When the so-called "Sartorial Sultan" of X pauses on an image, the focus is never branding or price. It's something far rarer... what menswear obsessives call the ghost in the cloth: that precise point where tailoring stops being clothing and starts behaving like architecture.

Yesterday evening, Derek Guy (@dieworkwear) tweeted: "Interesting to me that when you see men on the global stage, beautiful Western-style tailoring is often worn by men from non-Western countries. Pictured here is Shehbaz Sharif (Pakistan), Akinwumi Adesina (Nigeria), and Naruhito (Japan)."

He then moved on to Adesina's suit and left Sharif's hanging in the air like an unanswered question. Consider this the (possible) answer.

COLOR AND FABRIC THEORY: THE CREAM GAMBLE

There is a subtle moment when someone enters a space and the atmosphere shifts. Not dramatically, not theatrically, but undeniably. That shift has a grammar. And here, it is written in cream.

Lighter colours are unforgiving. They expose every structural lie, every compromise, every rushed measurement. Shadow falls differently on pale cloth. Creases announce themselves. Imperfections, if they exist, do not hide; they confess. Here, there is nothing to confess.

The fabric has a visible “heft” or weight. It drapes. It does not fold, does not crumple, does not surrender to the indignities of a stride or the physics of a turning torso. Mid-step, the jacket holds its architecture.

The likely choice, a high-twist wool-mohair blend (something like a 70/30 or even 50/50) explains that resilience. It gives the cloth a dry, almost architectural firmness while maintaining flow. The result is a surface that reflects light softly, like polished stone, rather than absorbing it.

More importantly, the colour shifts the message. It replaces bureaucratic distance of navy and black with something more nuanced: authority without aggression, formality without coldness. It is diplomacy expressed visually. It is like a firm, steady handshake in fabric form.

THE ARCHITECTURAL SILHOUETTE: THE 6X2 BLUEPRINT

This is a double-breasted jacket, cut in a classic 6-on-2 configuration. This is where engineering takes over. This is tailoring’s “golden ratio”: structured enough to command, restrained enough to stay elegant.

The chest is full and shaped, the waist gently suppressed, creating a natural V-taper that feels inevitable rather than forced. Crucially, there is no strain at the fastening point. No pulling, no tension lines; just a flat, uninterrupted plane. That absence of stress is itself evidence of precision. The jacket behaves less like clothing and more like a calibrated shell, holding its form even in motion.

THE LAPELS AND THE LINE OF SIGHT

The peak lapels are quietly theatrical. Wide, but not excessive; curved slightly, what tailors call a “belly”, so they guide the eye upward. The gaze is led, almost unconsciously, toward the face.

Their proportions echo everything around them: the tie width, the collar spread, the shoulder line. This is symmetry not as an aesthetic choice, but as discipline. When done correctly, it disappears. You don’t notice harmony, you feel it.

SHOULDERS, SLEEVES, AND THE UNSEEN WORK

The shoulders avoid extremes. They are neither heavily padded nor overly soft, instead striking a balance that suggests quiet strength. There is a faint roping at the sleeve head, adding just enough definition to frame the upper body without tipping into rigidity.

Look closer at the sleeves in motion: they hang cleanly, without twisting. This is the sleeve pitch… an adjustment so specific to the wearer’s natural stance that it cannot be replicated off-the-rack. It is one of those invisible details that signals true bespoke work.

The trousers follow the same philosophy. A clean line, a single break, no excess fabric pooling at the shoe. From shoulder to hem, the silhouette remains uninterrupted, a continuous vertical narrative.

THE QUIET LUXURY OF RESTRAINT

Nothing here competes for attention. The tie is understated, the shirt cool-toned, providing contrast against the warmth of the suit. Even the lapel pin and flag pin are controlled gestures, identity markers, not distractions.

Somewhere on that jacket is almost certainly a hand-finished buttonhole, stitched over hours, visible only to those looking for it. It exists not to impress, but to complete the garment. That is the essence of quiet luxury: effort invested without the need for recognition.

MOVEMENT: THE FINAL TEST

Stillness can be deceiving. Many suits look acceptable when standing. Movement reveals the truth. Here, the jacket does not bunch, the trousers do not collapse, the structure does not distort. The suit moves with him, not against him.

