Mohammad Ishaq Dar chairs committee to boost essential commodity exports

Wasim Akram shared a message advising people aged over 50 on mobile phone and social media use. Akram stated that this is special for 50+ that they should use WhatsApp, social media and their phones the correct way.

The former cricketer noted that individuals should not feel obliged to send good morning messages to everyone daily. Akram suggested that shorter clips of around 2 minutes are more suitable for many viewers than 30-minute-long videos.

Users are urged not to remain available on WhatsApp around the clock. Replying to a message 5 minutes later is acceptable, according to the advice.

Akram stated he still checks and forwards messages but prefers to keep things under control.

The Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) has started consultations to create the nation's inaugural Medical Devices Policy. These discussions align with the National Regulatory System Strategic Plan 2026-30.

The Pakistan Nuclear Regulatory Authority (PNRA) joined the consultation process alongside Connectech. Industry groups, including the Pakistan Engineering and Medical Devices Association (PEMDA) and the Health Devices Association of Pakistan (HDAP), also took part in the talks.

Local contract research organisations (CROs) and medical device manufacturers contributed their input during the sessions. Official sources stated the policy seeks to improve access to essential medical technologies while strengthening regulations and promoting domestic production.

The initiative supports a 'Made in Pakistan' vision by encouraging local manufacturing to decrease the country's dependence on foreign products. DRAP intends to build a regulatory framework that fosters healthcare innovation and ensures patients can access reliable medical technologies nationwide, according to official sources.

Walmart is selling the digital version of Pikmin 4 for the Nintendo Switch at a discounted price of $39.88. This offer reduces the cost of the game by $20.11 compared to its standard retail price.

The current Switch title features a dog companion that assists the player. Nintendo announced that a version of Pikmin 4 for the Switch 2 will debut on 12 November 2026.

Polished visuals define the upcoming Switch 2 release, which also introduces a new mode titled Dandori Academy. Voice commands for the dog companion are included in the next-generation version.

The Switch 2 Edition of Pikmin 4 will retail for $69.99. Players have the option to upgrade to the Switch 2 version for a fee of $10.

Taylor Swift performed a four-song set with a full band on 17 October at the Academy Museum 6th Annual Gala. The singer performed "I Knew It, I Knew You," a track from the Pixar film Toy Story 5.

This specific song is in contention for the 2027 Oscars and several Grammy categories, including song of the year, film soundtrack, and country. Swift previously performed the song live at the Grammy Museum and during a private Ross House FYC showcase.

A backing crew of four singers, two sax players, one guitarist, one bassist, one keyboard player, and one drummer accompanied her. Notable attendees at the gala included Sabrina Carpenter, Cara Delevingne, Charlize Theron, and Elle Fanning.

Other guests present at the event were Conan O’Brian, Colman Domingo, Joan Cusack, Eli Roth, John Carpenter, Hannah Waddingham, and Dakota.

Foreign investors injected $188 million into Pakistan’s domestic bonds during the first nine days of October. Treasury bills drew $78 million of this capital, while Pakistan Investment Bonds (PIBs) attracted $110 million.

The United Arab Emirates contributed $50 million to T-bills and $80 million to PIBs during the period. Bahrain also participated by investing $10 million in T-bills and $30 million in PIBs.

Outflows from foreign investors reached $38.16 million over the same nine-day window. Since the start of the current fiscal year, total foreign investment in domestic government securities has reached $656 million.

Cumulative investment in PIBs has reached $404 million, while T-bills have seen $252 million in total funding since the fiscal year began. Analysts suggest that Pakistanis residing and operating businesses in the Gulf might be moving a portion of their liquid assets into the country.

Jad Abumrad created and hosted Dolly Parton’s America, which won a Peabody Award alongside his other production, Fela Kuti: Fear No Man. Abumrad also founded Radiolab before retiring from the show in 2022.

Latif Nasser and Lulu Miller assumed leadership of the podcast following his departure. Vanderbilt University now employs Abumrad as a distinguished research professor.

The creator manages his daily schedule using the Fantastical calendar app and the Alfred app. Digital habits for Abumrad include keeping 14 tabs open at once.

His personal collection features a butterfly knife and a 1997 Motorola flip phone. Abumrad recently purchased an original pressing of John Coltrane’s Blue Train with his son about one month ago.

He once played Donkey Kong at a Kroger store.

Rajab Butt appeared on Ahmed Ali Butt's podcast on 15 October and made disparaging comments regarding Durefishan Saleem. During the appearance, Butt referred to the actress as "ras malai" and "gol matol".

The content creator, who maintains over 9,000,000 YouTube subscribers and 3,000,000 Instagram followers, also claimed his vlogs attract more viewers than the dramas of Sehar Khan. Sehar Khan publicly called out Butt for his remarks.

Last month, Butt faced criticism for making an inappropriate joke about child sexual abuse during a TikTok Live session with Zaid Ali. He subsequently apologised for those TikTok Live comments following a wave of backlash on social media.

Legal issues have previously targeted Butt for promoting online gambling applications, hurting religious sentiments, and the unlawful custody of a lion cub.

Dancing With the Stars is benching Val Chmerkovskiy after the professional dancer made a joke about judge Carrie Ann Inaba. The social media post was deleted following the incident.

Carrie Ann Inaba commented on her own Instagram regarding the situation. Inaba faced constant booing and criticism from the ballroom audience during Season 34, while Derek Hough and Bruno Tonioli did not receive similar treatment.

Jenna Dewan will still perform during dedication week despite the changes. Dewan will be paired with Alan Bersten for the performance.

Bersten was previously eliminated in week 3 of the competition. The duo will perform a Viennese waltz to the song “Unchained Melody.”

This specific dance is dedicated to the mother of Jenna Dewan.

The National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) established 43 citizen facilitation centres across 11 districts in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. This initiative, known as the K-P Citizen-Centred Service Delivery Project, operates within the social policy sector.

A $46 million grant from the World Bank provides the funding for the project. Implementation of the project has reached 72 percent completion.

Work is scheduled to finish by 31 December 2026.

