LONDON – Arshad Khan, the Pakistani tea seller who rose to fame after his photograph went viral in 2016, has expanded his café business in Britain with a third outlet in New Malden, south London.

The new branch of Café Chaiwala Arshad Khan is being launched by British-Pakistani businessman Asif Khaliq, the brand’s UK master franchise holder. He opened the first outlet in Tooting in January 2025, followed by a second in Sutton.

Mr Khaliq said two more branches were planned within the next month as part of efforts to expand the business across Britain.

Speaking at the New Malden opening, he said demand for Pakistani tea and street food was growing among British Pakistanis, other South Asian communities and the wider public.

“We are doing our best to promote Pakistani culture through food and hospitality,” he said.

The café’s menu includes halwa puri, Lahori chanay, parathas, desi omelettes, samosa chaat and kebab rolls, alongside karak chai, doodh patti and Kashmiri chai.

Mr Khaliq said the response to the Tooting and Sutton outlets had encouraged further expansion. The aim, he added, was to introduce Pakistani flavours to customers from different communities.

Khan welcomed the brand’s progress under Mr Khaliq, crediting him with helping expand its presence in Britain.

From roadside stall to café business

Khan became an internet sensation in 2016 after photographer Javeria Ali photographed him serving tea at a roadside stall in Islamabad. The image drew international attention and led to modelling, advertising and business opportunities.

He established his café business in Pakistan in 2020 before pursuing overseas expansion through franchise arrangements. While his cafés in Pakistan have since closed, the overseas business has continued to grow.

Dispute with former franchise partners

The expansion follows a dispute involving an earlier UK franchise arrangement, which began with an outlet in Ilford, east London, in June 2023.

Khan and his business partner, Syed Kazim Hasan, became involved in a disagreement with former franchise partners Nadir Durrani and Yawar Akbar Durrani over contractual obligations, royalty payments, trademark registration and the commercial use of Khan’s name and image.

Khan and Hasan initiated proceedings at the UK Intellectual Property Office to challenge a figurative trademark registered by a former business partner.

In their legal case, they alleged that the registration used Khan’s likeness without continuing authorisation after the franchise relationship ended. According to their filing, the arrangement was terminated in April 2025, while the disputed trademark application was submitted in August that year.

The material provided did not include a response from the former franchise partners or an outcome of the proceedings.

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ISLAMABAD – Pakistanis face another increase in fuel costs after the federal government raised petrol by Rs1.54 per litre and high-speed diesel (HSD) by Rs2.16 per litre for Tuesday.

OGRA linked the adjustment to developments in international markets, including changes in Platts benchmark rates, premiums and incidental costs.

Diesel users have now faced two successive increases. On Friday, the government raised HSD by Rs1.91 per litre while leaving petrol unchanged. Together, the two revisions have added Rs4.07 per litre to diesel prices.

The domestic increase comes as global crude markets pulled back on Monday, with hopes of easing hostilities between the United States and Iran reducing some supply concerns. However, persistent attacks on Saudi Arabia kept investors cautious and oil prices near six-month highs.

Brent crude futures fell $2.03, or 1.7%, to $114.70 per barrel at 10:37am ET, equivalent to 1437 GMT. US West Texas Intermediate crude dropped $2.60, or 2.5%, to $100.71 per barrel.

 

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ISLAMABAD – Clips doing rounds online as evidence of fierce clashes in Azad Jammu and Kashmir turned out to be manipulated, as artificial gunfire was added to create the impression of an armed confrontation.

The posts being pushed in bulk by Indian accounts claimed that widespread fighting had erupted in Chitra Topi, South Bagh and other locations, leaving parts of the region facing warlike conditions.

FAKE NEWS

Clashes Reported in Chitral, Topi, South Bagh and POK

The situation reportedly resembles a war zone, with security forces conducting operations across the areas. The scale of the activity has raised concerns among local residents. https://t.co/mRi407QZeE

— SILENT BRIEF (@SilentBriefHQ1) October 26, 2026

Footage presented as proof of intense clashes had been edited through the addition of gunfire sounds. It said the editing gave viewers a misleading impression of the events shown. Several other clips show large-scale military operations in Chitral, Topi, South Bagh and Azad Kashmir and these are AI-generated or fabricated.

Indian-linked digital networks of repurposing unrelated footage and adding artificial audio to promote claims of unrest and action by state institutions. Establishing who created the videos, or whether their circulation was coordinated, would require further evidence.

