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PM SHEHBAZ SEEKS STRONGER BAHRAIN TIES IN TRADE, ENERGY

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Friday, 9 October, 2026 | 26 Rabius Sani, 1448

ECONOMIC COOPERATION, REGIONAL PEACE DOMINATE SHEHBAZ-AL ZAYANI TALKS

TRADE, INVESTMENT AND ENERGY IDENTIFIED AS KEY AREAS FOR EXPANDED PARTNERSHIP

JMC SESSION EXPECTED TO GIVE FRESH IMPETUS TO MULTIFACETED BILATERAL RELATIONS

Rs 20.00 | Vol XVII No 195 | 8 Pages | Lahore Edition

BAHRAIN FM APPRECIATES PAKISTAN’S MEDIATION EFFORTS FOR REGIONAL STABILITY

ISLAMABAD, MANAMA REAFFIRM LONGSTANDING BROTHERLY TIES AND CLOSER COORDINATION

Bahrain pushes to fast-track Pakistan-GCC FTA ISLAMABAD

STAFF REPORT

ISLAMABAD MIAN ABRAR

RIME Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday expressed satisfaction over the steady improvement in Pakistan-Bahrain relations and reaffirmed Islamabad’s resolve to further expand cooperation with the Gulf kingdom in trade, investment, energy and human resource development. Bahrain’s Foreign Minister Dr Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani called on the prime minister during his visit to Pakistan to co-chair the third session of the Pak-

istan-Bahrain Joint Ministerial Commission (JMC) with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar. Prime Minister Shehbaz warmly welcomed the Bahraini foreign minister and conveyed his best wishes to the leadership and people of Bahrain. He underscored Pakistan’s deep appreciation for its longstanding and brotherly ties with Bahrain, describing the relationship as rooted in shared values, mutual trust and close people-to-people contacts. Mr Al Zayani conveyed the greetings and good wishes of Bahrain’s leadership to the prime minister and reaffirmed Manama’s commitment to further strengthening bilateral coopera-

Pakistan rejects report of PAF strikes on Houthis ISLAMABAD

Bahrain is working to expedite approval of a free trade agreement between Pakistan and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Bahraini Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani said on Thursday, as the two countries agreed to broaden cooperation across trade, investment, energy and several other sectors. The remarks came during the third session of the Pakistan-Bahrain Joint Ministerial Commission (JMC), cochaired by Al Zayani and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar in Islamabad.

tion in mutually beneficial areas. The two sides also exchanged views on regional and international developments and stressed the importance of maintaining regular consultations and coordination on issues of common interest. The Bahraini foreign minister appreciated Pakistan’s constructive role and mediation efforts aimed at promoting

Addressing a joint press briefing, the Bahraini foreign minister said the JMC discussions covered more than 15 areas and produced agreements to strengthen bilateral economic and institutional cooperation. He said the two sides had agreed to establish a joint working group on trade and investment and to convene the joint working group on energy next month to discuss cooperation in oil, gas and minerals. The countries also agreed to expand cooperation in food security, information technology, law enforcement, media, labour mobility, health, education, culture and sports.

Continued on page 03

peace and stability in the region. Prime Minister Shehbaz expressed confidence that the third session of the Joint Ministerial Commission would provide fresh momentum to bilateral cooperation and contribute to further deepening the multifaceted relationship between the two countries.

Continued on page 03

pakistan, Bahrain further reinforce defence and security partnership

STAFF CORRESPONDENT

The Ministry of Information on Thursday rejected as “fake and fabricated” a New York Times report claiming that Pakistan Air Force (PAF) aircraft were being used against Yemen’s Houthis amid escalating fighting between the group and Saudi Arabia. The ministry said the report, published on October 7, attributed the claim to an unnamed source and alleged that PAF fighter jets were being employed against the Houthis. In a post on X, the ministry categorically denied the report, saying the New York Times story “attributing the employment of PAF aircraft against Houthis is fake and fabricated”. It urged international media organisations to refrain from speculative reporting about the possible employment of Pakistani military forces under the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement. “Details of any deployment, if necessary, will be given by the authorities concerned,” the ministry said. Earlier, the ministry had also described as “speculative” a Reuters report claiming that Pakistan had deployed between 30,000 and 40,000 troops to Saudi Arabia. The latest denial comes days after Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye agreed to move towards the rapid deployment of military forces and capabilities in the kingdom during an emergency meeting of the Makkah Defence Alliance in Riyadh. The three countries signed the defence pact on August 7 to strengthen collective deterrence and establish a framework under which an attack on one member would be treated as an attack against all. According to the Foreign Office, the alliance’s members agreed at Monday’s meeting to immediately begin practical implementation of their collective defence commitments and take necessary measures to provide agreed military forces and capabilities for rapid deployment in Saudi Arabia, subject to approved arrangements and the national laws of the three countries.

Asif rules out any concession to PTI 'under pressure' ISLAMABAD

STAFF REPORT

Defence Minister Khawaja Asif on Thursday ruled out any concessions to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) under pressure, warning that the government would not bow to a long march or what he described as the party’s attempts to “blackmail” the state. Speaking to media at Parliament House, the minister accused PTI of acting in concert with the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), alleging that the party had adopted a confrontational approach towards the government while terrorists operated freely in parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. “PTI has declared war against Pakistan together with the TTP,” Mr Asif alleged, dismissing as “wishful thinking” the notion that a long march could force the government to accept its demands. “The government cannot be blackmailed by them under any circumstances,” he said, alleging that PTI had made a practice of “attacking Islamabad” every few months. The defence minister also questioned PTI’s position on the TTP and its alleged Afghan patrons, asking the party to produce any statement condemning the militant group or those whom he accused of sponsoring it. “The rulers of Kabul are patrons of the TTP,” he alleged, challenging PTI to show a statement against them. Mr Asif claimed terrorists were being financed and operating openly in several districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, alleging that the provincial government had little or no writ in those areas. He questioned the presence and role of the KP chief minister in the province while terrorists allegedly operated there, describing the situation as a serious issue for the country. The minister said what he termed links and coordination between the groups were becoming increasingly apparent, calling the alleged conduct “dishonesty against the country and Pakistan”. Referring to previous remarks by a senior PTI leader about causing destruction in Islamabad, Mr Asif said the statement reflected the party’s broader sentiments. “If they resort to blackmail, I see no relief for [Imran Khan] in the future,” he warned, making it clear that the government would not provide relief to the PTI founder under pressure.

Govt cannot change petroleum levy targets without consulting multilateral partners: minister ISLAMABAD

STAFF REPORT

RAWALPINDI STAFF REPORT

Pakistan and Bahrain on Thursday moved to further reinforce their defence and security partnership, with Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir pledging to expand military cooperation with Manama amid discussions on the evolving regional security landscape. Gen Asim Munir made this

pledge in a meeting with FM Al Zayani at the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi on Thursday, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR). The military’s media wing further said matters of mutual interest, the regional security situation and bilateral defence and security cooperation came under discussion during the meeting. CDF Munir underscored the longstanding fraternal relations between Pakistan and Bahrain,

describing the ties as being rooted in shared values and mutual respect. The visiting Bahraini dignitary appreciated the professionalism and operational preparedness of the Pakistan Armed Forces, ISPR said. Al Zayani also reaffirmed Bahrain’s resolve to further enhance bilateral cooperation and acknowledged Pakistan’s contributions towards regional peace and stability.

Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik has said the government cannot change petroleum levy targets allocated in the budget without consulting its multilateral partners. “The targets for the petroleum levy are allocated in the budget, and we cannot change them without our multilateral partners,” Malik said during a meeting of the National Assembly Standing Committee on Petroleum. Committee Chairman Mustafa Mahmood said diesel availability was more important than petrol as agriculture and goods transport were dependent on the fuel. “Why is there such a high levy on petrol and diesel?” committee member Saif-ul-Mulook Khokhar asked, describing the levy as a “very heavy burden” on the public and saying it was an easy means of tax collection. Malik said regional tensions had affected the supply of petrol, diesel and crude oil, describing the resulting disruption to oil supplies as a major crisis. “The world has never seen diesel this expensive,” the petroleum minister said, adding that the government was aware of the difficulties faced by the public. He said the petroleum levy was a form of non-tax revenue, while PPP leader Naveed Qamar said parliamentarians did not vote on the levy because it remained in the executive’s hands.

iMF reaches staﬀ-level agreement with pakistan, paving way for $1.21bn disbursement PROFIT

MONITORING REPORT

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has reached a staff-level agreement with Pakistan on the fourth review under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) and the third review under the Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF), paving the way for approximately $1.21 billion in financing, subject to approval by the IMF Executive Board. In a statement, the IMF said Pakistan would gain access to approximately $1 billion (SDR 760 million) under the EFF and $210 million (SDR 154 million) under the RSF following board approval, bringing total disbursements under the two arrangements to around $5.7 billion. The agreement follows discussions held in Karachi and Islamabad from September 23 to October 7, led by IMF mission chief Iva Petrova, as part of the 2026 Article IV

consultation, the fourth EFF review and the third RSF review. “The IMF team has reached a staff-level agreement with the Pakistani authorities on the fourth review of the 37-month Extended Arrangement under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) and the third review of the 28month arrangement under the Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF),” Petrova said. The IMF said implementation under the EFF had remained broadly on track despite a challenging external environment, with authorities committed to preserving macroeconomic stability, strengthening public finances, controlling inflation and improving energy sector viability. “Supported by the EFF, the authorities have successfully navigated the impact of the Middle East conflict, and strong policies have helped preserve macroeconomic stability,” Petrova said. According to the Fund, Pakistan's real

GDP growth reached 4% during the first three quarters of FY26, although higher energy prices and supply disruptions subsequently weakened economic momentum. The IMF estimated overall FY26 economic growth at 3.6%. Headline inflation, after peaking in May, moderated to approximately 10.3% in September, while core inflation remained contained. The Fund said Pakistan's current account was broadly balanced during FY26, supported by strong workers' remittances, while gross foreign exchange reserves increased to approximately $21.5 billion by the end of September. It also noted that sovereign credit rating upgrades and renewed access to international financial markets indicated stronger policy credibility. However, the IMF cautioned that economic risks remained elevated. “Nevertheless, risks remain high, par-

ticularly from geopolitical tensions, volatile energy prices, tighter global financial conditions, and trade disruptions,” Petrova said. The IMF said Pakistani authorities re-

mained committed to strengthening social protection and accelerating reforms to support sustainable, inclusive and private sector-led economic growth.

02 NEWS

WHEAT AND FLOUR PRICES SURGE IN LAHORE AND KARACHI AMID SUPPLY SHORTAGES

PROFIT

MoNitoriNg report

HEAT prices have surged to Rs5,200 per 40kg in Punjab, rising by Rs400 in four days, while flour millers in Karachi have increased prices by Rs14 per kg amid tightening grain supplies and delays in the release of government wheat stocks to mills. As per reports, the increase has pushed the price of an 80kg fine flour bag in Lahore up by Rs1,000 to Rs12,500, while a 15kg wheat flour bag is now selling for Rs2,300 following a Rs300 increase over the past few days. Prices of suji and other wheat-based products have also increased as traders report tightening supplies in the open market. In Karachi, flour millers have raised prices of various flour varieties by an aver-

Trump administration plans to charge international students $70,000 for work authorization

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TPL Insurance renamed JazzSure Insurance after VEON subsidiary acquires 76.33% stake PROFIT

News Desk

TPL Insurance Limited has officially changed its name to JazzSure Insurance Limited following the acquisition of a 76.33% controlling stake by Jazz International Holding Limited, a subsidiary of global digital operator VEON Ltd. In a notice to the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) on Thursday, the company said the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) had issued a certificate of incorporation confirming the name change, effective from the same date. The development follows the completion of Jazz International Holding's acquisition of a controlling stake in TPL Insurance on July 13, 2026. Raed This: Jazz International takes control of TPL Insurance after acquiring 76.33% stake According to the disclosure, Jazz International Holding now owns 76.33% of the company's issued share capital. Following the acquisition, shareholders approved a resolution at an extraordinary general meeting held on October 2 to change the company's name from TPL Insurance Limited to JazzSure Insurance Limited.

did not pass on to consumers. Some retailers alleged that millers had suspended flour supplies for several days before announcing the latest increases, leaving shops without adequate stocks. A Karachi-based miller said wheat prices in the open market had increased to Rs138 per kg from the earlier range of Rs125-130 per kg. He said wheat and flour prices were increasing across the country, adding that the latest increase was not linked to anticipated wheat imports, which are expected to arrive in October or November. Meanwhile, flour millers in Punjab have raised concerns over delays in the release of government wheat quotas at subsidised rates

for more than two weeks. According to industry sources, flour mills are required to make advance payments to obtain government wheat allocations. Mills have deposited payments based on a price differential of Rs875 per 100kg for federal government wheat, but the Punjab Food Directorate has yet to release the grain. As a result, millers are being forced to purchase wheat from the open market at Rs5,200 per 40kg to maintain operations while their advance payments remain tied up with government authorities. The Punjab government has also directed flour mills to supply up to 20% additional flour bags at subsidised rates from their own wheat stocks.

Pakistan’s cotton output misses target by 30%, rice exceeds target by 11%, wheat target proposed at 33 million tonnes

saDDaM HussaiN

The Trump administration has proposed charging international students $70,000 for work training authorisation in the United States, a sharp increase from the current fee of approximately $500, as part of broader restrictions on foreign visa holders. Under a proposal issued by the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS), international students holding F-1 visas would be required to pay $70,000 to a certified institution for Optional Practical Training (OPT), with an additional $30,000 charge for further work training. The proposed changes would substantially increase the cost of gaining practical work experience in the US for foreign students, including those seeking employment after completing their degrees. OPT currently allows eligible international students to undertake employment-related training for up to 20 hours per week while classes are in session and for a limited period after graduation. Students graduating in science, technology, engineering and mathematics are also eligible for additional training periods under existing rules. DHS said the proposed fees were intended to combat fraud, strengthen immigration system integrity and protect American workers. The department maintained that the changes would help ensure students, employers and educational institutions comply with the conditions of F-1 visa admission. The proposal comes amid the Trump administration's wider efforts to tighten employment-related immigration rules, including increased fees for H-1B visas. OPT has traditionally provided international graduates with a route into the American workforce, often serving as a transition towards H-1B employment. The H-1B programme has been widely used by US technology companies to recruit skilled foreign professionals, particularly engineers and scientists from countries including India and China. The latest proposal also marks a shift from Trump's 2024 presidential campaign position, when he suggested that foreign students graduating from American universities should automatically receive permanent residency. The proposed changes are expected to face legal challenges. Doug Rand, director of the Talent Mobility Fund, which works to attract foreign professionals in science and technology, questioned whether the proposed fees would withstand judicial scrutiny. The proposal will undergo a 30-day public comment period before it can be finalised. DHS said that, if approved, the new requirements would take effect 60 days after finalisation to give educational institutions, students and employers time to prepare.

