Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi said on Sunday that Sohail Afridi and Assembly Speaker Babar Saleem Swati were “in safe hands” after being placed under house arrest.
Afridi, who has become non-functional as the KP chief minister, has not been seen since the Centre imposed governor’s rule and emergency in his province on Oct 11. After their whereabouts remained unknown that day, a federal minister confirmed the next day that he and some of his cabinet members were in preventative custody.
However, with no further details officially confirmed, Afridi’s brother and Swati’s cousin have approached the Peshawar High Court separately to seek their relative’s recovery.
Appearing on Geo News’ TV programme ‘Jirga’ aired on Sunday night, the governor — who now runs the province — was asked about the whereabouts of Afridi, Kundi said he had been placed under house arrest and was “in safe hands — there is no need to worry”.
He said that if there were cases against Afridi, action would be taken against him and he would be indicted. However, if there were no cases, he would be released.
Asked why Afridi was not being released if there were no cases against him, Kundi replied he could provide an update tomorrow regarding the matter.
The governor further said that Speaker Swati was also under house arrest and would also be freed if there were no charges against him. Responding to another question, Kundi accused the PTI member of committing “illegal and unconstitutional” acts in his role as the KP Assembly Speaker.
Asked how many people were self-arrested and how many were “genuinely” arrested, Kundi said he did not have these numbers but that about 40 or 50 per cent of them were “under self-imposed arrest or self-concealment”.
The governor also addressed the imposition of emergency and governor’s rule in KP, stressing that it had been the “absolute last option”.
Regarding the potential duration of the emergency, he said, “We will see … after six months are complete, we will talk about what will and will not happen.
“But in my opinion, maybe it will run longer,” he added, clarifying that this was a “personal opinion” and he could be wrong.
He said that the basis for saying this was that the Centre and province needed to be “on the same page” in the fight against terrorism and “streamline” efforts against it, and was making plans accordingly, which he believed would take some time.
Kundi also distanced himself and the state policy from purported remarks made by Malik Khan Marjan — a member of the newly formed Area Representative and Development Council (ARDC) for 12 districts of KP — wherein he favoured dialogue with the Afghan Taliban.
“I will definitely check on this, but our policy is very clear: for now, we will not be holding talks with Afghanistan,” he maintained.
The governor condemned acts of terrorism carried out against Pakistan from Afghan soil and criticised Kabul for “allowing” India to use its soil against Pakistan while also asking for dialogue.
“If there is terrorism from there … our army knows how to fix it,” he added. “There is no dialogue and no talks of any kind about this.”
“I think this is his (Marjan’s) personal opinion, but it is not our policy,” Kundi said.
ISLAMABAD – Pakistani weightlifter Saima Shahzad won the gold medal in the 61-kilogram category at the second Asian Masters and World Masters Grand Prix 2026, held in Islamabad.
The six-day event ran from October 20 to 25 at the Liaquat Gymnasium in the Pakistan Sports Complex. It was organised by the Pakistan Masters Weightlifting Association in collaboration with the Pakistan Sports Board. Organisers had expected around 250 athletes from 21 countries to take part.
Saima Shahzad has also previously won a bronze medal for Pakistan in the 55-kilogram category of the weightlifting competitions at the 13th South Asian Games (SAG) in 2019.
RAWALPINDI – Security forces killed six terrorists belonging to the “Fitna al-Khawarij,” which the military describes as an Indian proxy, in an intelligence-based operation in the Zarkani area of Dera Ismail Khan. Two Pakistan Army soldiers were martyred in an intense exchange of fire.
According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the operation was carried out on October 24, 2026, after reports of the presence of terrorists in the area. Security forces responded effectively and killed six militants, whom the ISPR described as Indian-sponsored.
The ISPR said Naik Ghulam Murtaza and Sepoy Tasir Ahmad embraced martyrdom while fighting bravely. Naik Ghulam Murtaza, 36, belonged to Gujrat district, while 30-year-old Sepoy Tasir Ahmad was from Talagang district.
Weapons and ammunition were also recovered from the slain militants, who, according to the military’s media wing, had been involved in numerous terrorist attacks on security forces and law enforcement agencies and in the killing of innocent civilians.
The ISPR said a clearance operation is under way to eliminate any other militants present in the area.
It added that, under the National Action Plan approved by the Federal Apex Committee and in line with the “Azm-e-Istehkam” vision, counter-terrorism operations by security forces and law enforcement agencies will continue at full pace to completely rid the country of externally backed terrorism.
The ISPR also said the sacrifices of brave soldiers in defence of the homeland further strengthen the resolve to eliminate terrorism from the country.
FAISALABAD – Five people were killed and one person was critically injured in an accident involving a passenger bus, a car and a coaster on the M-4 Motorway.
According to National Highways and Motorway Police spokesperson Syed Imran Ahmad, motorway police officers reached the scene immediately after receiving news of the accident. Reports have been received of five people killed and one seriously injured.
The spokesperson added that the DIG Motorway and the sector commander have also left for the site of the accident.
ISLAMABAD – A father has been arrested for allegedly producing sexually exploitative videos of his own children and selling them online as part of a wider network, a senior National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) official said on Sunday.
Speaking at a press conference in Islamabad, NCCIA Additional Director Shoaib Khan said the arrested man was making videos of his own children. Describing it as an unusual case, he said the children were aged between five and six, and that the videos were produced and sold through the Telegram app. A group had formed around circulating and selling such material, he added.
Khan said the network had also filmed the abuse of animals. He said nothing of this nature had previously surfaced in Pakistan’s history, and that the identities of those involved in such cases were not disclosed. According to him, the main suspect belonged to Skardu, while investigations were under way in Multan, Islamabad and southern Punjab.
Online sexual harassment case
Khan said the NCCIA had also arrested a suspect in an online sexual harassment case a day earlier, following a complaint from Karachi. He said action would also be taken against parents who knew of crimes involving their children but failed to report them. “In cases of sexual harassment, parents know what their child is doing,” he said.
The agency is launching an awareness campaign at universities and will also teach parents how to monitor what their children view on mobile phones. Khan said he would personally visit schools in Islamabad to raise awareness among parents, and that the campaign would later be expanded nationwide.