Pakistanis are urged to check the original upload, location, recording date and credible local reporting before sharing footage presented as evidence of a security incident.

 

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LAHORE — A meeting of Board of Directors of The Bank of Punjab (BOP) was held on October 26, 2026, wherein the Bank’s unaudited financial results for the nine months ended September 30, 2026, were reviewed and approved.

Building on its strong performance during the first half of the year, the Bank maintained its steady growth momentum, delivering sustained business expansion, robust core earnings, and consistent operational performance. The results reflect BOP’s strengthening financial fundamentals, effective strategic execution, and growing competitive position within Pakistan’s banking industry, reinforcing its commitment to sustainable growth and long-term value creation for stakeholders.

Financial Highlights at a Glance

Financial Performance	9M 2026	YoY Growth
Net Interest Income	Rs. 69.40 billion	19%
Non-Markup Income (excluding gains)	Rs. 18.04 billion	47%
Operating Profit (before provisions and gains)	Rs. 34.42 billion	34%
Profit Before Tax	Rs. 30.46 billion	15%
Profit After Tax	Rs. 14.53 billion	22%

Sustained Earnings Momentum Reinforces BOP’s Financial Strength

The Bank of Punjab continued its upward earnings trajectory during the nine months ended September 30, 2026, demonstrating the strength of its core banking franchise and the effectiveness of its business strategy. Operating Profit (before provisions and gains) climbed to Rs. 34.42 billion, marking an impressive 34% year-on-year increase. The Bank’s revenue performance remained equally encouraging, with Net Interest Income reaching Rs. 69.40 billion, up 19%, while Non-Markup Income (excluding gains) advanced to Rs. 18.04 billion, recording 47% growth. These results highlight the Bank’s ability to generate sustainable earnings through strategic balance sheet management, strengthening non-funded income streams, and a diversified revenue base.

The sustained strength in core earnings, complemented by disciplined expense management, continued to support the Bank’s overall profitability. Profit Before Tax rose to Rs. 30.46 billion, representing 15% year-on-year growth, while Profit After Tax increased to Rs. 14.53 billion, reflecting a 22% improvement over the corresponding period last year. The Bank’s continued focus on productivity, cost optimization, and operational discipline contributed to improved efficiency, with the Cost-to-Income Ratio (excluding gains) improving by 3.03%. This combination of revenue growth, profitability, and enhanced operating efficiency reflects BOP’s progress towards building a stronger, more competitive, and financially resilient banking institution.

Robust Advances Growth & Improved Deposit Mix

The Bank also demonstrated sustained business momentum during the nine months ended September 30, 2026, with gross advances registering an impressive 28% year-on-year growth, reflecting the Bank’s expanding lending footprint and continued support for economic activity. Despite a broadly stable overall balance sheet, the Bank made significant strides in strengthening its core deposit franchise, with current deposits growing by 16% year-on-year, while average current deposits recorded a remarkable 25% increase over the corresponding period last year. This strong growth in low-cost deposits underscores the Bank’s continued focus on improving its funding mix, enhancing funding efficiency, and building a more sustainable foundation for long-term profitability. Total assets and deposits stood at Rs. 2,456 billion and Rs. 1,928 billion, respectively, while gross advances reached Rs. 1,073 billion, highlighting the Bank’s continued emphasis on productive asset deployment and strengthening its core banking business.

Strengthened Capital Base & Regulatory Compliance

The Bank further reinforced its capital position, supported by strong financial performance and continued equity support from the Government of Punjab. During the period, the Bank received Rs. 15.6 billion from the Government of Punjab under the equity injection arrangements, representing a significant step towards strengthening its capital base. As of September 30, 2026, the Bank’s Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) stood at 13.94%, while its Leverage Ratio reached 4.07%, both comfortably above the regulatory requirements prescribed by the State Bank of Pakistan. The Bank also maintained full compliance with applicable IFRS 9 provisioning requirements, reaffirming its commitment to prudent financial management, regulatory discipline, and long-term financial resilience.

