StarCharge and McDonald’s Pakistan sign deal to install EV charging stations

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.

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.

The Ministry of Finance and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) will host a two-day high-level workshop on "Reforms for a Modern and Growth-Friendly Tax System in Pakistan" in Islamabad on 20–21 October 2026. Senior government officials, academics, and private-sector leaders will join representatives from the IMF and World Bank to participate in the proceedings.

Six substantive sessions are scheduled to take place during the event. Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, Mr. Jihad Azour, and Rodrigo Valdés all delivered opening remarks for the workshop.

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A high-level panel will conclude the workshop to consolidate the recommendations gathered during the sessions.

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.

Daisy Edgar-Jones portrays Elinor Dashwood in the new production of Sense and Sensibility, which premiered on 7 October. Esmé Creed-Miles takes on the role of Marianne Dashwood alongside Edgar-Jones.

Caitríona Balfe appears as Mrs. Dashwood in the film. The United Theatre in Downtown L.A. hosted the opening event.

Diana Reid adapted the screenplay to place more emphasis on the relationship between Elinor and Marianne. Edgar-Jones, who was named one of Variety’s 10 Actors to Watch, expressed her enthusiasm for the character's emotional depth.

The actress noted that she enjoys portraying characters with internal complexities that others might overlook. To prepare for her role, Edgar-Jones listens to music and shared a Sense and Sensibility playlist.

The selection includes artists such as Billie Holiday, Minnie Riperton, Dolly Parton, Alice Phoebe Lou, Julia Jacklin, and Jessica Pratt.

The Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) established petroleum prices based on a seven-day average on Monday. This new pricing structure replaces the previous system where costs were revised on an annual or monthly basis.

The authority published the specific formula for these calculations on its official website. Pakistan imports its entire oil requirement from abroad, prompting the government to adopt the seven-day average to manage supply-related issues.

Refineries have once again seen a decline in their gross refining margins. A cap of $38 has been placed on the crack margin.

High-speed diesel prices dropped by Rs7.69 per litre on the previous day. Petrol prices also experienced a significant decrease during the same period.

Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif chaired a special meeting to approve a model village pilot project across 120 villages. Every village under the scheme will receive new paved streets, drainage systems, and sewerage infrastructure.

The government plans to establish village committees composed of both public and government representatives to oversee local affairs. Officials decided to ensure transparency in all development projects associated with the pilot program.

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The Water and Sanitation Services Company Dera Ismail Khan (WSSC) started a week-long special cleanliness campaign titled “clean Dera, healthy Dera” on the directives of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provincial government. Syed Muhammad Arsalan, Chief Executive Officer of WSSC DI Khan, stated the campaign began with a renewed commitment to make the city more attractive and cleaner.

The company is currently implementing measures to enhance sanitation facilities and foster a healthier urban atmosphere. Arsalan urged residents to support the sanitation workers by using designated collection points for waste and refraining from littering in drains, roads, and streets.

He added that collective efforts from the community are vital to achieving the objective of a clean and green district.

The District Health Officer (DHO) Islamabad will host an online e-Kachehri to receive public complaints and answer questions regarding healthcare services. This live session is scheduled for 21 October from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Citizens can join the broadcast on the official Facebook page of DHO Islamabad at facebook.com/Dhoislamabad. Health officials will provide guidance on various services, listen to grievances, and respond to inquiries from the public.

Topics for discussion include dengue prevention and control, alongside polio vaccination campaigns. The session will also address the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI), childhood immunisation, and family planning.

Furthermore, the event will cover medicine quality and drug control. The initiative seeks to improve public access to health services and strengthen communication between the health department and the community.

Syed Mustafa Kamal received a briefing on 20 October regarding initiatives for Rotavirus Awareness Day. Officials during the session examined methods to increase public knowledge about the rotavirus and bolster associated health programs.

Kamal highlighted the necessity of adopting a coordinated strategy to manage these health efforts. The official stated that effective communication between the relevant departments is required to achieve the goals of the awareness campaign.

