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CENTRE WEIGHS ‘LAST RESORT’ IN KP AS PTI MARCH ROLLS ON; EMERGENCY THREAT DEEPENS STANDOFF
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Sunday, 11 October, 2026 | 28 Rabius Sani, 1448
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PM SHEHBAZ, PRESIDENT REVIEW SECURITY AND POLITICAL SITUATION AS CENTRE-KP TENSIONS ESCALATE
TALAL CH SAYS EMERGENCY IS A ‘LAST RESORT’, BUT CONSULTATIONS CONTINUE AS OPTIONS NARROW
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FEDERAL MINISTERS ACCUSE KP GOVT OF NEGLECTING COUNTERTERRORISM AS SECURITY CONCERNS MOUNT
Rs 20.00 | Vol XVII No 197 | 8 Pages | Islamabad Edition
PM MEETS MAULANA FAZL AS JUI-F CHIEF SEEKS TO EASE CENTRE-KP TENSIONS
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STAFF REPORT
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ISLAMABAD/PESHAWAR SALEEM JADOON
RIME Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Asif Ali Zardari on Saturday discussed the country’s overall security and political situation as federal ministers indicated that the imposition of an emergency in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was under consideration, with the Centre-PTI standoff deepening and the PTI-led provincial government vowing to resist any such move as its long march entered its seventh day. A statement issued by the President House said Prime Minister Shehbaz called on President Zardari, accompanied by Deputy Prime Min-
ister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Attorney General for Pakistan Mansoor Usman Awan and Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar. PPP leaders Sherry Rehman and Syed Naveed Qamar were also present. “During the meeting, the country’s overall security and political situation came under discussion, with the leaders agreeing to ensure peace and stability in the country,” the statement said. It added that separate sessions of the National Assembly and Senate would be convened on Tuesday (October 13). Meanwhile, Khyber
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi on Saturday vowed to resist any “illegal move”, including the imposition of governor’s rule or an emergency in the province, as the PTI’s long march demanding the release of party founder Imran Khan entered its seventh day. Addressing supporters in Mardan, Afridi said arrests and other measures would not weaken PTI workers’ resolve, insisting that the march would continue from Peshawar towards D-Chowk in Islamabad. He urged people across Pakistan to join the movement for
Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi on Saturday vowed to resist any “illegal move”, including the imposition of governor’s rule or an emergency in the province, as the PTI’s long march continued for a seventh day. Addressing supporters in Mardan, Afridi said arrests and other measures would not weaken the resolve of PTI workers, insisting that the march would proceed
Terrorism can't be dealt through governor's rule or emergency: Barrister Gohar
Imran Khan’s release, declaring that Pakhtuns would not be intimidated by threats, guns or bullets. He said the party would continue its struggle against what he described as injustices against its incarcerated founder. The federal government is considering constitutional options, including governor’s rule or an emergency, amid differences with the PTI-led provincial government over counterterrorism policy. Speaking at the gathering, PTI MNA Muhammad Atif Khan claimed that Afridi’s strategy had put the federal government in a difficult position.
ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Khan said that terrorism cannot be solved through governor’s rule or an emergency, warning that either step would further deepen the crisis and harm both the province and the federation. He said there was agreement on eliminating terrorism, but disagreement only over the method, and called for the immediate restoration of closed-door meetings with Imran Khan, saying this would improve the situation. Speaking to the media in Peshawar after meeting Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, Barrister Gohar Khan said Federal intervention had
CONTINUED ON PAGE 03 from Peshawar towards D-Chowk in Islamabad. He urged people across the country to join the movement for the release of PTI founder Imran Khan, declaring that Pakhtuns would not be intimidated by threats, guns or bullets. He said the party would continue its struggle against what he described as injustices against its incarcerated founder. Later, KP Governor Faisal
SEPARATE NA, SENATE SESSIONS TO BE HELD ON OCTOBER 13, PRESIDENT HOUSE SAYS
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Afridi rejects governor's rule, vows to press ahead with long march CHARSADDA/MARDAN
CM AFRIDI VOWS TO RESIST ANY ‘ILLEGAL MOVE’ AS PTI’S LONG MARCH ENTERS SEVENTH DAY
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Karim Kundi and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi called on President Zardari in a separate meeting, according to the President House. The president was briefed on the country’s “overall security situation, particularly the worsening law and order situation” in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He was also informed about security in the province and law and order matters across the country.
Shehbaz, Aliyev move to turn strategic ties into stronger trade, investment partnership ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday held a telephone conversation with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, reaffirming Pakistan’s “deep-rooted, fraternal and strategic partnership” with Azerbaijan and vowing to translate strong bilateral ties into expanded economic, investment and trade cooperation. According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), the two leaders reviewed bilateral relations and agreed to convert their strong political understanding and goodwill into a closer economic, investment and commercial partnership. “The prime minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s deep-rooted, fraternal, and strategic partnership with Azerbaijan, characterised by mutual trust and steadfast support on all issues of core national interest,” the statement said. PM Shehbaz emphasised that the people of Pakistan held President Aliyev and the brotherly people of Azerbaijan in the highest esteem. Both leaders expressed satisfaction over the growing momentum in their multifaceted cooperation and reaffirmed their shared resolve to transform their exceptional political understanding into a mutually beneficial economic, invest-
ment and commercial partnership, the PMO said. The two leaders also reviewed progress on ongoing bilateral initiatives, particularly the operationalisation of the Asaan Khidmat Centre in Islamabad, modelled on Azerbaijan’s ASAN Khidmet service delivery system. They described the centre as a practical example of how bilateral cooperation could deliver tangible benefits to the people of Pakistan, according to the statement. At Prime Minister Shehbaz’s request, President Aliyev agreed to extend Azerbaijan’s full support and expertise for expanding the Asaan Khidmat net-
work across Pakistan. The prime minister thanked the Azerbaijani president for the gesture, describing it as another manifestation of Azerbaijan’s enduring friendship and solidarity with Pakistan. The two leaders also exchanged views on the evolving regional and international situation, emphasising the importance of continued consultations and coordination on matters of mutual interest. Prime Minister Shehbaz briefed President Aliyev on Pakistan’s diplomatic outreach and ongoing efforts to promote peace, dialogue and de-escalation in the region.
President Aliyev appreciated Pakistan’s constructive diplomatic efforts to facilitate dialogue and mediation, acknowledging their significance for regional peace and stability, the PMO said. The conversation concluded with both leaders reaffirming their commitment to deepening bilateral cooperation and transforming their strategic partnership into a lasting relationship founded on shared progress and prosperity. Prime Minister Shehbaz also took to X to share details of the telephone conversation. “We reaffirmed the enduring friendship and strategic partnership between Pakistan and Azerbaijan, and our resolve to translate our strong bilateral ties into greater economic, investment and trade cooperation,” he said. The two leaders last spoke by telephone on May 12, when they discussed regional developments and efforts to restore peace in the Middle East, while reaffirming the strong fraternal ties between Pakistan and Azerbaijan. Prime Minister Shehbaz last visited Azerbaijan in May 2025, when the two leaders pledged to diversify their strategic partnership through investment in mutually beneficial areas. They also reviewed bilateral relations and expressed satisfaction over the growing cooperation between the two countries.
weakened the writ of the provincial government. He said the reality was that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was effectively under governor’s rule, with only a formal announcement remaining. He reiterated that governor’s rule or an emergency was not the solution to terrorism and would further worsen the crisis. He said an emergency would be harmful to both the province and the federation, adding that there was agreement on ending terrorism but disagreement over the procedure. He also said that restrictions on meetings with Imran Khan for the past year should be ended immediately, as this would lead to improvement.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 03 Sharing a video on X, Governor Kundi wrote: “KP has sacrificed enough. Protecting lives and defeating terrorism must take precedence over political interests.” Earlier in the day, Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs and GilgitBaltistan Amir Muqam had met Governor Kundi at the Governor House in Peshawar.
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Pakistan warns India against ‘new normal’ of military aggression, vows full-spectrum deterrence UNITED NATIONS STAFF REPORT
A senior Pakistani diplomat on Friday warned the United Nations that India had formalised last year’s unprovoked military aggression into an official, declared policy, asserting a unilateral right to launch strikes against Pakistan on any pretext it could manufacture. “South Asia remains hostage to a doctrine of force,” Ambassador Tahir Andrabi, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN offices in Geneva, told the General Assembly’s First Committee (Disarmament and International Security), referring to India’s May 2025 assault and Islamabad’s “precise and effective” response. ‘SO-CALLED NEW NORMAL’ “India has since elevated that aggression into declared policy — the so-called ‘new normal’ — claiming the right to strike Pakistan at a time of its choosing, on any pretext it can manufacture,” Ambassador Andrabi added. He declared that Pakistan possessed both the capability and the resolve to decisively defend its sovereignty against any misadventure. The Pakistani envoy said India was pursuing the region’s largest military build-up, encompassing intercontinental-range, sea-based and hypersonic systems, facilitated by discriminatory exemptions from export controls, while continuing to evade dialogue.
Tarar accuses KP government of 'governance failure' ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
Information Minister Attaullah Tarar on Saturday accused the PTI-led Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government of poor governance, alleging that it had failed to invest adequately in counterterrorism infrastructure and was prioritising political protests over the province’s security and development needs. Addressing a press conference in Islamabad, Tarar claimed the provincial government had received Rs700 billion under the National Finance Commission for development but had failed to upgrade the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD), establish forensic laboratories or install Safe City cameras at key locations, including entry and exit points in the province’s merged districts. Instead, he alleged, the PTI was spending its resources on organising protests while devoting insufficient time to addressing terrorism. “You don’t even give half an hour to discuss terrorism in the province, but you organise six-hour meetings to spread turmoil
and vandalism,” he said. Tarar accused the provincial government of failing to provide adequate healthcare, education and infrastructure, arguing that millions of residents were suffering because of its governance shortcomings. He also alleged that the PTI had held the people of KP “captive to terrorists” and facilitated the return of militants to areas cleared by security forces. “From the very first day, this is my opinion that they [PTI] are the B-team of the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan,” he said, accusing the party of placing personal interests above national security. The minister questioned how long security forces would continue clearing areas of militants if, as he alleged, the provincial government subsequently allowed them to return. Tarar claimed the PTI government had dragged KP into the “stone age” during its 13-and-a-half years in power. He contrasted the federal government’s development initiatives with what he described as the provincial administration’s inadequate efforts to improve public services.
Questioning Chief Minister Sohail Afridi’s performance, he asked how much time the provincial leader devoted to governance and what major hospitals, universities, highways or information technology projects the PTI government had delivered for residents and young people. He also cited the provision of laptops and other digital devices as areas in which he said the provincial government had fallen short. “How long can such a system, where there is chaos and extremist politics, continue?” he asked, adding that KP needed peace rather than political confrontation. Asked whether the federal government was considering imposing an emergency or governor’s rule in the province, Tarar said it was too early to comment. However, he described the security situation as extremely serious, alleging that militants were operating openly in several areas and that ransom collection was taking place in collusion with terrorists. These claims were not independently substantiated during the press conference.
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PTI brushes aside Tarar's allegations ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Central Secretary Information Sheikh Waqas Akram has strongly rejected allegations levelled by Federal Minister Attaullah Tarar, Ikhtiar Wali Khan and Jalal Khan against the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government, describing their statements as politically motivated, misleading and based on selective presentation of facts. In a statement responding to their press conference, Sheikh Waqas Akram said that rather than engaging in repeated political attacks against Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and its elected government, federal representatives should acknowledge the province’s contributions to national security, public welfare, education and development, while fulfilling the federation’s outstanding financial obligations.
KP government’s compensation for families of martyrs Strongly rejecting allegations that the provincial government had abandoned the families of martyrs, Sheikh Waqas Akram said that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa had established a substantial financial assistance programme extending beyond its own police personnel to the families of martyrs of the Pakistan Army and Frontier Constabulary. According to figures cited by the PTI leader, the provincial government has released Rs 1.833 billion in financial assistance for the families of martyrs, with compensation reportedly provided to 905 families. Under the compensation policy, Rs 3 million is allocated for each martyred officer and Rs 2 million for each junior commissioned officer, non-commissioned officer and soldier.
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02 NEWS
Sunday, 11 October, 2026 | ISLAMABAD
OGRA GRANTS GAS MARKETING LICENCE TO ESSEN GAS AS PRIVATE SECTOR EXPANDS INTO DOWNSTREAM SUPPLY
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PROFIT
NEWS DESK
HE Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) has granted a natural gas sale and marketing licence to Essen Gas Marketing & Distribution (Private) Limited, allowing the Lahore-based company to supply gas from indigenous fields to consumers under Pakistan’s third-party access framework. The licence, numbered NG-52/2026, authorises the company to market and sell natural gas to retail, commercial and industrial consumers under the OGRA Ordinance, 2002, and the applicable natural gas licensing rules. The authorisation is valid for an initial two-year term, effective September 14, 2026. GAS SUPPLY FROM KALCHAS SOUTH BLOCK According to regulatory filings, Essen Gas has entered into a provisional arrangement with United Energy Pakistan Limited (UEPL) to source natural gas from the Tibri-1 field in the Kalchas South Block. The arrangement is covered by a memorandum of understanding (MoU), while the company must execute a binding Gas Sales and Purchase Agreement (GSPA) with UEPL and submit it to OGRA for approval before commencing supplies.