Strategic Milestones & Growing Institutional Recognition

The year 2026 marked significant strategic achievements for The Bank of Punjab, further strengthening its institutional standing and growth prospects. The Bank’s long-term credit rating was upgraded by PACRA to the highest AAA category with a Stable Outlook, reflecting its strengthened financial profile and institutional resilience. Expanding its international footprint, BOP also secured in-principle approval from the State Bank of Pakistan to establish an Overseas Wholesale Banking Unit in the Kingdom of Bahrain, opening new avenues for cross-border business and regional connectivity. Complementing these milestones, the Bank continued to earn prestigious national recognition, securing three accolades at the Pakistan Banking Awards 2026 for Agriculture Inclusion, SME Banking, and Women’s Inclusion. These achievements extend BOP’s remarkable track record of consecutive awards across key banking segments, reinforcing its growing market standing, commitment to financial inclusion, and pursuit of sustainable long-term growth.

Building a Future-Ready Bank | Strategic Outlook

The Bank of Punjab continues to strengthen its position as a dynamic and increasingly competitive financial institution, combining its established public-sector relationships with a growing commercial banking franchise. Beyond its traditional role as a key financial partner to the Government of Punjab, BOP is progressively broadening its business horizons through deeper customer engagement, diversification of banking services, and a sharper focus on sustainable, relationship-driven growth.

Bank remains committed to leveraging technology, digital innovation, and operational excellence to enhance customer experience, improve service delivery, and build a more efficient and agile banking model. With a clear emphasis on strengthening core banking capabilities, maintaining prudent risk management, and capitalizing on emerging domestic and international opportunities, BOP aims to translate its institutional progress into enduring financial performance. Looking ahead, the Bank’s strategic direction remains firmly anchored in profitable growth, customer-centric innovation, financial inclusion, and sustainable stakeholder value, while continuing to play a meaningful role in Pakistan’s economic development.

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NEW YORK – US President Donald Trump took his Michigan campaign rally into viral moment as he made wild comment about Nicki Minaj’s A**, asked her to stand and then told the cheering crowd he hoped she was not offended.

“By the way, I looked at one hell of a beautiful A** before, Nicki Minaj. That’s hard to miss,” Trump said in Port Huron event. The rapper stood and waved as supporters cheered. Trump followed with: “I hope Nicki wasn’t insulted, but we love Nicki. She’s been with us for a long time.” The exchange came as Trump campaigned for Republicans ahead of November’s midterm elections, with Minaj joining him after travelling to Michigan aboard Air Force One.

SNEAKO’s FACE when Trump says Nicki Minaj has “one hell of an ass” and then STARES at it

BRO WAS NOT READY FOR THAT https://t.co/6ZCnjqZ4Yz

— sneakoko (@sneakoko) October 26, 2026

His remark followed detailed explanation of his earlier comments about Ohio Republican Senator Jon Husted’s physique. Trump insisted those observations concerned Husted’s football background and had been made “in fun”, arguing that reports had missed the context.

“I’ve never done that with a man before. Off the record, women? Yes. Men? No,” he said, before switching his attention to Minaj.

Nicki Minaj used her appearance to rally support for Republican candidates. Slaying in gold Gucci suit, the 43-year-old rapper led chants of Trump’s name and described the election as a major turning point for the United States. As she left the stage, Trump offered more praise: “She never looked more beautiful. She gets it. She’s smart.”

Her trip also sparked talk of a possible White House role after communications director Steven Cheung shared a video of her discussing the administration’s economic and foreign policies aboard Air Force One. “Ladies and gentlemen, I think we may have found the new White House Press Secretary!” Cheung wrote on X.

Controversy grows over hidden Epstein files involving allegations that Trump sexually abused a minor

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TEHRAN – Senior officials from Pakistan, Iran, Saudi Arabia and Turkey concluded high-level meeting in Tehran aimed at preventing further escalation and opening a path towards an agreement amid regional tensions.

The meeting was held at Iranian capital’s Saadabad complex, and talks brought together leading political, defence and intelligence figures from the four countries. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian urged the participants to put shared interests at the centre of regional diplomacy, saying differences could be addressed more effectively through constructive engagement.

Moments from Major General Rezaei’s meeting with senior Turkish, Saudi, and Pakistani officials. https://t.co/V3OD1WZr3U

— IRIB (Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting) (@iribnews_irib) October 26, 2026

He said regional problems would become easier to resolve if countries managed their disagreements wisely and concentrated on common ground instead of issues that deepen divisions.

Pakistan was represented by its Chief of Defence Field Marshal Asim Munir, and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi. Saudi Defence Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman and Turkish intelligence chief Ibrahim Kalin also attended. Joining Pezeshkian on the Iranian side were Supreme National Security Council Secretary Mohsen Rezaei and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.