Industry representatives said the requirement was placing further financial pressure on mills already purchasing wheat at higher market prices. They warned that the disruption was reducing the availability of subsidised flour in the market and forcing consumers to purchase more expensive products. The increase in flour prices has also affected bread and other bakery products in Karachi. Naan makers have increased prices by Rs5 to Rs30-35 per piece, while prices of sheermal, taftaan and qulcha have risen by Rs10. Good-quality chapati is currently selling for Rs20 per piece. Branded bread manufacturers also increased prices of bread and bakery products by 8-9% earlier this month. The latest hike comes ahead of expected wheat imports, while the next domestic wheat crop from Sindh and Punjab is due to arrive between March and May.

WHEAT REACHES RS5,200 PER 40KG IN LAHORE AS 15KG FLOUR BAG RISES TO RS2,300; KARACHI MILLERS RAISE FLOUR PRICES BY RS14 PER KG, WITH CHAKKI FLOUR SELLING AT RS210 PER KG

age of Rs14 per kg over the past three days. Following the increase, millers' prices for flour No. 2.5, maida and fine flour have reached Rs155, Rs167 and Rs170 per kg, respectively. Retail prices are higher, with flour No. 2.5 selling at Rs180 per kg, fine flour at Rs200 per kg and chakki flour at Rs210 per kg. Previously, the three varieties were available at Rs170, Rs180 and Rs180-200 per kg, respectively. Branded 5kg fine flour bags are now selling for Rs1,000-1,010, compared with Rs950 previously. The price increases follow a Rs3 per kg reduction announced by Karachi millers in the last week of September, which retailers

Friday, 9 October, 2026 | LAHORE

COTTON OUTPUT ESTIMATED AT 6.7M BALES AGAINST A 9.64M TARGET; RICE PRODUCTION PROJECTED AT 10.18M TONNES, SUGARCANE AT 97.2M TONNES, MAIZE AT 9.97M TONNES AND MUNGBEAN AT 171,000 TONNES; PROPOSED WHEAT TARGET OF 33M TONNES AWAITS APPROVA PROFIT

News Desk

The federal government has proposed a wheat production target of 33 million tonnes for the Rabi 2026-27 season, while rice output is estimated at 10.18 million tonnes and cotton production at 6.7 million bales, nearly 30% below its target of 9.64 million bales, according to figures presented to the Federal Committee on Agriculture (FCA). The FCA, chaired by Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain on Wednesday, reviewed crop production estimates but deferred finalising wheat and other Rabi crop targets until the government announces an indicative wheat price or minimum support price. According to an official document submitted to the committee, the proposed wheat production target of 33 million tonnes is based on cultivation over 9.763 million hectares. Punjab has been assigned a proposed production target of 25 million tonnes, Sindh 5 million tonnes, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa 1.5 million tonnes and Balochistan 1.5 million tonnes. The decision to defer finalising Rabi targets comes as the wheat sowing season approaches. The prime minister has recently constituted a committee to recommend policy measures to ensure adequate

wheat production. The committee includes representatives of the federal and provincial governments and the banking sector. Rana Tanveer Hussain said the government was aware of challenges facing farmers due to rising input, energy and transportation costs and was taking measures to ensure affordable inputs and remunerative crop prices. The FCA also reviewed the performance of major Kharif crops, with cotton falling significantly short of its target despite higher estimated production of several other crops. Cotton production for the Kharif 2026-27 season is estimated at 6.7 million bales from 1.75 million hectares, against the government's target of 9.64 million bales. The estimated shortfall stands at 2.94 million bales, or approximately 30.5% of the target. Rice production is estimated at 10.182 million tonnes from approximately 3.9 million hectares, representing increases of 28.4% in cultivated area and 11% in production against government targets. The area under rice cultivation is also reported to have increased from 3.75 million hectares last year to approximately 3.92 million hectares. Punjab accounts for an estimated 5.766 million tonnes of rice production from 2.593 million hectares, followed by Sindh with 3.789 million tonnes from 1.105 million hectares.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's rice production is estimated at 168,000 tonnes from 65,000 hectares, while Balochistan is expected to produce 460,000 tonnes from 140,000 hectares. Sugarcane production is provisionally estimated at 97.2 million tonnes from approximately 1.35 million hectares, showing increases of 18.5% in area and 21.1% in production against FCA targets. Punjab is expected to produce 73.756 million tonnes of sugarcane, followed by Sindh at 18.5338 million tonnes, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa at 4.9665 million tonnes and Balochistan at 36,800 tonnes. Maize production is estimated at 9.97 million tonnes from 1.83 million hectares, reflecting increases of 21% in area and 3.2% in production against the targets. Mungbean production is estimated at 171,000 tonnes from more than 225,000 hectares, with area and production exceeding FCA targets by 32.3% and 14.8%, respectively. The committee also reviewed the production of mash and chillies, with chillies recording growth in cultivated area, production and yield compared with the previous year. On wheat seed availability, the Federal Seed Certification and Registration Department informed the committee that approximately 611,793 tonnes of seed would be available for Rabi 2026-27, meeting 51% of the estimated requirement of 1.191 million tonnes.

Pakistan's SME financing rises to Rs1.137trn, agriculture lending crosses Rs1.35trn in Q1FY27 g

SME LENDING RISES BY RS23 BILLION, AGRICULTURE FINANCING BY RS94.7 BILLION AND HOUSING LOANS BY RS103 BILLION IN JULY–SEPTEMBER 2026; RS76 BILLION DISBURSED TO 13,214 BORROWERS UNDER WAZIR-E-AZAM APNA GHAR PROGRAMME PROFIT

News Desk

Pakistan's outstanding SME financing increased by Rs23 billion to over Rs1.137 trillion, while agriculture lending rose by Rs94.7 billion to over Rs1.35 trillion during the first quarter of FY27, as the government reviewed progress on expanding access to finance across priority sectors. Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb chaired the fifth meeting of the Access to Finance Steering Committee at the Finance Division on Wednesday, directing relevant authorities to accelerate implementation and ensure measurable progress against financing targets. The Committee noted that outstanding SME finance increased from Rs1.114 trillion in June 2026 to over Rs1.137 trillion by end-September 2026, while the number of borrowers rose by over 25,000 to approximately 350,862. The Finance Minister called for further acceleration to achieve the government's medium-term objective of expanding SME financing to Rs2 trillion and increasing the number of borrowers to 775,000 by June 2028. He stressed that achieving the target would require an ecosystem-wide approach involving commercial banks, microfinance institutions and other financial service providers. Aurangzeb directed the development of a mechanism to bring microfinance institutions and other relevant entities onto a more level playing field, while exploring government support and financing arrangements to expand SME outreach. The Committee also reviewed measures to strengthen SME bankability and capacity building. The Finance Minister directed that work undertaken

by SMEDA, the State Bank of Pakistan and participating financial institutions be consolidated into an action tracker covering responsibilities, timelines and interdependencies. He emphasised that financial literacy, documentation support, capacity building and digital tools should improve SMEs' readiness to access formal financing. On agriculture, outstanding financing increased from Rs1.26 trillion in June 2026 to over Rs1.35 trillion by end-September, while the number of borrowers rose by 196,303 to approximately 3.46 million. Under the Prime Minister's Zarkhez-e-Asaan Zarai Qarza scheme, 5,563 uncollateralised loans amounting to Rs2.1 billion have been disbursed to smallholder farmers. The Committee discussed strengthening financing across the agricultural value chain, particularly livestock, fisheries and other underserved segments. The Finance Minister highlighted the potential of livestock financing through greater private-sector participation and risk-mitigation mechanisms. He directed relevant authorities to work with the SBP and other stakeholders on an operational and financing framework, including possible restructuring of existing institutional arrangements, and submit concrete proposals. In housing, outstanding financing increased by Rs103 billion from Rs323 billion in June 2026 to Rs426 billion by end-September, with the number of borrowers reaching 231,550. Under the Wazir-e-Azam Apna Ghar Programme, Rs76 billion has been disbursed to 13,214 borrowers, while approved loans worth Rs350 billion are awaiting disbursement. The Committee discussed expanding financing beyond homebuyers to developers and builders. Aurangzeb called for a builder-financing frame-

work and practical financial products to address supply-side constraints and support affordable housing. The Committee also reviewed the Pakistan Accelerated Vehicle Electrification (PAVE) Scheme, under which 17,262 financing applications worth Rs2.54 billion have been approved. By end-September, 4,839 loans amounting to Rs975 million had been disbursed, while 2,725 electric vehicles had been delivered to customers. The Finance Minister directed greater attention towards converting approved financing into actual vehicle deliveries and resolving implementation bottlenecks. The meeting also discussed improving data availability and information-sharing to support responsible lending, risk assessment and cash-flowbased financing, subject to appropriate safeguards and purpose limitations. Aurangzeb stressed that government-supported financing schemes must remain commercially viable and appropriately targeted, with public support addressing market gaps rather than creating prolonged dependence on subsidies. He directed ministries, regulators, financial institutions and industry participants to implement agreed actions within defined timelines, emphasising that expanding access to finance required coordinated participation from commercial banks, microfinance institutions, non-bank financial institutions, development partners and the private sector. The meeting was attended by the Federal Secretary for National Food Security and Research, chairmen of the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan and Pakistan Banks' Association, chief executives of Karandaaz Pakistan and SMEDA, and senior representatives of the Finance Division, SBP and other relevant offices.

Punjab's wheat seed availability is estimated at 553,009 tonnes, meeting 67% of its requirement, while Sindh has 40,874 tonnes, or 23% of its requirement. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has an estimated 7,459 tonnes of wheat seed available, while Balochistan has 10,452 tonnes, meeting 13% of its requirement. During the previous Rabi sowing season, wheat seed availability stood at 574,330 tonnes, also covering approximately 51% of the requirement. The committee was informed by the Indus River System Authority that Punjab and Sindh could face a water shortage of approximately 22% during the upcoming Rabi season, against provincial water allocations totalling 29.18 million acre-feet. The Pakistan Meteorological Department also briefed the committee on rainfall and soil moisture conditions. Soil moisture stress was identified as a concern following below-normal rainfall in recent months, although above-normal rainfall is forecast for October and November. On fertiliser availability, total urea supply for 2026-27 is estimated at 3.95 million tonnes, comprising 765,000 tonnes of carryover stocks and 3.18 million tonnes of domestic production. Urea offtake is projected at approximately 3.5 million tonnes. Diammonium phosphate (DAP) availability is estimated at 766,000 tonnes against expected offtake of 838,000 tonnes, leaving a shortfall of 72,000 tonnes to be met through private-sector imports. The State Bank of Pakistan has set an indicative agricultural credit disbursement target of Rs3.062 trillion for FY27, approximately 19% higher than the previous year's disbursement of Rs2.573 trillion.

FBR allows steel manufacturers to declare electricity consumption for sales tax calculation

Steel melters and re-rollers can seek online approval to enter electricity units in Annex-K when power distributors fail to report supplies or submit late returns PROFIT

News Desk

The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has introduced an online facility allowing steel melters, re-rollers and composite units to declare their electricity consumption for calculating sales tax liability when power distribution companies fail to report supplies or submit returns late. According to a letter issued to chief commissioners of Inland Revenue on October 7, the facility will allow taxpayers to have their electricity consumption entered into Annex-K of the sales tax return following verification of monthly electricity bills. Under the 13th Schedule of the Sales Tax Act, 1990, filing Annex-K is mandatory for steel melters, rerollers and composite units to calculate their sales tax liability. The FBR said Annex-K is fully automated and ordinarily receives electricity consumption data once distribution companies (DISCOs) submit Annex-C of their sales tax returns. However, the tax authority observed that taxpayers were facing difficulties when DISCOs failed to declare electricity supplies or filed their returns late. To address the issue, the FBR has developed an interface for chief commissioners of Inland Revenue to approve the declaration of electricity units after verifying the relevant electricity bills. Taxpayers will be required to submit applications with supporting details through the IRIS system to their respective chief commissioners within the statutory period. Following verification of the documents, the concerned chief commissioner will approve the electricity units online, after which the information will automatically appear in Annex-K. The facility will enable steel manufacturers to calculate their sales tax liability and file returns without waiting for delayed electricity consumption data from DISCOs. The FBR has directed chief commissioners to process applications within statutory timelines and instructed all field formations to use the new facility.

NEWS 03

Friday, 9 October, 2026 | LAHORE

NAB FINDS SUSPECTED FINANCIAL IRREGULARITIES IN RS100 BILLION KP CITIES IMPROVEMENT PROJECT

ment records from 2023 to 2025 from the Accountant General's Office and KPCIP management. The inquiry further found that funds withdrawn for land compensation in Swat, Abbottabad and Kohat had reportedly not reached some affected landowners. NAB has sought compensation records from district administrations and bank statements to examine profits earned on government funds between 2021 and 2026. It has also requested Abbottabad district administration's account records to assess potential financial losses relating to advance tax payable by land sellers and other beneficiaries. The inquiry found that some land acquired for the project had not been transferred to the KP government or relevant departments. NAB has also sought land acquisition records, reasons for delayed transfers, details of stamp duty and local council tax payments, treasury deposits and independent

PROFIT

STAFF REPORT

HE National Accountability Bureau (NAB) has identified suspected irregularities in payments, land compensation, bank records, taxes and land transfers during a preliminary inquiry into the Rs100 billion Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Cities Improvement Project (KPCIP), The News reported. According to NAB sources, the inquiry found missing payment receipts and instances where banks had not retained details of beneficiaries' accounts. NAB has sought records from the Project Management Unit (PMU), the relevant bank and the Ministry of Finance concerning payments to vendors, contractors and tax authorities. The bureau also identified discrepancies amounting to millions of rupees between the cheque register and SAP system records for contractor payments. It has requested pay-

land valuation reports. However, the KPCIP Project Director rejected concerns over payment discrepancies, maintaining that all payments were made directly into beneficiaries' bank accounts and that supporting records had been provided to auditors. He said that payments were processed either through the Accountant General's Office or directly by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), with the latter not reflected in the SAP system. According to the Project Director, consolidating payments from both sources should resolve the discrepancies in contractor payment records. Regarding land compensation, he said funds had been transferred to deputy commissioners and district collectors, who were responsible for disbursement under the Land Acquisition Act, 1894. He maintained that most affected landowners had received compensation, while remaining payments were delayed by

litigation, administrative issues and difficulties contacting beneficiaries. The unpaid funds remain with the relevant district authorities and will be released once these issues are resolved, he added.

