ISLAMABAD – The federal government kept petrol prices unchanged while increasing the price of high-speed diesel by 85 paisa per litre for October 30, 2026.

According to the notification, the petrol price stays at Rs377.91 per litre. High-speed diesel rate jumped from Rs399.82 to Rs400.67 per litre.

The revised rates take effect on October 30, bringing another increase for diesel consumers while petrol users face no change.

Meanwhile, international oil prices edged lower on Thursday as hopes for renewed US-Iran diplomacy eased some concerns over Middle East supply disruptions.

Brent crude futures traded at $114.92 per barrel, down 40 cents or 0.35%, while US West Texas Intermediate crude stood at $102.12, down 66 cents or 0.64%, according to the latest available Reuters update at 10:35pm Pakistan time on October 29. These were intraday prices, rather than closing rates.

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KARACHI – For Pakistani riders, owning premium bike has been difficult due to hefty import costs, and rider community is excited for Benelli’s planned move into local assembly that could bring that dream closer, with the prospect of lower prices giving enthusiasts something to watch.

The distributor of Benelli, QJMotor and Moto Morini motorcycles in Pakistan, is preparing to assemble selected motorcycles domestically under a programme scheduled to begin next year. The company announced Benelli’s inclusion, expanding a project that could give Pakistan’s premium motorcycle segment more competitively priced options.

The assembly facility was expected to be ready by December 2026, with the first locally assembled motorcycles rolling out in January 2027. Moto Morini’s Alltrhike 450 adventure motorcycle is expected to lead the programme, followed by a 300cc offering. Benelli’s first locally assembled model and its specific delivery schedule have yet to be clearly confirmed.

For Pakistan’s premium bike market, the price tag will be the decisive factor. Imported motorcycles carry substantial costs, placing many international models beyond the reach of buyers looking to upgrade from smaller commuter bikes.

The distributor is reportedly planning assembly through Completely Knocked Down kits to reduce costs and says it intends to pass the benefit on to customers.

Alltrhike 450 offers an early indication of the potential savings. Its reported imported price of Rs2.6 million could fall to a tentative Rs1.995 million after local assembly. That estimate applies to the Moto Morini model. Revised prices for locally assembled Benelli motorcycles have not been announced.

The imported Benelli range includes TNT 150i, 180S, 302S and TNT 600i. These motorcycles span different price and performance categories, although their inclusion in the local assembly lineup remains unconfirmed. More details are expected on November 2, including clarity on the first Benelli model selected for the programme.

Suzuki GD110, GS150 Price in Pakistan, Installment Plans

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KARACHI – Pakistan’s central bank reserves increased by more than $7 billion over the past year, reaching $21.52 billion following another weekly rise.

State Bank of Pakistan shared update of its foreign exchange holdings which increased by $33 million during the week ended October 23, 2026, taking the total to $21,521.7 million. The gain followed a $19 million increase in the previous week, when SBP reserves stood at $21.49 billion as of October 16.

Pakistan’s total liquid foreign exchange reserves reached $26.75 billion in the latest reporting week. This included $21.52 billion held by the central bank and $5.23 billion in net reserves maintained by commercial banks. Compared with $14.47 billion on October 24, 2025, the central bank’s holdings have grown by approximately $7.05 billion, an increase of 48.7% over roughly one year.

The upward trend included some declines. Reserves hovered at $16.38 billion in late March before slipping to $15.83 billion in April, and recovered to $17.19 billion in May, eased again in June and subsequently climbed above $21 billion in September.

SBP foreign exchange reserves 

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WAZIRISTAN – Pakistani security forces again struck Afghan Taliban positions with heavy weapons after firing from across the border targeted residential areas in the Angoor Adda sector, triggering intense exchanges along the frontier.

Local residents called sustained gunfire and shelling, with both sides using light and heavy weapons. Journalists in the area reported that civilian settlements and houses on the Pakistani side were coming under fire.

Reports from the area said Pakistani retaliatory fire destroyed several Taliban checkpoints. Taliban fighters reportedly abandoned some positions, leaving behind the bodies of their comrades. These battlefield claims could not be independently verified.

The reported fighting follows a deadly confrontation in the same sector on October 27, when a mortar shell allegedly fired from Afghanistan struck a house. Security sources said one civilian was killed and five members of the same family were injured, deepening concern among border communities.

Pakistan’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting described the October 27 firing and mortar attacks as unprovoked, accusing Afghan Taliban forces of targeting unarmed civilians.

According to the ministry, Pakistani troops responded swiftly, destroying seven Taliban posts and inflicting heavy losses in personnel and equipment. Security sources separately said several Afghan positions were hit during the retaliatory action.

The ministry also rejected statements by Afghan Taliban spokespersons, accusing them of spreading misinformation about the confrontation.

It further alleged that the firing took place at India’s direction and linked it to what it called a pattern of attacks by Indian-backed proxies. No independent evidence supporting that allegation was provided in the supplied material.

Pakistan slams Afghan Taliban for targeting Civilians in Deadly Border Attack

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SHANGHAI – China’s massive AI investment frenzy turned into bruising market retreat, wiping out around $480 billion from STAR50’s constituent companies during months-long slide and leaving investors questioning whether the sector’s soaring prices ever matched its earnings potential.

