© Nate Schweber for The New York Times
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi said on Sunday that Sohail Afridi and Assembly Speaker Babar Saleem Swati were “in safe hands” after being placed under house arrest.
Afridi, who has become non-functional as the KP chief minister, has not been seen since the Centre imposed governor’s rule and emergency in his province on Oct 11. After their whereabouts remained unknown that day, a federal minister confirmed the next day that he and some of his cabinet members were in preventative custody.
However, with no further details officially confirmed, Afridi’s brother and Swati’s cousin have approached the Peshawar High Court separately to seek their relative’s recovery.
Appearing on Geo News’ TV programme ‘Jirga’ aired on Sunday night, the governor — who now runs the province — was asked about the whereabouts of Afridi, Kundi said he had been placed under house arrest and was “in safe hands — there is no need to worry”.
He said that if there were cases against Afridi, action would be taken against him and he would be indicted. However, if there were no cases, he would be released.
Asked why Afridi was not being released if there were no cases against him, Kundi replied he could provide an update tomorrow regarding the matter.
The governor further said that Speaker Swati was also under house arrest and would also be freed if there were no charges against him. Responding to another question, Kundi accused the PTI member of committing “illegal and unconstitutional” acts in his role as the KP Assembly Speaker.
Asked how many people were self-arrested and how many were “genuinely” arrested, Kundi said he did not have these numbers but that about 40 or 50 per cent of them were “under self-imposed arrest or self-concealment”.
The governor also addressed the imposition of emergency and governor’s rule in KP, stressing that it had been the “absolute last option”.
Regarding the potential duration of the emergency, he said, “We will see … after six months are complete, we will talk about what will and will not happen.
“But in my opinion, maybe it will run longer,” he added, clarifying that this was a “personal opinion” and he could be wrong.
He said that the basis for saying this was that the Centre and province needed to be “on the same page” in the fight against terrorism and “streamline” efforts against it, and was making plans accordingly, which he believed would take some time.
Kundi also distanced himself and the state policy from purported remarks made by Malik Khan Marjan — a member of the newly formed Area Representative and Development Council (ARDC) for 12 districts of KP — wherein he favoured dialogue with the Afghan Taliban.
“I will definitely check on this, but our policy is very clear: for now, we will not be holding talks with Afghanistan,” he maintained.
The governor condemned acts of terrorism carried out against Pakistan from Afghan soil and criticised Kabul for “allowing” India to use its soil against Pakistan while also asking for dialogue.
“If there is terrorism from there … our army knows how to fix it,” he added. “There is no dialogue and no talks of any kind about this.”
“I think this is his (Marjan’s) personal opinion, but it is not our policy,” Kundi said.
Press TV – October 25, 2025
Pakistan has reopened a major border crossing with Iran that handles key energy and commodity supplies between the two countries amid improved security in the region.
Pakistan’s Dawn newspaper reported on Sunday that the Gabd-Rimdan border crossing, also known as Gate 250, in the country’s Gwadar region, had reopened a day earlier following a weeklong suspension that began on October 17.
The report quoted Mir Naveed Jan Kalmati, president of the Gwadar Chamber of Commerce and Industry, as saying that import and export operations between Pakistan and Iran had resumed.
It said the decision came amid dwindling LPG supplies in Pakistan ahead of the winter season.
The closure of the border crossing on October 17 left hundreds of trucks stranded on both sides of the border.
An attack was also reported in the region earlier this week, when unidentified gunmen targeted parked trucks, setting dozens ablaze and damaging several others.
Dawn said local administrators had deployed additional forces to protect trade convoys before reopening the border crossing.
Meanwhile, Iran’s ambassador to Pakistan, Reza Amiri Moghadam, said in a post on his X account on Sunday that the disruption to cross-border trade between the two countries was mainly due to changes in Islamabad’s import rules.
He denied that Iran had made any decision to reduce LPG exports to Pakistan.
“… Changes in the implementation of Pakistan’s E-Form procedure for imports from Iran have created a situation in which traders are effectively and literally unable to dispatch cargo from Iran to Pakistan,” Amiri Moghadam said.
He said cross-border trade between Iran and Pakistan “serves the mutual interests of both countries and their people,” adding that Iran had made every possible effort to facilitate and promote trade with its “brotherly” neighbor.
RAWALPINDI – Security forces killed six terrorists belonging to the “Fitna al-Khawarij,” which the military describes as an Indian proxy, in an intelligence-based operation in the Zarkani area of Dera Ismail Khan. Two Pakistan Army soldiers were martyred in an intense exchange of fire.
According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the operation was carried out on October 24, 2026, after reports of the presence of terrorists in the area. Security forces responded effectively and killed six militants, whom the ISPR described as Indian-sponsored.
