Pakistan and IMF to hold tax reform workshop in Islamabad

Saudi Arabia has pushed back the 10th edition of its Future Investment Initiative (FII) conference to 2027. The event was originally scheduled to take place from 26 to 29 October 2026.

Organizers cited the widening Middle East conflict and a series of deadly attacks as the primary reasons for the delay. Strikes on the international airport in Riyadh killed at least 18 people and injured hundreds of others this month.

Iran-aligned Houthis from Yemen targeted civilian, energy, and military infrastructure across the kingdom. The Houthi group also struck the headquarters of Aramco.

Private-equity firms and large banks expressed safety worries to Public Investment Fund Governor Yasir Al-Rumayyan. Expected attendees for the summit included David Solomon, Bill Winters, and Jane Fraser.

FII organizers had previously explored a hybrid format for the conference. Organizers will announce a new date for the conference very soon.

Authorities classified a warehouse fire near Metroville in the SITE area as a third-degree emergency on Monday. Firefighting operations at the SITE location remain ongoing as teams work to put out the flames.

The spokesperson stated that the operation will continue until the fire is fully extinguished. Rescue 1122 did not immediately provide details about the cause of either fire.

Firefighters controlled a shop blaze in North Nazimabad on Monday. The shop fire broke out near Farooq-e-Azam Mosque beneath a residential building.

The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) suspended two Inland Revenue Service officers for violating conduct rules. Two other Inland Revenue Service officers were repatriated to the FBR headquarters.

The suspended individuals hold the ranks of BS-20 and BS-19. Both repatriated officials occupy BS-20 positions.

Authorities determined that the conduct of the suspended staff breached Rules 23 and 26 of the Civil Servants (Conduct) Rules, 2026. Such actions were classified as misconduct under Rule 34.

Disciplinary proceedings will begin under the Civil Servants (Efficiency and Discipline) Rules, 2020. The FBR also pushed back the deadline for filing tax returns to 31 October 2026.

The Punjab cabinet approved 1,500 electric buses under the leadership of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif. Provincial Transport Minister Bilal Akbar Khan announced the move during a press conference.

Every tehsil will receive modern, cheap, and safe travel facilities as part of the new fleet expansion. Ongoing projects include modern metro systems in Faisalabad and Gujranwala.

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These measures focus on creating eco-friendly transport, ensuring safe travel for women, and lowering air pollution levels.

The Punjab government plans to deploy 1,100 electric buses across every district in the province. Passengers can use this modern travel facility for a fare of 20 Rupees.

Free travel is available for senior citizens, women, students, and special persons. Authorities will also provide necessary facilities, including dedicated bus stops.

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Investment in the transport sector has increased under the leadership of Maryam Nawaz Sharif.

B&H Photo is selling the Sony WF-1000XM6 in black for $238. This price point reflects a $92 reduction from the standard cost, which customers can claim at checkout.

No other retailers are currently providing a similar discount on the XM6 model. Sony enhanced the bone-conduction sensor and integrated AI-powered microphones into the new hardware.

The earbuds are compatible with the LDAC codec, and the Sound Connect app provides various customization features. A listening mode is included that replicates background sounds, such as those found in a cafe.

StarCharge and McDonald’s Pakistan have signed a memorandum of understanding to establish electric vehicle charging stations across the country. Charging facilities will be installed at McDonald’s locations that provide drive-through services.

Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain stated that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif envisions 30 percent of vehicles in Pakistan becoming electric. Pakistan launched an electric vehicle initiative which included the distribution of electric motorcycles.

Rana Tanveer Hussain formulated and announced the electric vehicle policy during his previous tenure as Minister for Industries and Production. The government introduced measures to ensure that charging facilities are available at high-rise buildings and major shopping malls.

Approval requirements involving the Capital Development Authority (CDA) and the Lahore Development Authority (LDA) now make charging facilities mandatory. Hussain visited a StarCharge factory in China to oversee the development.

Gwyneth Paltrow will portray Evelyn Amspoker in a new drama series called “The Apology” for Netflix. The streaming platform has commissioned two seasons of the production.