Stronger interdepartmental cooperation was described by Kamal as essential for enhancing the impact of current initiatives and improving public awareness of rotavirus prevention.

Abdul Aleem Khan acknowledged the poor condition of the M-2 motorway during a session in the Senate. The minister responded to Senator Abid Sher Ali by confirming that the concerns raised regarding the highway were valid.

Khan stated that the matter is being raised at relevant forums to initiate necessary action. Specific steps will be taken to improve the motorway's condition, as the official noted that several roads and motorways require maintenance.

Companies responsible for road maintenance under agreements with the government were required to look after their assigned sections, Khan said.

French authorities introduced curfews across parts of central Paris and the Les Halles shopping area overnight. Movement restrictions for gatherings and young people were also implemented in Marseille, Bordeaux, Nice, Lyon, and Lille.

Sébastien Lecornu stated that decisions regarding further curfews for Tuesday night would depend on where they are necessary "on the ground." Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez offered his resignation on Monday after claiming that police had "lost control" in some cities.

President Emmanuel Macron rejected the resignation of Nuñez. More than 2,500 people have been arrested since the disorder began last month when students first started protesting for better school conditions.

About 1,000 police officers were injured during the unrest, which included an incident where a demonstrator's hand was blown off by a police crowd-control grenade.

Senate Chairman Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani presided over a session that opened at 11:25 a.m. on 20 October. The legislative agenda features the introduction of a government bill alongside general legislative business.

Members are scheduled to discuss motions and participate in the Question Hour. The House will consider calling attention notices and bills reported by standing committees that originated in the Senate.

Officials also planned to review government bills transmitted from the National Assembly.

Naeem ur Rehman conducted a voter awareness session for students at the Commerce College, PIDC. A mock poll was organised during the session to help students understand the mechanics of the polling process.

Muhammad Ashraf Lodhi and AEC Tando Allahyar Muhammad Humayun Iqbal held a separate awareness session at the Government Girls Higher Secondary School and College, Tando Allahyar. The initiative at the girls' college focused on encouraging female registration and participation in the electoral process.

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Khushal Zada led a mock poll activity for youth at the Municipal Committee Library in Tando Muhammad Khan. These activities form part of a five-month calendar established by the District Voter Education Committee to promote awareness about voting.

The State Bank of Pakistan and the Consulate General of Pakistan in New York hosted a webinar on 20 October to discuss the PASBAN Remittance Reward Scheme. Aamer Ahmed Atozai stated that these remittances bolster household incomes, add to foreign exchange reserves, and improve the nation's economic stability.

The reward scheme is designed to motivate individuals to utilize regulated banking systems for their financial transfers. Representatives from the Pakistan Banks Association and various commercial banking institutions joined officials from the State Bank of Pakistan to provide insights.

Participants concluded the session with an interactive question-and-answer period.

The National Book Foundation (NBF) investigated ways to translate, publish, and market Pakistani literary works in Azerbaijan. Murad Ali Mohmand met with Professor Athar Mahmood to discuss these cultural exchange opportunities.

Pakistan’s Ambassador to Azerbaijan, Qasim Mohiuddin, supported the meeting between the two parties. Professor Athar Mahmood, who has worked in the Azerbaijani academic sector for 12 years, offered to help translate specific NBF publications into the local language.

The discussion included plans to introduce NBF titles to the publishing market in Baku. Participants also considered translating the novel Wade Talsam, a work by an Azerbaijani literary figure, into Pakistani languages.

The NBF may publish Wade Talsam in the future and will seek the required permissions and publishing rights for selected titles.

Saudi Arabia’s Health Holding Company announced 4,291 new healthcare positions across 20 regional health clusters. This recruitment drive serves as the initial phase for hiring clinical specialists, nurses, and doctors.

A total of 19,610 jobs and employment-linked training contracts were declared in 2026. The 2026 figure comprises 12,914 newly recruited Saudi employees and 2,405 contracts for training linked to future employment.

The company advertised the 4,291 new roles through its dedicated recruitment platform. Candidates have a 15-day window from the announcement date to submit their applications.

