

In addition, the development will feature a media trade hub as well as film and music schools to support talent development.

The chief minister said the project is expected to create thousands of direct and indirect job opportunities and boost sectors such as animation, gaming and digital media, strengthening the broader creative economy.

The Film City will be completed in phases, with further details to be announced soon.

During the visit, President Zardari was briefed by Chairman of Sany Group, Tang Xiuguo, on the company’s advanced manufacturing systems, product lines and ongoing investments in research and development.

Vice Mayor of Changsha Qian Lixia was also present on the occasion.

The visit focused on exploring avenues for industrial cooperation, technology transfer and investment between Pakistan and China in the engineering and construction machinery sector, the President Secretariat’s media wing said in a press release.

During the visit, the president was given a detailed overview of SANY’s operations, including its core business areas of concrete machinery, excavators, cranes, piling equipment and road machinery.

He was also informed about the company’s financial and operational performance, including its 2024 operating revenue, which was $11.27 billion, product segmentation and sustained investment in innovation and R&D capacity.

The president was accompanied by Senator Saleem Mandviwalla, Sindh minister Sharjeel Memon and others.

China’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Jiang Zaidong and Pakistan’s Ambassador to China, Khalil Hashmi, were also present on the occasion.

The president was given a tour of the company’s flagship No. 18 Factory, which is a digitally integrated manufacturing facility recognised for its advanced automation and data-driven production systems.

He was briefed on the factory’s intelligent operations, high automation rate and its role as a benchmark for modern industrial manufacturing.

He noted the scale of technological integration and its relevance for countries seeking to modernise industrial production and improve efficiency.

President Zardari appreciated the scale, sophistication and technological depth of SANY’s manufacturing ecosystem.

He emphasised the importance of strengthening cooperation in industrial technology, skill development and joint ventures that could support Pakistan’s infrastructure and industrial growth.

He also highlighted the potential for collaboration in areas such as construction machinery, digital manufacturing, clean energy and engineering solutions.

Tang Xiuguo underlined the company’s commitment to innovation, digitalisation and international partnerships and informed about the country’s ongoing operations in Pakistan and expressed the willingness to explore opportunities for increased collaboration with Pakistan in manufacturing, technology exchange and capacity building.

A meeting in this regard was presided over by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz in Lahore, sources said on Sunday.

The meeting decided to develop major roads in Lahore as model corridors, with strict enforcement of lane and line discipline.

Traffic police have been directed to monitor violations through cameras installed on mobile patrol vehicles.

During the briefing, officials said that over the past six months, traffic police issued more than 500,000 challans and impounded over 100,000 vehicles.

The chief minister ordered a zero-tolerance policy against traffic violations such as zigzag driving, one-way breaches, illegal roadside parking and lane discipline infractions.

A proposal was also discussed to impound motorcycles for three days in police stations for dangerous zigzag driving.

Speaking at the meeting, Maryam Nawaz called on authorities to take stronger steps against underage driving and to roll out a public awareness campaign on traffic rules.

She emphasised the need for practical and effective measures to curb violations in Lahore, while also directing officials to crack down on illegal roadside parking.

Expressing concern over the city’s deteriorating traffic discipline, she tasked officials — including the Chief Traffic Officer (CTO) Lahore — with ensuring visible improvements in traffic flow.

The meeting, held at the Prime Minister House, was attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir, along with Iran’s Ambassador to Pakistan Reza Amiri Moghadam.

According to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office, the talks focused on bilateral relations, cooperation in various sectors, and regional and global developments.

Iranian media reported that Araghchi conveyed messages from Iran’s Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, and President Masoud Pezeshkian, reaffirming Tehran’s commitment to strengthening comprehensive relations with Pakistan and other neighbouring countries.

The Iranian foreign minister emphasised that Pakistan holds a “special place” in Iran’s foreign policy and reiterated Tehran’s desire to further expand ties between the two countries.