Kevin Roose and Casey Newton will launch a show titled Machine Gods next week. Roose also authored a book called The AGI Chronicles.

The author currently uses an iPhone 15 Pro. New hardware releases include a $299 Apple HomeView home hub and a $60 Siri Remote.

Fairphone released the Fairbuds 2, which is a smaller, lighter, and cheaper alternative to AirPods with longer battery life. Microsoft introduced the Xbox Nano Controller, a pocket-sized gaming device.

The Fitbit Edge now features biometric tracking and workout monitoring. CMF released the Speaker S as a Bluetooth audio device.

A new version of the color E Ink Kaleido 4 panel has entered the market. The documentary The Drop You Can See Everything features Nathan Fielder and Elizabeth Holmes.

Josh Johnson has prepared an hourlong set focused on Elizabeth Holmes. Nancy, an agent for Muse, has lost $41 on the Kalshi platform to date.

TikTok permanently suspended the "Musk" advertisement account on 16 October. The platform took action just before the wide release of a documentary about the billionaire.

The film has a total runtime of 3 hours and 45 minutes. Legal threats from the SpaceX founder created uncertainty for audiences about an international debut.

Producer Gibney said, "Were they concerned that in this political environment, a film about the world’s richest man was problematic? Maybe, but you have to ask them."

Google might withdraw access to its Pro AI models from Google AI Plus subscribers on 13 November 2026. MovilZona reported that the deadline for this potential restriction is 9 October.

Flash and Flash-Lite models will stay available for those on the AI Plus subscription. Users can still select Pro models if they subscribe to Google AI Pro.

Existing conversations that used a Pro model previously may continue using a different model. The Google AI Plus plan costs $4.99 per month and provides 400 GB of storage along with 200 Google Flow Credits.

Switching to Google AI Pro would increase the monthly fee by $15, bringing the total cost to $19.99. The Pro tier includes 5 TB of storage and 1,000 Google Flow Credits.

Wahaj Ali portrays Baala, who transforms into Baala Gujrati following the death of his brother Aslam (Achi) in a railway crossing shootout. Episodes 7 and 8 of the drama Mitti De Baway aired on 15 October and 16 October respectively.

Baala Gujrati is tied to the gangster Phajja, a role played by Sohail Ahmed. Mahira Khan portrays Bilqees Bano, also known as Billo, who was kicked out of her home by her father-in-law.

The expulsion occurred because Billo fell for Baala as a teenager. Amar Khan portrays Zarina in the series.

Syed Wajahat Hussain directed the production, which was written by Faiza Iftikhar.

Grace Snell will serve as the costume designer for a new film adaptation of Jane Austen’s 1811 novel Sense and Sensibility. Daisy Edgar-Jones portrays Elinor Dashwood, while Esmé Creed-Miles takes on the role of Marianne Dashwood.

At the start of the story, Marianne is 19 years old, Elinor is 16, and Margaret is 13. The Dashwood sisters share clothing throughout the narrative.

Snell drew inspiration from runway looks of the 1980s and 1990s for the production. Shades of black define the film's colors to represent a period of mourning.

In London, Elinor and Edward appear in shades of blue to signify disappointment. “I tried to not be intimidated by the fact that we were making a Jane Austen and how big a deal that was,” Snell said.

French President Emmanuel Macron called for calm and order during a national television address from the Élysée Palace in Paris. Approximately 550,000 demonstrators took to the streets to protest deteriorating public services, the cost of living, and increasing fuel prices.

Macron warned that the riots must not escalate, stating that "we all feel anger and shame" but "nothing justifies" the violence. Widespread looting occurred across Lille, Marseille, and Paris over the weekend.

Police arrested about 2,400 people as riot police used batons, tear gas, and water cannons against crowds in several locations. France's interior ministry reported that about 1,000 police officers were injured on Saturday, with 7 of those sustaining serious injuries.

The president pledged full transparency while stating that local mayors and prefects will collaborate to protect buildings and shops.

United States diplomats visited a Christian Palestinian village in the Israeli-occupied West Bank on Sunday. Riley Barnes, the assistant secretary of state for democracy, human rights and labor, and Brian Burch, the US ambassador to the Holy See, arrived at the Latin Convent church.

The officials were scheduled to hold meetings with members of the Christian community in Taybeh. This diplomatic trip occurred after militant Israeli settlers attacked an American photojournalist and European diplomats over the previous two days.

The National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) warned the public against fraudulent websites claiming to issue civilian arms licences. Scammers targeted residents in Punjab by using these fake platforms to solicit exorbitant fees from applicants.

Sensitive personal information provided by victims remains at risk of misuse by these unauthorized operators. NADRA officials stated applicants must strictly verify the official website address prior to submitting applications or making payments.

The agency advised citizens to confirm web addresses before sharing any identity details or funds. The public is urged to rely exclusively on verified official platforms for all transactions related to licences.

Authorities requested that people report any fraudulent online activities to the relevant law enforcement agencies.

Punjab Police officers and personnel remained on high alert as Christian prayer services were held at churches across the province, including in Lahore. Law enforcement personnel performed security duties during the religious gatherings to ensure public safety.

Inspector General of Police Punjab Abdul Kareem issued directives to Regional Police Officers, District Police Officers, and senior police officers to further enhance security at churches. The IG Punjab ordered supervisory officers to personally inspect security arrangements at churches and other important and sensitive locations.

Additional police personnel and snipers should be deployed at sensitive churches to provide extra protection. Teams from the Dolphin Squad, Police Response Unit (PRU), and Elite Force were tasked with ensuring effective patrolling around the churches.

Abdul Kareem directed that all deployed police officers and personnel should remain highly vigilant and keep a close watch on miscreant elements.

Taylor Swift holds the number one position on the Billboard 200 chart. The Life of a Showgirl marks its 15th non-consecutive week at the top of the rankings.

Olivia Rodrigo occupies the number two slot with You Seem Pretty Sad for a Girl So in Love. Morgan Wallen follows in third place with I’m the Problem.

Ella Langley sits at number four with Dandelion. Noah Kahan holds the number five position with The Great Divide.

