Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed authorities to develop a comprehensive roadmap and reform agenda to promote investment and trade across all key sectors of Pakistan's economy. Chairing a high-level virtual meeting from London, the prime minister emphasized that advancing these sectors would attract investors while boosting economic stability and employment opportunities nationwide. The directive reflects the administration's determination to address structural economic challenges while positioning Pakistan as a competitive destination for global capital.

The prime minister specifically highlighted agriculture, information technology, minerals, tourism, and renewable energy as promising areas for foreign investment. He stressed that enhancing trade is equally crucial for economic growth, with increasing Pakistan's exports remaining a central policy objective. Ministries have been tasked with utilizing all available resources to ensure timely completion of ongoing projects, creating a stronger foundation for sustainable economic development through improved trade performance alongside investment opportunities.

Shehbaz Sharif instructed ministers to identify feasible projects and take immediate steps to implement them without delay. He emphasized that the roadmap and reform agenda must be forward-looking, ensuring organized and measurable progress toward long-term national goals. The meeting, attended by multiple federal ministers including those for environment, petroleum, finance, commerce, information, and economic affairs, focused on enhancing investment volume and economic activities throughout Pakistan.

The prime minister underscored that the private sector will play a pivotal role in the new economic roadmap, noting that ensuring private sector participation is essential for creating innovative solutions. He added that ongoing economic and financial reform policies have given new direction to the economy, and due to innovation and transparency, the country is now on the path of development. The comprehensive approach aims to leverage both public and private resources to drive Pakistan's economic transformation.

A long-awaited report into the practices of former NHS gynaecologist Daniel Hay has revealed significant failings in patient care that contributed to severe physical harm. The review, commissioned by the Gynaecology Review Steering Group and published on Wednesday, examined Mr. Hay's work at University Hospitals of Derby and Burton NHS Foundation Trust between 2015 and 2018. The investigation found that his risky practices and clinical shortcuts resulted in two women suffering severe physical harm and three experiencing moderate physical harm, with the report noting only "good fortune prevented further harm."

The panel reviewed 325 patients treated by Mr. Hay during the specified period, building upon an earlier assessment of 58 women conducted in 2019. The investigation identified numerous clinical deficiencies, including Mr. Hay's failure to take complete patient histories, omission of pre-operation scans, and inadequate documentation. His paperwork was described as "not of an acceptable standard," and he frequently failed to properly explain procedures or discuss risks and benefits with patients, leaving many feeling unsettled and uninformed about their treatment options.

Among the most concerning findings were instances where women underwent hysterectomies without proper consent or understanding of alternative treatments. The report indicated that some patients were made to feel that surgical removal of the womb was their "only option" when less invasive alternatives might have been available. This had profound consequences for women who dreamed of starting families, with the report noting the procedures "adversely affected" their mental health, relationships, and employment.

Following the report's publication, the NHS trust issued a formal apology, expressing being "truly sorry" to the women who received care "below the standards expected." The investigation has prompted recommendations to expand the review to include cases from 2012 to 2015, focusing on major and intermediate gynaecology surgeries. A criminal investigation into Mr. Hay's conduct remains ongoing as the healthcare system confronts the systemic failures that allowed these practices to continue unchecked for years.