According to details, the Boeing 777 aircraft of PIA, registered under AP-BGZ, had been grounded due to the unavailability of essential spare parts.

With the reintegration of the Boeing 777 into the fleet after successful test flight, PIA will have an additional aircraft available for long-haul operations, enhancing capacity on international routes.

The airline’s fleet expansion aims to improve scheduling flexibility and meet growing passenger demand.

Read more: PIA resumes London flights after six years

After a six-year suspension, Pakistan International Airlines officially resumed its flight operations to London on March 29, 2026.

PIA— Latest News

According to reports, the first flight, PK-785, departed from Islamabad carrying 325 passengers to London. The flight departure was attended by key officials, including the Secretary of Defence and British High Commissioner Jane Marriott, who bid farewell to the inaugural flight.

A formal ceremony was held at Islamabad Airport to mark the occasion, where a cake was cut and passengers were presented with gifts. Adding excitement to the event, a lucky passenger won a 660cc car through a raffle draw.

The ceremony was also attended by Chairman of the PIA Consortium, Arif Habib, along with other senior officials.

Khairpur has witnessed the tragic deaths of seven children following a sudden outbreak of skin-related illnesses.

According to Commissioner Abid Saleem Qureshi, four of the fatalities were attributed to the monkeypox virus, while some affected children were also suffering from measles.

A total of 19 children have reportedly been infected with the skin disease. In response, emergency measures have been implemented in Khairpur to contain the outbreak, the Commissioner added. The majority of the deaths occurred in the Thariwah area of Khairpur.

Across the Sukkur Division, isolation wards have been established to manage and treat affected patients, aiming to prevent further spread of the illness.

Monkeypox

Monkeypox is a viral disease caused by the Mpox virus.

Although the natural reservoir of the virus remains unidentified, African rodents and non-human primates (such as monkeys) are suspected to harbor the virus and transmit it to humans.

The disease typically manifests with a rash that appears 1 to 3 days following the onset of fever, starting on the face and then spreading to other areas of the body. The rash progresses through several stages: macules, papules, vesicles, pustules, and scabs.

Additional symptoms may include headache, muscle aches, exhaustion, and swollen lymph nodes. The incubation period generally ranges from 7 to 14 days but can vary between 5 and 21 days. The illness usually lasts between 2 and 4 weeks.

As per details, SHC hearing concerning applications related to traffic violations under the e-Challan system highlighted a lack of response from key government officials. The Chief Secretary, Secretary of Local Government, DG KDA, and the Mayor have not submitted their replies on this critical matter, with only the Transport Department providing input.

Lawyer Tariq Mansoor, representing public interest concerns in Karachi, stated that these applications relate to public safety and are presently deemed non-admissible.

The Transport Department’s counsel noted that the introduction of the e-Challan system has led to a 40% reduction in traffic accidents. Additionally, the department highlighted a significant rise in fines, with penalties in 2023 having increased from one thousand to five thousand percent compared to previous rates.

Tariq Mansoor further emphasised the socio-economic impact, pointing out that minimum salaries in the country are around Rs40,000, unemployment is widespread, and these e-challan fines are beyond the financial capacity of ordinary citizens.

The court has now issued fresh notices to the Chief Secretary, Secretary of Local Government, DG KDA, and the Mayor, directing them to submit their responses by 7 May to allow proceedings to continue

The Met Office yesterday forecast light to moderate rainfall with thunderstorm in Karachi and other parts of Sindh on Monday (today) and Tuesday under the influence of a weather system.

The rainy weather system could also bring strong winds to the city.

A westerly wave reported entering in Baluchistan from Iran last night predicted to influence weather conditions in Sindh and bring light to moderate rainfall in the region on April 06 and 07.

The PMD said that light to moderate rain is also expected in other districts including Jamshoro, Dadu, Kambar Shahdadkot, Naushahro Feroze, Shaheed Benazirabad, Sanghar, Mirpur Khas, Matiari, Hyderabad, Tando Muhammad Khan, Tando Allahyar, Thatta, Badin, and Sujawal.

The Met Office earlier predicted more rain-windstorm with thunderstorm as another western disturbance approaching western parts of Baluchistan on April 5 evening and likely to persist in upper parts till April 9 (Thursday).

Under the influence of this weather system, rain and thunderstorm (with isolated heavyfalls/hailstorm) is expected in Balochistan’s Chagai, Dalbandin, Kharan, Quetta, Ziarat, Chaman, Pishin, Qilla Abdullah, Qilla Saifullah, Nushki, Harnai, Zhob, Kalat, Khuzdar, Barkhan, Mastung, Sibbi, Kohlu, Naseerabad and Loralai districts until April 7 with occasional gaps. While in Panjgur, Turbat, Kech, Awaran districts, Makran Coast (Gawadar, Pasni, Ormara) and Lasbella on April 6.

According to a report by ARY News, cases of WhatsApp hacking have risen sharply in recent months. Cybersecurity experts have urged users to exercise extreme caution when sharing verification codes, particularly one-time passwords (OTPs).

Hackers targeting social media and mobile users are reportedly making calls from unknown numbers to gain access to accounts. Sources indicate that fraudsters often impersonate representatives of courier companies, informing victims of a parcel in their name and requesting the verification code sent to their mobile phone for delivery purposes.

Experts warn that once a user shares the OTP, their WhatsApp account is immediately taken over by the hacker.

The compromised accounts are then used to send messages to contacts, with scammers posing emergency situations and requesting urgent financial assistance. This tactic has resulted in significant financial losses for many individuals.

Read more: WhatsApp Develops Feature to View Multiple Contacts Online at Once

Reports suggest that elderly individuals and homemakers are particularly vulnerable to such scams due to limited awareness of digital security practices.

