Pakistan’s capital market has recorded significant growth in investor participation over the past year, with the total number of investors at the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) exceeding 583,000, according to the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP).

The regulator reported that more than 190,000 new investors entered the stock market during the last 12 months, representing a 48% increase in the overall investor base.

According to SECP, younger individuals accounted for the majority of new registrations. Around 45% of newly registered investors were between 18 and 30 years of age, while 41% belonged to the 31–45 years age group, reflecting growing interest in capital markets among working-age Pakistanis.

Regional data showed that Karachi contributed 25% of new investor accounts, followed by Lahore with 16%. Islamabad and Rawalpindi together accounted for 13% of the new registrations.

SECP attributed the increase in participation to several initiatives designed to make investing more accessible. Among the key measures was the enhancement of the Sahulat Account investment limit from Rs. 1 million to Rs. 3 million, allowing more individuals to participate in the stock market with greater flexibility.

SECP Chairman Dr. Kabir Ahmed Sidhu said encouraging greater public participation—particularly among young investors—remains one of the regulator’s key priorities. He also announced that a digital onboarding mobile application is expected to be introduced to further simplify the account opening and investment process.

According to the regulator, expanding participation in Pakistan’s capital markets can help channel household savings into productive investments, supporting long-term economic development while making financial markets more accessible to the public.

The Punjab government has announced a large-scale environmental initiative for 2026, allocating Rs. 8 billion for forest restoration, afforestation, and conservation projects across the province.

According to officials, the program aims to plant 31 million saplings during the upcoming monsoon season as part of ongoing efforts to increase green cover, improve air quality, and support climate resilience.

Under the plan, the Punjab Forest Department will restore forests across 7,000 acres in southern Punjab while carrying out afforestation and rehabilitation projects in multiple districts.

As part of the “Plant for Punjab” campaign, authorities also plan to establish 350 urban mini forests and develop 200 new public parks. The initiative is intended to expand green spaces in urban areas, enhance environmental quality, and help address the effects of rising temperatures.

Special focus will be given to the Rawalpindi Division, including the hilly tehsils of Murree, Kotli Sattian, Kahuta, and Kallar Syedan, where forest cover is expected to be expanded through new plantation drives.

Officials said uncultivated and barren land in these regions will be converted into forested areas to promote biodiversity, protect natural ecosystems, and strengthen watershed conservation.

The program also includes forestry development in Attock, Chakwal, and Jhelum, where work will focus on expanding protected forests and improving green areas surrounding national parks.

To enhance forest management, the Punjab Forest Department has established a dedicated forest protection force and introduced the province’s first Digital Forest Inventory System, designed to support modern mapping, monitoring, and sustainable management of forest resources.

The Punjab government has directed authorities to begin immediate repair and reconstruction work on 135 government school buildings in Lahore that have been identified as unsafe or in poor structural condition.

According to officials from the Education Department, work on the renovation project had been delayed last year following changes in policy, leaving several planned construction and rehabilitation projects incomplete.

Authorities said that previous incidents involving damaged school buildings highlighted the need for timely repairs. A recent survey conducted by the Strategic Management Unit (SMU) was used to assess the condition of school infrastructure and identify buildings requiring urgent attention.

Officials added that a significant portion of the repair and maintenance work is expected to be completed during the ongoing summer vacations to minimize disruption to academic activities.

In addition to restoring unsafe structures, the project also includes the rehabilitation of school facilities and the construction of additional classrooms where needed.

With the monsoon season approaching, the Education Department has instructed relevant authorities to accelerate construction work to improve the safety of school buildings and help provide a secure learning environment for students and staff.

The repair initiative is part of the government’s broader efforts to strengthen public education infrastructure and enhance safety standards across government schools in Lahore.

The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) has arrested a woman in connection with an investigation into the alleged creation of fake WhatsApp accounts and the unlawful trade of activated mobile SIM cards.

According to officials, the action was taken after a complaint was received from the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA). The suspect, identified as Safia Afzal from Sahiwal, is accused of obtaining activated SIM cards through illegal means and using them to create WhatsApp accounts that were allegedly sold to different individuals.

An NCCIA investigation officer said the case is part of a broader inquiry into a suspected network involved in the misuse of digital identities. Authorities are continuing efforts to identify and trace other individuals who may have been connected to the alleged operation.

During the raid, investigators reportedly recovered 310 active SIM cards belonging to multiple mobile network operators, along with a mobile phone believed to be linked to the case.