The ISPR said Naik Ghulam Murtaza and Sepoy Tasir Ahmad embraced martyrdom while fighting bravely. Naik Ghulam Murtaza, 36, belonged to Gujrat district, while 30-year-old Sepoy Tasir Ahmad was from Talagang district.
Weapons and ammunition were also recovered from the slain militants, who, according to the military’s media wing, had been involved in numerous terrorist attacks on security forces and law enforcement agencies and in the killing of innocent civilians.
The ISPR said a clearance operation is under way to eliminate any other militants present in the area.
It added that, under the National Action Plan approved by the Federal Apex Committee and in line with the “Azm-e-Istehkam” vision, counter-terrorism operations by security forces and law enforcement agencies will continue at full pace to completely rid the country of externally backed terrorism.
The ISPR also said the sacrifices of brave soldiers in defence of the homeland further strengthen the resolve to eliminate terrorism from the country.
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FAISALABAD – Five people were killed and one person was critically injured in an accident involving a passenger bus, a car and a coaster on the M-4 Motorway.
According to National Highways and Motorway Police spokesperson Syed Imran Ahmad, motorway police officers reached the scene immediately after receiving news of the accident. Reports have been received of five people killed and one seriously injured.
The spokesperson added that the DIG Motorway and the sector commander have also left for the site of the accident.
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ISLAMABAD – A father has been arrested for allegedly producing sexually exploitative videos of his own children and selling them online as part of a wider network, a senior National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) official said on Sunday.
Speaking at a press conference in Islamabad, NCCIA Additional Director Shoaib Khan said the arrested man was making videos of his own children. Describing it as an unusual case, he said the children were aged between five and six, and that the videos were produced and sold through the Telegram app. A group had formed around circulating and selling such material, he added.
Khan said the network had also filmed the abuse of animals. He said nothing of this nature had previously surfaced in Pakistan’s history, and that the identities of those involved in such cases were not disclosed. According to him, the main suspect belonged to Skardu, while investigations were under way in Multan, Islamabad and southern Punjab.
Online sexual harassment case
Khan said the NCCIA had also arrested a suspect in an online sexual harassment case a day earlier, following a complaint from Karachi. He said action would also be taken against parents who knew of crimes involving their children but failed to report them. “In cases of sexual harassment, parents know what their child is doing,” he said.
The agency is launching an awareness campaign at universities and will also teach parents how to monitor what their children view on mobile phones. Khan said he would personally visit schools in Islamabad to raise awareness among parents, and that the campaign would later be expanded nationwide.
Crackdown on call centres
Khan said NCCIA Islamabad had also carried out crackdowns on call centres and identified a large number of such facilities in the capital. Seven FIRs had recently been registered, and between 13,000 and 14,000 devices had been recovered in these cases.
He warned the public not to share one-time passwords (OTPs) or PINs with anyone, noting that fake banking websites had been created that can look identical to genuine ones.
On Chinese nationals arrested in Pakistan, Khan said they would be punished under Pakistani law. After completing their sentences, their visas would be cancelled and they would be deported.
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LAHORE – The Pakistan Meteorological Department has forecast a powerful spell of rain entering Punjab from October 28.
A new western weather system is expected to bring rain, accompanied by strong winds and thunder, across the province, leading to a significant drop in temperature.
The rain spell will bring a change in the weather, and the intensity of the cold is likely to increase in the province.
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MUZAFFARABAD – At least seven people were killed when a jeep fell into a ravine in Shakar Parian, on the outskirts of Muzaffarabad, the capital of Azad Kashmir.
According to rescue officials and police, the jeep was loaded with grass and carrying seven people when it went out of control and fell into a ravine hundreds of feet deep. All seven on board, including the driver, died. Local residents and rescue workers shifted the bodies to hospital.
In a separate incident, four people, including a child and a woman, were killed and four others injured in a horrific collision between a passenger coach and a car on Tando Adam-Jhol Road in Sanghar’s Tando Adam taluka. The dead and injured were taken to the Taluka Hospital in Tando Adam.
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ISLAMABAD – Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif launched an ambitious programme to provide half a million Chromebooks to students nationwide over the next two years, opening new doors to digital learning for hundreds of thousands of young Pakistanis.
Prime Minister’s Youth Chromebook Scheme was formally inaugurated at a ceremony in Islamabad today, marking another step towards making tech -based education more accessible, particularly for students who cannot afford modern digital devices.
Investing in the youth of Pakistan.
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif arrives at the Convention Centre for the launch of the Prime Minister’s Youth Chromebook Scheme.
#PMYouthChromebookScheme https://t.co/WBOJoQ1OmC
— Prime Minister’s Youth Programme (@PMsYouthProgram) October 25, 2026
The initiative aims to bridge technological divide between students from different economic backgrounds, enabling young people to attend online classes, access international educational resources and build the skills required to compete in an increasingly digital world.
