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SHEHBAZ SEEKS FASTER LOAN DISBURSEMENTS AS ‘APNA GHAR’ APPROVALS HIT RS426B Saturday, 10 October, 2026 | 27 Rabius Sani, 1448

PM URGES SBP TO SIMPLIFY LENDING PROCEDURES AS ONLY RS76B DISBURSED AGAINST RS700B HOUSING FINANCE TARGET

MEETS HEADS OF LEADING COMMERCIAL BANKS, THANKS BANKING SECTOR FOR SUPPORTING EFFORTS TO HELP CITIZENS OWN HOMES

SME LENDING TO RISE TO RS1,500BN, BENEFITING 565,000 BUSINESSES BY JUNE 2027

Rs 20.00 | Vol XVII No 196 | 8 Pages | Karachi Edition

APNA GHAR PROGRAMME TARGETS CONSTRUCTION AND PROVISION OF 125,000 HOUSING UNITS

AGRICULTURAL FINANCING TARGET SET AT RS1,500B, WITH 4.5M BENEFICIARY FARMERS BY JUNE 2027

pM condemns Houthi attacks on Saudi arabia, reaﬃrms pakistan’s ‘unwavering’ support ISLAMABAD

STAFF REPORT

ISLAMABAD SALEEM JADOON

RIME Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday directed the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) to simplify loan approval and disbursement procedures and remove bottlenecks in financing, as he was informed that housing loans worth Rs426 billion had been approved under the Prime Minister’s Apna Ghar Programme, but only Rs76 billion had so far been disbursed against a financing target of Rs700 billion to support the construction and provision of 125,000 housing units.

Chairing a meeting with a delegation of presidents and chief executive officers of leading commercial banks, the prime minister stressed the need to bridge the gap between loan approvals and actual disbursements, saying citizens would benefit from the programme only when approved funds reached them without delay. The meeting was informed that consultations were underway on a framework to facilitate developers’ access to financing. Reviewing lending to the small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) sector, the prime minister was told that loans totalling Rs1,137 billion had been extended to approximately 350,862

Pakistan warns UN against ‘hollowing out’ peacekeeping amid global conflicts, funding crunch UNITED NATIONS STAFF REPORT

Pakistan has warned the United Nations against allowing mounting financial pressures to undermine its peacekeeping capacity, stressing that reforms must strengthen rather than “hollow out” the institution’s ability to translate Security Council resolutions into action on the ground amid multiplying global conflicts. Speaking at the Challenges Annual Forum 2026, themed “Turning the Tide: Building Momentum for Peace Operations in a Demanding World,” Pakistan’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Usman Jadoon, highlighted the severity of the current financial pressures and urged the international community not to let a temporary liquidity crisis dictate the future of peacekeeping. The fundamental challenge, he said, was not any perceived decline in peacekeeping but the preservation of the long-established institutional capacity and political trust essential for future deployments. As one of the world’s largest troop-contributing nations, Pakistan’s position on the future of UN peacekeeping carries considerable institutional weight. Over the past six decades, more than 270,000 Pakistani peacekeepers have served under the UN flag, with 183 making the ultimate sacrifice, Ambassador Jadoon said. Pakistan is also the host country for one of the UN’s oldest peacekeeping missions, the United Nations Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP), which monitors the Line of Control (LoC) in disputed Jammu and Kashmir.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday strongly condemned repeated terrorist attacks by the Houthi militia against Saudi Arabia, including the targeting of King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh and Abha International Airport, which resulted in civilian casualties and injuries, reaffirming Pakistan’s unwavering solidarity with the Kingdom and its commitment to safeguarding its sovereignty, territorial integrity and security. In a post on X, the prime minister commended the vigilance and professionalism of the Saudi armed forces and the Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition in intercepting multi-

business owners. The meeting was further informed that the government was increasing the SME lending target to Rs1,500 billion and the number of beneficiaries to 565,000 by June 2027. In the agricultural sector, the total volume of loans had reached Rs1,352

ple ballistic missiles, as well as their tireless efforts to protect innocent lives and safeguard the Kingdom. “Pakistan stands in unwavering solidarity with the leadership and people of our brotherly Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,” he reiterated. PM Shehbaz said that, in line with the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement and recent decisions taken by its Strategic Political and Defence Committee, Pakistan’s commitment to the Kingdom’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and security remained resolute. He also reaffirmed Pakistan’s full support for Saudi Arabia’s legitimate right to defend its people and protect its cities and vital infrastructure.

Continued on page 03 billion by the end of September 2026, benefiting 3,455,313 individuals, the meeting was told. The government aims to raise agricultural lending to Rs1,500 billion and expand the number of beneficiary farmers to 4.5 million by June 2027.

Continued on page 03

Sanaullah links governor's rule in Kp to counterterrorism cooperation ISLAMABAD

Bilawal urges PTI to return to dialogue as govt weighs KP emergency ISLAMABAD

STAFF REPORT

PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari has urged Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf to abandon what he described as extremist politics and return to parliamentary dialogue as the federal government considers emergency measures in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Speaking at an event in Karachi, Bilawal said Pakistan’s political history showed that leaders imprisoned today could return to power in the future, but warned that PTI’s confrontational approach was damaging the party. He criticised KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi and called on PTI to re-engage with parliamentary committees and resume talks with the federal government. Bilawal also referred to jailed PTI founder Imran Khan, saying his political future would depend in part on the course adopted by his party. His remarks came as PTI continued its long march towards Islamabad, demanding Imran’s release. Separately, the federal government is considering a range of measures in KP, including the possible imposition of an emergency in parts of the province. A high-level meeting is expected to review the security situation and reports prepared by national security institutions before any decision is taken. One proposal under consideration would involve imposing an emergency in 12 districts, including areas that were formerly part of the Federally Administered Tribal Areas. The government is also expected to examine constitutional provisions under Articles 232 to 234, which deal with emergency powers and federal intervention in provincial affairs. Bilawal said governor’s rule should remain a last resort, indicating that other constitutional and political options should be considered first.

Dar pushes fuel relief scheme despite IMF call for early phase-out over 'high cost' ISLAMABAD

STAFF REPORT

Adviser to the Prime Minister on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah on Friday said the possibility of imposing governor’s rule or an in Khyber emergency Pakhtunkhwa was linked to counterterrorism cooperation, not the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) long march. Speaking in a TV programme, the PML-N leader said the situation could be resolved if the PTI leadership and Chief Minister Sohail Afridi stood alongside the federal government and law enforcement agencies in the fight against terrorism. Sanaullah said negotiations between the government and opposition appeared to be heading towards a dead end, as the PTI seemed unwilling to abandon its march and accept the government’s offer of talks. He maintained that the proposed constitutional measures were not connected to whether the PTI continued its march towards Islamabad. “If they do not make this commitment, then whether they hold the long march all the way to Islamabad or keep it short of Islamabad will make no difference,” he said. Sanaullah added that Afridi

STAFF REPORT

had repeatedly stated over the past three or four days that military operations would not be allowed in the province. He rejected the suggestion that an emergency would necessarily entail the evacuation of districts or the displacement of residents, saying the proposed measures would involve intelligence-based operations. “Imposing an emergency certainly does not mean that those districts will be evacuated and people turned into internally displaced persons (IDPs). Rather, intelligence-based operations will be conducted within the territorial jurisdiction,” he said. KP minister rejects allegations Appearing on the same pro-

gramme, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Law Minister Aftab Alam questioned what he described as contradictory statements by federal ministers regarding the possibility of governor’s rule or an emergency. He said some ministers had linked the proposed measures to the PTI’s long march, while others had cited an alleged lack of cooperation from the provincial government on counterterrorism. Alam alleged that a narrative was being built against the KP government as part of a “nefarious conspiracy”, aimed at portraying the provincial administration as sympathetic to forces opposed to the state.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Friday reaffirmed the government’s commitment to continuing targeted fuel relief for deserving segments of society, emphasising effective implementation of the subsidy scheme despite the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) recommendation to phase it out promptly over its high cost and broad targeting. Dar made the remarks while chairing a meeting to review the scheme’s operational status, targeting mechanisms and implementation strategy, according to a statement issued by the Foreign Office on X. The meeting came two days after the IMF reached a staff-level agreement with Pakistan that could unlock about $1.2 billion in financing under its $7 billion loan programme, which requires wide-ranging economic reforms, including the privatisation of loss-making stateowned enterprises, fiscal consolidation and measures to rationalise government subsidies. “The DPM/FM emphasised the government’s commitment to providing targeted fuel relief to deserving segments of society, as per the directives of the Prime Minister to ensure maximum relief to the common citizens,” the Foreign Office statement said. Dar directed the authorities concerned to ensure effective inter-provincial and inter-ministerial coordination, smooth execution, efficient resource allocation and a robust public awareness campaign, it added. The Prime Minister’s Fuel Relief Scheme was launched last month to shield lower-income motorists from rising petrol prices amid the US-Iran war. Under the scheme, motorcycle and rickshaw users receive a weekly petrol token worth Rs500, while owners of cars with engine capacities of up to 800cc are entitled to a discount of Rs100 per litre on up to 10 litres every 10 days.

Pakistan an honest broker in US-Iran conflict, says DG ISPR ISLAMABAD

STAFF REPORT

Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry has said Pakistan is acting as an “honest broker” in efforts to mediate between the United States and Iran, reiterating Islamabad’s commitment to a negotiated and peaceful resolution of the conflict. In an interview with CNN correspondent Ivan Watson, the military’s spokesperson said Pakistan had been clear about its position on the conflict and had openly condemned both Israeli attacks on Iran and Iran’s retaliatory campaign in the Gulf. “We have been exhibiting that we are a very honest broker … everything stems from honesty,” Lt Gen Chaudhry said, adding that Pakistan had made its position clear to all its partners. He said Islamabad had a direct stake in regional peace and stability and believed that no country would benefit from an expansion

of the war. “We don’t mince our words; we have a stake in regional peace and stability. We tell all that nobody benefits from expanding this war,” he said. Responding to a question about whether Pakistan could remain a neutral mediator despite Iran’s past attacks on Saudi Arabia and the involvement of Yemen-based Houthis in the escalating confrontation, Lt Gen Chaudhry said Pakistan was doing whatever it could to narrow differences between the parties. He stressed that Islamabad wanted a negotiated settlement and opposed any further widening of the conflict. “We want that the conflict should not expand horizontally or vertically,” he said. Makkah pact strictly defensive The military spokesperson also addressed questions about the possible deployment of Pakistani forces in Saudi Arabia under the Makkah Defence Alliance, saying the agreement was intended solely for defensive purposes. In a longer clip of the interview released

by state-run Pakistan Television on Friday, Lt Gen Chaudhry said decisions on the deployment and operational use of forces would be taken by the relevant military commanders. “The Makkah accord, its actualisation and whatever effects it achieves, that will be purely defensive,” he said, adding that the arrangement reflected the principles agreed upon by the participating countries. He said countries involved in a military conflict did not ordinarily disclose operational details, including where and how their forces would be deployed. “How and when they will be employed, you will see [for] yourself,” he said, reiterating that any deployment under the pact would be defensive in nature. In an earlier clip released on Wednesday, Lt Gen Chaudhry had confirmed that Pakistani troops were stationed in Saudi Arabia, noting that they had been present in the kingdom for decades and operated across multiple domains. Collective deterrence to prevent conflict Lt Gen Chaudhry said the United Nations

Charter recognised the right of countries to self-defence, but argued that collective deterrence could help prevent threats from escalating into military confrontations.

“It is best, that rather than the threat [manifesting] into an actual operation or a military conflict, you ward it off through collective deterrence,” he said.

02 NEWS

Saturday, 10 October, 2026 | KARACHI

PAKISTAN'S SEA FREIGHT EXPORTS SURGE 73% AS MIDDLE EAST CONFLICT RESHAPES GLOBAL TRADE: WTO

PROFIT

Monitoring report

AKISTAN'S exports of sea freight transport services surged 73% year-on-year in the first half of 2026 as shipping disruptions caused by the Middle East conflict redirected maritime traffic and created new opportunities for transport operators, according to the World Trade Organisation (WTO). In its Global Trade Outlook Update 2026 released on Thursday, the WTO said vessel calls at major container terminals in Karachi remained 14% higher year-on-year in July, reflecting increased shipping activity despite disruptions linked to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. The organisation noted that while the conflict had disrupted trade routes for several economies, the redistribution of shipping traffic had benefited others, including

WTO UPGRADES GLOBAL MERCHANDISE TRADE GROWTH FORECASTS TO 3.9% FOR 2026 AND 4.1% FOR 2027

Pakistan. Pakistan also recorded a 23% increase in computer services exports in the second quarter of 2026, compared with 34% growth in Malaysia and 13% in Brazil. The WTO upgraded its global merchandise trade volume growth forecast to 3.9% for 2026 and 4.1% for 2027, up from earlier projections of 1.9% and 2.6%, respectively, made in March after the US-Iran conflict broke out on February 28. The upward revision reflects strongerthan-expected investment in artificial intelligence-related infrastructure and increased fuel and fertiliser supplies from countries outside the Middle East, which have helped sustain global economic activity.

