Punjab government launches Rs5 billion interest-free scheme for pink salt SMEs

Grok Imagine released a three-minute AI-generated short film depicting the classic epic "The Odyssey". Elon Musk promised that the tool would eventually produce a complete, feature-length version of the story created entirely by artificial intelligence.

"Before this year ends, Imagine will make a full-length movie of The Odyssey that is historically accurate and true to the art of Homer," Musk said. The billionaire criticized the upcoming film before its official release, specifically targeting the casting choices for key roles.

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Musk expressed disapproval over the selection of Lupita Nyong’o as Helen of Troy and Elliot Page as Achilles’ Ghost.

Hudson Williams will star in Apparatus alongside Dylan O’Brien. The actor is also scheduled to appear in Tyrant with Charlize Theron, Julia Garner, Demi Moore and Omar Apollo.

Williams is currently developing a new film while facing complications regarding a parallel to Heated Rivalry. Production on the second season of Heated Rivalry commenced in August 2026.

Yaga premiered on 23 October 2026.

Holland Taylor departed the sitcom Two and a Half Men because of a small paycheck. The actress spent six years portraying the character Evelyn Harper.

Producers described their reaction to her departure as "astonished". From 2003 to 2015, the comedy series aired for a total of 12 seasons.

Charlie Sheen exited the production in 2011 following his public struggles with substance abuse.

Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić admitted his party lost the snap parliamentary election to a student-led protest movement in Belgrade. Vučić delivered the announcement at the headquarters of his Serbian Progressive Party (SNS).

The leader stated, "We still do not have final results... it is clear that we have lost these elections." Preliminary data showed a record high turnout for the vote, which Vučić had called earlier.

Public unrest began after a train station canopy in Novi Sad collapsed in 2024, resulting in 16 deaths. Supporters of the Student List celebrated at their headquarters while crowds chanted "victory" throughout the streets of Belgrade.

Aleksandar Vučić said, "We still do not have final results... it is clear that we have lost these elections."

Aleksandar Vučić

The documentary 'You Can See Everything' premiered in cinemas on 16 October. Nathan Fielder and Lance Oppenheim co-directed the project, which required more than three years of production.

The film depicts Elizabeth Holmes just one month before she started an 11-year prison sentence. It generated $15.6 million from 855 theatres during its debut weekend, marking the strongest start for a nonmusical documentary in two decades.

Revenue increased by $19.5 million after the release expanded to 2,655 venues. The production is eligible for the best documentary feature at the 99th Academy Awards.

Billy Evans appeared on the “All-In” podcast to discuss the film, which features a full-frontal shot of him. Evans said, "I haven’t seen it. I might think this is the dumbest thing I have ever done," and noted that it "looks insane."

Scott Walker released the album The Drift in 2006. The work examines themes of disease, tragedy, and death.

Visceral descriptions of the execution of Benito Mussolini and his mistress Clara Petacci appear within the lyrics. Walker includes lyrics regarding the September 11 attacks and the Srebrenica genocide.

Personal history also informs the record, specifically lyrics about the stillborn twin brother of the artist. Listeners can stream the album on platforms including Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube Music.

The collection is also accessible via Bandcamp, Qobuz, and Deezer.

To distribute larger profits among shareholders, these business firms are reducing their workforce sizes. Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) are often incentivised through stock options to prioritise these goals.

To further minimise the labour force, CEOs outsource specific functions and hire contractual workers to lower wage bills. Firms from the cement, banking, insurance, textile, and pharmaceutical sub-sectors have engaged in share buybacks over the last four years.

Borrowings increase the corporate debt-to-equity ratio, and firms face financial constraints when credit access becomes difficult. A shareholder value orientation prevents business firms from investing in risky ventures.

This orientation increases the level of debt in the economy while decreasing real investment. Financialised households are involved in debt-financed consumption, which transfers income from low-income consumers to high-income ones.

A decline in aggregate demand resulting from these trends has contractive effects on the macroeconomy.

The Pakistan sugar industry incurred losses of 98 billion rupees as prices fell by 25 percent compared to the previous year. Twelve sugar mills have shut down amid a national surplus of 1.3 million tonnes.

Authorities granted permission to export 0.2 million tonnes of sugar, despite an appeal from the Pakistan Sugar Mills Association-North Zone (PSMA-NZ) for 0.8 million tonnes. Production for the upcoming crushing season is estimated to reach approximately 8.50 million tonnes.

A PSMA-NZ spokesman stated that since the closure of the 2025-26 crushing season, the association has repeatedly highlighted the 1.3 million tonne surplus, but the government ignored requests for timely exports, causing a serious financial crisis. The spokesman also claimed that sugar prices in Pakistan are the lowest in the world and requested the complete de-regulation of the sugar sector.

IE University is investigating ways to increase its involvement with Pakistan, including the possibility of opening a local office. Carlos Aragón Gil de la Serna attended a gathering in an Islamabad hotel as the chief guest to discuss these developments.

More than 100 people joined the event, which included notable figures such as Shahid Khaqan Abbasi. Other participants at the meeting included Andrea Vélez, Venisse Garcia, and Chaudhry Azaan Jandad Asghar.

Asghar, an alumnus of the institution, serves as the university's representative in Pakistan. IE University also offers executive education and postgraduate programmes.

ISE REIT Management Company Limited appointed Zahid Latif Khan as Chairman of its Board of Directors. The company held its inaugural Annual General Meeting on 10 October 2026.

Nine directors were elected to the board during that session. The newly formed board convened for a meeting on 23 October 2026.

Zahid Latif Khan serves as a Non-Executive Shareholders’ Director. Other Non-Executive Shareholders’ Directors include Adil Khan Swati, Haider Khaqan Abbasi, Haroon Ihsan Piracha, Marium, and Sohail Altaf.

Independent Directors Malik Qamar Afzal, Shaista Bano Gilani, and Syed Mukhtar Hussain Jaffery also join the board. ISE REIT Management Company Limited operates as a licensed Non-Banking Finance Company (NBFC).

The firm holds a REIT Management Services licence granted by the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP).

