Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday announced that he had issued instructions for direct flights between Pakistan and the Maldives.

Addressing the Pakistan-Maldives Business Forum, attended by visiting Maldivian President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, the premier said that once the dignitary returned, a delegation of Pakistani government officials and businessmen would be sent to Malé. He said that the delegation would arrive within the next week or so.

“I want to say that connectivity is very important. We don’t have direct flights from Malé to Islamabad or Karachi, so this air link is very important,” PM Shehbaz said, addressing Muizzu.

“I have already given instructions to our ministry of civil aviation to prepare a quick feasibility [study], be it Pakistan International Airlines, or any other airline in Pakistan, to find the ways and means to take the first flight comprising tourists [and the] business community to Malé,” he announced.

The premier said he had been informed by President Muizzu that he gave instructions “to his airline to work out a quick plan to start flights from [the] Maldives to Pakistan”.

“I have given instructions to our civil aviation department to immediately invite a delegation from [the] Maldives and work out a plan whereby we can start these air flights between the two countries as early as possible,” PM Shehbaz added.

Moreover, the premier highlighted the importance of maritime connectivity, noting that unless there is a reliable direct shipping schedule from Karachi or Gwadar to Male, “we will not be able to meet our targets efficiently and effectively.”

Calling Muizzu a “very sincere friend of Pakistan”, the premier hailed his visit as a “turning point in further strengthening our bilateral, brotherly relations” and a “game-changer in terms of promoting our bilateral trade and investment portfolios”.

“I would like to convey this message to our great entrepreneurs, traders, investors and businessmen from both [the] Maldives and Pakistan,” he added. “Here is an opportunity we can really convert into … a concrete action plan.”

Citing figures provided by Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan, PM Shehbaz said that the trade volume between Islamabad and Malé is approximately $13 million.

“My brother, President Dr Muizzu, on my request, readily agreed to make a firm understanding to increase our bilateral trade from $13m to $200m in the next two years, and now it’s all up to us to make use of this opportunity, do our homework and make full preparation to achieve these targets through joint efforts and very close coordination,” the prime minister stated.

Taking the podium, President Muizzu thanked PM Shehbaz for taking the time to attend the forum and said that his presence was “a testament to the close friendship and our shared commitment to strengthening economic cooperation”.

“It is such a great pleasure for me to be with you today in Islamabad. And particularly to address a gathering of those who drive enterprise, investment, and economic opportunity in our two countries,” he added.

“As we mark 60 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations, the relationship between the Maldives and Pakistan is rooted in deep fraternal affection, and above all, in the enduring bond of our Islamic faith.”

Muizzu noted that while Islamabad and Male had strong political solidarity and diplomatic trust, their economic relationship had yet to reach its full potential.

“We must now define the ambition of our future,” the Maldivian president said. “The time has come to transform the strength of our friendship into a new era of trade, investment, and shared prosperity, which is why yesterday Prime Minister Sharif and I agreed to enhance our bilateral trade to $200m over the next two years.”

He added, “Beyond the numbers, this ambitious target is investing in our people. We are not only creating new opportunities for businesses on both sides, but also fostering greater regional prosperity and long-term stability.”

Muizzu said Pakistan possessed tremendous potential and that the economies of both nations had “important complementarities”.

“For the Maldives, food security is not merely a commercial consideration. As an island nation, resilient supply chains are a matter of national security, and the scale of our market should not be underestimated,” he explained.

Noting that Pakistan’s agricultural sector already serves the island nation, Muizzu emphasised the need to move beyond a typical buyer and seller relationship into partnerships in cold chain logistics, temperature-controlled storage, modern food processing and climate-adaptive agricultural technology

“But trade requires connectivity. For an island nation, maritime connectivity is an economic lifeline. We must create more efficient corridors through which that trade can move,” he highlighted. “Therefore, I encourage shipping, port and logistics companies from both countries to explore direct and commercially viable connections between Pakistan and the Maldives.”

Muizzu echoed PM Shehbaz and urged the establishment of an air corridor between Pakistan and the Maldives.

“In this regard, I am pleased to announce that Maldivian, our national airline, aims to establish [a] direct air link between Male and Karachi soon,” he announced. “This service will make travel easier for the people of our two countries, creating new opportunities for trade and tourism.”

Stressing the importance of healthcare infrastructure, the Maldivian president highlighted that the country is making significant investments to move from regional tertiary hospitals to modern island-level facilities.

“Our demand for reliable, high-quality and certified medical supplies will therefore continue to grow. We welcome Pakistani pharmaceutical manufacturers and healthcare providers,” Muizzu said.

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More to follow

RAWALPINDI: An anti-terrorism court (ATC) on Thursday cancelled the appointment of state counsel Taimoor Janjua in a security breach case against lawyers Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir and Hadi Ali Chattha, after the accused objected to his past conduct in another case.

Imaan and her husband, Hadi, are facing a jail trial in a 2024 case pertaining to the alleged disruption of an international cricket team’s security route and incitement to public unrest.

The couple, accused of removing barriers from the route, was indicted on Oct 7. ATC Judge Tahir Abbas Sipra presides over the proceedings at Rawalpindi’s Adiala jail.

Hearing the case on Thursday, Judge Sipra named Atif Mehmood as the replacement for Janjua, who was appointed as the state counsel just a day ago to conduct cross-examination of prosecution witnesses after the lawyer couple’s counsel failed to do so during proceedings.