The Health Holding Company manages integrated healthcare services throughout the Kingdom to support Saudi Vision 2030.

The Sindh cabinet approved raising the upper age limit for the Combined Competitive Examination from 30 to 33 years. Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah chaired the cabinet meeting at the CM House in Karachi.

Officials increased the number of allowed attempts for the CCE from 3 to 5. A reduction in the minimum qualifying marks for CCE 2026 from 40% to 33% was also authorised by the provincial cabinet.

Computerised testing will be introduced for examinations that consist of a single paper. The meeting addressed 29 agenda items concerning various provincial departments.

Shah briefed the cabinet members on his recent visit to China.

Raj Singh and Italy’s RP1 Holding are launching a €100 million ($112 million) fund to finance audiovisual productions and film distribution in Italy. Italy’s TV producers’ association APA claims that the annual value of content production within the country exceeds €2.24 billion ($2.5 billion).

Film and TV production companies require significant liquidity throughout all stages of production, yet cash from regional soft money funds and national tax credits is often received on a deferred basis. A statement from the new Italian fund noted, "This imbalance makes it difficult to access adequate financial instruments and limits companies’ competitiveness and scale."

One Media Capital Fund was created to bridge this gap by providing indie companies with financing tools. The fund's statement added, "The goal is to build an efficient and specialized system for accessing finance that supports the implementation of individual projects and frees up resources for new investments."

The Punjab Defamation Tribunal ruled in favour of Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari, ordering Punjab Assembly Opposition Leader Moeen Riaz Qureshi to pay Rs3 million in general damages. Azma Bokhari initiated the legal action in January by filing a defamation suit against Qureshi, seeking a total of Rs800 million in damages.

Anjum Raza Syed stated, "The claim of the plaintiff is hereby decreed up to the extent of general damages amounting to Rupees three million (Rs3,000,000)". Qureshi had previously accused Bokhari of bringing 200 paid individuals into the Punjab Assembly premises.

During a visit by Sohail Afridi to the assembly, Qureshi also claimed that journalists questioning Afridi were salaried employees of the minister.

Carol Choi will become the president of The Walt Disney Company Asia Pacific starting 1 December 2026. Choi joins the leadership team after spending 20 years with the company.

In her previous roles, she managed the studio operations, integrated marketing, and original content strategy for the region. She also served as managing director for Disney's businesses in Japan and Korea, while holding senior positions in Greater China.

Luke Kang is stepping down from the presidency after a tenure that began in 2011. During his 16 years at the firm, Kang oversaw growth for various brands and markets across the Asia Pacific region.

The outgoing executive managed the company's operations in North Asia and Greater China, and he also headed the Korea operation as managing director. Kang steered the launch of Disney+ and other new ventures while investing in creative projects and original content.

Federal Minister Awais Ahmed Khan Leghari stated that the expansion of Sardar Farooq Ahmed Khan Leghari Airport is scheduled for completion by 1 January 2028. Engineers are increasing the runway length from 1.9 kilometres to 3 kilometres while doubling the width from 100 feet to 200 feet.

Modern lighting systems will be installed to facilitate nighttime landings, and new passenger facilities including waiting lounges are under construction. Four major development projects are currently active in Dera Ghazi Khan, according to Leghari.

Work is also progressing on the expansion of the Indus Highway. Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif is currently overseeing a project to establish a cancer hospital in Dera Ghazi Khan.

A sewerage project is also underway to provide for the divisional headquarters' needs for the next 50 years.

BYD will begin operations at its Pakistan vehicle manufacturing plant by mid-December 2026. The company expects to sell between 1,000 and 1,500 vehicles every month during the initial phase.

Production will rely exclusively on imported components and raw materials when the factory first opens. A long-term objective involves procuring up to 80% of the necessary production inputs from local sources.

BYD plans to roll out additional vehicle models in successive phases. Customers can expect to receive deliveries of the first models starting in 2025.

The manufacturer entered the Pakistani market through a partnership with Mega Motor Company. This collaboration started introducing new-energy vehicles to the local market in 2024.