Under the licence conditions, Essen Gas cannot purchase gas volumes already allocated to state-nominated buyers under existing federal petroleum policies. THIRD-PARTY ACCESS TO SUI PIPELINE NETWORKS Essen Gas plans to transport gas through the existing transmission networks of Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) and Sui Southern Gas Company Limited (SSGCL), rather than developing its own long-distance pipeline infrastructure. The arrangement will operate under the OGRA Gas (Third Party Access) Rules, 2018, and the Pakistan Gas Network Code. These regulations allow private gas
Pakistan's remittances rise 12.7% to $3.6b in September PROFIT
WEB DESK
Remittances sent by overseas Pakistanis increased 12.7% year-on-year to $3.6 billion in September 2026, compared with $3.2 billion in the same month last year, according to data released by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) on Friday. On a month-onmonth basis, inflows declined 1.9% from approximately $3.7 billion recorded in August 2026. Cumulatively, workers' remittances reached $10.9 billion during the first quarter of fiscal year 2026-27 (July-September), marking a 14.74% increase from $9.5 billion received during the corresponding period of the previous fiscal year. Saudi Arabia remained the largest source of remittances in September, with inflows reaching $899.13 million, up 19.73% from $750.98 million a year earlier. Receipts from the kingdom also increased 3% from $873.52 million in August. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) was the secondlargest source, contributing $748.53 million, an increase of 10% from $677.15 million in September 2025. However, inflows declined marginally by 0.17% compared with $749.83 million in August. Remittances from the United Kingdom rose 13.3% year-on-year to $515.15 million, compared with $454.79 million in the corresponding month last year. Inflows from European Union countries stood at $447.71 million, down 9.7% from $495.94 million in August 2026.
Foreign investors urge FBR to remove tax certification hurdles delaying share registrations in Pakistan PROFIT
MONITORING REPORT
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.
marketers to use available pipeline capacity against regulated transportation charges, enabling gas purchased from upstream producers to be supplied to downstream consumers. Access remains subject to network capacity, applicable tariffs and regulatory requirements. The licence also prohibits Essen Gas from acquiring a controlling shareholding or interest in the gas transmission utilities, restricting vertical integration between marketing and transportation operations. COMPANY OPERATIONS AND EXPANSION PLANS Essen Gas is led by founder and Chief Executive Officer Ahsan Majeed and is affiliated with Ahsan Majeed &
Company (Private) Limited (AM & CO). Beyond pipeline-based gas marketing, the company plans to develop virtual pipeline operations involving the transportation of liquefied natural gas (LNG) through road bowsers and compressed natural gas (CNG) through tube trailers. Its longer-term plans also include LNG and regasified liquefied natural gas (RLNG) imports and marketing, subject to the necessary regulatory approvals. PRIVATE PARTICIPATION IN GAS MARKET The licence comes as Pakistan seeks to expand private participation in natural gas supply amid declining domestic production, mounting gas-sector circular debt and persistent supply constraints. The government has introduced regulations allowing private companies to purchase gas directly from exploration and production firms and transport it through existing pipeline infrastructure. However, commercial implementation has remained limited because of regulatory requirements, network capacity constraints and disputes over pipeline access and supply priorities. Essen Gas joins other private companies seeking to establish direct gas supply arrangements with industrial and commercial consumers, although the grant of a marketing licence does not itself establish that commercial gas deliveries have begun.
UNCTAD projects global growth to slow to 2.6% in 2026 amid Middle East energy shock PROFIT REUTERS
Global economic growth is projected to slow to 2.6% in 2026 from 2.9% in 2025 as the energy shock stemming from the Middle East conflict weighs on economic activity, the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) said on Friday. In its latest Trade and Development Report, the UN agency said the ongoing crisis was testing the resilience of the global economy, with rising energy costs, trade fragmentation and financial market vulnerabilities posing risks to growth. Asia is expected to account for 59% of global economic growth in 2026, led by India, China and Indonesia. India's economy is projected to expand by 7.3%, followed by Indonesia at 5.2% and China at 4.5%. Global trade in goods and serv-
ices is forecast to grow by 4% in constant prices after reaching a record $35 trillion in 2025, with higher energy prices also affecting trade values. The report highlighted shifting global trade patterns, noting that trade between China and the United States has declined by more than 20% since 2024, while East Asia has expanded trade with both China and North America. UNCTAD warned that export controls, investment screening and supply-chain restrictions were making it increasingly difficult for new entrants to access strategic industries. Artificial intelligence-related products, particularly semiconductors, remain a major driver of merchandise trade. However, the agency cautioned that growth in AI-related trade does not necessarily translate into broader development gains. It also flagged financial stability
risks associated with the AI investment boom, warning that growing market exposure to a small number of companies could increase vulnerabilities to market corrections. Other international financial institutions have also highlighted risks to the global economy from the Middle East conflict. The World Bank in June lowered its global growth forecast to 2.5%, warning that expansion could slow to 1.3% under its worst-case scenario. The International Monetary Fund (IMF), meanwhile, projects global growth of 3%, while identifying the Iran war, trade fragmentation and potential AI-related market corrections as major risks to the outlook. The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has projected global growth of 2.9% for 2026 despite the conflict in the Middle East.
Govt cuts petrol price by 66 paisas, raises diesel by 52 paisas for October 10-12 PROFIT
WEB DESK
The federal government has reduced the price of petrol by Re0.66 per litre to Rs398.30, while increasing high-speed diesel (HSD) by Re0.52 to Rs396.24 per litre, effective from October 10 to October 12, 2026. The Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) revised the ex-depot prices of petroleum products under the government's petroleum pricing mechanism, according to a notification issued by the Petroleum Division on Friday. Following the revision, the price of petrol has declined from Rs398.96 to Rs398.30 per litre, while HSD has increased from Rs395.72 to Rs396.24 per litre. The Petroleum Division attributed the adjustments to developments in international markets, including changes in Platts rates, premiums and incidentals. The revised prices will remain applicable for three days, from Saturday, October 10, through Monday, October 12. The latest adjustment follows Thursday's revision, when the government increased petrol prices by Rs2.31 per litre and diesel prices by Re0.78 per litre. Petrol is widely used by motorcycles, cars and other passenger vehicles, while diesel is a major fuel for heavy transport, agriculture and logistics operations. The latest changes come under the government's revised petroleum pricing mechanism, which allows frequent adjustments to domestic fuel prices in line with international market movements.
Rs300m approved for repairs and maintenance at PM Office, staff colony despite austerity restrictions
PSO signs petroleum supply agreement with Oman’s OQ Trading PROFIT
WEB DESK
Pakistan State Oil Company Limited (PSO) has signed a Sale Purchase Agreement (SPA) with Oman’s OQ Trading Limited for the supply of petroleum products, following approval from the company’s Board of Management and the federal cabinet. In a notification to the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) on Friday, PSO said the agreement was signed on October 8, 2026, under an existing intergovernmental arrangement
between Pakistan and Oman. The agreement follows an Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA) signed between the two countries on May 14, 2018, under which OQ Trading Limited, formerly Oman Trading International Limited, was nominated to represent Oman, while PSO was designated on behalf of Pakistan. Under the framework, PSO engaged with OQ Trading to finalise a draft agreement for the supply of petroleum products. The company said the SPA was formally executed after re-
ceiving approval from PSO’s Board of Management and the federal cabinet. The agreement establishes a contractual arrangement for petroleum product supplies between the two companies under the bilateral framework established in 2018. PSO did not disclose the agreement's financial value, supply volumes, pricing terms or delivery schedule in its regulatory filing. The disclosure was submitted under Section 96 of the Securities Act, 2015, and Clause 5.6.1(a) of the PSX Regulations.
UAE stocks end mixed as geopolitical tensions ease, Dubai gains 0.3% PROFIT
WEB DESK
United Arab Emirates (UAE) stock markets closed mixed on Friday, with Dubai's benchmark index gaining 0.3% to end a three-session losing streak, while Abu Dhabi edged lower as investors assessed developments in US-Iran negotiations and
the conflict in the Middle East. Market sentiment improved after US President Donald Trump said Washington would not launch an attack on Iran before next month's US midterm congressional elections. Trump said on Thursday that the United States and Iran were engaged in constructive discussions aimed at ending the conflict and reopening the
Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping route for global energy supplies. The two countries have exchanged proposals in recent weeks, although Trump rejected Tehran's latest offer. Dubai's benchmark index advanced 0.3%, supported by gains across most constituent stocks. Emirates NBD, the emirate's largest lender, rose 2.1%, while property developer Emaar Properties gained 1.1%.
PROFIT MONITORING REPORT
The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet on Thursday approved Rs300 million for repairs and maintenance at the Prime Minister's Office and Prime Minister's Staff Colony despite austerity restrictions on government expenditure. The allocation was approved as a technical supplementary grant for the Capital Development Authority (CDA), according to a statement issued by the Finance Ministry. The funds are intended to meet essential repair and maintenance requirements at the two facilities. The approval comes at a time when the federal government has imposed restrictions on purchases under its austerity policy, except for expenditure related to development activities. However, the Finance Ministry did not clarify whether the Rs300 million allocation had been approved under an exemption from the existing restrictions. The grant was among several supplementary allocations considered at the ECC meeting chaired by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb on Thursday. Overall, the committee approved nearly Rs57 billion in supplementary grants during the fourth month of the current fiscal year. The allocations included funding for government institutions, infrastructure projects, public-sector restructuring and other initiatives. The approval for the Prime Minister's Office and Staff Colony comes amid continued restrictions on federal expenditure, although the official statement did not specify the nature of the repairs or provide a breakdown of the proposed spending.
Textile firms' profits surge 66% to over Rs20b in FY26 on higher exports, improved margins PROFIT
WEB DESK
The combined net profit of three major listed textile companies surged 66% yearon-year to Rs20.2 billion in FY26, driven by higher exports, improved gross margins and lower financing costs, according to a report by AKD Research. The report showed that the combined earnings of Interloop Limited (ILP), Nishat Mills Limited (NML) and Nishat Chunian Limited (NCL) increased from Rs12.2 billion in FY25. Their combined revenue rose 3% to Rs451.3 billion from Rs437 billion a year earlier, supported by a 7% increase in exports to $1.1 billion from $1 billion. The brokerage attributed export growth to expansion across hosiery, denim, apparel
and workwear segments. Domestic sales, however, declined 5% to Rs138.9 billion from Rs145.5 billion in the preceding year. The report noted that Pakistan's overall value-added textile exports increased 1% yearon-year to $15.5 billion during FY26, citing data from the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics. The three companies' combined gross profit increased 10% to Rs70.3 billion from Rs64 billion, while their gross profit margin improved to 15.6% from 14.7%. The margin improvement was primarily attributable to lower initial operating losses as newly installed production capacities achieved higher utilisation rates. However, lower export prices partially offset these gains. Finance costs declined 23% to Rs17.5 billion from Rs22.8 billion, reflecting reduced borrowings amid easing input prices and lower financing rates.
Other income fell 2% to Rs11.1 billion, mainly due to lower dividend income from Nishat Mills' power subsidiaries, although higher income from financial derivatives at Interloop partially offset the decline. The effective tax rate also decreased to 33% from 43% in FY25. The brokerage attributed the reduction to improved profitability, which reduced the impact of minimum taxation applicable to some companies in the preceding year, and the remeasurement of deferred tax liabilities following the reduction in the super tax rate in the FY27 federal budget. Company-wise, Interloop recorded the strongest earnings growth, with earnings per share increasing 145% to Rs9.39 from Rs3.84 in FY25. Nishat Chunian's earnings per share rose 103% to Rs6.66 from Rs3.29, supported by higher exports, improved gross
margins, reduced finance costs and higher other income. Exports at Interloop and Nishat Chunian increased 6% and 19%, respectively.
In contrast, Nishat Mills reported a 9% decline in earnings per share to Rs15.59 from Rs17.10, primarily due to weaker margins and lower dividend income.