Govt approves Rs18.5b for local govt elections, releases only Rs2b despite ECP demand

However, the WTO warned that the diversion of vessels and containers towards alternative ports and trans-shipment hubs had strained shipping capacity across South Asia, resulting in higher freight charges and longer transit times. In July, Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) introduced a $500-per-container congestion surcharge on shipments from Northern Europe to Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. The WTO said longer waiting periods and shipping routes were increasing costs for carriers and traders, with some of the additional burden potentially passed on to consumers. Meanwhile, US exports to the European

ECC approves Rs11.3b for Utility Stores closure, Rs10b for Thar rail project, Rs8b for P3A g

Election Commission seeks immediate release of full allocation, including around Rs12 billion for Punjab polls in December; government opts for phased disbursement

COMMITTEE ALSO ALLOCATES RS4B FOR PRAL RESTRUCTURING, RS2B FOR SMEDA AND RS1.666B FOR AGRICULTURAL TRAINING IN CHINA PROFIT

Web Desk

The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet on Thursday approved Rs11.329 billion for the closure of Utility Stores Corporation (USC), Rs10 billion for the Thar Coal Rail Connectivity Project and Rs8 billion for the Public Private Partnership Authority (P3A), alongside several other financing and policy measures. Chaired by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, the committee considered 17 agenda items covering development projects, infrastructure financing, institutional reforms and sectoral initiatives. The Rs11.329 billion allocation for USC was approved on a proposal from the Industries and Production Division to meet the corporation's immediate financial requirements and facilitate completion of its closure process. The ECC also sanctioned Rs10 billion for the Ministry of Railways to provide budgetary cover for the Thar Coal Rail Con-

PROFIT

neWs Desk

The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet on Thursday approved approximately Rs18.5 billion for local government elections and related activities but authorised the immediate release of only Rs2 billion, despite the Election Commission of Pakistan's (ECP) demand for the entire allocation. The decision came as the ECP sought urgent funding to conduct local government elections, particularly in Punjab, where it requires approximately Rs12 billion for polls scheduled in December. Chaired by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, the ECC considered two funding proposals submitted by the election commission. According to the Finance Ministry, the committee approved Rs596.2 million for local government by-elections in Sindh and Balochistan and delimitation activities in Punjab. A separate proposal sought Rs17.8 billion for procuring election materials for local government polls in Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Islamabad Capital Territory and cantonment boards across the country. The ECC approved an immediate technical supplementary grant of Rs2 billion against the second proposal rather than releasing the entire requested amount. The ECP had demanded full disbursement of the funds, maintaining that election preparations required substantial advance expenditure. It also indicated that another Rs4 billion would be needed next week to proceed with preparations for local government elections. However, the ECC chairman decided that the funds would be released in instalments. The decision raised questions about the ECP's financial autonomy, as the Constitution restricts the federal government's authority to reduce the commission's funding demands. Finance Ministry officials maintained that the ECC had not reduced the approved allocation and had only decided to release the funds in phases. They argued that the arrangement would not affect the commission's ability to undertake the required expenditure. The funding decision comes amid preparations for local government elections across multiple provinces and territories, with Punjab accounting for the largest immediate requirement. The timing of subsequent disbursements will be important for the ECP as it moves ahead with procurement and other arrangements for the scheduled polls.

nectivity Project, which aims to improve transportation of indigenous Thar coal for electricity generation and industrial use. Another Rs8 billion was approved for P3A on a proposal from the Privatisation Division to support the development and implementation of infrastructure projects through public-private partnerships. The committee allocated Rs4 billion to Pakistan Revenue Automation (Pvt) Limited (PRAL) for its restructuring and implementation of the Federal Board of Revenue's Transformation Plan. It also approved Rs2 billion for the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA) to implement its approved business plan. In agricultural development, the ECC sanctioned Rs1.666 billion for the Prime Minister's initiative to provide short-term training in China to 1,000 agricultural professionals, aimed at improving expertise in agricultural technology, innovation and research. The apex cabinet committee sanctioned a Rs300 million grant for refurbishment of the Prime Minister's Office and his staff

PROFIT

The federal government is considering putting the petroleum levy to a vote in the upcoming National Assembly session amid growing public backlash and protests led by Jamaat-e-Islami (JI), which is demanding the abolition of the levy to provide relief from high fuel prices, Business Recorder reported, citing Pakistan Peoples Party MNA Naveed Qamar, who disclosed the possibility during a meeting of the National Assembly Standing Committee on Petroleum, chaired by Mustafa Mehmood. The proposed move comes as the government faces mounting pressure over the levy, which has become a major source of federal revenue despite criticism of its impact on consumers. JI Emir Hafiz Naeemur Rehman has warned that his party will intensify its protest campaign and resume its long march towards Islamabad if the govern-

colony at a time when the government has banned purchases under the austerity policy. The committee also approved a financing framework developed by the State Bank of Pakistan to include Agency Financial Institutions under existing government risk coverage schemes for small enterprises and small farmers. The framework will allow eligible microfinance and non-bank financial institutions to expand financing through wholesale and agency arrangements. In total, the ECC approved nearly Rs57 billion worth of supplementary grants in the fourth month of the current fiscal year. Separately, the ECC approved an addendum to the Second Supplemental Trust Deed of the Credit Guarantee Trust Fund to improve utilisation of the existing credit guarantee facility for affordable housing finance. The committee sanctioned Rs934.481 million for the Pakistan Sports Endowment Fund Scheme, 2025, to support its operationalisation and development of the national sports sector. It also approved Rs300 million for the

FBR proposes duty and tax deferment procedure for livestock imports, meat exports g

DRAFT RULES COVER CATTLE AND GOATS IMPORTED FOR FATTENING AND EXPORT; OPERATORS MUST MEET 80% EXPORT REQUIREMENT AND COMPLY WITH ANIMAL TRACEABILITY RULES PROFIT

Web Desk

The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has proposed allowing duty-free imports of cattle, sheep and goats for fattening and subsequent export, including meat production, under draft amendments to the Customs Rules, 2001. According to SRO 1752(I)/2026, issued on October 7, the proposed scheme would exempt eligible livestock imports from customs duty, additional customs duty, regulatory duty, sales tax, federal excise duty and withholding tax. The FBR has invited objections and suggestions within seven days of the notification's publication in the official Gazette. The scheme introduces two categories: Track A for fattening and re-exporting imported animals, and Track B for fattening, slaughtering, processing and exporting meat and meat products.

Track B would take effect upon notification of the final rules, while Track A would require separate clearance under the Export Policy Order. Eligible operators must obtain authorisation from Customs and relevant animal health authorities, maintain identification and traceability records, and provide financial security against deferred duties and taxes. Under the proposed rules, cattle must be exported or slaughtered within 180 days of release from quarantine, while sheep and goats must be processed or exported within 120 days. Extensions would be permitted under specified conditions. New and expanding livestock facilities would receive a 24-month commissioning period, extendable by another 12 months. Such projects would be required to export at least 80% of imported animals under Track A or 80% of production by value under Track B, maintaining the

Govt considers parliamentary vote on petroleum levy amid public backlash Monitoring report

global trade had proved more resilient than initially anticipated, disruptions to shipping routes continued to create uneven costs and opportunities across economies.

Union continued to expand, while shipments to Asia and the Pacific declined 2% during the second quarter. The report highlighted that although

PPP LAWMAKER QUESTIONS EXECUTIVE CONTROL OVER LEVY AS JAMAAT-E-ISLAMI DEMANDS ITS ABOLITION; GOVT TARGETS RS1.676TRN IN COLLECTIONS DURING FY27

ment refuses to withdraw the levy. The party is demanding its complete abolition, arguing that removing the charge would provide immediate relief to consumers already facing high fuel prices and inflationary pressures. At the parliamentary committee meeting, Qamar questioned the government's broad discretion to impose and collect the petroleum levy without securing a separate vote from lawmakers. He called for greater parliamentary oversight and constitutional clarity over the approval process, arguing that the current arrangement gives the executive extensive control over a measure directly affecting fuel prices. Classified as non-tax revenue, the pe-

troleum levy is not subject to direct parliamentary voting and is instead authorised indirectly through approval of the federal budget, Qamar explained. He said parliamentary approval traditionally applied to demands for grants and government expenditure rather than nontax revenue measures. The federal government has set a petroleum levy collection target of Rs1.676 trillion for FY27, based on an assumed average levy of Rs80 per litre on petrol and high-speed diesel. The target represents an increase of Rs109 billion over the Rs1.567 trillion collected during FY26. According to Qamar, the levy was originally conceived as a mechanism to stabilise domestic fuel prices against fluc-

required ratio for five financial years. The draft also allows duty-free imports of feed, veterinary medicines, vaccines and other approved fattening inputs, provided they are used exclusively for imported livestock under the scheme. Meat and meat products would have to be exported within 120 days of slaughter. Operators could divert up to 10% of imported animals or equivalent meat quantities to the domestic market with prior approval and payment of applicable duties, taxes and surcharge. The rules also establish mortality limits of 3% for cattle and 5% for sheep and goats, alongside quarterly reporting, customs audits and penalties for non-compliance. The FBR would prescribe detailed operating procedures, including approved ports, identification requirements and electronic monitoring arrangements, through subsequent customs general orders

tuations in international oil markets but had gradually become a regular source of federal revenue. “If prices are low, we (government) take the revenue; if prices go up, we take the revenue,” he remarked. Qamar maintained that the absence of direct legislative scrutiny was contributing to public dissatisfaction over rising fuel prices and urged Parliament to exercise formal control over the levy. Responding to the concerns, Petroleum Minister Ali Pervez Malik said the levy had been incorporated into the federal budget to help maintain the government's primary fiscal surplus. He added that the Finance Ministry could provide a more detailed response regarding its treatment in the budget. Committee member Asad Alam Niazi also proposed reviewing petroleum levy collections over six to 10 months to assess how quickly the financial burden on consumers could be reduced without undermining fiscal requirements. The debate also comes as Pakistan continues discussions with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) over fiscal targets and revenue measures under its $7 billion Extended Fund Facility. Recent technical discussions in Islamabad reportedly covered petroleum levy collections and possible alternative revenue sources.

Capital Development Authority to undertake essential repairs and maintenance at the Prime Minister's Office and Prime Minister's Staff Colony during FY27. Another Rs150 million was allocated to the Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination for Pakistan's participation in the 31st Conference of the Parties (COP31), scheduled to take place in Antalya, Turkiye. On taxation, the ECC approved an amendment to SRO 693(I)/2006 concerning additional customs duty on imported tyres that are manufactured locally, with the objective of supporting domestic production. The committee also permitted the investment of Export Development Fund resources in government securities under the approved framework to improve financial management and utilisation of available funds. In the agriculture sector, the ECC approved Minimum Indicative Prices for the 2026 tobacco crop and revised cess rates for FY27. However, a proposal to adjust outstanding receivables of the Pakistan Agricultural Storage and Services Corporation (PASSCO) from provincial governments through deductions at source was deferred. The committee directed that the matter be reconsidered after further consultations with relevant stakeholders.

Govt slaps 11% additional customs duty on imported tyres, up to 31% on motorcycle parts PROFIT

Web Desk

The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet on Thursday approved an 11% additional customs duty on imported tyres and motorcycle parts, along with a higher 31% duty on motorcycle components imported by manufacturers instead of being produced locally. The apex committee said the decision aims to protect domestic manufacturers by increasing tariff protection for locally produced goods and encouraging the automobile industry to source components within Pakistan. On a summary submitted by the Revenue Division, the ECC approved an amendment to SRO 693(I)/2006 concerning the levy of additional customs duty on imported tyres that are also manufactured locally. The SRO 693(I)/2006, originally issued on July 1, 2006, under Section 18(5) of the Customs Act, 1969, provides a framework for imposing additional customs duties on specified automotive components and goods imported for vehicle assembly and manufacturing. Under the existing SRO, additional duties are applied to specified components according to their Pakistan Customs Tariff (PCT) classifications and whether they are imported for the assembly of motorcycles, cars, buses, trucks or tractors. The notification's tariff schedule provides different additional customs duty rates for vehicle categories, including 17.5% for specified car components, 25% to 35% for certain commercial vehicle and tractor components, and a listed 32.5% rate for motorcycle components under PCT heading 87.11. The framework also links tariff treatment to the localisation of automotive components, distinguishing between imported parts and those that manufacturers are expected to produce domestically. It provides conditional exemptions for qualifying new entrants in vehicle manufacturing, subject to approved plans for progressively increasing local production. For motorcycle manufacturers introducing new technology, the notification provides a five-year conditional exemption for eligible imported components, subject to annual localisation targets and other requirements. The ECC's latest decision also includes an 11% additional customs duty on imported motorcycle parts, with a higher 31% rate where manufacturers import components instead of producing them locally. The differentiated treatment is intended to encourage manufacturers to increase domestic sourcing and reduce dependence on imported parts.

NEWS 03

Saturday, 10 October, 2026 | KARACHI

PUNJAB GOVT MAKES SANITATION FEE PAYMENT MANDATORY FOR PROPERTY SALE NOC

PROFIT

STAFF REPORT

HE Punjab government has made payment of the sanitation fee mandatory for obtaining a no-objection certificate (NOC) for property sales, introducing the condition before completing the distribution of bills across the province. Under the new requirement, property owners must clear outstanding sanitation charges before receiving an NOC for property transactions. Previously, only property tax clearance was required. The condition has reportedly affected property transactions, particularly for owners who have yet to receive their san-

itation fee bills. The government has begun distributing bills to around five million residential and commercial properties in urban areas under the Suthra Punjab programme, with distribution expected to be completed this month. The Excise, Taxation and Narcotics Control Department has been tasked with billing and collecting the charges, with an annual revenue target of approximately Rs40 billion. Under the billing mechanism, property owners will receive two bills over six months against their annual sanitation fee liability. Payments must be made within 60 days of receiving a bill, with penalties applicable for delays.

