Key developments on Oct. 28:
MIRAN SHAH – A mortar strike on house in South Waziristan’s Angoor Adda killed one civilian and wounded five members of the same family, security sources said, prompting a Pakistani military response that the information ministry said destroyed seven Afghan Taliban posts.
The fresh confrontation garnered strongly rebuttal from Pakistan’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, which rejected the Afghan Taliban’s version of events as “false and fabricated”. It said mortar shell fired from the Afghan side landed on a house in a residential neighbourhood, causing the casualties and spreading fear among communities living along the volatile frontier.
The ministry accused Afghan Taliban forces of starting the clash with unprovoked gunfire and mortar shelling directed at unarmed civilians inside Pakistani territory.
𝐅𝐚𝐜𝐭 𝐂𝐡𝐞𝐜𝐤 | 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐈𝐧𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 & 𝐁𝐫𝐨𝐚𝐝𝐜𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠
𝐓𝐫𝐮𝐭𝐡 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐬 𝐎𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐅𝐚𝐥𝐬𝐞𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐝
— Fact Checker MoIB (@FactCheckerMoIB) October 28, 2026
Pakistani security forces responded immediately, the ministry said, silencing the firing positions and inflicting heavy losses in personnel and equipment. It claimed seven Taliban posts were destroyed. Security sources separately said several checkpoints were targeted during the retaliation.
The ministry also accused Taliban spokespersons of presenting a misleading account of the confrontation, describing their statements as part of a recurring campaign of fabricated claims aimed largely at audiences within Afghanistan.
The statement further alleged that the firing had been carried out on India’s instructions and reflected a pattern associated with Indian-backed proxies. The supplied information contained no independent evidence substantiating that allegation.
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ISLAMABAD – Pakistanis face another increase in fuel costs for October 29, 2026, with petrol rising by Rs1.85 per litre and high-speed diesel becoming Rs1.75 per litre more expensive, according to the Petroleum Division press release.
The revision takes petrol to Rs377.91 per litre from Rs376.06, while high-speed diesel climbs to Rs399.82 from Rs398.07. Both calculations match the revised prices listed in the notification dated October 28.
Despite the latest increase, petrol remains cheaper than at the beginning of October. Historical price records show it stood at Rs387.40 per litre on October 1 before reaching Rs398.96 on October 9. It subsequently declined to Rs390.23 on October 16 and Rs381.14 on October 20.
Recent revisions underline the uneven trend. Petrol rose to Rs379.25 on October 27, dropped to Rs376.06 on October 28 and will now recover to Rs377.91. Diesel, meanwhile, has climbed from Rs389.27 on October 20 to the newly announced Rs399.82.
Internationally, Brent crude futures traded at $115.47 a barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate stood at $101.33 at 0435 GMT, or 9:35am Pakistan time, on October 28. Both benchmarks were approximately 1.4% higher amid renewed concerns about Saudi Arabian supply risks.
Petrol Price in Pakistan drops to Rs376, Diesel nears Rs400 mark
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LAHORE (Javed Iqbal) – Imran Khan’s sister Noreen Niazi has been moved from Lahore jail to Punjab Institute of Cardiology on Wednesday evening, where doctors start investigating possible heart attack after she developed chest pain and difficulty breathing.
Noreen, the wife of Hafeezullah Niazi, was brought to the hospital’s emergency department at 6:51pm under strict police supervision, according to sources. Noreen arrived with rapid heartbeat, elevated blood pressure, chest pain and shortness of breath. Some changes in her ECG prompted doctors to order blood tests to determine whether she had suffered a heart attack.
A heart attack has not yet been confirmed. Doctors said the ECG findings could indicate a cardiac event, but a definitive diagnosis would depend on blood test results, particularly those checking for damage to the heart muscle.
After immediate examination and initial medical care, Noreen was moved to the relevant surgical ward, where she remains under continuous observation and treatment. Sources said she had been experiencing heart discomfort while incarcerated in a Lahore jail. Her worsening condition prompted the transfer to the specialist cardiac hospital.
The hospital also saw heightened security presence following her arrival, with a heavy police contingent and senior officials reaching the premises. Strict security arrangements were put in place around the section where she was being treated, restricting access to her.
Noreen is the sister of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf founding chairman Imran Khan. Doctors are continuing to assess her condition, with the blood test results expected to clarify whether her symptoms and ECG changes were caused by a heart attack.
Imran Khan undergoes Medical Check-Up by PIMS, Shifa Doctors at Adiala
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The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting on Wednesday dismissed a statement by Afghanistan’s defence ministry regarding the firing at Angoor Adda border area, terming it a “fabrication of lies”.
Afghan security forces opened unprovoked fire on Pakistan Army border posts and residential areas in the border area in Lower South Waziristan on Tuesday. The attack, which violated border protocols, claimed the life of one local and injured five, while provoking a swift response from security forces.
Subsequently, the Afghan defence ministry claimed that Pakistani military personnel “without any provocation or justification” launched drones targeting the Angoor Adda bazaar and the commissioner’s office in Paktika province. It claimed that Afghan forces “launched retaliatory strikes against a nearby Pakistani military base and outposts”, alleging that Pakistan was the aggressor.
