Pakistan forms four technical groups to boost marble exports and value addition

The roof of a private school collapsed in the Deir Colony area of Peshawar, injuring several people. Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani expressed profound grief and sorrow over the incident.

The former prime minister extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families of those affected by the tragedy. Gilani called for the provision of the best possible medical treatment and care to the injured children.

Authorities were urged by Gilani to take effective measures to prevent such tragic incidents from recurring in the future. He further requested that officials ensure the protection of precious human lives.

Comcast donated $7.5 million to fund a new 90,000-square-foot gold-plated ballroom and event space for President Donald Trump. Microsoft contributed $10 million to the project, while Amazon, T-Mobile, and Mark Zuckerberg’s Meta each provided $5 million.

$22 million from Alphabet was directed by Trump toward the construction of the new White House ballroom following a lawsuit settlement regarding YouTube's suspension of his account. Anonymous donors provided at least $77 million for the ballroom construction.

The U.S. Supreme Court allowed construction to proceed on the site of the demolished East Wing in a 5-4 ruling on 31 August. Comcast previously made a donation to the Trust for the National Mall last year.

The cable and media company has set mid-2027 as the target date for spinning off NBCUniversal.

Azam Nazeer Tarar informed a joint sitting of Parliament on 15 October that the provincial governor in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa followed constitutional procedures to impose an emergency or governor’s rule. The governor fulfilled his constitutional responsibility by adhering to the specific requirements laid down in the law.

Public discussion and media coverage followed after the contents of the governor’s letter were made public. During a press conference, the governor delivered a speech regarding the situation in the province.

Tarar stated that invoking Articles 232 and 234 of the Constitution was not an unprecedented action. The lawmaker cited previous constitutional cases, including those heard by the Supreme Court, to support his position.

Constitutional provisions and amendments introduced in 2010 require a proclamation to be presented for approval before the relevant forum.

Ahsan Iqbal offered Narowal Sports City as a dedicated training centre for the Pakistan national hockey team on 15 October. A signing ceremony took place to formalise a partnership between the Pakistan Hockey Federation and Vital Group.

The National Sports City in Narowal provides international-standard infrastructure for 14 different sports at a single location. Iqbal called for concerted efforts to restore Pakistan’s hockey glory through youth engagement, private sector support and modern training facilities.

The minister highlighted the importance of sports science, technology and data-driven performance analysis in contemporary athletics. Success at the international level requires physical fitness, mental resilience, discipline and sustained concentration, Iqbal stated.

"A player’s primary concern should be how to score the next goal rather than how to meet personal expenses," Iqbal said.

The Islamabad High Court granted Barrister Gohar Ali Khan additional time to submit a written response regarding a petition to close the X account linked to Imran Khan. Justice Arbab Muhammad Tahir heard the case filed by Ghulam Murtaza during the proceedings.

Gohar appeared before the court in person to address the matter. Representing Imran Khan, lawyers Khalid Yousaf Chaudhry and Shamsa Kiyani also attended the hearing.

Officials from the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency appeared before the court as well. During the session, the court noted that Gohar had not been formally summoned to appear in person.

Gohar stated that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf did not claim ownership of the specific X account in question. The court directed Gohar to provide the party's position in writing and adjourned further proceedings until 23 November.

Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb met with representatives from Moody’s on 15 October in Bangkok, Thailand. The talks took place on the sidelines of the World Bank Group–IMF Annual Meetings 2026.

Participants discussed Pakistan’s sovereign credit profile and economic outlook, including the country's recent rating upgrade. The conversation addressed improved external and fiscal indicators alongside renewed access to international capital markets.

Aurangzeb outlined a strategy to replace expensive, short-term debt with longer-maturity financing without increasing the external debt stock. The Moody’s delegation noted rising foreign exchange reserves, a contained current account deficit, and reduced State Bank forward liabilities.

The senator reaffirmed a commitment to structural reforms and sustainable, export-led growth that extends beyond the International Monetary Fund programme. Aurangzeb sought the agency's views on achieving a stronger rating and balancing political risk against economic performance in its assessments.

Barrister Aqeel Malik attended a reception hosted by German Ambassador to Pakistan Ina Lepel on 15 October to mark German Unity Day. The event commemorated the reunification of Germany and served as a platform for diplomatic engagement.

Malik extended his felicitations to both the German government and its people during the gathering. He expressed appreciation for the enduring friendly relations that exist between Pakistan and Germany.

The minister underscored the necessity of strengthening bilateral ties through increased cooperation, mutual understanding, and engagement in shared areas of interest. Malik highlighted how sustained diplomatic efforts and people-to-people exchanges are significant for promoting peace, stability, and prosperity.