Crackdown on call centres
Khan said NCCIA Islamabad had also carried out crackdowns on call centres and identified a large number of such facilities in the capital. Seven FIRs had recently been registered, and between 13,000 and 14,000 devices had been recovered in these cases.
He warned the public not to share one-time passwords (OTPs) or PINs with anyone, noting that fake banking websites had been created that can look identical to genuine ones.
On Chinese nationals arrested in Pakistan, Khan said they would be punished under Pakistani law. After completing their sentences, their visas would be cancelled and they would be deported.
LAHORE – The Pakistan Meteorological Department has forecast a powerful spell of rain entering Punjab from October 28.
A new western weather system is expected to bring rain, accompanied by strong winds and thunder, across the province, leading to a significant drop in temperature.
The rain spell will bring a change in the weather, and the intensity of the cold is likely to increase in the province.
MUZAFFARABAD – At least seven people were killed when a jeep fell into a ravine in Shakar Parian, on the outskirts of Muzaffarabad, the capital of Azad Kashmir.
According to rescue officials and police, the jeep was loaded with grass and carrying seven people when it went out of control and fell into a ravine hundreds of feet deep. All seven on board, including the driver, died. Local residents and rescue workers shifted the bodies to hospital.
In a separate incident, four people, including a child and a woman, were killed and four others injured in a horrific collision between a passenger coach and a car on Tando Adam-Jhol Road in Sanghar’s Tando Adam taluka. The dead and injured were taken to the Taluka Hospital in Tando Adam.
LAHORE – Pakistan ODI captain Shaheen Shah Afridi crossed a major milestone in the second match of the tri-series against England, completing 150 wickets in One Day International cricket. He is now the fastest Pakistani fast bowler to achieve the feat.
In the match at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium, Shaheen claimed his 150th ODI wicket by dismissing England’s in-form opener Tom Banton in the very first over. Banton had scored four consecutive half-centuries in his previous four innings, but he offered a catch in the covers off a full-length delivery from Shaheen.
Shaheen reached the milestone in his 80th ODI, while former Pakistan pace greats Waqar Younis and Shoaib Akhtar each took 91 matches to do so. Among Pakistani bowlers, Shaheen is now the second-fastest to the mark, behind former off-spinner Saqlain Mushtaq, who reached 150 wickets in 78 ODIs.
Globally, Shaheen is now jointly the fourth-fastest bowler to take 150 ODI wickets. Nepal’s Sandeep Lamichhane holds the world record, having reached the landmark in 73 matches, while Australia’s Mitchell Starc got there in 77.
Pakistan beat England by one wicket in a nail-biting fourth match of the tri-nation ODI series.
The national team chased down the target of 242 in the 48th over, finishing on 9 wickets down, thanks to a brilliant century from Shadab Khan, who scored 113 off 96 balls.
Pakistan’s chase did not begin well. Fakhar Zaman was dismissed for 10, Saim Ayub made 6, Babar Azam 10, Saad Baig 32, Salman Agha 26 and Hasan Nawaz 15. Captain Shaheen Shah Afridi scored 4, Rizwanullah 8, and Arafat Minhas returned to the pavilion after making 1.
Earlier, at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium, Pakistan won the toss and elected to field first. England were bowled out for 241 in 46.4 overs.
Ben Duckett played a superb innings of 105 for England, while Sam Curran (42) and Gus Atkinson (36) also stood out. Will Jacks was dismissed for 13 and Jamie Overton for 10.
For Pakistan, captain Shaheen Shah Afridi bowled well to take four wickets, while Arafat Minhas and Rizwanullah claimed two each. Haris Rauf picked up one wicket.
The match was dedicated to Pink Day to raise awareness about breast cancer, with the national team taking the field in pink kit.
ISLAMABAD – Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif launched an ambitious programme to provide half a million Chromebooks to students nationwide over the next two years, opening new doors to digital learning for hundreds of thousands of young Pakistanis.
Prime Minister’s Youth Chromebook Scheme was formally inaugurated at a ceremony in Islamabad today, marking another step towards making tech -based education more accessible, particularly for students who cannot afford modern digital devices.
Investing in the youth of Pakistan.
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif arrives at the Convention Centre for the launch of the Prime Minister’s Youth Chromebook Scheme.
#PMYouthChromebookScheme https://t.co/WBOJoQ1OmC
— Prime Minister’s Youth Programme (@PMsYouthProgram) October 25, 2026
The initiative aims to bridge technological divide between students from different economic backgrounds, enabling young people to attend online classes, access international educational resources and build the skills required to compete in an increasingly digital world.
Addressing the ceremony, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif made it clear that Pakistan’s greatest investment was not in buildings or infrastructure alone, but in the education and capabilities of its young population. PM termed students country’s most valuable asset and stressed that providing them with modern educational tools was a collective responsibility of the government and the state.
5Lac Chromebooks in Two Years
Sharif led government plans to provide half million Chromebooks within two years, substantially accelerating the pace of its previous student technology initiatives.
He highlighted progress made under PML-N govt, and recalled that approximately 600,000 laptops had been distributed to students over a decade. This time, the government intends to provide 500,000 devices in only 24 months, reflecting its renewed emphasis on expanding digital access in education.
PM stressed that the distribution would recognize students’ hard work, abilities and educational achievements, reinforcing the principle that opportunities should be linked to merit rather than financial privilege. He also expressed optimism that the Chromebooks would help young Pakistanis continue their education remotely, participate in virtual classrooms and access learning material that was previously beyond their reach.
Delivering a message of encouragement to young Pakistanis, Shehbaz said that intelligence, ambition and determination were not confined to wealthy households. He stressed that students from financially disadvantaged families possessed the same potential to excel as their more privileged counterparts, provided they were given equal opportunities.
The government was committed to removing barriers that prevented deserving students from receiving quality education and preparing themselves for future challenges. Chromebook programme is intended to support this vision by bringing modern digital learning tools within the reach of students across the country.
He also highlighted the government’s continuing efforts to strengthen education through the expansion of Danish schools. Sharif announced that at least 27 such institutions were being established across Pakistan to provide modern educational facilities and essential services to deserving students completely free of charge.
Prime Minister’s Youth Programme Chairman Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan, who addressed the ceremony before the premier, described the Chromebook initiative as an important development in the government’s efforts to empower young people. He revealed that the Tokyo Technology Care Foundation had taken practical steps to support digital facilities for 500,000 Pakistani students.