That is the final distinction. This is not a garment adapted to a body. It is a garment built for one.

THE VERDICT: STATECRAFT IN CLOTH

This isn't "fashion." Fashion is fleeting; this is architecture. The reason this image went viral among the global elite is that it represents a disappearing standard of excellence. In an era of "fast-fashion" and poorly fitted off-the-rack suits, Shehbaz Sharif’s ensemble is a reminder that precision is a form of respect. It tells the world that the man wearing it is disciplined, detail-oriented, and utterly in control of his environment.

It is, quite simply, the suit that commands the room before a single word is ever spoken. This suit moves with Shehbaz Sharif like a second skin. It was built for this body, this stride, this man!

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ISLAMABAD: Islamabad recorded at least 618 new HIV cases between January 2025 and March 2026, with infections rising steadily month-on-month and adult men accounting for the majority of diagnoses, official data showed.

Figures from the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination showed 498 cases were reported in 2025, while a further 120 cases were detected in the first three months of 2026, indicating sustained transmission in Islamabad.

Monthly data pointed to a consistent detection rate, with cases ranging from 31 to 63 per month in 2025. The highest number of infections was recorded in July at 63 cases, followed by September with 52 and August with 45. In 2026, 41 cases were reported in January, 39 in February and 40 in March.

A ministry official said the figures reflected “consistent detection of new HIV cases every month in Islamabad, with periodic spikes indicating ongoing transmission within urban networks.”

A demographic breakdown showed that 397 of the 618 cases — more than 64 per cent — were adult men. Adult women accounted for 106 cases, while 93 cases were reported among transgender persons. Children made up a smaller share, with 14 male and eight female cases.

Health officials linked the trend largely to high-risk behaviour, including drug use and unprotected sex.

“More than half of those being diagnosed are young men, many of whom report drug use and unsafe sexual practices while under the influence, particularly methamphetamine,” a senior official at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences said.

Medical experts said the pattern aligns with rising cases associated with so-called “chemsex,” where stimulant use lowers inhibitions and leads to prolonged, often unprotected sexual activity involving multiple partners.

They added that while infections remain concentrated in higher-risk groups, the presence of cases among women and children suggests transmission is extending into the broader population, including spouses and families.

Officials said the data highlights the need for expanded testing, targeted awareness campaigns and interventions focused on high-risk groups to curb the spread of HIV in Islamabad and nearby urban areas.

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RAWALPINDI: The Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education (BISE) Rawalpindi has issued a revised schedule for postponed matriculation annual examination papers, officials said on Saturday.

According to the BISE Rawalpindi, the exams had been previously postponed due to disruptions linked to Iran–US talks.

Under the new timetable, the Urdu paper will be held on May 2 in the morning session, while the Geography paper will take place in the second session of the same day.

A board spokesperson said that the examination timings and centres would remain unchanged.

“The papers will be conducted as per the previously allocated centres and time slots,” the spokesperson said in a notification issued by the board.

The rescheduling was aimed at minimising academic disruption for thousands of students affected by the postponement.

Education authorities have advised candidates to strictly follow the revised timetable and continue preparing according to the updated schedule.

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KARACHI: The Sindh government has decided to impose a strict crackdown on cheating in matriculation and intermediate examinations, warning that students caught using unfair means could be permanently barred from board exams.

In a joint statement, Sindh Universities Minister Ismail Rahoo and Education Minister Syed Sardar Shah said a “zero tolerance” policy had been enforced to curb cheating in board examinations.

Under the new policy, students found guilty of cheating will have all their examination papers cancelled and may be permanently disqualified from appearing in future board exams, they said.

The ministers said that staff involved in facilitating cheating would face dismissal from service, while disciplinary action would be taken against invigilators, internal and external exam staff, and administrative officials found complicit.

Students found in possession of mobile phones or cheating material will be immediately expelled from the examination hall, they said, adding that surveillance at examination centres would be strengthened.

Authorities said that any interference in the examination process would be dealt with strictly as part of efforts to ensure transparency and fairness in the board system.

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Air France-KLM’s Flying Blue has introduced a new set of perks aimed at rewarding its most frequent travellers, adding fresh incentives for members who go beyond standard elite status thresholds.