In response, the ministry’s fact-checking account on X said: “[The] Afghan Taliban regime’s latest fabrication of lies on Angoor Adda border incident again confirms their deceitful character.
“Fact of the matter is that their cowardly forces initiated unprovoked fire and mortar shelling on unarmed civilians on [the] Pakistani side,” the ministry said, adding that the actions were following the “pattern and instructions of their proxy masters India”.
Pakistan’s security forces gave an immediate and effective response, the ministry said, adding that they inflicted heavy casualties as well as material losses on the Afghan side, including the destruction of seven posts.
“Such lies of [the] Taliban regime’s so-called official spokespersons carry no value and are part of a litany of fabricated stories that they keep on telling, mostly to their own people suffering under their imposed and non-representative regime,” the ministry said.
Earlier in the day, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi condemned the firing from the Afghan side, asserting that Pakistan would “never tolerate” attacks on its people or violations of its sovereignty.
The governor added that KP had “sacrificed thousands of lives in the fight against terrorism, and we will not allow anyone to threaten our people or undermine our security”.
“Any aggression against Pakistan will be confronted with unwavering resolve. Our armed forces have the full backing of the nation to defend every inch of our soil, and no threat or hostile act will weaken our determination to protect Pakistan,” he warned.
According to officials, the firing originated from posts located inside Afghan territory and targeted Pakistani border posts with small and heavy weapons.
Sources said that Pakistani forces launched an immediate and effective retaliatory action, engaging multiple Afghan Taliban border posts, mortar positions and defensive bunkers with small and heavy arms, including artillery. The “intense and accurate response” forced the Afghan Taliban to abandon their posts and flee.
The border at Angoor Adda is one of the most important and sensitive crossings along the Pak-Afghan border, serving as a key trade route and one of the main points of public movement between the two countries.
Border violations from the Afghan side have become a routine matter as ties between the two neighbours have remained strained in the past few years over counterterrorism measures.
Islamabad has repeatedly urged the Taliban administration in Kabul to dismantle terrorist sanctuaries on Afghan soil, particularly those linked to the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan, that are used for attacks in Pakistan. Officials say those appeals have gone unheeded.
September witnessed another bout of conflict between Pakistan and Afghanistan.
On Sept 21, in response to recent major terrorist attacks in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan conducted “calibrated” airstrikes in the border region with Afghanistan against terrorist hideouts, with the government saying more than 28 terrorists were killed.
Information Minister Attaullah Tarar described the action as part of Operation Ghazab lil Haq, which was launched on the night of Feb 26 in response to unprovoked cross-border firing by the Afghan Taliban.
Days later, Pakistan shot down eight drones launched from across the border that had entered Pakistani airspace near the Torkham border and Kohat. It was also reported that the Afghan Taliban engaged in unprovoked firing the night before near Kurram as security forces foiled an attempt by terrorists to cross into Pakistan.
In retaliation for the drone incursion, Pakistan conducted “precision aerial and drone strikes” in 10 locations across Afghanistan.
A demarche was also delivered to the Afghan side on Sept 26 on account of the Sept 23 airspace violation by drones, the Foreign Office said.
On Oct 1, Pakistan again carried out “well-planned and calibrated” airstrikes against terrorist hideouts in Afghanistan, the information ministry said, adding that the strikes resulted in the deaths of “multiple terrorists”.
Around mid-October, the state media reported that security forces had again responded to unprovoked firing by Afghan Taliban forces along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border in KP’s Upper Kurram.
It quoted security sources as saying that several personnel of the Afghan Taliban were “reportedly killed during the Pakistan Army’s retaliatory action along the Ghuzgarhi border”. The sources further said that in the Upper Kurram sector, the army targeted the Afghan Taliban’s Topsar post and Shipola base camp with artillery fire, reportedly completely destroying the latter.
The border skirmishes came a day after the Foreign Office said that talks with Afghanistan could not be unconditional, but also rejected suggestions that Islamabad was unwilling to engage with its neighbour and said it would welcome sincere efforts by friendly countries to help resolve the dispute.
ISLAMABAD – Pakistan’s crypto market is entering new chapter of accountability as Pakistan Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (PVARA) joins country’s anti-money laundering framework, strengthening oversight of digital asset businesses and efforts to curb illicit money flows.
National Executive Committee on Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Financing of Terrorism approved adding PVARA to Schedule IV of the Anti-Money Laundering Act (AMLA), strengthening the authority’s role in overseeing cryptocurrency exchanges and other virtual asset service providers.
The decision brings regulatory accountability to a market used by millions of Pakistanis, and it reinforces efforts to establish clearer operating requirements for crypto businesses as the country develops a formal framework for digital finance.
Under the strengthened oversight arrangements, licensed platforms must maintain anti-money laundering programmes, report suspicious transactions and meet applicable Financial Monitoring Unit requirements. Firms that fail to comply can face regulatory action.
For businesses seeking to enter Pakistan’s digital asset market, the development adds another layer of clarity to a sector undergoing rapid regulatory change. Stronger supervision could also help build confidence in licensed platforms and support their integration with the wider financial system.
PVARA’s mandate rests on the Virtual Assets Act, passed by parliament in March 2026, following a presidential ordinance introduced in 2025. The legislation established a dedicated legal framework for licensing and supervising virtual asset businesses, alongside market surveillance provisions.