Eligibility
Only students enrolled in Government/Public Schools can apply. Private school students are not eligible.
AJK, Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT), and Gilgit-Baltistan: Top-performing students of both Grade 9 (SSC-I) and Grade 10 (SSC-II).
Students must appear on the list of top performers that their education board has submitted to IBCC. There is no single nationwide marks cutoff; each board decides its own “top-performing” criteria.
Enter your CNIC/B-Form number, roll number, or registration number (numbers only, no dashes) along with your date of birth.
Click “Find my record” to load your details from the board’s list.
Review the information carefully.
Upload the required documents.
Submit the form and download your reference slip.
You can apply only once. Once submitted, the form cannot be edited. If your record is not found, try a different number or contact your school/board. Providing incorrect information can cancel your allocation.
Documents Needed
Prepare clear scans (each under 300 KB):
Recent colour photograph (front-facing, plain background) – JPG or PNG
SSC-I or SSC-II mark sheet – JPG, PNG or PDF
Attested copy of your B-Form or CNIC – JPG, PNG or PDF
Attested copy of father’s or guardian’s CNIC – JPG, PNG or PDF
The announcement has generated interest among students seeking access to free educational devices. However, the government has not yet detailed the complete application and registration process in the information shared at the launch.
The official registration portal, eligibility conditions, application deadlines, academic criteria and province-wise distribution arrangements have yet to be clarified.
Students should therefore follow updates from the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme and other authorized government channels for information about how to apply.
The launch of the 500,000-Chromebook initiative, alongside the expansion of Danish schools, signals a broader effort to strengthen Pakistan’s education sector by connecting academic opportunity with modern technology.
For hundreds of thousands of students, particularly those from families struggling to afford digital devices, the programme could provide an important opportunity to access learning resources, develop valuable skills and pursue a more promising educational future.
MADRID – A fresh wave of unrest swept across Europe, with hundreds of thousands taking to the streets of France, Spain, Italy, Albania and Portugal to protest rising living costs, housing shortages, education problems and growing dissatisfaction with government policies.
It all started as peaceful demonstrations in several EU cities but escalated into violent clashes, leaving police officers and protesters injured, businesses vandalized and hundreds of people under arrest. Youngsters, including teenagers and school students, emerged as key force in the unrest, while social media played a major role in bringing crowds onto the streets.
BREAKING: Mass protests sweep Europe.
· France: 410k march, 70k police, nearly 1,000 arrested.
· Italy: 500 soldiers deploy in Milan, luxury boutiques boarded up.
· Spain: 25k demand pensions in Madrid.
· Albania: Agriculture Ministry entrance set on fire. https://t.co/YozeWNoiSu
The latest demonstrations followed earlier weekend of serious disturbances, forcing European authorities to tighten security, deploy additional police personnel and warn of tougher action against those involved in violence.
France witnessed some of major demonstrations, with protesters venting anger over rising household expenses, deteriorating public services, inequality and problems within the education system. Over weekend, around half million people participated in demonstrations across the country, according to official estimates, while trade unions claimed the actual turnout could have reached 800,000.
BREAKING: Chaos Erupts In Barcelona As Protest Turns Violent, More Than 100 Arrested https://t.co/xYvIXwvXP5
Authorities deployed thousands of security personnel to maintain order as large crowds gathered in Paris, Marseille and other major cities. Although many demonstrations remained peaceful, confrontations erupted in several locations when masked groups clashed with police. Security forces used tear gas and water cannon to disperse violent protesters, while nearly 1,000 people were reportedly detained.
The latest disturbances came just a week after an even more intense outbreak of violence, during which reports indicated approximately 2,400 arrests and injuries to nearly 1,000 security personnel. Student groups also joined the protests, demanding better school facilities, more teachers and increased education funding, adding further pressure on the French government.
Barcelona became another flashpoint after hundreds of young demonstrators gathered near Plaça de Catalunya on Saturday, October 24, following protest calls circulated through social media. The gathering, attended by estimated 500 to 600 people, quickly deteriorated as groups dressed in black and wearing face coverings began confronting police, damaging public property and setting fires.
Several vehicles, rubbish containers and street installations were set ablaze, while shops were vandalized and looted. Firefighters responded to more than 30 incidents as violence spread through parts of the city, disrupting public transport and leaving some shoppers temporarily trapped inside commercial establishments.
Authorities also seized knives, sprays, fireworks, masks and other objects allegedly carried by those involved in the disturbances. Barcelona Mayor Jaume Collboni and Catalan President Salvador Illa strongly condemned the violence and warned that those responsible would face legal consequences.
The unusually high number of teenagers involved has also prompted discussions about parental responsibility and the growing influence of online protest campaigns.
Albania Protests
Albania has also been jolted by demonstrations as thousands of protesters demand the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama. Public frustration over alleged corruption, education costs, economic difficulties and government policies has fueled the unrest, with students and opposition supporters taking part in successive rallies.
Tensions escalated again in the capital, Tirana, on October 24 when protesters confronted security forces near government buildings. Police used tear gas and other crowd-control measures after groups allegedly threw stones and attacked public property.
Dozens of people were detained, while reports covering the wider period of unrest indicated that more than 300 protesters and police personnel had been injured. Authorities have accused disruptive groups and alleged outside elements of provoking violence, but opposition activists insist that the demonstrations reflect genuine anger over the country’s political and economic situation.
Italy Protests
Italy experienced protests across several major cities, including Milan, Rome, Turin, Naples, Bologna and Florence, as demonstrators raise concerns about inflation, education, public services and government spending priorities.
Some protesters have also opposed increased military expenditure and international conflicts. Earlier demonstrations, particularly in Milan, were marked by vandalism, fires and confrontations involving stones, bottles and fireworks.
Madrid Protests
While some cities witnessed violent disorder, protesters in Madrid focused on pension protection and economic security. Around 25,000 people gathered in the Spanish capital on October 24 to demand improvements to the public pension system and stronger financial safeguards for retirees.
Demonstrators called for pensions to remain linked to inflation, minimum retirement payments to move closer to the national minimum wage and action to reduce inequalities between male and female pension recipients. They also opposed proposals that could increase private-sector involvement in retirement benefits.
