Overview
- Punjab Assembly Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan annulled executive notifications that raised agricultural tax rates and paused all enforcement under those rates pending a committee review and a government explanation within 15 days.
- The ruling said only the assembly can impose or change taxes under the 2025–26 budget process and labeled collections made under the disputed notifications as unlawful.
- In Sindh, sluggish wheat buying of about 8,958 metric tons against a 1,000,000‑ton target prompted CM Murad Ali Shah to scrap the five‑bag‑per‑acre cap so small farmers can sell any quantity at 3,500 rupees per 40 kg.
- Security forces in Bannu and Lakki Marwat reported four militants killed, including a high‑value commander and a suicide bomber, while one police officer died and a suicide jacket and other explosives were seized.
- Punjab’s leadership confronted public‑safety concerns as CM Maryam Nawaz called an emergency meeting, pressed for merit‑based police postings and broader CCTV use, and ordered tougher action in response to rising violent crime.