The Natak Theatre Group from Punjab University performed ‘Ik Boota Ambi Da’ during the Third Punjab Maas International Theatre Festival 2026. Lahore Arts Council Alhamra hosted the event, which was organised jointly by the Maas Foundation and the council.

Professor Dr. Muhammad Ali attended the performance as the Chief Guest, while Professor Dr. Mehboob Hussain served as the Guest of Honour. Festival Director Aamir Nawaz welcomed the attendees to the venue.

Faha Shawal directed the play, which was conceived as a tribute to Professor Mohan Singh. Israr Chishti developed the creative concept and provided the music and voice-over for the production.

Mian Ahmed acted as Associate Director, while Professor Dr. Ahmed Bilal served as the Producer. The cast featured Faha Shawal, Faiz Rajput, and Mian Ahmed.

Professor Shehnawaz Zaidi contributed to the festival as an adviser.

Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif directed an inspection team to visit the District Headquarters (DHQ) Hospital in Rajanpur. Special Assistant Shoaib Mirza led the official delegation during the site visit.

The team gathered feedback from visitors and patients regarding the services provided at the facility. Officials expressed satisfaction with the cleanliness arrangements maintained throughout the hospital.

Inspectors also examined the portions of the hospital currently under construction. CEO Health Rajanpur and the Medical Superintendent of DHQ Hospital Rajanpur received praise for upholding high cleanliness standards.

The CEO Health Rajanpur and the Medical Superintendent were further commended for ensuring that patients receive free medicines.

Obsession claimed five awards at the Fangoria Chainsaw Awards. Curry Barker received the Best Director honour for his work on the film.

Inde Navarrette earned the Best Lead Performance award for the same production. Three trophies went to Backrooms during the ceremony.

The production won Best First Feature, Best Cinematography, and Best Score. Widow’s Bay was named Best Series.

Resident Evil: Requiem took home the Best Video Game title. Armen Aghaeian served as an executive producer for the event.

Amanda Grace Collins acted as the lead producer, while Varrati also served as a producer.

Resident Evil claimed the leading position at the mainland China box office for the third weekend in a row. The film earned RMB37.6 million, which converts to approximately $5.6 million.

This weekend's total surpassed the amount the movie grossed during the 23–25 October period. Traces of Justice occupied the second spot, bringing in $4.7 million.

Since its premiere on 1 October, the title has accumulated a total of $92.4 million. Once Upon a Time in the Middle East ranked fourth with a haul of $800,000.

The production has generated $355.5 million since it launched on 11 August. All Wishes Come True! completed the top five list, earning $600,000.

The film has grossed $306.6 million since its opening on 18 July. A total of $18.6 million was reported in a related figure, while the broader market context shows a 29.1% change.

The overall market figures reached $4.7 billion.

Zeinab Faraj survived an Israeli drone attack in Lebanon after being buried under rubble alongside a dying colleague. The journalist was documenting the aftermath of the war in southern Lebanon with Amal Khalil when they reached the village of al-Tiri on 22 April.

A car carrying 27-year-old Ali Nabil Bazzi and 37-year-old Mohammed Hourani was struck by a missile and caught fire ahead of the two women. Amal Khalil died approximately one hour before paramedics returned to the area, having previously shouted, "Oh God, they’re gone."

The Israeli military identified the targets as saboteurs violating the ceasefire, which Israel agreed to in mid-April. An Israeli military spokesperson described Khalil's video as “terrorist media,” while human rights groups called the attack a war crime.

Khalil had previously received death threats from Israeli numbers.

Actor Eric Bauza died on 25 October at the age of 46 from hypertensive cardiovascular disease. Born in Scarborough, Toronto, on 7 December 1979, Bauza started his professional journey as a character designer at a Hollywood production studio.

The performer accumulated more than 400 acting credits, beginning with a role in "The Ripping Friends" in 2001. Bauza provided the voices for prominent characters including Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck, and appeared in "Space Jam: A New Legacy" and "Avatar: The Last Airbender".

Recent projects in pre-production included the role of The Shogun King in "The Dragon Masters" and a portrayal of Daffy Duck in "Bye Bye Bunny: A Looney Tunes Musical".

Danyal Zafar is taking a break from his professional commitments after reaching a physical breaking point. The actor shared a story from a hospital following a fever he suffered on 6 October.

For 415 days, Zafar has remained on the road, maintaining a consistent work schedule for two years. Zafar described his recent schedule as "a tumultuous feat," noting that he has rarely stayed in one location for more than a few days between album recordings, shows, and shoots.

Everything must go on hold so he can "rest, recover and find my way back to full health," Zafar said. Previous projects for the actor include lead roles in the dramas Raqaas and Zanjeerain.

His studio album, STORMS & serenity, is scheduled for release on 31 October 2026.

Islamabad Traffic Police (ITP) will implement traffic diversions at Khanna Pul and Lehtrar Road starting 26 October. These changes remain in effect until further notice to accommodate ongoing construction work.

Drivers heading toward Ali Pur, Lehtrar Road, and Tramri Chowk are directed to use Park Road, Rawal Dam Chowk, and Faizabad instead. Motorists moving from Khanna Pul toward the Islamabad Expressway should instead take the Ghauri Town Link Road.

Personnel from the ITP will be stationed at major locations to provide guidance to motorists.

President Asif Ali Zardari congratulated Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva on his re-election as the President of Brazil on 26 October. Zardari expressed confidence that the bond between Pakistan and Brazil would continue to grow and strengthen.

The Pakistani leader emphasised the need to enhance bilateral cooperation in the fields of investment, trade, and agriculture. He also voiced hope that the two nations would further solidify their relations within multilateral forums.

President Asif Ali Zardari paid tribute to Naik Saif Ali Janjua on the 78th anniversary of his martyrdom. The decorated soldier received the Hilal-i-Kashmir (Nishan-i-Haider) for his actions during the Kashmir War of Independence.

During the conflict, Janjua repulsed an intense attack by an enemy that possessed superior numbers and resources. President Zardari stated that Janjua continued to lead his unit even after sustaining severe injuries.