He also expressed gratitude to the Government of Pakistan for its role in facilitating discussions aimed at ending conflict, supporting ceasefire efforts, and hosting important diplomatic engagements in Islamabad.

Earlier in the day, Araghchi also met Field Marshal Asim Munir, accompanied by senior Iranian and Pakistani officials, including Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi, Iran’s ambassador in Islamabad, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baqaei, Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, and National Security Adviser Lt Gen Asim Malik.

Before the visit, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baqaei said the trip was aimed at consultations with Pakistani leadership on mediation efforts and regional peace initiatives.

He clarified that no meeting with US officials was planned and that Iran would convey its concerns to Washington through Pakistan’s mediation role.

The diplomatic engagements come amid heightened US-Iran tensions.

The White House confirmed that US envoy Steve Witkoff and former presidential adviser Jared Kushner are expected to travel to Pakistan for discussions linked to ongoing diplomatic efforts.

US President Donald Trump also claimed that Iran may be preparing an offer in response to American demands, though he did not provide details.

White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt said signs of progress had been observed in recent discussions with Iran and expressed hope that diplomatic momentum would continue.

She also noted that US Vice President JD Vance could potentially visit Pakistan as part of ongoing diplomatic engagements.

According to the PCB, the physical tickets will be available at 18 designated TCS Express Centres in Lahore from Tuesday at 10am.

Fans should aim to reach the stadium by 6.30pm to witness the curtain closing ceremony before the final match of the tournament, the PCB said in a statement.

Fans can buy VIP enclosures (Fazal Mahmood and Imran Khan) tickets for Rs6,000, while the premium enclosures (Rajas and Saeed Anwar) will be available for Rs4,000.

First-class enclosures, which comprise Abdul Hafeez Kardar, Abdul Qadir, Javed Miandad and Sarfaraz Nawaz, are priced at Rs2,000.

Seats in the Hanif Mohammad, Imtiaz Ahmed, Saeed Ahmed and Inzamam-ul-Haq, which are categorised as General enclosures, will be available for a minimum of Rs1,500.

The thrilling action of the HBL PSL 11 final can also be enjoyed from the VVIP enclosure (Waqar Younis) at the Iqbal End, whose tickets can be bought for Rs8,000.

The tickets for the Zaheer Abbas enclosure at the Jinnah End will carry a price of Rs10,000, while the PCB Gallery tickets are priced at Rs12,000, the statement added.

Officials said bus terminals across the federal capital have been reopened, except for the Faizabad terminal, which will remain closed until further notice.

Authorities have also reopened hiking trails and public parks, including Daman-i-Koh and Lake View, restoring access to key recreational sites.

Separately, the administration issued updated directives on commercial activities.

According to the notification issued by Deputy Commissioner Irfan Nawaz Memon, all shops, markets and shopping malls will close at 8.00 p.m. throughout the week.

Restaurants, hotels, food outlets, tandoors and grocery stores will shut by 10.00 p.m., while takeaway and home delivery services will remain unaffected.

Marriage halls, marquees and other event venues will also close at 10.00 p.m., with the restriction applying to private events as well.

Sports facilities and gyms can now operate until 10.00 p.m., extending the earlier closing time of 8.00pm.

Pharmacies, hospitals, petrol pumps and dairy shops have been exempted from the restrictions.

The new timings came into effect on April 25 and will remain in force until further notice.

In Rawalpindi, Deputy Commissioner Hassan Waqar Cheema said all entry and exit points have been reopened for all types of traffic, although the Pirwadhai General Bus Stand will remain closed until further notice.

According to Iranian state television, the response is comprehensive in nature and reflects all key concerns and considerations of the Iranian leadership.

Officials said the discussions focused on the situation in the Middle East and related regional developments.

Media reports suggest the development comes at a time when Pakistan is actively engaging in diplomatic efforts to revive dialogue between Tehran and Washington.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and National Security Adviser General Asim Malik were also present at the meeting.

Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Gharibabadi and Iran’s Ambassador to Islamabad, Reza Amiri Moghadam, also attended the discussions.