Spain simultaneously faced growing anger over housing affordability, with campaigners protesting against expensive rents, evictions and property speculation.
Portugal Joins Growing Protests
Similar concerns have triggered protests in Portugal, where residents of Lisbon and Porto have taken to the streets over rising housing expenses and the shortage of affordable accommodation.
Protesters established temporary encampments to highlight the difficulties faced by tenants and lower-income households. Tensions escalated when police moved to clear some protest sites, resulting in confrontations and arrests.
The demonstrations have drawn attention to growing frustration among younger residents who say increasing housing costs are making independent living and long-term financial security increasingly difficult.
Despite differences in political demands, the demonstrations reveal common concerns affecting several European countries. Rising prices, housing insecurity, pressure on public services and dissatisfaction with political leadership have contributed to growing public frustration, particularly among younger generations.
TEHRAN/WASHINGTON – A possible diplomatic breakthrough between Iran and United States emerged amid growing fears of another devastating military confrontation, with reports claiming Tehran is prepared to reopen Strait of Hormuz if Washington ends its blockade of Iranian ports.
Iranian sources issued conflicting statements over the proposal, raising questions about whether the two countries are moving closer to negotiations or another round of military strikes. The latest development comes as Pakistan steps up efforts to facilitate dialogue between Washington and Tehran, while reports of fresh American and Israeli military preparations have triggered widespread anxiety across Iran.
Al Arabiya reported that Tehran communicated through Pakistani intermediaries that it could allow shipping operations to resume through the strategically important Strait of Hormuz if US withdraws its naval restrictions on Iranian ports.
The report also claimed that Tehran informed Islamabad of its willingness to restart negotiations with Washington, offering potential opening in a confrontation that has disrupted regional trade and global energy markets. Iranian Ambassador to Pakistan Reza Amiri Moghadam reportedly acknowledged Tehran’s willingness to restore shipping through the waterway under certain conditions, according to an Associated Press report dated October 24.
An Iranian source speaking to Tasnim news agency challenged that account, insisting that no fresh proposal had been delivered to Pakistan and rejecting the suggestion that Tehran had agreed to exchange the reopening of the strait for the removal of the US blockade. The conflicting claims mean that neither the existence nor the precise terms of a new diplomatic offer have been firmly established.
While diplomatic channels remain active, the threat of another war is dominating public concern inside Iran. Reports that United States and Israel prepared plans for renewed military strikes have unsettled Iranian communities already struggling with the consequences of earlier attacks.
American officials reportedly indicated that operational preparations for additional strikes had been completed, although any decision to proceed would ultimately depend on President Donald Trump.
Trump warned that he may authorize military action if diplomatic efforts fail, including the possibility of strikes following the US midterm elections. He continues to insist that Iran must not develop a nuclear weapons capability, while taking a hard line on Tehran’s nuclear activities. American president alternated between threatening overwhelming military force and suggesting that an agreement could help revive Iran’s struggling economy. These mixed messages have intensified uncertainty among Iranians, many of whom fear that another round of fighting could begin with little warning.
The possibility of renewed military action comes against the backdrop of extensive destruction and civilian casualties from earlier hostilities. One of deadliest incidents occurred in late February, when American strike hit an elementary school in Minab, killing 156 children and teachers, according to the reported casualty figures.
The broader conflict has already taken a devastating toll. Figures released by Iran’s Red Crescent Society indicate that at least 1,900 civilians were killed during 40 days of bombardment. Iranian authorities have also estimated the economic damage from the war at approximately $300 billion, reflecting the destruction of infrastructure and disruption of economic activity.
Pakistan in Spotlight
Pakistan emerged as an important intermediary in efforts to prevent another confrontation between Iran and the United States. Alongside Qatar and Russia, Islamabad participated in intensive diplomatic contacts last week aimed at bringing the rival governments back into meaningful negotiations.
Despite those initiatives, two sides remain divided over the future of Iran’s nuclear programme and the conditions necessary for a settlement. Iranian officials have publicly rejected the possibility of yielding to Washington’s demands under military pressure, insisting that threats and sanctions will not force Tehran to abandon its stated position.
Iranian military leaders and lawmakers have warned that any renewed attack would provoke a forceful response, potentially expanding the conflict across the Middle East. Supporters of the government’s hard-line factions have also continued holding rallies demanding retaliation against the United States and Israel.
American officials added to tensions on Friday by claiming that intelligence indicated Iran was considering operations targeting US personnel stationed in the region. These warnings have raised concerns that miscalculation by either side could trigger a wider regional confrontation.
Beyond the military threat, worsening economic conditions have emerged as another major source of anxiety for ordinary Iranians. International sanctions, disruptions to commercial activity and the American naval blockade have placed additional strain on an economy already weakened by war.
Iranian currency has suffered a steep decline against US Dollar, while prices of some essential food items have reportedly surged by more than 200 percent. Rising living costs have made everyday survival increasingly difficult for households dealing with shrinking purchasing power and uncertainty over future supplies.
A credible agreement allowing maritime traffic to resume while easing restrictions on Iranian ports could therefore provide relief well beyond the Middle East. For now, however, hopes of an immediate settlement remain uncertain.
With Tehran disputing reports of a formal offer, Washington maintaining military options and Pakistan continuing its diplomatic engagement, the confrontation remains at a critical stage.
LAHORE – If you use Lahore Ring Road for your commute, you need to check New traffic violation fines, with penalties reaching as high as Rs10,000 for offences, including underage driving and illegal overtaking.
The latest increase comes after similar revision in traffic police fines, making even routine traffic violations more expensive for drivers, motorcyclists and pedestrians. One of key changes concerns driving without a valid licence. The penalty jumped tenfold from just Rs500 to Rs5,000, meaning motorists caught behind the wheel without proper documentation will now face a substantially heavier fine.