The commander inflicted a humiliating defeat on the opposing forces, according to the president. Pakistan would forever remain indebted to its martyrs, Zardari said.

Federal Minister Jam Kamal Khan is representing Pakistan at the ninth World Investment Forum (WIF) 2026 in Doha from 25 to 27 October. The forum, which focuses on the theme "Investing in the Future", is organised in partnership with the State of Qatar and the United Nations Trade and Development (UNCTAD).

The Embassy of Pakistan in Doha is facilitating the participation of the Federal Minister during the three-day event. Mustafa Tuzcu, Deputy Minister of Trade of the Republic of Türkiye, held a bilateral meeting with Khan to discuss economic cooperation.

Khan also invited Hassad Food to take part in FoodAg 2026, an event scheduled for 23 to 26 November in Karachi.

Islamabad postponed Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's scheduled visit to Moscow on 1 March 2026. The regional and internal situation necessitated the delay of the trip.

Fighting between Pakistan and Afghanistan has escalated recently. A wider regional crisis was triggered by the US-Israeli military campaign against Iran.

Pakistan focused on the evacuation of its nationals from Iran during the unrest. Shehbaz Sharif chaired a high-level meeting to review the security situation across the region and within the country.

Earlier this month, Russian Interior Minister Vladimir Kolokoltsev travelled to Islamabad. The Prime Minister noted there is "positive momentum" regarding bilateral ties.

Shehbaz called for greater cooperation in trade, investment, energy, and economic development. Pakistan and Russia explored cooperation in agriculture, connectivity, energy, and trade.

Shehbaz described the current state of relations as having "positive momentum".

Shehbaz

AirSial launched a new daily flight service connecting Islamabad and Quetta on 25 October. The airline operates these flights in both directions every day using Airbus A320 aircraft.

Flight PF163 leaves Islamabad at 12:00 PM and reaches Quetta at 1:30 PM, covering the distance in 1 hour and 30 minutes. Departing Quetta at 2:30 PM, flight PF164 arrives in Islamabad at 3:55 PM after a journey of 1 hour and 25 minutes.

The price of 24-karat gold per tola rose by Rs1,400 to reach Rs423,436. International gold prices increased by $14, reaching a level of $4,009 per ounce.

A 10-gram unit of 24-karat gold saw a price hike of Rs1,201, bringing the cost to Rs363,028. The 10-gram price for 22-karat gold rose by Rs1,101 to hit Rs332,787.

Silver prices per tola increased by Rs20, reaching Rs5,878. Global silver prices rose by $0.20 to reach $54 per ounce.

The price of 10 grams of 24-karat silver rose by Rs17 to reach Rs5,039.

The Education Testing Council (ETC) has released the roll number slips for the Daanish Schools Authority Test 2026 via its official online portal. Candidates may download the required documents from the website https://etc.hec.gov.pk/#/webpage.

Examinations are set to take place over a three-day period from 30 October to 1 November 2026. Applicants seeking guidance or having queries can contact the HEC Online Help Portal at https://onlinehelp.hec.gov.pk.

The government recently announced the provision of 500,000 Chromebooks to support students. In Sindh, authorities declared seven batches of six different medicines as fake.

Pakistan secured a one-wicket victory over England in the fourth match of the ODI tri-series at Gaddafi Stadium. England established a target of 242 runs but lost early wickets including those of Babar Azam, Saim Ayub, and Fakhar Zaman.

Shadab Khan anchored the chase with 113 runs from 96 deliveries, striking 13 boundaries and 5 sixes to claim his first ODI century. The tenth-wicket partnership between Shadab Khan and Haris Rauf, who scored 7 runs off 19 balls, added 89 runs to the total.

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Nasser Hussain said, "When England were put under pressure here at the end, they crumbled. Brilliant change of intent from Shadab Khan. That game had gone from them to one individual, backed up by Haris Rauf, to bring it back. Incredible run change." The win ensures Pakistan's qualification for the final of the tri-series.

Director General Enforcement of the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority visited Lahore to meet with various service providers. The official held several sessions with Fixed Line Licensees, Class Value Added Services licensees, and Data Class Value Added Services licensees.

Representatives from major licensees across different cities in Punjab attended the discussions at the PTA Zonal Office. Participants discussed specific measures to enhance the quality of fixed broadband services for end users.

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The Director General Enforcement emphasized the necessity of bringing all cable operators providing internet services into the PTA licensing framework. To support this transition, the authority would provide all possible facilitation and support to eligible operators.

Promoting the expansion of fixed broadband services across Pakistan remains a key objective for the PTA. The regulator aims to ensure that consumers receive the bandwidth committed by service providers and benefit from improved quality of service.

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif visited the homes of the late Chaudhry Muhammad Ashraf and the late Malik Nadeem Kamran on 26 October. Sharif expressed his sympathies to the families of both men during the visits.

Chaudhry Muhammad Ashraf previously served as a Member of the National Assembly. Malik Nadeem Kamran held the position of Punjab provincial minister for Planning and Development.

The Prime Minister noted that Chaudhry Muhammad Ashraf and Malik Nadeem Kamran had always served the people of their constituencies and worked for the cause of democracy. Accompanying the Prime Minister were Adviser Rana Sanaullah, Federal Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, and Federal Minister Attaullah Tarar.

Malik Qasim Nadeem, a member of the Punjab Assembly, is the son of Malik Nadeem Kamran.

VelociPastor 2 premiered at the Sunday FilmQuest in Provo, Utah, where it joined a series of roadshow screenings. Jesse Gouldsbury directed and co-wrote the film, which is currently seeking distribution.

Attendees at the festival met the rise of artificial intelligence in the industry with near-universal distrust and disinterest. Organisers promised that feature presentations will not include AI before every screening.

The Meteorological Department predicted a powerful spell of rain to enter Punjab from 28 October. Temperatures across the province are anticipated to drop significantly.

The intensity of cold is expected to increase across the province. The government announced 500,000 Chromebooks for students.