Saudi Arabia termed discussions positive efforts to prevent tensions from escalating further and create conditions for an agreement. The supplied account did not detail any final agreement or joint declaration following the meeting.

The meeting comes after Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Turkey signed a defence and security agreement on August 7 this year, known as the Makkah Pact.

 

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RIYADH – Yemen’s Houthi movement claimed fresh attacks on Riyadh airport and pumping stations serving Saudi Arabia’s strategic East–West oil pipeline, a major route for transporting crude without passing through Hormuz.

Saudi authorities have yet to respond to the claims, leaving the reported strikes, their impact and any disruption to operations unconfirmed. The claims come amid an escalation in Houthi attacks on Saudi airports, ports and oil installations over the past month. The pipeline and its pumping stations have also been targeted previously.

Operated by Saudi Aramco, the 1,200-kilometre pipeline carries oil from the kingdom’s eastern region across the Arabian Peninsula to the Red Sea port of Yanbu. Its route gives Saudi Arabia an important alternative to shipping crude through the Strait of Hormuz.

The latest claims followed an announcement by the Saudi-led coalition fighting the Iran-backed Houthis that it had struck two ballistic missile launch sites in Yemen’s capital, Sanaa.

According to the coalition, one of those sites had been used to fire a missile towards Riyadh. Saudi air defences intercepted and destroyed the projectile in mid-air, the coalition said.

The competing statements underscore the widening threat to Saudi transport and energy infrastructure, although no Saudi confirmation of the latest claimed attacks was available in the supplied account.

 

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KARACHI – SITE Association of Industry (SAI) President Abdul Hadi warned that the State Bank of Pakistan’s decision to raise its policy rate to 12% will deepen financial distress among struggling manufacturers, discourage investment and undermine prospects for industrial recovery.

Reacting strongly to 50-BPS increase, Hadi called the decision extremely difficult for the business community to absorb, particularly when factories are already battling high operating costs and weak capacity utilisation.

He said manufacturers were contending with expensive electricity and gas, elevated production expenses and rapid shifts in the global economic environment. Many industrial units, he added, were running far below their installed capacity and barely managing to remain operational.

Hadi warned another increase in borrowing costs would place businesses under further pressure and make recovery more difficult. SAI president criticised the Monetary Policy Committee for overlooking repeated demands from industrialists to bring the policy rate into single digits. He said the decision raised concerns that the sector’s financial and operational challenges were not receiving serious attention.

Hadi cautioned that the impact would extend beyond businesses seeking fresh loans. Alongside making new financing more expensive and difficult to obtain, the increase would raise the interest burden on existing borrowing, further straining companies’ finances.

That additional pressure, Hadi warned, could weaken industrial growth and discourage entrepreneurs from committing fresh investment at a time when manufacturers were already struggling to sustain production.

Calling for an urgent rethink, Hadi urged Sharif-led government and the central bank to prioritise the concerns of the industrial sector and take concrete steps towards a single-digit policy rate.

State Bank raises Policy Rate to 12pc as Inflation risks Mount in Pakistan

 

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Internet use in Pakistan has grown rapidly over the past several years, and the country’s young population spends a significant portion of its daily screen time on social media platforms. Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, and Facebook are among the most visited platforms, with users between the ages of 18 and 35 making up the largest share of active accounts. But alongside this growth in consumption, a distinct behaviour has emerged: rather than saving content within the apps themselves, a growing number of Pakistani users are choosing to download videos directly to their devices.

This is not a casual or occasional habit. It reflects a practical response to specific conditions that define how digital access works in Pakistan, and it is becoming more widespread as users grow more familiar with the limitations of platform-native save features.

What Instagram’s Save Feature Actually Does

Most users assume that saving a post on Instagram stores the video on their phone. In practice, the platform works differently. When you tap the bookmark icon on an Instagram post, the app saves a reference to that post within your account. The actual video file remains on Instagram’s servers, tied to the original uploader’s account. Nothing transfers to your device.

The consequence of this becomes clear when the original post is removed. If the creator deletes the video, if the platform removes it due to a music licensing dispute, or if the account is deactivated, the saved bookmark in your collection becomes an empty link. The video is gone, and you receive no notification. You only discover the loss when you go looking for the content and find it no longer exists.

Why Content Disappears from Instagram

Content removal on Instagram happens for several reasons. Creators frequently delete older posts when updating their profiles or stepping back from the platform. Music licensing is a particularly common cause: a reel or video set to a popular track may be taken down when the rights holder withdraws permissions for a specific region, which happens regularly and without advance notice to users who have saved the post.