Ring Road New Traffic Fines
Traffic Violation
New Fine
Driving without a licence
Rs5,000
Illegal overtaking (cars)
Rs5,000
Illegal overtaking (vehicles above 2,000cc)
Rs10,000
Wrong lane usage
Rs2,000
Wrong-way entry
Rs5,000
Smoke-emitting cars
Rs4,000
Smoke-emitting Vans, Buses
Rs5,000
Illegal parking
Rs2,000
Underage driving
Rs10,000
Black-tinted windows
Rs5,000
Missing or non-standard number plates
Rs5,000
Motorcycle entry on Ring Road
Rs5,000
Pedestrian crossing violation
Rs1,000
Illegal overtaking has also become costly offence. Cars drivers will face Rs5,000 fine, while those driving vehicles with engine capacities exceeding 2,000cc will be penalised Rs10,000 for the same violation. Motorists using the wrong lane will have to pay Rs2,000, while entering a one-way road in the wrong direction will result in a Rs5,000 fine.
Authorities have also increased penalties for smoke emitting vehicles. Cars emitting excessive smoke will face a Rs4,000 fine, while commercial vehicles violating emission regulations will be penalised Rs5,000. Parking violations will also hit motorists harder, as the fine for illegal parking has doubled from Rs1,000 to Rs2,000.
Underage driving will attract Rs10,000 penalty, making it one of the highest traffic offences under the revised structure. Drivers using black-tinted windows will face a Rs5,000 fine. The same penalty will apply to vehicles operating without number plates or displaying non-standard registration plates.
Bikers have also been warned against entering Ring Road, where motorcycle entry is prohibited. Anyone violating the restriction will face a Rs5,000 fine. The revised penalties are not limited to motorists. Pedestrians crossing the road in violation of traffic rules will now be fined Rs1,000, compared with the previous penalty of Rs200, representing a fivefold increase.
GUJRANWALA – A newlywed bride’s wedding celebrations ended in tragedy after the woman was gunned down while returning home with her husband from their Walima ceremony in Gujranwala.
The victim, identified as Saba, entered new phase of her life, but was aunware about the unambush or such plot. Two armed men intercepted car carrying the couple near Samanabad Chungi. According to police, the attackers specifically target the bride, and Saba suffered multiple gunshot wounds to her chest and abdomen, leaving her critically injured.
She was immediately rushed to nearby hospital in a desperate attempt to save her life. However, despite efforts to provide medical assistance, she succumbed to her injuries, turning what should have been one of the happiest occasions for her family into a devastating tragedy.
Investigators uncovered possible motive that makes the case even more disturbing. According to the First Information Report (FIR), a suspect identified as Sarfaraz allegedly wanted to marry Saba, but his proposal had been rejected. Police suspect that the refusal may have triggered resentment, ultimately leading to the fatal attack shortly after Saba married another man.
The allegation has raised serious questions about the circumstances surrounding the killing, although investigators have yet to establish the complete sequence of events or determine the individual roles of everyone involved.
Police registered a murder case and launched an investigation to identify and arrest the perpetrators. Reports indicate that Crime Control Department (CCD) is engaged in the case, while some local accounts place the incident within the jurisdiction of Aroop Police Station.
Investigators are looking into CCTV footage from the surrounding area to trace the bike borne attackers. The suspects remained at large at the time of the initial reports, with police continuing efforts to track them down.
Apple’s much-awaited foldable iPhone landed in unexpected security controversy, with hackets managing to jailbreak new iPhone Duo just hours after its official launch, raising serious questions about the protection offered by the company’s iOS 27 operating system.
The breakthrough came this week, when security researchers from group known as Calif demonstrated how Apple’s software restrictions could be bypassed on the newly released device running iOS 27.1. The development quickly attracted attention because it targeted Apple’s first foldable smartphone almost immediately after its commercial debut. However, security experts distinguish the controlled jailbreak demonstration from an actual cyberattack targeting ordinary iPhone customers.
Apple’s Foldable iPhone Security
Apple unveiled iPhone Duo on September 9, opening pre-orders on October 16 before launching the device across approximately 70 countries and regions on October 23. The premium smartphone features passport-style folding design, combining a 5.4-inch external display with a 7.6-inch inner OLED screen. Powered by Apple’s A20 Pro processor, the device includes a titanium frame, dual-battery configuration and a starting price of $1,999 for its 256GB variant.
While other compatible iPhones continued running iOS 27.0.1, Apple introduced iOS 27.1 specifically for the Duo. But within hours of customers gaining access to the new handset, researchers had already demonstrated a way around its software protections.
iOS 27 Security Glitch
Calif released a short demonstration showing unusual modifications to the iPhone Duo’s Home Screen. Apps icons and widgets appeared to move and bounce as the smartphone was tilted. An animated character also appeared on the display, highlighting the researchers’ ability to alter normally restricted interface elements.
The achievement followed an earlier jailbreak demonstration involving an iPhone 18 Pro running iOS 27.0.1.
Researchers reportedly identified weaknesses involving system-level protections, including potential sandbox escape and Secure Page Table Monitor bypass techniques. AI also reportedly assisted development process, although the researchers have not publicly explained which tools were used or how extensively they contributed.
The jailbreak was conducted by security researchers under controlled conditions rather than through a mass hacking campaign. Such demonstrations can require specific technical circumstances, physical access or user interaction, meaning the successful compromise of one research device does not establish that millions of iPhones are exposed to identical attacks.
Another circulating claim suggests that restarting an affected iPhone cannot reverse the compromise. Although Calif’s earlier iPhone 18 Pro jailbreak reportedly survived a reboot, the iPhone Duo demonstration did not clearly establish the same capability.
Apple iOS 27.2 Update
Attention shifted towards Apple’s upcoming iOS 27.2 software update, which is expected to address several weaknesses linked to the jailbreak research. Security researcher Stefan Esser indicated that most of the underlying vulnerabilities had either been disclosed to Apple or were expected to be reported shortly.
As of October 25, iOS 27.2 was undergoing testing, with its public release anticipated around the final week of October or shortly afterward.
Despite speculation, iOS 28 is not connected to the incident. Claims describing the discovery as Apple’s first major security vulnerability since iOS 9 are also inaccurate, as numerous significant iPhone security flaws have been documented and patched over the intervening years.
iPhone Duo owners should follow updates through and install security fixes when available. Users should also avoid unofficial jailbreak downloads, particularly websites claiming to offer Calif’s unreleased tools.
Human understanding of the universe has made remarkable progress over the past few centuries.