Officials stated that the recovered digital devices and other evidence have been taken into custody for forensic examination and technical analysis. The ongoing investigation will examine the scope of the alleged network, review digital records, trace financial transactions, and determine whether additional suspects were involved.

A case has been registered against the suspect under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016, including amendments introduced in 2025, along with other relevant legal provisions. The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities have not announced any further arrests at this stage.

A remark by US President Donald Trump during the NATO summit in Ankara has gone viral after he mistakenly referred to Japan as the “Islamic Republic of Japan,” prompting widespread discussion and humor across social media platforms.

The comment quickly gained attention online, with users sharing memes, jokes, and fictional scenarios inspired by the unexpected wording. Many posts imagined an alternate version of Japan, blending elements of Japanese culture with humorous references to the mistaken phrase.

Social media users also created parody content featuring anime, fictional news updates, and lighthearted commentary. Some jokingly coined new terms and imagined how popular Japanese entertainment and culture would look in this fictional setting.

The viral trend spread rapidly across X and other platforms, with thousands of users contributing memes, edited images, and satirical posts. Many of the jokes centered on anime, technology, and Japan’s pop culture, while others created fictional diplomatic exchanges and humorous “breaking news” headlines.

The incident generated significant online engagement, with many users treating the remark as a humorous slip of the tongue rather than a political statement. The discussion remained largely focused on internet culture and meme creation.

The episode is another example of how a single public comment can quickly become a global social media trend, inspiring creative reactions and viral content from users around the world.

The Punjab Mass Transit Authority (PMTA) has finalized the proposed route and station plan for the Faisalabad Metro Bus Project and submitted it to the Faisalabad Commissioner for approval.

According to officials, the proposed metro corridor will include 21 stations along a 20.3-kilometer Orange Line. The route has been designed by the National Engineering Services Pakistan (NESPAK) as part of the project’s planning process.

Under the proposed plan, the Metro Bus service will start from Tahir Pura, located near Faisalabad International Airport on Jhang Road, and end at Faisal Town on Jaranwala Road.

The planned corridor will pass through several key locations across the city, including Airport Chowk, Air Avenue, Mansoor Malangi Road, GC New Campus, Saifabad Mor, Gulfishan Colony, Ayub Colony, Pratap Nagar, GCU Main Campus, Rajbah Road, Montgomery Bazaar, Rail Bazaar, Railway Station, Abdullahpur, D-Ground, Al-Najaf Colony, Kahkashan Colony, Usmanabad, Bukhari, and Faisalabad Town.

The proposal includes the operation of 27 Metro buses and two trams on the Orange Line. Supporting infrastructure such as two depots and seven U-turns is also planned to facilitate smooth operations.

Officials estimate the project’s total cost at approximately Rs. 79 billion. In addition, the PMTA has identified two future mass transit corridors for the city, naming the Jhang Road corridor as the Red Route and the Jaranwala Road corridor as the Orange Route.

The project is currently awaiting official approval before moving to the next stage of development.

Several Pakistan cricketers have maintained their positions in the latest ICC Men’s T20I rankings, while a few players recorded improvements across the batting, bowling, and all-rounder categories.

Batting Rankings

In the latest ICC T20I batting rankings, India’s Ishan Kishan continues to occupy the No. 1 position, followed by teammate Abhishek Sharma in second place.

Pakistan opener Sahibzada Farhan remains third in the rankings with 848 rating points.

Among other Pakistan batters:

• Saim Ayub remains 40th.
• Babar Azam holds 42nd place.
• Salman Ali Agha stays 44th with 547 points.
• Fakhar Zaman has moved up one place to 71st with 481 points.

Bowling Rankings

Afghanistan spinner Rashid Khan continues to lead the ICC T20I bowling rankings.

Pakistan spinner Abrar Ahmed remains second with 736 rating points, while England’s Adil Rashid has climbed to third place.

Other Pakistan bowlers are ranked as follows:

• Mohammad Nawaz – 12th
• Salman Mirza – 20th
• Shaheen Shah Afridi – 30th
• Usman Tariq – 59th (up one place)
• Sufiyan Muqeem – 67th (up one place)

Meanwhile, Saim Ayub, Shadab Khan, and Haris Rauf experienced slight changes in their rankings.

All-Rounder Rankings

In the ICC T20I all-rounders’ rankings, Zimbabwe’s Sikandar Raza continues to hold the top position.

Saim Ayub has climbed to second place, moving ahead of India’s Hardik Pandya, who is now third.