Authorities declared seven batches of six medicines fake in Sindh. Daanish Schools Authority test roll number slips are issued now.

The BISE Gujranwala Board announced the 11th class result 2026.

Pakistan’s National Cyber Emergency Response Team (National CERT) issued a critical warning regarding eight compromised security keys used by eMudhra’s emSign service. Six of these compromised keys were designated for Transport Layer Security (TLS) certificates, while two were used to verify software through code signing.

The private keys involved utilized the ECDSA P-384 cryptographic method but were generated with insufficient randomness. Mozilla independently recovered the keys within hours of the initial report.

No malicious exploitation had been publicly confirmed at the time the advisory was released. Google stated that no TLS certificates linked to the six compromised intermediates appeared in Certificate Transparency logs before the certificates were blocked.

National CERT warned against removing root certificates indiscriminately.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar spoke with Bahraini Foreign Minister Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani by telephone on 26 October. During the discussion, the two leaders confirmed the close and fraternal nature of the relationship between Pakistan and Bahrain.

Dar and Al Zayani explored methods to bolster mutual cooperation within multilateral forums, specifically mentioning the United Nations. The officials also shared perspectives on various regional developments and highlighted the necessity of frequent consultations to pursue common goals.

The Pakistan Cycling Federation will host the 71st Pakistan National Track Cycling Championship from 11 to 13 December 2026. Lahore's Nishtar Stadium, Qaddafi Stadium, and Cycling Velodrome will serve as the venues for the event.

Elite and junior men’s and women’s categories will feature in the championship. Teams from the Pakistan Army, Sui Southern Gas Company, Gilgit-Baltistan Scouts, Bikestan Cycling Academy, and Crank Addicts are scheduled to participate.

Cyclists from Islamabad, Gilgit-Baltistan, and the four provinces will compete in the tournament. The Pakistan Sports Board, Union Cycliste Internationale, and the Asian Cycling Confederation support the federation's organisation of the competition.

"The 71st National Track Cycling Championship is an important step towards promoting cycling in Pakistan. Our focus is on providing competitive opportunities to elite and junior athletes, encouraging young talent and raising the standard of track cycling in the country," said Syed Azhar Ali Shah, Pakistan Cycling Federation President.

Saudi Arabia will face Palestine in the opening match of the Asian Cup on 7 January 2027. Riyadh's King Fahd Sports City Stadium will serve as the venue for both the tournament's first game and the final.

The competition runs from 7 January until 5 February 2027 and includes a total of 51 matches. Eight stadiums across three cities will host the 24 participating teams.

Riyadh will provide five venues, while Jeddah hosts two and Al Khobar provides one. Other scheduled fixtures include Qatar against Thailand and Japan against Indonesia on 11 January.

Additional matchups feature South Korea facing Yemen, Australia taking on Singapore, and Iran meeting China. Group stage play concludes on 20 January, with knockout rounds commencing on 22 January.

This marks the first time Saudi Arabia will host the Asian Cup. The kingdom is also set to stage the 2034 World Cup.

Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb met with Oumer Hussein Oba to discuss enhancing banking and financial connectivity between Pakistan and Ethiopia. Oba was accompanied by Melaw Getachew and Kalkidan Tadesse during the diplomatic engagement.

The participants explored cooperation regarding trade, investment, and economic ties. Aurangzeb provided the ambassador with a briefing on the economic reforms currently being implemented in Pakistan.

Both sides exchanged views on global and regional economic trends. The conversation addressed how ongoing conflicts impact food security, fertiliser availability, and energy supplies.

Air connectivity between the two nations was also a topic of discussion. Aurangzeb reaffirmed Pakistan's interest in deepening economic relations with Ethiopia.

Pharmacists and qualified persons seeking drug sale licences in Islamabad Capital Territory must now disclose all current and past professional roles across Pakistan. The Pharmacy Services and Drug Control department issued this advisory to ensure applicants provide a complete history of their work.

Authorities will cross-check submitted data against records held by Pharmacy Councils and other drug regulatory bodies to verify the information. Providing false declarations or concealing professional ties could result in the rejection of applications and the cancellation of existing licences.

Official sources stated that strict legal action will be taken on submitting false declarations or concealment of information. Proprietors are encouraged to perform thorough due diligence before they submit their formal requests to the department.

Violators may also face disciplinary proceedings referred to the relevant Pharmacy Council.

Federal Minister for Climate Change Dr Musadik Malik urged the international community to collaborate on research concerning mountains and glaciers during a pre-COP31 dialogue. Malik stated, "The first hit is taken by the mountains," while highlighting the urgent need for vulnerable nations to secure more climate finance.

Pakistan has identified approximately 13,500 glaciers and is currently evaluating the dangers posed by glacial lakes and potential outburst floods. A disaster linked to the Shishper glacier recently struck Hasanabad in Hunza.

To combat these issues, the minister suggested creating a virtual Green University, for which Pakistan has already secured agreements with two other countries. Ongoing research partnerships exist with Italy, Germany, France, and the United Kingdom.

Dr Musadik Malik said, "The first hit is taken by the mountains."

Dr Musadik Malik

Pakistan Railways has prohibited all officials from using air travel for official purposes, effective immediately. No funds will be disbursed to staff under the air travel budget following this new directive.

The department also banned the use of government vehicles, requiring all officials to travel by rail for work-related tours. Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi ordered the imposition of an emergency across the entire department.

Field officers must cancel all leave for a period of three months and are now required to conduct field visits on Sundays. Daily reports must now be submitted to the Ministry by the Head of Safety and the Chief Engineers for both Civil and Mechanical divisions.

This emergency status will remain in effect until 31 December 2026.

The Central Directorate of National Savings (CDNS) raised Rs600 billion between 1 July and 15 October. A total mobilisation target of Rs1.65 trillion was established by the CDNS for the 2024-25 fiscal year.

Within that same period, the agency allocated Rs170 billion specifically for investments in Islamic finance. For the 2025-26 fiscal year, the CDNS set a target of Rs60 billion for Islamic savings instruments.