Addressing the ceremony, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif made it clear that Pakistan’s greatest investment was not in buildings or infrastructure alone, but in the education and capabilities of its young population. PM termed students country’s most valuable asset and stressed that providing them with modern educational tools was a collective responsibility of the government and the state.
Sharif led government plans to provide half million Chromebooks within two years, substantially accelerating the pace of its previous student technology initiatives.
He highlighted progress made under PML-N govt, and recalled that approximately 600,000 laptops had been distributed to students over a decade. This time, the government intends to provide 500,000 devices in only 24 months, reflecting its renewed emphasis on expanding digital access in education.
PM stressed that the distribution would recognize students’ hard work, abilities and educational achievements, reinforcing the principle that opportunities should be linked to merit rather than financial privilege. He also expressed optimism that the Chromebooks would help young Pakistanis continue their education remotely, participate in virtual classrooms and access learning material that was previously beyond their reach.
Delivering a message of encouragement to young Pakistanis, Shehbaz said that intelligence, ambition and determination were not confined to wealthy households. He stressed that students from financially disadvantaged families possessed the same potential to excel as their more privileged counterparts, provided they were given equal opportunities.
The government was committed to removing barriers that prevented deserving students from receiving quality education and preparing themselves for future challenges. Chromebook programme is intended to support this vision by bringing modern digital learning tools within the reach of students across the country.
He also highlighted the government’s continuing efforts to strengthen education through the expansion of Danish schools. Sharif announced that at least 27 such institutions were being established across Pakistan to provide modern educational facilities and essential services to deserving students completely free of charge.
Prime Minister’s Youth Programme Chairman Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan, who addressed the ceremony before the premier, described the Chromebook initiative as an important development in the government’s efforts to empower young people. He revealed that the Tokyo Technology Care Foundation had taken practical steps to support digital facilities for 500,000 Pakistani students.
Only students enrolled in Government/Public Schools can apply. Private school students are not eligible.
Eligibility depends on the region:
Students must appear on the list of top performers that their education board has submitted to IBCC. There is no single nationwide marks cutoff; each board decides its own “top-performing” criteria.
Applications are submitted online only through the official portal: https://pmychromebooks.ibcc.edu.pk/
Simple steps:
You can apply only once. Once submitted, the form cannot be edited. If your record is not found, try a different number or contact your school/board. Providing incorrect information can cancel your allocation.
Prepare clear scans (each under 300 KB):
The announcement has generated interest among students seeking access to free educational devices. However, the government has not yet detailed the complete application and registration process in the information shared at the launch.
The official registration portal, eligibility conditions, application deadlines, academic criteria and province-wise distribution arrangements have yet to be clarified.
Students should therefore follow updates from the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme and other authorized government channels for information about how to apply.
The launch of the 500,000-Chromebook initiative, alongside the expansion of Danish schools, signals a broader effort to strengthen Pakistan’s education sector by connecting academic opportunity with modern technology.
For hundreds of thousands of students, particularly those from families struggling to afford digital devices, the programme could provide an important opportunity to access learning resources, develop valuable skills and pursue a more promising educational future.
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LAHORE – If you use Lahore Ring Road for your commute, you need to check New traffic violation fines, with penalties reaching as high as Rs10,000 for offences, including underage driving and illegal overtaking.
The latest increase comes after similar revision in traffic police fines, making even routine traffic violations more expensive for drivers, motorcyclists and pedestrians. One of key changes concerns driving without a valid licence. The penalty jumped tenfold from just Rs500 to Rs5,000, meaning motorists caught behind the wheel without proper documentation will now face a substantially heavier fine.
| Traffic Violation | New Fine |
|---|---|
| Driving without a licence | Rs5,000 |
| Illegal overtaking (cars) | Rs5,000 |
| Illegal overtaking (vehicles above 2,000cc) | Rs10,000 |
| Wrong lane usage | Rs2,000 |
| Wrong-way entry | Rs5,000 |
| Smoke-emitting cars | Rs4,000 |
| Smoke-emitting Vans, Buses | Rs5,000 |
| Illegal parking | Rs2,000 |
| Underage driving | Rs10,000 |
| Black-tinted windows | Rs5,000 |
| Missing or non-standard number plates | Rs5,000 |
| Motorcycle entry on Ring Road | Rs5,000 |
| Pedestrian crossing violation | Rs1,000 |
Illegal overtaking has also become costly offence. Cars drivers will face Rs5,000 fine, while those driving vehicles with engine capacities exceeding 2,000cc will be penalised Rs10,000 for the same violation. Motorists using the wrong lane will have to pay Rs2,000, while entering a one-way road in the wrong direction will result in a Rs5,000 fine.
Authorities have also increased penalties for smoke emitting vehicles. Cars emitting excessive smoke will face a Rs4,000 fine, while commercial vehicles violating emission regulations will be penalised Rs5,000. Parking violations will also hit motorists harder, as the fine for illegal parking has doubled from Rs1,000 to Rs2,000.