news 03
sunday, 11 October, 2026 | Islamabad
PTML CHALLENGES PTA ORDER TO SUSPEND ONIC OPERATIONS IN COURT
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PROFIT
STAFF REPORT
AKISTAN Telecom Mobile Limited (PTML) has challenged the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority's (PTA) order to suspend commercial operations of its digital telecom service ONIC, taking the regulatory dispute to court, Business Recorder reproted. Last month, the PTA directed PTML to halt new sales, activations, SIM and eSIM issuance, subscriptions, marketing and other commercial activities of ONIC, ruling that its operating structure falls under the Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) framework and requires separate regulatory authorisation. The regulator allowed PTML three months exclusively to migrate existing ONIC subscribers to PTML to avoid service disruption. It also directed the company to
submit a compliance report within seven working days of receiving the order. PTML has contested the decision, maintaining that ONIC is its digital brand operating under its existing mobile network operator licence rather than a separate MVNO. Read This: PTA orders Ufone operator to stop new ONIC sales activations over MVNO license requirements However, the PTA concluded that ONIC's commercial and operational arrangements exhibited the characteristics of an MVNO under the 2025 regulatory framework. The regulator noted that although ONIC uses PTML's network, spectrum and numbering resources, it operates through separate customer management and billing systems, digital platforms and customer-care arrangements. It also highlighted the involvement of DTMS, a separate entity handling marketing, customer acquisition, SIM logistics and
other commercial functions. Under the Build-Operate Services Agreement, DTMS receives 55% of relevant revenue during the initial three years, with its share declining subsequently. The PTA maintained that PTML's ownership of the ONIC brand and network did not establish compliance with the applicable regulatory requirements. The authority also raised concerns over subscriber data, call-detail records, lawful interception, SIM issuance, customer verification and other regulatory obligations. Under the order, PTML must either restructure ONIC as a product operating entirely within its existing licence or obtain an MVNO licence to retain the current operating arrangement. The dispute dates back to 2023, when PTML notified the regulator of plans to introduce ONIC as an app-based telecom service. The PTA subsequently directed the company not to launch the service
until its operating arrangements had been evaluated. PTML challenged that direction before the Islamabad High Court, which remanded the matter to the regulator in February 2026
Centre weighs ‘last resort’ in KP as PTI march rolls on; emergency threat deepens standoff CONTINUED FROM PAGE 01
The flurry of meetings came amid a political stalemate between the PML-N-led federal government and the PTI-led KP government, which is in opposition at the Centre. The two sides have remained at odds over several issues, particularly the counterterrorism policy, one of the main reasons behind the breakdown of their October 3 talks. The PTI has maintained that it is being excluded from security decisions concerning Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, a claim the Centre has denied. The party has also called for a review of the counterterrorism policy, while the federal government has criticised the provincial administration’s efforts to combat terrorism and objected to its stance on dialogue with the Afghan Taliban. In recent days, federal ministers have assailed the PTI for pressing ahead with a protest march despite warnings against holding demonstrations at a time when the province faces serious security challenges. They have also linked differences over counterterrorism policy to the possibility of imposing an emergency or governor’s rule in KP. Earlier on Saturday, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar criticised the provincial government over what he described as a “lack of governance”, alleging that the administration had received Rs700 billion under the National Finance Commission for development projects. “You did not upgrade the Counter Terrorism Department, did not establish forensic labs, did not install safe city cameras, which should be installed in the merged districts and all the entry-exit points of KP’s districts,” he alleged. The information minister claimed that the PTI was instead spending the money on organising protests. MINISTER SAYS SITUATION HEADING TOWARDS ‘LAST OPTION’ Speaking to Geo News on Saturday, Minister of State for Interior Affairs Talal Chaudhry said consultations were under way when asked about the possibility of imposing an emergency in Khyber
Pakhtunkhwa. “This is something that requires comprehensive consultations,” he said. “This is not something we are in favour of as we are a democratic government, and this is a last resort.” Chaudhry said several options were being examined at different levels, but questioned what other avenues remained when, according to him, the PTI had failed to respond to the federal government’s requests for cooperation in the fight against terrorism while inciting people and speaking against national policy during the ongoing long march. “Again, I say consultations are ongoing, and this is a last resort. The options before this, such as talks and backdoor discussions … we tried everything. We will try to make sure we think through this last step if there is no other option, but it looks like things are headed towards the last option,” he stressed. The state minister said ties with the PTI remained in place because the party was part of the parliamentary opposition and governed Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. “I previously said that during the second round of talks, the interior minister met the prime minister and told him that the KP government is ready to cooperate in fighting terrorism,” Chaudhry recounted. “The prime minister told him to give KP whatever they need to fight terrorism on a political level, but they had to gather with us to fight terrorism and stand with our security forces.” Chaudhry maintained that the federal government had given the PTI political relevance and space, even at the expense of the ruling PML-N’s political objectives, arguing that the government was focused on the state and maintaining peace rather than pursuing partisan interests. “We are ready to give everything and we have no ego. Whether we are in the government or opposition, our ego is Pakistan and it is not bigger than Pakistan,” he emphasised. “We hoped that we could do this together and on a single platform, but how many martyrs are the prime minister and chief of army staff going to carry on their
Tarar accuses KP government of 'governance failure' CONTINUED FROM PAGE 01
Tarar also pointed to the number of KP residents travelling to Punjab and other provinces for medical treatment, questioning why the province could not develop healthcare facilities capable of attracting patients from elsewhere in the country. He said the PTI would not be allowed to undermine the province’s future. Speaking at the same press conference, Prime Minister’s Coordinator on Information for KP Affairs Ikhtiar Wali Khan also criticised the provincial government’s development record. Wali said 18 of KP’s 34 universities were on the verge of bankruptcy and attributed the crisis partly to the absence of vice chancellors at several institutions. Comparing infrastructure in different parts of the country, he said that although Karachi’s roads were often criticised, residents of KP visiting the city considered them better than roads in their own province. He urged residents and journalists in KP to highlight what he described as the ground realities, particularly concerns over healthcare and other public services. Wali referred to the KP police as the shuhada force and alleged that the provincial government had left personnel inadequately armed. He further accused the PTI administration of withholding funds allocated to the CTD for counterterrorism operations. He also levelled allegations of corruption and mismanagement against provincial ministers. “The people of KP need peace, health facilities and a political culture based on tolerance, acceptance and respect,” Wali said. The PML-N-led federal government and the PTI administration in KP have been locked in a dispute over counterterrorism policy, with the disagreement contributing to the breakdown of talks between the two sides on Oct 3. The PTI has maintained that it is being excluded from decisions concerning security in the province and has called for a review of the federal government’s counterterrorism approach. The Centre has rejected the allegation that the provincial government is being left out of security-related decisions. The two sides also differ over how to deal with the Afghan Taliban, adding to tensions between Islamabad and Peshawar. The dispute has intensified amid the PTI’s ongoing long march demanding the release of its incarcerated founder,
shoulders? These people [the PTI] are not ready to carry the burden with us or stand with us, so what other option is left?”
PM, Fazl discuss easing tensions between Centre and KP government Separately, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman in Islamabad after the two discussed ways to ease tensions between the Centre and the KP government during a telephone conversation. According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), the two held consultations on “important national and political matters”. An earlier statement from the JUI-F confirmed that Fazl had left for the meeting to discuss the country’s political situation. JUI-F spokesperson Aslam Ghauri said Fazl had also taken the PTI leadership into confidence before heading to the meeting with the prime minister. The PMO had earlier said Shehbaz called Fazl, congratulated him on performing Umrah and invited him to the Prime Minister House for talks. The two also discussed reducing tensions between the Centre and the KP government during the telephone conversation, according to the statement. The contact followed a series of recent interactions between Fazl, who has maintained engagement with politicians across the political spectrum, and opposition leaders. On Tuesday, leaders of the Tehreek Tahafuz Ayeen-i-Pakistan (TTAP) called on Fazl at his residence. Following the meeting, the JUI-F chief advised the federal government against obstructing the PTI’s long march towards Islamabad, saying protests were a democratic right enjoyed by all political parties. The following day, the prime minister’s Adviser on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Tariq Fazal Chaudhry and National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq met the JUIF chief. On Thursday, PTI MNA Junaid Akbar confirmed that Fazl had offered to play a role in ending the deadlock between the government and opposition,
adding that the PTI’s “doors are open” to the initiative. Speaking to private TV, Akbar said Fazl had not presented a framework for his proposed role in the negotiations. He noted, however, that the JUI-F chief had remained in contact with PTI leadership while he was away performing Umrah. According to JUI-F spokesperson Aslam Ghauri, Maulana Fazl was acting as a “facilitator, not a mediator.” He explained that a mediator would have the authority to make decisions on behalf of the opposition parties in light of their demands. “It is our (JUI-F’s) priority to bring both sides on table for resumption of talks,” he said, adding that his party had urged the government to convene a multiparty conference at Parliament House to discuss political and security issues. Ghauri said both sides would benefit from returning to the negotiating table, although he believed a resumption of dialogue would particularly benefit the PTI because the KP government was “virtually being run by someone else and not by Chief Minister Sohail Afridi”. KUNDI, MUQAM DISCUSS KP SECURITY, POLITICAL SITUATION Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi and Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan Engineer Amir Muqam on Saturday reviewed the province’s law and order situation, the proposed long march and other key political matters, as the PML-N launched its ‘Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Bachao Tehreek’ in Peshawar amid mounting criticism of the provincial government over security, governance and public services. At a meeting held at the Governor House, the two leaders discussed the prevailing security situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and exchanged views on issues of mutual interest, particularly the political environment in the province. According to a joint statement issued after the meeting, Governor Kundi and Amir Muqam thanked the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, saying they had rejected the politics of unrest and confrontation.
Terrorism can't be dealt through governor's rule or emergency: Barrister Gohar CONTINUED FROM PAGE 01
“Nine MPAs and eight MNAs, including our three ministers, have been picked up.” He said Khan Sahib’s sisters and cousin were in jail, calling the situation alarming. Barrister Gohar urged the country’s leadership to abandon stubbornness and demonstrate political insight. He said governor’s rule was effectively in place in the province, while the
provincial government was functioning but had been weakened by interference from the federal government. Speaking to journalists in Peshawar, the PTI chairman said that if there was a situation warranting an emergency or governor’s rule, a meeting of the federal or provincial apex committee should be convened and all political parties should be heard so that the public could take ownership of the decision.
He said an emergency or governor ’s rule would further worsen conditions and that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa could not afford any more experimentation at present. He added that the party’s long march had been held for six demands, which were constitutional and legal, and said the country’s political leadership must act with insight and avoid steps that could increase tensions.
for a reasoned decision. The latest court challenge follows the PTA's determination that ONIC's existing commercial structure requires authorisation under the MVNO framework.
Afridi rejects governor's rule, vows to press ahead with long march CONTINUED FROM PAGE 01
The PTI launched its march after talks with the federal government on Oct 3 failed to resolve differences, particularly over counterterrorism measures. Since its launch on Oct 4, the march’s route and schedule have undergone several changes, while its eventual destination remains uncertain.The procession has so far stayed within KP, where the PTI is in power. The provincial chief minister has yet to announce a detailed plan for the march beyond Swabi.KP Information Minister Shafi Jan said in a post on X that the convoy would spend the night in Mardan, with the next course of action to be announced on Oct 13.Afridi has called on PTI supporters from across the country to gather at Swabi Interchange. Under the schedule he announced a day earlier, convoys from Peshawar, Malakand and Kohat were expected to reach the interchange on Oct 13, followed by caravans from Bannu, Dera Ismail Khan and Hazara on Oct 14.Afridi rejects governor's rule, vows to press ahead with long march“God willing, we will move beyond Swabi on Oct 14,” Afridi said in his post.Earlier, addressing a large gathering at Farooq-i-Azam Chowk in Charsadda, Afridi reiterated his opposition to military operations in the province, saying he stood with the people and would not accept decisions imposed through pressure or threats.“I was asked to sign, but I refused,” he said, claiming that attempts had been made to persuade him to endorse certain decisions linked to a possible military operation.Afridi said he would neither retreat under pressure nor compromise on his principles. He maintained that his positions on national security and Kashmir were clear and that important national issues should be decided on principle rather than through political coercion.The chief minister has repeatedly criticised the federal government’s counterterrorism and Afghanistan policies since assuming office in October 2025.Emphasising the need to protect public rights, democratic values and the people’s mandate, Afridi urged PTI workers to remain united and disciplined. He said political differences should be resolved through democratic means and that public concerns must be reflected in decisions affecting the province.Responding to warnings about possible governor’s rule or an emergency, Afridi said the matter had moved beyond questions of political seats and power. He declared himself ready to “sacrifice” his position for Imran Khan and the people of KP.He also highlighted the province’s losses in the fight against terrorism, saying the sacrifices of its residents should not be forgotten and their concerns about peace, stability and fundamental rights taken seriously.Afridi again said he would announce the march’s next phase at Swabi Interchange on Oct 13, urging supporters to remain steadfast amid the tense political situation.Hundreds of PTI supporters gathered at the Charsadda roundabout, many wearing red caps and chanting slogans in support of Imran Khan. Afridi addressed the crowd from a container alongside senior party leaders.
PTI brushes aside Tarar's allegations against KP govt CONTINED FROM PAGE 01
Employment opportunities under designated quotas in the police and other lawenforcement organisations are also being provided to eligible family members. “To accuse a government of abandoning the families of martyrs while it is extending financial assistance to the families of those who sacrificed their lives in the service of Pakistan is a serious distortion of the facts,” Sheikh Waqas Akram said. He paid tribute to the sacrifices of the Pakistan Armed Forces, police, Frontier Constabulary and other security personnel, emphasising that their families deserve enduring institutional support, dignity and recognition rather than being drawn into political controversies. SUBSTANTIAL INVESTMENT IN POLICE AND SECURITY Addressing allegations concerning the security situation, Sheikh Waqas Akram acknowledged that terrorism remained a serious challenge in Khyber
Pakhtunkhwa but stressed that the province was bearing a disproportionate share of the human and financial burden of confronting a threat to the entire country. He recalled that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa had experienced severe terrorist violence before 2013 and maintained that counterterrorism efforts during subsequent years had contributed to improvements in public security and the restoration of economic and social activity. Citing provincial budgetary figures, he stated that the recurring police budget, reported at Rs 121 billion in 2024–25, had been increased to Rs 173.8 billion for 2026–27. The allocation for weapons procurement had reportedly risen from Rs 3.3 billion to Rs 14.5 billion. He further stated that approximately 8.8 percent of the provincial budget was allocated to policing, while nearly 140,000 police personnel were serving across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. According to the figures presented,
the province has approximately one police officer for every 292 residents, compared with approximately one for every 541 residents in Punjab. Sheikh Waqas Akram maintained that these allocations reflected the provincial government’s commitment to strengthening policing, counterterrorism capabilities and public security. He emphasised that combating terrorism required effective coordination between federal and provincial authorities rather than political point-scoring over a national security challenge. EXPANSION OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND TOURISM Rejecting allegations that PTI had failed to establish universities during its tenure, Sheikh Waqas Akram cited Higher Education Commission figures indicating that 16 public-sector universities had been established or upgraded to full university status in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa since 2013. He referred to the University of Chitral, University of Buner, Women Uni-
versity Swabi, Women University Mardan, University of Lakki Marwat, Abbottabad University of Science and Technology, University of Agriculture Swat and University of Shangla among the institutions reflecting the expansion of higher education. He said that while financial sustainability and educational standards must remain subjects of continuous scrutiny, it was misleading to disregard the expansion of higher education across previously underserved districts. Highlighting tourism development, Sheikh Waqas Akram pointed to investments in road infrastructure, tourist facilities, tourism policing and visitor assistance services, particularly in Swat and other major destinations. He cited official provincial figures reporting more than 1.267 million tourist visits during a five day Eid-ul-Adha period, describing the figures as an indication of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s tourism potential and its contribution to local employment and economic activity.
04 COMMENT
RUSSIA’S BALANCING ACT IN THE IRAN WAR
Sunday, 11 October, 2026
The noose tightens
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The PML(N)-PTI tussle over the Long March may end with Governor’s Rule in KP
It is achieving its goals
HE PTI’s insistence on bringing out a Long March from Peshawar to Islamabad is driving the federal government towards the imposing of Governor’s Rule within the province, on the grounds that the provincial government led by Sohail Afridi was not cooperating in the struggle against terrorism. The federal government has made a number of criticisms, such as the failure to install safe city camera networks to establish either a Counter-Terrorismm Department or forensic laboratories, but the problem seems to be mixed up with the relationship between the federal and provincial governments, for Mr Afridi has chosen to respond by bringing up net hydel profits and the province’s NFC share. The PTI should look at the loss it deems to be suffering, of opposition solidarity. One of the main barriers to Governor’s rule has been the PPP, more specifically its Chairman, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, who has on separate occasions claimed to have averted Governor’s Rule without having been contradicted. However, his remarks at an event in Karachi indicated that his patience might be running thin. He has previously explained his intervention by saying that premature dismissals of governments has had negative effects, but he has now called for the PTI to re-engage with Parliament and the government, while criticizing Mr Afridi for extremism. Another opposition figure who may play a role is JUI(F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman, who has been authorized by the PTI to mediate, even though it says he has not brought any government officer. That indicates he is yet to swing into action. It is almost as if the government is winning over the PTI’s friends to the idea that the insurgency in KP can only be handled if Governor’s Rule is imposed. The PTI has to decide two things. First, is it worth sacrificing the KP government on the Long March which will not free party founder Imran Khan? Is it worth resisting federal demands? Second, is the federal government bluffing? Or has Mr Afridi decided to become a martyr? The PTI should realize that the state will not pay attention to anything if it feels itself under threat, as it does from the militant insurgency, and anyone standing in the way risks being tarred with the same brush.