Chairman Bilal bin Saqib has described the Act as Pakistan’s first dedicated cryptocurrency law. He has also said the regulator has issued No Objection Certificates to several firms as it advances the authorisation process. The authority works alongside the State Bank of Pakistan and the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan. While PVARA leads licensing and supervision within its mandate, the central bank is working on banking arrangements for virtual asset businesses.
Pakistan’s large crypto user base makes the transition particularly significant. Bringing more activity into a supervised environment could improve transparency and give businesses a clearer route into the formal economy.
PVARA operates regulatory sandbox where companies can test services under supervision before pursuing full licences. The initiative provides space for innovation while allowing the regulator to assess emerging products and potential risks.
PVARA Chief calls for UN-Led Push on Global Digital Finance Regulation
Pakistan’s boom in crypto market faces critical test to keep dirty money out of digital finance. Criminals are exploiting weak ID checks and poorly supervised platforms to disguise illicit funds as routine trading. Pakistan’s Financial Monitoring Unit has flagged virtual assets as vulnerable to money laundering and terrorist financing, citing analysis that included domestic suspicious transaction reports.
The scale makes effective oversight essential. Around 40 million Pakistanis hold crypto-linked accounts, PVARA Chairman Bilal bin Saqib told a Senate committee, according to reporting in September 2026. The figure represents an official estimate rather than a verified count of active traders
Stronger safeguards can prevent criminal proceeds from slipping into legitimate trading activity. Verifying customers, monitoring unusual transfers and reporting suspicious transactions give authorities a better chance of detecting abuse while supporting a more accountable crypto market.
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ISLAMABAD – As attacks on Saudi Arabia and fears of renewed Israeli strikes on Iran deepen Middle East crisis, Pakistan reaffirmed its backing for the Makkah defence alliance, calling it a critical force for lasting regional peace.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar delivered the message during a meeting with retired Lieutenant General Nauman Mahmood, the alliance’s first secretary-general, as Islamabad continued diplomatic efforts to ease tensions.
Dar highlighted efforts to promote regional and international stability and stressed the alliance’s importance in securing lasting peace. He also congratulated Mahmood on his appointment and wished him success.
Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye in August, the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement binds the three countries to a collective security commitment under which an attack on one member is considered an attack on all. The pact took shape amid a widening regional confrontation following US and Israeli attacks on Iran in February. Tehran responded by targeting American military bases and civilian infrastructure across the Gulf.
The crisis has since spread to Saudi Arabia, where attacks by Iran-backed Houthi rebels have heightened concerns over the security of civilian facilities and the risk of further escalation.
Pakistan warned the Houthis against attacking the kingdom and reaffirmed its commitment to protecting Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Islamabad has repeatedly stressed that the agreement is defensive and is not directed against any country.
The meeting comes as Pakistan works with Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, Qatar and other regional partners to advance peace efforts at a time of mounting military and diplomatic uncertainty. On Monday, senior officials from Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye met Iranian officials in Tehran to discuss ways to ease the confrontation.
Saudi Defence Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman, Pakistan’s Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir, Turkish intelligence chief Ibrahim Kalin and Iran’s Supreme National Security Council Secretary Mohsen Rezaei participated in the talks. Meanwhile, negotiations between Washington and Tehran remain stalled, placing renewed attention on Qatar’s mediation efforts.
An earlier report suggested Iran was considering a draft agreement presented by Qatari mediators on Sunday, with a response expected by the end of the week. The proposal was aimed at ending the war involving Iran, the United States and Israel.
However, a subsequent statement attributed to a senior Iranian official challenged that account, describing the suggestions as unacceptable ideas rather than a new peace proposal.
Middle East braces for Military Escalation as US mulls Massive Iran Strikes after November 3
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PESHAWAR – A Peshawar court on Wednesday sentenced Afghan national to death and imposed Rs100,000 fine after convicting him in a blasphemy case reported in Hayatabad in 2022.
Additional Sessions Judge Rafiullah announced verdict against Mullah Din after the completion of the trial, finding him guilty on the basis of witness testimonies and evidence presented by the prosecution.
Din, a resident of Afghanistan, made derogatory remarks about Prophet in 2022, within the jurisdiction of Hayatabad police station. Local residents apprehended him following the incident and handed him over to police. A case was subsequently registered under Section 295-C of the Pakistan Penal Code, and an investigation was launched.
Police later submitted a charge sheet to the relevant court, paving the way for formal trial proceedings. During the hearings, prosecution witnesses recorded their statements and other evidence was placed before the court for examination.
At the conclusion of the trial, the judge convicted Din and ordered his execution by hanging in accordance with the law. The written verdict directed that he be hanged by the neck until dead.
The court also ruled that failure to pay the Rs100,000 fine would result in an additional six months in prison.
Pakistan has strict blasphemy laws, with offences involving derogatory remarks about Islamic personalities carrying death penalty under Section 295 of the Pakistan Penal Code.
Pakistani Court sentences 4 Men to Death over ‘Blasphemous Content’ shared on WhatsApp
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KARACHI: Around 51,000 metric tonnes of imported wheat arrived at Karachi Port on Wednesday, according to the Karachi Port Trust (KPT).