Pakistan expects to meet EV adoption target ahead of schedule due to costly fuel PROFIT STAFF REPORT

Pakistan expects to achieve its electric vehicle (EV) adoption target ahead of schedule as rising petrol and diesel prices accelerate the shift towards electric mobility, with the government preparing a new automobile policy that could introduce additional tax incentives for EV buyers. Adviser to the Prime Minister on Industries and Production Haroon Akhtar told Bloomberg that higher fuel costs had significantly improved the economic case for switching to electric vehicles, reducing the time needed to recover their higher purchase prices. “I feel that the target we had set in

our electric-vehicle policy last year, we will achieve it much earlier as the rise in oil prices has brought cost recovery of EVs to one to one-and-a-half year,” Akhtar said. According to Pakistan State Oil Company, domestic petrol and diesel prices have increased by 54% and 43%, respectively, since the Middle East conflict began in February. The increase has narrowed the overall ownership cost difference between electric and conventional vehicles, making EVs a more attractive option for consumers seeking to reduce fuel expenses. Akhtar said the government was also preparing a new automobile policy that could be submitted to the federal cabinet within the next two weeks. The proposed policy may include additional tax incentives to reduce the up-

front price difference between electric vehicles and petrol- or diesel-powered alternatives. Pakistan has introduced successive policy measures to encourage electric mobility, aiming to reduce dependence on imported petroleum products, improve environmental conditions and support the development of a more sustainable transport sector. Under the National Electric Vehicles Policy approved in 2019, the government initially targeted a 30% share for electric vehicles in passenger vehicle and heavyduty truck sales by 2030, increasing to 90% by 2040. The government subsequently introduced the National Electric Vehicle Policy 2025–30 in June 2025 to accelerate the transition towards electric transport. The latest expectations of faster EV

adoption come as the Middle East conflict continues to disrupt global energy markets and increase fuel costs. International oil prices rose again on Thursday amid concerns over supply disruptions following attacks on shipping in the Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz, alongside reduced United States production as a hurricane threatened offshore operations. Brent crude futures increased by $2.28, or 2.28%, to $102.28 per barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate crude rose by $1.66, or 1.88%, to $89.94 per barrel by 0427 GMT. The continued increase in international petroleum prices has added to the financial incentives for Pakistani motorists to consider electric alternatives, potentially accelerating the government's planned transition towards EVs.

Bahrain pushes to fast-track Pakistan-GCC FTA CONTINUED FROM PAGE 01

“We also committed to finalising the GCC-Pakistan free trade agreement,” Al Zayani said. Bahrain, which currently holds the GCC presidency, was working to “speed up the signing or the approval” of the agreement, he added. The GCCPakistan FTA has been under discussion for years and was described as being at an advanced stage of finalisation in late 2025. Al Zayani described PakistanBahrain relations as “very healthy and strong”, saying the longstanding ties enjoyed the support of Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa. He said the relationship was based on frankness, mutual understanding and consistency, adding that both sides understood each other’s constraints and worked accordingly. “We are consistent and growing. We feel safe in this relationship,” the Bahraini minister said. He also appreciated Pakistan’s “principled positions” on regional crises, including Islamabad’s support for a United Nations Security Council resolution condemning Iranian attacks on GCC countries. Al Zayani praised Pakistan’s efforts, alongside other partners, to facilitate US-Iran dialogue and de-escalation, including through the Islamabad Talks held in April.

The Bahraini foreign minister strongly condemned recent attacks on Saudi Arabia’s Abha and King Khalid international airports and denounced Houthi attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure in the kingdom. He also condemned attacks targeting the holy cities of Makkah and Madina, calling attacks on civilian facilities a “flagrant violation” of international law. Al Zayani reaffirmed Bahrain’s solidarity with Saudi Arabia, saying the kingdom’s security was integral to the security of Bahrain and the wider GCC. The two foreign ministers also discussed the security situation in the Strait of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandab, where commercial shipping has faced attacks. They stressed the importance of freedom and safety of navigation and adherence to international law, while agreeing to maintain close coordination at the UN Security Council and between their diplomatic missions in New York. Pakistan and Bahrain will mark 55 years of diplomatic relations on October 14. Al Zayani said recent visits by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to Bahrain in November 2025 and President Asif Ali Zardari in January had given fresh momentum to bilateral ties. He highlighted the contribution of more than 140,000 Pakistanis living in Bahrain, describing them as a “living bridge” between the two peoples. During his visit, Al Zayani is also sched-

uled to meet Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, President Zardari and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir. DAR STRESSES BROADER ECONOMIC COOPERATION In his remarks, Dar thanked his Bahraini counterpart and his delegation for their “constructive engagement” and contribution to the success of the JMC session. He said the talks were held in a cordial and constructive atmosphere, with both sides reaffirming their commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation across a broad range of sectors. A key outcome, Dar said, was the operationalisation of several joint working groups to strengthen the instituframework and ensure tional implementation of decisions reached by the commission. The two countries agreed to enhance cooperation in trade and investment, industrial collaboration, agriculture and food security, skills development, higher education, information technology, logistics and maritime affairs. Dar particularly welcomed greater engagement between the business communities of Pakistan and Bahrain, saying the two sides would also strengthen cooperation in labour mobility, vocational training and human resource development to create more opportunities for skilled Pakistani workers and professionals.

PM Shehbaz seeks stronger Bahrain ties in trade, energy CONTINUED FROM PAGE 01

The meeting was held in a warm and cordial atmosphere, reflecting the close and enduring fraternal bonds between Pakistan and Bahrain. PM SETS DEADLINE FOR MINISTRIES TO DIGITISE DATA AND FEED CENTRAL DATA CENTRE Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday ordered all federal ministries to complete the digitisation of relevant data within the stipulated timeframe and ensure its timely transfer to the central data centre in coordination with provincial governments and other institutions. Chairing a progress review meeting on the Digital Nation Pakistan initiative, the prime minister said the national central data centre would become a key pillar of efficient government and facilitate the delivery of public services to citizens. He directed ministries to clearly define their responsibilities and ensure timely provision of required data, saying an integrated digital system was essential to bring government functioning in line with modern requirements. The prime minister said the Digital Nation Pakistan Programme was designed to make

government services more efficient, accessible and convenient for citizens. He stressed that bringing useful data from different sectors and government institutions onto a common platform could significantly contribute to economic development and improve policymaking. Referring to the fuel subsidy scheme for deserving segments of society, Mr Shehbaz said effective data sharing among government institutions had played an important role in its successful implementation. He said digitising the performance of ministries and government data was also crucial to preventing corruption, improving transparency and tackling institutional mismanagement. The prime minister appreciated the Ministry of Health for working with provincial governments to establish universal medical records at the national level. He also praised the introduction of QR codes aimed at ensuring the availability and verification of quality medicines across the country. The Ministry of Information Technology briefed the meeting that comprehensive measures were being taken for sector-specific digitisation in collaboration with relevant ministries. Offi-

The ministers also exchanged views on the evolving Gulf situation and stressed restraint, de-escalation, dialogue and diplomacy. Dar highlighted the need to ensure safe and unrestricted navigation through the Strait of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandab, given their importance to regional and global food and energy security. The two sides also discussed the situation in Palestine, expressing concern over the expansion of Israeli settlements and attempts to alter the status of Al-Quds Al-Sharif. Dar also raised Pakistan’s concerns over India’s unilateral decision to place the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance, describing the move as a material breach of international law. He said such actions posed risks to the water, food and energy security of Pakistan’s population. “Pakistan-Bahrain friendship remains strong and forward-looking,” Dar said, describing the two countries as brotherly nations with longstanding ties and close cooperation at international forums. He expressed Islamabad’s desire to take bilateral trade and economic relations to a new level and said Pakistan looked forward to hosting the fourth session of the JMC in Bahrain in 2027. Both sides also expressed the intention to hold the commission’s meetings annually to maintain momentum in bilateral cooperation.

cials said digitisation of key public-service sectors, particularly health and agriculture, was being undertaken on a priority basis to improve public facilitation. The IT Ministry, in collaboration with the Ministry of Law, was also working to bring relevant national laws together at a single platform, which officials said would facilitate access to legislation and provide better guidance for future lawmaking. The meeting was further informed that work was underway on priority sectors to achieve the objectives of digital government services, a digital economy and digital public facilitation. Various federal ministries briefed the prime minister on their public services, performance and progress in providing relevant data to the central data centre. A special briefing was also given on health-sector data and the use of digital systems for verification of the quality of medicines. Federal ministers Azam Nazeer Tarar, Muhammad Aurangzeb, Ahad Khan Cheema, Jam Kamal Khan, Attaullah Tarar, Syed Mustafa Kamal and Shaza Fatima Khawaja, along with senior officials, attended the meeting.

The Project Director also clarified that independent land valuations were mandatory under ADB safeguard policies, the loan agreement and the project's approved land acquisition framework.

Mediterranean Shipping Company restores direct shipping service from Karachi to Europe PROFIT

STAFF REPORT

Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) has restored its direct shipping service between Karachi and major European ports, offering Pakistani exporters weekly connectivity amid rising freight costs and longer transit times caused by disruptions to international shipping routes. Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry announced on Thursday that MSC had reinstated its PREMIUM IPAK service in response to exporters' demands for a dedicated shipping connection with Europe. Under the restored service, MSC will make weekly calls at Karachi Gateway Terminal International (KGTI), connecting Karachi with European destinations through Colombo, Felixstowe, Rotterdam, Hamburg, Bremerhaven, Antwerp, Le Havre and London Gateway. The minister said the restoration would particularly benefit export-oriented industries, including textiles, which have faced increased transportation costs and longer delivery times due to disruptions on international shipping routes. "The restoration of a dedicated Europe service is an important development for our export-oriented industries, particularly the textile sector, which has been facing increased transit times and logistics costs because of disruptions to international shipping routes," he said. Chaudhry said textile exporters had recently raised concerns over changes in shipping routes, particularly those linked to the situation in the Red Sea. According to the minister, exporters reported that longer vessel journeys were increasing freight costs and delaying shipments to European and US markets, affecting their competitiveness. He said the government was engaging with shipping lines and relevant stakeholders to address these concerns and improve maritime connectivity. "Reliable and predictable shipping connectivity is essential for Pakistan's exporters. Our focus is to ensure that the maritime sector supports trade, reduces logistical bottlenecks and strengthens Pakistan's access to international markets," he said. The minister welcomed MSC's decision to reinstate the PREMIUM IPAK service, saying the weekly Karachi call would provide exporters with more options for planning and transporting shipments to major European markets. However, he cautioned that the restoration of the service did not resolve the broader challenges affecting international shipping. "Disruptions to established shipping routes continue to have implications for global trade. We will continue working with the shipping industry and exporters to address connectivity and logistics issues and to strengthen Pakistan's position in international trade," he said. Chaudhry reiterated the government's commitment to improving port operations and shipping services to support exporters and strengthen the country's trade competitiveness.

04 COMMENT

Yemen becomes the focus

The UN Secretary General comes calling

Will Pakistan and Turkiye move with Saudi Arabia?

Guterres’ visit is a testament to the role Pakistan is playing in the world

N Secretary General Antonio Guterres is no stranger to Pakistan. However, this visit had a different focus, one which showed how centrestage Pakistan has moved in recent times, as the world grapples with the crisis started by the US and Israeli attack on Iran. Mr Guterres was most exercised about the diplomatic efforts to end the conflict, which has turned into the greatest threat to the world economy, and thus to the peace of the world, because the closure of the Strait of Hormuz has sent the price of oil soaring. Mr Guterres’ 2022 visit had concentrated on the devastating floods which the country had faced, while his 2020 visit focussed on the Afghan refugee issue. Mr Guterres has been also careful not to step on Indian toes by avoiding any statements on the Kashmir issue, even though it is still a live issue on the agenda of the UN Security Council, and even though a military observers’ group is still stationed on the Line of Control. At the same time, he cannot help but look favourably at the alacrity with which Pakistan has contributed personnel to UN peacekeeping missions around the world. He would also have taken the opportunity to have been briefed about the invocation of the Makkah Declaration. Mutual defence clause by Saudi Arabia, and the potential impact on the Middle East crisis. The need for diplomacy has been raised by Mr Guterres because he has not had any entry into the issue from either of the two sides in the conflict (three counting Israel), with neither of the parties willing to involve him, he has had to fall back on the main mediator in the conflict to enable to play some sort of role, indeed to advise him on what sort of role he could play. Mr Guterres’ visit has thus made Pakistan a quadrilateral player. It already had to talk to the USA and Iran, with the other mediators and stakeholders forming a third side of the triangle. Now the UN side is involved. Pakistan has its own compulsions to work for peace, not only because it gives it a place in the sun, but also because it has a particularly close interest in the resolution of the crisis, not just because its economic wellbeing depends on the oil price, but because most of its oil imports came through the Hormuz Strait. It needs to encouragement or praise from Mr Guterres, but whatever he apportions will not come amiss.

at Penpoint M a nIaZI

ONTRADICTORY signals are emanating from Yemen. The expected Saudi counteroffensive has been duly launched, but without support from either Pakistan or Turkey. At the same time, the necessary conferencing among the three allies is proceeding at a rapid pace, as if they were in haste to join the action against the Houthis. However, the success of the counteroffensive may have come just in time to prevent Turkish or Pakistani troops from joining in the fighting. However, the Houthis remain a potent threat, while the immediate threat of the closure of the Bab Elmandeb has been averted, the threat remains, The decision to commit resources in the midst of operations is a little unusual, because a number of questions remain to be answered. THe meeting in Riyadh of the three foreign ministers and chiefs of defence staff is an essential component in establishing a working organization around the Makkah Declaration. Pakistani Foreign Minister Ihaq Dar’s declaration that six other countries were interested in joining indicates that the dream of a Middle East Treaty Organization, which the Baghdad Pact was supposed to herald, seems to be coming true. Dar did not disclose which were the countries in line to join, but the countries probably include the members of the Gulf Cooperation Council, and Egypt and Jordan would probably also be likely candidates. It is likely that just as the Baghdad Pact was to become MESTO when it expanded, the expansion of the Makkah Declaration would lead to a new nomenclature. The Makkah Declaration is operationally different from the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, which was basically the Supreme Allied command Europe given permanence. Indeed, the SACEUR designation for the top NATO officer, always an American nominated by the US government, remains. NATO was thus shaped by World War II and also by the USSR and its Warsaw Pact. The USSR was the main opponent of the Baghdad Pact and then of SEATO, which were the other alliances the USA brought into being to support NATO. Their members too had been involved in World War II. Turkey had been neutral, but Pakistan had been part of India, which had been deeply involved in the war on both Germany and Japan. Officers and men of the Indian Army had been involved in the fighting in North Africa, and then in Italy. SEATO members apart from Pakistan had been occupied by Japan, but as none of them (except arguably Indonesia) had post-wars armies of their own, did not have military structures paralleling NATO’s. However, CENTO and SEATO were not as successful as NATO, and thus it will be interesting to see how far the Makkah Declaration organization is successful. One of the main questions will be funding.