The programme has rolled out “Choice Benefits,” giving high-tier members the option to select rewards such as bonus miles, status boosts, upgrade vouchers, or even gifting elite status to others.

Under the new system, travellers who accumulate experience points (XPs) – the metric used to determine status – can unlock additional rewards at key milestones before reaching the top-tier “Ultimate” level.

These thresholds, set at 450, 600, and 750 qualifying points earned specifically on Air France and KLM flights, offer increasing benefits. Options include tens of thousands of bonus miles, extra XP credits to fast-track status renewal, and premium perks like upgrade vouchers or sharing elite status with friends or family.

The move addresses a long-standing gap in the programme, where frequent flyers who surpassed Platinum status had little incentive to continue accumulating points unless aiming for the much higher Ultimate tier. By introducing mid-tier rewards, Flying Blue is effectively encouraging continued loyalty and engagement from its most active customers.

While the added flexibility has been widely welcomed, some observers note that certain options – such as mileage overdrafts – may be less appealing compared to straightforward bonus miles.

Still, the broader update signals a positive shift for the programme, offering more tangible value and making it easier for frequent travellers to benefit from their continued spending and travel activity.

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A widespread outage disrupted the social media platform Bluesky on April 16, with users across the United States, United Kingdom and parts of Europe reporting issues with core features. While many were still able to log in, the platform’s Home and Explore feeds failed to load, leaving timelines blank or filled with repeated error messages.

The disruption appeared to be a partial outage rather than a complete shutdown. Users reported seeing messages such as “Failed to load feeds” and “Unable to connect,” pointing to a breakdown in the system responsible for delivering real-time content. Monitoring data suggested the issue was most concentrated in US-based infrastructure, but its impact quickly spread internationally.

Bluesky later confirmed that the problem was linked to an upstream service provider, indicating the fault lay in external infrastructure rather than the platform itself. Such incidents highlight how modern social platforms operate in layers – meaning core systems can remain online even as essential services like feed delivery fail.

The outage also underscores a key challenge for decentralised networks like Bluesky. Although designed to reduce reliance on a single controlling system, they still depend on shared backend services and data routing layers. As the platform continues to grow, ensuring stability across these interconnected systems will be critical, particularly when even short disruptions can render the service effectively unusable for users.

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A new study from researchers at Mass General Brigham is challenging long-standing assumptions about how aggressively blood pressure should be treated, suggesting that pushing levels lower than commonly recommended could prevent significantly more heart attacks and strokes.

The research indicates that aiming for a systolic blood pressure below 120 mm Hg, lower than the widely used target of under 130 mm Hg, may offer stronger protection against major cardiovascular events, including heart attacks, strokes, and heart failure. The findings were published in Annals of Internal Medicine and are based on large-scale data analysis combined with simulation modelling.

WHAT THE RESEARCHERS DID

Instead of running a single clinical trial, scientists pulled together evidence from multiple major sources, including the SPRINT trial and the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. They then built models to estimate long-term health outcomes for patients managed under different blood pressure targets: under 140, under 130, and under 120 mm Hg.

The goal was to simulate what would happen over a lifetime – not just in the short term – if doctors pursued more or less intensive treatment strategies.

Importantly, the researchers also accounted for real-world issues that affect everyday medical care, such as inaccuracies in blood pressure readings taken in clinics. These variations can influence how patients are diagnosed and treated.

CLEAR HEALTH GAINS – BUT NOT WITHOUT TRADE-OFFS

Across the models, the most aggressive target (<120 mm Hg) consistently performed best in reducing cardiovascular disease. It was associated with fewer heart attacks, fewer strokes, and a lower risk of heart failure compared with higher targets.

However, the benefits came with clear downsides. More intensive treatment increased the risk of medication-related complications such as low blood pressure episodes, falls, kidney injury, and slow heart rate. It also required more frequent use of antihypertensive drugs and additional medical monitoring, which pushed up overall healthcare costs.

Even so, the study found the stricter target remained cost-effective by standard healthcare measures, estimating around $42,000 per quality-adjusted life year gained – a commonly used benchmark in health economics.