“The geared vessel MV GOKOVA M, carrying a declared manifest of 51,000 metric tonnes of wheat, was allocated Berths 16 and 17 and arrived at Karachi Port at 1225 hours on Oct 28,” the press release said.
It added that another geared vessel, MV GREAT RAINBOW, carrying 59,132 metric tonnes of wheat, was expected to arrive on Nov 3.
“Together, the two vessels represent a declared wheat cargo volume of over 110,000 metric tonnes,” the KPT said, highlighting the port’s capacity to facilitate bulk commodity handling through Karachi Gateway Terminal Multipurpose Limited (KGTML) and support the smooth flow of essential imports.
“The KPT is facilitating the handling of bulk wheat cargo at KGTML, reinforcing Karachi Port’s role in supporting the country’s essential commodity imports and ensuring efficient cargo operations,” the press release said.
On Monday, Food Security Minister Rana Tanveer Hussain announced that the government would maintain strategic wheat reserves of up to six million tonnes.
He asserted that there would be no shortage of wheat in Pakistan this year as adequate arrangements were in place to meet the national requirements. He further stated that arrangements could be made to import up to 550,000 metric tonnes of wheat in accordance with provincial requirements and demand.
Expressing concern over recent fluctuations in wheat prices, Hussain described the prevailing price hike as artificial and manipulated by certain market elements.
He maintained that sufficient wheat stocks were available in the country and expressed confidence that prices would return to normal within the next few days.
The food security minister emphasised that the government was closely monitoring market developments and would take necessary measures to discourage artificial shortages, speculative practices and unjustified price increases.
Last week, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had announced the indicative price of Rs4,500 per maund of wheat for 2027, raising the price by Rs1,000 from last year.
Separately, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar chaired a meeting of the Steering Committee on Wheat on Wednesday.
“The committee evaluated overall grain availability across the country and examined import plans aimed at keeping local supplies steady,” according to the Foreign Office.
It said Dar stressed that “maintaining sufficient stocks and preventing any disruption in grain supply remain a top priority for the government”.
He noted that smooth coordination between federal and provincial bodies is vital to keep prices affordable for the public, the statement said.
The deputy prime minister “directed the concerned authorities to monitor market trends closely and ensure that the supply of wheat is adequate and atta prices are on a downward trajectory,” it added.
In a recent meeting, DPM Dar had directed federal and provincial governments to take all necessary measures, including increasing market supply, to bring wheat prices under control.
Pakistan has barred Taiwanese airlines from using its airspace in support of Beijing’s One-China policy, becoming the first country to take such a step, Bloomberg reported on Wednesday.
“The aviation division follows the One China policy — only mainland China is allowed,” Defence Minister Khawaja Asif told Bloomberg News.
“We have permitted only Chinese airlines to fly over Pakistan,” he said.
Taiwanese carriers began rerouting flights over the weekend, with China Airlines Ltd and Eva Airways Corp no longer flying over Pakistan since the morning of Oct 25, according to flight-tracking data cited by the report.
At least a dozen flights operated by the two airlines between Asia and Europe have flown over Russia since Sunday, according to Flightradar24 data.
China Airlines and Eva Air declined to comment, while Taiwan’s Civil Aviation Administration did not comment on the rerouting. It said, however, that it had never banned carriers from flying over Russia.
Pakistan’s restrictions are stricter than those imposed by mainland China, which allows Taiwanese airlines to fly over its territory, the publication added.
Beijing considers Taiwan part of its territory. Pakistan severed official relations with Taiwan in 1951 in favour of closer ties with China.
It remains unclear what prompted Pakistan’s decision. Airspace restrictions, however, can intensify during periods of heightened geopolitical tensions, the report said.
Pakistan and China have strengthened ties under President Xi Jinping’s Belt and Road Initiative, which has channelled billions of dollars into Pakistan. The two countries also maintain close military cooperation, with China being Pakistan’s largest supplier of weapons.
Their defence ties drew international attention during the May 2025 conflict between Pakistan and India, when Pakistan used Chinese-made J-10C fighter jets.
Taiwanese airlines had avoided Russian airspace since February 2022, in line with many Asian, European and North American carriers, although they were never formally barred from using it, the report said.
The rerouting has added hours to flights between Asia and Europe and increased fuel costs. China Airlines and Eva Air are also routing aircraft over other parts of South Asia and the Middle East, adding to journey times.
Pakistan has repeatedly reaffirmed its support for China on the Taiwan issue. On Jan 3, Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said Islamabad would continue to adhere to the One-China principle and regard Taiwan as an “inalienable part of China”. He described Pakistan and China as “iron-clad friends and all-weather strategic cooperative partners”.
The statement came after China completed military drills around Taiwan in early January, including live-fire exercises aimed at simulating a blockade of key ports and assaults on maritime targets. Beijing claims Taiwan as its territory, while Taipei rejects the claim.
ISLAMABAD – Fauji Fertilizer Company Limited has reported sharp increase in earnings, reinforcing its position among Pakistan’s major corporate profit-makers as higher sales and stronger operating income helped the company deliver double-digit growth.