Drake appears at number six with Habibti. Olivia Dean ranks seventh with The Art of Loving.

Stick Season by Noah Kahan reaches number eight. Greta Van Fleet occupies the number nine spot with Palace for the People.

Drake also features at number 10 with Iceman.

The Saudi-led coalition and Iran-backed Houthis traded strikes in a series of military actions. Repeated air raids by the Saudi-led coalition targeted Houthi-controlled areas within Yemen.

At least nine people died and 16 others were injured during a Saudi airstrike in the Saada governorate, according to the Saba news agency. Two pilots lost their lives when a helicopter crashed in Najran, the Saudi-led coalition confirmed.

Riyadh experienced two drone interceptions during the period of heightened activity. The Houthis claimed they downed an Apache helicopter belonging to the Saudi enemy.

Kingdom Centre skyscraper management ordered office tenants to engage in mandatory remote working.

SAFWCO celebrated its 40th anniversary and World Rural Women’s Day during a joint ceremony at the HID Hall, located within the SAFCO Group head office in Hyderabad. The organisation began its journey in 1986, eventually leading to the creation of the SAFCO Support Foundation in 2009.

Since 2022, the SAFCO Microfinance Company Limited (SMCL) has been providing microfinance services to the public. Suleman G. Abro stated that women must be given a stronger and more meaningful role in society.

Abro added that sustainable and inclusive development requires collective effort, commitment, hard work and investment in people’s capabilities. Staff members should be provided with professional freedom, necessary facilities and trust, Abro said.

Syed Sajjad Ali Shah observed that digital technology, climate change and economic challenges are reshaping the microfinance sector. Shah argued that transforming SAFCO Microfinance into a stronger financial institution requires digital systems, effective management, cooperation and strategic partnerships.

Auckland journalist David Farrier released a documentary titled Mister Organ, which examines the predatory practices of a local antique shop. Bashford Antiques, located in Ponsonby, demanded fees reaching $760 from owners to release vehicles from its lot.

Farrier's reporting for The Spinoff prompted the government to introduce new legislation aimed at outlawing extreme clamping fees. Michael Organ, who was hired to police the shop's lot, faced charges for attempting to steal a yacht.

Organ claimed to be a prince and admitted to possessing a key to Farrier's residence. Farrier fled the country to ensure his own safety from Organ.

Viewers can stream the documentary on YouTube, Kanopy, and Hoopla.

Jesse Eisenberg received a Razzie Award for his performance in Batman v Superman. The film generated $424.1 million at the global box office upon its release.

Overall, Batman v Superman secured four Razzies, including a win for worst screenplay. The production also earned a Razzie for worst screen combo, specifically citing Henry Cavill and Ben Affleck.

Eisenberg previously earned an Oscar nomination for best actor for his portrayal of Mark Zuckerberg in The Social Network. David Fincher directed The Social Network, which featured a script written by Aaron Sorkin.

In 2024, Eisenberg released A Real Pain, a project that earned him a nomination for best screenplay. Kieran Culkin won the Oscar for best supporting actor for his work in A Real Pain last year.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met with European Union leaders in Brussels on 15 October. During a press conference, Zelensky offered a knowing smile and remained silent when questioned about whether Donald Trump was scapegoating him for political troubles in the United States.

The Ukrainian leader was also asked if the former US president was lashing out at him to deflect from his own political strife ahead of midterm elections scheduled for next month. Donald Trump previously stated that he found it easier to deal with Russian President Vladimir Putin than with Zelensky.

Zelensky responded to the narrative by saying, "Yesterday was a thousand drones in Ukraine, a thousand, but the American side said that it is difficult to speak with Zelensky, it’s less difficult to manage with Putin." The Ukrainian president added, "This is my answer."

Zelensky said, "Yesterday was a thousand drones in Ukraine, a thousand, but the American side said that it is difficult to speak with Zelensky, it’s less difficult to manage with Putin."

Zelensky

The Sindh Government’s Department of Sports & Youth Affairs organised the Pinktober Sports Gala in Clifton, District South Karachi, to promote breast cancer awareness among women. Munawar Mahesar attended the opening ceremony as the chief guest.

Parliamentary Secretary Saima Agha joined the event alongside Director Sports Asad Ishaq. Syed Habibullah and DSO Fareed Ali were also in attendance at Sporton in Clifton.

Women’s throwball competitions served as a primary feature of the sports programme. The gala took place on 18 October.

Additional Sessions Judge Yalmaz Ghani requested arguments from the legal team representing Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday. The proceedings addressed a miscellaneous application within a Rs10 billion defamation lawsuit filed by Sharif against Imran Khan.

Sharif maintains that Khan made untrue accusations against him regarding the Panama Papers scandal. Muhammad Hussain Chotya delivered arguments concerning the specific application before the court.

Judge Ghani then asked the lawyers for the Prime Minister to provide their own submissions.

Xreal released the Xreal 1 Pro+ today, a spatial computing headset starting at $599. The device utilizes 0.55-inch Sony Micro-OLED panels that provide a resolution of 1,920 × 1,200 pixels.

Brightness levels reach 1,200 nits on the new model, a significant increase from the 700 nits offered by the standard Xreal 1 Pro. Performance is driven by the X1 spatial computing chip, which achieves a motion-to-photon latency of 3ms.

Users can access virtual displays ranging from 34 inches to 556 inches while maintaining a 57-degree field of view. The hardware supports 60fps conversion and includes native 3DoF support.

Xreal added a new AI HDR feature to the software suite. Physical adjustments include a redesigned nose pad with a broader contact area for improved comfort.

Connectivity is handled through USB-C, requiring devices that support DisplayPort Alt Mode.

Bob Greenblatt led NBC Entertainment starting in January 2011, following Comcast's acquisition of a majority stake in the network that same month. The network produced four additional live tuners during his tenure, including the 2013 premiere of Sound of Music Live.

Sound of Music Live reached more than 18 million viewers, surpassing the internal goal of at least 10 million. Six Emmy nominations and one win were earned by the production.