During the proceedings, Imaan told the court that Janjua had previously been appointed as state counsel in another case involving her, referring to the controversial social media posts case in which they were sentenced in January.

Hadi also raised objections to his conduct, alleging that the lawyer had told people that he had received Rs500,000 and completed cross-examination in a single day.

In response, Janjua challenged the allegation and retorted that the accused should accompany him to a private case outside the court to see whether he performed his professional duties properly.

The exchange prompted defence counsel Advocate Aimal Khan Mandokhail to question the state counsel’s role, asking him whether he was representing the accused or working against them.

The judge also expressed displeasure over Janjua’s conduct and questioned his manner of appearing before the court.

“Has no one ever taught you how to appear in court?” the judge asked the state counsel.

Then, Imaan informed the court that she and Hadi did not need a state counsel as they already had their own lawyers.

Hadi explained that their lawyers were frequently occupied with other cases at the Islamabad High Court (IHC), while the trial court had scheduled daily hearings at Adiala, making it difficult for them to attend every proceeding.

Meanwhile, no prosecution witness could be cross-examined during Thursday’s hearing amid the dispute over the state counsel’s appointment.

The court directed the prosecution witnesses to appear again on Friday and warned the accused that the cross-examination would proceed without further delay.

Addressing Imaan and Hadi, the judge directed them to ensure that their respective lawyers conducted the cross-examination at the next hearing. He added that if their lawyers failed to do so, newly appointed state counsel Mehmood would undertake the exercise.

The court adjourned further proceedings until 9am tomorrow (Friday).

Advocate Janjua had previously been appointed to represent Imaan and Hadi in a controversial social media posts case — a development to which the couple had objected.

He had shown up in an Islamabad district and sessions court during a November hearing after state-appointed Advocate Shakeel Jatt refused to cross-examine the prosecution’s witnesses in the case, saying that he could not “ask questions dictated” to him.

At a December hearing, Hadi had informed the court that a no-confidence application had been filed against Advocate Janjua.

Imaan and Hadi’s rearrest

The lawyer couple has been in jail since their arrest on Jan 23 in a case registered against them for protesting outside the IHC and allegedly manhandling the IHC Bar Association president. The arrest prompted criticism by rights bodies, politicians and journalists, who stressed the couple’s right to a fair trial.

Just a day later, a sessions court sentenced them to 17 years on multiple charges under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (Peca) in the controversial social media posts case.

The convictions were widely condemned by lawyers and United Nations (UN) experts.

On Sept 17, following months of litigation before the courts, the Supreme Court suspended their sentences in the case. The SC ordered their release pending the Islamabad High Court’s final verdict on their appeals against the trial court’s decision.

However, the reprieve was short-lived as hours later, Islamabad police arrested the couple again in connection with another case and produced them before an ATC, which sent them to jail on judicial remand.

The fresh case in which the two were arrested was registered at the federal capital’s Kohsar police station on March 22 last year on the complaint of City Magistrate Ghulam Murtaza Chandio.

Imaan and Hadi were accused of chanting anti-government slogans and blocking roads and were nominated by name in the FIR. However, at the time of registration of the case, no section of the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) had been added.

The FIR included sections 188 (disobedience of an order lawfully promulgated by a public servant), 341 (wrongful restraint), 506 (punishment for criminal intimidation), 353 (assault or use of criminal force to deter a public servant from discharging their official duty) and 186 (obstructing a public servant in the performance of official duties).

ISLAMABAD – The Ministry of Religious Affairs has issued a travel advisory for Pakistani pilgrims travelling by air to Iran and Iraq, urging them and Ziyarat Group Organisers (ZGOs) to verify flight schedules before departure.

According to a spokesperson for the Ministry of Religious Affairs, pilgrims have been advised to confirm flights operating to Iran and Iraq in advance, avoid relying on uncertain flight schedules and ensure alternative travel arrangements are in place.

The spokesperson particularly urged pilgrims travelling between Tehran, Mashhad and Najaf to verify their flights before departure.

In case of flight cancellations, pilgrims have also been advised to carry additional funds to cover alternative air or land travel arrangements, as well as accommodation expenses.

The ministry has directed registered Ziyarat Group Organisers to avoid relying on unconfirmed Iranian flights and ensure that all pilgrims are fully informed about the travel advisory.

The measures aim to help Pakistani pilgrims travel safely and avoid disruptions during their journeys to religious destinations in Iran and Iraq.

 

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PESHAWAR –  Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has announced key decisions to accelerate development and strengthen security in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, pledging Rs160 billion in federal funding for development projects and all necessary resources for the fight against terrorism.

The prime minister made the remarks during a meeting in Peshawar with a development council comprising representatives from the tribal districts and tribal elders. Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir also attended the meeting.

During the meeting, tribal elders thanked the prime minister for paying special attention to the situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. They said the province’s people had been facing difficulties for the past 13 years and pledged their full cooperation in resolving public issues.

The elders also said people in the province had welcomed the recent developments and celebrated by distributing sweets.

Addressing the gathering, Prime Minister Shehbaz said tribal elders had always stood firmly with Pakistan and that tribal communities had made extraordinary sacrifices in the fight against terrorism.

He said the government highly valued their sacrifices, adding that despite suffering deep wounds and hardships, the tribal people’s commitment to Pakistan had never weakened.

The prime minister said that if peace had prevailed in the tribal districts, emergency measures might not have been necessary. He added that important decisions had been taken to accelerate development and make security arrangements in the province more effective.