Monthly sanitation charges for residential properties range from Rs300 for properties measuring up to five marla to Rs5,000 for properties exceeding 40 marla. Report AdAdvertisement Commercial properties face monthly charges ranging from Rs500 to Rs3,000, depending on their size. The government has completed data integration between the excise department and Suthra Punjab, linking sanitation fee records with property ownership data and enabling the new NOC requirement. Excise inspectors have been assigned responsibility for delivering bills within their respective circles, while sanitation fee collection will take place alongside property tax payments.

China's BYD in talks to introduce ultra-fast EV charging technology in Pakistan PROFIT STAFF REPRT

Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer BYD is in discussions with its Pakistani partner, Mega Motor Company (MMC), to introduce its next-generation ultra-fast charging technology in the country, as its local manufacturing facility approaches launch, Business Recorder reported. BYD Vice President and General Manager of Asia Pacific Auto Sales Liu

Xueliang said that the company was evaluating how its Mega Flash Charging technology could be introduced for Pakistani customers. The technology is powered by BYD's second-generation Blade Battery and is designed to significantly reduce charging times for electric vehicles. Liu said the new charging system is intended for next-generation vehicles equipped with the latest battery platform, while existing BYD models will remain

compatible with the charging infrastructure at varying speeds. However, its introduction in Pakistan will depend on infrastructure readiness, consultations with relevant stakeholders, and future product planning. Meanwhile, BYD's vehicle manufacturing plant in Pakistan is nearing its planned launch in the second half of 2026. According to Liu, the facility will be BYD's sixth manufacturing plant outside China, with an initial annual production

capacity of 25,000 vehicles, expandable to 50,000 units. The project is expected to create more than 1,100 jobs and support the development of Pakistan's electric vehicle industry. Liu also estimated that the facility would help avoid approximately 165,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions by 2034. Further details regarding the manufacturing project will be announced in due course, he added.

PM condemns Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, reaffirms Pakistan’s ‘unwavering’ support CONTINUED FROM PAGE 01

“The Houthi militia must immediately cease these attacks. We will continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with Saudi Arabia in the face of these threats,” he said. PM announces national award for Shaza as fuel subsidy beneficiaries cross 10m. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced a national award for Information Technology Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja in recognition of her contribution to the government’s fuel subsidy scheme, as the number of direct beneficiaries crossed 10 million. The prime minister credited the collective efforts of the federal and provincial governments and relevant institutions for the programme’s expanding reach. He made the announcement while hosting a high tea to recognise ministers and government officials for their role in implementing the scheme and ensuring

the transparent delivery of relief. He said other contributors would also receive shields in recognition of their dedication and sustained hard work. PM Shehbaz said the scheme had faced several challenges and concerns at the planning stage, but coordinated efforts by all stakeholders had enabled it to make significant progress. Reaffirming the government’s commitment to the initiative, he said the programme would continue, with Rs75 billion allocated for its implementation. The prime minister expressed gratitude to the provincial governments and their chief ministers for supporting the initiative, saying its success would not have been possible without their cooperation. He said more than 10 million people were directly benefiting from the scheme, including motorcyclists, rickshaw and Qingqi operators, and owners of cars with engine capacities of up to 800cc. The ben-

PSX places Khaadi Pakistan's draft IPO prospectus for public comments ahead of planned listing PROFIT

AGENCIES

Foreign investors have urged the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to streamline tax exemption certificate procedures and clarify the application of Rule 19H of the Income Tax Rules, citing delays in registering cross-border share acquisitions with the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP). According to stakeholders, the certification requirements introduced following amendments to Section 37 of the Income Tax Ordinance have created uncertainty for transactions involving Pakistani assets, particularly share transfers between non-residents. Under the existing framework, a non-resident purchasing shares in a Pakistani company from another non-resident may be required to withhold tax. Where the seller qualifies for an exemption or reduced tax rate under domestic law or a tax treaty, a certificate must be obtained from the Commissioner Inland Revenue. However, investors have reported prolonged delays in obtaining these certificates, while some tax authorities have reportedly classified transactions between non-residents under Section 101A of the Ordinance, resulting in certificates being withheld in certain cases. The delays have prevented some foreign investors from completing SBP registration of shareholdings despite having finalised the underlying acquisitions.

efits also extended indirectly to their families, he added. Based on an average household size of five, Shehbaz estimated that around 50 million people were benefiting directly or indirectly from the programme. Recalling an earlier initiative launched in February, he said around 1.3 million fuel subsidy tokens had been redeemed at its peak. Concerted efforts by the federal and provincial governments had since enabled the current scheme to expand its outreach considerably. The prime minister particularly acknowledged the contributions of Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, IT Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja, Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal, relevant federal secretaries and officials, provincial chief secretaries and other institutions involved in implementing the programme. Describing the achievement as an ex-

ample of effective teamwork, Shehbaz praised the officials for their commitment, dedication and tireless efforts. He also recognised the contributions of the Petroleum Division, Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA), State Bank of Pakistan, National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA), Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), telecommunications operators and other relevant organisations. The prime minister said Shaza Fatima Khawaja would receive the national award in March, while other individuals and institutions involved in the scheme would also be presented with shields in recognition of their contributions. Sharing the latest statistics, PM Shehbaz said more than 10.8 million citizens had registered for the scheme, while approximately 27 million fuel subsidy tokens had been issued. Of these, around 19.4 million had been redeemed by citizens to obtain fuel at subsidised rates.

Shehbaz seeks faster loan disbursements as ‘Apna Ghar’ approvals hit Rs426b CONTINUED FROM PAGE 01

During the meeting, Shehbaz met the heads of the country’s leading commercial banks and thanked the banking sector for supporting efforts to help citizens own homes, provide financial resources to small businesses and enhance farmers’ productive capacity. Appreciating banks demonstrating outstanding performance in financing the Apna Ghar Programme, SMEs and the agricultural sector, the prime minister said small and medium-sized enterprises were the backbone of Pakistan’s economy, and their growth would create employment opportunities and stimulate economic activity. He said the government had launched these initiatives to improve ordinary citizens’ access to financing, support business owners and strengthen the productive capacity of farmers. Improved lending to SMEs, housing and agriculture would promote employment, investment, productivity and overall economic growth, he added. The prime minister directed the SBP to further simplify loan approval and disbursement procedures, remove obstacles to financing and enable more citizens to benefit from the schemes. He said agricultural financing was essential for improving farmers’ economic well-being, increasing agricultural output and ensuring food security. Emphasising the need to prioritise small farmers, Shehbaz said access to finance would enable them to adopt modern agricultural practices and improve productivity. “Expanding access to small farmers through agricultural financing is an urgent need. A country’s largest bank is one that also serves its small farmers,” he said. ‘ECONOMIC STABILITY AND DIRECTION OF NATIONAL ECONOMy’ The bank delegation appreciated the prime min-

ister’s leadership in achieving economic stability and improving the direction of the national economy. The bank representatives expressed confidence in the government’s economic policies and informed Shehbaz that they were further strengthening cooperation with the government to extend financing to priority sectors. Federal Ministers Ahad Khan Cheema, Muhammad Aurangzeb, Riaz Hussain Pirzada and Attaullah Tarar, Minister of State Bilal Azhar Kiani, and SBP Governor Jameel Ahmad attended the meeting. The presidents and chief executive officers of the National Bank of Pakistan, United Bank Limited, Habib Bank Limited, Meezan Bank, Bank Alfalah, Standard Chartered Bank, the Bank of Punjab, BankIslami and the House Building Finance Corporation, along with other senior officials, were also present. The bank delegation appreciated the prime minister’s leadership in achieving economic stability and improving the direction of the national economy. The bank representatives expressed confidence in the government’s economic policies and informed Shehbaz that they were further strengthening cooperation with the government to extend financing to priority sectors. Federal Ministers Ahad Khan Cheema, Muhammad Aurangzeb, Riaz Hussain Pirzada and Attaullah Tarar, Minister of State Bilal Azhar Kiani, and SBP Governor Jameel Ahmad attended the meeting. The presidents and chief executive officers of the National Bank of Pakistan, United Bank Limited, Habib Bank Limited, Meezan Bank, Bank Alfalah, Standard Chartered Bank, the Bank of Punjab, BankIslami and the House Building Finance Corporation, along with other senior officials, were also present.

SECP registers 5,241 new companies in September, total reaches 317,002 ISLAMABAD

STAFF REPORT

The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) registered 5,241 new companies in September 2026, bringing the total number of registered companies in the country to 317,002. As many as 99.9% of the new registrations were completed online through the SECP's eZfile portal and integrated federal and provincial systems. Private limited companies accounted for the

largest share of new incorporations, with 3,013 companies (57.5%), followed by 2,058 single-member companies (39.2%). he SECP also registered 127 limited liability partnerships (2.4%) and 29 Section 42 not-for-profit companies (0.6%). The remaining 14 entities (0.3%) comprised 10 public companies, two trade organisations and two foreign companies. Punjab accounted for 2,740 new registrations (52.3%), followed by Islamabad Capital Territory with 1,009 (19.2%), Sindh with 790

(15.1%), Khyber Pakhtunkhwa with 428 (8.2%), Gilgit-Baltistan with 169 (3.2%) and Balochistan with 105 (2.0%). The information technology sector recorded the highest number of new incorporations at 920, followed by trading (808), services (599), construction (339), food and beverages (239), tourism (222), real estate development (193), education (189), e-commerce (179) and mining and quarrying (127). Companies in other sectors accounted for 1,426 incorporations.

Private Stock Holding acquires 25.42% stake in Asia Insurance Company PROFIT

STAFF REPORT

Private Stock Holding Limited has acquired a 25.42% stake in Asia Insurance Company Limited through the purchase of 18,558,243 ordinary shares, according to a notification submitted to the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) on Friday. Asia Insurance disclosed that it had received a formal notification from Private Stock Holding Limited regarding the acquisition, which took place on October 9, 2026. The transaction represents 25.42% of the insurance company's issued share capital. The disclosure follows an earlier announcement issued by Asia Insurance on May 18, 2026, concerning the matter. The company said the acquisition had been disclosed in accordance with Schedule II of the Listed Companies (Substantial Acquisition of Voting Shares and Takeovers) Regulations, 2017. Asia Insurance requested the stock exchange to disseminate the information to its trading rights entitlement certificate holders.

PIA suspends Riyadh flights after airport attacks kill three, including pilot PROFIT

STAFF REPORT

Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has temporarily suspended flight operations to Riyadh amid escalating security concerns in the Middle East following Houthi missile attacks on Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia’s civil aviation authority on Friday has confirmed that King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh was subjected to two attacks, which resulted in the death of three individuals including a pilot. A PIA spokesperson confirmed the suspension on Friday and advised passengers to verify their flight status before leaving for the airport. Passengers have been asked to contact the airline's call centre at 111-786-786 for updated information regarding their flights. The airline apologised for the inconvenience caused by the temporary suspension but did not specify when operations to the Saudi capital would resume.

04 COMMENT

Beyond the Moment

Swift staff-level agreement

A case study

Looking to the future after the IMF programme

HE staff-level agreement between the International Monetary Fund review mission and the Government of Pakistan reflected three things: first, a sort of end-of-term weariness now that the current programme was coming to an end; second, the genuine accomplishments of the government in obeying the IMF’s conditionalities so sedulously; third, the prospects of another IMF programme so as to finish off the business left over from this. Most helpful of all, though, would have been the achievement by the Federal Board of Revenue of the revenue target for the first quarter, along with a token surplus. The mission also noted that Pakistan had weathered the Middle East crisis, managing to achieve its targets, even though there was pressure being put on prices, which were going up inexorably. The IMF had begun this programme in the hope th\at the tax net would be broadened, to retailers especially, and that the real estate and agriculture sectors would be made to contribute more than the present negligible amount. More importantly, these sectors serve as methods of evading taxes on earnings from other sectors, as income from them is shown as earned from them. The IMF has also not seen any demonstrated reduction in circular debt during the programme, which has left the power sector as a ticking bomb in federal finances. The privatization of some distribution companies will be counted by the IMF as an achievement, as will that of PIA. but one defect of the current IMF programme was that it did not take account of the switch to solar power, especially among domestic sector, which left DISCOs scrambling to keep up the Shylockian payments to the Independent Power Producers which had in the first place created the crisis that the IMF was so exercised about. With the programme heading towards its end, the nation is concerned about whether the government can fulfill its promise to make this the last IMF programme. That depends on Pakistan’s foreign exchange requirements to service its external debt, which stood at $138.8 billion in the middle of this year, of which $92 billion is government debt. The only way to service that sort of debt is by increasing earnings, yet the IMF programmes, while tigerishly anti-growth, have not done anything to advance exports. The IMF might be needed not just for its own loans, but because its approval paves the way for World Bank and Asian Development Bank programme loans, meant not for projects, but budgetary support, does not man the economy must be handed to it.