WHAT IT MEANS FOR PATIENTS

Researchers stressed that while the results are compelling at a population level, they do not suggest a one-size-fits-all approach. Some patients – especially those at high risk of cardiovascular disease – may benefit more from intensive treatment, while others may face greater harm from side effects.

As one of the lead researchers noted, treatment decisions should ultimately be individualised, balancing the potential heart health benefits with the risks and a patient’s personal preferences.

The takeaway is not that everyone should aim lower immediately, but that current targets may be more flexible than once thought – and that, for many patients, “lower” could indeed mean better protection for the heart.

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The anti-anxiety drug Xanax has been placed under a nationwide recall in the United States, raising fresh concerns about whether some tablets may not work as intended.

Manufacturer Viatris pulled a specific batch of the medication after it failed key quality checks, according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The issue centres on how the pills dissolve in the body, which could affect how the drug is released.

What’s actually wrong with the pills?

The recall was triggered by “failed dissolution specifications”, meaning the tablets may not break down properly once taken.

If a pill does not dissolve at the correct rate, it may reduce how effectively the medication works, particularly for extended-release versions designed to act over time.

The FDA has classified the issue as a Class II recall, indicating the risk is considered moderate, with any health effects expected to be temporary or reversible.

Which Xanax is affected?

The recall is limited to one specific batch of extended-release Xanax (alprazolam):

• 3 mg extended-release tablets
• Bottles containing 60 tablets
• Lot number: 8177156
• Expiry date: February 28, 2027

Viatris stressed that no other batches, strengths or generic versions are impacted.

“The vast majority of patients in the U.S. are dispensed generic alprazolam, which this recall does not affect,” the company said.

Should you stop taking Xanax?

Health officials say there is no need for panic.

Viatris confirmed that patients do not need to take immediate action, and no adverse reactions linked to the recalled batch have been reported so far. Pharmacies and wholesalers have already been instructed on how to handle returns.

However, patients are encouraged to check their medication packaging and consult a healthcare provider if they are unsure.

Why Xanax is widely used

Xanax is part of a group of medicines known as benzodiazepines, which slow activity in the brain and nervous system.

It is commonly prescribed to treat anxiety disorders, but can also be used for muscle spasms and seizures. Because it affects the central nervous system, it must be taken exactly as directed.

Another recall adds to concerns

The FDA has also flagged a separate recall involving multiple cough drop products manufactured overseas, following concerns raised during a factory inspection.

While unrelated to the Xanax issue, the additional recall may add to consumer unease around medication quality.

For now, officials emphasise that the Xanax recall is limited to a single batch, but the situation highlights how even widely used medications can face unexpected quality issues.

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A new study suggests that cannabis may do more than simply cloud memory, it could actively distort it, increasing the likelihood that people recall events that never actually occurred.

Researchers say the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis, THC, can influence multiple stages of memory formation, shaping not only what people remember but also how accurately those memories are stored and retrieved. According to National Geographic, while cannabis is often associated with forgetfulness or “fuzzy” recall, scientists now believe its effects on the brain are more complex than previously understood.

How THC interacts with the brain

Memory formation relies on a coordinated process involving the hippocampus, a brain region responsible for organising experiences into lasting memories. Scientists typically describe memory in three stages: encoding, consolidation and retrieval.

During these processes, THC interacts with the brain’s endocannabinoid system, which regulates several functions, including memory. THC binds to CB1 receptors, which can disrupt normal signalling patterns in the brain.

Researchers describe this disruption as a kind of “overstimulation” of the system, which can interfere with how experiences are recorded and later recalled.

Study shows widespread memory effects

In a 2026 experiment, researchers assigned 120 cannabis users to inhale either a placebo or THC doses of 20 mg or 40 mg. Participants then completed a series of memory tests assessing different types of recall.

The results showed that around 70% of participants experienced some level of memory impairment. The strongest effects were seen in source memory, the ability to recall where information came from, and in false memory formation, where individuals mistakenly remember events that never occurred.

Why false memories form

Experts explain that false memories often arise when the brain fills in gaps during recall. If details are missing during encoding, the brain reconstructs the memory later using assumptions, patterns or familiar experiences.

