A delegation from Russian pesticide and agrochemical manufacturer Schelkovo Agrohim visited the University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF) to explore collaboration in high-quality seeds, crop protection, biofertilizers and pesticides. Discussions focused on identifying regional crop diseases and farming requirements before pursuing wider partnerships. UAF Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Zulfiqar Ali formed a committee of plant protection, soil science and seed science experts to review the company’s catalogue and shortlist products for local field trials. A Letter of Intent is expected to be signed to advance the proposed collaboration.

Peshawar Children Hospital, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s first dedicated 300-bed children’s hospital, remains non-operational 14 years after the project began. Affiliated with the Khyber Institute of Child Health (KICH), the facility was originally expected to open within three years. According to reports, delays in the Communication and Works Department’s building handover and unfinished work continue to hinder its launch. The health department has requested Rs2.9 billion in annual operational funding for the current year, alongside a one-time allocation of Rs500 million for power generators. The prolonged delay has raised concerns over access to specialised child healthcare in the province.

Approximately 105 medicines are unavailable in Pakistan, according to drug manufacturers and suppliers, raising concerns for patients seeking treatment for cancer, hypertension and diabetes. They say production of some medicines has stopped over the past two years because rising manufacturing costs have exceeded their retail prices. The reported shortage has made it harder for patients to obtain essential treatment. The exact number of unavailable medicines and the reasons for each shortage have not been independently confirmed.