The organisation reached a resource mobilisation goal of Rs1.53 trillion for the 2026-27 fiscal year. During the 2023-24 fiscal year, the CDNS gathered Rs1.742 trillion.

The agency met its Rs1.6 trillion target in the 2022-23 fiscal year. In the 2021-22 fiscal year, the CDNS adjusted its mobilisation target upward from Rs1.3 trillion to Rs1.4 trillion.

More than 2,000 enterprises from over 50 countries and regions participated in the 33rd China Yangling Agricultural Hi-Tech Fair (CAF) and the 2026 Shanghai Cooperation Organization Agricultural Expo. The concurrent events took place in the Yangling Demonstration Zone, Shaanxi province, from 25 October to 29 October 2026.

Twenty-three agricultural experts and officials from seven nations attended a seminar focused on the management of agrotechnology extension for developing countries. Delegates representing Pakistan, South Africa, Trinidad and Tobago, Jordan, Namibia, The Gambia, and Uganda joined the discussions.

Dr. Muhammad Iqbal Khan stated, "AI-based systems that bring together information on agricultural conditions could be one area for China-Pakistan cooperation, particularly in helping farmers make use of data in day-to-day farm management." Mohsen El Shishtawy also explored potential collaboration between agricultural universities in Egypt and China.

Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning met with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. During the discussion, Ning delivered greetings from Foreign Minister Wang Yi.

Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar responded by offering warm regards and best wishes to Wang Yi. The meeting took place as part of the Pakistan-China Spokespersons’ Dialogue.

Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar stated that the dialogue offers a vital opportunity to improve public diplomacy, strategic communication, and media cooperation. Pakistan's Foreign Minister reaffirmed the country's dedication to deepening the All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership with China.

Ning reiterated China's commitment to its close partnership with Pakistan. The Chinese spokesperson also expressed appreciation for Pakistan's constructive role in fostering dialogue and regional stability.

Brian Gordon has been appointed executive producer and head of live content at PGA Tour Studios. Gordon will manage the live production of more than 4,000 hours of PGA Tour Live content.

This coverage encompasses the ESPN App, the Korn Ferry Tour, and PGA Tour Champions. Before this role, Gordon served as the global head of programming and audience for Motorsport Network.

During his tenure with the NWSL, he directed more than 300 live domestic, world, and local broadcasts. Gordon also acted as an executive producer for the NWSL’s inaugural Prime Video docuseries, “For the Win: NWSL.”

With more than 30 years of experience in media, broadcasting, and sports production, he has held roles at ABC Sports, NBC Sports, the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee, and Indianapolis Motor Speedway Productions.

The Sambrial-Kharian Motorway will shorten the journey between Lahore and Rawalpindi by 100 kilometres. Abdul Aleem Khan told the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry that the project will save commuters more than one hour of travel time.

The National Highway Authority intends to increase its revenue from Rs. 66 billion to Rs. 160 billion. Khan stated that the authority is limiting its administrative costs to a maximum of Rs. 50 billion.

Representatives from the Motorway Police, the NHA, and the Ministry of Communications will meet regularly with Lahore Chamber members. No specific date for the motorway's completion was provided by the minister.

Punjab is evaluating a proposal to hire 1,600 headmasters to lead government schools. A monthly salary of Rs. 150,000 is proposed for the new school heads.

The Punjab Public Service Commission (PPSC) would conduct an examination to vet candidates for the positions. Selected individuals would be granted two-year contracts during the initial phase of the recruitment drive.

More than 2,000 government schools in Punjab currently lack headship leadership. This hiring plan intends to occupy 1,600 of those empty posts.

Officials must obtain formal approval from the cabinet committee before the hiring process begins. The recruitment strategy, including pay scales and contract durations, remains under consideration and awaits final clearance.

Greg Berlanti will be presented with the Paley Center for Media’s Paley Honors Award to recognise his contributions to the industry. The 2026 Paley Honors Fall Gala is scheduled for 3 December at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Beverly Hills.

Berlanti joins a lineage of distinguished recipients, following Reba McEntire who was named a 2025 honoree. Previous accolades for the producer include an Emmy Governors award and a spot on Time Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People list.

He also earned the PGA’s Norman Lear Achievement Award and established the Berlanti Family Foundation.

Known by several names including the Hunter's Moon, this celestial body is famous for remaining in the sky for a particularly long time. Historical traditions in the Northern Hemisphere provide the roots for the Hunter's Moon designation.

Atmospheric conditions cause the Moon to take on an orange or reddish hue when it sits low in the sky. This specific coloration occurs because the atmosphere scatters short wavelength blue light as the Moon passes through a large depth of air.

The Board of Intermediate Education Karachi (BIEK) published the Intermediate Part-I (Class 11) Commerce Regular Group Result 2026 on 26 October. A 172-page result gazette was issued to cover students from private and government colleges affiliated with the board.

Candidates can view their marks and roll numbers through the official BIEK website at www.biek.edu.pk. The document categorises results into seven distinct groups based on the number of examination papers passed.

Students who successfully completed all seven papers are listed in the seven-paper category, while others are separated into groups for those who passed six, five, four, three, two, or one paper. Results from Government Degree Boys College Surjani Town are included in the official document.

Dr Asif Hasan received an award at the Daily Mirror Pride of Britain Awards for his extensive contributions to medicine. More than 30 years of his career were dedicated to providing paediatric cardiac care.

Over 4,000 open-heart operations were performed by Hasan during his medical tenure. Approximately 3,000 of those procedures were completed by the surgeon while acting as the lead.

In 1995, the Freeman Hospital in Newcastle appointed Hasan as a consultant cardiothoracic surgeon. Hasan also directed the paediatric transplant programme at the same hospital.

Earlier this year, the doctor retired from his position at the Freeman Hospital. Charitable surgical camps held overseas also saw participation from the surgeon.

Naomi Kawase will lead the main competition jury for the Doha Film Festival, which takes place in the Qatari capital from 19 to 27 November. Kawase previously participated in the Qumra program in 2016 to mentor filmmakers who were just starting their careers.