Platform policy enforcement is another factor. Instagram routinely removes posts that are flagged for community guidelines, copyright claims, or other violations. In each of these cases, any user who had saved the post loses access to it immediately and permanently.

For Pakistani users who save educational content, cooking tutorials, fitness guides, or professional reference material from Instagram, the loss of a saved video can be genuinely disruptive. The content that disappears is often content they were planning to return to.

Pakistan’s Connectivity Context

Beyond the impermanence of saved bookmarks, the conditions of internet access in Pakistan add a second layer of motivation for downloading content locally. Mobile data coverage has improved substantially in major cities, but connectivity remains inconsistent in smaller cities, rural areas, and during peak hours even in urban centres. For a user who cannot rely on a stable connection at all times, platform-hosted content that requires streaming is not always accessible when needed.

Data costs are a further consideration. The majority of Pakistani smartphone users are on prepaid mobile plans with monthly data caps. Streaming the same video multiple times, whether rewatching a tutorial or revisiting a news clip, consumes data on each viewing. A video downloaded once and stored locally costs nothing to replay. Over weeks of regular use, this difference has a tangible impact on how far a monthly data allowance stretches.

Why Instagram Does Not Offer a Download Button

The absence of a native download feature on Instagram is a deliberate product decision, not an oversight. Instagram’s revenue model is built on advertising, which depends on users watching content within the app. Every view that occurs inside Instagram generates engagement data and advertising impressions that the platform monetises. A video played from a locally saved file generates none of this. From the platform’s commercial perspective, enabling downloads would reduce the time users spend inside the app and therefore reduce advertising revenue.

Platforms that have introduced offline downloads, such as YouTube Premium and Netflix, operate on subscription models where revenue does not depend on in-app view counts. For free, advertising-supported platforms like Instagram, the commercial logic points against enabling users to take content off the platform.

How Pakistani Users Are Solving the Problem

The most widely adopted solution among Pakistani Instagram users is browser-based download tools. These tools operate entirely within the phone’s existing browser and require no app installation, no account registration, and no ongoing permissions. A user finds the Instagram video they want to keep, copies its link from the app, opens their phone’s browser, and uses an Instagram video downloader to save the file directly to their device. The entire process takes under two minutes. Once saved, the video sits in the phone’s gallery like any other file, plays without an internet connection, and remains accessible regardless of what happens to the original post on the platform.

The appeal is practical and immediate. There is no new software to manage, no subscription to pay, and no account to create. The file is simply on the device, available whenever it is needed, with no dependency on Instagram remaining accessible or the original post continuing to exist.

Who Is Driving This Trend

The users most actively downloading Instagram content in Pakistan span several groups. Students save educational videos, subject explainers, and revision material so they can study without relying on a data connection. Homemakers download cooking recipes and household tutorials. Young professionals save content relevant to their work. Content creators use download tools to back up their own published videos, protecting their material against account issues or platform removals that could otherwise erase months of work.

Across all of these groups, the underlying motivation is the same: locally stored content is more reliable than platform-hosted content. A bookmark depends on the platform, the creator, and an internet connection all functioning correctly at the same time. A downloaded file depends on none of these things. As Pakistan’s digital population continues to grow and as users accumulate more experience with the limitations of platform save features, the shift toward local storage is likely to continue.

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ADELAIDE – Pakistan’s fast bowler Haris Rauf could be heading for major Big Bash League (BBL) switch, with reports suggesting Adelaide Strikers are closing in on a deal to bring the star pacer on board for the 2026–27 season.

The reported development sparked excitement among cricket fans, particularly after Rauf’s impressive performances for Melbourne Stars, where he established himself as one of the competition’s most dangerous fast bowlers.

Adelaide Strikers had been pursuing Rauf and were reportedly nearing an agreement. Several cricket outlets subsequently echoed the speculation, describing negotiations as ongoing or a deal as likely. However, an official confirmation from Adelaide Strikers or Cricket Australia has yet to be confirmed, meaning the reported signing should still be treated with caution.

Rauf’s Pakistan international spent five seasons with Melbourne Stars, taking approximately 56 wickets in 33 matches and building a reputation for his raw pace, aggressive approach and ability to deliver at the death.

His performances reached another level during BBL|15 in the 2025–26 season, when he claimed 20 wickets in 11 matches to finish among the tournament’s leading wicket-takers and earn selection in the Team of the Tournament. His campaign also featured a hat-trick.