Federal Government to Support Development and Food Security

Shehbaz Sharif said the federal government would provide Khyber Pakhtunkhwa with all the wheat it required and stressed that hoarding must not be allowed.

He said instructions had been issued to complete Safe City projects and accelerate development schemes where progress had been slow.

The prime minister reiterated that the federal government would provide all necessary resources to combat terrorism. He said steps would be taken to improve police training and operational capacity, while instructions had also been issued to strengthen the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD).

PM Calls for Improved Policing and Accountability

The prime minister said shortcomings had emerged in security operations and police performance in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa over the past 13 years.

He directed the relevant authorities to ensure prompt action in cases of theft and robbery and the immediate arrest of suspects.

Shehbaz Sharif also raised concerns over alleged corruption in the province, claiming that a Rs100 billion scandal had emerged in drinking water projects, while alleged fraud worth Rs37 billion had been reported in the Kohistan scandal.

He further alleged that widespread corruption had affected numerous development projects and that provincial resources had been misappropriated.

The prime minister said every rupee of public money would be spent on development and prosperity, adding that the government would work to prevent the alleged misuse of provincial resources.

Tribal Council to Be Empowered

Shehbaz Sharif said the 40 elected members of the tribal council carried a significant responsibility towards their communities.

He pledged that the council would be fully empowered and that the federal government would provide comprehensive support for development initiatives and access to justice in the tribal districts.

The prime minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving security, accelerating development and addressing the longstanding challenges faced by the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

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ISLAMABAD – President Asif Ali Zardari departed for Germany on Thursday for a three-day visit aimed at strengthening bilateral relations, with Pakistan and Germany set to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the establishment of their diplomatic ties this year.

According to the Foreign Office (FO), the president’s visit, scheduled for October 22 to 24, is part of ongoing high-level exchanges between the two countries.

The President’s Office confirmed Zardari’s departure from Lahore in a post on social media on Thursday.

The Foreign Office said the visit carries particular significance as Pakistan and Germany mark 75 years of diplomatic relations, reflecting their shared commitment to further strengthening bilateral cooperation.

During the visit, President Zardari is scheduled to meet his German counterpart, Frank-Walter Steinmeier, along with senior German officials and business leaders. Discussions are expected to focus particularly on expanding economic and trade cooperation.

Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah is also expected to accompany the president. His possible participation was discussed during a meeting with German Consul General Thomas E. Schultze.

Recent Diplomatic Engagements

In September, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar met German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly.

According to Germany’s Foreign Office, the German side appreciated Pakistan’s mediation efforts in regional conflicts, particularly concerning the Strait of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandab.

The two sides also agreed to support renewed peace negotiations on Ukraine, according to the German Foreign Office.

President Zardari’s visit is expected to provide an opportunity for both countries to review their longstanding partnership and explore avenues for enhanced cooperation in trade, investment and other areas of mutual interest.

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ISLAMABAD – The federal government has decided to seek details of foreign citizenship held by government employees and directed them to submit declarations within 90 days.

The government has also issued a prescribed pro forma regarding foreign citizenship, instructing ministries and divisions to collect and submit details about their subordinate officers.

In addition to employees’ own citizenship status, the government has sought information about the foreign citizenship held by their dependants and details of their dependants’ travel documents.

Government employees will also be required to disclose details of marriages to foreign nationals as part of the declaration process.

 

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ISLAMABAD – The World Bank has released its Pakistan Development Update 2026 economic report, outlining the country’s economic performance, inflation trends and recent changes in fuel and transport costs.

According to the report, Pakistan’s economic growth rate stood at 3.7 per cent in 2026. During the fiscal year 2025-26, average core inflation in urban areas was recorded at 7.4 per cent, while the overall fiscal deficit declined to 2.6 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP).

The report stated that petrol prices increased by approximately 36 per cent between February and June 2026. High-speed diesel prices rose by 31 per cent, while liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) prices recorded an increase of around 46 per cent during the same period.

Transport fares also increased by approximately 30 per cent, according to the report.

The World Bank further noted that international credit rating agencies S&P Global Ratings and Moody’s had upgraded Pakistan’s credit ratings, reflecting improvements in the country’s credit assessment.

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PESHAWAR – A meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has agreed on the complete elimination of terrorism, with the premier saying the federal government cannot remain a silent spectator while Khyber Pakhtunkhwa continues to suffer from violence.

“We cannot leave Khyber Pakhtunkhwa burning and remain silent spectators,” the prime minister said, adding that emergency measures and governor’s rule had to be imposed in the province under compelling circumstances.

The Federal Apex Committee of the National Action Plan met at Governor House in Peshawar under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Field Marshal Asim Munir, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Azam Nazeer Tarar, Attaullah Tarar, Amir Muqam, Rana Sanaullah, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi, the chief secretary, inspector general of police and Peshawar corps commander also attended the meeting.

According to sources, the meeting reviewed the province’s political situation and recent developments, with participants agreeing on the need to eradicate terrorism completely.

Addressing the participants, the prime minister vowed that the government would not rest until the last terrorist was eliminated. He said the sacrifices made by the country’s soldiers and officers would not go in vain.

Shehbaz Sharif assured the participants that the federal government would provide whatever support was required for the provincial police, Safe City projects and the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD).

PM Says KP Cannot Be Left to Suffer

The prime minister described Khyber Pakhtunkhwa as a beautiful province inhabited by courageous and resilient people, saying the province had been severely affected by circumstances that had developed over the past several years.

He said Pakistan’s armed forces and security institutions had made immense sacrifices to eliminate terrorism and that complete peace had been restored in the province by 2018.