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DR MUHAMMAD AKRAM ZAHEER
HE 2026 Iran war has exposed an important feature of Russian foreign policy in the Middle East: Moscow wants influence without becoming trapped in another war. Russia has maintained political and diplomatic support for Tehran, criticized Israeli and American actions and used its position at the United Nations to defend Iran. Yet it has stopped short of entering the conflict directly. At first glance, this may appear contradictory. Russia and Iran have moved closer in recent years, particularly since the Ukraine war. In January 2025, the two countries formalized a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership covering security, trade and energy. The agreement also envisaged military-technical cooperation, intelligence exchanges and joint exercises. Yet significantly, it does not contain a mutual defense commitment. Russia and Iran have developed what analysts describe as a form of “dynamic alignment”. They have learned to compartmentalize areas of disagreement while cooperating where their interests overlap. Their relationship has included cooperation in Afghanistan and Central Asia, military-technical ties and nuclear energy. Russia helped negotiate the 2015 nuclear agreement with Iran and took custody of Iranian enriched uranium at the time. The Ukraine war accelerated this relationship. Iran supplied Russia with Shahed drones, while Moscow expanded military and technological cooperation with Tehran. The relationship consequently became more important for both sides, but it never became a conventional alliance. That limitation mat-
Russia's policy during the Iran war was therefore less about choosing Tehran over Washington or the Gulf and more about preserving room for manoeuvre. Its central calculation appears straightforward: support Iran enough to preserve the strategic partnership, maintain relations with the Gulf, avoid direct war with the USA and keep Russia relevant as a diplomatic actor
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Editor Pakistan Today
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ters. Russia may have obligations to exchange information and cooperate against common threats, but Moscow has no treaty requirement to fight a war on Iran's behalf. Its objective is therefore not necessarily to defeat Iran's opponents, but to protect Russian interests while retaining room for maneuver. The war in Ukraine has reduced Russia's ability to project military power across the Middle East. Moscow has also developed important relationships with Israel and the Gulf Arab states. For years, Russia pursued a policy of maintaining working relations with competing regional actors rather than choosing one camp. Moscow strongly criticized Washington and Tel Aviv for the strikes against Iran and used the UN Security Council to pursue diplomatic initiatives. It also offered mediation between Iran and the USA. But Russia simultaneously tried to reassure the Gulf States that their security and territorial integrity mattered. The United Arab Emirates, in particular, has become economically important to Moscow under Western sanctions. Russian banks have developed financial channels through the UAE, while bilateral trade has expanded significantly. Trade between Russia and the UAE exceeded $12 billion in 2025. Moscow therefore cannot afford to treat the Gulf States simply as extensions of US policy. Their economic importance has grown precisely because Russia needs alternative financial and commercial channels. Moscow used the UN Security Council, offered mediation and presented itself as a potential intermediary. This approach allows Russia to remain visible in a crisis without committing large military resources. The strategy is familiar. Russia seeks to project the image of an indispensable international actor even when its material footprint is limited. Its decade-
The writer has a PhD in Political Science and can be reached at akramzaheer86@yahoo.com
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The Corridor’s Missing Door
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Healing family ties
Integrating Iran into CPEC MUJTABA ARSHAD
OR a decade, the story of the ChinaPakistan Economic Corridor has run north to south: Gwadar to Kashgar, a port at one end and a Chinese province at the other. It is a good story, and it is also an incomplete one. CPEC built a corridor; its next challenge is to become a network. And the missing piece, sitting quietly on the western border the whole time, is Iran. This is not an easy argument to make in 2026. The last 12 months have been the most volatile in the Pakistan-Iran-US triangle in a generation. In February, Israeli and US strikes killed Iran’s supreme leader and set off a war that shut the Strait of Hormuz— a waterway that normally carries a quarter of the world’s seaborne oil— to commercial shipping. Pakistan found itself, almost by accident, at the centre of an unexpected diplomatic opening: an April ceasefire was brokered with Pakistani involvement, and Islamabad subsequently hosted the first direct US-Iran talks since 1979. A memorandum of understanding followed in June. Then, in July, the fighting resumed. By August, Washington had opened a fresh sanctions campaign against Iran’s oil, shipping and financial networks, and traffic through Hormuz still had not recovered. It would be easy to conclude from this that Iran is simply too unstable to be a partner in a broader corridor strategy. That conclusion would be wrong, and for a specific reason: CPEC was built despite an uncertain regional environment, and it worked. In April, buried in the middle of the war, Pakistan’s Directorate General of Transit Trade quietly flagged off two refrigerated trucks from a Karachi terminal, loaded with frozen beef, bound for Tashkent. They crossed into Iran at a border terminal called GabdRimdan, newly upgraded by the National Logistics Corporation with modern scanning equipment, and travelled on through Iranian territory to Uzbekistan. It was Pakistan’s first use of the international TIR transit system through Iran. Within weeks, the Ministry of
long effort to maintain relations with Iran, Israel and the Arab Gulf states has given Moscow access to several competing camps. During the 2026 crisis, Putin spoke with Iranian and Gulf leaders and offered to mediate between Washington and Tehran. Pakistan, rather than Russia, emerged as an important mediator during the conflict. Islamabad hosted talks involving US and Iranian representatives and helped relay messages between the two sides. Russia's offer to host Iranian enriched uranium also failed to generate the response Moscow had hoped for. This is significant. It suggests that influence in the Middle East is no longer the exclusive preserve of the major powers. Regional states can also acquire diplomatic importance when they maintain working relations with opposing sides. The two countries have common interests, but they do not have identical interests. Russia has cooperated with Iran while also maintaining relations with Israel and the Gulf monarchies. Iran wants Russian political and military support, but it cannot assume that Moscow will automatically enter every confrontation on its behalf. Even the 2025 strategic partnership treaty reflects this reality. It provides a framework for broader cooperation but stops short of a mutual defense arrangement. The 2026 war has consequently demonstrated the limits of Russia's partnership with Iran as much as its strengths. Moscow can provide diplomatic backing, intelligence cooperation and political support. It can use its veto at the UN and offer mediation. But it is reluctant to cross the threshold into direct military confrontation with the USA or Israel. Islamabad's diplomatic role during the crisis demonstrates the value of maintaining relations with competing powers. Pakistan has close ties with the Gulf States, a long-standing relationship with Turkey, geographical proximity to Iran and important relations with the USA, China and Russia. Rather than becoming part of a rigid regional bloc, Pakistan can use this position to support dialogue and de-escalation. Russia's policy during the Iran war was therefore less about choosing Tehran over Washington or the Gulf and more about preserving room for manoeuvre. Its central calculation appears straightforward: support Iran enough to preserve the strategic partnership, maintain relations with the Gulf, avoid direct war with the USA and keep Russia relevant as a diplomatic actor.
FAMILY conflicts often start with a small misunderstanding, a harsh word, or an unmet expectation. But when ignored, these little issues can grow into a silent poison that slowly destroys love, peace and trust at home. Psychologists say that most problems come from poor communication, lack of patience and unrealistic expectations. When family members stop listening to each other and try only to prove themselves right, emotional distance grows. This leads to feelings of loneliness and mental stress even within a house full of people. The good news is: this can be prevented. Start by talking and listening regularly, even about small things. Be patient during disagreements, and accept that everyone has strengths and weaknesses. Use kind words like “I understand” or “I’m sorry” to build bridges, not walls. Also, make time for fun and togetherness. Shared moments bring hearts closer and reduce negativity. Disagreements are natural but solving them with love, respect and understanding is the real strength of a happy family. Don’t let silence ruin what love has built. ARONA SAGHIR KARACHI
Nuclear past repeats
Commerce had issued an order letting thirdcountry goods move across Pakistan and on into Iran by road. By midyear, more than 14,000 tonnes of cargo had moved along this route and a parallel one through China, and Uzbek traders were using it routinely for agriculture equipment and raw materials. Why did this happen now, in the middle of a war and under sanctions, rather than in some calmer year? Because Pakistan had no choice. Its traditional route to Central Asia, through Afghanistan, closed in October 2025 after the Torkham and Chaman crossings shut over cross-border militancy. Iran became the alternative not out of strategic vision alone. A corridor that gets built because a country needs it tends to survive; one built only because a plan called for it does not. That is the real case for treating Iran as CPEC’s western link. Not that peace has broken out— it plainly has not— but that even a fraction of normal connectivity with Iran opens doors that a maritime-only Pakistan does not have: to Central Asian landlocked economies, to Middle Eastern markets hungry for the food Pakistan already grows, and
CPECÊs first phase demonstrated that a corridor could be built. Its next phase asks a harder question: whether Pakistan can turn that corridor into a network wide enough to matter, using the one western door· Iran· that has, however messily, already been prised open
Lahore – Ph: 042-36300938, 042-36375965
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Karachi – Ph: 021-32640318 I
through the Caspian and the International North-South Transport Corridor, toward Russia and Europe. The trade numbers make the opportunity, and the imbalance, obvious. Formal Pakistan-Iran trade reached $3.13 billion last year, but nearly $2.4 billion of that was Iranian oil, LPG and dates flowing into Pakistan, against barely $700 million of Pakistani exports going the other way. In June, Tehran agreed to source 60 percent of its meat imports from Pakistan and to buy up to 350,000 head of livestock, alongside more rice, mangoes and maize— real commitments, not aspirations. Whether they turn into shipments depends entirely on the unglamorous plumbing that keeps getting overlooked: cold storage at the border, working bank settlement channels, customs systems that do not collapse under volume. None of this argues for betting the corridor on sustained stability in relations between Tehran and Washington. They will not, reliably. It argues for the opposite: build the border crossings, the banking mechanisms and the port coordination with Chabahar to survive the bad months, because the good months alone will not be enough. Gwadar and Chabahar, some 170 km apart on the same coast, do not need to merge into one project to be useful to each other— they need customs systems that talk to each other and a shared understanding that competition between them helps no one. CPEC’s first phase demonstrated that a corridor could be built. Its next phase asks a harder question: whether Pakistan can turn that corridor into a network wide enough to matter, using the one western door— Iran— that has, however messily, already been prised open. The writer is a Research Associate at the Centre of Excellence for CPEC, PIDE Islamabad – Ph: 051-2204545
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FOR more than 30 years, the world has avoided slipping back into the dangerous cycle of escalation that defined the Cold War era. After the superpowers realised how close they had come to nuclear catastrophe, they slowly built a system of restraint. Arms-control treaties, verification mechanisms, and a shared understanding of mutual destruction pushed nuclear testing into history. This long period of relative calm makes today’s renewed talk of testing all the more worrying. Against this backdrop, United States President Donald Trump’s recent directive to Pentagon to explore new nuclear test possibilities appears historically tone-deaf and strategically short-sighted. It overlooks the hardearned lessons of the Cold War. At the time, both the United States and the erstwhile Soviet Union believed that strength came from building bigger and more destructive weapons. But each new test only provoked another response, pushing both sides closer to the edge. It was a dangerous game where one misstep could have meant annihilation. The world eventually stepped back from the brink, not because of luck, but because leaders finally recognised that nuclear one-upmanship had no winners. Today’s world is far more complex than the bipolar Cold War order. Instead of two major powers, there is now a multipolar rivalry involving the US, China, Russia and several emerging nuclear states. Reintroducing nuclear tests in such an environment is like lighting a match in a room full of fuel barrels. There are more players, more tensions, and fewer rules. The old arms-control framework — the one that helped stabilise the Cold War — has weakened over the years. Key treaties have collapsed, verification has eroded, and trust among major powers is at its lowest point in decades. In essence, bringing back a Cold War-era practice now risks replaying the darkest chapters of the 20th century, but this time without the safety nets that once kept competition in check. A single test by one country could trigger a chain reaction, pushing others to respond with tests of their own. Such a spiral would make diplomatic restraint harder, and strategic miscalculations more likely. Supporters of new testing argue that it strengthens deterrence, but this argument ignores the fact that modern nuclear technology does not require explosive testing to remain credible. Instead, political signalling becomes the real motive — and that is precisely what makes the situation so dangerous. Using nuclear tests as symbols of power invites others to do the same. The world cannot afford to treat nuclear weapons as tools of political theatre. The lessons of history are clear: once the cycle of testing begins, it becomes difficult to stop. What kept the world safe for three decades was not louder threats, but quieter diplomacy and strong global norms. Reviving nuclear testing would not make any nation safer. It would simply drag the world back towards an era of fear — an era we worked so hard to leave behind. SANAULLAH MIRANI DAHARKI
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COMMENT 05
The Yemeni Baggage Sunday, 11 October, 2026
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Getting into something avoided in 2015 NAQI AKBAR
EDNESDAY and Thursday; the electronic media and the X handles minced no words in what can be called Pakistan eventual return to the battlefields organized by the Pentagon or CENTCOM and the Pakistani state along with other stakeholders participating as cannon fodder; in the conflict which has no long term diplomatic or even economic dividends. Though there was an element of ‘strategic deception’, muted acceptance and also denial; classic of the Pakistani military establishment best encapsulated in Urdu verse “Iqrar bhi hai, Inkaar bhi hai” (There is acceptance, but there is rejection too!). The participation comes after the one in the post 9/11 period, when Pakistan was instrumental in helping out the US-led coalition to do what they wanted to do to crush the Taliban and also to strangle the Middle East-based Al Qaeda. It is a hard fact that two decades later, the US military establishment, unable to foot the bill to maintain its presence, unceremoniously left Afghanistan, leaving the baggage for Pakistan to deal with. As it turned out, the resurgence of restoration of Taliban in Afghanistan in 2021 proved to be counterproductive for Pakistan. It is well documented that the Indian inspired militancy has its operational bases in the Afghan mainland. The reasons for that invariably are the bad blood Pakistan accrued during the two decades after the 9/11 incidents. Regards Al Qaeda, Pakistan contribution was of no use except for filling up the Guantanamo Bay prisons as the same crowd made up of Al Qaeda was later rebranded by the vested interests in the Western capitals to first push for a regime change in Syria and then to destabilize a pro-Iran Iraqi democracy. It was a coincidence that the Iranian