Dedicated to the legacy of late Hameed Nizami

Arif Nizami (Late) Founding Editor

The last reporter M. A. Niazi

Babar Nizami

Editor Pakistan Today

Editor Profit

A crisis with no easy solutions

Dr Zafar Khan SafDar

HERE was a time when the morning newspaper was part of the rhythm of a Pakistani home. It arrived before breakfast, was opened over a cup of tea and passed from one family member to another. A young reporter could spend days chasing a story knowing that the next morning his work would sit on thousands of doorsteps. The newspaper was not merely a product. It was an institution that connected the citizen with the state, the reader with the world and the powerful with questions they would rather avoid. Today, that institution is shrinking, newsroom by newsroom and reporter by reporter, and the consequences may only become visible when there is nobody left to report them. There was a time when journalism could begin almost by accident. While studying in Peshawar, I contributed to a newspaper as a hobby, gathering stories from universities and taking them to the newsroom in the evening. It was a small beginning, but it taught me the first lesson of journalism: be there, watch, listen, ask questions, find the proof and bring the story back before the presses roll. That simple world is disappearing. The problem is no longer only that fewer people buy newspapers but the economic system that once paid for reporting is breaking down. The numbers tell part of the story. Pakistan’s media advertising market stood at about Rs 101.9 billion in FY2025, according to PACRA. Television accounted for about Rs 51.5 billion and digital advertising Rs 24.8 billion, or roughly a quarter of the total market. The money is moving towards platforms that can reach audiences instantly and measure every click, while newspapers remain burdened with newsprint, printing presses, distribution networks and rising operating costs. The government spent about Rs 3.41 billion on print advertising in FY2024-25, but even this important source of revenue has become uncertain. Newspaper organisations continue to complain about delayed government payments, while APNS was still seeking implementation of promised increases in government advertising rates in September 2026.

This is what makes Pakistan’s crisis more complicated than the global decline of print. Newspapers everywhere are losing advertising and readers to digital platforms. But in Pakistan, the commercial crisis is compounded by the industry’s dependence on government advertising. When payments are delayed, the consequences do not remain in an accounts department. They reach the newsroom. A delayed payment becomes a delayed salary. A delayed salary becomes a reporter leaving. A vacant reporter’s desk means fewer stories from a district. Fewer stories mean fewer pages. And fewer pages make the newspaper less valuable to readers and advertisers. The cycle feeds itself. APNS has repeatedly raised concerns about the financial condition of newspapers, government dues and advertising policies, while its recent records continue to show disputes over government advertising and outstanding payments. The pressure is not confined to money. Between January 2025 and April 2026, Pakistan Press Foundation documented 233 incidents involving journalists and media professionals, including 67 assaults, 67 criminal complaints, 11 arrests, 11 detentions and three abductions, along with censorship, connectivity disruptions and other forms of pressure. A journalist is being asked to work in a shrinking market while facing risks that have nothing to do with the balance sheet. The newsroom is becoming smaller at the same time that the cost of doing journalism is becoming higher. The result is already visible in the industry’s employment crisis. In September, the National Assembly Standing Committee on Information and Broadcasting expressed serious concern over delayed salaries to media workers and called for their outstanding dues to be cleared. In parts of the country, newspapers have faced disruption and closure. In July, the National Press Club warned that newspaper closures in Balochistan were threatening the livelihoods of hundreds of journalists and media workers. APNS has previously warned that newspapers in the province were approaching closure because of government advertising policies. This is how an industry disappears. Not always with a dramatic final edition, but gradually, as salaries go unpaid, reporters leave, pages become thinner and presses fall silent. The global experience offers no easy escape. Newspapers in wealthy democracies have also lost readers and advertising to digital platforms. Print circulation has fallen, classified advertising has largely disappeared and technology companies have captured a large share of online advertising. Britain, Australia and France have all experimented with ways of supporting public-interest journalism or requiring digital platforms to contribute to news organisations. The approaches differ, and none provides a perfect answer. But they recognise a basic economic problem that journalism may serve a public purpose while still being difficult to finance as an or-

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Forces not only have to be moved, they have to be maintained, and operations cost money to carry out. NATO managed to go the entire duration of the Cold War without a shooting war starting. That was just as well, because NATO and the Warsaw Pact would have waged a nuclear war. One of the main issues will be the distribution of offices. The first Secretary-General is a Pakistani, a soldier, though it remains to be seen what the other two governments do when it comes to their turn in the presumably rotating office. More important will be the command structure established for the actual forces in the field. Much will also depend on what structures are established. Another important factor is what portion of the armed forces of any member are committed to the organization and what are kept for itself. Following the NATO example, some members, especially the smaller ones like Belgium, have basically integrated themselves into the NATO command structure, while others, like the USA, maintain extensive forces over and above their NATO commitments. There is thus a certain amount of flexibility. For example, the USA has used B52 bombers against Iran based in the UK for NATO use, and naval forces, such as aircraft carrier groups, can be used anywhere without reference to any alliance system. One of the first issues that will confront the new organization is who will pay. This is the issue bedevilling NATO ever since US President Donald Trump raised the issue of money. His insistence that European countries raise their defence budgets has had a result. Who is to bear the cost of moving the troops, and the cost of operations (salaries, rations, fuel, and so on)? A more theoretical sort of issue is what constitutes defence. Houthis have been launching drone strikes on targets in Saudi territory. Another problem is that of interoperability, the ability of personnel to use the equipment of the other. That means the establishment and then dissemination of a single doctrine. Such interoperability is relatively easy if the alliance possesses manufacturing facilities of its own, so that it can float tenders for equipment with the specifications designs jointly. While Turkiye and Pakistan have both got relatively developed military industries, Saudi Arabia has targeted 50 percent of its defence spending to be locally sourced by 2030. How this is to be fitted into the Declaration context

Friday, 9 October, 2026

is yet to be determined. An important issue for the alliance is that all three are arms importers. It is perhaps fortunate for all three that they import from the |USA, though there are clouds in the future, over the F35. The USA wants to provide these stealth fighters to Turkey and Saudi Arabia, but not Pakistan. Anyway, at $100 millionplus apiece, it would be too rich for its blood, especially if it could obtain the Chinese J35 at $80 million apiece, and as little as $35 million each. Pakistan would be the most comfortable sourcing arms it could not manufacture from China, but so would Turkey, which has also been obtaining Russian arms. A situation is being produced where the three allies would develop specifications, and get a manufacturer from a fourth country to develop that equipment, though with permission for its own home country. But that is something for the future. More immediate is the task at hand. Saudi Arabia is under attack. Saudi Arabia is engaged in aid of the Yemeni government headed by Rashad Al-Alimi. If the attack is caused by intervention in another country, are the other two supposed to join in? This brings attention back to the still unanswered question. Defence against whom? Without an answer, it would be impossible for the alliance to move forward. One of the more immediate problems is that the Houthis can do again what they did before, unless they are entirely eliminated. They are a militia, not an army, consisting of tribal fighters, who are inured to the hardships of warfare. Eliminating them as a credible threat will require an even fiercer repression than as carried out by the USA in Afghanistan. Pakistan can send troops who have gained experience in Waziristan, and Turkiye troops with experience against the Kurds. However, while both forces stopped the tribal militias from breaking out, in neither case could they eliminate the militants. Especially in Pakistan, they resumed their insurgency when they got help from the Afghan government. Will the Iranians continue helping the Houthis? The situation is unfolding faster than anyone can predict. But is this the beginning of a fight for the Horn of Africa? Israel has got a foothold in the secessionist Pundtland, Iran has no natural point of access there, but can it seek allies from the al-Shabaab militants. If they did so, it would not be the first time they sought Sunni help. They backed Hamas, after all. The writer is a member of staff

The situation is unfolding faster than anyone can predict. But is this the beginning of a fight for the Horn of Africa? Israel has got a foothold in the secessionist Pundtland, Iran has no natural point of access there, but can it seek allies from the al-Shabaab militants. If they did so, it would not be the first time they sought Sunni help.

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Flush the failure

dinary commercial product. Pakistan has begun to recognise the same problem. But government support cannot mean making newspapers permanently dependent on government advertising. That would simply replace one vulnerability with another. What is needed is a transparent and predictable advertising system, timely payment of legitimate government dues, credible circulation and readership mechanisms, and space for newspapers to develop sustainable digital subscriptions, memberships and specialised journalism. The objective should not be to preserve paper for its own sake but should be to preserve the capacity to report. Because behind every declining circulation figure is a person. The reporter who has spent years building sources in a district. The sub-editor who can turn a chaotic day into a coherent page. The photographer who reaches a disaster before the cameras. The correspondent who attends a court hearing in a town nobody else considers important. Their stories may never become national headlines, but remove them and entire communities begin to disappear from the public record. A social media platform can distribute a story in seconds. It cannot replace the person who has to discover whether there is a story in the first place. That is why the disappearance of newspapers should concern more than newspaper owners and journalists. A newspaper carries more than news. It carries an archive of a society, the memory of its arguments, the record of its tragedies and the evidence of what happened when those in power would have preferred silence. When a newsroom closes, that institutional memory goes with it. When an experienced reporter leaves journalism, twenty years of relationships and knowledge cannot simply be downloaded into another newsroom. The newspaper may eventually become thinner, smaller or entirely digital. That is not necessarily the death of journalism. But if Pakistan allows its newsrooms to disappear without creating another way to finance serious reporting, it will discover that the thing it has lost was never really paper. It was the person behind the paper. And one morning, when the presses are silent and the newsroom lights are off, we may realise that the last reporter did not leave because there were no stories left to tell. He left because there was nobody left willing, or able, to pay him to tell them.

The writer has a PhD in Political Science, and is a visiting faculty member at QAU Islamabad. He can be reached at zafarkhansafdar@yahoo.com and tweets @zafarkhansafdar Islamabad – Ph: 051-2204545

THE severe sewerage problem faced by the residents of State Bank Society and the surrounding areas has now become a persistent phenomenon, which has become a nuisance for the entire locality. The 48-inch main sewerage line running the length of Gulzar-i-Hijri Road has far outlived its lifespan and now requires urgent attention. This aging infrastructure has developed a disturbing tendency to break down every couple of months. These frequent breakdowns have serious consequences for the entire area. The blockage and overflow of sewer often affect neighbouring societies, including Gwalior Society, Madras Society, PCSIR Society and even Karachi University. One of the most alarming issues is the contamination of freshwater lines, as sewer, after seeping into the ground, mixes with the potable water supply. This contaminated water eventually reaches the underground tanks of house-holds, putting the health and safety of the residents at risk. Although the Karachi Water and Sewerage Corporation (KWSC) has been making temporary repairs, these measures are short-term and fail to address the root cause of the problem. The repairs are ineffective, often lasting only a few months before the issues resurface. This cycle of temporary fixes has left the residents frustrated and in constant fear of another breakdown. The situation has reached a point where the need for a permanent solution is undeniable. The sewerage line must be replaced entirely with new piping that meets the highest standards of quality. AHMED SAAD KARACHI

Reality on trial

ARTIFICIAL intelligence (AI) is speedily becoming very popular as more and more people use it to save time. However, it is now impossible to say with certainty whether a particular video clip is fake or real. We know that there are many people who go berserk when they see videos of their womenfolk dancing or even photos in which they are seen seated next to men who are not their close relatives. What if someone posts a fake video or obscene photo of a woman (who has rejected his advances) on social media and sends it to her relatives? Things have got so bad that it is now impossible to even talk to others without getting into an argument. If, for example, I mention a video of a cult leader saying something controversial, the immediate response is, “It’s probably AI-generated”. Neither side is in a apposition to establish authority of the claim in such cases. Of course, there is a positive side to it also. In school, we were taught that politics and religious topics should be avoided when talking to friends or strangers. So the only safe thing left is sports, like, say, cricket. I know for sure that I would not be lynched if I say that a particular cricketer should not be selected for the next tour. Certainly, a more serious problem is likely to surface in a few decades from now, when, fortunately I have no chance of being alive. When robots become increasingly like humans in appearance, how will someone know if the man or woman talking to them is real? SHAKIR LAKHANI KARACHI

Death trap bridge in Turbat

I visited the University of Turbat recently to meet my friends, and on my way had to cross the D-Baloch Bridge. The bridge is in a disastrous condition, posing a serious risk to the life of students who have to use it every day to reach the campus. Obviously, the life of everyone who uses it is in danger. Iron and steel bars are seen through the concrete. The situation is so bad that a police official stands there to warn the commuters of the hazard ahead. Instead of deploying constables, the government should reconstruct the bridge. YASIR KHALIL KARACHI