Rizwan ahmad

HERE are names that belong to the moment, and there are names that become part of the memory of an institution. The first are carried by public attention; the second are shaped by time. Between the two lies a distinction that public discourse often forgets: attention is immediate, but stature is cumulative. A reputation may take decades to acquire its meaning, yet a moment can make people forget how long it took to build. There are lawyers whose names appear frequently in public discussion, and there are lawyers whose names become part of the institutional memory of the Bar. The difference is not publicity. It is time. It is the accumulated weight of years spent in courtrooms, professional institutions and among generations of colleagues. Mr Ahsan Bhoon belongs to the latter category. His professional presence is not the product of a passing moment, but of a long association with the legal fraternity and the experience that comes only with time. A lawyer does not become a senior figure merely because the years have passed. Seniority, in its deeper sense, is a form of earned history. It is built through experience, endurance, professional relationships, responsibility and the countless encounters through which a person gradually acquires a place within an institution. Time does not automatically confer wisdom, but a long professional life carries something that cannot be manufactured: memory. It carries the memory of people, places, struggles, friendships, responsibilities and changing generations. That is why genuine professional stature cannot be created overnight and should not be diminished overnight. The present discussion surrounding Mr Bhoon therefore deserves something increasingly rare in public life: perspective. We are naturally drawn to what is immediate. We remember the dramatic event more easily than the ordinary years that preceded it. We notice the falling tree and forget the decades in which it stood. We hear the loudest sentence and overlook the long silence of a life lived before it was spoken about. Yet wisdom begins precisely where immediacy ends: in the ability to see the present without losing sight of the past. A responsible society should be careful about forming its entire opinion of a person merely from a

Dedicated to the legacy of late Hameed Nizami

Arif Nizami (Late) Founding Editor

Mental Health: Stigma, awareness and healing M. A. Niazi

Babar Nizami

Editor Pakistan Today

Editor Profit

access to the internet and smartphones. But Today is World Mental Health Day ahave real matter of concern here is that despite see-

zainab ali alvi

E are living in the 21st century, but there is still a stigma attached to mental health problems in many parts of the world. Mental health statistics in Pakistan reveal an alarming picture. Approximately 50 million people, or one in four Pakistanis, experience mental health issues. The worsening situation of poverty, unemployment, social isolation, exam stress, and marriage pressure are some of the main reasons for mental health challenges like depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, substance abuse, and many more in Pakistani society. It is surprising that in this scientific and digital age, mental health is still a stigma in Pakistani society and is not considered a curable disease. As a student of psychology from bachelor’s to master’s, I have observed that several studies have explored the prevalence of mental health disorders in Pakistan. Still, unfortunately, few studies have examined the social stigma associated with these disorders in depth. Existing literature often focuses on clinical or epidemiological aspects of mental illness rather than the socio-culture factors shaping public perceptions. Furthermore, limited research has examined the role of education, media, and community institutions in reducing mental health stigma. In this vein, my focus is to address and analyze mental health stigma in Pakistan from a sociological and public health perspective. Unfortunately, we have failed to enlighten our society, and social and ethical evils like illiteracy, superstitions, poverty, lack of awareness, non-availability of health facilities, feudalism, the tribal system, incompetent and corrupt religious and political leadership, misinterpretation of religion, and contradictions have gripped our society in their clutches. We are living in an era where many people

ing the unfortunate consequences and outcomes of mental health problems among people around us, whether they be common people or public figures, people remain silent and don’t talk about the issues they are facing or going through. Why can’t people talk about it openly and discuss it with people around them? The answer I find to this question is that we are still caged in a set of cultural and social barriers that were made hundreds of years ago. But we still follow them because we think this is how the system works, or how society thrives. We live in a society where mental illness is still viewed as a personal weakness or a curse. People hesitate to discuss mental health issues due to the fear of being called “crazy” or “possessed”. It’s the biggest stigma for women as well. Before marriage, they cannot talk about mental health issues because this seems like a hurdle in the way of finding a good proposal for them. After pregnancy, postpartum depression is not even considered a real thing. In some cases, it’s due to a lack of awareness, limited resources, financial constraints, and self-stigma. Common mental disorders include: Depression, Anxiety disorders, Bipolar disorder, Schizophrenia, Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and substance use disorders. There are three main stigmas that people face commonly: Public stigma– negative attitudes held by society. Self-stigma– internalized feelings of shame among individuals with mental illness. Institutional stigma– systemic discrimination within institutions and policies. All three forms of stigma significantly affect individuals suffering from mental disorders. Stigma refers to negative attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors directed toward individuals with mental illness. In many societies, mental illness is associated with shame, weakness, or moral failure. These perceptions discourage individuals from discussing their psychological struggles openly. Cultural perceptions of Mental Illness in Pakistan, the impact of stigma on help-seeking behavior, poverty and economic stress, gender Inequality, domestic violence, superstitions, ac-

statement, however striking that statement may be. A statement can attract attention, provoke reaction and shape conversation, but a person’s character and professional life are larger than any single account of them. Mature societies do not surrender their judgement to the first impression. They listen, reflect and retain the intellectual humility to recognise that a human being cannot be fully understood through a few sentences or a single public moment. Mr Bhoon’s professional life deserves precisely that wider vision. Whatever attention surrounds the present moment does not erase the years that came before it. Those years are not an ornamental footnote to his professional identity. They are its substance. A career within the legal fraternity is formed through thousands of interactions, responsibilities, relationships and experiences, most of which never become public. Much of what gives a professional life its real weight is precisely what the public never sees. This is where professional memory becomes important. Every institution has a history, but not all of that history is written in documents. Much of it lives in the recollections of those who have spent their lives within the institution. The Bar is no different. Senior lawyers witness generations arrive and depart, observe changes in professional culture and remain connected to traditions that are gradually passed from one generation to another. They become, in a sense, part of the living memory of the profession. Mr Bhoon’s long association with the legal fraternity places his professional life within that wider institutional landscape. Public judgement, however, has become increasingly instantaneous. A statement is made, reactions follow, opinions harden and within hours a complicated matter can be reduced to a simple narrative. Yet maturity lies in resisting that simplicity. A mature society does not merely react; it reflects. It does not form lasting judgements from temporary emotions. It understands that public discussion has value only when it is accompanied by responsibility, restraint and an awareness of the human being behind the name. For the legal fraternity, this should be more than a matter of courtesy. The Bar is built not merely upon argument but upon professional memory, and professional memory is sustained by recognising that experience has value. A profession that forgets the years behind a senior member whenever a particular moment becomes prominent, risks losing something more important than civility. It risks losing its sense of history. There is also a larger human truth here. We are all more than the most recent thing said about us. A person’s life contains relationships, achievements,

Karachi – Ph: 021-32640318 I

disappointments, friendships, responsibilities and countless ordinary experiences that cannot be compressed into a public narrative. To judge a person solely through the loudest moment is to confuse visibility with reality. To remember the larger life is not indulgence; it is fairness. The deeper lesson extends beyond one individual. Every generation eventually decides what kind of professional culture it wishes to inherit. It does so not only through formal rules, but through its treatment of people, its language in moments of disagreement and its ability to preserve proportion when public attention becomes intense. Younger lawyers observe these moments. They learn from them what the profession values, what it remembers and how it treats those who have spent much of their lives contributing to its institutional life. A mature Bar should therefore be capable of something that is increasingly difficult in public life: holding attention without surrendering judgement, allowing disagreement without abandoning civility, and engaging with a statement without allowing the statement to become an entire verdict upon a person. That is not weakness. It is confidence. It is the confidence of a profession that understands its own history. The present discussion surrounding Mr Bhoon is ultimately about something larger than the moment itself. It is about whether we have the patience to distinguish between a statement and a life, between what is immediately visible and what has been built quietly over decades. A person’s professional identity is not created in a day, and neither should it be understood through one. Perhaps the simplest truth is also the most enduring. A statement can command attention, but it cannot by itself explain a person. Public opinion may move quickly, but professional history moves slowly. Mr Bhoon’s professional life belongs to that slower measure of time, and it deserves to be seen in its full dimension. A moment may make noise. A lifetime makes a name. The writer is a legal researcher on law, public policy, and politics, with a focus on governance, institutional reform, and accountability.

Perhaps the simplest truth is also the most enduring. A statement can command attention, but it cannot by itself explain a person. Public opinion may move quickly, but professional history moves slowly. Mr Bhoon’s professional life belongs to that slower measure of time, and it deserves to be seen in its full dimension.

ademic, marriage, and career pressures on youth, unawareness, ignorance, illiteracy, and unavailability of health facilities are the main causes of this stigma in Pakistani society. World Mental Health Day is celebrated every year on October 10. This World Mental Health Day, let’s normalize that Mental health is as important as physical health. Consulting a psychologist or psychiatrist is as important as going to a doctor of medicine. According to WHO, approximately 24–50 million people in Pakistan suffer from mental health disorders (WHO, 2021). According to WHO estimates, Pakistan has fewer than 500 psychiatrists for a population exceeding 240 million (WHO, 2021). This results in a severe imbalance between the demand for mental healthcare and the availability of qualified professionals. So, at both Government and people’s level we should start a move on emergency basis of short term, mid-term and long term magnitude practically to address this issue. It should include public awareness campaigns, integration of Mental Health into Primary Healthcare, Mental Health Education in Schools, Community-Based Programs, Policy and Legislative Reforms, Effective Media Role, and the determined involvement of Religious Clergy to disseminate this information through sermons in Masajid, and in religious institutions as a religious obligation and as the service of humankind. Mental health should not be overlooked in favor of Physical health. We should normalize that seeking help is a sign of strength. It takes a lot of courage to talk about mental health problems. The person who is consulting a psychologist or a psychiatrist is not “crazy” or “possessed”. We as a society should encourage people around us to talk about mental health issues and seek help when required because talking about it requires a supportive and non-judgmental environment. It is not easy to break the stereotypes and taboos at once, but it’s high time we address these misconceptions about mental health and counteract negative stereotypes. Our small efforts can save many lives. Last but not least, we should discuss mental health in our everyday family discussions and keep on checking on our loved ones and people around us to make sure no one is fighting alone. These small efforts can bring big changes in the lives of people who are suffering because sometimes they just need a small ray of light to shine again\.

The writer is a Lecturer in Psychology at Minhaj University Lahore.

It is not easy to break the stereotypes and taboos at once, but it’s high time we address these misconceptions about mental health and counteract negative stereotypes. Lahore – Ph: 042-36300938, 042-36375965

Saturday, 10 October, 2026

Islamabad – Ph: 051-2204545

Editor’s mail

Send your letters to: Letters to Editor, Pakistan Today, 4-Shaarey Fatima Jinnah, Lahore, Pakistan. E-mail: letters@pakistantoday.com.pk Letters should be addressed to Pakistan Today exclusively

E-stamp chaos reigns

THE government’s introduction of e-stamp papers is a welcome step aimed at stopping fraud and bringing transparency to official documentation. People have welcomed the move because it promised convenience, accountability and an end to the old stamp-paper mafia. But what this really means on the ground is a different story. The banks responsible for issuing e-stamps often push applicants into long and unnecessary delays, saying the ‘printer is not working’, or the ‘system is down’, or the ‘paper is not available’. They ask people to come back after hours or even the next day. A process designed to take minutes ends up consuming several hours. There is a simple solution. People should be able to generate the challan, pay it online or at any bank, instantly receive their estamp with a secure barcode or QR code, and print it on any standard printer. This would save time, reduce rush at banks and make the system truly digital. The purpose of e-stamp is defeated if people still face avoidable obstacles. The authorities concerned must fix these operational issues and move towards a fully online, user-friendly mechanism. Only then will the initiative fulfil its promise of making lawful documentation easier instead of more frustrating. AHSAN UL HAQUE KARACHI

Death drives here

MORE people die in road accidents in Pakistan every year than in all other crimes put together, including terrorism. Unfortunately, enforcement of traffic laws has never been the priority of the rulers for the simple reason that most of the culprits belong to the elite class. In Islamabad, a large vehicle moving at a frighteningly high speed is a common sight on Iran Avenue. Those who have to take a left turn drive on the right-most lane and take the left turn without compromising the car’s speed. This dangerous manoeuvre is executed multiple times every day. The roundabout at the starting point of Iran Avenue displays an ugly chaos with no one caring about the traffic coming from the right side. It is understood that millions of rupees were spent on the installation of cameras across the federal capital, but no one has ever been booked for violation of the traffic laws with the help of these cameras. The traffic police force usually complains about shortage of staff, but that is not a valid excuse for having no control at all on the capital’s busy roads. The rulers need to understand that road terror has become more alarming for the residents of the federal capital than suicide attacks. SIKANDER AQEEL ANSARI ISLAMABAD

No blankets, no mercy

WINTER is not really a pleasant season for everyone. While we enjoy its beauty wrapped in warm blankets in our comfort-able homes, countless children, mostly orphans, struggle to survive without even a single blanket. We cannot truly imagine what they endure in the biting cold. As we celebrate winter as a ‘wonderful season’, they spend their nights trembling along roadsides, fighting harsh winds with nothing to protect them. The reality is painful: winter is not the same for everyone. We live in warm houses, surrounded by comfort, while those innocent children suffer in silence. Sadly, we have failed as a nation to support our own people. We may not be able to provide them luxury homes, but we can offer them one simple gift; a blanket. Even a small act of kindness can bring warmth, comfort and smile to a child who has nothing. A single blanket may seem ordinary to us, but for them, it can mean survival in harsh weather. Let us become the reason someone feels safe this winter. Sometimes, even the smallest gesture becomes a life-changing blessing. WASEEM AHMED TUMP