IRGC jumped into the fray to stabilize those two states. However, it is a question mark that the same rebranded Al Qaeda now rules the moth-eaten Syria, with all the Navy, Air Force and Army blasted by the IDF in the opening days of Jolani’s takeover of Damascus. However, the hard fact is that these war efforts have only created the baggage but have seldom created any long-term dividends. The trajectory of the events from 1979 invasion of Afghanistan, the Pakistani entry into the Afghan quagmire; its reentry again in 2001 courtesy 9/11, its initial avoidance to get into the Yemeni quagmire in 2015 through an intelligent parliamentary move, and now its strategic capitulation in the form of first accepting its troops’ presence in the conflict zone and the almost choir -ike posting on X of the military and specifically the PAF affiliated handles that the PAF jets are participating in the strikes against the Houthi targets all fall into the same category. The handles were either posting JF 17s flying in formation or displaying the picture of air defence units at the altitudes overlooking the Holy Mosque in Makkah. It may be pointed out that the Afghan Jihad categorized Pakistan for all times as a Pentagon asset with whom the other pole in the world, the rejectionist front, might need to take care in formulating deep relations. The historical record of the political governments in Pakistan in recent history reveals that a benign courtship with Russia cost the political system upheaval, from which the Pakistani system has not been able to recover or even recuperate in real sense. The message for the key decision-making infrastructures as well as the political forces was to follow the pro-West stances instead of following the independent course of events in the domain of foreign policy. That Afghan Jihad syndrome invariably reflected itself even in the case of Iran. When the radicals under Mujtaba Khamenei were recuperating in the political arena and not in
Practically all the external participants in such military arrangements, whether they are Turkish or Pakistani or for that matter from any country, are practically fighting a war for some geopolitical favour. In case the effort degenerates into a quagmire; then it is little more than a baggage
the control of the affairs of the state; and that the ball was in the reformist court, the Pakistani establishment’s more than enthusiastic efforts in getting Iran to the negotiating table to the terms of US liking was nothing of a wish for the peace in the region, rather it was to push for what the USA wanted from Pakistan and in turn, what was likely the offer of Iran. It does not need elaborating that the Pakistani role in the Iranian MoU is more or less finished as the last visit to the Iranian capital precipitated a perception, which the Pakistani foreign office had to refute, that the Pakistani military chief was in Tehran for advocating US wishes. With the country in dire straits regarding its foreign exchange situation, besides pressures from the USA and Saudi Arabia to do the needful, it was an obvious step which was taken by the Pakistani establishment in one way or another. Taking another view of the US pressure, the Iranian file still had some dividends for Pakistan. If the Pakistani players have been able to come out of the negotiating round with an agreement which was not regarded as capitulation by the Iranian radicals and which could have potentially opened up Iran to the free world in an honourable manner, Pakistan would certainly have benefited in the form of better regional trade, solving the energy issue as well. Even when the talks between Iran and the USA are still in limbo, Pakistan has been able to stand up to the US Treasury Department guidelines and Iranian based airlines are still facilitated at the Pakistani airports and also through the Asian Custom Union, a foreign exchange arrangement between Iran and Pakistan which of late has been activated between the Pakistani and Iranian central banks for almost a decade. What benefit Pakistan is likely to get from the Yemeni campaign; whether there
As it turned out, the resurgence of restoration of Taliban in Afghanistan in 2021 proved to be counterproductive for Pakistan. It is well documented that the Indian inspired militancy has its operational bases in the Afghan mainland. The reasons for that invariably are the bad blood Pakistan accrued during the two decades after the 9/11 incidents are direct hits as per the New York Times reporting through the week, and also reported by the CNN, though denied by a Pakistani spokesman. Certainly not. The Houthi Yemeni conflict does not even have its roots in the geopolitical narrative; a popular narrative of pitting Shia Iran against Wahabi Saudi Arabia. It is purely the pile-up of geopolitical contradictions which pertain to the Arabian Peninsula; the border divisions dating back to the formation of the Saudi dynasty in the aftermath of the fall of Ottoman empire and the haphazard demarcation of the borders, which to date remains the bone of contention. Any escalation in the conflict on the basis of perception of the Saudi political establishment is likely to draw more participants into the theater. Such an escalation in the coming days will squarely rest on the Pakistani and Turkish leaderships. There can be no denying of the fact that despite all the denials, the jumping in into the Saudi bandwagon by the Pakistani and Turkish militaries will be read as joining a Sunni military coalition aimed at neutralizing the Shia or
Iran backed threat. That perception was successfully contained by the Pakistani parliament in March 2015; which unfortunately is not the case in October 2026. The conflict might have escalated by the time these words appear; however, it is conclusive evidence that the roots of conflict lay in the historical baggage of both Yemen and Saudi Arabia. That historical baggage for all practical purpose is close to the heart of the warring parties and all the members of the coalition whether it was formed in 2015 or has been cobbled together under the pretext of safeguarding the Holy Places, might still not be appreciative of what happened before and why the things have come to the head. Practically all the external participants in such military arrangements, whether they are Turkish or Pakistani or for that matter from any country, are practically fighting a war for some geopolitical favour. In case the effort degenerates into a quagmire; then it is little more than a baggage. The writer is a freelance columnist
“Cult of Death”? Check your calling card, Mr Rubio
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What is striking to me is where Rubio called the Islamic Republic of Iran a "cult of death" TEHRAN TIMES MOHAMMAD SARFI
S Secretary of State Marco Rubio addressed Iran in parts of his Wednesday evening speech at the Acropolis in Athens. Taken as a whole, his speech was a selective reading of history; a flimsy version of Samuel Huntington's "Clash of Civilizations." When the argument is flimsy, a theatrical stage must inevitably be built out of historical symbols. The audience is meant to be impressed by the backdrop, not by the force of the reasoning.
The same logic applies to the war. When a war is launched without careful calculation, on the basis of impulsive, gut-feel decisions, a civilizational and historical veneer must later be tailored to justify it. Rubio's colleague, US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, has gone even further, seeking to legitimize the same action with religious and evangelical language. I do not intend here to critique every aspect of Rubio's speech. Other observers have, to some extent, already done so, particularly from a historical perspective. What is striking to me is where Rubio called the Islamic Republic of Iran a "cult of death." The phrase reminded me of George W. Bush's "axis of evil" after September
11. The pattern is the same: manufacturing a label to evade accountability. Most of the perpetrators of those attacks were Saudi nationals, and no documented link to Iran was ever proven, yet the then-US president chose to point the finger at Iran. Twenty-five years later, the victims' families remain aggrieved by Riyadh's lack of accountability and by the appeasement of the matter by US administrations — Republican and Democratic alike. Labeling Iran a "cult of death" is, first and foremost, an insult to the intelligence of that speech's audience. One need only review the record of the seven-month war: Who attacked a school in Minab on the first day of the war? Who targeted Iran's bridges, roads, and civilian infrastructure? Thousands of civilians were killed in these attacks, some 300 of them schoolchild-
ren alone. The unarmed vessel Dena was also sunk in waters near Sri Lanka, killing more than a hundred sailors. Trump later stated bluntly that we did it for fun. Nor is this record limited to that. Who threatened, even at the UN General Assembly, the complete annihilation of the Iranian nation and civilization? And who, by supporting Israel's operations in Gaza, became complicit in the killing of more than 20,000 children? Ten days ago, the US Secretary of War said bluntly at the Marine Corps base in Quantico, Virginia: " Lethality is our calling card." The remark was shocking, but at least it was honest. An army that sets in motion under the slogans of counterterrorism, freedom, and democracy — what has it brought the targeted nations in practice but death and destruction? So with this record, who truly deserves
Choices that will define Asia’s AI future are coming into focus
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ASIA TIMES JOEL KAPLAN
E are fortunate to live at an incredible moment in history. As more and more AI applications have become available, people have turned to them to seek advice, build businesses, express ideas, learn, and improve their health and quality of life. Nowhere is this more clear than in Asia. AI is already turbocharging small businesses here. We commissioned YouGov to survey nearly 4,000 small business owners across nine Asia-Pacific markets, and 84% told us their business already uses AI, with 58% using it at least a few times a week. Of those using it, 76% report a positive impact on productivity and 71% on revenue or sales — against 6% reporting a negative one. More striking is what they say it changes. The vast majority say AI lets them do things that once required significantly more money or resources, and 80% say it helps them compete with much larger companies. It is not only the smallest firms. M1, a Singaporean telecoms operator, rebuilt its phone pre-ordering as a conversational jour-
ney on WhatsApp rather than a queue and a call center. Sales rose 55%, and the time customers spent ordering fell by more than 60%. The same is true in science and medicine. JAMSTEC, one of the world’s leading ocean research agencies, used Meta’s open model Llama in its work monitoring how the climate is changing around Japan’s coasts. In South Korea, researchers at Seoul National University use another of our open models to interpret medical scans. Superintelligence is the next chapter in this technology’s evolution, which brings two questions into focus. How do we spread the remarkable benefits of this technology as widely as possible? And how do we make sure it is built safely and behaves in a way that is aligned with what people want? On spreading the benefits, Meta’s aim is for everyone to have access to an exceptionally capable agent that understands you and your goals, whoever you are, wherever you live. That’s why we built our agent Muse, which will soon be available in the Asia-Pacific region. Think of it like having a super smart sidekick working tirelessly for you, that you have complete control over. And we want everyone to be able to use advanced AI models to create things tailored to the needs of their communities and their societies. But a technology only a few institutions can build is not going to serve everyone. That’s the case for open models, which let developers, universities, countries, and individuals download advanced AI models for free. It’s no coincidence that JAMSTEC and Seoul National University’s medical scanning program were built on Meta’s open models. Open models let people and institutions in Asia fine-tune on local data, run it on domestic infrastructure, and work in their own
language, without building a frontier lab from scratch. Build on an open foundation and, if that foundation disappears tomorrow, you still have what you built and can use it without anyone’s permission. Closed models offer access, not sovereignty. If an API disappears, you have nothing. On safety, openness is an advantage rather than a concession. For most categories of risk — cybersecurity above all — the open-source record is clear: broad access lets far more people find and fix problems than any closed process can, and it puts powerful models in the hands of the defenders. By allowing researchers, developers, and policymakers to scrutinize and improve AI models, it helps ensure they have high standards of transparency and accountability. Every lab has both the responsibility and the
incentive to train its models carefully. People will not use an agent that is misaligned with them, so trust is fast becoming the capability that separates one model from another. That is why we delayed shipping Muse for several months to concentrate on safety and security. Other labs can do the same. And it’s why we were happy to commit – alongside other leading AI labs – to institute a set of controls to ensure we are building AI responsibly. While some around the world are reacting to fears about AI with regulation that stifles innovation, many governments across Asia are choosing policy grounded in science rather than reaction. Japan’s AI Promotion Act rests on principles, official guidance, and voluntary cooperation rather than rigid enforcement. South Korea has legislated, building its
the label of "cult of death"? Answering that question requires no complex research. It requires only a modicum of courage and a refusal to close one's eyes to reality. The Trump administration claims that all this killing was carried out to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon. The bitter irony of our time is that the only country in history to have used the atomic bomb, killing hundreds of thousands, regards itself as the world's nuclear policeman. When the Israeli regime, even after the genocide in Gaza, calls itself "the most moral army in the world," it is hardly surprising that the US Secretary of State should also call Iran a "cult of death." The issue here is not the misreading of history. It is the attempt to turn history into a license for war and atrocity. Mohammad Sarfi is the Editor-in-Chief
framework around promotion and trust, and concentrating its rules on the highest-impact systems. Singapore launched the world’s first Model AI Governance Framework for Agentic AI and is leading the development of Guides for AI Governance and Ethics at ASEAN. We believe this future should be for everyone, with superintelligence available broadly and people building for their communities and their societies with open models. That won’t happen by accident. The choices being made now about how to regulate this remarkable technology will be hard to unmake. Policymakers should meet this extraordinary moment with optimism. Demand openness, demand responsibility, and demand access for everyone. Joel Kaplan is Meta’s chief global affairs officer. He will be speaking at the 2026 Milken Institute Asia Summit.
sATIre
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World in shock as Trump expresses no opinion about something NEWS BISCUIT JEREMYNH
ILENCE descended on newsrooms across the world as they realised that US President Donald Trump had not opined about some story he'd just seen on the telly. 'Whether it's the RAF Fairford incident, the Flydubai pilot stabbing or rioting French school kids,' said the editor of Rotters, the international press agency dedicated to covering Trump and his buddies, 'we've always waited eagerly to see whatever unsolicited comment the President has come out with.
'However rash, ignorant or pointless Trump's opinion may be, he's never been able to resist the urge to sound off about whatever captures his twisted mind. And our job is to irritate readers by repeating whatever he has said, even though they were perfectly fine without hearing about it at all. 'So imagine our surprise when British PM Andy Burnham announced an end to the state pension triple lock and Trump didn't weigh in with something typically dumb and ugly on Truth Social. We waited for hours, but nothing. Later we found out that Trump had been asked what he thought and actually said he didn't have a view one way
or another. Incredible!' Upon hearing that Gobshite Donald had declined to pronounce on something he knew damn all about, astrophysicists scrambled to observatories to see whether the Earth was still spinning on its axis, and the world's faith leaders checked in with the Almighty to see whether doomsday had come. Normal service resumed shortly after, when Trump used social media to post a characteristically rude remark that Federal Reserve chairman Jerome Powell was stupid and belonged in jail. Donald Trump, who himself is a convicted criminal, is 80 in IQ points.