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COMMENT 05

The American presidency’s missing guardrails Friday, 9 October, 2026

There is no mechanism to handle Trump

Qamar Bashir

HE USA is a wonderful country with enduring traditions, powerful institutions and a strong practical constitution. Yet that system contains a dangerous contradiction. It gives one individual command of the world’s most powerful military and sole authority to authorize nuclear force, but demands almost nothing about physical, mental or moral fitness beyond age, citizenship and residency. The president is the face of the nation and an example whom millions admire, imitate and defend. Conduct affecting only a few people when committed by an ordinary citizen can reshape national standards when excused in the White House. If dishonesty, sexual misconduct or contempt for law is tolerated in the president, followers may conclude that the same behaviour is acceptable. Bill Clinton’s relationship with White House intern Monica Lewinsky demonstrated this danger. The issue was not confined to whether a relationship between adults was criminal. The president conducted it with a young subordinate inside the institution representing American dignity, then gave false and misleading testimony in the Paula Jones lawsuit. Clinton was impeached but acquitted and completed his term. He was later held in civil contempt, accepted a five-year suspension of his law licence and paid financial penalties. An ordinary citizen who lied under oath or obstructed justice could face prosecution and imprisonment; presidential power converted Clinton’s misconduct into a partisan argument over removal. Donald Trump presents a broader test. His social relationship with Jeffrey Epstein is documented through photographs, statements and travel records. A prosecutor’s email released by the Justice Department said Trump flew on Epstein’s aircraft eight times during the 1990s. The releases also contain grave allegations that Trump denies and that remain unproven. Appearance in a file is not proof of crime, but it

does not end the constitutional question. When allegations concern the president, agencies holding the evidence are led by his appointees within an executive branch he controls. Even honest officials operate under an unavoidable conflict of interest, while citizens may fear that evidence can be delayed, discredited or withheld. The answer is neither automatic conviction nor blind acceptance of presidential denials, but investigation structurally independent of the president. Trump’s adjudicated cases make the problem clearer. A civil jury found him liable for sexually abusing and defaming E. Jean Carroll. A New York jury convicted him on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records, although his appeal continues. He nevertheless returned to the presidency. Richard Nixon participated in the Watergate cover-up, resigned and received a pardon preventing federal prosecution. Warren Harding’s affairs and hush-money arrangements became public while corruption surrounded his administration. These cases show how party loyalty and executive power separate presidential consequences from those confronting ordinary citizens. Physical and mental incapacity reveal the same institutional weakness. James Garfield performed almost no official work for 79 days after being shot, while the government operated largely on autopilot. Grover Cleveland secretly underwent cancer surgery without informing his vice president or most of his Cabinet. Woodrow Wilson remained president after a devastating stroke left him partially paralyzed and isolated, while his wife, physician and secretary controlled access to him. Franklin Roosevelt’s grave cardiovascular condition was concealed while he sought a fourth term. The Twenty-Fifth Amendment improved the Constitution but did not eliminate the conflict. Its involuntary mechanism depends

upon the vice president and Cabinet— political associates and appointees— declaring the president unable to serve. Section Four has never been invoked. Joe Biden’s visible decline became politically undeniable during the 2024 campaign, yet party pressure, not an independent examination, ended his campaign. Trump’s rambling speeches about Iranian “drug factories” and Iran “taking out” Los Angeles and San Diego similarly demand transparent examination rather than reassurance from his staff. The impeachment mechanism is equally vulnerable to party loyalty. Removal requires a two-thirds Senate vote. Andrew Johnson escaped conviction by one vote. Clinton was acquitted. Trump was impeached twice and acquitted twice, even when 57 senators supported conviction after January 6. A president protected by a sufficiently loyal party can therefore survive evidence or conduct that would end the career of almost any ordinary public employee. Trump’s references to a third term must be treated seriously. Extraordinary ideas are often introduced as jokes or trial balloons, then repeated until resistance weakens. If Republicans hypothetically secured two-thirds of both houses, Trump would not hesitate to propose an amendment creating a third-term route, perhaps by distinguishing consecutive from nonconsecutive terms. Ratification by three-fourths of the states would remain necessary, but the Twenty-Second Amendment must be actively defended. America’s system also displays great strength. Local democracy can protect an amplified azan under the same rules governing church bells and other religious announcements. Voters can elect leaders such as New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani and nominate Michigan Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed despite intense religious and political opposition. Administrations can reverse

A president’s words and conduct influence the ethical atmosphere of the entire country, legitimize behaviour for followers and shape how the world understands America. This higher standard is not an attack on democratic choice; it protects voters from deception and prevents temporary occupants of office from using public power to conceal private wrongdoing or incapacity.

policies through elections, allowing democratic correction far more quickly than a hereditary monarchy. These achievements demonstrate that reforming presidential accountability would strengthen, not weaken, the constitutional order. The country needs an independent Presidential Integrity and Capacity Commission established by constitutional amendment. Its existence, authority and independence must derive directly from the Constitution, with protected funding, secure tenure and enforceable investigative powers. Neither the president nor a congressional majority should be able to dissolve it, dismiss its investigators or prevent it from carrying out its constitutional duties. The commission should include judges, physicians and constitutional experts, selected through a balanced appointment process that prevents domination by any president or political party. Its mandate should cover presidential capacity, serious dishonesty under oath, corruption and abuse of office, and serious criminal misconduct, including sexual abuse and obstruction of justice. It should conduct regular assessments of capacity and investigate credible, evidence-supported allegations within these defined areas. It must not become a morality police empowered to punish unpopular opinions, political disagreements or ordinary human failings. The commission should preserve evidence, publish substantiated findings with appropriate protections for victims and sensitive information, and submit its evidence to the House of Representatives and the Senate. The House would determine whether to impeach, and the Senate would determine whether to convict and remove. Findings of incapacity should follow a separately defined constitutional procedure, because inability to perform presidential duties is distinct from impeachable misconduct. Yet independent evidence gathering alone cannot resolve the danger of partisan

India’s rate hike a loud warning shot for Modinomics Inflation is rising, rupee is sliding and RBI is tightening, raising the specter that Modi’s economic boom may well be over

ASIA TIMES

William pesek

T’S not often that events in Mumbai reverberate through global markets. But the Reserve Bank of India’s first interest rate hike in almost four years speaks volumes about the chaotic state of play. The inflation slamming Asia’s third-biggest economy and the rupee’s drop to record lows left RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra with no choice but to raise borrowing costs. It’s a dilemma that Federal Reserve Chairman Kevin Warsh, European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde and Kazuo Ueda understand all too well. But India’s dilemma is more challenging. On Wednesday, the RBI raised its benchmark repo rate for the first time since February 2023 — a 25 basis-point move to 5.50%. The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) also pivoted from a “neutral” stance to “calibrated tightening,” meaning markets can forget any possibility of rate cuts. “The duration and extent of the rate hike cycle would be contingent on the actual growth-inflation developments and outlook, especially that of underlying inflation, the extent of broadening of price pressures and second-round effects of the supply shock, as well as the impact of demand impulses,” the MPC says. For Malhotra, Wednesday’s tightening was a big change in tack. Since taking office in December 2024, he’s overseen a series of cuts. The quarter-point hike demonstrates how much has changed since the RBI’s last policy meeting in August. Inflation has accelerated further, oil prices have surged back above $100 a barrel, and the dollar’s strength put strong downward pressure on the rupee. Also, foreign exchange reserves just posted a record weekly decline as Team Malhotra intervened to prop up the cur-

rency with greater urgency. The rupee was Asia’s worst-performing currency in 2025. And it has a decent chance of repeating that dubious honor in 2026, too. With inflation near 5% and perhaps en route to 6%, a falling exchange rate simply isn’t an option. The only good news here is that the Indian economy remains reasonably resilient. That gives the RBI ample justification to hike borrowing costs without being blamed for any economic distress to come. As such, IDFC First Bank economist Gaura Sen Gupta sees an argument for another 50 basis points of rate hikes by February. Those increases would be “aimed primarily at preventing the real policy rate from turning negative as inflation rises.” Sen Gupta adds that a “shift in stance could indicate a deeper tightening cycle, which appears unwarranted given that inflation remains primarily supplyside driven and growth faces two-sided risks.” This view is far from universal. Alexandra Hermann Prasad, economist at Oxford Economics, argues core inflation — which removes food and fuel — isn’t as problematic as many investors think. In fact, she notes that the RBI could even have scope to cut rates. The counterpoint is that the RBI is also struggling with a sizable pool of excess liquidity. It’s keeping Indonesia’s overnight lending rates below the official RBI rate, leaving financial conditions more stimulative than Malhotra’s board might prefer. Before Wednesday’s meeting, the RBI had been working frantically to stabilize the rupee. The currency, along with the Indonesian rupiah, is a top victim of the Iran war. In the weeks before the Iran war began in February, officials in New Delhi were in celebration mode. Economists were declaring that India’s gross domestic product had surpassed Japan’s. Or at the very least, is on the verge of upending Tokyo’s year. Becoming the globe’s fourthbiggest economy after Germany would be just the milestone Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government needed in 2026. It’s still debatable, of course. The International Monetary Fund, for example, hasn’t yet made the change in the economic guard official. Still, the bragging rights that come with your GDP topping three of the Group of Seven nations have tangible benefits, too. One is buttressing the ar-

The idea of India topping Japan in GDP terms will be as big a deal in Tokyo as in New Delhi

gument that India is a viable alternative to China as a manufacturing center and investment destination. It also adds heft to the argument that India is enjoying a “Goldilocks” moment. India ended 2025 growing 7.8%, comfortably above China’s 5% rate. The World Bank projects India to grow 7.1% in 2027. Modi’s economy is expected to continue growing somewhere in the neighborhood of 7% going forward. Yet the Iran war and $100 oil are upending the global economy and India’s prospects, too. For now, the World Bank says, “India’s exports have performed better than expected and are likely to provide the main upside to the FY27 growth outlook relative to the April forecasts.” India’s manufacturing activity, slowed to its lowest level in nearly fourand-a-half years. Factories have reduced output amid Iran-related gas shortages. So big risks remain. The only good news here is that India’s manufacturing purchasing managers’ activity remains above 50 — it was 55.1 in September. “Companies bought more materials and built up stocks to prepare for anticipated sales,” says Pranjul Bhandari, chief India economist at HSBC. “Finished-goods inventories recorded their second-largest increase in nearly 12 years, signaling a clear shift from leaner stock levels.” For now, at least. The biggest problem, though, is India’s preexisting conditions. Namely, India’s failure to turn rapid growth into broader prosperity and economic stability. Modi has led India since 2014. In that time, his Bharatiya Janata Party has talked early and often about reforms to raise India’s economic game. Implementation, though, remains glacial. Case in point: Modi’s “Make in India” program, launched a year before Xi Jinping’s “Made in China 2025” strategy. Twelve years ago, the plan was to increase manufacturing’s share of GDP to 25% to reduce high youth unemployment. A dozen years on, the sector only drives about 17% of the economy. Now, as oil and fertilizer prices surge, changing engines will be even more difficult. With the global economy in turmoil, New Delhi is firmly in damage-control mode. The idea of India topping Japan in GDP terms will be as big a deal in Tokyo as in New Delhi. The psychological blow of China zooming past Japan

roughly 15 years ago still lingers. It marked the definitive end of Japan’s post-World War II economic miracle. It also compounded the perception that the costs of Japan’s “lost decades” of deflation and stagnation still reigned. Being relegated to No. 4 or 5 by another developing economy will usher in a fresh era of unease. Japan, after all, is the biggest donor of overseas development assistance to Modi’s 1.4 billion people. The counterpoint, of course, is that GDP size matters far less than per capita income. And it’s a solid one. China’s $20.6 trillion economy dwarfs Japan’s $4.2 trillion of output. Yet China’s GDP per capita is well below 50% of Japan’s. Japan’s GDP per capita is about 12 times India’s. The state of play, it’s worth noting, has been muddied a bit by this year’s revision process in New Delhi. The Ministry of Statistics and Program Implementation tweaked its GDP measurement metrics. It may have effectively reduced India’s GDP for this year from a forecasted $4.2 trillion to roughly $3.9 trillion. Yet India’s trajectory is clear, and Japan is watching its back. Germany, too, could find itself trailing India by 2030. Still, it’s high time Modi’s government accelerated efforts to ensure India grows better, not just faster. Modi, remember, was elected to apply his “Gujarat model” across India. Modi rose to national prominence on the strength of his 14 years running the western state of Gujarat. During that time, he developed a reputation for GDP rates that exceeded the national average with better governance and infrastructure and less corruption. Too often, though, Modi has stepped into the overconfidence trap that has ensnared past Indian leaders. All too many governments abandon bold structural improvements and avoid disruption once headline growth tops 7%. Now, though, fallout from Iran means “Modinomics” faces greater challenges than ever. So does every economy, particularly those in the developing-nation zone. Yet India’s past failures are haunting its future. Despite India’s recent momentum—and the triumphalism radiating from New Delhi—turmoil in the Middle East is an unwelcome reminder that Modi must refocus on preparing the economy for global prime time.

protection. A congressional majority may refuse to act even when compelling evidence exists. If the proposed reform is intended to prevent that failure from leaving a president beyond effective accountability, the amendment must expressly establish an additional, narrowly defined judicial mechanism. That mechanism should permit an independent constitutional tribunal to hear qualifying cases and order the remedies— including suspension or removal— specifically authorized by the amendment, under rigorous evidentiary standards and with a right of review. Such authority cannot be assumed merely because the commission operates under judicial oversight. At the same time, the amendment must prohibit presidential interference with investigators, destruction or suppression of records, and self-pardons for conduct under examination. Presidential power must never become a shield that prevents evidence from being discovered or accountability from taking place. The presidency magnifies character. A president’s words and conduct influence the ethical atmosphere of the entire country, legitimize behaviour for followers and shape how the world understands America. This higher standard is not an attack on democratic choice; it protects voters from deception and prevents temporary occupants of office from using public power to conceal private wrongdoing or incapacity. The republic therefore cannot demand less integrity from its most powerful citizen than it demands from everyone else. The president must be not only legally qualified to occupy the office, but physically capable, mentally sound and morally worthy of the example the office inevitably creates.