Selling intensified this week as Shanghai’s technology-focused STAR50 index closed at 1,228.09, down 4.27%, reversing the previous session’s recovery. The broader CSI 300 fell 1.03% to 4,041.84. China’s blue-chip CSI 300 had dropped approximately 20% from its June peak, underscoring how the damage had spread beyond speculative technology shares.

Top players suffer heavy losses

Unitree’s retail offering attracted subscriptions around 8,000 times the available allocation. MetaX and Moore Threads had surged approximately 700% and 400%, respectively, on their market debuts the previous year, illustrating the speculative enthusiasm that preceded the reversal.

Fresh earnings added to the pressure on Unitree on Thursday. Its shares fell 4.3% in morning trading after its first post-listing quarterly report showed declining net profit despite revenue growth of 70% from a year earlier.

No single shock explains the wider retreat. Expensive valuations, tax considerations and the prospect of restrictions on Chinese equipment in overseas data centres have contributed to investor unease. Optical component suppliers face particular exposure to Washington’s policy decisions, given their substantial overseas business and links to the data centre supply chain.

Despite the earlier correction, STAR50 was still trading around 100 times trailing earnings, compared with nearly 250 times at its peak and approximately 30 times for the Nasdaq 100.

The downturn threatens to complicate Beijing’s effort to channel household savings into technology investment. Falling prices can weaken demand for new listings and make fundraising harder, even as China continues pursuing semiconductor development, domestic AI capabilities and technological self-reliance.

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Pakistani mobile phone market witnessed several new players over the years, but the prices of new devices are getting out of hand, while buyers are still looking for solid camera phone within Rs70-75k range.

If you are low in budget, you can consider iPhone 12 for its video recording, gaming experience and iOS experience. Pixel 8a counters with smoother OLED display, strong photography, more storage at the entry price and a longer software support commitment.

iPhone 11 and Pixel 8a Prices in Pakistan

The comparison quotes the following prices for devices described as officially PTA-approved. These are indicative prices from the review; individual sellers may charge differently depending on condition, battery health and repair history.

Buyers choosing the cheaper 64GB iPhone should consider how quickly videos, photographs, games and messaging apps can fill its storage. Pixel 8a configuration discussed in the local review is 8GB/128GB. That does not mean it is the only configuration sold internationally.

For used-phone buyers, physical condition deserves greater attention than small differences in thickness. The reviewer found clean Pixel 8a units easier to locate, while finding an original, unopened iPhone 11 required more effort. That is a market observation rather than a guarantee. Either phone could have been repaired, refurbished or fitted with replacement parts.

Both models originally offered water resistance, but buyers should avoid treating a used device as waterproof.

Pixel’s OLED screen offers deeper blacks, while its higher refresh rate makes scrolling and supported animations look smoother. Google lists Gorilla Glass 3 protection and peak brightness of up to 2,000 nits for the Pixel 8a.

iPhone 11/12 remain usable for browsing, messaging and video playback, but its lower-resolution and refresh rate show its age beside the Pixel. When inspecting either phone, check screen brightness, touch response, dead pixels and signs of replacement. On Pixel, also look for OLED burn-in.

The iPhone 11 runs Apple’s A13 Bionic chipset, while the Pixel 8a uses Google’s Tensor G3. iPhone achieved the higher single-core score, while the Pixel led in multi-core performance and the reported AnTuTu result.

iPhone 11/12 are preferred for gaming, with more consistent frame delivery and better-feeling shooting and gyroscope response. Both phones reportedly delivered 60fps in the settings tested. Pixel 8a remained playable, but the reviewer noticed performance reductions as it heated up. The iPhone also became warm, although it maintained steadier frame rates in that comparison.

iPhone offers iOS, while the Pixel provides Google’s Android experience. Both felt smooth in the comparison. Customisation differs between the platforms, and buyers should check whether specific features they need—such as app duplication—are supported.

Google promises seven years of software support for the Pixel 8a from its initial availability, including operating-system upgrades and security updates. This gives it a clear advantage for buyers planning to keep their phone for several years.

Pixel 8a offers access to features such as Circle to Search and Google’s AI tools. Availability can vary by software version, region, account and language. In the speaker comparison, the reviewer gave the Pixel a slight advantage. The difference was more noticeable when the phones were played side by side than when heard separately.

If you’re getting a used phone, make sure to check:

• every IMEI’s PTA approval status and match it with the phone.
• Inspect the display, body, camera lenses and charging port.
• Test calls, mobile data, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.
• Check microphones, speakers, vibration and biometric unlocking.
• Record videos with the front and rear cameras.
• Assess battery drain and heat during gaming or recording.
• Ask about repairs and replacement parts.
• Make sure the previous owner’s account has been removed.
• Confirm the seller’s checking and return terms.

iPhone Duo to cost around Rs15Lac in Pakistan, enough to Buy Used Cultus, Mehran

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LAHORE – Nestlé Pakistan, LUMS Rausing Executive Development Centre (REDC) and the Syed Babar Ali Foundation have launched Regenerative Agriculture: Leading the Nestlé Way, a multi-year Executive Training and Certification Program aimed at developing knowledge and leadership in regenerative agriculture and contributing towards more resilient and sustainable food systems in Pakistan.