THC appears to weaken detailed recollection while leaving a general sense of familiarity intact. This imbalance can make it easier for the brain to “fill in” incorrect details, leading to memories that feel real but are inaccurate.

Unanswered questions and recovery

Researchers caution that many questions remain, including why individuals respond differently to cannabis and how factors like sex or consumption method influence memory effects. Early evidence suggests inhaled cannabis may have stronger memory impacts than edibles due to faster THC absorption.

Despite these effects, scientists note that cannabis-related memory impairment is usually temporary, with memory performance generally returning to normal after a period of abstinence.

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Montana’s ranch country, long defined by open land, working cattle operations, and quiet valleys, is now being reshaped by Hollywood storytelling and rising demand for a very specific kind of Western dream.

At the center of it is a 357-acre estate in Darby, Montana: Two Feathers Ranch, a property tied loosely to the world of Yellowstone and now listed for $16.3 million. Set in the Bitterroot Valley, the ranch blends irrigated pastureland, Black Angus cattle operations, and sweeping mountain views that have come to symbolize Montana’s cinematic identity. With more than 200 acres of irrigated fields, roughly 2,500 feet of Tin Cup Creek frontage, and a 7,000-square-foot main residence alongside guest and manager homes, it sits in the rare overlap between working ranch and luxury estate.

The property’s appeal is not just in its scale, but in its proximity to the show’s real-world backdrop; land associated with the historic Chief Joseph Ranch, which helped anchor the fictional Dutton universe. Though it appears only briefly on screen, its connection to the series has become part of its market value, as buyers increasingly look for properties that feel like they belong in the world they’ve watched on television.

That influence has become a defining force in Montana real estate. Industry agents say the “Yellowstone effect” has helped transform ranch listings into high-demand assets, drawing interest from buyers seeking more than land, they’re buying atmosphere, identity, and a version of Montana shaped by story as much as geography.

Even after the show’s conclusion in 2024, its cultural reach continues to linger across the state. Tourists still visit filming locations, and ranch agents report steady fascination with properties linked to the series. What was once primarily working cattle country is now also a symbol of aspiration, where Montana’s landscapes are no longer just lived in, but imagined, marketed, and increasingly, sold as part of a modern Western myth.

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ISLAMABAD/MIRPURKHAS: The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC)has sought records from a medical college in Mirpurkhas following the mysterious death of a third-year student and allegations of harassment.

The PMDC said it had sought all relevant records from the college and also sought an inquiry report from the provincial government.

The development comes after the death of medical student Fehmida Laghari, who allegedly died by suicide in Mirpurkhas. Her family has accused a college teacher of harassment.

The PMDC said that it maintained a zero-tolerance policy on harassment of students and warned that strict action would be taken against any faculty members or institutions found guilty.

Council President Prof Rizwan Taj said that disciplinary proceedings would be initiated through the council’s disciplinary committee, adding that students could directly file complaints with harassment committees.

He said that failure to provide a safe educational environment constituted a violation of rules, adding that any harassment, threats or misconduct would be dealt with strictly.

He said student safety and mental health remained a top priority.

The PMDC said that anti-harassment committees were mandatory in all medical and dental colleges.

Police and college officials have not yet publicly confirmed the circumstances surrounding the student’s death.

However, authorities said that the matter was under investigation following allegations raised by the family.

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PESHAWAR: A major public hospital in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province has introduced robotic surgery for the first time, hosting a workshop in which British and Pakistani surgeons carried out live, technology-assisted operations, officials said.

The event, held at Lady Reading Hospital (LRH)in Peshawar, marks a significant step towards adopting advanced surgical techniques in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

The workshop was organised by the hospital’s urology unit in collaboration with visiting specialists from the United Kingdom.

During the sessions, teams performed complex procedures using robotic-assisted systems, with surgeries broadcast live on large screens in the hospital’s auditorium for training purposes.

Senior UK-based surgeon Prof Dr Mateen, along with Dr Azra Ghani, head of the LRH’s urology unit, led the operations, demonstrating the use of precision instruments and high-definition imaging technology.

Dr Ghani said the initiative aimed to bring modern medical innovations to the public sector.

“Our goal is to introduce the latest technology so patients can benefit from advanced treatment locally,” she said, adding that multiple procedures were being conducted as part of the workshop with support from visiting surgeons.