However, he alleged that terrorists were brought back during the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government after peace had been established, undermining the sacrifices made by security personnel and the public.

He said the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa had paid the price for what he described as a failure to respect those sacrifices. He further alleged that education, healthcare, security and other public welfare matters had been neglected during the PTI government, contributing to a resurgence in terrorism in recent years.

PM Criticises Previous Provincial Government

Shehbaz Sharif said 5,000 police vacancies had not been filled during the previous provincial government’s tenure and that the Safe City project in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa remained incomplete.

He also criticised what he described as a lack of attention to counterterrorism institutions, police training and modern equipment for security forces.

According to the prime minister, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa had received Rs800 billion under the National Finance Commission (NFC) Award for counterterrorism-related purposes.

He expressed concern that terrorism had resurged despite the funding, saying security forces had not been adequately equipped with modern weapons, training and other necessary resources.

The prime minister said the federal government had repeatedly assured PTI chief ministers that it was prepared to support the province in combating terrorism.

PM Says Tough Decisions Followed Consultations

The prime minister said the government had worked tirelessly over the past two and a half years to revive the national economy, adding that sustained efforts by the political and military leadership had helped stabilise the economy.

He questioned how long the government could continue to witness bloodshed in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa without taking action.

According to Shehbaz Sharif, a political committee had been formed and its members worked hard during 48 hours of negotiations. He said he had consulted the president twice over the deteriorating situation in the province, adding that these circumstances had led to difficult decisions.

The prime minister said an advisory council had also been established, comprising experts from various fields and individuals he described as capable and honest.

He said the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa had been waiting for 13 years for their problems to be resolved and stressed that the recent changes must produce positive results.

Shehbaz Sharif also levelled corruption allegations against the PTI-led provincial administration, claiming that corruption cases involving public projects had come to light.

He alleged that Rs100 billion had been embezzled in a clean drinking water project and that corruption worth Rs37 billion had been uncovered in the Kohistan mega scandal. He also claimed that contracts under the placer gold project had been awarded to favoured individuals.

These allegations were presented by the prime minister during his address.

PM Says Decisions Are Within Constitutional and Legal Authority

Shehbaz Sharif maintained that the steps taken in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa were authorised by the Constitution and the law.

He thanked the coalition partners for their support regarding the decisions concerning the province and expressed particular gratitude to President Asif Ali Zardari and former prime minister Nawaz Sharif.

The prime minister pledged to restore peace, prosperity and development in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, saying he would work with the support of Field Marshal Asim Munir to bring stability and happiness back to the province.

He also promised that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa would receive development opportunities comparable to those available in other provinces.

Governor KP Calls for Joint Efforts Against Terrorism

Addressing the meeting, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi said establishing peace in the province was a shared priority.

He said the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa wanted peace and development, emphasising that the federal government had a crucial role in achieving stability.

The governor said progress towards peace and development could not be halted if all institutions worked together with a common objective.

He added that eliminating terrorists and their facilitators from the province remained a key priority.

Faisal Karim Kundi said the government wanted to create an environment in which every citizen felt safe and had the opportunity to participate in the development process.

He stressed that cooperation between the federal and provincial governments was essential to ensuring public safety and prosperity, adding that the ultimate goal was to transform Khyber Pakhtunkhwa into a model province of peace, stability, development and prosperity.

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JACKSON – Toyota announced major safety recall involving more than 105,000 Land Cruiser SUVs in US after discovering potentially dangerous fuel system defect that could cause petrol leakage and increase the risk of vehicle fires.

Japanese automobile giant is recalling over one hundred thousand Toyota Land Cruiser Hybrid SUVs from 2024 to 2027 model years, raising fresh safety concerns among owners of one of the world’s most popular luxury off-road vehicles.

According to documents submitted to the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the recall was officially reported on October 14, 2026, under campaign number 26V673. Toyota has assigned internal recall numbers 26TB23 and 26TA23 to the safety campaign.

The potentially hazardous component in Land Cruiser’s fuel delivery system spaked concerns as Toyota’s investigation found that the connector joining a resin fuel tube near the fuel tank to the main metal fuel line could separate if its retaining clip becomes raised. Such a disconnection could allow petrol to escape from the fuel system until the hybrid vehicle’s combustion engine shuts down. If the leaking fuel comes into contact with an ignition source, it could potentially trigger a fire.

More concerning is that Toyota has not yet established the exact circumstances responsible for the retaining clip becoming displaced. Despite the uncertainty surrounding the underlying cause, the company has decided to initiate a large-scale preventive recall. The recall targets selected Toyota Land Cruiser Hybrid SUVs manufactured between November 29, 2023, and October 1, 2026.

According to Toyota’s regulatory filing, the affected population includes 25,041 vehicles from the 2024 model year, 41,955 from 2025, 21,274 from 2026 and another 17,524 from 2027. 2025 Land Cruiser accounts for the largest number of potentially affected vehicles, representing nearly 40% of the total recall population.

All current-generation Land Cruisers sold in the United States feature Toyota’s i-FORCE MAX hybrid powertrain. However, not every vehicle manufactured during the specified period is included in the recall, making individual VIN verification essential.

Toyota’s documentation includes estimated defect rate of approximately 1%, although the actual number of vehicles containing the problem has not been conclusively established. The recall follows more than two years of investigations into fuel leakage concerns involving the Land Cruiser.