06 NEWS
CHINA, EU AGREE TO EASE TRADE FRICTIONS
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BEIJING
STAFF CORRESPONDENT
HINA and the European Union have agreed to address trade and investment differences through dialogue and consultation, reaching consensus on a range of issues to prevent economic frictions from escalating and strengthen bilateral cooperation. The two sides also agreed to hold the third meeting of their trade and investment consultation mechanism in March 2027, following a ministerial-level video meeting in January, according to China’s Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM). Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao and European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security Maros Sefcovic co-chaired the mechanism’s second meeting in Beijing from Thursday to Friday. The discussions covered trade and investment balance, export controls, intellectual property rights and reform of the World Trade Organisation (WTO). A MOFCOM official said the talks were conducted on the basis of mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit. Both sides reviewed progress since the mechanism’s inaugural meeting and reached consensus on several outcomes, demonstrating their willingness to manage differences through constructive engagement. The discussions focused on addressing each side’s concerns, expanding two-way market access and promoting a more bal-
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Sunday, 11 October 2026 | ISLAMABAD
anced pattern of trade. Key sectors included medical devices, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, inverters, agricultural products and food. The two sides agreed to make greater use of the trade monitoring mechanism, explore the possibility of reducing tariffs on certain goods under WTO rules and hold technical discussions on the EU’s Foreign Subsidies Regulation. The measures are intended to create a fair, transparent and predictable environment for bilateral trade and investment. They also agreed to maintain communication on market access for medical devices and agricultural products, EU guidance on financing inverter projects, and regulations governing cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. Electric vehicles emerged as a key area of discussion, with both sides holding detailed exchanges based on respect for facts, non-discrimination and compliance with WTO rules. According to the Chinese commerce ministry, the talks helped prevent an escalation of tensions, protect the export interests of Chinese businesses and support the stable development of China-EU trade in hybrid vehicles. The two sides also reviewed previously agreed general guidance on price undertakings in the EU’s anti-subsidy case involving Chinese electric vehicles. The EU side agreed to advance the relevant procedures for companies’ price undertakings and reviews. The discussions came amid continuing
differences over the treatment of Chinese electric vehicles in the European market. The latest consultations provided a channel for both sides to pursue solutions without allowing the dispute to undermine broader economic ties. On export controls, China and the EU agreed to make greater use of their existing dialogue mechanism, strengthen policy communication and maintain stable global industrial and supply chains. Both sides reiterated their commitment to addressing each other’s concerns. The EU also agreed to continue working towards progress on key individual licensing cases involving China in the dual-use sector. The two sides explored possible facilitation measures for compliant trade in dual-use goods, with the EU to consider measures applicable to China. They further agreed to strengthen communication on delisting issues related to sanctions in the export-control field and support substantive reciprocal delisting procedures within their respective legal frameworks. Investment cooperation was another priority. China reiterated its welcome for European companies to invest and operate in the country and pledged to continue improving its business environment. Beijing, in turn, called on the EU to provide Chinese companies with a fair, transparent and predictable business environment, protect their legitimate rights and interests, and strengthen investor confi-
dence in their European operations. Both sides also identified opportunities to expand cooperation in new energy, artificial intelligence, trade in services, the digital economy and green, low-carbon development. On intellectual property rights, the two sides expressed willingness to deepen exchanges and broaden cooperation. China urged the EU to give due consideration to its concerns and work actively towards resolving outstanding issues. They agreed to establish phased objectives and continue using the China-EU intellectual property working group as the main channel for cooperation and monitoring progress. The two sides also reaffirmed the importance of a rules-based multilateral trading system and expressed support for WTO reform. They agreed to strengthen commu-
nication in an open and constructive manner and discuss relevant issues with the aim of achieving substantive progress. Both reaffirmed their status as key trading partners and pledged to address economic and trade differences in a balanced manner within the WTO framework, pursue mutually beneficial cooperation and promote more balanced bilateral trade. The MOFCOM official said the consultation mechanism had operated smoothly and efficiently, describing the second meeting as a new starting point rather than an endpoint. Stable and healthy economic and trade relations, the two sides agreed, serve the interests of businesses and people in China and Europe while contributing to global economic growth and greater stability in industrial and supply chains.
How Embedded Wallets Are Driving Consumer Loyalty in Pakistan’s Digital Economy USMAN DASTAGIR
N the early days of food delivery and quick-commerce, digital payments were viewed strictly as a necessary chore at the end of an order. The operational goal was simple: clear the payment, print the receipt, and send the order on its way. Today, that dynamic has flipped completely. In modern consumer platforms, the payment screen is no longer just a checkout line—it has become a primary driver of customer retention, engagement, and long-term brand loyalty. By embedding digital wallets, flexible subscriptions, and instant rewards directly into the daily ordering experience, delivery platforms in Pakistan and across emerging markets are turning routine payments into powerful engines for customer habituation. For growth marketers and product
leaders, this shift offers a clear takeaway: the payment experience isn't just about technical utility anymore, but about consumer psychology. In consumer technology, every extra click or delay at checkout is an open invitation for a customer to abandon their cart. Entering card security codes, waiting for SMS passcodes, or searching for cash at the door creates friction that damages retention. Embedded digital wallets solve this by removing these roadblocks. When a user holds a balance in an in-app wallet or links a seamless payment method, ordering compresses into an effortless, one-tap action. Beyond sheer convenience, there is a powerful psychological effect at play: stored value creates intent. A customer with a balance sitting in an app’s digital wallet is far more likely to return to that specific app for their next meal or grocery order over a competitor. While wallets
make buying effortless, loyalty and subscription programs transform occasional users into daily power users. Subscriptions fundamentally shift how consumers think about cost. Paying a flat monthly fee removes the psychological barrier of per-order delivery charges. Once users pay for a subscription, they actively look to get their money's worth, consolidating their food and grocery spending onto a single platform rather than jumping between apps. A customer who subscribes for restaurant delivery quickly habituates to using the same platform for groceries, household essentials, and pick-up orders. The real impact occurs when digital wallets intersect with behavioral rewards. Modern app architecture like that of foodpanda allows platforms to reward user habits in real time. Instead of generic point systems that take months to redeem, embedded wallets enable immediate feed-
Musk steps up attack on Ambani, shares reports on Reliance-linked BJP donations WASHINGTON AGENCIES
Elon Musk on Saturday intensified his criticism of industrialist Mukesh Ambani by sharing screenshots of media reports alleging that a Reliance-funded firm helped boost BJP campaigns on social media and that a Reliance-linked company made substantial political donations to the ruling party. Musk’s post on X featured a 2022 Al Jazeera report
headlined "How a Reliance-funded firm boosts BJP's campaigns on Facebook", along with an archived 2024 report by The Indian Express on Qwik Supply. The latter reported that the Reliance-linked firm donated ₹385 crore to the BJP and ₹25 crore to the Shiv Sena through electoral bonds. The post came amid Musk’s sharp criticism of Ambani over persistent delays in the launch of Starlink satellite broadband services in India. A few hours before he made the post, Musk ad-
back through instant cash-back credits and gamified challenges like completing a set number of orders in a week to unlock wallet balance. Because these cash-back rewards live inside the platform’s native wallet, that promotional value flows directly back into the user’s next order, creating a closed-loop habit. The lesson for consumer platforms and digital strategists is simple: do not treat your payment process as an afterthought or an outsourced utility. When payments are treated as a generic thirdparty tool, you surrender the most highintent interaction in the user journey. But when financial tools are built seamlessly into the core app experience, the wallet becomes a dynamic storefront—one that keeps customers engaged, loyal, and returning day after day. Head of Fintech, foodpanda Pakistan
dressed Ambani as "Prime Minister Ambani" and urged him to allow Starlink to compete in India. "Please accept my humble apologies for not realising that you are the real boss of India," Musk wrote, accusing Ambani of seeking to maintain his market dominance. "Naturally, you would prefer to maintain your monopolistic exploitation of the great people of India, but would you nonetheless consider allowing Starlink to compete?" he added. "There are many areas of India, as there are in all countries, with no Internet access, which denies children the opportunity for education and for small businesses the opportunity to sell their goods to a global market. Starlink would change their lives for the better," he added. India rejects monopoly claim after Musk accuses Ambani of blocking Starlink launch India’s telecom minister on Friday said the country does not allow monopolies in any sector, pushing back after Musk suggested billionaire Ambani was using political influence to block Starlink’s launch in the country. "India does not allow a monopoly in any sector," telecom minister Jyotiraditya Scindia said at a media briefing on Friday, addressing Musk’s remarks. Musk’s SpaceX unit is seeking entry into a telecom market with more than a billion internet users, currently dominated by the mobile networks of Ambani’s Reliance Jio and Sunil Mittal’s Bharti Airtel. "Is Ambani the real boss of India?" Musk wrote on X on Thursday, questioning why Starlink still lacked a licence despite what he said were years of compliance with Indian requirements. He provided no evidence against Ambani. Ambani’s Reliance Jio did not respond to a request for comment on Musk’s remarks. A four-year wait to launch Starlink’s satellite internet services in India has sparked heated exchanges online over business influence and regulatory delays, with Musk targeting Ambani and the political opposition joining the row. While Starlink has already secured a licence to operate in India, a commercial launch still requires it to meet security compliance conditions and receive a spectrum assignment.
China, France hold 28th strategic dialogue BEIJING
STAFF CORRESPONDENT
China's top diplomat Wang Yi held the 28th ChinaFrance Strategic Dialogue with French President's Diplomatic Adviser Emmanuel Bonne in Datong, north China's Shanxi Province, on Saturday. Wang, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs, had lengthy and in-depth discussions with Bonne on deepening China-France strategic cooperation and reached broad consensus. They also spoke positively of the progress made through the China-EU trade and investment consultation mechanism.
Israeli Democrats leader says killing of Iran's Ali Khamenei was a 'mistake' TEL AVIV
AGENCIES
Yair Golan, head of Israel’s opposition Democratic Party, said that the killing of Iran's former supreme leader Ali Khamenei at the outset of the US-Israeli war on Iran in late February was a "mistake." “I think, unequivocally, the elimination of Khamenei the father was a mistake,” Golan said during an interview at an event in the city of Rishon LeZion south of Tel Aviv, The Times of Israel reported a day earlier. “Not because he didn’t deserve to die, only because it doesn’t serve the interests of the State of Israel,” he stated, noting that Khamenei was 86 years old. The Israeli politician claimed that Ali Khamenei’s succession by his son, Mojtaba Khamenei, had left Iran under the leadership of “more extreme and violent individuals.” Golan also criticised Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for pursuing an "unrealistic goal" of toppling the Iranian government, saying it had not been achieved. The US and Israel launched a war against Iran on Feb. 28, prompting Tehran to respond with missile and drone attacks in the region and effectively closing the Strait of Hormuz. The war has heightened regional tensions in the Middle East and raised global energy prices as commercial oil traffic through the strait has effectively halted. Washington and Tehran signed a framework agreement in June following mediation efforts by Pakistan and Qatar to halt hostilities and pave the way for negotiations.
Trump says Russia to supply diesel to US and global markets WASHINGTON AGENCIES
President Donald Trump said on Friday that Russia had agreed to supply diesel to global markets in an effort to lower fuel prices, and his administration temporarily lifted US sanctions on Russian fuel that were designed to deprive Moscow of revenues for its war on Ukraine. Prices for diesel, used for agriculture, heating homes and trucking, are near a record and risk for Trump's fellow Republicans ahead of the November 3 congressional elections that will determine whether they maintain thin control of Congress. Diesel prices fell after the announcement, but analysts said the deal may not be enough to keep them down. Trump said on social media he had a "highly successful" discussion with President Vladimir Putin in which they agreed that Russia will immediately supply more than
300,000 metric tons of diesel to US and global markets, equal to about 2.25 million barrels of fuel. The US exports about 1.5 million barrels of diesel per day. After the call, an envoy for Putin, Kirill Dmitriev, praised cooperation between Russia and the US in a post on X. Dmitriev asked US officials during his visit to Washington last month for licenses to export diesel to the US market to be granted to all Russian major oil firms, sources familiar with the situation said. In October 2025, the US imposed sanctions on Russian oil companies over Moscow's war that began in 2022. The diesel exports could provide Moscow with billions of dollars in revenues that could help Putin continue the war with Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy criticised the deal, announced while a Ukrainian delegation was in the US to discuss how to seek a resolution of the war, as a "weak decision on the part of strong partners."
"Gifts to Putin will not bring peace or any benefit to the civilized world. Russia will 'repay' the diesel with further terror and perfidy," he said on X. The deal was also criticised by US lawmakers, including Trump's fellow Republican, Representative Don Bacon, who said it is time to apply more sanctions that Congress passed recently, not lift the measures. "Now is the time to use those sanctions to squeeze Putin’s war machine, not reward a dictator by putting more money in his hands while he continues targeting and killing Ukrainian civilians," Bacon said on X. The US Treasury Department issued a license allowing importation of Russian diesel until April 7. Trump said Russia would supply another 500,000 tons in November and a further 1 million tons "immediately thereafter." Even more would follow, Trump said, "based on the condition of their diesel refineries," which have been damaged by Ukrainian attacks.
NEWS 07
Sunday, 11 October 2026 | ISLAMABAD
CORPORATE CORNER
CBD Punjab moves forward with diplomatic enclave to strengthen Punjab’s global profile
LAHORE STAFF REPORT
In line with the vision of Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz to enhance Punjab’s international profile, the Punjab Central Business District Development Authority (PCBDDA), also known as Central Business District Punjab (CBD Punjab), is accelerating preparations for the proposed Diplomatic Enclave at CBD Bab District.Chief Executive Officer CBD Punjab Imran Amin visited the Bab-e-Pakistan site to review the ongoing preparatory activities for the proposed project. During the visit, he inspected the area where initial site-clearing work has been carried out and reviewed the progress of preliminary development activities. CBD Punjab has also initiated work on the design of the Diplomatic Enclave to advance the project’s planning and development process.Spread over approximately 374 kanals, the proposed Diplomatic Enclave is envisioned as a dedicated diplomatic destination with facilities for foreign diplomatic missions, including those of the United States, China and other countries. The project is expected to strengthen Punjab’s international engagement by providing a purpose-built environment for diplomatic representation and fostering opportunities for international cooperation and investment.