Hospital officials, including the dean and medical director, said they would extend support to further develop robotic surgery services and improve access to modern healthcare in the region.

Robotic surgery is an advanced technique in which surgeons use computer-assisted systems to perform procedures with greater precision and control. The technology employs miniature instruments and high-resolution cameras to provide detailed internal views.

Experts say such systems can enable more accurate and less invasive procedures, reducing the risk of complications.

Patients typically benefit from smaller incisions, less blood loss, lower risk of infection and faster recovery compared with conventional surgery.

Officials said the introduction of robotic surgery at the hospital could reduce the need for patients in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to travel to major cities or abroad for advanced treatment.

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KARACHI: A second case of mpox has been reported in Karachi, with a 22-year-old man testing positive for the viral disease at the Sindh Infectious Diseases Hospital, hospital officials said on Thursday.

According to the medical superintendent, the patient, a resident of Buffer Zone, was shifted to isolation after his test results came back positive.

He said that the patient had no recent travel history, raising concerns over possible local transmission.

Health experts say the emergence of a second case in Karachi underscores the need for heightened surveillance and precautionary measures, particularly in densely populated urban centres where infectious diseases can spread rapidly.

The latest case comes months after the first mpox infection was reported in Karachi in March this year, indicating that sporadic transmission may already be present in the city.

Mpox — formerly known as monkeypox — is a viral disease that can spread through close contact and typically causes fever and a painful rash that may last for weeks. It is closely related to the smallpox virus.

Mpox was first identified in the 1950s and for decades remained largely confined to parts of sub-Saharan Africa, where it primarily circulated among rodents before occasionally infecting humans.

However, in recent years, the virus has spread beyond its traditional geographic range.

A global outbreak in 2022 saw the milder clade II strain spread to more than 100 countries, largely through human-to-human transmission involving close contact.

While global case numbers declined after the 2022 outbreak, health authorities warn that the virus has not disappeared and continues to circulate in different regions.

More severe variants, including clade I, have also seen a rise in cases in parts of central Africa since 2024, with isolated cases reported elsewhere.

Experts have cautioned that environmental changes, increasing population density and greater human mobility are contributing to the spread and evolution of viruses like mpox, increasing the risk of outbreaks in new regions.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has previously said that while a vaccine for mpox exists, there is no widely available specific treatment, making early detection and isolation key to controlling its spread.

Health authorities in Sindh are expected to continue monitoring contacts and enforcing isolation protocols to prevent further transmission.

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ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s National Institute of Health (NIH) has issued an advisory warning of an increased risk of Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF) ahead of Eid al-Adha, urging authorities and the public to take precautionary measures.

The NIH said the viral disease, which can be fatal, spreads through tick bites, contact with infected animal blood, or transmission from an infected person to others.

Health institutions across the country have been directed to remain on high alert and strengthen preventive measures to contain potential outbreaks, particularly during the religious festival when movement of sacrificial animals increases.

Pakistan reported its first case of Congo fever in 1976, with the highest number of infections recorded in Balochistan, while cases have also been reported in Punjab, Sindh and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

According to NIH data, 61 cases were reported in 2024 with a fatality rate of around 15 per cent. In 2025, cases rose to 82 with 20 deaths. By March 2026, four cases had already been confirmed nationwide.

The NIH warned that increased animal movement during Eid al-Adha could heighten the risk of transmission.

The NIH advised the public to adopt precautionary measures, including wearing light-coloured clothing to easily detect ticks, avoiding tick-infested areas, and removing ticks promptly.

People handling sacrificial animals have been urged to use gloves, avoid direct contact with blood, and ensure safe disposal of animal waste.

The Ministry of Health reiterated the need for public awareness and preventive practices to limit the spread of the disease.

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Shoppers in Suffolk are being advised to check the Easter weekend opening hours, as some major supermarkets will either reduce their hours or close for Easter Sunday.

While most stores will operate normally on Good Friday and Easter Saturday, several large supermarkets must close their doors on Easter Sunday due to legal restrictions. Easter Monday sees more varied hours, with some stores operating with reduced times.