Other notable projects under his oversight included 9 to 5: The Musical with Dolly Parton in 2009 and Jesus Christ Superstar Live featuring John Legend on 1 April 2018. Hairspray Live was filmed at the Universal lot in North Hollywood, while a planned 2017 production of Bye Bye Birdie with Jennifer Lopez never happened.

Greenblatt's leadership role at NBC concluded in the fall of 2018.

Elon Musk settled two lawsuits in Austin, Texas, regarding a pledge to award $1 million daily to a randomly selected registered voter in a 2024 swing state. Two residents of Arizona filed the legal actions, alleging that Musk's lottery was a fraud.

The plaintiffs argued that Musk falsely stated the prizes would be distributed randomly. Philadelphia’s District Attorney also sued to halt the giveaway, claiming Musk was operating an illegal lottery.

Chris Gober, a representative for Musk’s America PAC, stated, "The $1 million recipients are not chosen by chance … We know exactly who will be announced as the $1 million recipient today and tomorrow." Accusations also surfaced that Musk and America PAC used the giveaway as a tactic to gather user information.

The petition for the giveaway contained no restrictions on how America PAC could use or sell the personal data it collected.

Chris Gober, a representative for Musk’s America PAC, stated, "The $1 million recipients are not chosen by chance … We know exactly who will be announced as the $1 million recipient today and tomorrow."

Chris Gober, a representative for Musk’s America PAC

The film Split grossed a worldwide total of $278.45 million. Domestic earnings reached $138.29 million, while the movie generated $140.16 million in international markets.

Production costs for the project totalled $6 million. James McAvoy, Anya Taylor-Joy, Haley Lu Richardson, and Jessica Sula all appeared in the production.

The plot follows a man with 23 distinct personalities who kidnaps three girls. According to the film’s official description, "They must try to escape before the apparent emergence of a frightful new 24th."

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi stated his presidency will end in 2030. The 71-year-old leader, who was reelected in December 2023, has held the office since 2014.

Sisi took power in 2014 after toppling Mohamed Morsi. Constitutional changes from a 2019 referendum increased the presidential term from four years to six years.

The Egyptian Military Academy will conduct a 30-month training programme to prepare potential future leaders. This initiative will target individuals holding PhDs from both domestic and international universities.

A committee led by the speaker of parliament will establish the criteria for selecting these candidates. Regarding the transition, Abdel Fattah al-Sisi described it as "a matter that has been completely settled and will not be discussed."

Abdel Fattah al-Sisi said the transition is "a matter that has been completely settled and will not be discussed."

Abdel Fattah al-Sisi

Beth Cookson stated that these samples marked the first H5 event recorded on the island. The nation became the final continent to report bird flu cases in June.

In late 2025, the H5 virus was detected on Heard Island, where it killed more than 13,000 baby seals. Southern elephant seals, which can reach weights of 3,600 kg, have experienced pup mortality rates exceeding 90 percent in some instances.

Australia's environment department announced it would remove personnel from a research station on Macquarie Island in August. The department cited the "psycho-social risk to expeditioners of a potential H5 avian influenza outbreak" as a reason for the move.

Officials believe the virus could likely cause a significant mortality event for elephant seals during the next breeding season.

Chinese artificial intelligence supply chain companies are expected to maintain their listings in Hong Kong. Simon Yuan noted that companies planning to list in the territory benefit from a nearly equal split between international and domestic Chinese demand.

Local liquidity provides a foundation of support for the market. Capital flowing south from the Chinese mainland is becoming a primary buying force, according to Yuan.

Many hardware players from China have created manufacturing bases outside of the mainland. Global demand for AI infrastructure has enabled Chinese hardware suppliers to achieve higher unit prices and increased sales volumes.

Next year, the focus of Hong Kong's equity capital markets is projected to move toward developers of Chinese AI models and applications. Yuan, who attended IMF meetings in Bangkok, observed that recent valuation drops for data centre companies mostly began in the US market.

The Department of Agriculture Extension in Khyber District launched an agricultural initiative in 2021 to expand local farming. Authorities planted 3,500 olive trees across roughly 58 acres in the Kam Shilman and Loay Shilman areas.

This past year, the project produced more than 80 million tons of olives. Farmers in Shilman now manufacture olive oil and pickles for distribution to Mansehra, Lahore, and Peshawar.

More than 340 Palestinian children have died in Gaza since a cessation of hostilities was announced over a year ago. Hundreds of other children have sustained wounds during the ongoing conflict.

UNICEF reports that nearly half of the children killed since the truce began died in areas near the Yellow Line. This boundary demarcates the military presence of Israel.

Continued military aggression by Israel has turned the ceasefire into a diplomatic facade. Repeated invocations of security concerns by Israel cannot justify the killing of children.

Israel must be compelled to stop unlawful attacks and allow the unrestricted delivery of essential humanitarian aid.

A delegation from Markazi Anjuman-e-Arain met with the leadership of the Sialkot Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) to discuss regional interests. Asad Naseer Malik, the Senior Vice President of SCCI, received the visitors alongside Vice President Chaudhry Jahangir Rashid.

Mian Khalid Mahmood, a Member of the Board of Elders of Markazi Anjuman-e-Arain, joined the group representing the community. Chaudhry Faheem Nawaz, who serves as the President of Anjuman-e-Arain, led the group alongside Secretary General Mehr Afzaal Ashiq.

The visiting party included Mehr Ashiq Hussain, Mian Sohail Iqbal, Mian Salman Islam, Hasnain Spall, Mian Muhammad Nawaz, Mian Anjum, Mehr Mudassar Munir Taham, Mian Ahsan Inam Majeed, Mian Shahid Pervaiz, and Professor Asif Saleem. SCCI leaders reaffirmed their commitment to working collaboratively with the community for the betterment of Sialkot.

The government approved the release of Rs2 billion to revive the small industry. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif approved a business plan to revamp and transform the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (Smeda).

Rs2 billion was allocated in the federal budget for the 2026-27 financial year to fund approved interventions under the Smeda plan. A dedicated assignment account for these funds was established at the National Bank of Pakistan main branch in Lahore under the Accountant General Pakistan Revenues sub-office.