Toyota startes getting field reports related to issue in July 2024. By early October 2026, the company had documented 23 Field Technical Reports and 64 related warranty claims in the United States. These complaints prompted further examination of the fuel line connection and the possible consequences of a separation.

Although the reviewed regulatory documents did not highlight specific cases of fires or injuries linked to the defect, Toyota determined that the potential danger justified immediate preventive action. The manufacturer decided to proceed with the voluntary recall after assessing the volume of possible fuel leakage and the number of reported cases, even though investigators had not fully identified the root cause.

Toyota has assured affected customers that all necessary inspections and repairs will be carried out without any charges. Authorised Toyota dealerships will inspect the connection between the resin fuel tube and the main metal fuel line before deciding on the appropriate corrective procedure.

If the existing fuel tube remains suitable, technicians will install an additional securing clamp to prevent the connector from separating. However, if the component requires replacement, dealerships will fit a new resin fuel tube along with the supplemental clamp. The repair procedure is intended to eliminate the risk of the affected fuel connection becoming detached during vehicle operation.

Toyota plans to begin mailing official recall notification letters to affected vehicle owners on November 29, 2026. The company has also indicated that the notification process is expected to continue into December, with owners anticipated to receive recall information around mid-December.

However, owners concerned about their vehicles can check their recall status immediately rather than waiting for official correspondence.

Owners can enter their vehicle identification number (VIN) to check for outstanding safety recalls associated with their particular SUV. The fuel system safety concern has also prompted a separate recall campaign in Canada, where approximately 6,721 Toyota Land Cruiser SUVs from the 2024 through 2027 model years are potentially affected.

Canadian recall addresses the same fuel line connection problem and the associated risk of petrol leakage and fire. Combined, the US and Canadian campaigns involve approximately 112,515 Toyota Land Cruiser vehicles, making the safety action significant across the North American market.

 

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Punjab lawmaker Hina Parvez Butt on Thursday defended herself after a social media post by her regarding an alleged encounter by Punjab’s Crime Control Department prompted outrage and criticism.

On Wednesday, a suspect accused of running over a teenage boy who worked for him with his car in a private housing society in Multan, was killed in an alleged encounter in Bahawalpur. The killing of the teenager, Waseem, had sparked anger among the public, with a police officer saying the he had been “subjected to barbarity”.

“This is [Punjab Chief Minister] Maryam Nawaz sahiba’s government; justice is served immediately,” Butt subsequently wrote on X, sharing screengrabs of a TV report regarding the alleged encounter. She later deleted the post after it was widely panned for “celebrating extrajudicial killings”.

In a video statement posted on X on Thursday, Butt said: “I posted a tweet in which I said, ‘This is Maryam Nawaz Sharif sahiba’s government; justice is served immediately’. This was my personal opinion and creating propaganda on this was uncalled for.”

She said that the post was meant to express the “feelings of an ordinary citizen”. She asserted that she did not “blame” the chief minister, the Punjab government or talk about any institution. She said that criticising her for this was “uncalled for”.

She also took exception to remarks by Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari, saying that she “respectfully disagreed”.

On Wednesday night, Bokhari had appeared on Geo News programme ‘Aaj Shahzeb Khanzada Ke Saath’, where she was asked about Butt’s post.

The Punjab minister said that Butt had a habit of saying things without thinking them through, which caused problems for her and become a “source of embarrassment for the government”.

Referring to the remarks, Butt said: “None of my actions or words have ever harmed or embarrassed the Punjab chief minister or the government. If Azma Bokhari sahiba is feeling embarrassed, that is her personal choice.

“I don’t feel that anyone should be embarrassed [at] anything I tweeted on my social media account. Azma Bokhari is the [Punjab] government’s official spokesperson, so obviously she clarified the government’s policy, which is good. But, I think her remarks on me were unnecessary and uncalled for,” she said.

“So I would again, respectfully, disagree with her,” she said.

Referring to recent incidents involving minors and the youth in the country, she said that their parents should be called on shows and asked how those who subjected their offspring to “savagery” should be treated.

“I believe I have stated public sentiment and what is the people’s voice. Those coming forward to defend the culprits do not meet the families whose children’s bodies are recovered in a bad state. I meet such parents,” he said.

“So any person who has even a bit of humanity in their heart, what will they have felt when they heard about Waseem from Multan?” she asked.

The CCD, established last year, has been criticised by human rights advocates and civil society members for a high number of casualties.

The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) alleged earlier this year that the CCD has adopted a “deliberate policy of staged police encounters leading to extrajudicial killings”.

In response, the department termed the claims as unfounded and contrary to the department’s operational framework.

Sindh Home Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar said on Thursday that a joint investigation team (JIT) would be formed as per the recommendations of the judicial commission formed to investigate the circumstances surrounding the murder of Mir Raza Ali.

The 25-year-old businessman and Institute of Business Administration graduate had gone missing on July 28 after leaving his home in PECHS, and his body with gunshot wounds was found a day later in bushes in Gulistan-i-Jauhar’s locality.

A judicial commission, formed on the Sindh government’s directives after the family accused police of burying the facts, has declared that Ali’s death was a murder and pointed out lapses by the police during the probe.

Speaking to the media in Karachi on Thursday, Lanjar said: “The JIT will be formed under the West Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Irfan Baloch, and the summary has been sent to the chief minister.”

The decision to form a JIT under DIG Baloch was in accordance with the judicial commission’s report, which suggested his appointment.