Tesco stores will generally open from 6am to 10pm on Good Friday, with regular hours on Easter Saturday. On Easter Sunday, larger stores will be closed, though Express stores will remain open. Expect reduced hours on Easter Monday, typically from 8am to 6pm.

Asda will open from 7am to 10pm on both Good Friday and Easter Saturday. Larger stores will be closed on Easter Sunday, though smaller convenience stores may remain open. Easter Monday hours are from 8am to 10pm, with some variations.

M&S will see most stores open from 8am to 8pm on Good Friday, with normal hours on Easter Saturday. On Easter Sunday, larger stores will be closed, but smaller food halls will be open from 9am to 6pm. Easter Monday hours are from 8am to 8pm at most locations.

Iceland will be open from 9am to 5:30pm on both Good Friday and Easter Saturday, but will close on Easter Sunday. On Easter Monday, the store will open from 9am to 5pm.

Lidl will be open during normal hours on Good Friday and Easter Saturday but will close on Easter Sunday. On Easter Monday, expect reduced hours.

Aldi will be open as usual on Good Friday and Easter Saturday from 8am to 10pm, but will close on Easter Sunday. On Easter Monday, the store will open from 8am to 8pm, although hours may vary by location.

Morrisons will operate from 7am to 10pm on Good Friday and Easter Saturday. The store will be closed on Easter Sunday, but on Easter Monday, hours will be from 7am to 8pm.

Waitrose & Partners will operate from 8am to 8pm on Good Friday, with normal hours on Easter Saturday. Larger stores will be closed on Easter Sunday, but smaller shops will open with Sunday hours. Easter Monday hours will be from 8am to 8pm.

Co-op will operate its usual hours on Good Friday and Easter Saturday. On Easter Sunday, most stores will remain open, while Easter Monday will see the store operating as usual.

Sainsbury's will be open from 7am to 10pm on both Good Friday and Easter Saturday. Larger stores will be closed on Easter Sunday, but smaller branches will likely remain open. Easter Monday hours are from 8am to 8pm.

With Good Friday marking the start of the long weekend, shoppers should plan ahead as Easter Sunday brings the biggest changes, particularly for larger stores. Don't forget to make the most of the Easter Monday sales before the holiday period ends.

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The shortlist for the International Booker Prize has been unveiled, featuring six works that span continents, histories and cultures. The prestigious prize celebrates the finest fiction translated into English, recognising both authors and translators. This year’s selection moves across diverse settings — from 1930s Taiwan under Japanese rule to Nazi-era Europe, suburban France in the 1990s, post-revolution Iran, a remote Brazilian penal colony and the mountainous regions of Albania.

Two of the shortlisted books are debut novels, while several author-translator pairs return after previous nominations. Despite their varied backdrops, a shared thread runs through the list: characters grappling with control, displacement and forces beyond their power.

Themes of identity, oppression and survival dominate

Among the nominees, The Nights Are Quiet in Tehran by Shida Bazyar, translated by Ruth Martin, traces generations of an Iranian family navigating revolution, exile and identity. She Who Remains by Rene Karabash, translated by Izidora Angel, explores gender and freedom through a young woman who rejects forced marriage by adopting a male identity.

Daniel Kehlmann’s The Director, translated by Ross Benjamin, delves into moral compromise under Nazi rule, while On Earth As It Is Beneath by Ana Paula Maia, translated by Padma Viswanathan, presents a stark portrait of brutality within a prison colony.

In The Witch, Marie NDiaye (translated by Jordan Stump) blends the ordinary with the supernatural to examine motherhood and power. Meanwhile, Taiwan Travelogue by Yáng Shuāng-zǐ, translated by Lin King, offers a layered narrative of colonialism, food and identity through a fictional memoir.

Judges noted that the shortlisted works collectively explore what happens when freedom, whether artistic, personal or political, is restricted. Through stories of exile, resistance and resilience, the books reflect the enduring human struggle to survive, adapt and remain true to oneself in the face of oppression.

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ISLAMABAD: All private educational institutions in Pakistan’s capital have been directed to adopt a four-day academic week as part of government efforts to conserve fuel and cut costs, officials said on Thursday.

In a notification issued by the Private Educational Institutions Regulatory Authority (PEIRA), on-campus teaching will be held from Monday to Thursday with immediate effect and remain in place until further notice.