The festival evolved from the existing Ajyal Film Festival held by the Doha Film Institute. Katara serves as a primary partner for the event.

Winners of the best narrative prize will receive $75,000, while the documentary award is valued at $50,000. Additional rewards include $45,000 for artistic achievement and $15,000 for a gender-neutral performance acting award.

KIPS College, University Campus, Gujranwala, Superior University, Sargodha Campus, and Riphah Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Riphah International University, Gujranwala, were identified as the affected entities. The council directed these schools to suspend all admission-related activities until they secure the necessary No Objection Certificate (NOC).

Officials took notice of the fact that these institutions were promoting Pharm.D programmes and seeking students without obtaining the required regulatory clearance. The PCP instructed the universities to ensure that no prospectus, public announcement, or promotional material creates a misleading impression regarding the recognition status of their courses.

Prospective students and their parents were advised by the council to confirm the approval and NOC status of any institution before seeking admission.

SIMAP Chairman Murad Arshad visited the Metal Industries Development Centre (MIDC) and the Institute of Surgical Technology (IST) Centre of Excellence in Sialkot on 26 October. The delegation toured every workshop at the MIDC to observe live machining operations.

During the tour, Arshad and his team engaged with machine operators to review production processes. Sialkot's IST workshops and its daycare centre also hosted the group for a site inspection.

Students enrolled in CBTA courses interacted with the officials to share their experiences. The visit included discussions regarding practical training, curricula, and the development of skills relevant to the industry.

Government College Women University Sialkot launched the Latest Trends in Technology course during an inaugural ceremony on 26 October. A varsity release stated that students would receive career-oriented insights from Dr Zafar Shahid, Sir M. Amir khan, Dr Shazia Bashir, Dr Naveed Ramzan, and Dr. Usman Ashraf.

Participants will learn to develop valuable skills and strengthen their professional profiles to increase their chances of obtaining fully funded scholarships abroad. The institution will provide certificates to students who demonstrate active participation throughout the programme.

Pakistan and the United States agreed to enhance cooperation in the energy sector during a meeting on 26 October. Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik met with US Chargé d’Affaires Natalie A. Baker to discuss the partnership.

Malik briefed Baker on the specific measures Pakistan has implemented to maintain energy security. Ongoing conflict in the Middle East has created significant challenges for fuel availability in the region.

The two nations discussed potential long-term energy supply contracts and investment in the country’s refinery upgradation programme. Pakistan's refineries are set to ink upgrade deals worth $6 billion.

The refinery upgradation programme could offer investment opportunities for US financial institutions. Managing Directors of Pakistan State Oil (PSO) and Pakistan LNG Limited (PLL) briefed participants on interest shown by US companies in LNG supply to Pakistan.

Baker expressed optimism about establishing long-term energy supply contracts.

Excel Labs will provide an exclusive discount package on diagnostic services for members, employees, and their families at the National Press Club (NPC) Islamabad. The laboratory will offer reductions of up to 35 percent on pathology services and up to 25 percent on radiology services.

This collaboration aims to facilitate journalists and press club staff by providing quality healthcare at affordable prices. Labs stated, "Your Health, Our Priority," regarding the new partnership.

Office-bearers of the NPC Islamabad welcomed the collaboration.

Chairman Sohail Ashraf directed officials to speed up development work in Sector E-12 during a visit to the area on 26 October. The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has reclaimed 1,135 kanals of government land that were held under illegal occupation for almost 40 years.

Ashraf stated that developing Islamabad's sectors remains one of the primary objectives for the CDA. These projects are being carried out in accordance with instructions from Interior Minister Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi.

The Chairman noted that reclaiming public property is a vital measure to safeguard state assets. To ensure progress, he told departments to eliminate bottlenecks and enhance inter-agency cooperation.

Officials were further instructed to deploy every available resource to finish the projects quickly.

The Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI) will host its 29th Sustainable Development Conference (SDC) from 2 November to 5 November 2026. Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) in Islamabad will serve as the venue for the gathering.

Organisers have set the theme as “Rethinking Development in an Age of Disruption” to address modern challenges. Three core priorities—Economy, Environment and Equity—will guide the conference discussions.

The 4th Sustainability Investment Expo (SIE 2026) will run concurrently with the SDC. “Connecting Ideas, Investment and Impact for Resilient Development” is the designated theme for the investment expo.

Participants can engage in plenary sessions, panel discussions, research presentations and networking opportunities. The programme will examine technological transformation, sustainable finance, social justice, a green economy and climate change.

SDPI stated that registration for the conference is now open. The institute is coordinating the event in collaboration with AIOU.

The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) apprehended two individuals in Karachi for allegedly posing as high-ranking Pakistan Army and government officers. Police conducted the operation in the Korangi Industrial Area to take the suspects into custody.

Authorities identified the detainees as Muzammil, son of Badruddin Qureshi, and Hamza, son of Muhammad Aslam. The men reportedly exploited the reputation of the Pakistan Army by falsely claiming they possessed significant influence within military and government departments.

By promising to facilitate official matters, including appointments and transfers, the suspects collected substantial amounts of money from victims. Officers registered a case against both men under FIR No. 114/2026.

Legal proceedings involve Section 109 of the Pakistan Penal Code alongside Sections 13, 14, and 16 of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) Amendment Act 2025.

The Punjab government has failed to publish the official ranking of the province's top 10 universities. Last year, authorities launched a performance-based evaluation project to assess more than 60 universities throughout Punjab.

Sources at the Punjab Higher Education Commission (PHEC) estimated the project would cost Rs50 million. These rankings were intended to be updated on an annual basis.

A professor claimed the provincial government seemed hesitant to disclose the scores, evaluation metrics, and the specific names of the top 10 institutions. This ranking scheme operates independently from the PHEC's work to establish measurable performance indicators for university vice chancellors.

The commission approved key performance indicators (KPIs) for public sector university heads last year. Designed to evaluate leadership, the framework focuses on measurable academic and administrative achievements.

Stefan Djordjevic’s documentary-drama Wind, Talk to Me secured the best film prize at the Adriatic Film & TV Awards on 24 October. Porto Montenegro, Tivat, Montenegro, hosted the annual ceremony.

