2025

Asia, Health, International, Medical

China Plans Further Pig Lung Xenotransplant Trials

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Beijing, August 28, 2025, 05:11 PM PKT – China Plans Further Pig Lung Xenotransplant Trials Chinese scientists announced plans for additional pig-to-human lung xenotransplant trials on August 28, 2025, following the world’s first successful transplant of a genetically modified pig lung into a brain-dead patient, reported in Nature Medicine. The procedure, conducted in May 2024, saw the lung function for nine days. Professor He Jianxing, lead researcher at Guangzhou Medical University, told NEN, “We aim to refine genetic edits for safer clinical trials.” The initial transplant used a Bama pig with six CRISPR edits to reduce immune rejection, but challenges like fluid buildup persisted. New trials will target living patients by 2026 . The initiative addresses the global organ shortage, with 8,236 transplants performed worldwide in 2024 against a much higher demand. Clonorgan Biotechnology will supply pigs with enhanced gene edits to minimize rejection risks. “This is a game-changer,” said a health official. Stay updated at nenagency.

Business, Economy

PKR Gains Marginally as SBP Monitors Forex Market Trends

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Pakistan forex market Karachi, August 28, 2025, 04:17 PM PKT – PKR Gains Marginally as SBP Monitors Forex Market Trends The Pakistani Rupee (PKR) saw a marginal gain of 0.2% against major currencies on August 28, 2025, following the Financial Markets Association’s bulletin on August 28, which reported USD at PKR 283.61, GBP at PKR 381.69, EUR at PKR 329.68, and JPY at PKR 1.9150 for currency notes (web:7). State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) official Zafar Paracha told NEN, “ We’re closely tracking market dynamics to ensure stability.” The slight PKR appreciation follows SBP’s recent measures to curb speculative trading, with open market rates aligning closely at USD PKR 283.80. Exporters reported smoother transactions, boosting trade confidence. The SBP plans to launch a forex monitoring app by October 1, enhancing transparency for businesses and remittances, which reached $2.8 billion in July . The Karachi Chamber of Commerce praised the stability, urging sustained policies. “This strengthens our economy,” said a trader. Stay updated at nenagency.

Disaster, Domestic

Sargodha Flood Relief Intensifies as Chenab Flood Wave Peaks

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Sargodha, August 28, 2025, 11:13 AM PKT – Sargodha Flood Relief Intensifies as Chenab Flood Wave Peaks The district administration in Sargodha intensified relief operations on August 28, 2025, as a 1 million cusec flood wave in the River Chenab passed through Kot Momin, following a peak flow of 1,017,000 cusecs recorded at Qadirabad. Over 3,500 residents and 2,000 livestock have been evacuated to safer areas. Deputy Commissioner Muhammad Wasim told NEN, “We’re ensuring no loss of life with comprehensive relief measures.” Relief camps are providing food and medical aid, with the Pakistan Army assisting in 12 flood-affected villages near Kot Momin . Water levels are expected to recede by August 30, but vigilance remains high. The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) reported medium flood levels at Marala and Khanki, urging residents to follow alerts. Local farmers expressed concerns over crop losses, with a damage assessment planned for September. “We’re committed to recovery,” said DPO Sohaib Ashraf. Stay updated at nenagency.

International

Pakistan Proposes UN Resolution for Gaza Ceasefire, Accountability

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Islamabad, August 28, 2025, 11:09 AM PKT – Pakistan Proposes UN Resolution for Gaza Ceasefire, Accountability Pakistan announced plans to table a UN resolution on August 28, 2025, calling for an immediate Gaza ceasefire and accountability for Israel’s actions, following Foreign Office spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch’s appeal for Israel’s allies to review policies enabling Palestinian casualties. The move aims to address the ongoing Gaza crisis. Baloch told NEN, “We seek global support to end the genocide and ensure justice.” The resolution, drafted with OIC partners, demands unrestricted humanitarian aid and UNRWA support, citing 41,000 Palestinian deaths since October 2023 ). Pakistan’s UN envoy, Munir Akram, will present it in September . The initiative follows Pakistan’s condemnation of Israel’s actions in Syria’s Golan Heights, reinforcing its stance on sovereignty . Local rallies in Islamabad supported the proposal, urging global action. “Humanity demands accountability,” said a protester. Stay updated at nenagency

Economy, Pakistan

SBP Adjusts Forex Policies to Stabilize PKR Amid Rate Fluctuations

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Pakistan forex stabilization Karachi, August 28, 2025, 11:04 AM PKT – SBP Adjusts Forex Policies to Stabilize PKR Amid Rate Fluctuations The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) announced revised foreign exchange policies on August 28, 2025, to stabilize the Pakistani Rupee (PKR) following the Financial Markets Association’s bulletin on August 27, which listed USD at PKR 281.80, GBP at PKR 378.91, EUR at PKR 326.86, and JPY at PKR 1.9060 for September 29 settlement . SBP Governor Jameel Ahmad told NEN, “These measures will enhance market confidence and curb volatility.” The policies include tighter controls on speculative trading and increased reserves for importers, following a 0.4% PKR depreciation against the USD since August 20 (web:0, web:8, web:13, web:16). The SBP aims to align rates with open market trends, where USD touched PKR 282.50. The business community welcomed the move, with Karachi Chamber of Commerce urging support for exporters. The SBP will monitor rates daily and introduce digital tools for real-time tracking by September 15 ). “Stability is key for trade,” said a chamber spokesperson. Stay updated at nenagency.