Web: www.pakistantoday.com.pk

Email: editorial@pakistantoday.com.pk

COMMENT 05

The AI Money Loop

Saturday, 10 October, 2026

Who Is Really Paying for the Boom? ibrahiM aftab

RTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE has moved from being a technology story to a financial and macroeconomic one, with far-reaching consequences for the world in the years to come. The scale of the investment cycle is difficult to comprehend. The hyperscalers, among them Microsoft, Amazon, Alphabet, Meta and Oracle, are spending and expanding at a pace not seen before. Microsoft guided in April for approximately $190 billion of capital expenditure in calendar year 2026; it later trimmed the figure to about $175 billion, but only because of a change in how data-centre leases are accounted for, with spending plans unchanged. Amazon now expects to invest approximately $220 billion this year, up from its earlier $200 billion estimate. Alphabet has raised its 2026 capital expenditure guidance to between $195 billion and $205 billion, while Meta expects $130 billion to $145 billion. These investments are overwhelmingly concentrated in the infrastructure required to make AI work at scale: GPUs and other accelerator servers, data centres, networking equipment, cooling systems, and electricity and cloud capacity. The AI industry is developing a financial ecosystem in which money does not simply travel from consumers to technology companies; it circulates between the same companies at multiple points in the value chain. Microsoft, for example, is a major investor in and strategic partner of OpenAI. At the same time, OpenAI uses Microsoft’s Azure infrastructure: Microsoft has said that OpenAI has contracted to purchase an additional $250 billion of Azure services, while Microsoft remains a major shareholder in Ope-

nAI, with a stake of roughly 27 percent. The loop continues further along the chain. When companies such as Microsoft, Amazon, Google and Meta spend enormous amounts of money building AI infrastructure, a substantial portion of that expenditure becomes revenue for NVIDIA and other semiconductor and networking suppliers. NVIDIA, in turn, becomes one of the companies with the financial resources to invest in and develop new technology and to return capital to shareholders. The AI boom has also structurally changed the American stock market. The S&P 500, which consists of 500 of the largest companies in the US market, has long been considered one of the safest and most diversified indices for investors. Yet in August 2026, its ten largest constituents represented approximately 38 percent of the index, and these were overwhelmingly the same companies that have been investing in AI. The performance of a relatively small number of mega-cap companies now has a disproportionate effect on the performance of the entire American stock market. Before this, concentration among the ten largest stocks had peaked at around 26percent, in 1980 and again at the height of the dot-com bubble in 2000 Thus, owning the S&P 500 today is not equivalent to owning an equally diversified slice of 500 American businesses; it has become increasingly interconnected and concentrated in a few companies. The constraints on this massive gamble are becoming more apparent with the passage of time. The first is electricity. AI data centres require enormous amounts of power and cooling, which poses risks for the environment and has also provoked opposition in many parts of the USA, given the scale of the facilities and the speed at which they are being built. According to one estimate, local opposition blocked or delayed some $68 billion of data centre projects in the second

The AI money loop may yet prove to be the foundation of a new economic era, or an expensive echo of booms past. The technology is real; the question is whether the arithmetic is. Until revenues catch up with spending, the world, Pakistan included, is watching a trillion-dollar wager in which the same dollars keep changing hands, and someone, eventually, must pay.

10 things in China that blow foreign visitors’ minds

CHINA DAILY Shao Xia

CANNING a QR code to pay for breakfast, scrolling through videos even as the subway passes through tunnels — these are everyday routines that many Chinese people barely notice, yet many foreign visitors find hard to believe. Here are 10 things in China that amaze foreign visitors during their “China Travel” experiences.

I. HIGH-SPEED RAIL Many foreign visitors ride China’s high-speed rail during their trips and often come away impressed. Beyond the speed, online ticketing, and digital tickets making travel easier — fares are affordable and the ride is smooth. By the end of 2025, China’s high-speed rail network had exceeded 50,000 kilometers, more than the rest of the world combined, forming an “eight vertical, eight horizontal” grid that links cities, towns, and villages.

II. HIGH-SPEED RAIL STATIONS Chongqing East Railway Station, built on the mountainous city’s famously complex terrain, is the world’s largest high-speed rail station built in a single phase. It covers about 1.22 million square meters, equivalent to 170 standard football fields, with 15 platforms and 29 tracks. It combines high-speed rail, subway, bus, taxi, and long-distance coach services in one transport hub. Engineers drove nearly 8,000 deep piles through complex karst geology to complete the project.

III. HIGHWAYS From the 18.5-kilometer-long Shanghai-Jiading Expressway — China’s first expressway opened in 1988 — to a national expressway network of 199,400 km by the end of 2025, China has built one of the world’s most extensive expressway systems in less than four decades. Across mountains, canyons, earthquake-prone areas, and permafrost regions, Chinese engineers have continued to turn difficult terrain into working transport links. Some key sections are even equipped with snow-melting and de-icing systems. IV. MICRO ELECTRIC VEHICLES Compact, economical, and well suited to dense urban environments, China’s micro electric vehicles are notable for their affordability, with some models priced at only a few thousand US dollars. According to Reuters, the average price of a new car in the United States would be enough to buy five of China’s best-selling affordable EV models.

V. MODULAR HOUSING China’s prefabricated modular homes are drawing attention overseas for their low cost and fast assembly. Some three-bedroom units are priced at just over $10,000 and come with kitchens, bathrooms, flooring, and electrical fittings included. Built with high-strength steel

quarter of 2026 alone. The more striking issue, however, is financial. The scale of investment is becoming so large that external financing is increasingly entering the picture. Reuters reported that hyperscalers had issued roughly $220 billion of bonds during 2026 (through 10 August), with the possibility of substantially more issuance in the following year. At the same time, the Iran war and rising government spending around the world have pushed up bond yields, and interest rates are likely to rise further if that continues. The cheap financing that has fuelled this ecosystem may then become more and more expensive, which could slow the rapid expansion taking place at the moment. A recent analysis by Columbia University’s Stijn Van Nieuwerburgh highlighted the possibility that the US AI infrastructure buildout could require more than $10 trillion by 2032, equivalent to around 3.6 percent of US GDP annually under his assumptions. His analysis stresses that the outcome depends on untested future revenue streams and increasingly complex financing structures. Thus, the question is not whether AI will benefit the world. There is no doubt that technological developments, whether the railway, the internet or steel, transformed our economies, and AI has the potential to do so as well, in the form of higher productivity, lower costs and automation. The more difficult question is whether the revenues and productivity gains eventually generated by AI will be large enough to justify the extraordinary amount of capital currently being committed and already spent on building the

structures, these homes are designed to withstand strong winds and earthquakes, with an estimated service life of about 20 years.

VI. 5G NETWORKS China has built nearly 5 million 5G base stations, serving over 1.2 billion users, with coverage extending even to the summit of Mount Qomolangma. This infrastructure has enabled advances in remote education, telemedicine, and livestreamed agricultural commerce in rural areas. Börje Ekholm, CEO of Swedish telecom giant Ericsson, has warned that China has already deployed 5G standalone networks at scale, while Europe risks turning itself into a “museum” if it continues to lag behind in digital infrastructure.

VII. MOBILE PAYMENTS Le Monde reported that coins and banknotes have become rare in everyday transactions in China, where mobile payments are widely used in markets, public transport, and daily consumer settings. NFC payments, digital transit cards, and palm-scan payment in selected transit and retail settings have made many purchases and commutes almost effortless. What looks like a simple tap or scan is backed by mobile networks, digital finance, and a fastmoving technology ecosystem.

VIII. PUBLIC TOILETS Public restrooms have become an unexpected point of interest for foreign visitors. They are free of charge and widely available at airports, train stations, tourist attractions, and along city streets. Many are also equipped with accessible facilities and baby-care rooms, a notable contrast to the pay-per-use model still common in parts of Europe.

IX. DRONES Drone light shows have captivated foreign tourists. One visitor observed that in his home country, drones are associated with fear, while in China they light up the night sky. Beyond entertainment, drones played a critical role during this summer’s flooding response in southern China’s Guangxi Province, delivering emergency supplies, helping restore communications, and airlifting generators to affected areas.

X. PUBLIC SECURITY Gallup’s 2025 Global Safety Report found that 94 percent of Chinese residents said they felt safe walking alone at night, among the highest rates recorded worldwide. Foreign visitors have described walking on city streets alone late at night without fear, and one American traveler noted with surprise that convenience stores in China often operate unattended overnight. This sense of security is supported by public safety camera networks and community-level governance programs. What many foreign visitors find striking in China is not a single landmark or piece technology, but the way these things have been incorporated into daily life. The next thing that surprises the world may already be taking shape. The author is a commentator on international affairs.

Amazon now expects to invest approximately $220 billion this year, up from its earlier $200 billion estimate. Alphabet has raised its 2026 capital expenditure guidance to between $195 billion and $205 billion, while Meta expects $130 billion to $145 billion. These investments are overwhelmingly concentrated in the infrastructure required to make AI work at scale: GPUs and other accelerator servers, data centres, networking equipment, cooling systems, and electricity and cloud capacity. infrastructure.

WHAT THE LOOP MEANS FOR PAKISTAN: Pakistan is not a bystander to this cycle. Its IT and ICT exports reached a record $4.6 billion in FY2026, and the government has introduced a National AI Policy and earmarked $1 billion for AI research and sovereign computing by 2030. Yet the same technology threatens the entry-level outsourcing work on which much of that export growth rests. The financial channel matters too: if AIrelated borrowing and government deficits keep global yields elevated, external financing becomes costlier for import-dependent economies like Pakistan, and a sharp correc-

tion in AI valuations would ripple through global markets. Pakistan’s opportunity lies in moving from low-cost outsourcing to higher-value AI skills and products, which will depend on reliable electricity, stronger education and a stable policy environment. The AI money loop may yet prove to be the foundation of a new economic era, or an expensive echo of booms past. The technology is real; the question is whether the arithmetic is. Until revenues catch up with spending, the world, Pakistan included, is watching a trillion-dollar wager in which the same dollars keep changing hands, and someone, eventually, must pay for the loop.

If the Strait of Hormuz is open, why are gas and diesel so expensive?

The writer is a freelance columnist

It used to cost just $2 per barrel to get crude out of the Persian Gulf. Now, that cost has spiraled to about $33

Last year, the daily cost of hiring an oil supertanker to sail from the Persian Gulf to China was just $65,000. By the time the Iran war was about to begin, that cost had climbed to $230,000 per day. Now? It costs $1.6 million per day to hire for that route

CNN

Matt Egan

HE Strait of Hormuz is no longer paralyzed and yet fuel prices remain painfully high. It’s a vexing problem with profound financial, political and economic consequences. Gasoline prices, averaging $4.36 a gallon nationally, have never been this high at this time of year, according to AAA data. Even after a series of emergency steps from US states and Europe, diesel is only about 20 cents away from the all-time high set just last month. In short, what started as an oil supply crunch caused by the Iran war has morphed into a broader energy crisis being felt by drivers, truckers and farmers around the world. Unblocking the Strait of Hormuz has been helpful, but it’s still incredibly dangerous – and thus expensive. Not only that, but Russian refineries are getting destroyed by Ukrainian drones, and Houthi attacks in the Red Sea have disrupted a vital shipping lane. “The wars have not been resolved. There is no peace. The energy system is still constricted,” said Jan Stuart, global energy strategist at Piper Sandler.

‘INSANE’ COST OF OIL SUPERTANKERS The security challenges have been underscored by the staggering cost of getting crude oil out of the Middle East. Last year, the daily cost of hiring an oil supertanker (known as a Very Large Crude Carrier, or VLCC) to sail from the Persian Gulf to China was just $65,000, according to Clarksons, a London-based research firm. By the time the Iran war was about to begin, that cost had climbed to $230,000 per day. Now? It costs $1.6 million per day to hire a VLCC for that route, according to Clarksons. “That’s insane,” said Tom Kloza, chief energy adviser at Gulf Oil. “If you own a tanker, you’re in great shape – as long as it goes unscathed by the war.” But some tankers are not emerging

unscathed. Multiple commercial vessels reported getting struck by projectiles in the Strait of Hormuz in recent days alone, including at least two crude oil tankers, according to the United Kingdom’s Maritime Trade Operations.

INSURANCE, SAILOR COSTS SURGE But it’s not just the cost of hiring a tanker. It’s the cost of persuading sailors to go on dangerous voyages in war zones. Some shippers are offering sailors up to $25,000 per trip – an amount that could represent more than a year of wages, according to The Wall Street Journal. Insurance costs have also skyrocketed, reflecting the risk of sailing through the region with valuable cargo. Oil producers are now paying between $30 million and $40 million for a round-trip voyage in and out of the Strait of Hormuz, the Journal reported.

REAL-WORLD VS. FINANCIAL PRICE All of this – the cost to hire a tanker, exorbitant payments to sailors and surging insurance rates – is making it more expensive for consumers and businesses around the world. It used to cost just $2 per barrel to get crude out of the Persian Gulf. Now, that cost has spiraled to about $33, according to Kloza. “We’re getting a reasonable amount of crude out, but that’s misleading because the cost of that crude exiting is incredible,” he said. This helps explain the wide gap between the price of crude in financial markets and the price in the real world. Consider that the price of Dated Brent – the real-world cost of receiving immediate physical barrels of crude – is $135.74 a barrel as of Thursday, according to S&P Global Platts. That’s well above the Brent futures price of about $100 and not far from the all-time high set in April. And it’s that real-world price that trickles down to what consumers are paying at the gas station. “The United States does not live in isolation. We live with a global

price because we import gasoline,” said Stuart. The global energy system is not experiencing a single war, but two or arguably three wars – simultaneously. On top of the US-Iran war, a conflict that has stretched for much longer than many imagined when it started, there is the battle between Yemen and Iranbacked Houthi rebels. Houthi drone and missile attacks have disrupted another vital chokepoint for global trade, the Bab al-Mandeb Strait. And then there are the increasingly successful Ukrainian drone attacks destroying refineries in Russia, one of the world’s leading exporters of diesel. Facing fuel shortages at home, Russia has responded by limiting its fuel exports. China, seeking to avoid shortages of its own, has similarly restricted its exports. US refineries are the only ones left standing. But they are already producing as much gasoline, diesel and jet fuel as they can. Now, some US refineries are dialing back their production for routine maintenance that typically occurs at this time of the year. Hurricane Isaias could make matters worse if the storm knocks production offline or damages refineries along the US Gulf Coast. BUFFERS HAVE VANISHED Energy prices would be much, much higher if not for the fact that the world had a sizable rainy day fund built up when the year started. Commercial and emergency stockpiles act as shock absorbers during crises. But now those inventories have been aggressively drawn down, leaving the world with less margin for error now. Those shrinking stockpiles have driven up the premium built into current prices. “We are running on very, very low inventories. We don’t have buffers anymore,” said Stuart. All of this explains why prices remain high and the risks are elevated – even as the flow of oil out of the Strait of Hormuz has recovered towards pre-war levels. “You have to end all three wars – or even two out of three wouldn’t be bad,” said Kloza.