The move comes amid broader austerity measures aimed at reducing energy consumption after global oil prices surged following geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.

The PEIRA secretary said the four-day schedule is part of efforts to manage operational costs and preserve fuel, but did not immediately say how long the change would last.

The shift aligns with similar decisions in neighbouring Punjab province, where authorities have also ordered schools, colleges and universities to observe a four-day week with Fridays as a holiday, and adjusted timings for double-shift institutions.

Officials have urged all private schools in Islamabad to fully implement the directive.

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KARACHI: The Sindh government has announced a public holiday on April 4 to mark the death anniversary of former prime minister and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) founder Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, according to an official notification.

The holiday will be observed across the province on Saturday, the notification said, adding that all public and private educational institutions will remain closed.

It further stated that government offices, local bodies and other institutions operating under the Sindh government will also remain closed on the day.

Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, who founded the PPP, remains a significant political figure in Pakistan’s history.

His death anniversary is observed annually, particularly in Sindh, where the PPP maintains strong support.

The main ceremony takes place at Bhutto’s mausoleum in Garhi Khuda Bakhsh, near Naudero in Larkana.

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Royal Mail is taking unusual, but practical, steps to protect its delivery staff after a rise in dog attacks.

The postal service is now urging households to display a simple sign reading 15 words or fewer in their windows or on their doors to alert delivery workers when dogs are present.

More than 2,000 Royal Mail employees are bitten or threatened by dogs each year, with many injuries happening at front doors or through letterboxes. Some cases have led to severe or even life-changing wounds, highlighting the hidden dangers of everyday deliveries.

To help prevent incidents, Royal Mail has made a printable warning card available online: it reads, “I HAVE A DOG. Please wait whilst I secure my dog before opening the door.” Households are encouraged to place the sign where postal workers can easily see it, and pet owners can also create their own versions.

The organisation reassures customers that delivery staff are happy to wait while dogs are safely secured in another room or behind a gate. Additional safety tips include keeping pets away from front doors during deliveries, closing garden gates, or using treats and toys to distract dogs.

Royal Mail statistics show that dog attacks on staff have increased slightly over the past year, rising by 2 per cent to a total of 2,197 incidents in 2025. This averages out to around 42 attacks every week, with some victims suffering lasting injuries. Beyond the immediate harm, repeated incidents can lead to delivery suspensions at addresses where dogs pose a serious risk.

A spokesperson for Royal Mail explained: “We have around 2,000 colleagues injured by dogs every year. When attacks happen, we must report them to the authorities and temporarily halt deliveries to ensure no one else is at risk.”

While the signs may seem simple, postal workers say they could make a big difference in preventing accidents and keeping everyone safe, both humans and canines.

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A newly identified Covid-19 strain, informally dubbed the “Cicada” variant, is being tracked across multiple countries as health authorities study its potential impact. The variant, scientifically labelled BA.3.2, has been detected in at least 25 states in the United States and is also circulating in more than 20 countries, with rising prevalence reported in parts of Europe.

Researchers say the variant is drawing attention due to a high number of genetic changes, particularly in the spike protein, the part of the virus that helps it enter human cells. These mutations may influence how the virus interacts with existing immunity from past infections or vaccination.

What is the cicada variant?

The BA.3.2 strain was first identified in South Africa in late 2024 and has since evolved with multiple mutations. Scientists have noted that these changes could make the virus appear different to the immune system, potentially allowing it to partially evade existing protections.

Public health experts say this characteristic is why the variant is being closely monitored. The World Health Organization has classified it as a “variant under monitoring,” meaning it does not currently pose a major global threat but requires continued observation.

Should you be worried?

Despite concerns about its mutations, early data suggests that the Cicada variant is not associated with more severe illness or increased hospitalisations. Health experts emphasise that existing vaccines are still expected to provide protection against serious disease.

However, the spread of the variant highlights the ongoing evolution of the virus and the importance of surveillance. Experts advise maintaining basic precautions, especially for vulnerable groups, while monitoring updates from health authorities.

For now, the variant is being watched rather than treated as a cause for alarm, with scientists continuing to assess its long-term implications.

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