The Finance Division agreed to the release of the Rs2 billion in favour of Smeda. The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) approved the proposal for a technical supplementary grant of Rs2 billion.

The Ministry of Industries and Production briefed the ECC on these measures during a recent meeting.

Khawar Hussain Spall met with Mian Hammad Umer on 17 October to address difficulties faced by traders and exporters in receiving payments via e-commerce platforms. The two officials exchanged views on payment-related obstacles encountered by the business community when conducting international trade through online marketplaces like Alibaba.com.

Exploring secure, efficient, and convenient digital payment solutions to facilitate Sialkot’s exporters and traders formed the core focus of the discussion. Participants highlighted the necessity of improving payment mechanisms to ensure smooth transactions and support the city’s export-oriented business activities.

The meeting underscored the importance of coordination between the banking sector and the business community to facilitate digital commerce for Sialkot's traders.

Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) will shut down its 24-inch Sher Shah mainline overnight to conduct repair work. The maintenance operation is set to start at 22:00 on 17 October and conclude by 09:00 on 18 October.

Low gas pressure might impact several Karachi areas, including Baldia Town, Ittehad Town, Saeedabad, Naval Colony, Musharraf Colony, and Mawach Goth, if the work takes longer than planned. Parts of Orangi Town, such as Gulshan-e-Bahar, Gulshan-e-Zia, Sector 16, and Ghaziabad, could also experience a decline in pressure.

Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik instructed the SSGC board to create a sustainable business strategy. Malik also stressed the importance of decreasing unaccounted-for gas.

Management reported that gas losses by volume in Karachi have dropped by approximately 57%. Domestic consumers have been receiving gas three times every day.

All member nations supported a statement from the chair summarising the International Monetary and Financial Committee meeting. Mohammed al-Jadaan, who leads the IMF’s steering committee, noted that the group achieved its purpose for gathering.

Al-Jadaan said, "We came here for a reason, and we achieved it. Look at this chair statement, it clearly says that all members agreed to the statement, so that’s what matters." A minor walkout occurred while the Russian finance minister delivered a speech during the proceedings.

Mohammed al-Jadaan said, "We came here for a reason, and we achieved it. Look at this chair statement, it clearly says that all members agreed to the statement, so that’s what matters."

Mohammed al-Jadaan

Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) will suspend gas supply in parts of Rawalpindi city and the cantonment starting at 20:30 on 17 October. The shutdown is necessary to link a section of the primary gas pipeline during the construction of the Peshawar Road underpass.

Work is scheduled to continue until 06:00 on 18 October, at which point the supply is expected to resume. Both sides of Murree Road from Saddar to Faizabad will experience the outage.

The stretch of Peshawar Road between Golra Mor and Saddar is also included in the affected zone. Qasim Market, Westridge, and other areas along Peshawar Road are also slated for the interruption.

Pakistan's Foreign Office stated that any successful dialogue with Afghanistan requires a commitment from Kabul to end cross-border terrorism. The government remains open to engagement provided it produces tangible results.

Earlier in October 2026, representatives from Pakistan and the Taliban regime met in Russia for regional consultations. No joint communique was issued during the Moscow Format talks because the Taliban objected to including any references to terrorism.

Russia offered its good offices to resolve the current impasse between the two nations. The Foreign Office clarified it was not aware of any formal Russian mediation initiative.

Qatar, Turkiye, Saudi Arabia, and China have also attempted to mediate between Pakistan and Afghanistan. Russia currently stands as the only state that recognises the Taliban regime.

The Russian state has been targeted by IS-K terrorism. The Foreign Office called for a "verifiable mechanism" to address these issues.

China's economy expanded by 4.5% year-on-year during the third quarter, according to data released by the Bureau of Statistics (NBS) on Monday. The nation recorded a 4.6% growth rate for the period spanning January to September.

This performance aligns with the government's annual growth target of between 4.5% and 5.0%. Industrial output rose by 5.5% in September, while retail sales saw a modest increase of 1.1% during the same month.

A widening trade surplus in September exceeded analyst expectations. To support the economy, China tapped an 800 billion yuan policy-based financing tool and allocated 550 billion yuan ($82.28 billion) in unused government debt quotas.

Infrastructure investment fell by 4.2%, and fixed-asset investment dropped 7.2% over the first nine months. Property investment plummeted by 20.6% in September during the first nine months of the year.

The economy grew 1.2% in the third quarter.

Pakistan is prioritising the creation of an indigenous nuclear deterrent programme as a core policy imperative, a strategy initiated in the mid-1960s. The Chagai test required a development period exceeding 20 years.

Current annual IT exports from the country total $4.6bn. Artificial intelligence technology poses a threat to entry-level coding, call centres, and freelancing jobs.

High-end sensors, drones, and electronic warfare systems now rely on AI technology. Corporate compute bills for AI might reach hundreds of millions of dollars by the end of the decade.

Zulfikar Ali Bhutto stated, "WE will eat grass or leaves, even go hungry, but we will get one of our own … We have no other choice!"

Spot gold rose 0.3 per cent to $4,175.60 per ounce as the market opened the week. US gold futures for December delivery gained 0.4 per cent to reach $4,196.40.

Tim Waterer, chief market analyst at KCM Trade, said, "Gold is posting a modest rise to start the week. The metal is responding positively to the softer tone in oil prices from an inflation standpoint." Silver prices climbed 0.9 per cent to $57.54 per ounce, while platinum gained 0.7 per cent to $1,642.29.

Palladium prices rose 1.5 per cent to $1,129.13. US import prices increased more than expected during September.

President Donald Trump waived tariffs and sanctions on Russia. The CME’s FedWatch Tool shows traders pricing in a 16 per cent chance of a rate hike this month.

Data from the same tool indicates a 92 per cent probability of an interest rate increase in December.

A Russian air strike killed one woman and injured three people in a Kyiv subway station on the left bank of the city. The bombardment also struck a medical facility and several non-residential buildings.

Damage was reported to a 25-storey residential building during the same offensive. President Volodymyr Zelenskiy stated that the United States has resumed sharing critical intelligence to assist Ukraine.