06 NEWS

INDIA’S ‘COCKROACH’ MOVEMENT SAYS DELHI PROTEST WILL PROCEED DESPITE DETENTIONS

NEW DELHI

AGENCIES

HE leader of India’s youth-led Cockroach Janata Party has said a major protest planned for Saturday will go ahead despite the detention of supporters across the country. CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke said he would travel to New Delhi and join the march to Jantar Mantar, where demonstrators are demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The protest is part of a wider campaign against a nationwide revision of electoral rolls that has become a major political controversy. Opposition parties and activists allege that about 130 million voter entries have been removed during the revision exercise and claim the process could disenfranchise legitimate voters.

India’s Election Commission has rejected allegations of wrongdoing, saying the figures relate to entries flagged during an incomplete draft revision and that people removed incorrectly can register again. Delhi police said the CJP had not received permission to hold Saturday’s protest and warned that legal action could be taken if demonstrators violated restrictions. Thousands of police and paramilitary personnel are expected to be deployed in the capital ahead of the demonstration. The CJP has alleged that thousands of its supporters have been detained in several states while attempting to travel to New Delhi. Opposition Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has also called a meeting of parties opposed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party as pressure over the electoral roll controversy grows.

AZMA ZAHID BOKHARI

A home is one of the greatest blessings bestowed by Allah Almighty. Its true value is best understood by those who do not have a home of their own. Providing a roof to a homeless, deserving and underprivileged person is also a special blessing from Allah. The opportunity to serve one’s people and help them secure a home of their own is not granted to everyone. The true significance of having one’s own home can only be understood through the emotions of a person who has lived without one or has spent years paying rent. Chief Minister of Punjab Maryam Nawaz has turned this dream into a reality for thousands of deserving and homeless families. Within just one and a half years, Maryam Nawaz has succeeded in providing 214,330 homes to deserving people across Punjab. Of these, 120,753 beneficiaries have already completed their homes, while another 60,464 houses are currently under construction. So far, Rs278.461 billion in interest-free loans have been disbursed under the programme. The initiative was particularly close to Maryam Nawaz’s heart because it was also a dream of former Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif: to enable ordinary people to own homes of their own. Maryam Nawaz has transformed that dream into a reality. These homes are not merely figures on paper; they are a visible reality on the ground. A dedicated website has been developed for the Apni Chhat Apna Ghar programme, providing real-time information on the locations of the houses. The number of completed and ongoing houses, as well as the amount of loans disbursed, is updated on a daily basis.

The greatest evidence of the programme’s transparency is the complete absence of political interference. The entire process is online. Applicants seeking interest-free loans submit their complete and accurate information through the website, following which the relevant institution conducts a thorough verification before approving the application. Citizens are not required to visit government offices or make rounds of departments. They can apply from the comfort of their homes and receive the facility through a transparent digital process. In the initial days of the programme, many beneficiaries were astonished when their loans were approved without them having to visit a government office. They wondered how such a substantial relief package could reach them while they remained at home. There was simply no comparable precedent in the past for providing such large-scale relief to thousands of people through a completely digital and accessible mechanism. Today, more than 200,000 homes are being built across Punjab, and the beneficiaries of the programme are expressing their gratitude to Chief Minister Maryam

The opposition bloc is also expected to meet President Droupadi Murmu to raise its concerns. Authorities have taken additional security measures ahead of Saturday’s protest, including the cancellation of some long-distance trains to New Delhi and restrictions on metro services and sta-

tion exits. Opposition parties want the voter-roll revision scrapped and the previous lists restored, while the Election Commission maintains that the exercise is intended to remove fraudulent registrations and prevent ineligible voters from remaining on electoral rolls.

Nawaz. It is precisely because of the success of this initiative that the United Nations recognised the Apni Chhat Apna Ghar programme with a global award. The award recognises five major programmes from around the world, and the Punjab government’s housing initiative secured the top position. The award ceremony was specially held in Muscat, Oman, where Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz was invited to the stage and presented with the award. The international recognition was a tribute to her vision and the success of the programme. This is not merely an award for the Government of Punjab; it is a matter of pride for the 140 million people of Punjab. For Pakistan, it is also a moment of great pride that, for the first time, a Pakistani politician and chief minister has received such significant international recognition for a public welfare initiative. Unfortunately, the political history of Pakistan also contains examples of promises that never materialised. A political party once promised to provide 500,000 homes, but despite remaining in power for four years, it could not deliver even a single home under that promise. One of its ministers eventually admitted that it had merely been a political slogan made before the elections. The same people, during their tenure, continued to put up plaques on projects initiated by Nawaz Sharif and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Today, Maryam Nawaz has made history. As the Apni Chhat Apna Ghar programme has received international recognition and a global award, the same political party has suddenly remembered its own imaginary housing programme. It is the height of political dishonesty and hypocrisy that those who could not even establish such a programme on paper during their tenure are now attempting to claim credit for its success.

But the more than 200,000 families benefiting from the programme know the truth: it is Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz who has helped them secure a roof over their heads. False propaganda can never conceal the truth. A political party whose leadership has made lies and propaganda its political trademark will inevitably find it difficult to accept facts and achievements. Those who once preferred going to the IMF to what they described as “suicide” ultimately left Pakistan with debts amounting to Rs49 trillion, while departing from government after giving the people another unfulfilled slogan in the name of the Naya Pakistan Housing Scheme. By contrast, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has, in just two years, delivered in Punjab on a scale for which there are few precedents in the province’s recent history. She has fulfilled not only the promises she made before the elections, but has also undertaken and delivered on initiatives that were never part of her original electoral commitments. When leaders are elected through the votes of the people, their foremost responsibility should be to improve the lives of those who placed their trust in them. The 140 million people of Punjab gave Maryam Nawaz a mandate, and she is fulfilling that responsibility with honesty and commitment. This is why Punjab’s development initiatives are increasingly receiving recognition at the international level. Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has set a target of providing homes to 500,000 people within five years, and she is determined to complete this mission. For her government, good governance, merit and transparency are no longer merely slogans; they have become the guiding principles of governance in Punjab. Maryam Nawaz is working with this vision, and her popularity among the people of Punjab continues to grow.

China, EU reach trade, investment outcomes after 'pragmatic and productive' Beijing talks BEIJING AGENCIES

China and the European Union (EU) reached a list of agreed outcomes after the second meeting of the China-EU trade and investment consultation mechanism in Beijing, according to a joint statement issued on Friday. Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao and European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security Maros Sefcovic held pragmatic and productive discussions during the meeting on Thursday and Friday.

The 16-point list of common understandings covers trade and investment balancing, export controls, intellectual property rights and WTO reform, according to the joint statement. Both sides reaffirmed that, as key trading partners, China and the EU will properly manage their differences under the WTO framework and commit to continuing to stabilize bilateral economic and trade relations and make them more balanced. Both sides agreed to hold the third meeting of the mechanism in March 2027 and to maintain close communication in the meantime, including a ministerial-level video conference in January.

Hurricane Isaias strengthens to Category 2 as US Gulf Coast evacuations begin US

STAFF REPORT

260 miles south of the mouth of the Mississippi River. Hurricane warnings were in effect from Ocean Springs, Mississippi, to the Bay-Gulf County line in Florida. A storm surge warning was also issued from the mouth of the Missis-

RIYADH

sippi River to the Suwannee River in Florida. Officials warned residents in affected areas to complete preparations quickly and move to safe locations before conditions deteriorated. The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30.

Three Saudi nationals were killed and several others injured after Houthi attacks targeted Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport, Saudi authorities said. The attacks caused casualties and disruption at the airport as emergency teams responded to the incident. Saudi officials said the strikes were carried out by Yemen’s Houthi movement amid a wider escalation in regional hostilities. Authorities did not immediately provide a complete breakdown of the number of people injured or the extent of damage to airport infrastructure. Saudi air defences have been placed on heightened alert following a series of recent missile and drone attacks targeting the kingdom. The latest incident comes as tensions in the Middle East continue to rise, with the conflict increasingly affecting Gulf states and major transport routes. Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye have also moved to activate security mechanisms under the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement in response to the deteriorating regional situation. Saudi authorities have said they will continue taking measures to protect civilian infrastructure and respond to threats against the kingdom. The Houthis have carried out multiple missile and drone attacks in the region in recent years, including strikes targeting airports, energy facilities and other strategic sites.

China issues guidelines on developing new quality productive forces BEIJING

AGENCIES

The Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and the State Council have jointly issued guidelines on developing new quality productive forces on Friday. The guidelines outline 19 key measures in five areas of innovation, including advancing scientific and technological innovation, deepening the integration of sci-tech and industrial innovation, innovating development approaches, promoting institutional and mechanism innovation, and improving mechanisms for talent development. Noting that developing new quality productive forces is an intrinsic requirement and an important focus of promoting high-quality development, the guidelines stress the importance of innovation-driven development, reform and measures tailored to local conditions, and following the approach of "establishing the new before abolishing the old." The document calls for pursuing high technology, high efficiency and high quality, properly handling the relationships between the government and the market, between the qualitative nature of productive forces and the forms they take in industry and business, between reform and development, and between self-reliance and opening up, while coordinating development and security.

Pentagon approves public broadcast of Nidal Hasan’s execution WASHINGTON AGENCIES

The Pentagon has approved a public livestream of the execution of former US Army major Nidal Hasan, who was convicted of killing 13 people and wounding 32 others in the 2009 Fort Hood shooting.US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said the execution would be made public, although the Pentagon has yet to announce exactly when the broadcast will begin. Hasan is scheduled to be executed by firing squad on December 3. President Donald Trump has given final approval for the execution, according to Pentagon officials. Hasan, who worked as an Army psychiatrist and held the rank of major, opened fire at a medical facility at Fort Hood, where soldiers were waiting for immunisations and medical clearance before deployment. A military jury sentenced him to death in August 2013 after convicting him on 45 counts of first-degree murder and attempted first-degree murder.

Karachi IT Park project faces fresh delay as two tenders fail to attract bids PROIT

AGENICES

Hurricane Isaias strengthened into a Category 2 storm on Thursday as it moved towards the US Gulf Coast, prompting evacuation orders in vulnerable coastal areas. The hurricane, the first of the Atlantic season, was forecast to strengthen further before reaching the Florida Panhandle, southern Alabama and southern Mississippi late Friday or early Saturday. Authorities ordered evacuations in coastal Zones A and B, covering areas including Okaloosa Island and parts of Fort Walton Beach, Destin, Mary Esther and Niceville. Isaias was carrying maximum sustained winds of 105 mph, or 165 kph, as it advanced towards the northern Gulf Coast. The storm was moving northeast at 14 mph and was positioned roughly

Three Saudis killed, several injured in Houthi attacks on Riyadh airport AGENCIES

Apni Chhat Apna Ghar: Maryam Nawaz Makes History with Global Recognition PUNJAB MINISTER FOR INFORMATION AND CULTURE

Saturday, 10 October 2026 | KARACHI

The federal government has revised its procurement strategy for the Karachi IT Park project and plans to issue a third tender following two unsuccessful bidding rounds, pushing the start of construction to June 2027, Dawn reported, citing a report prepared by the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunications. The ministry has set October 25, 2026, as the deadline for completing the review of the bidding documents. An independent construction contracts consultant will examine the revised request for proposal (RFP) before the project is offered for bidding again. The ministry plans to obtain approval from Korea Exim Bank for the re-tendering process by November 15, 2026, with the third tender scheduled to be issued on the same date. Under the revised procurement plan, eligible Korean companies will be invited to participate in an open competitive bidding process.

The deadline for submitting bids has been set for January 4, 2027. Following the submission of bids, the project's technical committee will evaluate the technical proposals, while financial bids will be assessed separately. The Project Steering and Review Committee will subsequently examine the evaluation results and final recommendations before the matter is submitted for approval. According to the ministry's documents, Korea Exim Bank will provide final approval of the bids. The government has set March 25, 2027, as the target date for signing the construction contract. Work on the Karachi IT Park is now expected to begin in June 2027, subject to the completion of the procurement and approval processes. The revised schedule follows two unsuccessful tendering rounds in which no bids were received, requiring the ministry to reassess the bidding documents and procurement arrangements.

NEWS 07

Saturday, 10 October 2026 | KARACHI

CORPORATE CORNER

Al-Ghazi Tractors Enters Uzbekistan with First Tractor Exports, Partners with Uzavtosanoat JSC's AgroTech Klaster

LAHORE STAFF REPORT

Al-Ghazi Tractors Limited (AGTL), the manufacturers of New Holland tractors in Pakistan, has entered the Uzbek market with the delivery of its first export consignment and the signing of a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with AgroTech Klaster, a company within the Uzavtosanoat JSC, Uzbekistan's leading automotive and industrial manufacturing hub.The MoU was signed in Tashkent by Mr Yasin Seker, Chief Executive Officer of AGTL, and Mr. Ulugbek Matkarimov, General Director of AgroTech Klaster, during a visit by AGTL’s senior delegation to Uzbekistan. It brings the two companies together in long-term collaboration across business development, technology exchange, agricultural mechanization and market expansion. For Uzbek farmers, the partnership is intended to mean wider access to reliable, competitively priced tractors, backed by a partner with deep roots in the local agricultural sector.The agreement builds on AGTL’s first delivery of 18 tractors to AgroTech Klaster.