The writer retired as Press Secretary the President, and is former Press Minister at Embassy of Pakistan to France and former MD, Shalimar Recording & Broadcasting Company Limited

MID-TERM MADNESS? SATIRE

NEWS BISCUIT Deskpilot

HERE are less than thirty days to the US mid-term elections. The polls look very bad for Donald Trump, so he’ll need to put in an unbelievable performance to turn things around. Here are our best predictions of what you can expect... Trump tries to shout down the price of oil, again Trump offers to arm Argentina so that they can take back Las Malvinas on condition that they are renamed The American Islands and that the US gets all the oil Millions of dollars are spent on social media disinformation and lies Trump demolishes the White House west-wing to build a new casino Trump declares victory over Iran because Iran hasn’t gained a single inch of territory The Board of Peace takes over FIFA. FIFA announces that 2028 World Cup will be held in Gaza in 2028, just before the US presidential elections ICE officers are filmed eating immigrants’ pets Trump tries to shout down interest rates, again Iran steals the Epstein files in full and publishes them. Trump says it’s all fake news. In a bizarre tribute to Douglas Adams, Donald Trump decides to insult all world leaders in alphabetical order Trump confirms his third and fourth terms Trump suspends the US Constitution due to a National Emergency that he will explain ‘shortly’ Trump’s mates buy all US media outlets. All media outlets predict a massive ground-breaking, worldbeating, lip-smacking, thirst-quenching, mid-term election win for Trump.

US BOMBERS LEAVE UK – OH DEAR, WHAT A SHAME

NEWS BISCUIT Wrenfoe

HILE many might argue this weakens the special relationship, others would say that it means the UK is no longer snuggled up to Mad McTrump the Bedwetting Beast of Crazytown. What was originally pitched as a great security partnership soon turned into ‘congratulations, you’re now on several targeting maps – and everyone hates you.’ Supporters call it deterrence. Critics call it painting a bullseye on the UK. Explained one British General, ‘Nothing says independent foreign policy quite like discovering your nation has been automatically enrolled in someone else’s argument. Hosting another country’s bombers is a bit like lending a friend your spare room and waking up to find they’ve turned it into a fireworks warehouse.’ The Pentagon denied that hosting bombers had only been negative for the UK, ‘Our base lets the Brits feel that conflicts occurring 3,000 miles away are much more local. Why settle for making your own enemies when you can import a premium selection of US ones?’. One war protestor commented, ‘Our foreign policy is like a shopping trolley with a broken wheel: technically its ours, but clearly its going wherever somebody else is pushing it. This base acts as a diplomatic timesaver. Instead of asking where you stand on an issue, the rest of the world simply makes an educated guess.’

06 NEWS

IRAN'S PEZESHKIAN SAYS TEHRAN CANNOT BE EASILY ISOLATED AMID STRONG TIES WITH NEIGHBOURS

TEHRAN

AGENCIES

RANIAN Navy Commander Rear Admiral Shahram Irani stressed the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz, saying its security depended on the will, vigilance and readiness of Iran’s defenders, IRNA reported on Thursday. In a message to Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy Commander Rear Admiral Ali Ozamaei on the occasion of the Day of the IRGC Naval Force, Irani said the sea was an arena of vital interests for Iran and one of the most important manifestations of safeguarding national security and authority. He said protecting this maritime front required personnel who combined faith and knowledge with courage and readiness and were prepared to respond without delay in moments of danger. Irani said the IRGC Naval Force had played a pivotal role in protecting Iran’s national interests and securing the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz through years of sustained presence and efforts across the Persian Gulf. He attributed these efforts to the force’s

reliance on domestic capabilities and what he described as a spirit of jihad. The Iranian Navy commander said this responsibility had become even more important during the Ramadan War and the Hormuz Battle, when IRGC forces defended the country’s territory and interests against the aggression by the “American-Zionist enemy”. He said the operations had once again demonstrated that the security of the strategic waterway rested on the will and readiness of Iran’s defenders. IRAN’S ARMED FORCES STRONGER, MORE PREPARED THAN EVER: DEPUTY COMMANDER Iran’s deputy commander-in-chief, Brigadier General Mohammad Hossein Dadras, said the country’s armed forces were stronger and more prepared than ever, PressTV reported on Thursday. He also highlighted the continued presence and resilience of the Iranian people. IRANIAN INTELLIGENCE SETS SIGHTS ON US MILITARY BASES IN GERMANY, WIWO REPORTS Iranian intelligence services are targeting US military bases in Germany, including Ramstein and Spangdahlem, amid concerns

over potential covert attacks linked to the Iran conflict, German news outlet WirtschaftsWoche reported on Thursday. Israel warned US and German partners three weeks ago of a potential threat, with concern focused on bases supporting US military operations and logistics linked to the conflict with Iran, the report said, citing several unnamed Western intelligence officials. The German defence ministry and the US forces in Germany were not immediately available for comment. TRUMP SAYS IRAN DEAL 'ISN'T REALLY SOMETHING THAT I WANT TO DO' US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that his special envoy Steve Witkoff is "doing very well" in negotiations with Iran while indicating that a deal is not his preferred outcome. "He's working on the Iran deal and doing very well. I think the deal isn't really something that I want to do, but they're willing to offer us anything to stop," Trump told supporters at a campaign rally in San Antonio, Texas. "They will never have a nuclear weapon," he added. Trump described Witkoff as "a great negotiator" who has

"done some phenomenal things," citing the ceasefire deal in Gaza. The president also said he expects the war with Iran to end soon. "That war ends – it's going to be very soon. It's got to be very soon," he said, describing Iran as "a failed nation." His remarks came as media reports said that the White House has asked the Pentagon to develop options for strikes on Iranian targets that could be carried out before the Nov. 3 midterm elections.

Nicolas Maduro, wife expected to face new US charges for alleged torture of Americans NEW YORK

AGENCIES

US prosecutors in New York are expected to bring new charges against Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, for the alleged torture of Americans held in Venezuelan government custody in recent years, media reports said a day earlier. The new charges relate to the alleged wrongful detention of more than a dozen Americans in Venezuelan prisons during the years Maduro led the country, according to those briefed on the investigation. CNN reported that US investigators have discussed charging several additional people for their alleged roles in the torture of Americans, potentially expanding the scope of the case beyond the couple. The charges would add to the criminal case already facing Maduro and Flo-

res in the US. The couple was captured during a US military raid on the presidential palace in Caracas in January. They

Trump says he deserves Nobel Peace Prize but has doubts he will get it WASHINTON

Canadian poet and writer Anne Carson wins 2026 Nobel Prize in Literature NEW YORK

AGENCIES

.US President Donald Trump, who waged war with Iran and has yet to broker peace in Ukraine, said on Wednesday that he should win the Nobel Peace Prize but acknowledged doubt about his chances. "I don't know what their decision is going to be," Trump said of the 2026 award, which the Norwegian Nobel Committee will announce on Friday. "They have a reputation for maybe not giving it to people like me." Since his return to the White House last year, Trump has repeatedly said he deserves what may be the world's most prestigious award. "It is about that time," Trump told reporters in the Oval Office. "But I was very honored to receive it indirectly last time by the recipient, who said nobody in history deserves it more than President Trump." Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado gave her 2025 Nobel Peace Prize medal to Trump in January as she sought US support for her efforts in Venezuela. Trump said he should get the prize after wading into eight conflicts since taking office last January. The leaders of Cambodia, Israel and Pakistan have said they nominated Trump, though there is no way of verifying that. Parties to some conflicts Trump claims to have resolved dispute the US president's diplomatic role, and fighting has flared again in some of those regions, including the Democratic Republic of Congo and along the border between Cambodia and Thailand.

have pleaded not guilty to charges, including conspiracy to commit narcoterrorism and are being held without bail in

New York.The new investigation focuses on Americans who were detained in Venezuelan prisons and allegedly subjected to torture or other mistreatment while in government custody. Sources did not provide details about the identities of the Americans involved or the specific acts of torture being investigated. US authorities continue to pursue cases linked to alleged abuses committed during Maduro's years in power. Sources did not indicate whether the new allegations would be added to the existing case or brought separately. They also did not provide details about the evidence prosecutors have gathered or identify the additional people who could face charges. Any new allegations would have to be proven in court, and Maduro, Flores and any other defendants would be entitled to challenge the charges as the legal proceedings continue.

AGENCIES

Canadian poet and writer Anne Carson won the 2026 Nobel Prize in Literature "for her bold and inventive oeuvre that, in playful dialogue with the classical tradition, has created new forms for contemporary literature," the award-giving body said on Thursday. The prize is awarded by the Swedish Academy and is worth 12 million Swedish crowns ($1.2 million). "She was very taken by surprise. We didn't have so much time to speak, and all she had time to tell me was that she is for the moment in Iceland, where she's listening to the wind," said Ingrid Carlberg, permanent secretary of the Swedish Academy. Carson's work often blends verse, prose, dialogue and translation in a genre-defying mix. Born in Toronto, she has also held Icelandic citizenship since 2022. She is widely known for her translations of classical Greek literature, which heavily influence her work, which ranges from opera libretti to literary criticism and verse novels such as "Autobiography of Red" from 1998. "Almost all her literary production has centred upon the intersection between the philologist's obsession with words and the poet's desire for new meaning," the Academy said. "She has herself identified the etymology of words as the starting point for all her work. Her translations from Classical Greek may be regarded as independent

works in their own right." Her style is exemplified in "Norma Jeane Baker of Troy" from 2019, a performance piece which mixes the stories of Helen of Troy in Euripides' play "Helen" and Marilyn Monroe. Carson had been among favourites this year Carson, 76, had been among the favourites to win this year's prize, according to bookmakers Ladbrokes, and takes a place beside luminaries such as Alexander Solzhenitsyn, Alice Munro and Ernest Hemingway as a recipient of the award, which often divides opinion among book lovers. The Academy has been lambasted for ignoring some of the literary titans of the last 120 years such as Leo Tolstoy, Virginia Woolf and Jorge Luis Borges, criticised for snubbing US authors – though it gave the prize to singersongwriter Bob Dylan in 2016 – and accused of being too obscure in its choices. Defenders say the Academy has made popular picks, such as Colombia's Gabriel Garcia Marquez in 1982 and Doris Lessing in 2007, arguing that part of its task is to highlight lesser-known literary traditions and encourage readers to broaden their horizons. Established in the will of Swedish dynamite inventor and businessman Alfred Nobel, the prizes for achievements in literature, science and peace have been awarded since 1901. Last year's prize was won by Hungarian writer Laszlo Krasznahorkai, dubbed the "master of the apocalypse" by American critic Susan Sontag.

TRUMP MAY ORDER NEW STRIKE ON IRAN BEFORE MIDTERMS: REPORTS The White House has asked the Pentagon to develop options for strikes on Iranian targets that could be carried out before the Nov. 3 midterm elections, according to media reports on Wednesday. Asked about the reports, a Pentagon official told Anadolu: "The Department's job is to develop and present military options to the president."

NHA Plans Feasibility Study for 123-Km Mansehra-Naran Model Highway ISLAMABAD

STAFF REPORT

Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan has directed the National Highway Authority to prepare a feasibility for developing the 123-kilometre long Mansehra-Naran highway as a model project. He added that the proposed three-lane Motorway Project could prove to be a milestone not only in promoting tourism but also in strengthening trade and connectivity with China. A detailed presentation was given to Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan on various aspects and progress of the Mansehra-Naran-Jalkhand-Chilas highway project. Federal Minister directed the NHA Authorities to thoroughly examine all aspects of the project and prepare a comprehensive and viable report so that the important highway could be developed in accordance with modern requirements. A special meeting of the National Highway Authority, chaired by Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan, reviewed the construction of important highways as well as key affairs of the Authority. Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan said it had also been decided to take the Guru Nanak Expressway Project to the international tendering stage.

China firmly opposes US arms sales to China's Taiwan region: spokesperson BEIJING

Ten injured in machete attack at school POLAND

AGENCIES

Ten people were injured in a machete attack at a vocational school in Ostroleka, northeastern Poland, on Wednesday, with police detaining a 19year-old student suspected of carrying out the assault. Nine people were taken to hospital, although none of their injuries was considered life-threatening. Those injured included five students,

two teachers and two bystanders, while the suspected attacker also suffered selfinflicted injuries. Police said the suspect was a student at the school and had attacked people with a machete. Bomb disposal specialists were called to the scene after authorities found a homemade explosive device in the suspect’s backpack that had come close to detonating. The attack occurred at around 0900 GMT.

STAFF CORRESPONDENT

China remains firmly opposed to US arms sales to China's Taiwan region, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Guo Jiakun said on Tuesday, stressing that the country's position is clear. Guo made the remarks in response to media reports that Taiwan recently received two F-16V fighter jets purchased from the United States and plans to receive another 64 within the year. Guo said the US side needs to implement the important common understandings reached at the meeting between the two countries' presidents, abide by the one-China principle and the three China-US joint communiques, and act prudently on the Taiwan question. "The Taiwan question is China's internal affair, and resolving it is a matter for the Chinese ourselves that brooks no external interference," he said.

China nominates Song Li to run for WHO director-general: Chinese FM BEIJING

STAFF CORRESPONDENT

China has nominated Doctor Song Li to run for the position of director-general of the World Health Organization (WHO), Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning confirmed at a regular press briefing on Thursday. At the briefing, a reporter asked Mao about a Reuters report, citing four diplomats and a source fa-

miliar with the matter, said that China plans to put forward Song to lead the WHO, giving Beijing a chance to expand its influence after the US quit the WHO. The reporter asked whether China could confirm the nomination plan and, if so, whether the US withdrawal from UN specialized agencies such as the WHO presented an opportunity for China to step in. Mao said the WHO, as

Friday, 9 October 2026 | LAHORE

the UN specialized agency for health, plays a leading and coordinator role in global health governance. "At a time when multilateralism is facing challenges and much remains to be done in advancing global health, the role of the WHO director-general is particularly important in ensuring that the organization continues to develop steadily amid new changes and circumstances," Mao said. China's nomination of

Dr. Song Li reflects its willingness to work with all parties to jointly promote the building of a global community of health for all, and demonstrates China's firm support for multilateralism and the WHO, Mao said. "We believe that if Dr. Song Li is elected WHO director-general, she will help the organization play a more active role in improving the health and well-being of all humanity," Mao said.