AMC-X Concludes in Karachi with Call to Turn Financial Inclusion into Economic Progress
KARACHI STAFF REPORT
The Pakistan Microfinance Network (PMN) concluded the 10th Annual Microfinance Conference (AMC-X) in Karachi, bringing together government, regulators, financial institutions, development partners and experts to shape the next phase of financial inclusion in Pakistan.Organised by PMN in collaboration with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) under the EU-funded Poverty Alleviation and Inclusive Development Across Rural Sindh (PAIDAR) programme, the two-day conference marked a decade of AMC as a national platform for policy dialogue, partnership and industry collaboration.Under the theme “Pathways for Inclusive Growth: Unlocking Synergies,” discussions focused on moving beyond financial access towards client progression, resilience and measurable economic outcomes, particularly for women, farmers, microenterprises and underserved rural communities.Addressing the conference virtually, Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue, placed financial inclusion within Pakistan’s wider transition from macroeconomic stabilisation towards sustainable growth.He called for greater use of cash-flowbased rather than collateral-based lending, digital credit tools and alternative data to bring more borrowers into formal finance.
Memon strongly reacts to statement of Hafiz Naeem KARACHI
STAFF REPORT
Sindh Senior Minister and Provincial Minister for Information, Transport and Mass Transit Sharjeel Inam Memon, while strongly reacting to the statement of Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Hafiz Naeem ur Rehman, said that calling assistance for the poor charity (begging) is a manifestation of an anti-poor and hypocritical mindset. It is shameful for Hafiz Naeem to ridicule poor women and needy families. Doing politics over providing support to the poor for two meals a day is insensitivity. Helping the poor is not their humiliation but the responsibility of the state and government.Sharjeel Inam Memon said that the Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer should not make the right of the poor to receive assistance controversial for political point-scoring. Hafiz Naeem should understand that poverty is not eliminated by taunting assistance for the poor; revolutionary measures have to be taken. Instead of rubbing salt into the wounds of the poor, Jamaat-eIslami should tell the public about any achievement of its own in serving the people.Sharjeel Inam Memon said that BISP is one of the best programmes in the world, which has also been acknowledged by international institutions. Criticism of the Benazir Income Support Programme is, in fact, ridicule of poor women and deserving families. The Pakistan Peoples Party has supported the poor, while Jamaat-e-Islami is only engaged in the politics of press conferences.Sharjeel Inam Memon said that if the people of Karachi hated the Pakistan Peoples Party, as claimed by Jamaat-e-Islami, then today the Mayor would not have been a Jiyala (PPP loyalist).
CM MARYAM APPROVES RS10B FLOUR SUBSIDY, BOOSTS WHEAT QUOTA TO REIN IN PRICES g
PUNJAB CM ORDERS UNINTERRUPTED SUPPLY OF AFFORDABLE FLOUR AS WHEAT AND FLOUR PRICES CLIMB
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FLOUR MILLS TO RECEIVE INCREASED QUOTA OF SUBSIDISED GOVERNMENT WHEAT AT RS3,800 PER MAUND
SALEEM JADOON
UNJAB Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on Saturday expressed strong displeasure over rising flour prices and approved a Rs10 billion subsidy, while deciding to increase the quota of subsidised government wheat supplied to flour mills at Rs3,800 per maund to ensure an uninterrupted supply of flour at affordable rates. During an urgently convened meeting held via video link, the chief minister voiced concern over rising wheat and flour prices and took notice of artificially inflated market rates, according to a statement issued by the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO). Expressing strong displeasure over the increase in flour prices, Maryam Nawaz directed the authorities concerned to ensure the availability of affordable
wheat and flour to the public under all circumstances. She said the government would utilise all available resources to ensure the provision of flour at affordable rates
and protect people from the burden of rising prices. The meeting decided to increase the quota of subsidised government wheat allocated to flour mills at the subsidised
Nawaz discusses political situation with Sindh governor LAHORE
continue manual road sweeping during the smog season. Chairing a meeting at the Suthra Punjab Authority office here on Saturday, the minister directed officials to deploy only mechanical sweepers for road cleaning during the smog season to minimise dust and air pollution. The meeting reviewed anti-littering inspections in different tehsils, measures to combat smog, and the number of waste collection points and waste enclosures across the province. Zeeshan Rafique directed Field
AJK to harness Hydropower Potential for revenue, youth employment: PM Gilani MIRPUR (AJK)
STAFF REPORT
Women Tech Quest marks 10th edition with 1,000 participants KARACHI
STAFF REPORT
STAFF REPORT
Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President Nawaz Sharif discussed the country’s overall political situation with Sindh Governor Muhammad Nihal Hashmi during a meeting at Jati Umra, Raiwind, with both sides also exchanging views on matters of mutual interest. According to a party press release, Nawaz Sharif expressed his best wishes for the governor and voiced the hope that he would continue to play an effective role in serving the people of Sindh and strengthening coordination between the federal and provincial governments. The meeting took place amid broader political developments in the country, although the press release did not specify the political issues discussed or announce any decisions. Meanwhile, Punjab Minister for Local Government and Community Development (LG&CD) Zeeshan Rafique has directed officials to strictly implement anti-smog measures, expedite the transfer of waste from temporary collection points to designated dumping sites and dis-
rate of Rs3,800 per maund. It also approved a Rs10 billion subsidy to ensure the uninterrupted supply of flour at affordable prices. Relevant officials briefed the participants in detail on the situation, while the chief minister directed the authorities concerned to ensure the availability of wheat and flour at affordable rates under all circumstances. The meeting expressed concern over the trend of artificial increases in market prices of wheat and flour, emphasising the need for effective measures to ensure the availability of the essential commodity at prices affordable to the public. “The burden of inflation on the people of Punjab is extremely painful. We will utilise all available resources to ensure the supply of flour at affordable prices,” the chief minister said. Maryam Nawaz reaffirmed that the provision of affordable flour and lowcost roti would continue.
Azad Jammu and Kashmir Prime Minister (AJK PM) Syed Iftikhar Ali Gillani on Saturday said tapping the region’s vast hydropower potential could boost state revenue and create new employment opportunities for young people. Chairing the 19th meeting of the Board of Directors of the Power Development Organisation (PDO) in the State metropolis, he said the government was focusing on developing key sectors to strengthen the state’s economy. The PM said a comprehensive policy would be formulated to ensure effective implementation and timely completion of development projects, stressing the need for coordinated efforts to accelerate economic growth. The meeting approved an increase in medical and health allowances for PDO employees, conveyance allowance for employees with disabilities, and upgradation of technical staff. The meeting was attended among others by Minister for Energy and Water Resources Raja Saqib Majeed, Minister for Industries, Commerce and Tourism Chaudhry Abdul Rehman, Chief Secretary Khushal Khan, Secretary Energy and Water Resources Chaudhry Muhammad Tayyab.
Monitoring Officers (FMOs) to ensure their presence in union councils and perform their assigned duties effectively. He said geo-mapping at the union council level was in its final stages, adding that the movement of loader rickshaws in every beat would be digitised to strengthen monitoring of waste collection operations. Emphasising the need for stringent measures to combat smog, the minister directed officials to ensure compliance with instructions issued by the Environment Protection Department.
IGP Islamabad announces Meesaq Centre for minorities in capital ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
Inspector General of Police (IGP) Islamabad Muhammad Sohail Chaudhry announced the establishment of a special Meesaq Centre to address the problems of minority communities and provide them with better public services in the federal capital. A police official told APP on Saturday that the announcement was made during a meeting between the IGP Sohail and representatives of the Christian community. The meeting discussed protection of minority rights, provision of public facilities and measures to improve police services for minority communities. IGP Sohail said Islamabad Police would establish the Meesaq Centre to address the concerns of minority communities on a priority basis and ensure better facilities for them. During the meeting, representatives of the Christian community shared their problems and concerns with the IGP. He listened to their issues and assured them of full cooperation and support from Islamabad Police in resolving their problems. The IGP Sohail said Islamabad Police would continue taking steps to protect the rights of minority communities and improve public services for all citizens.
Chairman KPT Calls for Greater Mental Health Awareness on World Mental Health Day
KARACHI: Chairman Karachi Port Trust (KPT) and KPT–Karwan-e-Hayat Board of Governors, Rear Admiral Shahid Ahmed SI(M), S.Bt (Retd), attended Karwan-e-Hayat’s World Mental Health Day 2026 event as Chief Guest, emphasising that mental health is integral to overall well-being and calling for compassionate care, greater awareness and an end to social stigma. “Asking for help is not weakness. It is courage,” he remarked.Drawing on his personal and professional experiences, he highlighted the oftenoverlooked mental health challenges faced by men and stressed the importance of listening without judgement. Aligning his message with this year’s theme, “Lived Experiences Heard: Real Voices, Real Change,” he underscored that meaningful change begins when people’s experiences are heard and acknowledged, while recognising women’s vital role in strengthening families and society.Commending Karwan-e-Hayat’s services since 1983, Chairman KPT reaffirmed the Trust’s support for its mission of providing free and subsidised psychiatric treatment, rehabilitation and community-based mental healthcare to underprivileged individuals. Describing its work as “not merely healthcare, but service to humanity,” he appreciated the organisation’s contribution, while speakers also highlighted youth mental health challenges in the digital age and the impact of climate change on community well-being. STAFF REPORT
As many as 1,000 women took part in the 10th edition of Women Tech Quest (WTQ) 2026, a technology competition organised by 10Pearls, with events held simultaneously in Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi.The competition received more than 5,000 registrations from across the country and focused on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in coding, design, and quality assurance and testing.Held under the theme “Compete. Create. Connect.”, the event saw around 200 participants gather at FAST-NUCES in Islamabad, another 200 at the 10Pearls office in Lahore, and more than 600 at the National Aerospace Science and Technology Park (NASTP) in Karachi. More than 400 people also attended conference sessions, panel discussions and networking activities.The competition was divided into three categories: Build with AI, covering coding; Imagine with AI, focusing on design; and Validate with AI, centred on quality assurance and testing. Participants were tasked with applying AI tools to practical problems.The event was attended by British Deputy High Commissioner in Karachi Alison Blackburne, British High Commission Head of Lahore Office Ben Warrington, Chief of Staff at the Office of AI and Special Initiatives Aman Arman, and Bank of Punjab Head of Governance, Digital Banking Sidra Jawaid.Speaking on the occasion, 10Pearls Managing Director for the Middle East and Pakistan Rabia Azfar Nizami said the initiative, launched a decade ago, aimed to provide women with opportunities to demonstrate their abilities, develop technical skills and build careers in the technology sector.She said platforms that offered women access to skills, professional networks and industry opportunities were important for enabling them to contribute to Pakistan’s digital economy.
Standing Committee on Fisheries and Aquaculture Holds Inaugural Meeting at FPCCI
KARACHI
The Standing Committee on Fisheries and Aquaculture convened its first meeting at the Head Office of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) in Karachi.The meeting was chaired by Convener Mr. Ali Pesnani and Deputy Convener Mr. Hussain Sangji.The session brought together the think-tank of Pakistan's seafood industry. The meeting was attended by Mr. Aasim Abrar, Chairman Korangi Fish Harbour Authority, Dr. Mansoor Wasan, Director General Marine Fisheries Department, Mr. Noorul Haq Baloch, Chairman Gwadar Port Authority, Mr. Adeel Gilani, Assistant Director Marine Fisheries Department, Mr. Sultan Ali Khawaja, Former IG Motorway Police, Mr. Zahair Pesnani, Chairman SBC Group, Mr. Zulfiqar Lassi, Partner Mukhi Nooruddin and Sons, Mr. Faisal Iftikhar, CEO Aqahetch International Pvt. Ltd. who is a pioneer of Aquaculture in Pakistan, Mr. Murad Gwadari, CEO King Fisheries Balochistan, Mr. Khalid Tanweer, Co-Chair SBC Group, Mr. Rehman Feroz Gaba, Partner Son of Sea, Mr. Ali Raimo, CEO Karim Impex, Mr. Sohail Firdous, CEO Supreme Seafood, Mr. Bilawal, Head of Research and Development FPCCI, Mr. Shafiullah, CEO Bestway Logistics, Commander (R) Waseem Sultan, CEO Chempack Ventures Pvt. Ltd. and Mr. Asif Anwer, Director Manzar Marine Fisheries. During the meeting, it was discussed to take Pakistan's seafood exports to the next level by working on value addition, aquaculture and farming and finding new international markets. Matters related to betterment of harbour and boat conditions and engaging the Federal Government for utilisation of EDF for the industry and harbour development were also discussed. STAFF REPORT
Sunday, 11 October, 2026
rejects plea to PAKISTAN DEMANDS END TO HOUTHI STRIKES ATC drop terror charges ON SAUDI ARABIA, URGES DECISIVE UN ACTION against Imaan, Hadi
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UNITED NATIONS STAFF REPORT
AKISTAN on Friday issued a stern warning to Yemen’s Houthi militia at the United Nations Security Council, demanding an immediate halt to missile and drone attacks targeting Saudi Arabia’s civilian and economic infrastructure, while urging decisive international action to safeguard regional stability and maritime security. Highlighting the grave threat to regional peace, global energy security and international maritime trade, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN, called on the 15-member Security Council to take decisive action against the Yemenbased militia. The warning comes amid a devastating wave of Houthi strikes targeting major Saudi aviation hubs, including King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh and Abha International Airport, killing at least three Saudi nationals, including an airline pilot, and disrupting global aviation. In this regard, the Pakistani envoy also drew the attention of Council delegates to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s recent statement reaffirming Islamabad’s “resolute” commitment to the Kingdom’s territorial integrity under the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement. “Yemen’s descent into conflict is
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deeply alarming,” Ambassador Asim Ahmad said, adding that escalating hostilities, continued Houthi attacks against Saudi Arabia, threats to commercial shipping, fighting around Taiz and Bab elMandeb, and the deepening humanitarian crisis demanded urgent attention. The Houthis say they are targeting Saudi Arabia over its support for government forces in Yemen’s reignited civil war, while Riyadh says it is backing an offensive by Yemen’s UN-recognised government to reclaim territory from the rebels. Condemning the ongoing Houthi “terrorist” attacks, Ambassador Asim
Two suspected terrorist commanders killed in Bannu, South Waziristan
Karachi University removes exam controller amid probe into failed students being passed KARACHI
STAFF REPORT
MIRANSHAH
STAFF REPORT
Ahmad called for an immediate end to the “reckless attacks”, which he said posed a grave threat to regional peace and security. “The security and sanctity of the two Holy Mosques must be respected at all times,” he stressed. SUPPORT FOR YEMEN’S SOVEREIGNTY, INDEPENDENCE, UNITY AND TERRITORIAL INTEGRITY Pakistan, he said, reaffirmed its support for Yemen’s sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity, as well as its internationally recognised government. The Pakistani envoy also demanded that the Houthis cease attacks on commer-
cial shipping in and around Taiz and Bab el-Mandeb to ensure maritime security. Freedom of navigation must be upheld, he said. “These vital waterways cannot remain exposed to attacks that endanger seafarers, disrupt trade and compound global economic hardship,” Ambassador Asim Ahmad added. Pakistan, he said, supported the peace efforts of UN Special Envoy Hans Grundberg, stressing that all diplomatic channels must be used to contain escalation, maintain communication and facilitate a cessation of hostilities. “These efforts should restore a credible, inclusive, Yemeni-led and Yemeniowned political process under United Nations auspices,” he said. Emphasising the need to protect civilians, the Pakistani envoy said safe, rapid and unhindered humanitarian access, protection of civilian infrastructure and adequate funding for relief operations were indispensable, with food, fuel and essential commercial supplies reaching all those in need. He also reiterated the call for the immediate, unconditional and safe release of detained United Nations, humanitarian and diplomatic personnel. “The Council must act with unity and purpose to halt Houthi attacks, safeguard regional security, alleviate suffering and restore a credible path towards a political settlement,” Ambassador Asim Ahmad said.