For a long time, people believed that the Earth was the centre of everything. Later, scientific discoveries showed that the Earth revolves around the Sun. We then learned that our Sun is just one star among billions in the Milky Way galaxy, and that our galaxy itself is only one of billions of galaxies in the observable universe.
With each new discovery, the universe appeared larger and more astonishing than we had imagined.
But these discoveries also raised a fundamental question: Where did the universe itself come from?
Modern science has made significant progress in understanding the universe’s early history. According to the Big Bang model, the universe was once extremely hot and dense. It then began to expand, gradually cooling as matter formed and stars and galaxies eventually emerged.
The Big Bang was not an ordinary explosion in an empty space that already existed. Rather, it describes the expansion of space itself and the universe’s development from its early, hot, dense state.
Several important observations support this scientific model. It has helped us understand how the universe has evolved over billions of years.
However, we must make an important distinction here.
The Big Bang theory explains the universe’s early development, but it does not, by itself, prove or disprove the existence of God. Nor does it establish that the universe came into existence from absolute philosophical nothingness.
The scientific account of the universe’s early history and the deeper question of why anything exists at all are related, but they are not identical.
This brings us to another difficult question: what existed before the universe?
The answer isn’t as simple as it may seem. According to our current understanding, time itself is closely connected with the universe. If time as we know it began with the universe, asking what happened before it may not have the same meaning as asking what happened before an ordinary event.
At the same time, our scientific knowledge of the universe’s earliest moments remains incomplete. We cannot confidently claim that we have answered every question about the beginning of the universe.
Even if science eventually explains more fully how the universe developed from its earliest state, another question will remain: Why does the universe exist at all?
Why is there something rather than nothing?
Why do the laws of nature exist, and why does the universe follow them?
These questions take us beyond describing physical processes and toward the deeper question of existence itself.
Consider an ordinary example. When it rains, science can explain how water evaporates, how clouds form, and how changes in temperature and atmospheric conditions lead to rainfall. These explanations help us understand the process.
But questions can arise at another level. Why does nature operate according to these laws? Why do the basic conditions that make such processes possible exist in the first place?
This does not mean that science has failed. On the contrary, scientific explanations have greatly expanded our understanding of the natural world. The point is simply that explaining how something happens and asking why there is a universe in which it can happen are two different kinds of questions.
The first concerns the processes taking place within the universe. The second asks about the ultimate basis of the universe’s existence.
This distinction matters because discussions of God’s existence should not rest on gaps in scientific knowledge. A scientific question unanswered today may be answered through future research. The deeper philosophical question, however, is not merely about what science has yet to discover. It concerns the universe’s existence and the laws that govern it.
As we study the universe more closely, another remarkable feature becomes apparent: it operates according to a consistent order. We can describe its behaviour through mathematical relationships and physical laws. The forces of nature and the conditions prevailing in the universe have made the formation of stars, planets, complex chemical structures, and, eventually, life as we know it possible.
These observations raise further questions. Why does the universe have this particular order? Why are its laws the way they are? And how should we understand the fact that the universe permits the emergence of such complexity?
The existence of order does not, by itself, settle the question of God. We must examine the arguments carefully rather than jump to a conclusion. But it does provide a meaningful starting point for the next stage of our discussion.
We have moved from asking how the universe developed to asking why it exists and why it has the particular structure we observe.
Why is the universe the way it is?
That is the question we will explore in the next part.
A Note to Readers
This series is not based solely on my personal thoughts, nor is it a claim to present a new theory.
For centuries, human beings have been reflecting on the reality of the universe and the mystery of existence. In this long intellectual journey, science has given us observations and facts, and philosophy has given us questions and arguments. In this series, I have tried to bring this scattered intellectual heritage together—to understand how these ideas connect and where their limits lie.
My aim is not to claim that science alone can prove every religious belief. My aim is simply to explore how far reason, scientific inquiry, philosophical thought, and the guidance of the Quran—when taken together—can help us understand the existence of God.
Israel is talking about the pickaxe mountain, where Iran is enriching uranium, and is making it a potential red line. Reportedly, leaders discussed a narrow 7-day window for joint military operations, and Trump’s response was a get-ready signal with no timeframe.
Ten days from the US midterm elections and three days left in the Israeli general election, Prime Minister Netanyahu broke his deafening silence and appeared at a formal military function. Netanyahu stressed the existential threat to Israel from Iran. He declared toppling Iran’s present regime as the only way in view of Mujtaba Khamenei’s ambitions for a nuclear weapon.
Abbas Iraqchi, in return, has also delivered a blunt message to the USA and Israel. He even accused Netanyahu of pushing Trump towards another War for political survival. War is likely to be used as a political lifeline. Today’s world is otherwise governed by underground forces, as stated recently by the British Prime Minister, and is being manifested from the US to Afghanistan, including my beloved country. Pakistan has recently tried to bring Tehran to the table at the highest level, but Iran remains firm on its demands of blockade lifting and asset freeze.
The US has conveyed the latest demand fornegotiation directly, also threatening the mother of all bombs shall manifestunprecedented destruction, inhalation, devastation, havoc, obliteration,demolition and wreckages for Iran and the World to see. Iran’sretort is even vicious and has threatened to bring the entire region engulfed in war even if a single attack is made. Iran warns to burn things to ashes with no limits, no hesitation or considerations. In the last 4 days, many military and diplomatic jets have flown in and out of Tehran.
America still wants to negotiate on its terms after 9 months of lingering conflict and continues to threaten with unimaginable intensity and shock. Three aircraft carriers with over200 aircraft alone claim to be burning to ashes the famous nuclear mountain of Iran. By making shallow claims, the US admits its failure that bombs used before were insufficient, while not giving any logic as to how this intensity shall guarantee success this time around.
However, Iran is confident it can survive another round of fighting if it happens. In reality, the USA has not created anything new in the technology of warfare domains in the last 9 months. Although three aircraft carriers and more troops have arrived, they are not nearby, and Iran has 24/7 surveillance with real-time satellite imagery, not static imagery.
A US victory, even if orchestrated brutally, will not be a defeat for Iran. The balance of power in the Middle East has shifted in the last 9 months. Expanding defence pacts coupled with exposed UAE-Israel-India nexuses and losing US grip over the region has left a vacuum in one of the important regions of the World.