Diplomatic sources said that Araghchi is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif later today, after which he is expected to depart Pakistan.

Officials said the meetings are part of consultations on developments to revive the US-Iran negotiations to bring to an end the war in the Middle East.

The sources added that the Iranian delegation does not plan to extend its stay in Pakistan.

They further said that Araghchi will travel onward to Oman and Russia as part of his diplomatic engagements.

The White House has said that US special envoy Steve Witkoff and adviser Jared Kushner are expected to depart for Pakistan on Saturday morning (US time) for potential talks.

The visit comes as diplomatic momentum builds around possible efforts to restart negotiations between Tehran and Washington.

Soon after departing Islamabad, in a post on X, Abbas Araghchi said Iran “very much value[s]” Pakistan’s “good offices and brotherly efforts” to help restore peace in the region. He added that Tehran had shared a “workable framework” aimed at permanently ending the war, but noted that it remains to be seen whether the United States is “truly serious about diplomacy.”

Araghchi arrived in Islamabad on Saturday and held high-level talks with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The meeting focused on the evolving ceasefire situation and broader regional dynamics.

Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir were also present, along with a senior Iranian delegation.

Sharing details of the meeting on X, PM Shehbaz said he was pleased to meet the Iranian foreign minister and his delegation, describing the discussions as “constructive.”

He added that both sides exchanged views on regional developments, bilateral ties, and areas of mutual interest.

During his Pakistan visit, Araghchi also held separate meetings with Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar.

According to Iranian media, the talks covered cooperation across multiple sectors as well as regional and global developments. Araghchi conveyed Tehran’s commitment, on behalf of Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei and President Masoud Pezeshkian, to strengthening comprehensive ties with neighboring countries, particularly Pakistan.

He reiterated that Pakistan holds a special place in Iran’s foreign policy and emphasized Tehran’s resolve to further expand bilateral relations.

Araghchi also thanked Pakistan for its role in facilitating ceasefire efforts, supporting initiatives to end the conflict, and hosting key diplomatic engagements in Islamabad.

In a post on X on Saturday after concluding his day-long trip to the Pakistani capital, Araghchi said the proposal was shared as part of efforts to establish a lasting end to the conflict.

He said Iran places “very much” value on Pakistan’s mediation efforts and its “brotherly” role in trying to restore regional stability.

“Shared Iran’s position concerning workable framework to permanently end the war on Iran. Have yet to see if the US is truly serious about diplomacy,” he wrote.

After talks with senior Pakistani officials on regional security and ceasefire efforts with the United States, Araghchi left Islamabad and later arrived in Muscat on Saturday evening.

During his visit — the first stop of a three-nation tour— he met Pakistan’s army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar.

Araghchi also thanked Pakistan for its role in facilitating the April 8 ceasefire between Tehran and Washington, and for continued mediation efforts since then, outlining Iran’s “principled positions” on maintaining the truce and ending what he called the imposed war.

Prime Minister Sharif described his meeting with Araghchi as a “warm, cordial exchange of views” on regional developments, adding that both sides also discussed strengthening Pakistan-Iran relations.

The satellite was launched by Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) from China’s Taiyuan Satellite Launch Centre, according to a statement by Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).

Described as a “historic achievement,” the launch underscores Pakistan’s growing technological capability and its push towards greater self-reliance in the space sector.

Officials said the EO-3 satellite will provide high-resolution imaging data to support a wide range of national priorities, including urban planning, disaster management, food security, and environmental protection.

The satellite is expected to play a key role in developing an integrated Earth observation system, enabling more informed decision-making and contributing to sustainable socio-economic development.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised SUPARCO’s engineers and scientists for their professionalism and dedication, calling the launch a major step forward for Pakistan’s technological advancement.

He also acknowledged China’s continued support, describing it as a reflection of the longstanding partnership between the two countries in advancing Pakistan’s space ambitions.