Earlier this month, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner visited Kyiv. Russia began its invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

Kenya confirmed one new Ebola case on 19 October, bringing the national total of infections to eight. The patient is a 49-year-old man who is not a healthcare worker.

Symptoms including muscle pain, headache, and fever appeared in the man on 18 October. Patrick Amoth stated, "Today, 38 people were tested, and one tested positive for Ebola."

The man worked as a patient attendant responsible for cleaning linens and utensils before being placed in quarantine. Kenya's initial case involved a man who arrived from the Democratic Republic of Congo and died in a Nairobi hospital on 5 October.

Meanwhile, the Democratic Republic of Congo reported the outbreak reached an eighth province, North Ubangi, on 19 October. Infections in the Democratic Republic of Congo have now exceeded 8,000.

Anthropic will dedicate 5% of its shares to a public benefit fund as it prepares for a potential stock market listing. The company could reach a valuation exceeding $1 trillion upon entering the public market.

The proposed fund aims to provide support for nonprofit organisations and initiatives addressing the impact of artificial intelligence on the job market. Anthropic stated that the firm believes AI could pose "catastrophic or existential risks to humanity".

The board of directors maintains the discretion to award an additional 2% of the firm's shares to the Public Benefit Fund. None of the shares held by the fund will be used for political donations or lobbying activities in the United States or abroad.

Elon Musk said, "I recommend giving the shares directly to the public," and added, "This is what I will be doing".

Pakistan passed the 27th Constitutional amendment in 2025. The 26th Constitutional amendment was also enacted in 2024.

Legislative chambers recently endorsed the imposition of an emergency in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Federal ministers stated that the deposed Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government maintained ties with terrorist organisations.

The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party maintains that the 2024 election was stolen. Despite these recent changes, the PTI secured a plurality in the national legislature during the 2024 election.

Historical milestones include the 1973 adoption of the Constitution and the 2010 unanimous passage of the 18th Constitutional Amendment. Earlier political developments saw Benazir Bhutto and Nawaz Sharif agree to the Charter of Democracy in 2006.

The country experienced a breakup in 1971, while the NWFP government was removed just seven days after independence. Observers note that both civilian and military governments have steadily eroded the independence of the judiciary.

The government moved the administrative control of the Public Private Partnership Authority (P3A) from the Planning Division to the Privatisation Division. Powers were shifted to the provinces following the 18th Amendment, which moved responsibilities such as agriculture, education, and health downward.

Qualified Projects are classified as such because they require specific government backing. The Public Private Partnership Authority (P3A) subjects these Qualified Projects to a more rigorous review process.

Federal development expenditure reached approximately Rs1.05 trillion during the same period. The Finance Division reported that circular debt amounted to about Rs1.89 trillion in FY25.

Total power purchase costs reached roughly Rs2.94 trillion in FY25, according to the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra).

The 300-year-old traditional clay toy ghughu ghoray has virtually disappeared from the modern marketplace. Craftsmen and potters have abandoned the profession, leading to a sharp decline in production since the early 20th century.

Nomadic women from various communities sold these toys during the 19th century. Historical links connect ghughu ghoray to the ancient Indus Valley Civilization of Harappa and Mohenjo-daro.

Potters and nomadic tribes in Punjab, specifically in Multan and Attock, traditionally manufactured the items. Artisans created the clay versions using fine soil gathered from the Chenab and Ravi rivers.

Nomadic tribes also produced a variation of the toy using straw, reeds, waste paper, and old cloth. Cheap plastic and electronic toys imported from China have contributed significantly to the decline of ghughu ghoray.

Kamil Shah has operated a toy shop in Rawalpindi for the last 24 years.

Security forces conducted operations against militants in Kalat while an improvised explosive device blast in Pasni killed Major Wajahat Waheed. Mohsin Naqvi paid tribute to the security forces on 19 October and offered his condolences to the family of the deceased officer.

The Education Minister stated that Major Wajahat had laid down his life for peace in the country and would remain immortal for his sacrifice. Naqvi added that every drop of blood shed by Major Wajahat and other martyrs served as a guarantee for the country’s security and protection.

The officer would always live in the hearts of the nation, according to the minister. The nation would always remember the great sacrifice made by the martyred officer, Naqvi said.

The Nikkei 225 fell 2.05% to 63,984.45 as investors reacted to rising energy costs and a slump in technology shares. Oil prices jumped more than 3% during the session, contributing to market volatility.

The Topix index also slipped 1.22% to finish at 4,016.34. A total of 147 decliners outweighed 78 advancers within the Nikkei 225.

Taiyo Yuden saw its shares drop 7.42% as part of a broader decline in chip-related equities. Sumitomo Electric Ind. fell 5.96%, while Sumco lost 5.88% in trading.

Toho rose 3.64% and Baycurrent gained 2.80% despite the general downward trend. Aeon recorded a gain of 2.14% during the period.

Bank of Japan Governor Kazuo Ueda noted that underlying inflation is “quite close” to the central bank’s 2% target. Yuta Okamoto, market analyst at Tokai Tokyo Intelligence Laboratory, said, "While chip-related stocks drag the index down, buying of value and defensive stocks should underpin the market."

Property investment in China fell 20.6% year-on-year during the first nine months of the year. Data from the January-August period shows a 19.9% annual decline in investment within the same sector.

Sales of property by floor area decreased by 13.2% over the nine-month timeframe. A 12.1% drop in floor area sales was recorded specifically during the first eight months.

New construction starts measured by floor area dived 24.9% as the industry faces cooling demand. The January-to-August period saw these construction starts tumble 24.8% compared to the previous year.

Property developers saw a 21.6% reduction in the funds they raised during the first nine months. Capital raised by developers fell 21.0% in the first eight months of the year.

The Exchange Rates Committee of the Financial Markets Association of Pakistan released its latest Exchange Rates Bulletin on 19 October 2026. Conversion rates for the date were set with a State Bank of Pakistan settlement value date of 21 October.

The United States dollar is priced at 276.8730, while the British pound stands at 368.7672. European currency and Japanese yen values were fixed at 311.2606 and 1.7519 respectively.