The war in West Asia is about to escalate. Markets are already sensing the roar; oil prices are rising,stocks are falling, and crude oil has crossed 110 $ per barrel, meaning prices have effectively entered the danger zone. No short-term respite is foreseeable. European energy is being rationed, and the looming reality means Europe can no longer supply energy to its people; soon the rest of the world will face the same. US must choose wisely between sanctions, pressure and patience, bankruptcy, and bombs.
Desperation can lead to anything; Trump is desperate for a notion of victory, while Iran pledges to be ready for a doomsday scenario. Birds, animals, and even humans in the region are sensing disaster.
Fortune favours the brave, and on Sunday it favoured Shadab Khan just when he seemed to have been abandoned by it.
He had dragged Pakistan from the brink of defeat to within touching distance of victory in the One-day International tri-series match against England. And it had taken extraordinary bravery to do so.
With the last wicket standing and Haris Rauf holding firm at the other end, Pakistan needed 27 runs when Shadab swept Gus Atkinson for six over fine leg.
Before the sparse crowd at the Gaddafi Stadium could finish celebrating, Atkinson fired a full delivery into Shadab’s pads. England appealed in unison and the umpire raised his finger.
Shadab, already regretting the momentary lapse, tapped his bat against his helmet in frustration before reviewing the decision, more out of obligation than hope.
Then came the twist. The big screen showed a spike on UltraEdge as the ball passed the bat. The decision was overturned, disbelief gave way to delight and Shadab returned to the crease with a smile.
He responded by squeezing Atkinson for four between short third and backward point to bring up his maiden ODI century off 91 balls, then whipped another full delivery through square leg for four.
After two dot balls, he pumped Atkinson over long-off for six, leaving Pakistan one hit away from victory.
Haris, who had faced 18 balls for his three runs, settled the contest in the next over, drilling debutant Henry Crocombe straight down the ground for four.
Pakistan reached 243-9 in 47.1 overs to complete a remarkable one-wicket victory, seal their place in the Oct 31 final and condemn England to another agonising defeat.
Shadab remained unbeaten on 113 off 96 balls, with 13 fours and five sixes, while his unbroken 89-run stand with Haris set a record for the highest 10th-wicket partnership in a successful ODI chase, surpassing the previous mark of 64.
The unlikely rescue began when Shadab walked in at 103-5 after Arafat Minhas fell for one.
Pakistan had been chasing England’s 241 all out but were already in trouble, having lost Fakhar Zaman (10), Saim Ayub (six) and Babar Azam (10) inside seven overs. Saad Baig briefly counter-attacked with 32 off 22 balls, including seven fours, before falling at 74-4.
Hasan Nawaz made 15 before Liam Dawson dismissed him at 102, and Arafat followed in the next over.
Shadab initially worked his way into the innings, but his task grew harder when Salman Ali Agha, who had made 26 off 49 balls, was caught off Dawson at 121-6.
Shaheen Shah Afridi and Razaullah also fell, leaving Pakistan 154-9 after 33.5 overs and still needing 88 runs.
Shadab, however, refused to surrender. He reached 32 before Haris arrived, then began to attack with greater conviction.
He drove Atkinson over mid-off and pulled him through deep midwicket for boundaries, while a six over midwicket from Razaullah at the other end briefly lifted the pressure before the debutant was bowled by Will Jacks.
Shadab’s fifty came off 49 balls, with a six over deep square leg against Crocombe. He then used his feet to Dawson, sweeping a full toss for four and carving another six over wide long-off.
Reverse-sweeps and crisp drives through cover kept the chase alive as England struggled to find the final breakthrough.
With Haris offering dogged support, Shadab brought up the 50-run stand for the last wicket and then moved into the 90s with a pull for four off Sam Curran.
He declined singles at times to retain the strike, taking responsibility for almost every scoring opportunity. His century made him only the third batter to score an ODI hundred at No. 8 or lower.
Pakistan’s bowling shines under Shaheen
Earlier, Ben Duckett had stood tall with a century as England crumbled around him, managing 241 in 46.4 overs.
Shaheen led Pakistan’s attack with 4-46, reducing the visitors to 19-3 inside five overs. Tom Banton fell for four, Joe Root made five and captain Harry Brook was run out for one. Haris then removed Jordan Cox for six as England slumped to 52-4.
Duckett rebuilt the innings, reaching his half-century off 56 balls and helping England past 100 in the 20th over.
He pulled Haris for four, launched Salman over deep midwicket for six and reverse-hit another boundary. Curran provided the only substantial support, scoring 42 off 52 balls as the pair added 93 for the fifth wicket.
Shaheen broke the stand by dismissing Curran, caught at fine leg, before Duckett reached his fifth ODI century off 104 balls — his first against Pakistan. He made 105 off 111 deliveries, including 10 fours and two sixes, before Arafat had him caught at short fine leg for 187-7.
Razaullah took two wickets, including Will Jacks for 13, while Arafat also dismissed Jamie Overton for 10. Atkinson’s unbeaten 36 off 28 balls, featuring three sixes, lifted England to 241 before Shaheen dismissed Crocombe for eight to finish with four wickets.
England’s total looked competitive when Pakistan collapsed, but Shadab’s extraordinary innings turned the match on its head and carried the hosts into the final.
Haris Rauf compounded England’s troubles when Jordan Cox edged behind to Babar Azam for six, leaving the visitors struggling at 52-4 in the 10th over.
Duckett, however, refused to let the innings unravel completely. The left-hander brought up his half-century off 56 balls as England reached 100 in the 20th over, keeping the scoreboard moving with well-timed cuts, drives and sweeps.
He pulled Haris through midwicket for four before launching Salman Ali Agha over deep midwicket for six. Duckett also produced a reverse-hit boundary against Salman and pierced the covers with a crisp drive off Shadab Khan.
At the other end, Sam Curran provided the only meaningful support, counter-attacking with a series of boundaries. He charged down the track to lift Saim over mid-on and later rocked back to dispatch the spinner through midwicket.
The pair added 93 runs for the fifth wicket, taking England from 52-4 to 145 before Shaheen returned to break the stand in the 27th over. Curran, who scored 42 off 52 balls with five fours, top-edged a pull off a short delivery to Salman at fine leg.