COURT NOTICE

IN THE COURT OF MUHAMMAD USMAN SAHB JUDGE FAMILY COURT JHELUM SUIT FOR DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE, CASE TITLE: NUSRAT BEGUM Vs MAZHAR IQBAL, Against: Defendant, Mazhar Iqbal S/o Qurban Ali R/o Kund Post office Pandori Tehsil Dina District Jhelum). Presently Residing In Abroad Etc. As it is not possible to call the Defendent through Summon in the instant suit so through proclamation in Newspaper, you are directed to appear in the Court on 12-10-2026 at 08:00 AM, otherwise ex-parte proceedings will be initiated.

NEWS 07

Friday, 9 October 2026 | LAHORE

IMF SEEKS AMENDMENTS TO PAKISTAN’S SOE CCPO reviews crime control in civil lines, city LAWS BEFORE RELEASE OF NEXT $1B TRANCHE division

CORPORATE CORNER

LAHORE

STAFF REPORT

Capital City Police Officer (CCPO) Bilal Siddique Kamyana on Wednesday directed police officers to ensure effective field operations to curb crime in the city, accelerate the repatriation of illegally residing Afghan nationals and intensify the crackdown on elements involved in theft, pickpocketing and drug peddling. He was speaking at a meeting held at the Capital City Police Headquarters to review the performance of Civil Lines and City divisions. The meeting reviewed the overall performance of the two divisions, crime control measures and other professional matters in detail. DIG Investigation Zeeshan Raza, DIG Operations Faisal Kamran, SSP Investigation Muhammad Naveed and SSP Operations Abdullah Ahmad attended the meeting, along with SPs, ASPs, circle officers, SHOs and investigation in-charges of the two divisions. Bilal Siddique Kamyana directed the police to take effective measures to prevent pickpocketing and mobile phone theft at markets and on public transport. He ordered strict action against networks and shopkeepers involved in purchasing and dealing in stolen mobile phones. He also directed an increase in decoy operations and foot patrols at crime hotspots to deter street crime and ensure effective policing in vulnerable areas. The CCPO ordered the immediate arrest of Category-B proclaimed offenders, target offenders and active wanted suspects. He directed police to continue operations against drug peddlers and take effective measures to disrupt the supply chain. CCPO Lahore also directed officers to make full use of the Punjab Safe Cities Authority’s surveillance network for crime prevention and detection. He said addressing citizens’ complaints was a top priority of the police and directed officers to ensure prompt registration of cases and merit-based investigations.

Sindh High Court Suspends Impugned Orders and Notifications on K-Electric Tariff Review KARACHI

STAFF REPORT

K-Electric Limited (KE) acknowledges the orders of the Honorable High Court of Sindh dated 7th October 2026, wherein the Court has issued notices to the respondents and, in the interim, suspended the impugned notifications and orders concerning the review of KE’s Multi-Year Tariff (FY24 – FY30).KE had approached the Honorable High Court challenging the judgments of the NEPRA Appellate Tribunal dated 23rd September 2026, NEPRA’s review determinations dated 20th October 2025, and the subsequent notifications issued by NEPRA and the Ministry of Energy (Power Division).The Company’s position before the Court is that while NEPRA holds the authority to review a tariff determination, such a process cannot amount to a fresh re-determination of the tariff. KE has further maintained that the review determinations translated into a substantial adverse impact on the Multi-Year Tariff (MYT) of KE for the control period from FY2024 to FY2030 and therefore, it is not considered as financially sustainable.The High Court observed that the points raised merit consideration, suspended the impugned notifications and orders in the interim, and fixed the matter for hearing.KE will continue to pursue the matter through appropriate legal and regulatory forums. KE remains committed to working towards a fair, cost-reflective, and sustainable tariff framework that protects consumers while ensuring the long-term reliability and viability of Karachi’s power infrastructure.

Chairperson BISP Highlights Skills, Employment and Climate-Resilient Social Protection at ADB Forum in Manila

MANILA, PHILIPPINES STAFF REPORT

The Asia-Pacific Social Protection (APSP) Week 2026, organized by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) from October 6 to 8 in Manila, Philippines, brought together government leaders, policymakers, practitioners, development partners and social protection experts to advance inclusive, resilient and sustainable social protection systems.Chairperson BISP Senator Rubina Khalid participated in the High-Level Roundtable on Skills, Employment and Social Protection: “Building Resilience Pathways for Learning, Work and Security.” She highlighted BISP’s evolving role beyond cash transfers, particularly its efforts to connect social protection with market-relevant skills, digital opportunities and employment for young people and women.Senator Rubina Khalid said Pakistan’s large youth population requires skills aligned with changing market demands and said that BISP is working with the ADB to scale up skills development within the social protection framework.

PROFIT

MONITORING REPORT

HE International Monetary Fund (IMF) has proposed amendments to Pakistan's stateowned enterprise (SOE) laws as a prior action for the next $1 billion loan tranche, while seeking an adjustment of Rs180 billion against the government's claimed primary budget surplus and progress on delayed structural reforms, The Express Tribune reported. Sources said the IMF wants laws governing nine to 10 public enterprises aligned with the principal SOE Act before mid-November 2026. Subject to a staff-level agreement and parliamentary approval, the IMF Executive Board could consider the disbursement in late November. The proposal emerged as Pakistan and the IMF concluded scheduled review talks held from September 23 to October 7 under the $7 billion Extended Fund Facility (EFF), of which $4.2 billion has already been disbursed, mainly following progress on fiscal and monetary commitments. The government repeatedly sought extensions to amend the laws, missing the latest deadline in August 2026. It had submitted amendments to six laws for

parliamentary approval in January, while work on three remaining enterprises with dedicated laws was still required. Finance Secretary Imdad Ullah Bosal previously informed the National Assembly Standing Committee on Finance that amendments would cover the Port Qasim Authority, Gwadar Port Authority, Karachi Port Trust, State Life Insurance Corporation, National Bank of Pakistan, National Telecommunication Corporation and Pakistan Railways. The delay comes as the Finance

CASS organises roundtable discussion on human capital at Risk in Lahore

LAHORE STAFF REPORT

Ministry disclosed that SOE public debt, excluding contingent liabilities, reached a record Rs10.1 trillion by December 2025, exceeding the amount previously reported by the State Bank of Pakistan by Rs7.1 trillion, or 242%. Senate Standing Committee on Finance Chairman Saleem Mandviwalla said the committee would examine the amendments and approve them if they served the national interest. PPP leader Syed Naveed Qamar maintained that all legislation should

SSGC launches Advanced Mobile Gas Leak Detection System for safer communities and ESG Compliance

LAHORE

The Centre for Aerospace and Security Studies (CASS), Lahore, organised a roundtable discussion titled “Human Capital at Risk: Education, State Capacity and Pakistan's Development Challenge” on 7 October, 2026. As an independent think tank, CASS Lahore regularly organises academic engagements for scholars, practitioners, and policymakers to deliberate on critical regional and international security issues. The event was attended by academics, intellectuals, and domain experts. Ms Faiza Abid, a Research Assistant at CASS Lahore, delivered the opening address. Dr Soufia Anis Siddiqi, Assistant Professor at LUMS school of Education, examined Pakistan’s education crisis, highlighting 25–26 million out-of-school children, a Human Capital Index of 0.41, and education spending of just 0.8 percent of GDP, alongside profound learning deficits.

Demonstrating corporate commitment to operational excellence, communities’ safety and ESG compliance, SSGC positioned itself as Pakistan’s first gas utility company to deploy the state-of-the-art Advanced Mobile Gas Leak Detection System (AMGLDS) designed to proactively identify gas leaks, enabling quick rectification and reduce gas losses on its Distribution Network. The latest technology implementation reflects another pivotal step in SSGC's sustained technological and innovation superiority. An impressive formal launch and handover ceremony was held in this regard in the SSGC’s Learning and Development Centre at its Karachi Terminal facility. Amin Rajput, MD, SSGC graced the occasion as chief guest. The Company’s senior management, executives and business partners attended the proceedings.

LAHORE

STAFF REPORT

Zong Launches Pakistan’s First 5G Fixed Wireless Home Broadband Service — Z HomeFi STAFF REPORT

Zong, Pakistan’s Leading Technology Services Enterprise, is taking 5G beyond the smartphone and into the Pakistani home with the launch of Z HomeFi - Pakistan’s first 5G Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) home broadband service, ushering a new era of future-ready, technology-led connectivity.Z HomeFi marks another milestone in Zong’s journey to transform connectivity into technology-led services, translating next-generation 5G innovation into a simple, accessible and customer-centric home broadband experience. By removing the need for fibre installation, fixed-line infrastructure and complex installations, Z HomeFi gives households greater flexibility and convenience while delivering high-speed, reliable connectivity designed around the evolving needs of today’s digitally connected consumers.Z HomeFi is available across Pakistan’s top 10 cities, bringing nextgeneration home broadband within reach of more customers. The service is available exclusively through Zong’s Customer Service Centres.

STAFF REPORT

Nayatel signs five-year agreement with ZTBL to deliver business emails ISLAMABAD

Nayatel has signed an agreement with Zarai Taraqiati Bank Limited (ZTBL) to deliver Nmail, its premium business email solution powered by Zimbra, for a five-year duration. Under this partnership, ZTBL will move to a local provider of business email solutions. The move comes as pressure grows on organizations to host their data within Pakistan. Nmail is gaining traction as a competitive alternative to the global email solutions offered by global tech giants like Microsoft and Google, while similar agreements with other organizations are also under development. “We are proud to partner with ZTBL and to be trusted with something as important as their business email. This agreement shows that Pakistani organizations can rely on a strong local solution, with their data hosted right here in Pakistan.” Sheikh Wajid Mahmood - EVP Sales & Marketing, Nayatel. “Nmail was built to give organizations a secure, reliable and locally hosted alternative to global email platforms. Having ZTBL with us for the next five years is a great step forward, and we look forward to supporting them every day.” (Name), (Designation), ZTBL.

Capital Emergency Services Conducts Field Inspections Regarding Fire Safety Violations: 92 Premises Sealed And Millions Recovered In September 2026

ISLAMABAD: On the directions of Federal Minister for Interior Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi and Chairman CDA Sohail Ashraf, Capital Emergency Services (CES) has comprehensively audited and sealed 92 premises across the capital during an intensive September 2026 enforcement drive. Spearheaded by the Capital Development Authority's (CDA) Building Emergency Audit & Prevention Wing, the inspection operations were executed under the strict guidelines of the Islamabad Fire Prevention & Life Safety Regulations to ensure "Safer Buildings, Safer People, A Safer Islamabad".Comprehensive Audit & Enforcement Report of September 2026, field inspections rigorously targeted commercial, healthcare, residential, and government sectors, resulting in detailed regulatory actions and financial penalties:Extensive Auditing: Authorities conducted numerous FLSAudits across different sectors, including 115 in hospitals, 29 in government facilities, 6 in commercial properties, and 4 in residential buildings. The government sector audits also yielded 6 finalized audit reports.Premises Sealed: A total of 92 non-compliant properties were successfully sealed. This targeted operation encompassed 78 commercial shops, 8 high-rise structures, 4 residential buildings, and 3 government facilities. STAFF REPORT

pass through parliament. The IMF also expressed concern over delays in amending the Sovereign Wealth Act, whose extended deadline expired in March 2026. On fiscal matters, the Fund questioned Rs180 billion of the Rs853 billion statistical discrepancy in the government's budget figures and sought its adjustment against the primary budget surplus claimed for the previous financial year. Differences also remain over the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP). Pakistan has proposed linking annual stipend increases solely to inflation instead of the existing benchmarks of inflation and food consumption costs. The government estimates the change would save Rs30 billion, which it wants to redirect towards conditional cash transfers to improve beneficiary targeting. Sources said the IMF had not accepted the proposal. Another unresolved proposal concerns Export Processing Zones (EPZs). Pakistan wants existing zones allowed to sell up to 20% of their production domestically, while maintaining the 100% export requirement for new EPZs. The IMF had not responded to the request.

foodpanda and HBL Expand Strategic Partnership for Greater Digital Payment Adoption KARACHI

STAFF REPORT

foodpanda and HBL have expanded their multiyear strategic partnership to accelerate digital payment adoption in Pakistan.Combining foodpanda's platform reach with HBL's banking ecosystem, the next phase focuses on youth-centric financial solutions. With nearly half of foodpanda orders now paid online, the partnership will roll out tailored card propositions with exclusive sign-up rewards, targeted offers, and elevated pandapro privileges.The collaboration builds on joint campaign successes and aims to create a more inclusive, cashless ecosystem for Pakistan's digitally-savvy youth.

Round-the-Clock E-Delivery Orders, Night Inspections Proposed to Expedite Cargo Clearance KARACHI

STAFF REPORT

Chairman KPT Rear Admiral Shahid Ahmed SI(M) S.Bt (Retd) chaired a high-level meeting of the Working Group on Shipping Connectivity and Optimisation at KPT Head Office, focusing on removing physical and regulatory bottlenecks and making cargo clearance faster and more predictable.The meeting proposed standardised 24/7 electronic delivery orders, risk-based inspections, non-intrusive scanning, joint inspections and common sampling. Terminal operators expressed readiness for night inspections, while Pakistan Customs was requested to facilitate round-the-clock operations.The Working Group also reviewed UNCTAD LSCI/PLSCI benchmarks, liner connectivity and transshipment, while the Chairman reiterated that road and rail connectivity would remain a priority, with the Pipri Corridor targeted for completion in February 2027. Stakeholders particularly Customs and PSW were invited to use KPT Staff College free of cost for meeting with trade and logistics bodies to afford better awarness of ongoing trade facilitation measures and expanding usage of PSW.