He expressed confidence that the relationship between Pakistan and Germany will continue to expand.

Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb met with the leadership of Alibaba International Digital Commerce (AIDC) on 15 October in Bangkok, Thailand. The meeting took place during the World Bank Group–IMF Annual Meetings 2026 to review cooperation regarding Pakistan’s digital economy.

Participants discussed establishing a cashless economy, managing digital payments, and ensuring the transparent delivery of targeted subsidies and social protection payments. Aurangzeb invited proposals to rationalize taxation on e-commerce while both sides explored accelerating the Pakistan Single Window e-commerce platform.

The officials reviewed cooperation on tax administration, artificial intelligence (AI), and cloud infrastructure. Improving the tracking of export proceeds and cross-border payments was another key topic of discussion.

The sides also explored modernizing sorting systems for Pakistan Post and expanding agricultural exports to China via Alibaba’s retail network.

Sherry Rehman called on political parties to unite against terrorism following a 195 per cent increase in terrorist incidents over two years in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) persuaded the government to initiate negotiations with the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).

Barrister Gohar Ali Khan and a federal team from the PTI participated sincerely in these discussions. Negotiations focused on establishing confidence-building measures, a joint declaration, and a written agreement.

While the PPP was prepared to sign the proposed agreement, provincial leadership did not offer their support. Rehman also urged the provincial government to bolster the Counter Terrorism Department and the police force.

No politician expressed a desire for an emergency to be imposed despite reports that the threat of terrorism was as close as 16 kilometres. Rehman noted that the PTI leadership in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa should have joined the talks.

The Pakistan Hosiery Manufacturers and Exporters Association (PHMA) met with Shakhzod Bakhtiyarov on 15 October at the PHMA office in Sialkot. Bakhtiyarov serves as the Deputy Head of the Department of Investment at Uzbekistan’s Agency for the Development of Light Industry.

Participants discussed ways to broaden trade between Pakistan and Uzbekistan, specifically focusing on the knitwear, hosiery, and textile industries. The meeting explored avenues for mutual investment to strengthen industrial cooperation and encourage cross-border capital flow.

Bakhtiyarov and the association highlighted potential for technology exchange and closer economic ties through joint ventures between businesses in both countries. The dialogue also identified opportunities to expand trade relations within the light manufacturing and textile sectors.

Withings now requires a Withings Plus subscription for new accounts to automatically sync data with third-party applications. The monthly fee for this service is $9.95, while an annual plan costs $99.50.

New device owners receive a one-month trial period to link their data to external apps. Once the trial expires, syncing pauses, though any information already stored in those third-party applications remains intact.

Users who registered their accounts on or before 12 October 2026 will keep free automatic syncing to other platforms.

Denis Villeneuve will direct the next James Bond movie. Actor Gary Oldman claimed that the studio has already selected the next person to play the role of James Bond.

Daniel Craig concluded a 15-year run as the titular character. Villeneuve is also preparing for "Dune: Part Three", which follows Paul Atreides' transition from a prophetic liberator into a tyrannical emperor.

Timothée Chalamet stars as Paul in the upcoming sequel alongside Zendaya, Jason Momoa, and Florence Pugh. The production also features Robert Pattinson, Anya Taylor-Joy, Rebecca Ferguson, Josh Brolin, and Javier Bardem.

Zendaya described the experience as "a deep pain" and "a deep betrayal".

Zendaya described the experience as "a deep pain" and "a deep betrayal".

Zendaya

National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) Coordinator Mohammad Anwaar ul Haq reviewed preparations for the fractional inactivated polio vaccine (fIPV) booster campaign in Peshawar Division. Khalid Mahmood, Commissioner Peshawar, joined Haq to discuss the specific arrangements for the upcoming health initiative.

Dr. Mohammad Ahmed Soghier, the WHO National Lead, and Dr. Khalid Abdul, the WHO Provincial Lead, also attended the meeting. Participants assessed campaign readiness while identifying operational needs and potential obstacles to improve coordination between stakeholders.

Haq reaffirmed the NEOC's commitment to assist provincial health teams in closing operational gaps and ensuring effective planning for the campaign. This effort aims to strengthen immunisation coverage among the target age group as part of Pakistan's ongoing drive to protect children from poliovirus.

Mike Leigh received a standing ovation during the London Film Festival premiere of Tender Loving Care. The production, which was filmed and set in London, previously screened at Telluride.

Tender Loving Care secured the top prize at the San Sebastian Film Festival, where Kate O’Flynn won best leading actor. Kate O’Flynn starred in the film alongside Marion Bailey and Paul Jesson.

