ISLAMABAD – Internet users across Pakistan may experience slower connection speeds during peak hours until November 2, 2026 due to emergency maintenance work on the Asia-Africa-Europe 1 (AAE-1) submarine cable, according to Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL).

The company said repair work has begun on the cable section between Italy and France, potentially affecting internet performance during busy periods. PTCL warned that users may experience a slight decline in service quality while the maintenance work continues.

The company has urged customers to remain patient and cooperate during the repair process.

The AAE-1 submarine cable is one of the key routes carrying Pakistan’s international internet traffic. Stretching approximately 25,000 kilometres, the cable system connects Southeast Asia with Europe through Egypt, with a landing point in Karachi.

Since the maintenance work is taking place on the European section of the cable, users may notice slower access to websites and online services hosted in European countries, particularly during evening peak hours.

However, the extent of the impact may vary depending on network traffic and the services being accessed.

This is not the first time that a fault or maintenance work involving the AAE-1 submarine cable has raised concerns among internet users in Pakistan.

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KASUR – Doctors left a towel inside a woman’s abdomen during surgery at a tehsil headquarters hospital in Chunian tehsil of Kasur.

The woman’s condition reportedly deteriorated after the operation, prompting her transfer to Lahore General Hospital for further treatment.

According to the affected woman, an ultrasound examination at Lahore General Hospital revealed the presence of a towel inside her abdomen.

She said doctors subsequently performed another operation and removed the towel.

The incident has drawn the attention of Deputy Commissioner Kasur and Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, both of whom have taken notice of the matter.

Earlier, a woman died at Maryam Nawaz Hospital in Sargodha following alleged medical negligence.

Rescue sources said the woman had given birth to a baby girl a few days earlier.

Following her death, family members placed her body on Kot Momin Road and staged a protest, demanding action against those responsible.

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ISLAMABAD – Federal Minister for Energy Awais Leghari has announced plans to abolish the additional electricity charges formula for consumers whose monthly consumption exceeds 200 units.

Speaking during a Senate session, Awais Leghari said the government was going to abolish the additional charges formula for six months for electricity consumers whose usage exceeds 201 units.

He noted that the current arrangement had benefited wealthier consumers more than low-income households.

During the Senate discussion, Senator Abid Sher Ali highlighted the financial burden of electricity tariffs on millions of Pakistanis, including protected consumers.

He questioned why electricity bills could increase sharply when a household’s consumption exceeded the 200-unit threshold by even a single unit. He also asked whether ordinary consumers were being made to bear the cost of electricity theft and losses within distribution companies.

In response, Leghari said electricity tariff slabs were necessary but acknowledged the need to resolve the difficulties associated with the existing system.

The minister said the number of consumers using up to 200 units of electricity had reached approximately 20 million. He added that many consumers in this category also relied on solar energy.

The government is now working on a system that would determine electricity relief according to household poverty levels instead of relying solely on the number of units consumed.

The energy minister told the Senate that the circular debt in the power sector had declined to Rs1,670 billion. The government aims to eliminate the circular debt within the next four years, he said, adding that the debt servicing surcharge associated with circular debt would also be abolished.

According to Leghari, the Energy Ministry received Rs1,180 billion in budgetary support when the current government took office. That support has decreased to Rs700 billion in the current fiscal year.

He also said annual losses of power distribution companies (DISCOs) had been reduced, although the benefits of those improvements had not yet been passed on to electricity consumers.

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WELLINGTON – Immigration New Zealand has introduced four key changes to its student visa rules, revising work rights, compliance requirements, visa processing procedures and timelines for students nearing the end of their courses.

Reports said the new rules took effect on October 27, 2026, and apply to international students covered by the relevant visa conditions.

The changes are expected to affect how international students manage their employment during studies, meet visa requirements and plan their next steps after completing their courses.

Revised Work Rights for Research Master’s Students

Under the updated rules, research-based master’s students will no longer have unlimited work rights while studying. Instead, they will follow the same conditions as other master’s students.

Eligible students will be permitted to work up to 25 hours per week during academic terms and full-time during scheduled holidays, subject to their visa conditions.

Stricter Assessment of Visa Compliance

Immigration New Zealand has also tightened English-language requirements when assessing whether students can comply with the conditions attached to their visas.

The revised approach introduces additional considerations into the assessment process for international student visa applicants and holders.

Expanded Powers to Pause Visa Processing

Under the new rules, Immigration New Zealand can suspend student visa processing in a wider range of circumstances. These include situations in which authorities investigate possible non-compliance by educational institutions.

The change expands the circumstances in which visa applications may be put on hold while compliance concerns are examined.