Adelaide Strikers reportedly been looking to strengthen their squad after missing out on the finals in each of the previous two seasons. With England’s Ben Stokes and New Zealand’s Mark Chapman already signed, Rauf has emerged in reports as a potential target for the franchise’s remaining overseas recruitment plans.

Under coach Tim Paine, the Strikers could benefit from Rauf’s experience in Australian conditions, his ability to generate extra pace and his proven record in high-pressure overs. A move to Adelaide would also give the Pakistan speedster an opportunity to bring his experience and wicket-taking ability to a new BBL setup after years with the Stars.

2026–27 Big Bash League season is scheduled to begin on December 12, 2026, with the final scheduled for January 26, 2027. With the tournament approaching, franchises are continuing to shape their squads, and any confirmed agreement involving Rauf would add another major talking point for Pakistani cricket fans.

Pakistan players attracted considerable attention during the previous BBL season, with names such as Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan and Shaheen Shah Afridi featuring in discussions around the league. Rauf’s potential involvement would further raise interest in Pakistan’s representation this season.

 

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ISLAMABAD: Bestway Group on Saturday launched Chinese automaker Geely Auto in Pakistan, acquiring the Proton plant at Port Qasim, Karachi, for assembly.

Bestway Automotive, Geely’s sole authorised distributor, will handle sales and after-sales service.

The Group Managing Director, Irfan Sheikh, said the company would focus on localisation and build a charging network to support its long-term presence.

The launch includes three models: the EX2 compact electric hatchback, the EX5 electric SUV, and the Starray EM-i with range-extended EV technology.

Bestway said it has invested over $350 million in Pakistan and created 20,000 jobs in the last three years.

Geely Auto Inter­national Corporation Vice President Evin Ye said Pakistan was Geely’s first market in South Asia, adding that it was the only automaker with a low-orbit satellite network.

Published in Dawn, October 25th, 2026

• Calls for increased market supply, warns against hoarding and speculation
• PTI Kisan Wing welcomes wheat support price, seeks effective procurement mechanism

ISLAMABAD: Expressing concern over rising wheat prices, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Saturday directed federal and provincial governments to take all necessary measures, including increasing market supply, to bring prices under control.

Chairing a cabinet committee meeting to review the stocks, prices and supply of essential commodities, Mr Dar emphasised that safeguarding national food security and ensuring the availability of essential items at reasonable prices were government priorities.

The participants reviewed national reserves, procurement frameworks, domestic consumption and price trends. They were informed that stocks of essential commodities remained adequate, ensuring stability in local supplies.

The committee was briefed that domestic and imported wheat stocks were sufficient to meet requirements until the next harvest.

Regarding sugar, the committee was informed that its price in the domestic market remained well below the targeted retail price of Rs155 per kg, with surplus stocks available until the next crushing season.

Mr Dar directed federal and provincial authorities to closely monitor market networks, stressing that all organisations must show zero tolerance for hoarding and market speculation.

The meeting was attended by National Food Security and Research Minister Rana Tanveer Hussain, Climate Change Minister Musadik Malik, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Tariq Bajwa, the secretaries of the national food security and research and commerce ministries, the chief secretaries of all provinces, and senior officials from relevant federal and provincial departments.

Implementation urged

In a related development, the PTI Kisan Wing has welcomed the government’s announcement of a wheat support price of Rs4,500 per maund (40kg), while expressing reservations about its implementation and demanding concrete measures to ensure farmers receive the announced rate for their produce.

A day earlier, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif set the new indicative wheat support price for 2027, increasing it by Rs1,000 from the rate fixed last year.

According to a statement issued on Saturday, PTI Kisan Wing Central Secretary Information Khalid Nawaz Sadhraich said the announcement had come after a prolonged wait and persistent demands by farmers’ organisations, which had repeatedly urged the government to protect growers from rising production costs and financial losses.

He welcomed the announcement but said its significance would depend on whether the government ensured its implementation in letter and spirit. Merely announcing a support price would serve little purpose if farmers continued to be denied the promised rate when selling their wheat, he added.

Referring to previous wheat procurement seasons, Mr Sadhraich said farmers had repeatedly suffered despite government claims and official announcements regarding support prices.

“In the absence of an effective procurement mechanism, middlemen and commission agents exploited growers’ vulnerability, compelling them to sell their produce at throwaway prices, often without effective intervention by the relevant authorities,” he said.