The initiative is designed to deepen understanding of regenerative agriculture among stakeholders from government, the private sector, financial institutions, academia and media, while helping develop a wider network of advocates who can support the adoption of regenerative farming practices in Pakistan.

The program was launched as a tribute to Syed Babar Ali’s 100 Years of Impact and was formalised through a charter-signing ceremony between Nestlé Pakistan, LUMS and the Syed Babar Ali Foundation, celebrating his enduring legacy of leadership, service and excellence.

The program comes at a critical time for Pakistan’s agriculture sector, which contributes around 24% to national GDP and employs nearly 37% of the country’s labour force. Against a backdrop of increasing pressures from water scarcity, climate change and rising production costs, Nestlé recognises the need to build institutional capability to keep Pakistan competitive with other leading agricultural economies around the world.

Speaking at the occasion, Jason Avanceña, CEO and Managing Director, Nestlé Pakistan, said: “At Nestlé, we believe in bringing global best practices closer to our local realities and strengthening capabilities across the value chain. This program is an opportunity to build shared understanding and develop a network of informed advocates who can champion regenerative agriculture and keep Pakistan competitive with other leading agricultural economies around the world. For Nestlé, it is ultimately about creating shared value across our agricultural value chain,” said Jason Avanceña, CEO and Managing Director, Nestlé Pakistan.

Syed Babar Ali said: “I have always believed that the true value of education lies in what we are able to pass on to the generations that follow us. Agriculture remains central to the country, and the challenges facing it require us to equip a new generation of leaders. Regenerative agriculture plays an important role in that transition. I am pleased that this program focuses on an area highly important to Pakistan’s future, by investing in people who can contribute to a more resilient and sustainable agriculture sector.”

Dr. Tariq M. Jadoon, Provost at LUMS, said: “This program has been designed to move beyond theory by bringing together scientific understanding, business considerations and field exposure. Through areas such as soil health, water stewardship, climate resilience and farm economics, participants will be able to examine regenerative agriculture as an interconnected system and consider how these principles can be applied and scaled in Pakistan.”

The program will have two cohorts each year, with 25 participants per session. The four-day training model combines three days of classroom learning at REDC, LUMS with one day of field-based learning, connecting academic understanding with agricultural realities on the ground.

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KARACHI: Two young sisters were allegedly shot dead by their brother over their use of social media in Drigh Road, within the jurisdiction of Shah Faisal Colony police, on Wednesday, police said.

Korangi SSP Fida Husain Janwari told Dawn that Sobia, 25, and Hira, 20, were gunned down inside their home in New Rehmanabad by their brother, Rehan.

The senior officer said the initial investigation suggested that the suspect had warned his sisters against using TikTok, which appeared to be a possible motive behind the double murder.

He said the suspect had fled the crime scene and efforts were on to ensure his arrest.

The SSP added that the alleged killer had a criminal record and had been arrested multiple times and sent to jail in connection with criminal cases.

The bodies were shifted to the Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC) for medico-legal formalities.

Firing on under-construction building leaves watchman dead

A watchman was gunned down and two labourers were wounded in an armed attack on an under-construction building in the Garden area.

The Soldier Bazaar police said two armed men riding a motorcycle resorted to indiscriminate firing on the under-construction Jumani Square located on Nishter Road near Alibhai Auditorium. As a result, three persons sustained critical injuries and were taken to the Civil Hospital Karachi where Aslam, 30, was pronounced dead on arrival.

The police said the victim was watchman of the building. The injured labourers were identified as Shahid Ali, 25, and Shakir Ali, 28.

The police in a statement said the incident appeared to be related to extortion.

Published in Dawn, October 29th, 2026

ISLAMABAD: As many as 45 researchers from the National University of Sciences and Technology (Nust) have earned the prestigious honour of being among the world’s top 2pc of scientists in 2026, say rankings compiled by Stanford University and Elsevier.

According to a press release issued by Nust, the distinction places Nust researchers among an international community of leading scholars whose work is contributing immensely to the advancement of knowledge and scientific progress across diverse disciplines.

Notably, 16 Nust researchers have consistently featured in the rankings over successive years, demonstrating sustained scholarly impact and a long-term commitment to advancing knowledge across disciplines.

“Extending his heartiest felicitations to the distinguished researchers, Rector Nust Dr Muhammad Zahid Latif remarked that the meritorious accomplishment of our truly erudite faculty and researchers has brought immense pride to Nust and the nation, and exemplifies the calibre of scholarship that continues to elevate Pakistan’s standing in the international research community,” read the press release.

Rector said that the recognition also speaks volumes of Nust’s enduring commitment to intellectual leadership, scientific inquiry and the pursuit of finding solutions to complex real-world challenges.

Like, Nust faculty members from several other universities are also part of the top 2pc of scientists list.

Published in Dawn, October 29th, 2026