According to financial results for 9 months ended September 2026, the fertilizer manufacturer earned Rs71.02 billion in net profit, compared with Rs63.04 billion during the corresponding period last year. The figures show increase of around 13%, meaning the company generated nearly Rs8 billion more in profit than it did during the same nine months of 2025.
FFC’s Board of Directors announced an interim cash dividend of Rs18.50 per share, continuing the company’s shareholder payout strategy. With the latest declaration, total interim dividends announced for 2026 have reached approximately Rs41.50 per share, including earlier distributions. The latest results showed earnings per share (EPS) climbing to approximately Rs48.77 from Rs43.30 a year earlier, reflecting improved profitability.
The company’s strong performance was not limited to its nine-month figures. During the July–September quarter, FFC generated approximately Rs28.60 billion in net profit, compared with Rs25.09 billion in the corresponding quarter of 2025. This shows year-on-year growth of nearly 14%, indicating that the company maintained positive earnings momentum during the third quarter.
FFC had already reported Rs42.42 billion in profit during the first half of 2026, accompanied by an interim dividend of Rs14.50 per share. The latest financial figures reveal that FFC’s consolidated revenue climbed to approximately Rs373.24 billion during the nine-month period, registering growth of nearly 15.7%.
Gross profit increased to around Rs124.64 billion, up 14.9%, while operating profit advanced 13.9% to approximately Rs92.08 billion. The company recorded profit before taxation of Rs108.62 billion, while its tax expense stood at nearly Rs37.60 billion. However, rising borrowing costs remained a concern, with finance expenses increasing by approximately 37.1% to Rs7.60 billion.
Despite this pressure, FFC maintained strong profitability, supported by its fertilizer operations and investment income. Operational figures also showed stronger demand for the company’s key fertilizer products. FFC’s urea offtake increased to approximately 2.16 million tonnes from 1.96 million tonnes a year earlier, highlighting improved sales volumes.
Production of prilled urea at the company’s Goth Machhi and Mirpur Mathelo facilities increased by around 2% to 1.91 million tonnes. However, gas supply constraints affected granular urea production, which declined by approximately 15% to 281,000 tonnes. Sona DAP production also fell to 586,000 tonnes from 622,000 tonnes amid raw material availability challenges and elevated phosphoric acid prices.
The financial announcement attracted attention on Pakistan Stock Exchange, where FFC shares were trading near Rs549–550 on October 28, compared with the previous session’s price of approximately Rs537.
FFC’s financial growth comes as the company continues to benefit from its expanded operations following the merger with Fauji Fertilizer Bin Qasim Limited. The merger strengthened the company’s position in Pakistan’s fertilizer industry, particularly in urea and DAP production and distribution.
The company’s standalone nine-month profit reached approximately Rs64.16 billion, while consolidated earnings, which incorporate the relevant group results, climbed to Rs71.02 billion.
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ISLAMABAD – Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) ordered immediate local government elections in 23 districts, rejecting further delays in areas where electoral preparations have already been completed.
ECP decision opened the door for fresh electoral contest in the region, where local government institutions have remained inactive for months following the expiration of their constitutional terms. The electoral exercise will not extend to 12 tribal districts currently affected by emergency conditions, where security concerns and extraordinary administrative arrangements have forced authorities to put elections on hold.
The decision was announced by a five-member ECP bench headed by Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja, following hearings over prolonged delays in holding local government elections. In its ruling, the commission made it clear that elections cannot be held hostage to administrative delays in districts where all legal requirements have already been fulfilled.
The electoral watchdog directed the provincial government and its election wing to immediately prepare a polling schedule for the 23 districts where the delimitation of constituencies has been completed. For remaining areas where constituency boundaries have yet to be finalised, the commission ordered authorities to announce a fresh delimitation schedule without wasting further time.
ECP directed provincial administration and relevant institutions to provide the necessary security, logistical assistance and administrative arrangements to ensure the smooth conduct of elections.
The latest ruling comes after months of uncertainty surrounding the future of local government institutions in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The 4-year tenure of local bodies elected during the first phase expired in March 2026, while representatives elected in the second phase completed their terms in June 2026.
Since then, the province has faced a prolonged gap in elected local representation, raising questions about grassroots governance and the delivery of municipal services.
‘KP Emergency Could Last Until 2029 Elections’, Rana Sanaullah hints at Govt’s Strategy
According to Election Commission, amendments introduced by the provincial government to local government legislation, coupled with administrative complications, disrupted the delimitation process and prevented the timely announcement of elections. During the hearings, election officials informed the commission that essential preparations had already been completed in most districts, strengthening the case for allowing the electoral process to proceed.
The controversy surrounding local government elections intensified after the federal government imposed emergency measures in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa under Article 232 of the Constitution and Governor’s Rule under Article 234. The extraordinary constitutional arrangements created fresh challenges for holding elections, particularly in areas facing serious security threats.
The provincial administration approached the ECP, seeking the postponement of local government elections in 12 districts. Officials cited deteriorating law and order, military deployments in sensitive areas and the prevailing emergency situation as major obstacles to organising polling.
The commission accepted that elections could not proceed immediately in the emergency-affected districts but refused to extend the suspension to areas where electoral arrangements were already complete.