The Capital Development Authority (CDA) did not lease or rent out any hotel or restaurant plots in Islamabad during the last five years. Interior Minister Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi submitted a written response to the Senate regarding this matter.

Senator Haji Hidayatullah Khan requested specific details on the authority's leasing activities for restaurant and hotel sites in the federal capital. The official response from the Ministry of Interior and Narcotics Control stated that no leasing occurred in these categories over the five-year period.

No information regarding rental terms, specific properties, or generated revenue was included in the government's submission.

The Sindh Kabaddi team secured victory in the final of a two-day tournament held at the Exhibition Ground in Sukkur on 18 October. Sindh defeated Punjab to claim the championship title.

The Sindh Sports and Youth Affairs Department organised the event following directives from the Government of Sindh. Officials stated the competition was arranged to promote regional sports.

Teams from both Sindh and Punjab competed in the tournament. Munwar Ali Mahesar attended the final match as the chief guest.

Deputy Director Sports Mir Muhammad and District Sports Officer Akhlaq Memon were also in attendance. Participants included Janab Umrani, Shahnawaz Mirani, Amanat Chachar, Shano Malik, and Aamir Fauji.

Trophies and cash prizes were awarded during the closing ceremony.

Additional IG Punjab Imran Arshad presided over the second phase of the promotion board meeting for Sub Inspectors moving to the rank of Inspector. More than 300 cases of Sub Inspectors are currently under consideration for the promotion.

Last month, the first phase of the promotion board meeting resulted in 71 officers being promoted to Inspector. DIG Establishment 2 Suleman Sultan Rana attended the proceedings alongside DIG Headquarters Dr. Muhammad Abid Khan.

DIG Establishment 1 Abdul Qadir Qamar and AIG Discipline Rana Tahir ul Rahman were also present at the meeting.

District administration officials launched a large-scale operation to clear illegal encroachments in Garhi Qamar Din along the Ring Road. Deputy Commissioner Afaq Wazir supervised the proceedings alongside representatives from the Peshawar Development Authority.

Wazir stated the initiative seeks to remove obstructions from the Ring Road and nearby zones to assist commuters and enhance traffic flow. Authorities will persist with the clearance efforts until every illegal structure is gone.

The administration plans to implement measures to stop people from reconstructing these illegal buildings. Wazir urged shopkeepers and residents to refrain from occupying roads, footpaths, and other public walkways.

Pakistan will launch a nationwide transition to e-passports on 23 October 2026. Passport offices throughout the country and Pakistani diplomatic missions overseas will issue exclusively e-passports to new applicants from that date.

The Consulate General of Pakistan in New York shared the updated timeline on 14 October 2026. In Doha, the Embassy of Pakistan will start providing e-passports on 25 October 2026.

The Doha mission will continue to provide machine-readable passports (MRPs) until 22 October 2026. Machine-readable passports issued prior to 23 October 2026 will stay valid until their original expiry dates.

Individuals holding valid MRPs are not required to swap their documents before they expire.

Justice Syed Hasan Azhar Rizvi took the oath of office as Acting Chief Justice of the Federal Constitutional Court of Pakistan on 19 October. Justice Aamer Farooq administered the oath to Rizvi during the ceremony.

The Acting Chief Justice will perform the duties of the court while Chief Justice Amin-ud-Din Khan remains on an official visit to Azerbaijan until 24 October. In July 2026, the Conference of Constitutional Courts and Institutions Exercising Constitutional Jurisdiction of the Turkic World granted the court observer status.

The Federal Constitutional Court of Pakistan dismissed an appeal filed by Benazir Bhutto Shaheed University, Peshawar, on Monday. By rejecting the university's challenge, the court upheld a previous judgment in favour of Syeda Laila.

Syeda Laila was granted a government scholarship of Rs5.6 million to complete her PhD, according to Rehmanullah. In exchange for this funding, the scholar was obligated to serve at Benazir Bhutto Shaheed University for three years.

Rehmanullah stated that Laila remained on leave for 196 days during that three-year commitment. The university failed to appoint Laila as an assistant professor after she finished her service.

Instead, the institution recruited an external candidate to fill the assistant professor vacancy.

The Debut concluded the London Film Festival with a screening on Sunday night at the Royal Festival Hall. Jesse Eisenberg wrote and directed the production, which A24 is distributing.

Julianne Moore portrays Mona Friedman, a reserved housewife from New Jersey who auditions for a part in a fictional musical titled "Nosy Neighbors." Friedman eventually secures the supporting role of Miss Danielle.

Paul Giamatti appears as director Jerry Blankenbuehler. The cast also includes Halle Bailey, Colton Ryan, Bonnie Milligan, Bernadette Peters, Lilli Cooper, Maulik Pancholy, and Havana Rose Liu.

The film is scheduled for a theatrical release on 11 December 2026.

The Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education Peshawar awarded 72 marks in Biology to a class 9 matric student following directions from the Peshawar High Court. Previously, the student had been given zero marks for the subject.

Advocate Arif Khan, the father of student Abdul Aziz, initiated the legal process by approaching the court. Representing the family in court was Advocate Amin Yousafzai.

The family's initial request for a recheck failed to resolve the issue. Yousafzai stated that board officials initially insisted the original result was correct and that the marks would not be changed.

The family avoided publicising the case because they feared the student might face unfair treatment in his tenth-grade examination. Shah Nawaz Khan claimed that the jump from zero to 72 marks necessitates a serious review of rechecking and examination procedures.

The board chairman did not respond to repeated calls for comment.

OxfordAQA participated in KGS Wellness Connect 2026 to address student mental health and academic pressure. More than 57 counsellors attended the event, representing 28 different schools located across Karachi.

The organisation led a specific session focused on Managing Exam Stress to provide educators with practical tools. Salma Adil, Director of OxfordAQA Pakistan, said, "Student wellbeing is an essential part of a meaningful educational experience. While academic achievement remains important, students are best placed to succeed when they feel supported, understood, and able to manage the challenges they encounter both inside and outside the classroom."

Adil added that initiatives like KGS Wellness Connect allow practitioners to exchange perspectives and explore approaches that place wellbeing at the heart of education.