The brand anticipates a traditional ownership cycle of five to 10 years for its vehicles.

Google is deploying a fix to resolve a bug where some Home Speaker owners experience continuous background downloads of hundreds of gigabytes of data. Reports of the technical error surfaced over the past week from 9to5Google and various users on Reddit.

The majority of these incidents involve the latest Google Home Speaker model. One Reddit user observed his specific device consuming more than 200GB of data every day.

Other impacted units showed different rates of consumption, with one device downloading 132GB and another downloading 2GB over the course of a month. Engineers suspect the problem might occur when speakers fail to properly install or download a firmware update.

Google stated, "a fix is already rolling out that should address this for users."

Katie Goodson-Thomas will join LuckyChap International in 2027. Goodson-Thomas previously served as executive vice president, co-head of production and development at Searchlight.

The London-based company, LuckyChap International, was unveiled in late 2025 as a joint venture between LuckyChap and Mediawan. During her tenure at Searchlight, she oversaw several notable productions including The Favourite, Poor Things, and Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri.

Her portfolio also features The Banshees of Inisherin, Wild Horse Nine, All of Us Strangers, The Roses, and Sweetsick. Alice Birch directed Sweetsick, which features Cate Blanchett in a starring role.

The Punjab Agriculture, Food and Drug Authority (PAFDA) is deploying modern scientific facilities to monitor food quality throughout the province. Public health remains the primary objective for the Government of Punjab.

By using latest testing equipment and scientific analysis, the authority oversees the standards of medicines, food, and agricultural products. Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif issued the instructions for the authority to carry out these regulatory duties.

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A delegation of Green Enclave-I allottees met with Project Director Mohsin Sardar on 20 October to seek an update on the stalled housing development. Chaudhary Amjad Ali, Professor Tahir Mahmood, Malik Sartaj, Rana Munawar, and Fayyaz Tanoli represented the group during the discussions.

The representatives urged authorities to eliminate the remaining obstacles preventing the restart of construction work. Sardar stated that efforts are currently underway to settle outstanding problems and noted that nearly all hurdles have been cleared.

A few minor adjustments remain necessary before the project can be submitted to the FGEHA Executive Board. The project is expected to be presented at the board's next meeting, which is likely to occur next week.

Green Enclave-I covers roughly 3,153 kanals and was first initiated through an agreement in 2009. The housing scheme was formally launched in 2015.

The Asian Development Bank and the United Nations Office for Project Services signed a Letter of Intent at the ADB headquarters in Manila. Jorge Moreira da Silva attended the meeting to formalise the cooperation between the two organisations.

Providing essential services and completing projects proves significantly more difficult in areas affected by conflict and fragility. Officials noted that securing development financing represents only one component of the obstacles faced in these volatile settings.

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Both entities intend to establish more systematic approaches to reach locations where challenges are most acute.

Ahmed Hassan Ranjha visited Pothohar Park to review horticultural activities, including plantation work, green space maintenance, and cleanliness arrangements. During the inspection, Ranjha instructed staff to provide proper care for trees, lawns, seasonal flowers, and various plants.

He emphasised the necessity of timely pruning, appropriate irrigation, and grass cutting to restore the area's greenery. Regular supervision of the park was mandated to ensure that maintenance issues are addressed promptly by the team.

Ranjha stated that negligence regarding the upkeep of green spaces would not be tolerated by the administration. The official reaffirmed the agency's commitment to making Rawalpindi cleaner and more attractive for residents by improving local parks.

Commissioner Bahawalpur Division Irfan Ali Kathia chaired a divisional-level meeting to coordinate measures for the uninterrupted supply of wheat and flour. Kathia directed officials to increase enforcement against individuals involved in the illicit transportation of wheat and flour.

Regular inspections of the wheat quotas assigned to flour mills were ordered by the commissioner. The commissioner instructed relevant departments to strictly follow established procedures for flour distribution and wheat transport.

Agencies including the Food, Agriculture, and Industries Departments must maintain constant monitoring of these supplies. Deputy Commissioner Bahawalpur Syed Hasan Raza attended the session in person.

