The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa cabinet has given its approval for the Spine Workers Protection Bill 2025. The bill, aimed at safeguarding the rights of spine workers, will provide them with a safe working environment.
According to Special Assistant to the Chief Minister for Information, Shafi Jan, there are approximately 140,000 spine workers in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, who will be registered, generating a business worth 130 billion rupees. The government aims to provide a single platform for all spine workers, who were previously subjected to exploitation by various departments, including the Taxation and Excise Department.
Jan also announced that Swat will be divided into two districts, with an additional allocation of 17 billion rupees for the development of CT scans and 14 billion rupees for special branches. Furthermore, he stated that the government is implementing a digital payment system, which will replace the paper-based system by June 2026. Additionally, a committee has been formed to address the issue of smog in the province.
Jan criticized the federal government for not providing the province with its share of NFC, adding that those who claim to be pro-governance should take a look at the Transparency International’s report. The Chief Minister, Usman Buzdar, has ordered an investigation into the recent elections in Haripur.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif has directed the federal ministers to prioritize the resolution of exporters’ issues to boost the country’s exports. Sindh Government’s spokesperson, Sadiya Javed, stated that Farooq Sattar, the leader of Muttahida Qaumi Movement Pakistan, cannot deceive the public with his scripted speeches.
In a surprising turn of events, the Supreme Court has announced that PTI’s chairman, Imran Khan, and his wife, Bushra Bibi, have been sentenced to 17 years in prison and fined one billion rupees. The court found them guilty of violating Article 409 of the Pakistan Penal Code, which pertains to misusing public funds. The court also found them guilty of violating the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1947.
The Tashkent government’s Minister of Culture, Tajikistan, has arrived in Pakistan to celebrate the Tajik Cultural Week. She met with the country’s Minister of Information, Ataullah Tarar.
In a brazen daylight robbery, armed dacoits looted mobile phones from a shop in Karachi’s Defence Bunder area, forcing the owner to hand over his valuables. The Minister for Interior, Rana Sanaullah, has directed the SSP South to arrest the culprits and recover the stolen mobile phones.
Federal Minister for Planning and Development, Ahsan Iqbal, has proposed making 2026 the year of reforms in the country.
Meanwhile, renowned actor Afzal Khan, also known as Rambo, has expressed his disappointment with the cold reception he received from Karachi’s residents. He stated that he and his team had moved to Karachi a year ago, but the city’s residents did not reciprocate the same enthusiasm as those in Lahore.
In Bangladesh, the leader of the student movement, Sharif Uddin Hadi, will be laid to rest in the Dhaka University.
According to a police report, three suspects were arrested during a raid in Nazimabad, who were involved in a extortion racket in Malir.
The gold price in Pakistan has increased to 4,56,162 rupees per tola, following the increase in the market.
In other news, the All Pakistan Jewellers Association has announced that the price of gold has increased by 4,56,162 rupees per tola, following the rise in the market.