Underage driving will attract Rs10,000 penalty, making it one of the highest traffic offences under the revised structure. Drivers using black-tinted windows will face a Rs5,000 fine. The same penalty will apply to vehicles operating without number plates or displaying non-standard registration plates.
Bikers have also been warned against entering Ring Road, where motorcycle entry is prohibited. Anyone violating the restriction will face a Rs5,000 fine. The revised penalties are not limited to motorists. Pedestrians crossing the road in violation of traffic rules will now be fined Rs1,000, compared with the previous penalty of Rs200, representing a fivefold increase.
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GUJRANWALA – A newlywed bride’s wedding celebrations ended in tragedy after the woman was gunned down while returning home with her husband from their Walima ceremony in Gujranwala.
The victim, identified as Saba, entered new phase of her life, but was aunware about the unambush or such plot. Two armed men intercepted car carrying the couple near Samanabad Chungi. According to police, the attackers specifically target the bride, and Saba suffered multiple gunshot wounds to her chest and abdomen, leaving her critically injured.
She was immediately rushed to nearby hospital in a desperate attempt to save her life. However, despite efforts to provide medical assistance, she succumbed to her injuries, turning what should have been one of the happiest occasions for her family into a devastating tragedy.
Investigators uncovered possible motive that makes the case even more disturbing. According to the First Information Report (FIR), a suspect identified as Sarfaraz allegedly wanted to marry Saba, but his proposal had been rejected. Police suspect that the refusal may have triggered resentment, ultimately leading to the fatal attack shortly after Saba married another man.
The allegation has raised serious questions about the circumstances surrounding the killing, although investigators have yet to establish the complete sequence of events or determine the individual roles of everyone involved.
Police registered a murder case and launched an investigation to identify and arrest the perpetrators. Reports indicate that Crime Control Department (CCD) is engaged in the case, while some local accounts place the incident within the jurisdiction of Aroop Police Station.
Investigators are looking into CCTV footage from the surrounding area to trace the bike borne attackers. The suspects remained at large at the time of the initial reports, with police continuing efforts to track them down.
Bank manager kills colleague for refusing marriage proposal in Faisalabad (VIDEO)
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LAHORE – Sindh Drug Testing Laboratory (DTL) declared seven batches of six widely used medicines counterfeit, revealing that the tested products contained none of the essential active ingredients needed to treat patients.
ARY News reported alarming findings, raising questions about how fake medicines carrying the names of trusted pharmaceutical brands made their way into the medicine supply chain, potentially putting unsuspecting patients at risk. The pharmac giants behind all six brands denied manufacturing the identified batches, suggesting that counterfeit products may be circulating under the names of established drug manufacturers.
Sindh Drugs Authority Director Adnan Rizvi said the laboratory identified counterfeit batches of six medicines commonly used to treat bacterial infections, stomach problems, abdominal cramps, pain, inflammation and constipation.
| Medicine |
| Velosef 500mg Capsules |
| Augmentin 625mg Tablets |
| No-Spa Forte 80mg Tablets |
| Mucaine Suspension |
| Brexin Tablets |
| Laxoberon Liquid |
The laboratory classified the seven batches as counterfeit under the Drugs Act, 1976, after testing established that the samples lacked the active pharmaceutical ingredients claimed on their labels. This means patients using the affected counterfeit products could have been taking medicines that failed to deliver their intended therapeutic effects.
The investigation took a more troubling turn when the manufacturers associated with the affected brands rejected the authenticity of the identified products. Rizvi revealed that Martin Dow Marker, the manufacturer of Laxoberon, formally informed authorities in writing that the two identified batches had not been produced by the company.
Pakistan tightens net on Fake Drugs with Mandatory 2D Barcodes
The discovery raised critical question: how did medicines allegedly manufactured by counterfeiters find their way into the pharmaceutical supply chain under the names of recognised brands? Although the laboratory findings establish that the tested batches were counterfeit, authorities have not yet publicly identified their source, distribution network or the individuals responsible for producing them.
Following the startling findings, Sindh Drug Testing Laboratory has forwarded its reports to the Secretary of the Sindh Quality Control Board and the Provincial Drug Inspector, Karachi South, for legal action under the Drugs Act, 1976.
Medical experts warn that counterfeit medicines without their declared active ingredients can have potentially devastating consequences, particularly when patients depend on them to treat serious illnesses.
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LAHORE – Pakistan and England prepare for One-Day International (ODI) clash at Gaddafi Stadium today and, Lahore Traffic Police chalked out an extensive traffic management plan, deploying more than 1,000 wardens and making designated parking locations.