Amspoker's son was killed 18 years ago, providing the central premise for the show. Netflix recently dismissed 6% of its staff members.

Bela Bajaria was removed from her position at the company last week. Peter Rice took over as the new Chief Content Officer to replace Bajaria.

Dan Lin departed the company on 19 October 2026. Paltrow previously appeared in five episodes of “Glee” as Holly Holiday.

The actress also held a supporting role in the series “The Politician”.

Ambassador Salman Sharif presented his Letters of Credence to Frank-Walter Steinmeier at the Office of the German President in Berlin. During the ceremony, Sharif delivered greetings from the people of Pakistan, the prime minister, and President Asif Ali Zardari.

The German President welcomed the new ambassador and expressed a desire to enhance multifaceted cooperation with Pakistan in the coming years. Steinmeier acknowledged the significant role Pakistan plays in regional peace efforts while noting the commitment of Pakistani leadership to bolster bilateral ties.

Both nations intend to broaden their partnership across trade, investment, technology, energy, and green transition initiatives. Frank-Walter Steinmeier expects to host President Asif Ali Zardari for an official visit later this week.

This upcoming visit by Zardari aligns with the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) recovered government assets worth Rs 14.6 trillion so far in 2026. During the July-September period, the bureau reclaimed assets valued at Rs 9.18 trillion.

Since March 2023, the total value of these recoveries has reached Rs 26.1 trillion. Recoveries include 235,622 kanals of Pakistan Railways land, which are valued at Rs 6.78 trillion.

An additional Rs 2.395 trillion was recovered from 866,299 acres belonging to various provincial departments. Lieutenant General (retired) Nazir Ahmed Butt, the NAB Chairman, stated the agency is ready to challenge anti-state power plants.

The bureau has initiated federal-level cases concerning the power sector and completed preparatory work on these matters. Butt said the agency would not negotiate further on tariffs.

The Chairman did not publicly identify the specific power plants or the allegations against them.

Jon Stewart will remain the host of The Daily Show until 2028 after extending his contract with the Comedy Central series for two years. The agreement ensures Stewart continues to man the desk through the next presidential election.

Stewart's previous contract was scheduled to expire at the end of 2026, though he signed a one-year renewal in November 2025. The comedian first debuted as the host of the satirical news program in 1999.

Stewart departed the show in 2015, at which point Trevor Noah took his place as anchor. Noah stepped down in 2022 before Stewart returned to the program in February 2024.

Ratings increased following Stewart's return, and the show became the most-viewed cable program across social media in 2026.

Hunter Schafer underwent bottom surgery in December and completed her recovery in early 2026. The actress told GQ in 2024 that she loves the results of the procedure, describing the experience as amazing.

Schafer noted her physical limitations during the healing period were restricted to 150 steps per day. She explained that the surgery was necessary to avoid being labelled a 'Transsexual Actress' in every news report.

The performer is set to appear in the Amazon miniseries Blade Runner 2099.

Apple will host a 'Pro and tell' event in Los Angeles on 28 October to showcase new hardware. The company plans to reveal a MacBook Pro featuring a touch-screen, alongside the HomeView smart-home hub.

Other devices powered by Siri will also be presented during the presentation. Following the September launch of the Duo foldable iPhone, these new products mark a continued expansion of the hardware lineup.

Analysts say John Ternus is working to simplify the company structure and increase the speed of product development.

Actor Richard Riehle died of natural causes in Los Angeles on 15 October at the age of 78. Riehle appeared in more than 400 projects throughout his career.

The performer is known for his role as Tom Smykowski in Office Space and his portrayal of Carlson in Of Mice and Men. Other notable credits include playing the guard in The Fugitive and Principal Beasely in Jury Duty.

He also portrayed Santa Claus in eight different projects, which included five films, two television shows, and one television movie. Jane Latham, his wife, and four children survived him.

Marshall has released the final version of its Porta headphones, which weigh 40 grams. Constructed from a single piece of wire, the headphones are available for preorder at 80 dollars or 12,800 yen.

A 57mAh battery powers the device, providing up to 8 hours of use via Bluetooth 5.4 connectivity. Users can charge the headphones over USB-C and stream audio using AAC and SBC codecs.