Extended Time to Decide on Next Steps

Another key change concerns students whose visas expire one month after their courses end. These students will now have two months to decide on their next steps.

However, the existing March 31 expiry date for visas covered by the relevant schedule will remain unchanged.

What the Changes Mean for International Students

The updated rules make it important for international students in New Zealand to understand their individual visa conditions, particularly regarding permitted working hours, English-language requirements and the timing of their next immigration steps.

Students should review the conditions attached to their visas and seek clarification from Immigration New Zealand where necessary to ensure they comply with the revised requirements.

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ISLAMABAD – Pakistan Railways has approved recruitment for 829 vacant positions under the Balochistan quota, offering employment opportunities in grades 1 to 16, Federal Minister for Railways Muhammad Hanif Abbasi announced.

Under the approved recruitment plan, 805 vacancies will be filled in the Quetta Division, while 24 positions will be allocated at Pakistan Railways Headquarters.

The recruitment initiative aims to fill vacant posts reserved for Balochistan. The approved positions will include a 10 per cent quota for Baloch women and a 5 per cent quota for minorities.

Special exemptions from written examinations and screening tests have also been approved for candidates covered under the specified recruitment arrangements.

Pakistan Railways Jobs 2026: Application Deadline

Applications for the 829 vacancies have been invited online through the National Jobs Portal. The last date to submit applications is November 11, 2026.

Applicants have been directed to submit the required documents along with their applications. These include educational certificates, a national identity card, domicile, character certificate and passport-size photographs.

Candidates interested in the Pakistan Railways recruitment drive are advised to ensure that their applications and supporting documents are submitted before the deadline.

Recruitment to Be Completed by November 30

Federal Minister for Railways Muhammad Hanif Abbasi said the recruitment process under the Balochistan quota would be completed before November 30, 2026.

He also directed the relevant authorities to maintain merit and transparency throughout the recruitment process.

Key details at a glance:

Department: Pakistan Railways

Total vacancies: 829

Quetta Division: 805 positions

Pakistan Railways Headquarters: 24 positions

Grades: 1 to 16

Women’s quota: 10 per cent for Baloch women

Minority quota: 5 percent

Application deadline: November 11, 2026

Where to Apply: Online through the National Jobs Portal

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LAHORE – Air pollution continues to grip Lahore, with the provincial capital once again ranking as the world’s most polluted city, according to the a Swiss air quality technology company,

Data available on IQAir porta shows the city’s overall Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 358, indicating severely unhealthy air conditions.

Several localities across Lahore reported high levels of air pollution. Allama Iqbal Town recorded an AQI of 605, while Paragon City registered 372. Model Town reported an AQI of 279, highlighting the widespread impact of polluted air across the city.

Despite the deteriorating air quality, the sun was shining brightly over Lahore. According to the Meteorological Department, wind speed stood at 5 kilometres per hour, while humidity was recorded at 74 per cent.

The minimum temperature was recorded at 16 degrees Celsius, while the maximum temperature is expected to reach 31°C.

Health Risks Increase as Lahore’s Air Quality Deteriorates

Experts have warned that rising air pollution can cause several health problems, including eye irritation, throat discomfort and breathing difficulties. Fine particles present in polluted air can also pose serious risks to the lungs and respiratory system.

Residents have been advised to avoid spending unnecessary time outdoors and to wear an appropriate protective mask when going outside.

Children, older adults and people suffering from asthma have been urged to take extra precautions due to their increased vulnerability to poor air quality.

Experts have also cautioned that exercise and strenuous physical activity in polluted environments may worsen breathing difficulties, particularly for people with existing respiratory conditions.

Residents experiencing persistent coughing, shortness of breath or chest tightness have been advised to seek medical guidance.

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KARACHI – Pakistan gold bullion market witnessed negative trends in previous session as price of 24-karat gold opened at Rs422,136 per tola on October 28.

Bullion prices rebounded after they recorded a sharp decline during October, falling Rs20,000 per tola from their monthly peak, including a Rs17,000 drop in just five consecutive trading sessions. The price of 10 grams of 24-karat gold decreased 1,115 to settle at Rs361,913, snapping a losing streak that has significantly reduced the value of gold within a matter of days.

Latest Gold Rates in Pakistan

Gold Price in Pakistan — October 2026

International Gold Prices

The upward movement in Pakistan has coincided with increasing international gold prices, adding to pressure on the domestic bullion market. The international gold rate moved down by $13 per ounce to $3,996.

Today Gold Rates in Pakistan – 18, 21, 24Karat Gold Price – 24 October 2026

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