Chief Traffic Officer (CTO) Lahore Syed Abdul Rahim Shirazi confirmed two SSPs, seven DSPs and 90 inspectors will supervise traffic arrangements around Gaddafi Stadium, team movement routes and surrounding roads. More than 1,000 traffic wardens will be stationed at key locations, while 10 forklifts and five breakdown vehicles will remain available to tackle illegal parking, remove obstructing vehicles and prevent congestion.
https://t.co/4sSYidbHPJ
— Lahore Traffic Police (@ctplahore) October 25, 2026
With thousands of cricket fans expected to head towards the stadium, authorities have also designated four parking facilities to ensure smoother entry and exit.
Traffic police have confirmed that Mall Road, Canal Road, Jail Road and Main Boulevard Gulberg will remain open throughout the match. However, motorists should prepare for brief traffic interruptions when the Pakistan and England teams travel to or from Gaddafi Stadium. According to the CTO, roads along the teams’ routes will be temporarily closed during their movement, but all diversions will be removed immediately after the convoys pass.
Officials stressed that no road will remain permanently closed during the match.
To prevent parking problems and heavy traffic around Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore Traffic Police have announced separate parking arrangements for spectators travelling from different parts of the city.
| Coming From | Designated Parking Location |
|---|---|
| Mall Road, Jail Road, Canal Road and Ferozepur Road | Govt College for Boys via Ferozepur Road |
| Thokar, Johar Town and Kahna | Govt College for Boys via Kalma Chowk and Centre Point |
| DHA and Lahore Cantt | CBD Sunfort Hotel |
| DHA, Cantt and surrounding areas | Liberty Market |
Spectators have been urged to use the designated parking areas rather than leaving vehicles on main roads or near the stadium, where illegally parked vehicles could be removed.
CTO Syed Abdul Rahim Shirazi has advised residents to avoid unnecessary travel towards Gaddafi Stadium during team movements, warning that temporary restrictions could cause short delays on nearby roads.
Cricket spectators have been instructed to follow traffic wardens’ directions for parking and stadium entry, while commuters are encouraged to check traffic updates before travelling. Despite the extensive arrangements, authorities have assured citizens that major roads will remain operational and traffic will be restored immediately after each team movement.
Pakistan eye 3rd Straight Win as England face Do-or-Die Clash in Lahore ODI Today
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KARACHI – A price relief is on cards for millions of Pakistani consumers as liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) rates are expected to come down by Rs70 to Rs80 per kg with the reopening of the Pakistan-Iran border and the arrival of thousands of tonnes of imported gas at Port Qasim.
The development could bring end to worsening LPG shortage, particularly in Karachi, and parts of KP where disrupted imports had put pressure on supplies and pushed up market prices.
LPG transportation through the Gabd-Rimdan border crossing between Pakistan and Iran has resumed, allowing hundreds of stranded gas bowsers to move towards clearance. More than 200 LPG bowsers are expected to be cleared today, potentially releasing an additional 3,000 to 4,000 tonnes of LPG into Pakistan’s domestic market.
The anticipated influx of Iranian LPG has raised hopes of a sharp correction in prices, with industry sources forecasting a reduction of Rs50 to Rs70 per kilogram once supplies reach local distributors.
The reopening of the Iranian border is not the only positive development for consumers. Two LPG vessels have also arrived at Port Qasim, providing a significant boost to the country’s imported gas supplies. One vessel carrying 4,520 metric tonnes of LPG has already anchored at the port, while another ship transporting 3,083 metric tonnes has completed its cargo discharge and departed, according to a Port Qasim spokesperson.
Together, these shipments are of 7,603 metric tonnes of LPG. With another 3,000 to 4,000 tonnes expected through the Iranian border, Pakistan could receive a combined supply boost of approximately 10,600 to 11,600 metric tonnes of LPG, including the maritime shipments already handled.
LPG vessels have also reached the SSGC terminal operated by PGP Consortium, while cargo-handling operations continue at Port Qasim.
Industry sources believe the combined arrival of Iranian bowsers and imported LPG vessels could improve availability not only in Karachi but also in other major cities facing supply disruptions.
The reopening of the Gabd-Rimdan crossing is particularly significant because it restores a key import route that had been affected by the recent suspension of cross-border trade. As stranded bowsers begin entering Pakistan and additional shipments reach distributors, the pressure on LPG supplies is expected to ease.
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ISLAMABAD – Sigh of relief for traders as Pakistan reopened its key Gabd-Rimdan border crossing with Iran, allowing return of commercial shipments, LPG and food supplies.
The border reopening follows security measures and operation in which 10 militants were reportedly killed, offering fresh hope of easing LPG shortages and rising prices, although uncertainty continues over trade operations at the Taftan crossing.
Commercial activity resumed at Gabd-Rimdan border crossing, following 7-day suspension that had brought a major part of Pakistan-Iran trade to a standstill. The reopening comes just two days after armed attackers torched dozens of freight vehicles near the border, triggering a security operation in which Pakistan’s military reported killing 10 militants.