The ruling does not announce an exact polling date, but it requires authorities to move ahead without unnecessary delay. For political parties, prospective candidates and millions of voters across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the decision could mark the beginning of a fresh battle for control of local government institutions.
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KARACHI – Pakistani showbiz stars Hania Aamir and Yashma Gill sparked frenzy online with birthday celebrations that left fans divided.
Mere Humsafar star decided to make close friend Yashma feel extra special with a surprise at her apartment. The actress went all out to create a festive atmosphere, decorating the apartment with red and black balloons, including shiny heart-shaped decorations. She arrived with a birthday cheesecake featuring a message written in pink icing, catching Yashma in a moment of genuine excitement.
Dressed in a white lace-trimmed top, Hania appeared delighted as she celebrated alongside Yashma, who opted for a black crop top and loose blue jeans. Snaps from the celebration captured birthday girl surrounded by balloons, flowers and presents. A beautiful arrangement of flowers added another colourful touch to the occasion.
Another cake, decorated with red frosting and an amusing stick-figure illustration, became part of the playful birthday moments. Yashma was photographed posing with the cake while making funny expressions for the camera.
As pictures made their way across social media, the celebration attracted sharply divided reactions. A large number of admirers showered the actresses with birthday greetings, praised their friendship and wished them happiness in the years ahead. However, another section of social media users took issue with their clothing choices.
Yashma Gill is among Pakistan’s well-known television actresses, recognised for her versatile performances, outspoken personality and active social media presence. With 1.6 million Instagram followers, she has built a substantial online audience, although some of her posts and fashion choices have occasionally generated controversy.
Her television career includes appearances in popular dramas such as Ab Dekh Khuda Kia Karta Hay, Kis Din Mera Viah Howe Ga, Sadqay Tumhare, Bebak, Tere Ishq Ke Naam, Phaans and Haq Meher. She also received appreciation for her acting in Habil Aur Qabil, further strengthening her presence in the television industry.
Yashma Gill sets Internet Ablaze in Sultry Black Saree Photoshoot
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ISLAMABAD – Pakistan delivered setback to Taiwan’s aviation industry by shutting its skies to Taiwanese airlines, forcing international passenger jets to abandon their usual flight paths and take alternative routes through Russia in dramatic move that reinforces Islamabad’s unwavering support for Beijing.
The restrictions disrupted flights operated by Taiwan’s leading carriers, China Airlines and EVA Air, particularly on busy routes connecting Asia with Europe. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif publicly confirmed the government’s position saying Islamabad’s aviation policy strictly follows the One-China principle, under which only airlines from mainland China are permitted to use Pakistani airspace.
The development is unsual escalation of diplomatic dispute surrounding Taiwan into international aviation, with South Asian nation introduced first such restriction. There has also been no prominent official response so far from Taiwan’s Foreign Ministry or the Chinese government specifically addressing the reported Pakistani decision.
The first signs of change reported earlier this week, when aviation tracking platforms started recording unexpected shift in the routes used by Taiwanese passenger aircraft. Data from Flightradar24 shows that China Airlines and EVA Air crossed Pakistan during certain long-haul journeys, begun steering their aircraft away from the country.
Instead of following their established flight corridors, more than 10 Asia-Europe services reportedly diverted northward through Russian airspace. The sudden change caught the attention of aviation analysts, who observed Taiwanese aircraft taking substantially different routes between October 25 and 27.
For Taiwanese airlines, Pakistan’s decision is another blow as Taiwanese commercial carriers already face restrictions on flying across mainland China, leaving them with limited corridors for their long-distance journeys to European destinations.
Pakistan’s airspace provided key passage through South Asia, allowing certain aircraft to avoid more complicated and potentially longer routes. With that corridor now reportedly blocked, airlines must reconsider how they connect Asian cities with major European aviation hubs.
Another option takes aircraft northward through Russia, a route that Taiwanese carriers had largely avoided amid Russia-Ukraine war. Russian option reportedly become more attractive with the beginning of the International Air Transport Association’s winter scheduling season on October 25.
Beyond the disruption to international flights, Pakistan’s decision carries considerable political significance. Islamabad maintained a consistent position on Taiwan for decades, recognising Beijing as the sole legitimate government of China and supporting its claim that Taiwan is an inseparable part of Chinese territory.
Pakistan’s Foreign Office reaffirmed that position earlier in 2026 amid renewed international tensions over the Taiwan Strait. The same commitment has repeatedly appeared in joint statements issued by Islamabad and Beijing, reflecting the two countries’ close strategic and diplomatic relationship.
China and Pakistan describe their partnership as ironclad and all-weather, with cooperation spanning defence, economic development, infrastructure and regional security. The latest aviation development gives that diplomatic position a practical dimension, extending Pakistan’s support for Beijing into decisions affecting international commercial air traffic.
Islamabad already restricted Indian aircraft from using its airspace, with restrictions extended through aviation notices amid tensions between the nuclear-armed neighbours.
Pakistan extends airspace ban on Indian aircraft for another month
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KABUL — Afghan Taliban restricted corneal transplant surgeries, declaring the sight-restoring procedure ‘Un-Islamic’ despite free eye tissue donations from Pakistani-origin doctors.