Leigh is expected to potentially conclude his filmmaking career with this project. The director has a long history with the London Film Festival, having brought Bleak Moments to the event in 1971.

Other notable works by Leigh include Life Is Sweet, which premiered at the festival in 1990, and Hard Truths, which screened there last year.

The Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) lowered the price of petrol by Rs3.63 per litre starting 16 October 2026. Petrol costs dropped from Rs393.86 to Rs390.23 per litre following the regulatory decision.

Conversely, high-speed diesel (HSD) prices rose by Rs0.31 per litre during the same period. The price of HSD moved from Rs396.65 to Rs396.96 per litre.

According to the Ministry of Energy (Petroleum Division), these adjustments were made in view of global market developments, including changes in Platts rates, premiums and incidental charges.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif called for the expansion of legal migration opportunities for Pakistani professionals and skilled workers to European countries. Magnus Brunner visited Pakistan for the first time to discuss these initiatives during a meeting focused on enhancing migration and mobility cooperation between the two regions.

Migration and mobility represent one of eight core pillars within the Pakistan-EU Strategic Engagement Plan 2019. Sharif reaffirmed that Pakistan remains committed to strengthening its partnership with the European Union across every pillar of the engagement plan.

To combat irregular migration, Pakistan is currently implementing institutional strengthening, legislative reforms, international cooperation, and effective enforcement measures. Brunner praised the government's cooperation and the specific measures Pakistan has adopted to address migration issues.

The EU official expressed confidence that these joint efforts will promote mutually beneficial labour mobility and broaden legal pathways for migrants.

Saad Hussain published an article on 15 October titled 'When machines can do more, what should we do?' to explore the evolving role of human workers. With over 20 years of experience in software development, Hussain highlights that artificial intelligence can now write code, recognise patterns, and make decisions.

These systems are already integrated into hospitals, schools, governments, and various business communities. AI-driven choices determine critical outcomes such as loan approvals, job candidate assessments, medical diagnoses, and the content children see online.

Hussain asserts that responsibility cannot be automated despite these growing capabilities. The shift in technology means a team can produce a prototype in days, moving the competitive advantage toward identifying the correct problem rather than just possessing building resources.

While technical skills remain relevant, Hussain notes that empathy, curiosity, and critical thinking may become equally valuable as people navigate the consequences of automated systems.

Netflix chief content officer Bela Bajaria is departing the streaming platform after a decade of service. Bajaria joined the company in 2016 and was promoted to head of global operations in 2020.

In January 2023, the executive was appointed to her current role as chief content officer. Before moving to Netflix, Bajaria served as president of Universal Television at NBCUniversal.

The streaming service secured 30 Primetime Emmy awards in 2025 and another 16 awards during the 2026 ceremony. Industry history includes similar leadership shifts, such as when Bob Chapek ousted Rice from Disney in 2022.

Rice previously held the position of chairman of Walt Disney Television and served as chairman of general entertainment for the Walt Disney Company. During her time at Disney, Rice managed over 300 shows and more than 4,000 hours of television content annually.

OpenAI is updating its Google Chrome extension to enable the AI to interact with open browser tabs. The company removed the ChatGPT Atlas browser as part of these changes.

Users can grant the tool access to their tabs by tagging Chrome within the web or desktop applications, according to OpenAI. A sidebar update now provides full conversation history for users of Chat or Work.

ChatGPT Work can perform actions such as sending messages, completing forms, and downloading files across different tabs. The software also possesses the ability to group or organise open windows.

These features mirror the auto browse capabilities powered by Google’s Gemini.

The world premiere of the film Klara and the Sun took place at the London Film Festival on 15 October. Sony Pictures will release the movie in theaters on 23 October.

Waititi, Adams, Murphy and Lyonne walked the London Film Festival red carpet alongside Rita Ora. Florence Pugh made a surprise appearance at the festival.

Jenna Ortega stated that Klara is an artificial friend that does not work like the AI known today. Ortega added, "I think we gotta put our focus on one another and put down the computers and phones."

Adams remarked, "That, to me, is a really successful film that communicates something different to each viewer. So I like hearing what people get out of it." Kazuo Ishiguro is currently developing a new project with Tim Burton, for which he penned an original script.

Ishiguro clarified that Ortega did not introduce him to Burton.

Adams remarked, "That, to me, is a really successful film that communicates something different to each viewer. So I like hearing what people get out of it."

Adams

The National Cyber Emergency Response Team (NCERT) and the National Telecommunication Corporation (NTC) warned citizens in Pakistan against sharing family daily routines, locations, and personal information on social media platforms. Sharing posts could expose households to security risks by revealing sensitive data about family members' activities and whereabouts.