The hardware carries an IPX4 rating but lacks active noise cancellation. Shipping for the new model is expected to begin on 23 October 2026.

In comparison, the Marshall Milton A.N.C. headphones weigh 200 grams.

The drama Last Weekend depicts a cross-border child custody battle involving Adrian, an undocumented Mexican migrant worker living in San Diego. Michael Rowe wrote the screenplay and has begun the editing process for the production.

Production teams filmed the movie in Southern California and Mexico, using a Mexico City soundstage for interior scenes. Exterior shots took place in San Ysidro and Barrio Logan, which are two suburbs located south of San Diego.

Fernando Cuatle portrays the father, while Rose Peraza Benítez plays the daughter in the film. Alejandra Cosío and Víctor Oliveira complete the primary cast.

Producer Cristina Velasco and director Rigoberto Perezcano founded Paloma Negra to develop the project. Velasco said, "This project resonated deeply with me, as I’m from Tijuana and have a firsthand understanding of the issues the film explores."

Rowe stated, "We’re still hoping to find more producing partners to help cover post-production costs."

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi advocated for resolving regional issues through diplomacy during a joint news conference on 19 October. The minister spoke alongside Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov to address tensions in the Middle East.

Araqchi attributed the insecurity and ongoing tensions in the Strait of Hormuz to the United States. He urged countries in the area to cooperate on a collective security arrangement.

Araqchi said, "We welcome any initiative that leads to security from within without the presence of foreign forces, and consider it the right move."

Islamia University of Bahawalpur (IUB) prohibited the use of TikTok, SnackVideo, and other social media applications across its campus. The Directorate of Student Affairs stated the measure was intended to protect the dignity and privacy of female students.

This decision followed reports of individuals recording and sharing videos of female students without their permission. The university will refer these incidents to its disciplinary committee for formal review.

Officials said the committee will examine cases involving the production or distribution of inappropriate content. Anyone found breaching these restrictions will face disciplinary action according to university rules.

Christiane Amanpour will depart CNN, the network she served for 43 years, following a period of reflection. Amanpour will continue her reporting duties for the broadcaster until June 2027.

Her international interview program is set to move to a weekly format in January 2027 before concluding in May 2027. The program titled Amanpour & Company is scheduled to finish in December.

Amanpour will maintain her podcast, The Ex Files, which she co-hosts alongside Jamie Rubin. Mark Thompson described the journalist as "one of the most trusted and beloved journalists anywhere."

CNN is currently transitioning to new ownership under Skydance, a deal that will incorporate CBS, its news division, and the streamers HBO Max and Paramount.

Dolly Parton has died. A tribute concert for the late singer will take place in Los Angeles.

The Ritz-Carlton’s grand ballroom will host the musical event. Hundreds of flickering electric candles will surround the musicians during the performance.

Fever’s Candlelight series reimagines familiar catalogs through classical instrumentation. This concert is an independently organised tribute and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the singer’s estate.

Miley Cyrus performed “Jolene” at the Hollywood Bowl over the weekend.

Mona Zaki will participate in the 9th edition of the El Gouna Film Festival from 15 October to 23 October 2026. The actress began her career in theatre before transitioning into television and film roles.

Zaki previously appeared as a television host in the 2009 drama Scheherazade, Tell Me a Story (Ehky Ya Shahrazad). Wahid Hamed wrote the script for that drama, which Yousry Nasrallah directed.

Collaborating with an acting coach on every project, Zaki views her professional growth as a continuous effort. Zaki said, "It’s a relationship. You work on it like any other relationship in your life."

Regarding the internal emotions of her characters, she noted, "The whole internal emotions are the imagination of the writer and me." Marwan Hamed directed the biopic El Sett, which focuses on the life of Umm Kulthum.

Mona Zaki said, "It’s a relationship. You work on it like any other relationship in your life."

Mona Zaki

Netflix dismissed Dan Lin as its head of film as the streaming platform begins a significant creative restructuring. Lin held the position for nearly three years, having taken over the role in 2024.

The company also laid off Doug Belgrad and Sheroum Kim during the transition. Peter Rice joined the firm to replace Bajaria.