Deputy Commissioner Bahawalnagar Syed Muhammad Abbas Shah joined the meeting via video link. Deputy Commissioner Rahim Yar Khan Zehir Anwar Jappa also participated through a video link.

Prince Harry wants to make peace with King Charles and Prince William to repair the rift within the royal family. The Duke of Sussex returned to the United Kingdom with his family earlier this summer.

His attitude toward England has shifted since he released a bestselling memoir and fronted a Netflix docuseries. Harry has faced significant criticism for sharing his personal story with the public.

"I think once you’ve been through it, once you’ve been able to talk about it, and raise awareness to it, then people see it for what it is, it makes the environment slightly easier. It’s not going to necessarily stop the behavior, but I think the behavior might — my hope that it will — change," Harry said.

Turkiye submitted a defence pact involving Pakistan and Saudi Arabia to its parliament for ratification. The three nations signed the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement in August.

An armed strike against any single member of the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement is considered an attack on all participants. During an emergency meeting in Riyadh earlier this month, the alliance agreed to ensure the rapid deployment of military capabilities and forces in Saudi Arabia.

Turkiye also agreed to join a coalition led by Saudi Arabia to maintain navigational safety in the Red Sea. Parliament Speaker Numan Kurtulmus will refer the agreement to the foreign affairs commission once he returns from Kyrgyzstan.

A Turkish official stated that Turkiye’s contribution was expected to be limited to weapons systems, intelligence sharing, and military equipment. The commission could debate the agreement as early as Friday.

The Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) issued a new notification bringing eight categories of health products under stricter regulatory oversight. This measure seeks to improve product quality and protect public health across the country.

Vitamins and dietary supplements are among the specific items now subject to these regulations. Medicated soaps, shampoos, and specialized infant milk also fall under the new oversight.

Manufacturers must now satisfy registration, approval, and quality-control requirements before they can market or produce these goods in Pakistan. The move aims to ensure products carrying medicinal or therapeutic claims meet prescribed quality standards.

Field Marshal Asim Munir arrived in Tehran on 24 August 2026 to meet with senior Iranian officials. The military leader travelled with a delegation of Pakistani officials to hold talks focused on breaking the military stalemate and exploring a negotiated settlement.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also visited Tehran on 24 August 2026. Naqvi reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to mediating between Washington and Tehran on 19 October 2026.

The Interior Minister credited Field Marshal Munir with a remarkable role in bringing the two sides closer and stated he "never gave up". Diplomatic efforts include the 14-point Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding signed on 18 June 2026, which produced an interim peace agreement.

That memorandum faltered amid renewed fighting between Iran and the United States. Pakistan and Qatar jointly organised the Lake Lucerne Summit in Switzerland.

Mohsin Naqvi said he "never gave up".

Mohsin Naqvi

North Korean state media published photographs showing Kim Jong Un touring a footwear and clothing exhibition in North Korea. Kim was accompanied during the tour by Kim Ju Ae.

South Korean intelligence officials told Yonhap they have heard nothing to support reports that Kim Jong Un has died. Wanjun Xie claimed that Kim Jong Un died from a brain haemorrhage and that his body was secretly returned to North Korea.

The 42-year-old leader's health remains a point of scrutiny, as South Korea's National Intelligence Service warned his lifestyle puts him at higher risk of cardiovascular disease. South Korea's intelligence agency believes Kim Jong Un may be preparing Kim Ju Ae as a successor.

Historical records show Kim Il Sung died in 1994, while Kim Jong Il suffered a stroke in 2008 before dying in 2011. Washington maintains around 28,000 troops in South Korea.

Arafat Minhas knocked out the England captain while scoring his first half-century in One Day International cricket. Minhas also contributed with the ball, delivering a significant performance for the Pakistan side.

The batter stepped up to the crease to represent Pakistan during the match. Haris Rauf delivered a short ball during the play.

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Fakhar Zaman positioned himself under a high ball during the encounter.

Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif initiated Pakistan's first air ambulance service to provide rapid medical transport. The aircraft functions as a complete flying ICU, featuring modern medical equipment to treat patients during transit.

More than 300 emergency rescue missions have been finished since the service began. This initiative moves severely ill and injured people from isolated areas to large specialized hospitals.

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The Government of Punjab focuses on saving precious time and lives of critical patients through timely medical aid.

Guillermo del Toro received the Filmoteca UNAM Medal during the 24th Morelia Film Festival in Mexico. Alfonso Cuarón also earned the Filmoteca UNAM Medal for his work in the industry.

Cuarón is known for producing the film Campeón Gabacho. The festival commenced on 16 October and is scheduled to conclude on 25 October.

Del Toro, who holds an Honorary Doctorate from the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), previously won an Oscar for cinematography for Pan’s Labyrinth. Guillermo Navarro was the individual who secured the cinematography Oscar for Pan’s Labyrinth.

"We embarked on an adventure that was financially horrifying but cinematically beautiful," del Toro said. In a separate incident on 11 October, protesters in Guadalajara reported the alleged kidnapping of several demonstrators.

The Islamabad Healthcare Regulatory Authority (IHRA) conducted a licensing assessment at CDA Hospital to evaluate its operations. Officials measured the facility against Minimum Service Delivery Standards (MSDS) indicators during the inspection.

A comprehensive assessment report was prepared by the IHRA following the visit. This licensing process verifies that healthcare establishments maintain patient safety, quality of care, and public health requirements before a licence is issued.

Regulatory assessments by the IHRA aim to promote compliance with established standards and improve service safety in Islamabad. The authority continues to perform these licensing checks to strengthen healthcare regulation.

Uzbekistan Airways will increase its flight frequency between Tashkent and Islamabad from two to three times per week starting 26 October. The current schedule for the Tashkent–Islamabad–Tashkent route consists of flights on Tuesdays and Saturdays.

Under the new arrangement, the airline will operate these flights on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. More than 20,000 Pakistani tourists travelled to Uzbekistan in 2025.

Nearly 20,000 Pakistani visitors also flew to Uzbekistan during the first nine months of 2026. Eight scheduled flights currently connect Uzbekistan and Pakistan every week.

Four of these weekly flights serve the Tashkent–Lahore route, while two operate on the Tashkent–Islamabad route. The total number of weekly scheduled flights between the two countries will reach nine following the expansion.

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) implemented administrative changes by relieving Registrar Yar Muhammad Walanah and Inspection Team member Tanveer Akbar of their duties. Rai Muhammad Khan, the Additional Registrar, assumed the role of acting registrar following the court's decision.

Kamran Basharat Mufti was appointed as the acting member of the Inspection Team to fill the vacancy. Yar Muhammad Walanah received one month of salary in lieu of a one-month notice period as part of his removal.

Muhammad Tanveer Akbar was also provided with one month of salary instead of a one-month notice. Additional Registrar Noor Muhammad Mirza issued the official notifications regarding these personnel shifts.

Chief Justice Sardar Sarfraz Dogar approved the notifications to formalise the new appointments and removals.

Five young men died in a road accident on Bosan Road in Multan. Senate Chairman Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani expressed grief over the incident and issued a formal condolence message.

Gilani described the loss of the five youths as a great tragedy for their families. The Chairman stated that strict adherence to traffic rules and the adoption of precautionary measures are essential to safeguarding precious human lives.

Prime Minister Iftikhar Gilani told public delegations that the government is taking concrete measures to speed up construction and development in the liberated territory. Gilani stated that his primary objectives include providing basic life amenities, raising living standards, and generating jobs for the youth.

The PML-N government is pursuing a policy centered on better governance, public service, and infrastructure growth. Ensuring that development benefits reach every part of Azad Kashmir remains a central focus for the administration.

Top priorities on the reform agenda involve repairing roads, improving education and healthcare, and securing a clean drinking water supply. Gilani expressed a determination to execute this agenda following the vision of PML-N Quaid Nawaz Sharif and with the cooperation of Pakistan Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif.