Defence & National Memory: PM Shehbaz Sharif and President Asif Ali Zardari marked Defence and Martyrs’ Day with tributes to 1965 veterans, calling the day a “glorious chapter” of unity and resolve. Governance & Provinces: Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said any new administrative units must reflect broad public backing and political consensus, insisting identities won’t be erased. Health & Safety: After the PIMS newborn tragedy, PMDC announced mandatory fire-safety education and training for house officers across medical and dental colleges. Education Reform: IBCC eased science equivalence rules for foreign-board students and expanded SSC/HSSC equivalence for additional Deeni Madaris, plus added B-Form/CNIC details for verification. Culture-Tech Link: Alhamra and UET’s Al-Khwarizmi Institute signed an MoU to connect technology with culture, literature and the arts. Sanitation Upgrade: Punjab’s Suthra Punjab initiative says it has revolutionised waste management with a digital system tracking sanitation workers and vehicles. Trade & Rights Pressure: EU envoy Raimundas Karoblis warned GSP+ access depends on measurable progress on human rights, labour and governance. Activism & Economy: Economic activists in Peshawar urged reopening Afghanistan-Pakistan trade routes, citing over $1bn losses from suspended crossings. Security Narrative: Punjab CM Maryam Nawaz launched an AI hub, arguing Punjab faces greater threats from neighbouring provinces than countries and pushing intelligence-sharing. Youth & Skills: ICCI urged education and skills support for Balochistan’s youth, framing it as key to national prosperity. Sports & Culture: Lahore hosted a major gaming tournament at Packages Mall, blending esports with cosplay and live streaming. Women’s Safety Lens: Commentary highlighted rising gender-based violence and the need to tackle cultural roots, not only policing.