Located in Gwadar district of Balochistan, the crossing connects Pakistan with Iran’s Sistan-Baluchestan province and has emerged as an important route for LPG, food commodities and other commercial shipments since its inauguration in 2020.
Gwadar officials confirmed that commercial vehicles had started crossing the border in both directions, bringing much-needed relief to traders and transporters. However, the resumption is initially restricted to consignments carrying invoices or shipping documents dated October 16 or earlier.
The week-long closure left hundreds of trucks carrying LPG, rice, fruit and other products stranded on both sides of the frontier. For transporters, the reopening means an opportunity to finally deliver goods that had been stuck for days. For businesses, it offers a chance to recover from mounting delays and financial losses.
One of key concerns during the shutdown was its impact on Pakistan’s LPG market. Before the suspension, industry reports suggested that more than 4,000 tonnes of LPG were entering Pakistan daily through the Gabd-Rimdan route, making it a major supply corridor for the country. The sudden interruption squeezed supplies, worsened shortages and contributed to a sharp increase in LPG cylinder prices.
The crisis started after mid-October when Ministry of Commerce suspended commercial trade through two major border crossings, Gabd-Rimdan and Taftan. The decision followed the withdrawal of an earlier government notification issued on October 3, effectively stopping the movement of commercial consignments through both routes.
Pakistani officials later pointed to security threats, smuggling concerns and the need for tighter border controls. Iran, meanwhile, termed interruption as temporary and linked it to technical issues, with officials indicating that consultations were underway to resolve the matter.
On October 22, armed men attacked freight vehicles parked near the closed crossing. Dozens of trucks were reportedly set ablaze, including vehicles transporting fruit, while other commercial vehicles were damaged. The attack sparked fears among drivers and traders who had already been waiting for days to resume their journeys.
Pakistan’s Armed Forces announced that security forces had killed 10 militants, including one woman, during operations in the Gabd and Gwadar areas. One civilian was killed during the incidents, while no security personnel were reported killed. Reports linked the violence to Baloch militant groups, although responsibility for the attacks on the trucks was not independently established.
Although Gabd-Rimdan has reopened, uncertainty remains over the full restoration of commercial operations at Taftan, another important trade crossing between Pakistan and Iran. Both routes were affected by the October 17 suspension, but the latest confirmation of resumed bilateral commercial traffic specifically concerns Gabd-Rimdan.
Islamabad and Tehran continue efforts to strengthen economic cooperation despite regional instability and security challenges along their shared border. Both countries have previously discussed plans to expand bilateral trade to $10 billion, an ambition that depends heavily on reliable transport links and uninterrupted commercial movement.
Over 2,000 Containers stranded as Pakistan shuts Iran Border amid ‘Security Fears’
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SRI NAGAR – Former Indian occupied Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah made startling claims of Indian government’s fear of Pakistan, saying Modi cannot harm Kashmir because it fears Pakistan, as Islamabad continues all-out efforts to keep the Kashmiri struggle alive on the international stage.
Speaking at public gathering in Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, the seasoned Kashmiri leader launched scathing attack on New Delhi’s policies, questioning Modi led government’s commitment to justice and highlighted Pakistan’s role in defending the rights of Kashmiris.
Abdullah claimed that Pakistan’s continued support for Kashmir remained a major factor in preventing India from taking harsher measures against the disputed territory, arguing that Islamabad has repeatedly stood by Kashmiris whenever their rights and interests have come under threat.
“Do you people really expect the government in Delhi to provide you with justice?” Abdullah questioned, expressing deep scepticism about New Delhi’s intentions towards the Kashmiri population.
Ex-CM claimed that India’s fear of Pakistan was preventing it from inflicting further harm on Kashmir, highlighting what he described as Islamabad’s protective role in the longstanding dispute. His comments carried importance given his decades-long political career in Indian-occupied Kashmir and his firsthand experience dealing with successive governments in New Delhi.
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Abdullah acknowledged Pakistan’s efforts, saying Islamabad ensures that voices of Kashmiris reach the global community. Pakistan’s consistent advocacy prevented Kashmir issue from fading from international attention, providing Kashmiris with an important diplomatic platform to highlight their grievances.
He further criticised India’s approach towards Kashmir, questioning the sincerity of New Delhi’s policies and suggesting that the Indian government had failed to address the legitimate political aspirations and concerns of the Kashmiri people.
Calling for unity among Kashmiris, Abdullah warned that their future depended on their willingness to stand together and courageously defend their rights. He cautioned that failing to resist policies they considered unjust could have serious consequences for their political identity and future.
His statements raise fresh attention to Pakistan’s longstanding diplomatic position on Kashmir, particularly its efforts to raise the dispute at the United Nations and other international platforms.
For Pakistan, Abdullah’s statements is acknowledgment from senior Kashmiri politician of Islamabad’s continued involvement in the dispute and its role in keeping international attention focused on Kashmir.