One affected individual revealed that messages were sent from his WhatsApp account to thousands of contacts, leading to multiple people transferring money in his name.

Cybersecurity specialists have strongly advised the public never to share OTPs or personal information with unknown callers. Authorities asserted that raising public awareness is crucial to preventing such cybercrimes.

According to details, Dr Latif was associated with the hospital’s haematology department. His vehicle had reportedly remained parked for four days without being checked by anyone.

Sources revealed that certain drugs were also recovered near the body. Despite his continuous absence from duty for four days, no immediate concerns were raised.

In response to the incident, the hospital administration has constituted a four-member inquiry committee to investigate the circumstances surrounding the death.

The committee will be headed by Professor Dr Saima Farhan, with Dr Ali Abuzar, Dr Hafiz Atif Nazir, and Dr Ayesha Khanam as members. The committee has been tasked with submitting its report within 24 hours into the incident.

Earlier, the skeleton of a woman who went missing around 30 years ago was discovered during excavation work in Orangi Town area of Karachi.

The remains were identified as Mumtaz Begum, who had been missing since 1994.

Her daughter, Asma, filed a murder case against her stepfather, Farid Alam, alleging that he killed her mother and buried her inside the house.

Chairman of the Karachi Matriculation Board, Ghulam Hussain, announced that the final examinations will now commence on Friday, April 10.

The Chairman stated that this decision was made in the best interest of the students across Karachi to ensure they are better accommodated.

The Controller of Examinations for the Board of Secondary Education Karachi (BSEK) stated that the board is currently transitioning from a manual system to a digital one.

He explained that due to an increased volume of data, the software has become overloaded and is experiencing temporary technical faults. Consequently, the decision to reschedule the examinations was made as an emergency measure.

The Controller further informed that a revised examination schedule will be issued soon, noting that the exams will still be held at the centers already assigned to the students.

Earlier, the Karachi Matriculation Board announced that schools can obtain their students’ admit cards from the board on Monday, April 6, by presenting an official authority letter.

Board of Secondary Education, in its statement, stated that the admit cards can be collected from the conference hall of the board situated at the first building block B from 9 am morning.

The provincial government on Saturday announced April 5 and 6, Sunday and Monday, as official holidays for the Christian community across the province.

The announcement, approved by Chief Secretary Sindh, Asif Haider Shah, ensures that Christian employees can fully honor Easter, one of their most sacred religious festivals, without work obligations.

All government and semi-government offices, including local councils and corporations, will remain closed during these two days. The holiday applies to Christian staff in provincial departments, autonomous bodies, corporations, and local government councils, giving them the opportunity to partake in Easter traditions and celebrations with their families and communities.

The decision shows Sindh government’s ongoing commitment to religious harmony and inclusivity, sending a strong message of respect to minority communities.

Ahead of the festival, authorities across Pakistan have ramped up security measures. Thousands of churches and Good Friday events will be closely monitored with high-tech CCTV systems and special security arrangements, as local officials conduct thorough inspections to ensure public safety. The government has emphasized maintaining interfaith peace while allowing Christian communities to celebrate freely.

The updated features include passport capture/upload and swift biometric verification, both designed to streamline the application process.

Key Enhancements:
Global Accessibility: Citizens from 193 countries can now apply for any visa category with increased ease.

Automated Data Entry:
Users can now upload a photo of their passport or capture it directly through the app. The system automatically extracts essential information, such as the user’s name, passport number, and expiry date.

Advanced Biometrics:

Version 5.5.7 introduces a dedicated biometric verification section, allowing for seamless facial recognition across all application categories.

To access these new features, users can update their Pak ID app or download it from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store to enjoy a faster, smarter, and more efficient experience.

Two modern features of capture, biometrics introduced in NADRA Pak Mob ID

The National Database Registration Authority (NADRA) on Sunday issued a complete list of over 3,000 e-sahulat franchises set up across the country to serve consumers.

The list also contains information about the owners of these franchises.

Similarly, they have informed that parents can also obtain B-forms (child birth certificates) for their kids under 10 years of age, while the CNICs of dead persons are also cancelled at these centers.

The officials have said that the people living in far-flung areas will no longer need to visit the NADRA offices since these franchises will offer them all the facilities they require.

According to reports, under the new directives, markets and commercial plazas in divisional headquarters will close at 9:00 PM, while in other districts, they will shut by 8:00 PM.

Restaurants, cafes, wedding halls, and all events have been instructed to conclude by 10:00 PM in KP. However, home delivery and takeaway services will be allowed to continue beyond closing hours.

The revised timings by the KP government will also apply to private offices, academies, banks, jewellery shops, and fitness centres.

Industrial, manufacturing, and export units have been exempted from these restrictions. However, showrooms and retail outlets associated with industries will be required to follow the prescribed business hours.

The KP government has also directed that unnecessary and decorative lighting, including façade and ornamental lights, must remain switched off.

The authorities said the move is aimed at reducing electricity consumption and promoting efficient energy use in commercial activities.

All administrative secretaries and commissioners have been instructed to ensure strict implementation, while deputy commissioners will monitor markets at the district level to enforce the orders.

Also Read: Markets to close at 8 PM; restaurants at 10PM

Similarly, the Government of Balochistan announced new operating hours for markets, wedding halls, and restaurants across the province.

According to the Balochistan Home Department, all markets and shopping centres in Quetta will now close at 8:00 PM.

However, essential services, including medical stores, tandoors, and naan shops, have been exempted from the restrictions.

Officials further stated that all events at wedding halls, banquet halls, and hotels must conclude by 10:00 PM.

Restaurants and hotels have also been directed to shut operations by 10:00 PM, as per orders issued by the Additional Chief Secretary (Home).

The new timings have been implemented as part of administrative measures to regulate business hours in the province.