Before joining the streaming service, Lin worked as a producer at Rideback. Rideback is the production company responsible for the animated Lego film series.

The studio also produced the Sherlock Holmes movies and the adaptations of Stephen King’s It.

Role Model delivered a 90-minute musical performance in the United States. The artist played both electric and acoustic guitars during the show.

Hundreds of fans participated by waving phone flashlights while the singer performed tracks including "The Longest Goodbye", "Good Thing", and "Love I You". Jake Shane attended the show on Thursday night, while Reneé Rapp appeared at the Friday performance.

The singer's parents were present in the house for the event. Role Model, who is now the ex-partner of Dakota Johnson, described the atmosphere as "some tea".

HBO has approved a limited revival of the comedy series Girls consisting of five episodes. Production for the new installment is scheduled to commence in 2027.

Creator, showrunner, and lead actress Lena Dunham will return to portray Hannah Horvath. Allison Williams will reprise her role as Marnie Michaels, while Jemima Kirke returns as Jessa Johansson.

Zosia Mamet is set to appear again as Shoshanna Shapiro, and Andrew Rannells will play Elijah Krantz. Rita Wilson will also return to the show to play Marnie Michaels’ eccentric mother, a character she first joined in the second season.

Judd Apatow will serve as an executive producer for the revival. The project falls under Dunham’s Good Thing Going banner, which includes Ilene S. Landress and Michael P. Cohen.

Williams, Kirke, Mamet, and Rannells will also take on co-executive producer roles.

Bob Buziak died on 19 October at the age of 83. The late executive previously served as the president of RCA Records.

Buziak also held the presidency of Sony’s TriStar Music Group. He departed from RCA Records in 1990.

Following his tenure at the labels, he established Chameleon Entertainment as a joint venture with Time Warner. In 1995, Buziak launched Buziak & Company LLC to provide consultancy services for cable and telecom companies.

The executive played a significant role in the sale of Paradigm Music Entertainment to Liberty Media. Buziak served as a board member for inVentures, a United Kingdom investment group.

He initiated a merger with the American corporate search firm Redwood Partners. This merger resulted in the creation of a multi-platform international venture and consulting group.

King Charles III sent two books to Aung San Suu Kyi in Myanmar. The Myanmar government published photographs on 19 October showing officials delivering the books and a sealed letter to the 81-year-old woman.

Titles included Soil to Table by Bridget Elworthy and Henrietta Courtauld, as well as Soil: The World at Our Feet. Suu Kyi has remained in detention since 2021, having been moved to house arrest in June 2026.

The Nobel Peace Prize winner, who was initially sentenced to 33 years in prison, was awarded the honour in 1991. Authorities previously shared images of Suu Kyi meeting a representative from the International Committee of the Red Cross in August 2026.

Min Aung Hlaing assumed the presidency following an election.

The Capital Mass Transit Wing (CMTW) announced modifications to two feeder bus routes in Islamabad. These changes will take effect on 20 October.

The FR-13 service, which connects the Golra Morr Metro Station to Fateh Jang, will be discontinued. Meanwhile, the FR-10 feeder bus route will now operate between Golra and B-17.

Previously, the FR-10 route ran between Golra and Taxila.

The Trump administration approved a $686 million package to upgrade and sustain Pakistan’s F-16 fleet. Northrop Grumman received a $488 million foreign military sales contract for technical support and engineering of APG-66 and APG-68 radars.

This specific contract with Northrop Grumman serves 21 countries, including Pakistan. Marco Rubio serves as Secretary of State.

Neither President Trump, nor the deputy secretary, nor an under-secretary of state has visited Pakistan. Pakistan occupies a geostrategic position between the subcontinent, Iran, Arabia, Central Asia, Russia, and China.

Washington wants to contain China’s political and economic profile in Pakistan. The US needs Pakistan’s cooperation to act against transnational terrorists.

Cooperation between the US and Pakistan is developing in agriculture, IT, crypto, energy, renewable energy, and critical minerals. The US is the top destination for Pakistan’s exports.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said, "China is … the biggest economic threat, and they’re the biggest military threat."