Noomi Rapace earned the best actress title for her performance in Mother, a production directed by Teona Strugar Mitevska. Andrija Kuzmanović took home the best actor award for his work in Yugo Florida, which Vladimir Tagić directed.

Arif Jakup received the AFA Rising Star award for his contribution to DJ Ahmet, a film by Georgi M. Unkovski. The Academy was established through the founding festivals of the Sarajevo Film Festival, Zagreb Film Festival, and the Auteur Film Festival in Belgrade.

SpaceX signed an agreement with an affiliate of Apollo Global Management to secure 40 billion dollars in funding. The aerospace firm intends to complete the transaction by 31 December 2026.

Each lease associated with the deal will last slightly more than five years starting from the date the equipment reaches its destination. Leases are expected to begin during the first half of 2027.

Elon Musk stated the company is "closed" on a 40 billion dollar figure. Musk noted that the capital is primarily intended for chips arriving during the first and second quarters.

Bret Johnsen estimated the funding amount to be between 35 billion dollars and 40 billion dollars. Reuters reported that SpaceX held discussions with asset managers and banks to raise 40 billion dollars specifically to purchase Nvidia chips.

The Cabinet Committee on State-Owned Enterprises (CCoSOEs) approved the nomination of a female Independent Director and another Independent Member to the Pakistan State Oil Company Limited (PSO) Board of Management during a meeting at the Finance Division. Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb chaired the session, which also included Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry.

Four Independent Directors were appointed to the Board of the Strategic Digital Wallet Company by the committee. Activation of the Clean Environment Fund Company received approval, alongside the appointment of three Independent Directors and two ex-officio members to its board.

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The committee deferred the proposal to create the Pakistan Pharma Export Promotion Council as a Section 42 company. Officials directed the Ministry to conduct more consultations with stakeholders before the Pakistan Pharma Export Promotion Council proposal is submitted again.

The Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education (BISE) Faisalabad published the Matric Part-I (Ninth Grade) First Annual Examination 2026 result cards on its online portal. Chairman Prof. Dr. Rana Binyamin directed the board to adopt this digital initiative to ensure prompt delivery and remove hurdles caused by postal distribution.

Approximately 1,300 educational institutions and 30,000 private candidates have yet to download their respective cards from the official website. Private students can retrieve their results directly from www.bisefsd.edu.pk, as the Controller of Examinations clarified that there was no need to send the cards to students by post.

Students and schools can reach the Controller of Examinations Office BISE Faisalabad via 041-2517710 for further assistance.

Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences (LUMHS) in Jamshoro has opened admissions for 49 postgraduate programs for the 2027 academic year. Candidates may submit their applications via the official LUMHS website between 27 October and 16 November 2026.

A non-refundable fee of Rs. 7,500 covers both the application processing and the entry test. The university offers 12 PhD programs that span a duration of three years.

Ten MPhil programs are available, each lasting for two years. Fourteen postgraduate diploma programs, which take two years to complete, are also part of the offering.

One certificate course in Ultrasonology is available for students seeking a six-month qualification. Five postgraduate dentistry programs, lasting two years, are offered alongside other specialisations in Physiology, Oncology, Haematology, Pharmacology, Public Health, and Biomedical Sciences.

Applicants must register an account using a CNIC or Form-B number at admission.lumhs.edu.pk/pg/ to complete the process.

Music companies and stakeholders controlling the rights to Elvis Presley's music have filed a lawsuit against Anthropic for copyright infringement. The legal action claims Anthropic chose to pursue a potential $2 trillion initial public offering instead of respecting the copyrights of the Presley estate.

Round Hill Music previously accused the company of illegally scraping hundreds of songs without obtaining permission. In August, Busch sued Anthropic on behalf of Round Hill Music, seeking $1 billion in damages.

Busch stated, "The Works were created over periods of dozens of years, and Anthropic, by its infringing conduct, is destroying the value of these Works in a matter of a few years with only profit as its motive." Last year, Anthropic reached a $1.5 billion settlement with a group of authors who alleged the firm misused their books to train artificial intelligence models.

The Cabinet Division published the Toshakhana records detailing gifts received by senior Pakistani officials from July to September 2026. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif received 34 gifts during this period.

His list includes three Rolex watches, one Patek Philippe watch, a Ghilaf-e-Kaaba measuring 36 by 29 inches, and four carpets of varying dimensions. Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar was listed as receiving 25 gifts, which included three Rolex watches, one Patek Philippe Nautilus, and a 10 by 6.10 foot carpet.

President Asif Ali Zardari received seven gifts, including one Hublot wristwatch. Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Syed Naveed Qamar, and Rana Tanveer Hussain each received seven gifts, with each official's list featuring a single Rolex wristwatch.

Separate government announcements include Ahsan Iqbal approving Rs. 213 billion for four projects and a plan to provide 500,000 Chromebooks for students.

The National University of Technology (NUTECH) launched online applications for 13 undergraduate programs for the Fall 2027 academic session. Applicants must complete their registration by 25 December 2026 to qualify for the initial admission examination.

The first NUTECH Entry Test, known as NUET-1, is scheduled to take place on 3 January 2027. Four specific engineering degree programs are available, including a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering Technology.

Computer Science, Software Engineering, Artificial Intelligence, Cyber Security, Information Technology, and Data Science are also offered as BS degrees. Additional options include a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) and a BS in Environmental Science.

Candidates may submit applications using HSSC, A-Level, Diploma of Associate Engineering (DAE), or equivalent credentials. Registration is accessible through the official website at www.nutech.edu.pk.

The university has not yet released the full timetable for later entrance tests or the dates for merit list announcements.

National Rapid Response Unit Chief Dr Mumtaz Laghari met with Balochistan Emergency Operations Centre Coordinator Inam-ul-Haq on 26 October to discuss polio containment. Officials from the National Emergency Operations Centre and the Balochistan Emergency Operations Centre reviewed current eradication activities and measures to stop the virus from spreading further.