PIA, Norse Atlantic sign a partnership agreement for Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners KARACHI

STAFF REPORT

PIA has signed an agreement with Norse Atlantic, for two state-of-the-art Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners. The addition of Boeing 787 Dreamliners mark the begining of PIA's expansion.By enhancing fleet requirement, the airline aims to meet the rising demand with direct flights and broader global connectivity.The aircraft are expected to join PIA in November, 2026 and operate direct long haul flights to United Kingdom from Pakistan.These aircraft will facilitate PIA flight operations between different points in UK and Pakistan.This dynamic partnership between PIA and Norse provides the cutting-edge aircraft, expert crew, maintenance, and insurance and augments PIA's ambitious route expansion while enabling Norse to rapidly redeploy its returning fleet.Speaking on the occasion of signing, CEO of PIA, AVM Amir Hayat said, “UK is an important market for PIA, and this agreement will allow us to expand the much-needed capacity and provide greater choice and connectivity for passengers travelling on these routes. We are pleased to partner with Norse Atlantic as we continue to strengthen our international network and respond to strong demand for direct travel between the two countries. This is first set of Dreamliners that is being adopted by Pakistani market and we hope it will provide dream journey to our valued guests who been expecting premium services from PIA”.Eivind Roald, CEO of Norse Atlantic said “As previously communicated, we have been working to redeploy capacity.

BISP launches nationwide awareness, training campaign on digital payment system

CM MARYAM ORDERS PHAS IN EVERY PUNJAB DISTRICT, SETS JAN 2027 DEADLINE FOR 20 MORE

P g

PUNJAB CM APPROVES RECRUITMENT AGAINST 2,820 TECHNICAL POSTS FOR HORTICULTURE AUTHORITIES LAHORE

SALEEM JADOON

UNJAB Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on Friday approved the establishment of Parks and Horticulture Authorities (PHAs) in every district of the province, setting a January 2027 deadline for extending the bodies to 20 more districts as the government moves to expand plantation drives, restore green spaces and transform the urban landscape across Punjab. The decision was taken at a meeting chaired by the chief minister, where officials briefed her on the progress of existing PHAs and plans to expand their operations across the province. The meeting was informed that PHAs were already functional in 10 districts, while new authorities had been established in another 11. The government also approved recruitment against 2,820 technical posts for the authorities, including managing directors, directors and district-level technical staff. In the second phase, PHAs will be established in every tehsil of Punjab, the

meeting was told. The chief minister directed the authorities to prepare district-specific resource plans and launch phased plantation drives across tehsils, cities, towns and villages. She also ordered the preparation of monthly plans for planting seasonal flowers and the development of key performance indicators (KPIs) to assess the performance of PHA officials. The meeting decided to establish in-

house nurseries in every district to provide plants at affordable prices for plantation campaigns and seasonal floral displays. The design of PHA food courts was also approved, while uniform branding for PHA staff and vehicles was planned. Directing officials to make maximum use of available space, Maryam Nawaz ordered that trees and flowers be planted in every vacant spot. She also called for standardised planters and flowerpots

Sohail Afridi’s long march turned into a ‘short-term’ march: Azma LAHORE STAFF REPORT

Punjab Minister for Information and Culture Azma Bokhari has said that while terrorism continues in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sohail Afridi remains atop a container. She said his long march had now turned into a “Short-Term March.” According to Bokhari, the march serves neither the interests of PTI’s founder nor those of the Pashtun people; rather, she alleged, it is being held in support of terrorist organisations. Bokhari said the entire province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was unsafe, yet the march on the roads appeared to be proceeding under complete security. She said security forces were sacrificing their lives to protect the people of the province, while, on the other hand, a person standing atop a container was

mocking these very forces and expressing sympathy for terrorists. The Punjab Information Minister said PTI’s senior leadership had been held hostage by a “container politician.” She noted that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was among the provinces most severely affected by terrorism, adding that the sacrifices made by the police and the public

in the fight against terrorism were unforgettable. Bokhari further claimed that the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa themselves were demanding freedom from PTI and its associates. She alleged that, after being rejected by the public, AI-generated videos were now being produced and shared on social media.

PPAF, PBM chiefs brief media on global poverty alleviation conference ISLAMABAD STAFF REPORT

Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund (PPAF) Chief Executive Officer Nadir Gul Barech and Pakistan Baitul-Mal (PBM) Managing Director Syed Imran Shah on Friday briefed media representatives at Pakistan Television (PTV) Headquarters about the two day International Conference on Inclusive and Resilient Economic Empowerment and Growth, scheduled for October 1314 in Islamabad, where around 400 participants from 12 countries are expected to explore sustainable solutions to poverty, promote inclusive economic growth and strengthen livelihood resilience through policy dialogue, knowledge sharing and cross sector collaboration. PPAF, PBM chiefs brief media on global poverty alleviation conference Being held under the theme “Poverty to Prosperity”, the two-day conference is being organised by PPAF

in collaboration with the Ministry of Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety, the Centre of Excellence for National Cohesion and Outreach, and Paighame-Pakistan ahead of the United Nations’ International Day for the Eradication of Poverty on October 17. Addressing the press conference, CEO Nadir Gul Barech said sustainable poverty alleviation required an integrated approach extending beyond short-term assistance to encompass social protection, skills development, productive assets, access to finance and stronger links with markets. He said vulnerable households remained exposed to economic shocks, including floods, illness and income losses, making resilient livelihoods essential to sustaining progress. Outlining PPAF’s development initiatives, Barech said the organisation operated in 157 districts through 164 partner organisations and had facilitated 3.69 million interest-free loans worth Rs149.61

billion since 2014, with a reported recovery rate of 98 per cent. He added that PPAF-supported initiatives had contributed to the creation of more than 88,000 jobs, while 501,500 people had received skills and vocational training. The organisation had also supported 35,290 community infrastructure schemes, benefiting approximately 17.57 million people. Speaking at the briefing, MD PBM briefed that the conference aligned with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s “Uraan Pakistan” vision of advancing public welfare and inclusive economic development, particularly for disadvantaged and economically vulnerable communities. He said the conference would provide a platform to assess progress in poverty alleviation, exchange evidence based insights and strengthen collaboration among public institutions, development partners and local communities to translate policy priorities into tangible development outcomes.

across cities in the province to ensure uniformity in their appearance. A briefing informed the meeting that all Category C parks in Lahore had been restored. Each PHA had been assigned specific targets for improving the urban landscape, beautifying parks and rehabilitating green belts. Officials said standardised plantation plans would be implemented in every district in line with seasonal requirements. Bougainvillea had been planted along Khayaban-i-Jinnah, bamboo along Atta Bakhsh Road and amaltas trees along other roads. Three varieties of marigolds were also being grown across the province. The meeting was further informed that orders had been issued for PHA staff working at residences to return to their offices. “I want every city, town and village to be adorned with trees and plants and filled with the fragrance of flowers,” the chief minister said. She said plantation was beneficial not only for the environment but also for human health, adding that planting trees was a virtuous act and helped mitigate the effects of climate change.

Jamia Masjid Hazrat Ali inaugurated in Faisal Hills, offering a major new worship place for people Islamabad, Rawalpindi and Attock

ISLAMABAD STAFF REPORT

Jamia Masjid Hazrat Ali R.A., located at Faisal Hills, was formally inaugurated on October 9, 2026, marking the opening of region’s largest mosque after Faisal Mosque. The mosque was opened to worshippers ahead of Friday prayers. Chairman of the Faisal Town Group, Chaudhry Abdul Majeed, was also present on the occasion and joined worshippers in offering special prayers for Pakistan’s progress and prosperity. Spread over 10 kanals, the magnificent mosque has a total covered area of 85,000 square feet and a fourstorey structure with a capacity to accommodate more than 22,000 worshippers. Its striking architectural features include a 180-foot-high minaret and a central dome measuring 60 feet in both width and height. The three-storey main prayer hall features an open design, while a central skylight allows natural light to flood the interior, creating a sense of openness and spaciousness.The mosque’s architectural elegance is further enhanced by intricate golden-foil finishing, exquisite chandeliers imported from Iran, and a specially designed upper dome covering imported from China.

JLI Recognized as a ‘Game Changer Icon of Pakistan’ in Life Insurance Category by EFP

Power Supply Situation in KE's Service Territory KARACHI

LAHORE STAFF REPORT

In his opening remarks at the training session, Additional Secretary BISP Dr. Asmat Nawaz emphasized that effective staff training, capacity building and comprehensive awareness among women beneficiaries are essential for the successful implementation of the digital payment system.Highlighting the importance of the interoperability system, Dr. Asmat Nawaz stated that after receiving the payment confirmation SMS, women beneficiaries would be able to withdraw their payments from any authorized retailers of partner banks in any city across Pakistan, according to their convenience. This facility will help reduce dependence on designated payment centres, lower travel costs and difficulties and make access to payments easier.He urged BISP staff to provide clear guidance to women beneficiaries on using the digital wallet, safeguarding their mobile SIMs and phones, receiving the full payment amount and keeping transaction-related SMS messages safe.Dr. Asmat Nawaz made it clear that any unauthorized deduction from payments would not be tolerated. He advised women beneficiaries to contact the BISP Helpline at 0800-26477 or their relevant Tehsil Office in case of any payment-related complaint.

STAFF REPORT

Due to a nationwide RLNG constraint stemming from international supply disruptions and delayed car-

goes - affecting generation across the country including KE's territory - KE may need to undertake load management as an extreme, last-resort measure during evening/night peak hours, if necessitated. Daytime

supply will remain largely stable. KE is in close coordination with PLL and relevant authorities and making all efforts for early normalisation. We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience.

itel Energy Unveils Gen-2 Battery, Eyes C&I Growth at Solar Pakistan Expo

KARACHI: itel Energy showcased its latest solar-plus-storage solutions at the 22nd Solar Pakistan Expo, held October 9–11 at Expo Centre Karachi, unveiling its Gen-2 residential battery range, highlighting its strategic partnership with REPT BATTERO, and outlining plans to expand into commercial and industrial (C&I) energy storage.The company said Pakistan’s rapidly evolving energy landscape, marked by rising electricity tariffs and persistent load-shedding, is driving growing demand for solar-plus-storage solutions. At the expo, itel Energy introduced new 5kW and 2.5kW residential batteries using REPT BATTERO Grade-A cells, featuring intelligent battery management, enhanced safety, 10+ years of daily-cycle life and scalable parallel operation.itel Energy also highlighted its Sparta IP66 and IP54 hybrid inverters, which it said have been deployed across thousands of installations nationwide. The company further announced an MOU with strategic partners to develop dedicated C&I energy solutions, including a new 10kWh battery system scalable from 40.96kWh to 661.8kWh, supported by energy auditing, project delivery, monitoring and AI-driven energy management.Beyond solar and storage, itel Energy showcased its Power Series and collaborations spanning electric mobility and smartphones, positioning the brand around a broader ecosystem connecting home energy, business power and everyday mobility.Together, the initiatives reflect itel Energy’s strategy to expand from residential solar into scalable commercial and industrial storage while integrating energy solutions into consumers’ daily lives. STAFF REPORT

ISLAMABAD STAFF REPORT

Jubilee Life Insurance Company Limited has been recognized as a “Game Changer Icon of Pakistan” Award in the Life Insurance category by the Employers’ Federation of Pakistan (EFP) at the exclusive Platinum Jubilee Celebrations & Awards, held on 7 October 2026 at Governor House, Karachi.The award was presented to Mr. Javed Ahmed, Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer- Jubilee Life Insurance by Syed Nehal Hashmi, Governor of Sindh in the presence of Mr. Gilbert F. Houngbo, Director-General of the International Labour Organization (ILO); and Mr. Majyd Aziz, President, Employers’ Federation of Pakistan.The recognition reflects our continued efforts to build a responsible and sustainable business while creating a workplace where our people feel valued, supported, and included. It also highlights our commitment to employee wellbeing, diversity and inclusion, and taking meaningful action for a more sustainable environment.This achievement belongs to all of us and reflects the collective efforts of our people who continue to contribute to Jubilee Life’s journey and impact.

