News in Brief

Dam authorities released the current reservoir levels for several major water bodies on 20 October. Tarbela Dam and Mangla Dam were among the primary sites included in the official report.

The data also accounted for the water status at Khanpur Dam, Simly Dam, and Rawal Dam. In Islamabad, the pollen count was recorded on the same day.

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Meteorological reports for 20 October also detailed the minimum and projected maximum temperatures for the country's major cities.

The World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Committee addressed the need to actively engage in reforming the global health architecture. Negotiations must conclude on the Pathogen Access and Benefit Sharing annex to enable the Pandemic Agreement to begin ratification and take effect.

Officials noted that 10 months remains a significant period to achieve these objectives. The committee called for the approval of the next increase in assessed contributions during the World Health Assembly next year.

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Members aim to consolidate efforts from transformation and realignment to build an organisation that serves states with neutrality, impartiality, and integrity.

The MUSLIM Institute organised a human formation at the Shrine of Sultan Bahoo to symbolise the Makkah Accord and the Pakistan-Saudi-Türkiye alliance. Thousands of Pakistanis joined the initiative, which featured flags from Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Türkiye.

Participants played national anthems and chanted slogans stating that Islam is Peace. Sahibzada Sultan Ahmed Ali stated that the Makkah Accord was a significant step towards collective security and sovereignty.

This event followed a previous human formation by the MUSLIM Institute at the same shrine depicting New Zealand’s Al Noor Mosque.

The Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) and the Arab Thought Forum (ATF) of Jordan held a bilateral meeting on 20 October. A Memorandum of Understanding between the two organisations was previously signed in October 2025.

Ambassador Moin ul Haque, Director General of ISSI, stated that Jordan holds a special place in the hearts of the people of Pakistan. Participants explored opportunities for joint research and engagement on matters of mutual interest.

The discussion focused on the right to self-determination and human dignity for the people of Palestine and Jammu and Kashmir. Dr. Amani Ghazi Jarrar highlighted four key pillars of cooperation during the talks.

These pillars include promoting shared security and human dignity, strengthening intellectual engagement, advancing strategic forecasting, and turning shared goals into practical results. Amina Khan, Director of CAMEA, attended the meeting.

US District Judge Zachary Bluestone dismissed a civil lawsuit filed by Annie Altman against Sam Altman in a Missouri federal court. Altman, who is 41 years old, denies the accusations of sexual abuse.

Annie Altman accused the OpenAI chief of raping and sexually abusing her between 1997 and 2006 at a family home in suburban Clayton, Missouri. The alleged abuse began when Altman was 12 years old and the plaintiff was 3 years old.

The Altman family stated that Annie Altman has mental health challenges and received financial support. Sam Altman stated that Annie Altman began accusing him on social media after the family rejected her demands for more funds.

Annie Altman refused to appear for an independent medical examination. Santos Perez withdrew as Annie Altman's lawyer this month.

Perez said, "I am no longer authorised to comment on this case, but I continue to believe in Annie."

DJI has reduced the price of the Osmo Pocket 3 to $395. Consumers can purchase the device through retailers including Amazon, Best Buy, and B&H Photo.

Equipped with a 1-inch sensor, the camera captures 4K footage at 120 frames per second. The hardware also supports integration with DJI Mic Mini wireless microphones.

While the Osmo Pocket 3 is available, the Osmo Pocket 4 is not officially for sale in the United States. Gaming hardware is also seeing price cuts, with the Glorious GMMK 2 mechanical keyboard discounted to $48.99 at Best Buy.

This 65 percent layout keyboard features Glorious Fox linear switches. Amazon is offering a two-pack of Anker Zolo MagSafe-compatible wireless chargers for $25.99.

These chargers provide up to 15W of power. Preorders for Nintendo Switch Sports Resort are open at Amazon for $49.94.

The game is scheduled to ship on 22 October 2026.

Arafat Minhas scored a half-century and claimed a five-wicket haul during a single ODI match. Minhas became only the third Pakistani cricketer to achieve this specific feat in one international game.

Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium hosted a packed crowd of spectators who filled the stands to watch the action. Flags flew across Rawalpindi as fans gathered for the high-profile sporting event.

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The International Monetary Fund projects that Sub-Saharan Africa will achieve 4.5% economic growth in both 2026 and 2027. Regional growth remains resilient despite being uneven across the continent.

Median inflation in the region is expected to reach 4.3% this year. Authorities should implement policies that ensure price stability and rebuild economic buffers.

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These measures must also support vulnerable households throughout the area.

Salman Ali Agha scored a triple century during the President's Trophy Grade-I competition. The batsman was awarded Player of the Match for his performance at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.

Pakistan secured a victory in the contest. Agha has also reached his fourth ODI century while playing against Sri Lanka.

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"Give respect to domestic cricket," Agha said. In a separate fixture, Pakistan U17 dismissed Sri Lanka U17 for 159 runs.

That encounter served as the third one-day match of the series.

Logitech has listed a refurbished G Pro X2 Superstrike for $131.74. The standard retail price for this gaming mouse typically reaches $179.99.

Using the discount code PROXPRODUCTS15, the cost of the device falls to just under $117. Designed for right-handed users, the G Pro X2 Superstrike replicates the tactile sensation of mechanical switches through haptic feedback.

Users can adjust the strength of these haptic sensations via Logitech's companion software. The mouse also includes rapid trigger support and achieves lower click latency than competing mice with mechanical switches when haptics are active.

Logitech continues to sell and support the X2 Superstrike while also offering the X3 Superstrike. The X3 Superstrike model provides a more responsive sensor, enhanced battery life, and better weight distribution.

The Punjab government distributed Rs14.5 billion to mosque imams under the Chief Minister’s Imam Masjid Sahibaan Honorarium Programme. Provincial Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique led the fifth steering committee meeting for the initiative.

Khawaja Salman Rafique stated that the government was allocating more than Rs20 billion every year for this specific programme. The minister noted that mosque imams played an important role in nation-building, while mosques promoted peace, tolerance and positive social values.

More than 76,000 mosques have been registered by the Punjab Home Department. To support these religious leaders, the Home Department is launching a chatbot to provide assistance to imams.

The Bank of Punjab and the Punjab Information Technology Board received instructions to fix problems with the online application system. Imams are required to perform at least one transaction every three months using their designated bank accounts.

Faisal Moez Khan requested that the government and the State Bank of Pakistan refrain from raising interest rates during the next monetary policy meeting. Khan stated that hiking rates would harm industrial production, business activities, and the country's export capacity.

Rising operating costs, high energy prices, and fierce global competition currently pressure the industrial sector. The businessman warned that instability in the Gulf could disrupt supply chains and cause international oil prices and freight charges to fluctuate.

He argued that the Gulf situation is an economic concern rather than just a foreign policy matter. Khan suggested the government engage trade and industrial representatives to evaluate potential economic risks.

To counter external shocks, he proposed promoting renewable energy and improving facilities for industrial enterprises.