Education, Pakistan

Sialkot Schools Reopen with Enhanced Security Measures

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Sialkot schools reopening Sialkot, August 28, 2025, 11:00 AM PKT – Sialkot Schools Reopen with Enhanced Security Measures Public and private schools and colleges in Sialkot reopened on August 28, 2025, after a one-day closure on August 27 due to security concerns, the district administration announced. The reopening includes heightened security protocols to ensure the safety of students and staff across the city. Deputy Commissioner Muhammad Zulqarnain told NEN, “We’ve deployed additional police at educational institutions to restore confidence.” The closure was prompted by a reported security situation, with no specific details disclosed (web:7). Over 300 schools in Sialkot, including those in Daska and Pasrur, resumed classes with staggered schedules and mandatory ID checks for visitors (web:7). Parents welcomed the reopening but urged ongoing vigilance. The district administration has launched a helpline for reporting suspicious activities near campuses, with local police conducting regular patrols. Sialkot schools reopening “Safety is our priority,” said SP Investigation Rana Amjad. Stay updated at nenagency

Crime

Accused in Kohat Murder Case Faces Court, Investigation Deepens

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Kohat murder case Kohat, August 28, 2025, 10:58 AM PKT – Accused in Kohat Murder Case Faces Court, Investigation Deepens The prime suspect, Omar, arrested for the murder of Syed Muhammad and attempted murder of Zeeshan in Kohat’s Main Bazaar, was presented before a local court on August 28, 2025. The court remanded him for seven days as the City Police Station intensifies its investigation into the August 7 incident. District Police Officer Dr. Zahidullah told NEN, “We’re uncovering the full motive behind this tragic incident.” The police recovered the murder weapon using modern technical means, revealing a dispute over a TikTok video as the trigger for Omar’s indiscriminate firing (web:0). Zeeshan, now stable, provided a statement corroborating the social media conflict (web:0). The investigation now focuses on potential accomplices and Omar’s digital footprint, with forensic analysis underway. Community leaders have called for stricter social media regulations to prevent such disputes. “Justice will be served,” said SHO Fayyaz Khan. Stay updated at nenagency.

Economy, Uncategorized

ADB Commits $500M for Pakistan’s Climate Resilience Projects

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�Islamabad, August 28, 2025, 01:33 AM PKT – ADB Commits $500M for Pakistan’s Climate Resilience Projects � �The Asian Development Bank (ADB) pledged $500 million for Pakistan’s climate resilience and infrastructure projects on August 27, 2025, building on Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s appreciation of their longstanding partnership. The commitment follows a high-level meeting with ADB President Masato Kanda at the PM’s House. � �Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb told NEN, “This funding will bolster our climate and economic reforms.” The package includes $300 million for flood-resistant infrastructure in Sindh and $200 million for renewable energy in Balochistan, aligning with Pakistan’s reform agenda (web:0, web:2, web:11, web:23). Kanda praised Pakistan’s tax and energy sector reforms, noting ADB’s support for 15 projects since 2022 (web:0, web:11). � �The funding, set for ADB Board approval in October, aims to enhance disaster preparedness and economic stability, with 10,000 jobs expected from energy projects (web:2, web:24). Sharif directed ministries to expedite project timelines. “ADB’s support is pivotal for our progress,” he said. Stay updated at nenagency.com. � �

Disaster, National News

NDMA Reports Progress in Sutlej Flood Relief, Plans Crop Damage Audit

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Sutlej flood relief Islamabad, August 27, 2025, 01:02 AM PKT – NDMA Reports Progress in Sutlej Flood Relief, Plans Crop Damage Audit The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) reported significant progress in relief efforts for over 190,000 evacuees from flood-hit Sutlej areas, with 67 relief camps operational in Punjab as of August 26, 2025. The update follows large-scale evacuations prompted by heavy rainfall and India’s water releases from the Bhakra Dam. NDMA Chairman Lt Gen Inam Haider told NEN, “Our focus is on sustaining relief and assessing damages. ” Camps in Bahawalnagar, Kasur, and Okara provide food, medical aid, and shelter, with 38 medical and 46 veterinary camps treating over 2,600 people and 17,000 livestock. The NDMA plans a crop damage audit by September 5, following Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s directive. Heavy rainfall is forecast for Punjab until August 31, raising concerns for areas like Vehari and Pakpattan, where 75 villages are inundated . The NDMA urged residents to use the Pak NDMA Disaster Alert app for updates. “We’re committed to recovery,” said Punjab Relief Commissioner Nabeel Javed. Stay updated at nenagency.

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