Submitted to the government on Oct 15, the report by Sindh High Court judge Justice Omar Sial had recommended forming a JIT under the leadership of DIG Baloch to “balance the need for public accountability with preserving Sindh Police morale and reputation”.

The commission had termed the formation of a JIT the “most viable path” to mitigate ongoing reputational damage to the Sindh government.

Lanjar further said that in his recommendations to CM Murad Ali Shah, he has suggested the JIT’s terms of reference (TORs) include presenting a charge sheet after completing the investigation.

However, he added. “It is the prerogative of the court to accept it or not under the circumstances; either it is a murder or suicide.”

In its report, the judicial commission had also recommended integrating senior representatives from the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), Intelligence Bureau (IB), Pakistan Rangers (Sindh), and the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) in the JIT to “ensure an impartial, comprehensive, and credible resolution”.

The notification of the JIT’s formation and composition is yet to be issued.

Furthermore, in line with another recommendation of the judicial commission, the home minister said a committee has been formed under the chairmanship of DIG Zulfiqar Ali Larik to take action against any police officers involved in negligence.

‘Epic failure’

The 62-page judicial commission report, authored by Justice Sial, had declared: “This case demonstrates an epic failure by the police in their investigation.”

The commission, which examined 49 witnesses and the available record, determined that police investigation “failed in its most basic duty: to establish the truth”.

Besides making several recommendations regarding the case and police training, it had also listed its observations for certain police officials involved in the investigation, finding “criminal negligence” by three.

Initially, the police built the case around suicide on the basis of the first autopsy, which indicated a bullet entry wound on the chest, and by pointing out business losses and money borrowed by the victim.

Police surgeon Dr Summaiya Syed had disputed the findings of the first post-mortem conducted by medico-legal officer Dr Osama Sheikh.

The second post-mortem report termed the findings of the first report “inconsistent” with suicide as the manner of Mir Raza’s death. It said the Exhumation Board was of the unanimous opinion that the death was caused by a gunshot wound to the back.

In August, the provincial government formed the commission, which was tasked with making recommendations for further investigation and forensic analysis or legal/departmental action, and it was required to submit its findings and recommendations to the Sindh government within 30 days.

However, the commission had struggled to meet its deadline and sent an application last month to the Sindh government for an extension of its tenure till Oct 15. Therefore, the provincial cabinet granted an extension.

An inspired Harry Brook scored the fastest double hundred in ODI history as England piled up 429-4 against Sri Lanka in the tri-series in Rawalpindi on Thursday.

The batsman’s 116-ball 202 also made him the first Englishman to hit a double century in a one-day international.

The captain clobbered 10 sixes and 21 fours as England posted a first 400-plus ODI total in Pakistan.

He reached 200 in 114 balls, beating the previous fastest double century in ODIs, by Shubman Gill (117 balls) for India against West Indies last month.

Brook was joined in the fireworks by Joe Root, who scored a 66-ball 69 and became the first England batter to complete 8,000 runs, in his 197th one-day international.

Brook was dismissed off the final delivery, caught off pacer Janith Liyanage, but not before helping England add 156 runs in the last 10 overs.

Opener Tom Banton set the tone with a 51-ball 50 and Will Jacks was 66 not out with three sixes and eight fours.

But the day belonged to history-maker Brook, who added 185 runs off just 79 balls with Jacks for the fourth wicket.

He had set up the innings with a third-wicket stand of 159 with Root.

The previous highest ODI total at a Pakistan venue was 375-3 for the hosts against Zimbabwe in Lahore in 2015.

IT appears that the PML-N, echoing the PPP’s recent offer, is also willing to re-engage with the opposition, at least on counterterrorism policy. Though that may seem like a narrow scope for dialogue, in our vitiated political environment, it does offer an opening. Whether the opposition is interested in taking it up is a different question.

The anger over the dismissal of the elected PTI government in KP is still far from subsiding, and the ruling coalition in Islamabad deserves much of the blame for making a negotiated settlement more difficult than it seemed two weeks ago. That said, the opposition also needs to introspect. From the murmurings of resentment within its ranks, it appears that the outcome of its last round of discussions with the government was not what many were hoping for.

Yet, its street agitation has delivered even less. An offer for dialogue, even if focused on counterterrorism strategy, is still an opportunity to return to the negotiating table and continue from where the last round of talks left off. Complete disengagement will achieve nothing.

Regrettably, the two sides still fail to see the country’s economic, security, and governance crises as challenges that must be solved politically. A nation of 260m can hardly afford such paralysis. The greater onus lies with the government. It is difficult to see how a credible counterterrorism strategy can be framed when the province on the front line of the fight has just been deprived of its elected government.

If Islamabad wants its offer to be taken seriously, it should pair it with a real gesture of good faith, starting with a meaningful voice for KP’s elected representatives in any talks. Yet the government seems consumed by the hubris of unchecked power, while the opposition, particularly the PTI, continues to act as if agitation alone can yield results.

Instead of evading Pakistan’s challenges through constant jousting and whataboutery, the political leadership needs to confront its failings. Counterterrorism, where the stakes for KP are the highest and broad-based consensus is urgently needed, is as good a place as any to begin. But it must lead to a much wider conversation on national issues. If the two sides cannot find common ground even on the fight against terrorism, the public would be justified in wondering what, if anything, they are capable of agreeing on.

Published in Dawn, October 22nd, 2026

Jamaat-i-Islami (JI) has said it will hold talks with the government on Friday regarding its demand to abolish the petroleum levy and on further high-level contacts between them.