He cautioned the government against repeating these mistakes, saying farmers could not afford another season of financial uncertainty after investing heavily in seeds, fertilisers, pesticides, diesel, electricity and irrigation.

“A support price announced on paper provides no meaningful relief unless farmers can actually sell their wheat at the declared rate,” he added.

Mr Sadhraich demanded that the government immediately announce a clear wheat procurement policy, ensuring that it purchased wheat directly from farmers at the announced rate.

He said the policy should spell out procurement arrangements and operational procedures and establish an effective monitoring mechanism to prevent exploitation by middlemen and ensure that the benefits reached genuine growers.

He also called for the timely establishment of procurement centres, transparent purchasing procedures and an accessible complaints mechanism so that small and medium-sized farmers could sell their produce without unnecessary hurdles or pressure from market intermediaries.

Published in Dawn, October 25th, 2026

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.

Military leadership reaffirms solidarity with people of occupied Kashmir on Youm-e-Istehsal

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

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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

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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.

inDrive rider disappears with food worth Rs45,000 in Lahore

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RIYADH – Pakistani expatriates living in Saudi Arabia can now avoid long queues and long waiting hours as Pakistan Embassy in Riyadh has introduced online appointment system for passport renewal and new passport applications.

The new facility is expected to bring relief to hundreds of overseas Pakistanis who previously had to spend considerable time waiting for passport-related services at the embassy.

Under newly launched system, Pakistani citizens can book appointments directly through the embassy’s official website by selecting available time slots. Applicants can then visit the embassy at their scheduled time to complete the required formalities for obtaining or renewing their passports.

Assistant Director Passport Sajid Mahmood said the initiative has been introduced to make passport services faster, easier and more convenient for Pakistani nationals residing in Saudi Arabia. He explained that the online booking facility would help applicants avoid unnecessary waiting and allow embassy staff to manage passport applications more efficiently.

With hundreds of appointments expected to be accommodated across different time slots, the system aims to reduce overcrowding and improve the overall experience for visitors.

Alongside the announcement, Pakistan Embassy in Riyadh issued an important advisory urging Pakistani expatriates to stay away from unauthorized agents and middlemen. Officials advised citizens to book appointments exclusively through the embassy’s official website to avoid potential scams and fraudulent activities.

The embassy said applicants should rely on official channels rather than individuals claiming to arrange passport appointments on their behalf. The development marks another step toward improving consular services for Pakistanis in Saudi Arabia, with the online appointment system expected to save time, simplify passport procedures and make embassy visits more organized.

For Pakistani expatriates planning to renew their passports or apply for new ones, the message is clear: book your appointment online, arrive at your scheduled time and avoid unauthorized agents.

Pakistan to make e-passports mandatory from THIS date as schedule changed

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LAHORE – Pakistan Cricket Board named 14-member squad for next month’s two-match Test series against Sri Lanka, with Babar Azam named captain and three uncapped players earning their first call-ups in a selection that brings fresh talent into the national red-ball setup.

The squad is a blend of experienced campaigners and emerging cricketers, with Sameer Minhas, Mohammad Taha and Mohammad Suleman receiving their maiden Test squad selections.

Men in Green will begin preparations with 14 players before adding two more fast bowlers following a three-day warm-up fixture in Islamabad. The additional pacers will be chosen from a 13-member Patron’s XI squad, giving the selectors another opportunity to assess bowling options before the opening Test.

New Players in Pakistan’s Test Squad

Babar Azam will lead a squad that includes established names such as Saud Shakeel, Salman Ali Agha and Mohammad Abbas, alongside several younger players looking to make their mark in international cricket.

Sameer Minhas, Mohammad Taha and Mohammad Suleman are among the notable inclusions, having been selected for the national Test squad for the first time.

The selection also includes Abdullah Fazal, Arafat Minhas, Azan Awais and Razaullah, while Ghazi Ghori and Saad Baig have been named as wicketkeeping options.

Left-arm spinner Ali Usman has also secured a place in the squad.