Two suspected militant commanders were killed in separate incidents in Bannu and South Waziristan Lower, while a police station in the Birmal tehsil came under a quadcopter attack, officials said on Saturday. Zainullah, alias Salar, a wanted commander and resident of North Waziristan, was reportedly killed during an operation by the Police Peace Committee in the Ghoriwala area of Bannu district. Committee spokesman Mer Zaman Marwat said the operation was conducted against suspected terrorists in the area and resulted in Zainullah’s death. Sources said he had been living temporarily in Ghoriwala. Details of the cases registered against him, his alleged activities and the circumstances surrounding the operation were not immediately available. In a separate incident in South Waziristan Lower, Afghan commander Barbad Afghani of the Shamshad group was killed in an exchange of fire between members of rival militant factions in the Khankot area of Toi Khullah tehsil. Deputy Superintendent of Police Asghar Ali Shah said the clash involved members of the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan’s (TTP) Zarmilan group and the Shamshad faction. According to the police official, around 12 to 16 members of the Shamshad group had split into two groups late at night, with one stationed in Sootian Kalay and the other in Pani Khel Kalay. The group returning from a patrol in Sootian Kalay came under fire from its own associates in Pani Khel Kalay, resulting in Barbad Afghani’s death, the official said. The reasons for the exchange of fire remained unclear, and no further casualties were reported. Meanwhile, Raghzai Police Station in Birmal tehsil came under a quadcopter attack late Friday night, District Police Officer Shah Hassan confirmed. No police personnel were injured, and all staff at the station remained safe, officials said. Details about possible damage and the identity of those responsible were not immediately available. Amid the latest incidents, Bannu police placed the district on high alert and continued patrols and checking operations across the area. On the directives of District Police Officer Captain (retired) Muhammad Furqan Bilal, police personnel conducted patrols and checks within the jurisdictions of Domel and Township police stations under the supervision of Sadar Sub-Divisional Police Officer Arshad Khan. Officials said the measures were aimed at maintaining law and order, preventing crime and protecting citizens’ lives and property.
The University of Karachi has removed Controller of Examinations Dr Yasir from his post following revelations about changes to examination results that led to failed students being declared successful with the approval of former Vice Chancellor Tufail Jokhio. Associate Professor Dr Syed Ghufran of the Department of Food Science has been appointed as the new controller of examinations. The alleged changes to examination results took place during the two-month tenure of the outgoing vice chancellor. The examination department acted on a written recommendation from the dean of the Faculty of Law seeking scrutiny of students’ results.
Following the written recommendation and approval from the acting vice chancellor, around 150 students of law colleges were declared successful in two subjects, despite having failed in the results initially issued by the university. More than 150 students from SM Law College and Islamia Law College had failed in the announced results. According to the details, a large number of failed students were subsequently passed in BA and LLB examinations through a purported scrutiny committee. Former permanent Vice Chancellor Dr Khalid Iraqi had stopped the process during his tenure. University rules require students to submit individual applications for scrutiny of examination papers. Under the university’s
scrutiny rules, the annual system allows recounting of marks rather than rechecking of answer scripts. The previous permanent vice chancellor had therefore halted the process. Former Controller of Examinations Dr Yasir denied that any students had been passed or failed through the process. He declined to comment further on the matter. Dean of the Faculty of Law Barrister Sarfraz Mitlo said the university had formed a scrutiny committee with the vice chancellor’s approval because students had been treated unfairly. He said answer scripts were examined again in the presence of the principals of both colleges and the controller of examinations. Mitlo maintained that no student who had received zero marks was declared successful.
10 terrorists killed in Barkhan Operation QUETTA
STAFF REPORT
Ten terrorists were killed and two Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) personnel injured during an intelligence-based operation in Balochistan’s Barkhan district, the provincial Home Department said on Saturday. Home Department aide Babar Yousafzai said the CTD launched the targeted operation after receiving credible intelligence about the presence of militants belonging to what the state designates as Fitna al-Hindustan. “During an intense gun battle, 10 armed terrorists were killed and two CTD officials were injured,” he said. Yousafzai said a large quantity of arms, ammunition and explosives was also seized during the operation. Officials said the injured CTD personnel were shifted to a hospital for treatment, while the bodies of the militants were taken to the Rara Sham district hospital.
Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti paid tribute to the CTD personnel for carrying out the operation, saying security forces were playing a vital role in efforts to eliminate terrorism from Balochistan. He said the forces were making sacrifices to protect the lives and property of the people. The operation comes amid a series of counterterrorism engagements across the province. On Oct 7, security forces killed five militants belonging to Fitna al-Hindustan in Balochistan’s Mastung
district, according to state media. Late last month, the military’s media wing reported that more than 71 terrorists had been killed in Shaban and other areas of Balochistan during a 96-hour period. Three militants were killed in an intelligence-based operation in the Badrang area of Awaran district on Sept 17, while another three were killed in Mastung on Sept 14. Earlier in September, 21 terrorists were killed in separate engagements in Nokcha, Chagai, Ziarat Cross and Pishin.
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An Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) on Saturday dismissed an application seeking the removal of terrorism charges against lawyer Imaan Mazari and her husband, Hadi Ali Chattha, as the couple and their counsel boycotted proceedings in the barricade removal case. ATC Judge Tahir Abbas Supra heard the case, which relates to allegations of violating a designated route and inciting people during the arrival of an international cricket team in Islamabad. The court had framed charges against the couple on Wednesday despite objections from the defence, which maintained that the legal requirements for framing charges had not been fulfilled. During Saturday’s hearing, the court rejected the application seeking the removal of terrorism-related provisions without hearing the defence counsel or granting an adjournment. Judge Supra observed that the application could not be heard at the current stage and said he lacked the authority to review his earlier order. Defence lawyer Zainab Janjua told the court that the application had been filed on the instructions of Imaan and Chattha. She said she no longer had further instructions from the couple and announced that she was withdrawing from the proceedings. Janjua also requested the court to record her objection to the trial proceedings being conducted in the couple’s absence, including their appearance through a video link. The court rejected a request to adjourn the hearing owing to the absence of senior defence counsel Riasat Ali Azad. Janjua had informed the court that Azad was accompanying an ailing bar president. Imaan and Chattha, who appeared through a video link, questioned why they had not been physically produced before the court and raised concerns over their right to a fair trial under Article 10 of the Constitution. Chattha told the judge that they respected the court and had learned from him that proceedings could not be conducted without ensuring a fair trial. He questioned how charges had been framed when, according to him, they had learnt about the development through newspaper reports. Responding to their concerns, Judge Supra said the couple had challenged the framing of charges and that the high court could quash them if they had not been framed in accordance with the law. The judge also questioned a prison official about why the couple had not been physically produced before the court despite instructions to do so. The court sought an explanation from the official. Meanwhile, the ATC recorded the statements of three prosecution witnesses, including a witness to the registration of the first information report (FIR), the police station’s Muharrar and a witness to the personal search of the accused. The court summoned the remaining prosecution witnesses for Monday and adjourned further proceedings until then.
ECP DG martyred in targeted attack in Tank TANK/ISLAMABAD STAFF REPORT
Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) Director General Shamshad Khan was martyred in a terrorist attack in Tank district after unidentified armed men opened fire on him, prompting the commission to condemn the targeted killing and call on the government to take effective measures to protect public servants from terrorist attacks. In a statement issued on Saturday, the ECP described the incident as a targeted killing, saying the deceased officer was an honest, upright and dedicated public servant who had no personal enmity with anyone. The commission said Shamshad Khan commanded great respect among his colleagues and associates for his professional conduct, integrity and commitment to public service. According to the ECP spokesperson, the Chief Election Commissioner, commission members and employees expressed deep sorrow and grief over the tragic incident and extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family. The Chief Election Commissioner conveyed his sympathies to the family, assuring them that the entire ECP stood with them during this difficult time. He also prayed for the departed soul, asking Allah Almighty to forgive the deceased, elevate his ranks in the hereafter and grant patience and strength to his family to bear the irreparable loss. The commission’s leadership and staff strongly condemned the killing and urged the government to take effective measures to ensure the security of public servants and protect them from terrorist attacks. Meanwhile, Raghzai Police Station in Birmal tehsil came under a quadcopter attack late Friday night, District Police Officer Shah Hassan confirmed. No police personnel were injured, and all staff present at the station remained safe, officials said.
Gold medalist student's suicide exposes alleged multi-million-rupee education fraud ISLAMABAD
RAJA KASHIF ASHFAQ
The alleged suicide of 22-year-old Laiba Ejaz, a student of the International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI), has brought to light an alleged multi-million-rupee fraud in which she was reportedly deceived on the promise of securing admission to a US university for higher education. Laiba had won a gold medal in her BS degree from the university and aspired to pursue further studies abroad. According to her family, a consultant demanded Rs7 million to arrange her admission to a university in the United States. Her father reportedly sold a plot of land and paid Rs2.1 million in cash, while the family also pledged the mother’s jewellery with a bank to arrange the remaining amount. Her family said Laiba’s father earns a living by selling milk on a motorcycle, using his meagre income to meet his children’s educational expenses and household needs. The family lives in a rented flat. According to her relatives, Laiba became deeply distressed after having docu-
ments related to her university admission verified and discovering that they were allegedly fake. In her final message to her maternal uncle, Laiba reportedly asked him not to tell her father about the alleged fraud, fearing he would be unable to bear the shock. The incident has left the family devastated. Sources said Laiba had also received a scholarship offer from a university in Saudi Arabia. However, an alleged agent identified as Nauman reportedly lured her with the promise of securing admission to a university in the United States. The sources alleged that he prepared a fake scholarship letter bearing the name of Harvard University and obtained millions of rupees from the student. The payments were reportedly made through bank transfers. The allegations are yet to be formally investigated, and the relevant documents have not been independently verified. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has taken notice of the incident, describing it as the tragic death of a young student. He directed the Islamabad Inspector General of Police and the chief commissioner to ensure the im-
mediate arrest of the person allegedly involved in the fraud and to pursue punishment in accordance with the law. According to sources, the Islamabad police chief is expected to brief the prime minister on the initial findings and progress in the case. Meanwhile, police sources said the person accused of defrauding Laiba in the alleged visa and university admission scam had not been arrested so far. No case had been registered by the latest available information. Police maintain that the incident is serious and that a case will be registered on the basis of a complaint by the family. They said no written application seeking registration of a case had yet been received from the parents. Separately, Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Director General Usman Anwar contacted Laiba’s parents by telephone and obtained information about the incident. Police sources said authorities were also considering registering a separate fraud and cheating case on a complaint by Laiba’s father, in addition to any case relating to the alleged suicide.
FIA registers FIR in Laiba Ijaz suicide probe case ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
The Federal Investigation Agency’s (FIA) Anti-Human Trafficking Circle, Islamabad, has registered a case against Muhammad Nauman, son of Badi-uzZaman, and Fatima Sarwar after completing an inquiry into the alleged suicide of Laiba Ijaz, a student of the International Islamic University Islamabad. The case, FIR No. FIR-AHTC-ICT977/26, was registered on October 10, 2026, under Sections 419, 420 and 109 of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC), read with Sections 18 and 22 of the Immigration Ordinance, 1979, following the completion of inquiry No. RE-837/2026. According to preliminary findings, the accused allegedly acted in connivance to collect Rs9.3 million from Amjad-urRehman, the student’s maternal uncle, on the pretext of arranging a US visa and se-
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curing a scholarship for Laiba. Investigators found that the accused allegedly deceived the family by preparing fake scholarship award letters, university admission offer letters and fee payment receipts. Of the total amount, Rs2.9 million was transferred through Laiba’s bank account, while the remaining sum was paid in cash. The alleged financial fraud and the resulting mental distress preceded Laiba’s death, according to the FIA’s account of the case. Under the supervision of the FIA Islamabad Zone director, raids are being conducted at various locations to arrest the suspects. Sub-Inspector Zubair Kamal will investigate the case, while the role of any other individuals who may have been involved will be determined during the investigation. The FIA Islamabad Zone has vowed to bring all those responsible for the alleged crime to justice.