The EO-3 launch is being seen as a crucial step towards strengthening Pakistan’s capabilities in satellite-based monitoring and enhancing its capacity to respond to environmental and developmental challenges.

The road had remained blocked following heavy snowfall, landslides, and avalanches at multiple points, cutting off access to one of Pakistan’s most popular tourist attractions.

Officials from the Kaghan Development Authority said restoration work is underway on the directives of the authority’s director general, with heavy machinery deployed to clear the road.

So far, six kilometres of the route have been restored, while work on the remaining seven kilometres is expected to be completed within five days, according to officials.

The initiative aims to facilitate tourists from across the country, enabling them to visit the snow-covered lake — often associated with folklore and described as a “fairy tale” destination — and enjoy its natural beauty.

Authorities said ensuring safe and timely access will allow visitors to experience the frozen lake’s view and make the journey a memorable one.

Under the new plan, agreements have been signed with seven institutions to expand meat exports, while collaboration between a Chinese firm and provincial authorities will establish a boiler unit to process meat for large-scale export.

The initiative includes a target to fatten 300,000 animals and export at least 100,000 in the first phase. Authorities also plan to import meat from around 300,000 animals through private companies, alongside the fattening of 300,000 cattle and buffaloes and 300,000 sheep and goats.

Officials said the livestock sector, long neglected, is now being treated as a key driver of economic self-reliance. Livestock farms are expected to create income opportunities, particularly in rural areas.

As part of broader reforms, the government has decided to establish modern veterinary hospitals in every tehsil, supported by mobile veterinary dispensaries to provide services in remote villages.

Separately, the chief minister, in a message marking World Malaria Day, said malaria remains a dangerous but treatable disease, stressing the need for awareness and prevention.

The cargo was procured from the spot market at a price of $18.88 per MMBtu, following a bidding process initiated by the company.

PLL had invited bids for three LNG cargoes covering delivery windows from April 27 to May 14. In response, the company received three offers from suppliers.

Officials said only the bid for the April 27-30 delivery window was accepted, while bids for the subsequent periods were rejected.

The offer for the May 1-7 window stood at $18.54 per MMBtu, and for the May 8-14 window at $17.99 per MMBtu, but both were not approved by the board.

The decision indicates a selective procurement strategy by PLL amid fluctuating global LNG prices and demand considerations, with the approved cargo aimed at meeting near-term energy requirements.

The president will visit Changsha in Hunan Province from April 25 to 27 and will stay in Sanya, Hainan Province from April 28 to May 1.

During the visit, he will hold meetings with Chinese provincial leadership to discuss Pakistan-China relations, with a focus on economic cooperation and the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

The visit comes as the two countries mark 75 years of diplomatic relations.

Both sides are expected to reaffirm their commitment to further strengthening the all-weather strategic cooperative partnership between Pakistan and China.

The suspect, identified as Rida, had earlier admitted to slitting the throats of her children — aged five, four, and one-and-a-half years — in what police described as a “cold-blooded” act.

According to investigators, the woman has now revealed details of her domestic life, alleging that her husband forced her to engage in inappropriate phone conversations with unrelated men and demand money from them — a practice she said she strongly resisted.

In her statement, she further claimed that her husband was aware of her contact with a man named Shehryar, and that the couple had also approached a spiritual healer (“peer”) on his insistence.

Rida told police she no longer wished to live with her husband due to his “immoral behaviour” and constant disputes.

However, she feared that in the event of divorce, her children’s future would be bleak. She said her family had refused to take responsibility for the children, leaving her feeling they would have no caregiver.

Police sources said call records revealed as many as 746 phone calls between the suspect and Shehryar.

Investigators stated that the woman killed the children one by one while playing with them, and later changed her clothes after committing the crime.

According to initial findings, the incident occurred when the suspect murdered all three children and then left the house under the pretext of going to a medical store as part of a premeditated attempt to cover up the crime.

Upon returning, she raised an alarm to create the impression that an unidentified intruder had carried out the killings and initially attempted to shift blame onto her mother-in-law.