Senate Chairman Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani paid tribute to the martyrs of the Karsaz tragedy while recalling the event during a recent appearance. Gilani was personally present on the truck during the tragedy.

The Chairman noted that some martyrs' identities could not be established at the time of the incident. He also paid homage to Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, who returned to Pakistan despite grave risks and threats.

Describing the Karsaz tragedy as one of the most tragic events in Pakistan’s political history, Gilani stated that the best tribute to the martyrs is to promote peace, tolerance, democratic traditions and national unity. Gilani added that efforts to strengthen democracy, ensure parliamentary supremacy, uphold the Constitution and build a peaceful, stable and prosperous Pakistan must continue.

Punjab Police established Khidmat Markaz to offer 14 essential services under a single roof. Residents can now obtain character certificates, police verifications, and driving licenses at these locations.

The centres also facilitate the issuance of missing person reports and copies of first information reports. Officials stated the police aim to increase citizen ease and trust through modern, transparent, and timely services.

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The Portuguese FA suspended Cristiano Ronaldo for 30 days on Monday after the 41-year-old striker committed an offence under Article 160(1). A rift between Ronaldo and coach Jorge Jesus led to the player leaving the national team camp at the base in Copenhagen.

The federation also imposed a fine of 255 euros, which equates to $285.83, on the player. Jesus denied making any agreement with Ronaldo regarding the situation.

Ronaldo apologised for leaving his teammates and for failing to acknowledge supporters following a match against Norway where he remained an unused substitute. Proceedings regarding the matter opened on 9 October.

Pedro Proenca stated that everyone within the federation wanted Ronaldo to return to the national team once the matter was resolved. Portugal previously secured a 2-1 victory against Denmark.

The Sindh Local Government Department will complete the restoration of the Khiyam Canal in Clifton within two months. Work involves covering the existing drain and diverting sewage water away from the area by the same deadline.

A clean-water canal is being developed as a central component of a broader beautification plan for the district. Tree plantations and new greenery will be introduced along the canal's surroundings to enhance the environment.

Syed Nasir Hussain Shah stated that no unrelated construction or encroachment was occurring at the site. Shah further clarified that the project does not permit or authorise any commercial activities.

The Chief Minister of Sindh has taken notice of the matter.

Consumer interest in the demand and pricing of solar panels has increased as winter nears. Prices for these units in October 2026 depend on the specific brand, quality, wattage, and current stock levels.

A 545-watt solar panel from Longi's old stock costs Rs. 21,255. JA Solar offers a 585-watt panel for Rs. 23,545.

The Longi X7 585-watt model is priced at Rs. 25,010. Trina's 590-watt solar panel retails for Rs. 23,600.

Jinko Tiger Neo 580-watt panels are available for Rs. 24,505.

Pakistan intends to launch a national e-sports policy to incorporate competitive gaming into the country's formal sports infrastructure. The Ministry of Inter-Provincial Coordination submitted a written reply outlining these plans, which include the creation of a specific federation.

A National E-Sports Championship is scheduled to be the first major competition organised under the new framework. The Prime Minister established a Task Force on E-Sports to oversee the development of the sector.

Led by the Chairman of the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme, the task force received official notification from the Ministry of Information Technology. Support for the task force comes from the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB), which previously assisted in hosting e-sports events at the Pakistan Sports Complex in Islamabad.

The Ministry of Inter-Provincial Coordination, via the PSB, distributed 20 e-gaming systems to five public schools in Islamabad. These systems cost Rs 9.10 million.

Islamabad police arrested four capital police officials following a dacoity at the residence of Chinese nationals in the F-7/1 sector. The four officers were wearing their uniforms while the robbery took place.

At approximately 2:20am, gunmen held two Chinese residents and two domestic servants at gunpoint. The thieves stole Rs2 million in cash and a mobile phone valued at Rs15,000.

Authorities registered a case under Section 395 of the Pakistan Penal Code regarding the incident. This crime represents the fourth dacoity targeting Chinese nationals since 29 August.

Last month, three serving capital police personnel were implicated in a dacoity gang involved in a September 13 robbery in G-10/4. That previous incident resulted in the theft of Rs8 million.