Other Pakistan all-rounders in the latest rankings include:

• Mohammad Nawaz – 10th
• Shadab Khan – 23rd
• Faheem Ashraf – 53rd
• Salman Ali Agha – 55th
• Shaheen Shah Afridi – 62nd

The latest ICC rankings reflect minor movements for several Pakistan players as the team continues its preparations for upcoming international T20 competitions.

Horror films are enjoying a remarkable year at the global box office, with several releases surpassing the $200 million mark and attracting audiences across different age groups. From major theatrical releases to active online fan communities, the genre continues to demonstrate its widespread appeal in 2026.

For many movie fans, horror is more than just entertainment—it is often tied to memorable experiences shared with family and friends. Whether it is watching a classic film during a sleepover, gathering for a movie marathon, or discussing unexpected plot twists after the credits roll, horror has long been associated with communal viewing.

Many viewers can recall their first encounter with the genre. Classic films such as The Exorcist (1973) introduced generations of audiences to supernatural storytelling and suspense, leaving lasting impressions that extended well beyond the screen.

Over the years, horror has evolved significantly, offering everything from psychological thrillers and supernatural mysteries to survival stories and creature features. While each film tells a different story, the excitement of suspense and the shared reactions among viewers remain central to the genre’s popularity.

One of horror’s defining strengths is its ability to bring audiences together. Watching a suspenseful film with friends or family often creates an atmosphere of anticipation, surprise, and discussion, making the viewing experience more engaging than watching alone.

The genre has also developed a strong digital presence. Online communities regularly exchange recommendations, discuss theories, review new releases, and celebrate both classic and modern horror films. This ongoing engagement has helped horror maintain a loyal global fan base.

As 2026 continues, horror remains one of the year’s strongest-performing film genres. With successful box office releases, growing audience interest, and an active fan community, the genre continues to play a significant role in the entertainment industry.

Audi Pakistan has announced revised prices for several of its vehicles after changes introduced under the Finance Act 2026. The updated pricing reflects adjustments in import duties and tariffs, with most models receiving price reductions, while one model has recorded a price increase.

Price Reductions Across Multiple Models

According to the latest price list, the Audi A3 Sedan S line TFSI is now priced at Rs. 20.8 million, down from Rs. 24.5 million, reflecting a reduction of Rs. 3.7 million.

The Audi Q3 SUV TFSI has also become more affordable, with its price reduced from Rs. 26.6 million to Rs. 22.85 million, a decrease of Rs. 3.75 million.

Similarly, the Audi Q3 Sportback S line TFSI is now available for Rs. 23.7 million, down by Rs. 3.9 million from its previous price.

Updated Prices for Electric Models

Audi has also revised prices for selected electric vehicles in its lineup.

• Audi Q6 SUV e-tron (Signature): Rs. 27.65 million (reduced by Rs. 150,000)
• Audi Q6 SUV e-tron (Performance): Rs. 36.2 million (reduced by Rs. 5.8 million)
• Audi A6 Sportback e-tron (Signature): Rs. 28.85 million (reduced by Rs. 150,000)
• Audi A6 Sportback e-tron (Executive): Rs. 33.85 million (reduced by Rs. 8.15 million)

Among the revised prices, the Audi A6 Sportback e-tron (Executive) has received the largest reduction.

Audi Q8 Records Price Increase

While most models have become more affordable, the Audi Q8 55 TFSI quattro has seen a price increase.

The luxury SUV is now priced at Rs. 101.6 million, compared with its previous price of Rs. 86.5 million, representing an increase of Rs. 15.1 million.

Audi Pakistan said the revised prices are based on changes introduced under the Finance Act 2026 and are applicable to the affected models.

Gold prices moved higher in Pakistan on Thursday, following an increase in international bullion markets after several sessions of declines earlier this week.

According to the All Pakistan Sarafa Gems and Jewellers Association, the price of 24-karat gold per tola increased by Rs. 3,600, reaching Rs. 433,836.

The price of 10 grams of 24-karat gold also rose by Rs. 3,086 to Rs. 371,944.

Previous Session

On Wednesday, gold prices had declined by Rs. 4,700 per tola, with the precious metal closing at Rs. 430,236 in the local market.

International Gold Prices

In the international market, gold prices gained $36, taking the price to $4,113 per ounce, according to market data.

Silver Prices

Meanwhile, silver prices remained unchanged in the domestic market, with one tola of silver trading at Rs. 6,421 on Thursday.