FARHAN, MAAZ POWER PAKISTAN TO VICTORY OVER SRI LANKA NEWS

RAWALPINDI

MIAN ABRAR

AHIBZADA Farhan marked his first match as Pakistan’s full-time T20 International captain with a blistering 89, while Maaz Sadaqat smashed a maiden half-century to guide the hosts to a four-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in the opening match of the three-game series at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Friday. Chasing 183, Pakistan reached 1876 in 18.5 overs, with Farhan and Maaz sharing a decisive 92-run partnership for the second wicket to put the hosts firmly in control. Farhan struck 10 fours and four sixes in his 53-ball innings, while Maaz contributed a rapid 50 off 29 deliveries, including four boundaries and three sixes. Their aggressive batting helped Pakistan overcome a challenging target despite a brief middle-order wobble. Pakistan got off to a flying start as Farhan and Fakhar Zaman added 54 for the opening wicket. Fakhar smashed four boundaries in his 13-ball 21 before Eshan Malinga dismissed him in the final over of the powerplay, with Pakistan already racing to 70-1. Maaz continued the assault, punishing loose deliveries and keeping the required run rate under control. He swept

Maheesh Theekshana for four before Farhan launched the spinner for six as Pakistan crossed the 100-run mark in the 10th over. The left-hander maintained the pressure by sending Dunith Wellalage over long-on for six, while Farhan brought up his half-century from 33 balls. Maaz reached his maiden T20I fifty in just 21 deliveries during the 13th over, further strengthening Pakistan’s position. Farhan then attacked Theekshana in the 14th over, hitting a six over long-on

PTI march enters sixth day as Afridi heads to Charsadda PESHAWAR

STAFF REPORT

and following it with two boundaries. The spinner eventually dismissed Maaz leg-before wicket for 50, leaving Pakistan at 146-2. Sri Lanka briefly revived their hopes when Hasan Nawaz was caught behind off Dushmantha Chameera for one and Theekshana bowled Saim Ayub for eight in successive overs. Pakistan slipped to 156-4, but Farhan remained at the crease to steer the chase. After a couple of quieter overs, the captain accelerated against Nuwan

PRAYER TIMINGS FAJR SUNRISE

ZUHR

ASR MAGHRIB ISHA

6:02

1:30

4:30

Pakistan approves interest-free Hajj Savings Scheme 5:30

5:45

ISLAMABAD

STAFF REPORT

Pakistan has approved a summary relating to an interest-free Hajj Savings scheme to help pilgrims prepare financially for the rising cost of the annual pilgrimage. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has approved a summary for the scheme, developed jointly by the Ministry of Finance and the National Savings. Under the plan, pilgrims will be allowed to save money through a digital system, making it easier to set aside funds on a monthly basis ahead of Hajj. Under the scheme, pilgrims will be able to choose a savings period according to their needs. The plan will also allow the transfer of savings accounts or related facilities to other family members. Participants will be able to withdraw their deposited funds at any stage without deductions. The initiative aims to help pilgrims manage the rising cost of Hajj through advance financial planning and accessible digital payment options. Sources claimed that officials are also considering expanding the model to cover Umrah and other religious pilgrimages. The Hajj Saving Plan’s detailed procedures and regulations are expected to be finalized within the next two months. Further details, including the formal launch, are expected to be announced after the rules have been completed.

Pakistan has substantial forces, resources in Riyadh, says FO ISLAMABAD

Petition seeking recovery of PTI MPA Abdul Salam Afridi filed in PHC PESHAWAR

A petition seeking the recovery of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) MPA Abdul Salam Afridi, who was allegedly abducted in Mardan, has been filed in the Peshawar High Court (PHC). The petition was filed by his brother, Fazal Qadir, through Advocate Muhammad Inam Yousafzai. The provincial government, secretary home, inspector general of police, regional police officer and district police officer Mardan have been named as respondents. According to the petition, unidentified men arrived in vehicles and abducted MPA Abdul Salam Afridi at gunpoint during a ceremony at a hujra in Mardan. The petitioner alleged that po-

lice deliberately delayed registering a case over the incident. He also said he had asked the police to preserve the CCTV footage, but no action was taken. The petition has requested the high court to direct the IG police to ensure the early recovery of the abducted MPA. It has also sought orders for a transparent investigation into the incident and action against those involved. Separately, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Minister for Housing Dr Amjad Ali was allegedly abducted by unidentified armed men after they stormed his residence, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) said in a statement on Friday. According to the party, the assailants entered the provincial minister’s house, vandalised property and forcibly took him away.

The incident was also raised before the Peshawar High Court during the hearing of 27 petitions, including those concerning PTI leaders Sohail Afridi, Ali Amin Gandapur and Asad Qaiser, as well as several provincial ministers. A three-member larger bench headed by Justice Ijaz Anwar heard the petitions. During the proceedings, a lawyer told the court that unidentified persons had taken away provincial minister Dr Amjad Ali during the night. “Nowadays, the situation has again deteriorated, and unidentified persons are picking up our members,” the counsel said, adding that an MPA had allegedly been abducted from Mardan the previous day and a provincial minister from Swat.

Bilawal, Rana Sanaullah named members of Judicial Commission of Pakistan ISLAMABAD

STAFF REPORT

Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and Adviser to the Prime Minister on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah have been appointed members of the Judicial Commission of Pakistan (JCP) from the treasury benches following the

commission’s reconstitution. According to a notification issued with the approval of the Chief Justice of Pakistan, who also chairs the commission, the appointments were made under Article 175A(2)(vii) of the Constitution. The notification stated that the nominations were made by the leaders of the house in the Senate and the National Assembly.

The JCP seats had fallen vacant after senior lawyer Farooq H. Naek and Pakistan Muslim LeagueNawaz (PML-N) MNA Sheikh Aftab Ahmed resigned from the commission, citing personal reasons. Under the new arrangement, the PPP has secured representation from the National Assembly, while the PML-N has been given representation from the Senate.

Pakistan already has a “substantial number” of forces and resources in Riyadh, and it is now for the Makkah Defence Alliance to assess the security threat facing Saudi Arabia and decide on an appropriate response, Foreign Office spokesperson Sajjad Haider Khan said on Friday. Responding to questions at his weekly briefing about Pakistan’s support for Saudi Arabia amid escalating hostilities between the kingdom and Yemen-based Houthi rebels, the spokesperson said the three members of the alliance — Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye — had agreed to strengthen collective deterrence and safeguard Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Khan recalled that a joint statement issued by the three countries had clearly outlined their commitment to protecting the kingdom. The members had also agreed to mobilise the required military resources rapidly, he said. “Pakistan already has a substantial number of forces, as well as resources, in Riyadh,” he said, adding that the alliance would assess the threat and act in accordance with its mandate. The spokesperson declined to disclose operational details, including how the evolving situation might be handled, saying it would be inappropriate to speculate about the possible involvement of individual countries. The Makkah Defence Alliance, signed on August 7, provides for collective deterrence, with an attack on one member to be treated as an attack on all. Its implementation has come under renewed scrutiny as fighting between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis intensifies. Asked about the Houthi movement and its activities, Khan described it as a militia involved in proxy activities that had contributed to regional instability. He said the group had been fighting Yemeni government forces for some time but declined to identify specific countries that might be providing it with resources. Escalating conflict The conflict in Yemen has intensified amid a wider regional confrontation triggered by US and Israeli attacks on Iran on February 28. Saudi Arabia’s civil aviation authority said on Friday that three Saudi nationals had been killed and several people injured in two attacks on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh a day earlier. The attacks reportedly damaged a Saudia Airlines aircraft and disrupted flights to the Saudi capital ahead of a major gathering of global oil industry leaders.

What Pakistan reveals about administrative reform for fast-growing populations ISLAMABAD

STAFF REPORT

Across many emerging economies, populations are outgrowing the institutions designed to govern them, creating a governance challenge as demographics change. When administrative systems built for smaller societies are asked to serve vastly larger, more urban and more unequal populations, decisionmaking can become too distant from the citizens they are meant to serve. Pakistan illustrates why reform here is necessary and what it should look like. Its population has grown more than sevenfold since 1951. Its approximately 260 million people live within the same four main administrative provinces but disparities exist. Punjab alone, for example, has about 128 million people. Balochistan, by contrast, has fewer than 15 million people in a larger land area. Administrative maps shape how governments raise revenue, allocate public funds, plan infrastructure, respond to shocks and measure performance. When these maps no longer reflect demographic and economic realities, governance challenges intensify. This is further compounded when provincial capitals become increasingly remote from peripheral districts, leaving citizens with a weak sense of connection and threatening socio-economic stability. As Pakistan’s population continues to grow, potentially reaching 265 million by 2030, administrative reform becomes an ongoing concern.

7:30

STAFF REPORT

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi led Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protesters towards Charsadda from Peshawar on Friday, as the party’s march demanding the release of jailed founder Imran Khan entered its sixth day. The march’s route has changed several times since it began on October 4. Although the party initially announced plans to head towards Islamabad, its final destination remains uncertain, with Afridi yet to disclose the route beyond Swabi, where the march is expected to reach on October 11. Addressing participants briefly while travelling to Charsadda, Afridi urged them not to worry about the changing itinerary, saying the march would proceed to other destinations after Swabi as well. So far, the protest has remained within Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where PTI is in power. The march began after negotiations between the federal government and the opposition broke down over several issues, particularly the counterterrorism policy and PTI’s demand for access to Imran Khan. Federal ministers have warned the party against taking the protest beyond KP, while differences over counterterrorism measures have also fuelled discussion about the possibility of an emergency or governor’s rule in the province. Afridi dismissed the federal government’s warnings as “empty threats”, telling protesters that the government would not be able to harm them once they crossed the provincial boundary. Kundi challenges PTI to cross Swabi Earlier, KP Governor Faisal Karim Kundi challenged PTI to cross Swabi, a district bordering Punjab’s Attock, and questioned whether the party would fulfil its announced plan to reach the area on October 11. Speaking at a press conference in Peshawar, Kundi predicted that the march would continue moving between cities without reaching its stated destination.

Thushara in the 18th, striking a boundary through square leg before dispatching a low full toss over extra cover for six. His innings ended at 89 when Sahan Arachchige caught him in the deep off the next delivery, with Pakistan needing only four runs to win. Shadab Khan fell for a duck to Malinga, but Khawaja Nafay ensured there was no late drama. He finished unbeaten on 12 off seven balls, including a six over long-on, as Pakistan completed the chase in 18.5 overs. Mohammad Imran remained not out on nought. Earlier, Sri Lanka posted 182-8 after winning the toss and electing to bat, with Lahiru Udara leading the way through an impressive 91 off 55 balls. Udara struck 11 fours and a six to rescue Sri Lanka after Pakistan’s bowlers made early inroads. Naseem Shah removed captain Kusal Mendis for one in the opening over, while debutant Mohammad Imran dismissed Kamil Mishara for six. Udara and Kamindu Mendis then counterattacked with a 60-run stand for the third wicket. Kamindu scored 23 off 18 balls, including four boundaries, before Saim Ayub had him caught by Fakhar at long-off. Two deliveries later, Sahan Arachchige departed for one after Shadab took a sharp catch at point off Imran.

Saturday, 10 October, 2026

Keeping pace with demographic change To address this, consecutive governments have taken major steps in recent years to decentralize the country. The 18th Constitutional Amendment and the 7th National Finance Commission Award, for instance, devolved major responsibilities for services such as health and education to the provinces, while giving them a much larger share of federal taxes – from 47.5 to 57.5%. While promising, many decisions remain far from the communities most affected by them. Lahore district has around 13 million people, while Harnai district in Balochistan has just 128,000. A policy designed in a provincial capital must therefore serve vastly different realities. The education sectors further out-

line these variations. The Planning Commission’s District Education Performance Index, for instance, found that none of the 134 assessed districts reached the “very high” performance category. Recent household survey reporting also shows that 28% of children aged five to 16 are out of school nationally, with provincial rates ranging from 21% in Punjab to 45% in Balochistan. These gaps reflect distance: between policymakers and districts, budgets and outcomes, authority and accountability. Moving closer to citizens Pakistan is far from unique. Other large and diverse countries have repeatedly adjusted their administrative geography as their populations and economies evolved. Nigeria, for example, repeatedly redrew its internal administrative map,

replacing its three-region structure at independence with 12 states in 1967 and eventually 36 states by 1996. Indonesia, too, grew from 27 provinces in 1991 to 38 today. Kenya replaced its eight provinces with 47 elected county governments in 2013. In Indonesia, Nigeria and Brazil, average first-tier populations are around 6-8 million, far below Pakistan’s current average of 60 million and these countries arguably have more complex administrative systems. More units can produce better government but more importantly, institutional geography should evolve when the scale of governance no longer matches the scale of society. Here, Kenya is instructive. The country changed its fiscal and political machinery alongside its map. Counties were not just new boundaries;

they were elected governments with constitutionally protected responsibilities and a formula-based share of national revenue, weighted for factors including population and poverty. Lebanon, however, offers a cautionary contrast: fragmentation without fiscal and institutional capacity can be as debilitating as over-centralization. Despite having more than 1,000 municipalities, many remain too small and financially weak to deliver services effectively. Changing institutions and fiscal systems, too Boundaries, funding and mandates must move together. Smaller units without predictable transfers, credible taxing powers and clear service responsibilities can simply reproduce centralization at a lower level. For Pakistan, the debate should

not be framed as a contest over one “correct” map because it presents a set of governance scenarios. A modest reform could divide each existing province into four, creating 16 firsttier governments and reducing the average population per unit from about 60 million to roughly 15 million. More ambitious models could create 23 to 25 units based on population balance or geographic coherence. Another approach could build on existing civil divisions, creating more than 30 units with average populations closer to those seen in other large federations. Each scenario involves tradeoffs. Fewer, larger units may be easier to legislate and finance. More numerous units could bring capitals, budgets and political authority closer to citizens but would raise transition costs and require stronger administrative capacity. Evidence from other countries also cautions against treating boundary reform as a cure-all. New administrative units can improve responsiveness but only when paired with capable institutions, transparent transfers, comparable performance data and incentives for local revenue mobilization. Better governance, not simply more administrative units To illustrate, Pakistan’s provinces now carry major service delivery responsibilities, yet provincial own-source revenue remains limited. In 2024-2025, provincial taxes brought in just PKR 983 billion, equivalent to less than 0.9% of gross domestic product.

Published by Asad Nizami at Plot No 66-C, 1st Floor, 21st Commercial Street, Phase-II (Extension), DHA Karachi and printed at Ibn-e-Hassan Printing Press, Hockey Stadium, Karachi, for PT Print (Pvt) Limited. Ph: 021-32640318 . Email: newsroom@pakistantoday.com.pk