Photographs, captions, and daily updates may inadvertently disclose private information that malicious individuals can use to determine when family members are at home or away. Citizens have been advised to avoid tagging home locations, disclosing their whereabouts, or posting details about daily schedules.

Users were urged to limit personal information shared about family members on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, and X. Protecting family privacy requires greater caution because publicly shared information could be misused by others.

The organizations encouraged citizens to adopt safer social media practices and reduce unnecessary sharing of personal data.

NBC will debut its next sitcom, Sunset P.I., during the NBC Comedy Panels held at the Hard Rock Hotel in Times Square. The network announced it would pick up the project for a series in May.

Jake Johnson stars as a cynical detective in this single-camera workplace comedy set within a Hollywood private investigator agency that has seen better days. The production features a cast including Levy, Langston Kerman, Mary Shalaby, Keith David, Spencer Moss, Nelson Franklin, Patrick Gallagher, David Paymer and Wrenn Schmidt.

Tickets are required for the comedy panels, which serve as extensions of the NBC100 programming. NBC celebrates 100 years of storytelling with a three-hour primetime special scheduled for 10 December 2026.

The New York Comedy Festival is scheduled to run from 6 November to 15 November 2026.

Millat Industrial Products Limited (MIPL) signed a cooperation agreement with China’s Xiao Dao (XDAO) to promote electric mobility in Pakistan. The deal involves a transfer of technology regarding lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries and the localisation of major parts for electric motorcycles.

This initiative aligns with the electrification policy established by the Prime Minister of Pakistan. By fostering domestic manufacturing, the project is expected to lower the national import bill and conserve foreign exchange by reducing reliance on overseas components.

Millat intends to export these locally produced goods to international markets. The Engineering Development Board (EDB) provided facilitation and support for the project.

Tehreek-e-Tahafuz-e-Aain-e-Pakistan (TTAP) will create its own political wing and develop a formal organisational structure at the provincial level. Leadership of TTAP instructed provincial chapters to form research groups, working groups, and specific organisational frameworks.

The initiative aims to enable the group to generate political pressure independently of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf chairman fully endorsed the initiative, despite the party initially viewing it as an attempt to build a parallel power centre.

PTI's ability to exert influence has diminished because of strong-arm tactics employed by the government. An All Parties Conference is expected to take place around 25 October, though the exact date remains uncertain.

Peacock and A24 are producing a new series titled Crystal Lake centered on the character Pamela Voorhees. All eight episodes of the show are currently available for streaming on Peacock.

Kane serves as the showrunner for Crystal Lake and also led the production of It: Welcome to Derry. Actor Cardellini features in the new series.

The original Friday the 13th film premiered in 1980 and featured Mrs. Voorhees, played by Betsy Palmer, as the killer. Following that initial release, the franchise expanded to include 11 additional films.

The ninth entry in the series is Jason Goes to Hell: The Final Friday, while Jason X serves as the tenth installment. Neither Jason Goes to Hell: The Final Friday nor Jason X were permitted to use the Friday the 13th name in their titles.

Apple will begin accepting preorders for the iPhone Duo foldable phone at 8am ET on 16 October. The device is priced at $1,999 for consumers.

Customers can configure their purchase on the official product page by choosing specific storage capacities and colours. The online portal also provides options for carrier preferences and trade-in programs.

Detailed preorder information will be available on The Verge website starting at 8am ET on the same day.

All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (APTMA) expressed interest in purchasing between 25 MW and 50 MW of electricity from the Punjab government. The association sent a formal letter to Sania Awais, Managing Director of the Punjab Power Development Board, on 14 October.

Punjab is currently evaluating its role as a power generator in an auction for the initial 400 MW under the Competitive Trading Bilateral Contract Market framework. APTMA stated that high industrial electricity tariffs in Punjab have damaged the competitiveness of the textile sector and led to factory shutdowns.

The proposed market framework could enhance efficiency and introduce competition for local industries, according to APTMA. Seeking to understand private-sector participation, the association requested engagement with the Punjab Power Development Board regarding proposed generation projects.

Individual member companies retain the discretion to decide on investment or participation in these schemes, APTMA noted.

The Pakistan Maritime Security Agency (PMSA) formally commended Cnergyico Pakistan Limited (CPL) for its actions following an oil spill near Churna Island on 30 June. The leak occurred in the vicinity of offshore Single Point Mooring (SPM) facilities belonging to CPHGC and CPL.

Authorities identified the cause as bilge discharge from an unknown seagoing vessel passing through the area. On 14 October, the PMSA issued an official communication regarding the incident and the subsequent response.