His criticism of New Delhi shows political dissatisfaction that persists within occuppied territory, where questions surrounding democratic rights, political representation and the region’s future remain deeply contested.
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LAHORE – The high-profile sexual assault case of Azerbaijan citizen Diana prompted stern action by Punjab Police, but the women left Pakistan and now takes U-Turn on serious allegations.
Police sources claiming that Rs20 million was paid to the girl for statement in favour of the accused. The controversy deepened after Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz raised allegations of financial influence and judicial bribery, while a Lahore court sent accused Ahmed Tanveer to jail on a 14-day judicial remand.
What began as serious sexual assault complaint involving three men and two women has now turned into a controversy surrounding money, influence, conflicting statements and questions about the justice system.
According to police sources, Diana, who initially accused three men of sexually assaulting her in Lahore, allegedly gets Rs20 million before publicly withdrawing her allegations against Ahmed Tanveer. The development came after clips surfaced on social media in which Diana declared Ahmed Tanveer innocent, claimed that her previous statements had been made under pressure and appealed for the case to be closed. However, the alleged financial transaction has not been independently verified, and the accused’s lawyer has denied knowledge of any settlement.
Police sources claim that Ahmed Tanveer belongs to an influential and financially powerful family, with his father reportedly being a prominent contractor. According to the sources, relatives of the accused and his legal representative allegedly contacted Diana by telephone in an attempt to persuade her to record a statement supporting Ahmed Tanveer.
The sources further alleged that once Diana agreed, Ahmed Tanveer’s father travelled from London to Azerbaijan. They claim that Diana subsequently received Rs20 million and is currently staying in Dubai. The allegations raised questions about whether the complainant’s sudden change of position was voluntary or influenced by financial considerations. However, Ahmed Tanveer’s lawyer, Safdar Shaheen, categorically rejected the claims involving him.
He said he had never visited Azerbaijan, never met Diana and never spoken to her over the telephone. He also maintained that he had no knowledge of any financial deal in the case.
The case attracted further attention after Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz posted a statement on social media, referring to allegations that a wealthy accused person’s family had offered between Rs15 million and Rs20 million to persuade a woman to withdraw her allegations.
CM pointed out that the woman’s statement had already been recorded before a magistrate under Section 164 of the Code of Criminal Procedure. In an even more serious allegation, she claimed that a judge who granted bail to the accused had allegedly been bribed. She warned that if such allegations were proven, they would expose serious concerns about the integrity of the justice system and the possibility of wealthy individuals using financial pressure to influence criminal proceedings.
She vowed to monitor such cases and ensure that no accused person could escape accountability because of wealth, influence or powerful connections. Maryam Nawaz stressed that justice should never be for sale and that nobody should be above the law. The bribery allegations have not been established by a court.
The controversy intensified on Friday when multiple videos featuring Diana began circulating on social media. In the recordings, Azerbaijani woman withdrew her earlier accusations against Ahmed Tanveer, saying he had neither raped her nor stolen her mobile phones. Diana claimed that her previous allegations had been made under pressure and urged the authorities to end the criminal proceedings.
In another video, she made a separate allegation concerning her departure from Pakistan. She claimed that she had wanted to appear personally before a court but was told that her life was in danger and was subsequently forced to leave the country.
Diana also announced that she had forgiven the other two accused, Mohsin and Ali Zain. She mentioned not wanting to pursue the matter further and requested that her name not be dragged into personal disputes. Her latest position sharply contradicts her original complaint and her earlier statement recorded under Section 164, adding another layer of complexity to the investigation.
Amid the controversy, a Lahore court on Saturday ordered Ahmed Tanveer to be sent to jail on a 14-day judicial remand. Judicial Magistrate Ahmed Saeed Saim announced the decision after hearing arguments on the police application. The court also directed investigators to arrange Ahmed Tanveer’s medical examination and complete the identification parade.
During the hearing, defence lawyer Safdar Shaheen Pirzada alleged that his client had been physically tortured throughout the night. The magistrate asked Ahmed Tanveer directly whether he had been tortured and wanted a medical examination.
The accused confirmed that he had allegedly been subjected to torture and requested medical assessment. His lawyer also argued that police were attempting to present an old incident as a fresh case despite Ahmed Tanveer having previously obtained bail.
The case first attracted public attention in the final week of September when Diana accused several individuals of sexually assaulting her in Lahore. According to the FIR registered at Defence C Police Station, she alleged that two women, Muskan and Nimra, and three men, Mohsin, Ahmed Tanveer and Ali Zain, were involved in the incident.
Diana claimed that she was given an intoxicating substance before being subjected to gang rape. She further alleged that her belongings and mobile phones were stolen and that the accused subsequently abandoned her near the airport.
Following the complaint, police launched an investigation, collected forensic evidence and DNA samples from the alleged crime scene, and reportedly recovered a vehicle believed to have been used during the incident. Several suspects, including Mohsin, were detained during the investigation.