The committee-level talks were fixed following a telephonic conversation between JI Vice Emir Liaqat Baloch and Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal, according to a press release issued by JI on Thursday.

The JI has been demanding for over two months that the Centre abolish the levies — Rs114 per litre on petrol and Rs100 per litre on diesel — as the total prices have skyrocketed due to conflicts in the Middle East since March.

Friday’s talks between the two sides’ negotiating committees will take place at Punjab House in Islamabad, where they will also work out a schedule for a proposed meeting between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and JI Emir Hafiz Naeemur Rehman, the party said.

According to the statement, despite the planned talks, Baloch reiterated his party’s call for countrywide protests tomorrow (Friday).

“JI will hold peaceful protests at district headquarters across the country on Friday to demand the abolition of unjust petroleum levy,” Baloch was quoted as saying.

The party would continue its protests alongside negotiations with the government, he declared.

“The campaign is not about the party’s interests but aimed to secure public relief, reduce unbearable production costs and revive economic activity.”

The party vice chair also called a meeting of the JI negotiating committee in Islamabad ahead of the talks.

According to the JI statement, Iqbal, who heads the government’s negotiating committee, informed Baloch that the meeting had initially been planned for Tuesday or Wednesday but was postponed because of the government’s “urgent engagements”.

Baloch, in the press release, argued that reducing the burden of petroleum levies and payments to independent power producers (IPPs) was essential to easing pressure on households, agriculture, industry, trade and small businesses.

“Such measures could help revive economic activity and create employment opportunities,” he emphasised.

The JI leader claimed governments were often reluctant to give up unjust taxes and rarely acknowledged the role of protest movements in securing public relief.

“Previous relief measures were announced under pressure from public sit-ins and had been implemented through flawed methods that failed to produce a positive impact on the national economy,” Baloch said as per the press release.

He also called on the government and other institutions to acknowledge their mistakes and avoid constitutional measures that could deepen the political crisis.

The JI leader urged all stakeholders to engage in a national dialogue and agree on priorities to steer the country out of its political and economic difficulties.

“JI’s negotiating committee has already identified possible options and available fiscal space within the constraints imposed by the IMF programme and the national budget,” Baloch was quoted as saying.

“The government and the prime minister’s team must now demonstrate the political will to provide relief to the public.”

“If the government failed to meet the party’s demand, JI will proceed with its planned long march from Multan,” he warned, referring to the protest that it had launched towards Islamabad but postponed at PM Shehbaz’s request.

On Aug 16, the JI announced sit-ins in all the provincial capitals of Pakistan against the petroleum levy and had called for a nationwide strike on Sept 3. However, when the day arrived, the two sides agreed to form committees to recommend measures to reduce the levies.

On Sept 20, the party launched a protest march towards Islamabad, warning that if the government failed to abolish the petroleum levy, the protest could turn into one to oust the government.

On Sept 22, the JI emir said his party, whose convoy had reached Multan, was postponing its long march at the request of PM Shehbaz, who had assured the other side of a meeting to discuss the matters.

In a press release issued on Wednesday, the JI alleged that the government had made no further contact regarding the planned meeting between Rehman and PM Shehbaz.

The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) said on Thursday it has arrested a suspect in Faisalabad for allegedly defrauding citizens through a TikTok account advertising visas for Saudi Arabia.

A case has been registered against the suspect, who allegedly “used fabricated documents and transferred fraudulent proceeds into bank accounts in collaboration with other” co-suspects, the agency said on X.

NCCIA said it recovered two mobile phones, 10 fake SIMs, an Easypaisa account and an alleged merchant account during the operation.

“Strict legal action will be taken against those using social media platforms to rob citizens on the pretext of overseas jobs and visas,” NCCIA Director General Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi said in a statement issued by the agency’s spokesperson.

He also urged citizens not to transfer money without verifying visa offers on social media and to immediately report any suspicious account to NCCIA.

According to the agency’s statistics for 2026, financial fraud remains the most widely reported cybercrime, constituting 48 per cent of all received complaints.

On Oct 10, NCCIA arrested 281 suspects, including 21 foreign nationals and 20 women, during operations against seven illegal call centres allegedly involved in financial fraud, online harassment and honey-trapping in Lahore.

In September, NCCIA, along with the Federal Investigation Agency, arrested six suspects involved in cyber fraud and financial scams, illegal money exchange and human trafficking across Punjab.

LAHORE – The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) Lahore has arrested a well-known TikToker for allegedly harassing a female journalist on social media.

According to reports, the arrested TikToker has been identified as Muhammad Shahzaib, also known as Shahzaib Sialkoti, a resident of Sialkot. A case was registered against him following a complaint by the female journalist. The suspect had allegedly uploaded an obscene, insulting and derogatory video targeting the journalist on Facebook.

Reports said that, with the approval of the Additional Director of NCCIA Lahore, a raid was conducted at City Housing Society in Sialkot following a tip-off from an informant. The TikToker was arrested during the operation, and two mobile phones were recovered from his possession.

During an on-the-spot technical examination, investigators reportedly found that the suspect’s Facebook account, two Instagram accounts and TikTok account were active on the recovered phones.

According to reports, the controversial video was found in the Downloads folder of an iPhone. The investigation further revealed that the suspect’s Facebook and TikTok accounts were monetised and linked to a private bank account. He allegedly earned money by uploading roast videos and controversial content on social media.

Reports added that during interrogation, the TikToker admitted to uploading the video on September 10, 2026, and later deleting it because of the inappropriate language used in it.