Dr Sami Tareen, the N-STOP Team Lead, attended the session to oversee the planning. Participants emphasised that achieving a polio-free Pakistan requires improved coordination, effective surveillance, and joint efforts to bolster eradication activities.

The Pakistani rupee closed at 276.81 against the US dollar on 26 October, marking its 269th consecutive day of gains. This upward trend has persisted since 25 December 2025.

The currency also rose by 91 paisas against the British pound while gaining 2 paisas against the Canadian dollar on the same day. Conversely, the rupee dropped by 43 paisas against the euro, 31 paisas against the Australian dollar, and 1 paisa against the Saudi riyal.

Stability remained constant against the UAE dirham during the trading session. Field Marshal Asim Munir travelled to Tehran on 26 October.

Representatives from Iran, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey convened at an undisclosed location on 26 October to deliberate on ending the Gulf War. Ahsan Iqbal authorised Rs. 213 billion to fund four specific projects.

The government also declared the provision of 500,000 Chromebooks for students.

The Horticulture Agency Rawalpindi (HAR) has improved the scenic beauty of Potohar Park by planting Buddha trees and seasonal flowers. Managing Director Ahmed Hassan Ranjha ordered staff to upgrade the aesthetics of city parks and preserve green spaces.

Lush greenery and a pleasant natural environment draw visitors to the park. The agency is currently prioritising plantation activities, plant care, and the cultivation of seasonal flowers.

HAR continues to work on enhancing green belts and promoting vegetation throughout Rawalpindi.

The Hyderabad Electronic Dealers Association visited the Secretariat of the Hyderabad Chamber of Small Traders & Small Industry to congratulate Nadeem Ahmed Siddiqui on his election as President. Dealers raised concerns regarding the law-and-order situation, traffic flow disruptions, and encroachments on Electronic Market Road.

The group also asked the Chamber to advocate for the completion and operation of the Hyderabad Model City Police Station. Siddiqui stated that the Chamber would play an active role in addressing the concerns of traders.

Siddiqui added that the issues affecting Electronic Market Road would be raised with the relevant authorities and efforts would be made to develop a comprehensive plan for their resolution. A separate delegation from the Hyderabad Dal Mills Association, SITE Hyderabad, also visited the Secretariat to congratulate the new office-bearers.

Participants from both associations agreed to create a joint strategy to tackle industrial challenges across Hyderabad.

Amy Madigan has joined the cast of the drama thriller Ascent on Paramount+. Viola Davis serves as a star and executive producer for the project.

Sam Heughan also stars in the series. Paramount Television Studios is producing the show, which was created by John Logan.

Logan also serves as the showrunner and executive producer. Michael Aguilar and Julius Tennon are additional executive producers on the production.

Filming for Ascent is scheduled to start in Los Angeles in 2027. Madigan is currently represented by Paradigm and Anonymous Content.

The actress is also set to appear in the film Sponsor alongside Jason Segal and John C. Reilly. She will also feature in the limited series All the Sinners Bleed and Ryan Coogler’s X-Files reboot.

Story Kitchen will develop a feature film based on the video game Madison, which was created by Bloodious Games. The Los Angeles-based production company is led by co-founder Dmitiri Johnson.

Madison first launched in 2022 and secured the best game award at EVA 2022. The title also earned the best narrative grand winner at the NYX Game Awards.

Bloodious Games also released an immersive VR version of the game. Story Kitchen currently manages several high-profile projects, including the Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft animated series for Netflix.

The studio is also producing Life Is Strange for Prime Video and Streets of Rage for Lionsgate. First-look deals for the company include a TV agreement with Amazon MGM Studios and an animated film deal with DreamWorks Animation.

Representation for the firm comes from both WME and Pryor Cashman.

Kenny MacPherson died in Los Angeles on 24 October at the age of 71. MacPherson served as the chief executive officer of Hipgnosis Songs Group, which Sony Music acquired in 2025.

The music industry veteran co-founded Big Deal Music Group in 2012, a company that Hipgnosis Songs Group purchased in 2020. Earlier in his career, MacPherson joined Warner/Chappell publishing in 1989 and later became the president of Chrysalis’ North American operation in 2002.

BMG bought Chrysalis in 2010, while MacPherson also launched Oh Aye Music in 2021. A former employee of Chrysalis filed a lawsuit against MacPherson in 2023 alleging sexual misconduct.

Mediation for that legal action was set to take place in November 2026.

Punjab Police recorded a 40 percent decrease in serious crimes across the province compared to the previous year. During the same period last year, authorities registered 176,971 cases.

Robbery and dacoity incidents fell by 61 percent, while murders committed during robberies dropped by 60 percent. Vehicle thefts declined by 48 percent, and other robbery and theft incidents saw a 35 percent reduction.

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Murder cases overall decreased by 29 percent, and mobile phone and wallet snatching incidents fell by 22 percent. The Punjab Police achieved these results by executing an effective strategy under Maryam Nawaz Sharif's Mehfooz Punjab Vision.

The Punjab government installed 10 modern dialysis machines at the Bahawalpur Kidney Center to expand local healthcare capacity. All 10 units were activated following special instructions from Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif.

This initiative creates space for more patients to receive dialysis treatments every day. Officials stated the Punjab government is ensuring the provision of standard and modern medical facilities to every region of the province including South Punjab.

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Maryam Nawaz Sharif is spearheading a series of reforms to improve investment conditions and business facilities across Punjab. The Asan Karobar Finance Scheme offers 70 billion Rupees in interest-free loans to support local enterprises.

A digital e-Biz portal now hosts 437 services spanning 28 different government departments. Through the Maryam ki Dastak programme, the government delivers 4.5 million digital services to the public.

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These measures intend to streamline commercial operations and expand employment prospects for the province's youth.

The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Pakistan (ICAP) and the Institute of Cost and Management Accountants of Pakistan (ICMA) jointly organised the ceremony. Officials announced the results at the Marriott Hotel in Islamabad on 25 October.

FFC also ranked second in the Best Sustainability Report category. The company further secured a spot among the top five firms in the overall category.