During earlier court proceedings, Muskan told investigators that she first met Diana at a party, where they exchanged telephone numbers. According to Muskan, Diana had also offered to invite her and Nimra to other parties. Mohsin, another principal accused, claimed that he first met Diana on September 25 at a private housing society.
Meanwhile, Ali Zain presented a different account of the alleged incident. He claimed that Diana became uncontrollable during a gathering at an apartment in Defence and later became involved in a physical altercation inside a vehicle near Ghazi Road.
According to Ali Zain, Diana subsequently forced her way out of the vehicle. These claims remain the accounts of the accused and have not been judicially established.
The investigation also sparked controversy over Diana’s travel history and personal circumstances. Reports suggested that investigators had identified inconsistencies in certain statements and travel-related details. Separate media reports raised questions about her alleged marriage to a Pakistani man, while a video purportedly showing Diana in bridal attire also circulated.
Earlier this month, Lahore Police supervised Diana’s return to Azerbaijan. However, her subsequent claim that she had wanted to appear before the court but was forced to leave Pakistan has introduced further questions about the circumstances of her departure.
‘I Was Pressured’: Azeri woman Diana withdraws Rape Allegations against Pakistani man
The post Was Azeri Woman Diana offered Rs20 Million to drop Rape Case against Lahore’s Influential Man? appeared first on Daily Pakistan English News.
KABUL – Travelling between Pakistan and Afghanistan is becoming easier as Afghan airline Kam Air announced major expansion of its Kabul-Islamabad operations, increasing flight frequency to 7 days a week from November 1, 2026.
The move comes amid growing demand for air travel between the two neighbouring countries, offering passengers more flexibility, improved connectivity and additional options for onward journeys to Saudi Arabia and other Gulf destinations.
Kam Air confirmed the development through its official X account on October 23, announcing that daily flights between Kabul and Islamabad would begin on November 1. The announcement marks a significant increase in the airline’s existing operations rather than the introduction of an entirely new route.
Kam Air is operating four flights per week between Kabul and Islamabad, although the frequency varied depending on schedules. Under the revised arrangement, the airline plans to operate seven weekly flights in each direction, ensuring daily connectivity between the two capitals. The expansion is expected to benefit business travellers, families, overseas workers and passengers who frequently travel between Pakistan and Afghanistan.
The direct flight between Kabul and Islamabad typically takes around one hour to one hour and ten minutes, covering an aerial distance of approximately 350 to 352 kilometres.
Passengers are advised to check the airline’s updated timetable, as departure times and flight availability may change.
The expansion also comes weeks after Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) and Kam Air entered into an interline cooperation agreement in September 2026, aimed at improving international travel connections. Under the arrangement, passengers travelling from Kabul can access connecting services through Islamabad to Dammam, Saudi Arabia, with plans to extend connectivity to other Gulf destinations.
The agreement allows eligible travellers to book connecting journeys under a single ticket arrangement, while through-checked baggage can reduce the need to collect and recheck luggage during transit.
Depending on immigration requirements and individual travel arrangements, passengers may also be able to transit through Islamabad without completing entry immigration procedures. The cooperation could strengthen Islamabad’s position as an important transit point for Afghan passengers travelling to the Middle East.
The increase to daily operations could reduce waiting times between available flights and provide greater flexibility for passengers coordinating business meetings, family visits and international connections.
PIA to fly Islamabad–Birmingham 3 Times Weekly, expanding UK Operations
The post Kabul-Islamabad Air Route gets Daily Flights from November 1 appeared first on Daily Pakistan English News.
LAHORE – A routine online taxi booking has turned into nightmare for 26-year-old driver, who mysteriously disappeared while travelling from Lahore to Gujranwala, with his mobile phone suddenly going silent.
The missing driver, identified as Nauman Riaz, reportedly left his home last night after accepting passenger ride to Gujranwala. However, what was supposed to be a routine journey took an alarming turn when he failed to return home.
Nauman remained reachable on his mobile phone until late at night. His phone was subsequently switched off, leaving his relatives deeply concerned about his safety and whereabouts. As hours passed without any contact, the family feared that the young driver might have been kidnapped during the journey.
After complaint filed by Nauman’s brother, Suleman, Factory Area Police in Lahore registered kidnapping case and launched an investigation into the mysterious disappearance. Police are now investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident to establish what happened to the driver after he left Lahore for Gujranwala.
The case raised concerns about the safety of online taxi drivers, particularly those accepting intercity bookings and travelling long distances with unfamiliar passengers.
However, authorities have not yet confirmed an abduction, and the identity of the passenger, the driver’s last known location and the circumstances of his disappearance remain unclear.
The post Online Taxi Driver goes missing during Lahore-to-Gujranwala Ride appeared first on Daily Pakistan English News.
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