However, inconsistencies in her statements emerged after police examined the crime scene and reviewed CCTV footage, leading to her arrest.

Investigators said the suspect attributed her actions to mental stress caused by domestic conflicts and anxiety over her children’s future.

Police added that further investigation is underway to uncover all facts of the case, including the role of the husband, as the scope of the probe is expected to expand in light of the allegations.

Officials described the case as a “blind murder” that the suspect attempted to conceal through a calculated plan, but said forensic and scientific investigation ultimately exposed the truth.

Under the revised rates, petrol will now cost Rs393.35 per litre, while diesel has been set at Rs380.19 per litre.

The new prices will come into effect from midnight (April 25) and remain applicable for the coming week.

Officials said the increase reflects rising global oil prices amid regional tensions, forcing the government to pass on the financial burden despite efforts to absorb some of the impact.

Federal Minister for Energy (Petroleum Division) Ali Pervaiz Malik said the surge in international oil prices and commitments with global partners necessitated the adjustment.

He noted that the government had attempted to cushion consumers but could no longer sustain the pressure.

The fresh increase is expected to intensify inflationary pressures, particularly in transport and essential commodities.

Authorities warned that higher fuel costs could translate into increased logistics expenses nationwide, adding to the financial strain on consumers.

According to Balochistan Assistant Interior Babar Yousafzai, several militants belonging to the Indian-sponsored group were killed during the operation in Dhadar.

He said that one member of the security forces was martyred in the attack.

Babar Yousafzai added that a clearance and search operation has been launched in the area.

He reiterated that security forces engaged the militants firmly and eliminated multiple attackers in retaliatory action.

According to officials, both leaders exchanged views on regional developments and the evolving situation in the Middle East during their conversation.

No further details of the discussion were immediately shared.

“During the conduct of the operation, after intense exchange of fire and skilful engagements by own forces, twenty-two khwarij, belonging to Indian sponsored Fitna-al-Khawarij, were sent to hell. Due to cowardice and fear of getting apprehended alive, Khawarij resorted to indiscriminate firing, which resulted in martyrdom of a ten-year-old innocent child,” said a press release issued by Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR).

Weapons and ammunition were also recovered from the killed Indian sponsored Khawarij, who remained actively involved in numerous terrorist activities in the area.

“Sanitization operation is being conducted to eliminate any other Kharji found in the area as relentless Counter Terrorism campaign under vision “Azm e Istehkam” (as approved by Federal Apex Committee on National Action Plan) by Security Forces and Law Enforcement Agencies of Pakistan will continue at full pace to wipe out the menace of foreign sponsored and supported terrorism from the country and such sacrifice of our innocent civilians further strengthen our resolve,” the press release said.

The accused, Rida Fatima, was presented before Judicial Magistrate Irshad Hussain Sabzwari at the Model Town Court under tight security. The court approved a five-day physical remand at the request of police, who had sought 14 days to carry out further investigation.

Police told the court that DNA, polygraph and medical tests of the accused were necessary. The investigation officer said the remand was required to complete inquiries and clarify all aspects of the incident.

The case related to the murder of three children in Lahore’s Ichhra area includes a five-year-old, a four-year-old and a one-and-a-half-year-old whose deaths had left the neighbourhood in mourning.

Residents described the incident as deeply disturbing, saying they had never witnessed such brutality. The family’s home had stood silent, with the children’s belongings still visible, including clothes left hanging on the balcony.

According to neighbours, the children’s father, Ramzan, had been outside the house at the time of the incident, while the mother had been inside. They said a scream had been heard before the father rushed back, followed by others from the neighbourhood.

Police had registered a case against the mother and, after postmortem examinations, handed over the bodies to the heirs. The children had been transported to their native town of Jhang, where funeral prayers were expected to be held before burial.

Investigators said initial findings had indicated the accused was responsible for the killings, though motives and other aspects remained under investigation.