The controversial move forced hospitals in Kabul and Jalalabad to suspend operations, shattering the hopes of hundreds of blind Afghans. The restriction has also disrupted a humanitarian programme backed by the Association of Physicians of Pakistani Descent of North America (APPNA), which had already helped more than 150 Afghan patients undergo corneal transplants.
Hundreds of blind Afghans who were hoping to regain their eyesight have been dealt a devastating blow after Taliban authorities reportedly banned corneal transplant surgeries, declaring the life-changing medical procedure contrary to their interpretation of Islamic teachings. The controversial decision brought free eye-transplant programme to a sudden standstill, forcing hospitals in Kabul and Jalalabad to turn away patients who had spent months waiting for the chance to see again.
Even more alarming is that the restriction was reportedly imposed through verbal instructions rather than a publicly issued written decree. Doctors say they have no choice but to comply, fearing punishment if they continue performing the operations.
The development gets attention to growing challenges facing Afghanistan’s healthcare system under Taliban rule, particularly as patients with treatable blindness find themselves caught between medical necessity and religious restrictions.
The transplant programme had been stopped in August following orders attributed to Taliban authorities.
The reported ban particularly affected humanitarian programme supported by Association of Physicians of Pakistani Descent of North America (APPNA), a US-based organisation with a long history of providing donated corneas to patients in Pakistan.
Established in 2017, APPNA’s charitable corneal donation initiative has helped thousands of people receive sight-restoring treatment. Its earlier records documented more than 5,000 donated corneas supplied through the programme, with subsequent updates reporting further expansion.
In 2026, the organisation extended its services to Afghanistan, where decades of conflict and inadequate healthcare facilities had created an urgent need for specialist eye treatment. The results were significant. Within approximately four months, more than 150 corneal transplant surgeries were performed with the programme’s support.
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WASHINGTON – Fears of another devastating war in Middle East are mounting as US reportedly alerted several Gulf Arab countries to prepare for a possible high-intensity military offensive against Iran immediately after the November 3 congressional elections.
The warning delivered through diplomatic and military channels, comes amid growing indications that US President Donald Trump is weighing another large-scale assault on Iranian nuclear installations, military facilities and vital infrastructure.
As per WSJ reports, Washington is considering relatively brief but powerful military campaign intended to weaken Tehran’s remaining capabilities and increase pressure on its leadership to return to negotiations. Although Trump has not authorised a new offensive, people familiar with his thinking believe he is increasingly inclined toward military action after the midterm elections.
The developments raised serious concerns among Gulf governments, which fear becoming targets of Iranian retaliation if American and Israeli forces resume major combat operations.
The possibility of another military confrontation is being reinforced by a series of American deployments across the region. Pentagon is reportedly transferring a Patriot missile defence system from Texas to strengthen regional protection against incoming missiles and drones. American military personnel have also been relocated from bases considered vulnerable to Iranian attacks.
US forces are replenishing ammunition and preparing strategic bombers and fighter jets for potential combat missions. The naval buildup is equally significant. An additional aircraft carrier strike group and a Marine expeditionary unit are expected to move into the Middle East next month, joining an American naval presence currently estimated at roughly 20 warships, although some existing vessels could be replaced through routine rotations.
Israel is also reportedly preparing military options for possible renewed strikes, increasing speculation about another coordinated offensive against Iran. The preparations suggest Washington wants sufficient firepower in position not only to strike Iranian targets but also to defend American troops, regional allies and strategic installations against retaliation.
Trump also insisted that Washington remained in control of the confrontation, asserting that the conflict could end quickly whenever he chose, provided Iran was prevented from obtaining a nuclear weapon. He again claimed that previous American operations had destroyed Iran’s nuclear enrichment capabilities and inflicted severe damage on the country’s military strength.
Despite growing speculation, the White House has declined to discuss the reported operational preparations, maintaining that sensitive military decisions cannot be publicly confirmed or denied.
The latest tensions come after two major American military campaigns that dramatically transformed the confrontation between Washington and Tehran. In June last year, US launched Operation Midnight Hammer, deploying B-2 stealth bombers, powerful bunker-busting weapons and Tomahawk cruise missiles against nuclear facilities at Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan.
A much wider conflict erupted on February 28, 2026, when American and Israeli forces initiated Operation Epic Fury, known by Israel as Operation Roaring Lion. The campaign targeted Iranian missile installations, air defence networks, military facilities and strategic infrastructure. Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and several senior Iranian officials were assasinated during the fighting.
Pakistan played key diplomatic role in efforts to end the confrontation, helping facilitate the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding in June 2026. The framework proposed a pathway toward ending hostilities, restoring maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz and removing restrictions imposed by the American naval blockade.
Despite the damage sustained during earlier fighting, Tehran reportedly retains considerable missile capabilities and has been working to rebuild portions of its military arsenal. Iran used periods of reduced hostilities to replenish weapons, repair defensive infrastructure and strengthen its ability to withstand another offensive.
The post Middle East braces for Military Escalation as US mulls Massive Iran Strikes after November 3 appeared first on Daily Pakistan English News.
Nine India-sponsored terrorists were killed in two separate intelligence-based operations (IBOs) in Balochistan’s Kachhi and Wadh districts, the military’s media wing said on Wednesday.