Pakistan’s 14-Member Test Squad

Player	Role
Babar Azam	Captain
Sameer Minhas	Player
Mohammad Taha	Player
Mohammad Suleman	Player
Abdullah Fazal	Player
Arafat Minhas	Player
Azan Awais	Player
Mohammad Abbas	Fast bowler
Razaullah	Player
Saud Shakeel	Batter
Ghazi Ghori	Wicketkeeper
Saad Baig	Wicketkeeper
Salman Ali Agha	All-rounder
Ali Usman	Left-arm spinner

Pakistan will open the series against Sri Lanka at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on November 9, with the first Test scheduled to conclude on November 13. The teams will then travel to Lahore for the second and final Test at Gaddafi Stadium, scheduled from November 17 to 21.

Pakistan vs Sri Lanka Test Series Schedule

Match	Dates	Venue
First Test	November 9–13, 2026	Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium
Second Test	November 17–21, 2026	Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore

Before the international series begins, a three-day practice match will be held at Islamabad Club from November 4 to 6. Saad Baig has been entrusted with the captaincy of the 13-member Patron’s XI, which includes several players also named in the national Test squad.

The fixture will carry additional significance for the fast bowlers, as two of them will be promoted to Pakistan’s Test squad after the match.

The Patron’s XI features Mohammad Salman, Shoaib Akhtar Junior, Ali Shabbir, Saqib Khan, Ubaid Shah and Mohammad Tayyab Arif among its bowling options.

Pakistan defeat Sri Lanka by 37 runs in Tri-Nation ODI opener

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LAHORE – Rainfall and hailstorms lashed several parts of Lahore on Saturday, bringing cool weather in metropolis.

Several localities gets showers along with hailstones, while Meteorological Department has forecast further rain and thunderstorms in the city over the next 24 hours. Rain and hail were reported in Gajjumata, Nishtar, Chungi, Walton and Harbanspura. Gulberg, DHA, Model Town and areas along Raiwind Road also experienced similar weather conditions, with rainfall and hailstones reported across different neighbourhoods.

Lahore’s temperature was recorded at 23°C. According to the Meteorological Department’s accompanying forecast, the minimum temperature is expected to reach 17°C, while the maximum could rise to 29°C.

PMD predicted another spell of rain accompanied by thunderstorms across Lahore during the coming 24 hours. Some areas may also experience hailstorms, potentially bringing further changes in local weather conditions.

According to the supplied three-day forecast, Lahore is expected to experience thunderstorms on Saturday, October 24, followed by sunny weather on Sunday and Monday.

Despite the recent rainfall and the possibility of additional showers, the three-day outlook indicates a return to sunny conditions on Sunday and Monday.

Continental air is currently prevailing over most parts of the country, while a shallow westerly trough is passing over Kashmir and adjoining areas. These atmospheric conditions form part of the prevailing weather pattern across the region. Mostly dry weather is expected to continue across the majority of the country on Sunday. Northern areas are likely to experience cold conditions, particularly during the morning and nighttime hours.

During the preceding 24 hours, most parts of Pakistan experienced dry weather, while colder conditions prevailed in the northern areas during the morning and night. However, isolated locations in upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the Potohar region and northeastern Punjab received rainfall accompanied by winds and thunderstorms.

Capital Islamabad, and other cities also received rainfall at several locations over the weekend.

Torrential rain disrupts traffic, floods streets in twin cities

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LAHORE – The man accused of physically attacking young woman riding a scooter on Lahore’s Mozang Link Road has been granted bail, drawing strong reaction from Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz.

The accused, identified as Syed Mudassirul Hassan, was ordered to be released on Saturday against surety bonds worth Rs100,000, just a day after police arrested him over the alleged assault. The court directed authorities to release the suspect if he was not wanted in connection with any other criminal case.

The decision came despite a request from Mozang police, who had produced the accused before the court and sought his judicial remand, which would have resulted in his transfer to jail.

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz lamented the development with a brief but pointed response on social media. Reacting to news of the suspect’s release, the chief minister wrote just one word on X: “Regrettable.” Her reaction brought renewed attention to the case, which involves allegations that a young woman travelling on a scooter was stopped and subjected to physical violence on Mozang Link Road.

Lahore police arrested Mudassir ul Hassan on Friday after the assault on young girl. However, the legal proceedings took a different turn on Saturday when the court granted him bail instead of ordering his detention on judicial remand as requested by police.

The suspect’s release on bail does not amount to an acquittal, and the allegations against him remain subject to legal proceedings. The case has once again brought the issue of women’s safety on Lahore’s roads into focus, particularly the protection of women travelling independently on motorcycles and scooters.

CM Maryam Nawaz slams ‘Spoiled Brats’ after Quick Action in Lahore Petrol Pump Assault Case

 

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