Cnergyico deployed a dedicated Oil Spill Response Team along with specialized craft, equipment, oil dispersants, and trained personnel to manage the situation. These response resources remained active at the site for over 24 hours.

The company also provided assistance to CPHGC in clearing the affected maritime zone. The PMSA did not state the specific volume of oil discharged or provide an estimate of the environmental impact.

Laila Naz Taj received the Dukhtaran-e-Pakistan Excellence Award 2026 for her efforts in poverty reduction, climate resilience, and community development. The Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund presented the honour in partnership with the Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage, the Islamabad Centre of National Cohesion and Outreach, and the Ministry of Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety.

Syed Imam Ahmad Shah handed over the award to Taj during the ceremony. Former Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani attended the event as the chief guest.

Taj currently serves as the director of communications at the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN). Her professional career has spanned Pakistan, Britain, the United States, and Afghanistan.

Educationally, she is an alumna of both the London School of Economics (LSE) and Harvard Business School.

The Ministry of Health is determined to eliminate fake medicines across Pakistan by requiring local and multinational pharmaceutical firms to print 2D barcodes and serial numbers on all packaging. Every medicine manufactured after 9 October 2026 must feature two 2D barcodes.

Imported medications are prohibited from sale anywhere in the country unless they possess a 2D barcode. The scope of this tracking system includes veterinary and poultry medicines as well as human pharmaceuticals.

Officials have spent 1.5 years developing the implementation of these barcodes for the pharmaceutical sector. The Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan recently finished training sessions for stakeholders and representatives from various pharmaceutical companies.

A mobile application will enable general citizens, medical stores, and pharmacies to confirm if a drug is genuine. Users of the app can also verify the expiry date and price of specific medicines.

Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar met with officials at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on 15 October to evaluate recent high-level visits and prepare for future engagements. The talks centred on boosting cooperation in investment, trade, and other vital sectors while advancing previously agreed initiatives.

Dar instructed the relevant ministries to work in close coordination to capture new economic opportunities and execute decisions on schedule. Several cabinet members joined the session, including the Ministers for National Food Security and Research, Petroleum, and Information Technology and Telecommunication.

Tariq Bajwa, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Industries and Production, along with the Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs, also participated. Secretaries from the departments of Commerce, Railways, Overseas Pakistanis, and Foreign Affairs were present at the meeting.

Jamaat-i-Islami (JI) Karachi initiated a 10-day fumigation campaign covering every district of the city to combat disease. Monem Zafar inaugurated the drive, stating that the spray is necessary for all citizens regardless of political or regional affiliations.

Zafar noted that spraying alone cannot stop dengue and malaria, as the city requires better sanitation and drainage systems. The Sindh government, the Water Corporation, and the Sindh Solid Waste Management Board must address issues caused by stagnant water and garbage heaps.

Despite a provincial health budget of Rs393 billion, Zafar claimed that patients at Jinnah Hospital, Civil Hospital, and Abbasi Shaheed Hospital do not receive improved medical treatment. Alkhidmat Karachi will also conduct spraying at government offices to prevent the breeding of flies and mosquitoes.

Naveed Ali Baig said Alkhidmat would spray residential areas, hospitals, educational institutions, and other private and government sites.

CAA, UTA and WME joined as founding members of the American Entertainment Alliance on 15 October. The group includes production houses such as Anonymous Content, Blumhouse, and Imagine Entertainment, alongside Ron Howard and Brian Grazer.

Other founding entities comprise Jeff Sagansky, Legendary Entertainment, MRC, North Road, Producers United, Propagate Content and Ziffren Brittenham. The alliance aims for U.S. legislation requiring streaming providers to allocate at least 50 percent of their budgets toward independent productions.

Members also want licensing and syndication rights for movies and television shows to revert back to production companies after a few years. The Streaming Innovation Alliance criticized the proposal, describing it as a call for "blunt government mandates" regarding how projects are greenlit.

Paramount merged as Skydance during this period of industry shifts.

Gael Monfils retired from professional tennis in October 2025 at the age of 40. The International Tennis Integrity Agency received notification of the retirement, leading to Monfils being removed from anti-doping protocols.

Following the announcement, the player is no longer eligible to enter tournaments and has been added to the official list of retired players. Monfils achieved a career peak as world number six and secured 13 ATP Tour singles titles.

His first trophy came in Poland in 2005, while his final title was won in Auckland during January 2025. Major highlights of his career include reaching the semi-finals at the French Open in 2008 and the US Open in 2016.

In his final competitive appearance at the 2026 US Open, Monfils lost to Learner Tien in the second round.