The National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) has established the formal process for individuals to update their names on Computerized National Identity Cards (CNIC). Applicants must provide a formal request alongside the new name and the CRMS number from a verified computerized birth certificate.

These birth certificates are required to be issued by a cantonment board, municipal committee, or union council. A single name change is permitted for a citizen during their lifetime.

Women are permitted to change their names following a marriage. Individuals seeking a name change due to a conversion of religion must submit a certificate from a Dar-ul-Ifta.

Instead of providing photocopies of supporting documents, people should supply the relevant document numbers issued by the concerned union council or NADRA.

China State Construction Engineering Corporation Ltd. has been selected to rehabilitate sections of the National Highway N-5 in Sindh. A 100 million USD Chinese grant provides the funding for this infrastructure initiative.

The National Highway Authority (NHA) is responsible for implementing the project under the Ministry of Communications. On 27 February, the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) approved the contract, which is now drafted for signing.

Work on the highway is intended to enhance driving conditions and road safety for commuters. Officials expect the rehabilitation to decrease transportation delays and reduce vehicle operating costs.

Improving logistics efficiency through this project will also strengthen domestic supply chains.

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) issued a warning to the public regarding online scams during Cybersecurity Awareness Week 2026. Cybercriminals employ fraudulent calls, messages, and links to obtain personal information and infiltrate user accounts.

Fraudsters may pose as representatives from government departments, companies, or banks while offering misleading messages and fake prizes. Users are urged by the PTA to avoid clicking on suspicious links, responding to unverified calls, or sharing passwords.

The authority advised people to never disclose account passwords, personal identification numbers (PINs), or one-time passwords (OTPs). To improve security, the PTA recommended that individuals enable two-factor authentication and keep their applications and devices updated.

Limiting the amount of personal information shared on online platforms is another measure suggested by the regulator.

Selena Gomez revealed that heavy nicotine vaping changed her voice in a video posted to her Instagram Story on 18 October. The 34-year-old actress stated that stopping the habit was difficult, though she expressed excitement about her progress.

Gomez noted that her throat sometimes swells on the inside as a result of her past usage. She shared her hope of maintaining her sobriety from vaping despite the challenges involved.

Last December, the singer and actress did not mention vaping when responding to fan inquiries about her voice during an Instagram Live session. Gomez, who launched Rare Beauty in 2020, stars in and executive produces the Hulu comedy series Only Murders in the Building.

Steve Martin and Martin Short also star in the series, which returns on 8 December for its sixth season. The upcoming season moves the setting to London under the title Only Murders in London.

Elina Svitolina is divorcing Gael Monfils after a marriage that lasted five years. The couple wed in July 2021 and have a daughter who is four years old.

Svitolina, who currently ranks as world number 6, stated, "I need to find my way back to myself and I cannot do that within our marriage." The 32-year-old athlete added, "It is the hardest truth I have ever had to face and the hardest thing I have ever had to tell the person I love."

Monfils, who is 40 years old, retired from professional tennis earlier this month. Organisers noted that Monfils withdrew from the ATP 250 tournament in Lyon for personal reasons despite being granted a wildcard for the event.

Huawei is reportedly preparing to launch a new smartphone sub-brand called Starlight, known as Xingmang in Chinese. The company intends for Starlight to serve as a more affordable option primarily focused on online sales channels.

Several models under the Starlight name are already in the development phase. One specific Starlight model is being designed to include an active cooling fan.

Starlight phones are expected to be powered by Huawei’s in-house Kirin 8-series or Kirin 9-series chips. The manufacturer currently operates four main smartphone lines to reach different consumer segments.

Premium buyers are currently served by the Mate and Pura series. Nova targets customers interested in imaging and design, specifically through offline sales channels.

The Enjoy series serves the lower-cost segment of the market. HarmonyOS has reportedly surpassed 90 million devices running versions 6 and 7.

The operating system currently ranks as the third-largest in the world.

The Pakistani rupee closed at 276.90 against the US dollar after gaining Re0.01 in the latest trading session. During the previous week, the currency appreciated by 0.03% within the inter-bank market.

Brent crude futures dropped by $2.29, or 2.08%, reaching $107.57 a barrel by 0619 GMT. US West Texas Intermediate crude fell $1.95, or 1.92%, to $99.46 a barrel.

The euro declined 0.1% to $1.1225 as trading commenced in Asia. In offshore trade, the US dollar remained steady at 6.6842 yuan.

The US dollar traded level at 101.83 and remained flat at 158.00 yen. Indonesian equities collapsed 11.6% last week following a threat from MSCI to downgrade the Indonesian stock market to "standalone" status.

US President Donald Trump waived sanctions and tariffs on Russia. Bank of Japan Governor Kazuo Ueda stated that underlying inflation is "quite close" to the central bank’s 2% target.

Hot and dry weather will continue in Karachi until Friday. Temperatures in the city might reach 38°C by Friday.

After Friday, the mercury is expected to settle between 34°C and 36°C. Cooler nights have already started to occur in the city.

Night-time temperatures are projected to drop to approximately 22°C in the coming days. The overall temperature pattern is likely to stay warmer than normal.

Daytime temperatures could range between 33°C and 35°C during the month of November. Night-time readings are expected to stay between 19°C and 22°C throughout November.

The normal daytime temperature for Karachi in November is 32.6°C. Usual night-time temperatures for the city in November are 17.7°C.

Both daytime and night-time temperatures may remain above these monthly averages.

Elon Musk announced he will distribute a share of his rocket company, SpaceX, to every child living in the United States next year. Musk stated, "This will be the first of many," regarding the planned distribution.

The United States Census Bureau reports that approximately 73 million children under the age of 18 reside in the country. Forbes reports that Musk holds a 38 per cent ownership stake in SpaceX.

SpaceX secured $85.7 billion in funding during June. The company's Starship megarocket achieved its first orbital flight in September.

Donald Trump, the US President, promised to provide $5,000 to every American adult if the Republican party maintains control of Congress in the November midterm elections.

Elon Musk said, "Next year, I will give one of my SpaceX shares to every kid in America."

Elon Musk