You Asked for Two Years, TECNO Listened: POVA Is Coming Back to Pakistan

LAHORE STAFF REPORT

POVA is making a comeback in Pakistan after more than two years. TECNO has confirmed the return, and this time it arrives as something Pakistan has never seen from POVA before: a Beauty and a Beast in one phone. You asked. TECNO listened. This comeback did not start in a boardroom. It started in the comments. For the past two years, one question has followed TECNO Pakistan across its social channels, under launch posts, in direct messages and in fan communities: when is POVA coming back? TECNO's social listening kept pointing to the same answer. People who owned a POVA were still talking about it, and people who missed it wanted their chance. The demand never faded, so TECNO is bringing it home. Beauty and Beast, together in one phone The POVA Curve 2 5G is not built around a single strength. It is an all-rounder, a complete package that arrives as a Beauty and a Beast together, and neither side comes at the cost of the other.

SOHAil AfRidi-led PTi mARCH enTeRS PeSHAwAR On fifTH dAy

Friday, 9 October, 2026

PRAYER TIMINGS

NEWS

PESHAWAR

STAFF REPORT

convoy led by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi entered Peshawar on Thursday evening as the PTI’s long march entered its fifth consecutive day, with the party continuing its demand for the release of incarcerated founder Imran Khan. The route of the march has undergone several changes since it began on October 4, while its eventual destination remains unclear. Although the PTI had initially announced that the caravan would head towards Islamabad, the chief minister has yet to announce a final plan beyond October 8. The PTI’s official X account said shortly after 6pm that the Afridi-led convoy had reached Hayatabad Toll Plaza, where hundreds of supporters gathered to welcome the chief minister. “God-willing, by the time it reaches Swabi, this caravan will become the largest long march in Pakistan’s history,” the party said. Addressing supporters, Afridi urged them to remain committed to what he described as a struggle for “true freedom”. “There might be some discomfort, but this pain is not greater than the pain Imran Khan sahib is enduring in jail for

us,” he said, adding that PTI supporters would not hesitate to sacrifice their lives for their party founder. The chief minister said he would announce the next course of action after passing through other parts of Peshawar, but hinted that a major announcement would be made when the caravan reached Swabi. A video released by the PTI showed Afridi leading supporters in chants demanding Imran Khan’s release. Meanwhile, several areas of Pe-

Govt raises petrol price by Rs2.31 to Rs398.96, diesel by 78 paisas for October 9 PROFIT

AHMAD AHMADANI

The government has increased the price of petrol by Rs2.31 per litre to Rs398.96 and high-speed diesel (HSD) by Re0.78 to Rs395.72 per litre for October 9, 2026. According to the Petroleum Division, the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) revised the exdepot prices of petroleum products under the government's petroleum pricing mechanism. The price of petrol has been increased from Rs396.65 to Rs398.96 per litre, while HSD has risen from Rs394.94 to Rs395.72 per litre. The Petroleum Division said the revisions were linked to changes in international petroleum prices, including Platts rates, premiums and other applicable costs. The latest adjustment follows the October 8 revision, when petrol prices increased by Rs1.82 per litre and HSD prices declined by Re0.91 per litre. With the latest increase, petrol prices have moved closer to the Rs400-per-litre mark, while diesel remains below that threshold. The revised prices will remain applicable for October 9 under the government's daily petroleum pricing mechanism.

SHO, gunman martyred in armed attack on police in K-P's Karak KHYBER PAKHTUNKHWA: STAFF REPORT

A station house officer (SHO) and his gunman were martyred when unidentified armed assailants opened fire on a police party in the New Karpa area of KhyberPakhtunkhwa's (K-P) Karak, District Police Officer (DPO) Imran Khan said on Thursday. According to DPO Khan, the police party from Banda Daud Shah Police Station was on routine patrol near the Karak-Kohat boundary when armed men opened fire. SHO Daud Khan and his gunman, Farhad, were martyred in the attack, while a passerby was also injured. Following the incident, DPO Khan reached the scene along with additional police personnel. The area was cordoned off and a search operation was launched to trace and arrest the assailants. Further investigation into the attack is under way. The latest incident came amid a series of attacks targeting police personnel in Karak and other districts of K-P. On September 9, a police constable was martyred and another injured when unidentified armed men opened fire on a police vehicle during a routine patrol in Karak's Shatakai Dam area.

shawar reportedly experienced disruptions to mobile and cellular internet services from Wednesday night, ahead of the protesters’ arrival. Route keeps changing The convoy appeared to be running behind the schedule announced by KP Information Minister Shafi Jan, under which it was expected to reach Hayatabad Toll Plaza by 2pm. The planned route included Bhana Mari Chowk, Kohati Chowk on Circular Road, Jameel Chowk, Pir Zakori Bridge

and Kabootar Chowk before proceeding towards Charsadda Road. Speaking to supporters at Bhana Mari Chowk, Afridi said Charsadda would be the next stop after Peshawar and that some details of the next phase would be shared there. He said the complete plan, which he described as a “yorker”, would be unveiled in Swabi. The march began in Lakki Marwat on October 4 before moving to Kohat on its second day. The convoy then camped overnight in Mattani on October 6, reached Khyber on October 7 and proceeded towards Peshawar the following day. Under the earlier schedule, Afridi was expected to lead the march to Khairabad, bordering Punjab’s Attock district, on October 8 and announce the next course of action there. He has now changed the plan, saying the caravan will continue to Swabi instead. The federal government has warned the PTI against holding protests or gatherings in Islamabad. The party nevertheless proceeded with the march after weekend negotiations with the government failed to resolve differences, particularly over counterterrorism policy and access to Imran Khan. The protest was originally scheduled for September 27 but was subsequently postponed to October 4.

Security forces kill nine terrorists in North Waziristan operation: state media ISLAMABAD STAFF REPORT

Security forces killed nine terrorists, including four key commanders belonging to Fitna al-Khawarij, during an intelligence-based operation (IBO) in North Waziristan, Radio Pakistan reported on Thursday, citing security sources. Fitna al-Khawarij is the term the state uses for terrorists belonging to the banned Tehreeke-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). A large quantity of weapons and ammunition was also recovered from the terrorists, the sources added. President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif commended the security forces for their successful operation in North Waziristan, Radio Pakistan reported. In a statement, the president said every conspiracy by foreignbacked terrorists and their local facilitators would be foiled. He said operations against Fitna alKhawarij under Azm-e-Istehkam would continue until the complete elimination of terrorism. The prime minister said success-

ful operations by the security forces against Fitna al-Khawarij reflected Pakistan’s unwavering resolve to completely eliminate terrorism. He said the officers and personnel of the security forces were rendering commendable services towards eliminating terrorism and establishing lasting peace in the country. He said the government would not allow terrorists to spread unrest in the country or succeed in their sordid designs. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi paid tribute to the security forces for a successful operation against Fitna al-Khawarij terrorists in North Waziristan. “Indiscriminate operations against terrorists under the Azm-e-Istehkam vision are ongoing and will continue,” he said. The interior minister praised the resolve of the security forces for killing nine Fitna al-Khawarij terrorists, including four commanders. “The fight against terrorism in the country will continue until all elements of Fitna alKhawarij are completely eliminated,” Naqvi added. The interior minister commended the professional capabili-

ties of the security forces for their successful operations against Fitna al-Khawarij terrorists. “The entire nation stands with its brave security forces in the fight to eliminate terrorism,” he said. The latest operations came amid continued security operations against terrorist groups in the country. Security forces on Wednesday killed 18 terrorists in separate operations in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, according to state media reports citing security sources. Thirteen Fitna al-Khawarij terrorists were killed in North Waziristan, while five Fitna al-Hindustan terrorists were killed in Mastung, Balochistan. Pakistan has witnessed a surge in terrorist activity over the past three months, with a series of attacks across the country resulting in the martyrdom of security personnel and civilians. Last week, 12 people were killed and 35 others injured when a blast struck a joint checkpoint near Aman Mela in the Darazinda area of Dera Ismail Khan, with the TTP claiming responsibility for the attack.

Achakzai ready to meet PML-N President Nawaz Sharif in Murree ISLAMABAD STAFF REPORT

Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party Chairman and Opposition Leader in the National Assembly Mahmood Khan Achakzai has said that he is ready to meet Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President Nawaz Sharif in Murree. Speaking on the political situation, Mahmood Achakzai said the supremacy of the Constitution and Parliament must be ensured and the elected Parliament should have the right to make decisions. He said the results of the February 8, 2024 general elections

were not acceptable to them and demanded free and fair elections in the country. The Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party chairman said Pak-

istan is a federation and all federating units should be given their rights and control over resources. He demanded the immediate release of PTI founder, saying he is a political prisoner. He warned that the federation would face difficulties in functioning if the PTI founder was not released. Mahmood Achakzai said the distinction between masters and slaves had created disorder and division in the country. He said they would not bow before force or coercion. The opposition leader said Parliament would have to be made supreme to strengthen Pakistan.

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They were alive, eligible to vote and still living at the addresses listed on their electoral records. Yet, in Karnataka’s ongoing revision of electoral rolls, eight voters were allegedly marked dead and targeted for deletion — six of them Muslim women. The cases have surfaced in Vijayapura, where expelled BJP MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal submitted a list seeking the deletion of 1,054 voters on August 31, barely a week after the draft electoral rolls were published on August 24. According to activists and the affected voters, the deletion requests were supported by death certificates that matched the voters’ names but carried different details, including the names of parents or spouses and addresses. The victims include Malanbi Jamadar, 57; Mahabubi Peerazade Jahagirdar, 35; and Raziya Mehrunnisa Sheikh, 35, a resident of Ward-22, Langar Bazaar. Government teacher Allama Bagwan,

along with Abdul Razak Bagwan and Mumtaj Mulla, were also among those reportedly listed for deletion. Activist Irfan Sheikh said the eight voters whose cases had been identified were alive and that the remaining 1,046 names on the list were also being verified. The controversy has raised fresh questions over the use of bulk applications to remove voters from electoral rolls, particularly in constituencies with sizeable Muslim populations. Bulk deletion requests The allegations emerged during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, a nationwide exercise being overseen by Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Activists claim more than 4,000 bulk Form-7 applications — the form used to request deletion of names from electoral rolls — have been submitted across Karnataka, with a significant number targeting Muslim voters. In Babaleshwar alone, 1,373 Form-7 applications were reportedly submitted on September 22. Of these, 1,363 applications were allegedly filed by just 10 people.

The developments triggered protests outside the Vijayapura Deputy Commissioner’s office, while affected women and activists later held a press conference organised by Jagrutha Karnataka in Bengaluru. The women demanded criminal cases against Yatnal, accusing him of attempting to facilitate the wrongful removal of legitimate voters from the electoral rolls. Inquiry ordered District Electoral Officer K Anand ordered an inquiry after preliminary scrutiny found that some of the death certificates submitted with the deletion requests appeared to belong to people with the same names as the voters or raised questions about their authenticity. The findings have intensified concerns over whether electoral safeguards were followed before deletion requests were submitted or processed. Under electoral procedures, objections seeking deletion of a voter’s name are subject to verification. The use of allegedly mismatched death certificates has therefore become a central issue in the Vijayapura controversy.

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China, Pakistan discuss stronger trade and strategic cooperation ISLAMABAD

STAFF REPORT

Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Jiang Zaidong and a delegation on Thursday called on Member of the National Assembly and former Punjab chief minister Hamza Shehbaz Sharif at the Prime Minister’s House, with both sides discussing ways to further strengthen bilateral ties. The meeting covered Pakistan-China relations, the regional situation and avenues for expanding economic and strategic cooperation between the two countries. Hamza Shehbaz congratulated China on its 77th National Day and reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to the One-China policy. He also lauded China’s enduring friendship with Pakistan and its consistent support for the country in various fields. The discussions placed particular emphasis on expanding bilateral trade and investment, including greater cooperation under the China-Pakistan Free Trade Agreement (CPFTA) and the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Ambassador Jiang appreciated Hamza Shehbaz’s efforts to promote and strengthen relations between Pakistan and China. Both sides agreed to maintain close contact and continue constructive dialogue on matters of mutual interest, with a focus on further deepening economic and strategic cooperation. The meeting was also attended by Chinese Embassy Minister Counsellor Xu Hangtian and Legal Adviser for the Public Affairs Unit at the Prime Minister’s Office Ali Raza Shah.

Pakistan says plague risk ‘very low’ after suspected Siberia case ISLAMABAD

STAFF REPORT

Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal has said the risk of plague spreading to Pakistan remains very low following reports of a suspected case in Siberia. Kamal said Border Health Services had nevertheless been placed on alert at all points of entry as a precautionary measure. He added that the National Institute of Health has the capacity to diagnose plague cases if required. The health ministry and NIH are monitoring developments, while officials said the World Health Organisation had not yet been fully briefed on the suspected case in Russia. Concerns emerged after a laboratory worker at the Irkutsk Anti-Plague Research Institute of Siberia and the Far East died on October 2. Russian authorities initially quarantined around 200 people who had been in contact with the 28-year-old woman. Around 90% of those quarantined have since been released after nearly 5,000 laboratory tests found no plague infections among her contacts. Russian health authorities have said there is no threat of an epidemic and have begun winding down precautionary measures. The woman’s death has also not been confirmed as a case of plague. Russian officials said she died from an unidentified form of pneumonia, while tests on her contacts did not detect relevant pathogens.

Pakistan Bar Council declares Ahsan Bhoon's law degrees genuine ISLAMABAD

STAFF REPORT

The Pakistan Bar Council (PBC) on Thursday declared that the degrees of its elected members, including prominent lawyer Ahsan Bhoon, were genuine. The announcement by the PBC — the supreme regulatory body of lawyers — follows a debate over lawyers’ degrees, with the qualification of Bhoon, a member of the Judicial Commission of Pakistan (JCP), particularly being questioned. In an official statement on Thursday, the PBC noted that the returning officers (ROs) for the council’s 2020 and 2025 elections had gotten the elected members’ degrees verified from their respective universities before notifying them as PBC members.

Living voters branded dead in India's Karnataka electoral purge STAFF REPORT

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Yatnal has defended the electoral revision process and Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. He has also publicly alleged that "Muslims are the bogus voters”, a claim that has drawn criticism from activists who say the ongoing exercise risks disproportion-

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ately disenfranchising Muslim citizens. The Vijayapura cases have become a flashpoint in the wider debate over the SIR, with activists warning that wrongful deletions could deprive eligible citizens of their constitutional right to vote.