In a statement, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said that on October 26, security forces conducted IBOs in the districts on the reported presence of terrorists belonging to Fitna al-Hindustan.
The state has designated Balochistan-based terrorist groups as Fitna al-Hindustan to highlight India’s alleged role in terrorism and destabilisation across Pakistan.
In the first operation in Kachhi, a terrorist hideout was destroyed and seven terrorists were eliminated in an exchange of fire.
Weapons and ammunition were recovered from the slain terrorists, the statement added.
In Wadh, security forces “tracked and intercepted terrorist movement” and killed two terrorists in an exchange of fire.
Weapons and ammunition were recovered from the slain terrorists, the statement added.
“Sanitisation operations are being conducted to eliminate any other India-sponsored terrorist found in the area,” the statement read, adding that a relentless counterterrorism campaign under the vision “Azm e Istehkam” will continue at full pace to “wipe out [the] menace of foreign-sponsored and supported terrorism from the country”.
In a statement on X, President Asif Ali Zardari paid tribute to security forces and commended their “professional” capabilities.
“Conspiracies of terrorists’ foreign patrons and their local facilitators will be thwarted,” he said. “The nation stands shoulder to shoulder with its security forces and law enforcement agencies.”
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also paid tribute to the security forces, saying that terrorists seeking to undermine Pakistan’s security and peace would “never succeed in their nefarious designs”, according to the Associated Press of Pakistan (APP).
“The efforts of the security forces and law enforcement agencies to completely eliminate terrorism and establish lasting peace in the country were commendable,” APP quoted the premier as saying.
“He said that he, along with the entire nation, stood shoulder to shoulder with the security forces in their unwavering resolve to eliminate terrorism from the country,” APP reported.
Balochistan has witnessed an increase in terrorist activities in recent years, prompting security forces to intensify counter-terrorism operations.
On Oct 18, an army major was martyred, and four terrorists were killed during multiple IBOs in Balochistan. A day before that, security forces killed eight “India-sponsored” terrorists during IBOs conducted in the Quetta, Nushki and Khuzdar districts of Balochistan.
On the night of Oct 12/13, security forces busted a terrorist hideout and killed five terrorists during an IBO in Washuk, ISPR said.
Days later, Balochistan government officials said that six terrorists affiliated with the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), two would-be female suicide bombers, and two commanders of a banned organisation had been arrested during IBOs across the province.
They said around 90 arrested terrorists were being held at a centre where investigations and legal proceedings were under way.
Earlier this month, five terrorists were eliminated in Balochistan’s Mastung district, state media reported.
According to Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS), terrorist violence increased substantially in Sept with 225 attacks recorded nationwide, compared with 199 in August, representing a 13.1 per cent increase and the highest monthly total recorded in 12 years, with Balochistan remaining the “principal theatre” with 131 attacks, accounting for 58.2pc of the national total.
On counterterrorism, the report noted that security forces conducted 74 operations, killing 280 terrorists. Out of this, Balochistan accounted for 35 operations and 171 terrorist deaths.
QUETTA – Pakistani Security forces dealt blow to militant networks operating in Balochistan, killing nine terrorists in two intelligence-driven in Kachhi and Wadh districts amid intensified campaign against foreign-backed militancy in the region.
The operations were carried out at suspected militant hideouts, where forces intercepted armed operatives and recovered weapons and ammunition following fierce gun battles. All nine slain militants belonged to Fitna al-Hindustan.
In Kachhi district, officials conducted an intelligence-based operation, and troops traced terrorist hideout and moved in to neutralise the threat. The operation quickly escalated into a fierce exchange of fire as the militants engaged the advancing security personnel.
By the time the guns fell silent, seven suspected terrorists had been killed and their hideout destroyed. A subsequent search of the location led to the recovery of weapons and ammunition.
While security forces were carrying out the operation in Kachhi, another intelligence-led crackdown unfolded in Balochistan’s Wadh district. Security personnel tracked suspicious militant movements and intercepted the armed suspects, triggering another gun battle.
According to security sources, two terrorists were killed during the exchange of fire, while weapons and ammunition were seized from the area. The two operations brought the combined death toll to nine, marking another significant development in the security forces’ efforts to dismantle militant networks across the province.
The operations did not end with the gun battles. Security personnel launched follow-up clearance and sanitisation operations in both districts to determine whether other militants were hiding in the surrounding areas.
Officials said the objective was to prevent surviving members of militant networks from regrouping and to eliminate any remaining security threats. The latest encounters come as Pakistan continues its counterterrorism campaign under Azm-e-Istehkam, the strategy approved by the Federal Apex Committee as part of the National Action Plan.
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Security authorities maintain that the campaign is aimed at dismantling terrorist networks, disrupting their operational capabilities and preventing further attacks. Security forces and law enforcement agencies have reiterated their resolve to pursue militants and their support networks, declaring that operations against foreign-sponsored terrorism will continue until the threat is eliminated.
The latest developments underline the continuing security challenges in Balochistan, where militant violence has remained a serious concern for authorities and local communities.
The post Deadly Blow to ‘Fitna al-Hindustan’ as Pak Forces neutralise 9 Terrorists in Balochistan appeared first on Daily Pakistan English News.
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