Overview

• Pakistan’s poverty rate rose to about 25.3% in FY2024–25, the World Bank reported, reversing earlier gains due to compounding shocks including inflation, floods and weak job growth.
• The federal government is set to sign Rs1,275 billion in loan agreements with 18 banks to reduce circular debt, with repayment over 24 quarterly installments funded through consumer surcharges; multilateral officials were invited to the signing.
• The UK Department for Transport issued permissions, including a five-year ACC3 certification and TCO clearance, enabling PIA to resume direct cargo flights and then passenger services next month, starting with Manchester; PIA currently lacks dedicated cargo aircraft.
• Pakistan Railways canceled today’s Jafar Express service to Peshawar after a blast-damaged track near Dasht led to a derailment earlier this week; passengers will receive refunds and five minor injuries were reported.
• The White House indicated the US may impose institutional sanctions on the International Criminal Court over Gaza-related investigations, a step diplomats say could disrupt the court’s operations.