The timely action by NCCIA Lahore highlights the agency’s stated commitment to investigating cyber harassment and defamation cases.

The post Famous TikToker arrested for harassing female journalist on social media appeared first on Daily Pakistan English News.

Bus route · 12 stops

We toured Karachi’s Red Line to bring you this update

An interactive on what is finished, still under construction and what life beside the work looks like.

• Bus route
• Stop

Start at Malir Halt

Story by Muzhira Amin and Zareef Rind
Design by Mohsin Alam and Ibrahim Yahya
Videos edited by Wajid Usman

RAWALPINDI –  England set Sri Lanka a mammoth target of 430 runs in the third match of the tri-nation series being played at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.

After winning the toss, Sri Lanka elected to field first. However, England capitalised on the opportunity, scoring 429 for four in their allotted 50 overs.

England captain Harry Brook produced a sensational innings, scoring 202 off 116 balls to register a remarkable double century. Joe Root contributed 69 runs, Tom Banton scored 50, and Ben Duckett added 29, while Will Jacks remained unbeaten on 66.

For Sri Lanka, Dunith Wellalage claimed two wickets, while Asitha Fernando and Janith Liyanage took one wicket each.

Sri Lanka made one change to their playing XI, bringing in Dunith Wellalage in place of Sanchitha Colombage.

Meanwhile, Pakistan remain unbeaten in the tri-nation series, having defeated Sri Lanka by 37 runs in the opening match and England by 87 runs in the second.

The post Harry Brook smashes double century as England post 429 against Sri Lanka appeared first on Daily Pakistan English News.

Facing US sanctions, the International Criminal Court was awarded the European Union’s top rights prize on Thursday, in a show of support that risks upsetting President Donald Trump.

“The European Union is built on respect for multilateralism and international institutions, and this prize recognises the important work of the court in upholding international law and justice,” said European Parliament chief Roberta Metsola, announcing the award.

The ICC thanked the European Parliament for giving it the Sakharov Prize “at a time when the Court and its officials face unprecedented challenges”.

“Against this backdrop, the Sakharov Prize carries particular significance, reaffirming the importance of independent judicial institutions and of those who work to uphold international law,” ICC President Tomoko Akane said.

This month, the United States announced sanctions against the ICC aimed at crippling the day-to-day operations of the court, which tries individuals for war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide.

Trump’s administration has vowed to dismantle the court “brick by brick”, furious that judges have issued an arrest warrant for Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for alleged crimes in Gaza.

The win comes after ex-ICC judge Navi Pillay, who also served as UN rights chief, was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize this month — a choice Trump slammed as “disgraceful”, arguing the award should have gone to him.

The EU has already thrown its support behind the ICC in the face of the US sanctions — which will come into force in six months — and has said it is “ready to take any necessary measures” to make sure the court can keep working.

“The International Criminal Court must be free to pursue its mission, independently, and without pressure or intimidation,” EU chief Ursula von der Leyen said on social media after the prize was announced.

Brussels is hoping to use the delay before the sanctions are applied to try to talk the US down, but is also eyeing implementing a “blocking statute” to shield the ICC from Washington.

Three finalists

Set up in 1988 and named after Soviet dissident Andrei Sakharov, the EU prize is bestowed annually on individuals or organisations to recognise their fight for human rights or democracy.

The ICC was among three finalists this year, alongside Tanzania opposition leader Tundu Lissu and twin sisters Taraneh and Romina Rahimi, representing those prosecuted by the Iranian government.

The nominees are put forward by the political groupings in the EU, and the winner is chosen by senior lawmakers. An award ceremony will be held in December.

Lissu, head of Tanzania’s opposition Chadema party, was detained in April 2025. He faces a possible death penalty if convicted of treason for allegedly inciting the public to boycott elections last year.

Taraneh and Romina Rahimi, 21, have respectively been sentenced to death and 36 years in prison for having taken part in anti-government protests in Iran.

Other recent high-profile winners of the Sakharov Prize have been Venezuelan opposition chief Maria Corina Machado, deceased Russian Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny and the people of Ukraine.

RAWALPINDI – England captain Harry Brook produced a sensational batting performance at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Thursday, smashing a fastest double century against Sri Lanka in the Pakistan ODI Tri-Nation Series.

Brook blasted an extraordinary 202 runs off just 116 balls, becoming the first England batter to score a double century in men’s One-Day International cricket.

Harry Brook smashed the fastest double-century in ODI history, off 114 balls, breaking Shubman Gill’s record of 117 balls

The England skipper dominated the Sri Lankan bowling attack with an outstanding display of power hitting and innovative stroke play. His remarkable knock included 16 fours and 10 sixes, leaving the opposition struggling to contain the aggressive captain.

Brook’s incredible innings helped England post a mammoth total of 429 for four, putting Sri Lanka under enormous pressure in the high-profile tri-series encounter.

Joe Root also contributed a valuable 69 runs, while Tom Banton scored 50 and Will Jacks provided a late explosive contribution with 66 off just 24 balls.

The Rawalpindi crowd witnessed a memorable display of modern ODI batting as Brook demonstrated his leadership, confidence and exceptional ability to dominate world-class bowling.

Brook’s historic double century marked a major milestone in English cricket and strengthened his reputation as one of the most dangerous batters in international cricket.

His extraordinary performance will be remembered as one of the standout moments of the Pakistan ODI Tri-Nation Series.

 

 

The post England captain Harry Brook smashes fastest double century in ODI appeared first on Daily Pakistan English News.