Asia Pakistan Punjab’s government faces backlash for allegedly manipulating air quality data by shutting down monitors during peak smog hours in Lahore; Officials cite “technical issues,” but experts say it’s an attempt to mask severe pollution levels
Asia Pakistan After over two months of protest, Gilgit-Baltistan traders ended their blockade at Sost Dry Port; The port, a vital China–Pakistan trade hub, resumed operations following government assurances to review freight charges and address trade grievances
Asia Pakistan National Database and Registration Authority NADRA will open three new “mega centres” in Karachi, in Gulshan-i-Iqbal, Gulberg, and in Surjani Town, by March 2026 to improve public access to services and expand mobile app Pak ID usage
Asia Pakistan A $500 million Memorandum of Understanding was signed with U.S. Strategic Metals USSM, targeting development and processing of critical minerals like copper, rare earths, gold, tungsten, and antimony
Asia Pakistan Punjab province suffered its worst floods ever in late August, as monsoon rains and upstream dam releases inundated towns and fields; Two million people were affected, with widespread evacuations and damage to homes and infrastructure