Separately, police said additional CCTV footage had emerged showing the accused leaving the house and entering the street after the incident. Authorities alleged she had attempted to alter the crime scene and mislead investigators. According to sources, she later returned and called emergency services along with local residents.

Earlier on Thursday, details of the interrogation were shared by DSP Investigation Ichhra, Qamar Abbas, in a conversation with Aaj News correspondent Riaz Ahmed.

“The suspect, identified as Rida, told police she committed the killings amid severe poverty and domestic discord, alleging that her husband had forced her into prostitution and expressing doubts that the children were hers. According to investigators, she said she first killed her one-and-a-half-year-old daughter, while the child was asleep, and then called the other two children, aged four and five, from another room where they had been playing before killing them.”

According to a NADRA spokesperson, the new platform consolidates all major services —including Computerised National Identity Cards (CNIC), National Identity Cards for Overseas Pakistanis (NICOP), Pakistan Origin Cards (POC), and Family Registration Certificates (FRC) — into a single, integrated system.

The website also introduces an advanced data visualisation feature powered by the GRIDS system, enabling users to access registration data and statistics in map form.

It offers district-level comparisons of census and registration data, providing valuable insights for researchers and policymakers.

A dedicated “Map Gallery” has been added to support research activities and planning.

The platform further highlights an integrated system for the registration of key life events, including births, deaths, marriages, and divorces.

In addition, NADRA has improved its verification services for banks, telecom companies, and government institutions by bringing them under one umbrella. Customer support has also been strengthened through enhanced call centre, IVR, and email services.

The complaint registration and resolution mechanism has been upgraded to ensure more efficient handling of public grievances, reflecting NADRA’s push toward digital transformation and improved service delivery.

According to shipping sources, armed pirates attacked the vessel, identified as Owner 25, on April 21 near Somalia.

The assailants reportedly boarded the tanker and took control of it after a brief confrontation with the crew.

The vessel was later moved to an undisclosed location believed to be under the pirates’ control.

Officials said 11 Pakistani nationals were among the crew members taken hostage. Families of the affected sailors have expressed grave concern, saying they have received no official information regarding the whereabouts or well-being of their loved ones.

Sources in Pakistan’s maritime sector said the Directorate General of Ports and Shipping, operating under the Ministry of Maritime Affairs, has so far been unable to establish contact with the crew.

No statement has yet been issued by the shipping company operating the tanker, further deepening the anxiety of the hostages’ families.

Reports suggest that negotiations may be underway for the crew’s release, with some international maritime channels said to be in contact with the pirates.

However, there has been no official confirmation regarding any progress or possible ransom demands.

The families of the Pakistani sailors have urged the government to take immediate steps to ensure their safe recovery and provide diplomatic and maritime assistance.

Piracy incidents near the Somali coast had declined significantly in recent years, but intermittent attacks continue to pose risks to commercial shipping lanes in the Gulf of Aden and surrounding waters.

Similarly, 10-gram gold was sold at Rs420,835 after it fell by Rs2,486, according to rates shared by the All-Pakistan Gems and Jewellers Sarafa Association (APGJSA).

On Thursday, the gold price per tola reached Rs493,762 after a decline of Rs5,200 during the day.

The international rate of gold declined by $29 to reach $4,685 per ounce (with a premium of $20).

Meanwhile, the price of silver also decreased by Rs142 to reach Rs7,957 per tola.

According to Indian media reports, residents in the Paddar area heard a powerful blast and later observed thick smoke rising from the nearby forest.

Videos circulating on social media showed plumes of smoke, fuelling rumours that an IAF jet had gone down.

Some unverified claims suggested the aircraft may have been brought down by India’s own air defence system due to a technical malfunction.

However, no independent confirmation of such assertions has emerged.

An IAF spokesperson rejected the reports, stating that claims of an aircraft crash near Kishtwar were “false” and not based on any factual information.

Officials have yet to provide a definitive explanation for the explosion or the source of the smoke, leaving the incident shrouded in uncertainty.