Duckett continued to hold the innings together, reaching his fifth ODI century off 104 balls and his first against Pakistan. He struck 105 off 111 deliveries, including 10 fours and two sixes, before Arafat dismissed him in the 37th over, with Salman taking the catch at short fine leg.
England then lost Will Jacks (13) to Razaullah, who took a sharp return catch for his maiden ODI wicket, while Liam Dawson (five) fell to another short ball, caught by Shadab at deep square leg. Arafat also removed Jamie Overton (10), caught by Babar at long-off.
Gus Atkinson offered late resistance with an unbeaten 36 off 28 balls, including three sixes, helping England cross 200. Shaheen eventually ended the innings by dismissing debutant Henry Crocombe for eight, with Babar completing the catch.
RIYADH – Saudi Arabia’s King Khalid International Airport resumed flight operations after nearly two weeks of disruption caused by Houthi attacks. However, passengers continue to face widespread cancellations, with approximately 57 percent of listed departures cancelled despite the airport’s reopening.
The resumption of flights has brought some relief to stranded travellers, but fresh security threats from Yemen’s Houthi fighters have raised concerns over whether normal operations can be fully restored.
Passengers travelling between Riyadh and destinations including Pakistan, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Jordan and the United Kingdom have been advised to verify their flight status before heading to the airport.
Riyadh Airport Latest Flight Status
Flight-information recorded on Sunday morning shows that Riyadh Airport remains severely affected by disruptions, even as authorities gradually restore domestic and international services. 176 departures, which is over 50 percent of listed flights, were cancelled, while several other services remained scheduled to operate.
Although the airport has reopened, flight schedules remain inconsistent across airlines and destinations. The following services were listed as scheduled or cancelled in the October 25 morning flight information.
Flight Number
Destination
Flight Status
J9226
Kuwait City
Scheduled
XY70
Dammam
Scheduled
XY251
Amman
Scheduled
F335
Jizan
Scheduled
F3225
Madinah
Scheduled
EK820
Dubai
Cancelled
FZ848
Dubai
Cancelled
SV109
London Heathrow
Cancelled
SV207
Rome
Cancelled
SV1027
Jeddah
Cancelled
Passengers should remember that a scheduled flight does not necessarily mean the aircraft has departed. Airlines may change departure times or cancel services at short notice.
Pakistan to Riyadh Flights
Pakistani passengers travelling to or from Saudi Arabia are also being urged to check their reservations, particularly those booked on services connecting Riyadh with Lahore, Karachi and Islamabad. October 25 arrivals information listed Fly Jinnah flight 9P580 from Lahore and flight 9P612 from Karachi as scheduled arrivals at Riyadh Airport.
Riyadh Air’s Islamabad-to-Riyadh flight RX662 was listed among the cancelled services for October 25. Passengers travelling with Pakistan International Airlines, Saudia, Flynas, Fly Jinnah and other carriers should contact their respective airlines to confirm departures, arrivals and any revised travel arrangements.
Flight operations at King Khalid International Airport were severely disrupted following a series of attacks attributed to Yemen’s Houthi fighters during October. Houthis claimed responsibility for a major attack on October 10, which reportedly killed 13 people and injured more than 300 others.
The incident triggered serious security concerns and forced airlines to suspend or adjust several domestic and international services. After approximately two weeks of disruption, airport authorities announced that flights would resume on October 25.
Despite the reopening announcement, Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree has warned airlines, airport employees and passengers against using King Khalid International Airport. He described the airport as an unsafe military target and threatened further attacks, raising fears of renewed disruption.
Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia’s Civil Defense Directorate reported that an emergency alert had been issued to Riyadh residents on Sunday morning, warning them of a potential security threat. The warning has added uncertainty for passengers and airlines planning to resume regular operations.
Travellers should not assume that the reopening of King Khalid International Airport means all domestic and international services have returned to normal. Passengers are advised to keep their booking information available, monitor airline notifications, check terminal assignments and follow Saudi authorities’ official security instructions.
Saudi authorities have begun restoring services, but there is no confirmed timetable for the complete resumption of all scheduled flights. The pace of recovery is likely to depend on security conditions, airline operational decisions and the availability of aircraft and crews.
LAHORE – Sindh Drug Testing Laboratory (DTL) declared seven batches of six widely used medicines counterfeit, revealing that the tested products contained none of the essential active ingredients needed to treat patients.
ARY News reported alarming findings, raising questions about how fake medicines carrying the names of trusted pharmaceutical brands made their way into the medicine supply chain, potentially putting unsuspecting patients at risk. The pharmac giants behind all six brands denied manufacturing the identified batches, suggesting that counterfeit products may be circulating under the names of established drug manufacturers.
Fake Medicines Alert
Sindh Drugs Authority Director Adnan Rizvi said the laboratory identified counterfeit batches of six medicines commonly used to treat bacterial infections, stomach problems, abdominal cramps, pain, inflammation and constipation.
Medicine
Velosef 500mg Capsules
Augmentin 625mg Tablets
No-Spa Forte 80mg Tablets
Mucaine Suspension
Brexin Tablets
Laxoberon Liquid
The laboratory classified the seven batches as counterfeit under the Drugs Act, 1976, after testing established that the samples lacked the active pharmaceutical ingredients claimed on their labels. This means patients using the affected counterfeit products could have been taking medicines that failed to deliver their intended therapeutic effects.
The investigation took a more troubling turn when the manufacturers associated with the affected brands rejected the authenticity of the identified products. Rizvi revealed that Martin Dow Marker, the manufacturer of Laxoberon, formally informed authorities in writing that the two identified batches had not been produced by the company.
The discovery raised critical question: how did medicines allegedly manufactured by counterfeiters find their way into the pharmaceutical supply chain under the names of recognised brands? Although the laboratory findings establish that the tested batches were counterfeit, authorities have not yet publicly identified their source, distribution network or the individuals responsible for producing them.
Following the startling findings, Sindh Drug Testing Laboratory has forwarded its reports to the Secretary of the Sindh Quality Control Board and the Provincial Drug Inspector, Karachi South, for legal action under the Drugs Act, 1976.
Medical experts warn that counterfeit medicines without their declared active ingredients can have potentially devastating consequences, particularly when patients depend on them to treat serious illnesses.
Login
