KARACHI – Pakistan’s motorists get some relief as the federal government announced a reduction in petrol and high-speed diesel prices, bringing the cost of both major fuels down for Tuesday.
Under the revised rates, petrol has become cheaper by Rs5.16 per litre, with its price falling to Rs381.14. High-speed diesel (HSD) has seen a larger cut of Rs7.69 per litre, bringing its new price to Rs389.27.
The Petroleum Division confirmed the adjustment in an official press release, stating that the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) revised the ex-depot prices in accordance with the federal government’s petroleum pricing mechanism.
The domestic price reduction comes as global oil markets witnessed a decline on Monday, with crude prices slipping by more than $1 after reaching multi-month highs last week.
Investors moved to secure profits following the recent rally, while uncertainty surrounding geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and Ukraine continued to influence market sentiment.
Traders are also assessing the possible effects of US waivers involving certain sanctions and tariffs linked to Russian exports, with developments in global energy markets remaining a key factor for oil prices.
ISLAMABAD: Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly (NA) Mehmood Khan Achakzai on Monday demanded on the floor of the House that details about Sohail Afridi’s whereabouts be shared.
Afridi, who has become non-functional as the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chief minister, has not been seen since the imposition of governor’s rule and emergency in his province on Oct 11. His whereabouts remained unknown on the day governor’s rule was imposed and federal minister said a day later that he and some of his cabinet members are in preventative custody.
The PTI has also alleged the detention and arrests of several of its other members, including lawmakers and ministers.
“Afridi and six to seven other MNAs of the opposition party are missing since the proclamation of emergency and governor’s rule in KP. At least we and their families should know where they are,” Achakzai said, after he reached the NA some time after the session began.
Deputy Speaker Syed Ghulam Mustafa Shah was presiding over the proceedings and was asked by Achakzai to give him the floor.
Continuing his criticism of governor’s rule, Achakzai said, “You have attacked the assembly of a province”. He called for the issuance of production orders for missing MNAs.
The chief whip of the opposition in the NA, MNA Amir Dogar, also submitted an adjournment motion in the House, seeking production orders for six “missing” PTI MNAs: Amjad Ali Khan (NA-02), Junaid Akbar (NA-09), Fazal Muhammad Khan (NA-25), Zubair Khan (NA-42), Haji Imtiaz Ahmad Choudhry (NA-68) and Nasim Ali Shah (NA-39).
The adjournment motion referred to Rule 109, read with Rule 110, of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the National Assembly, 2007. The motion termed the reported detention of Afridi, Swati, and the six MNAs “a matter of definite and urgent public importance”.
The motion said the reported detention of elected representatives holding constitutional and parliamentary offices raised serious concerns regarding the functioning of democratic institutions, the representation of the people, and the protection of the rights and privileges of elected representatives under the Constitution and applicable laws.
“This is a serious matter that warrants immediate discussion on the floor of the house,” the motion stated, requesting that the regular business of the House be adjourned to discuss the matter urgently.
It also requested the House to deliberate on the circumstances surrounding the said detentions and consider “appropriate measures” in accordance with the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the National Assembly, 2007.
The NA proceedings began at 5pm, with federal ministers absent other members in low attendance. Consequently, PPP MNA Agha Rafiullah criticised the government for what he described as a lack of interest in legislation.
“You see all the front rows are empty, and not a single federal minister has turned up,” he said.
Dogar supported Rafiullah’s criticism, saying, “Rafiullah sahib, that is what we have been saying for the last three years.”
Later, Dogar pointed out the lack of quorum, and owing to the low attendance of MNAs, the deputy speaker stopped the proceedings to allow some more time for the House to be put in order.
At least 65 members are required to put the House in order or meet the quorum.
Eventually, the quorum was found complete after two counts and the proceedings resumed.
The proceedings have been adjourned until Tuesday morning.
The government on Monday cut the price of petrol by Rs5.16 per litre and that of high-speed diesel (HSD) by Rs7.69.
Following the revision, petrol will retail at Rs381.14 per litre while HSD will cost Rs389.27 per litre. The government continues to levy Rs114 per litre in taxes and duties on petrol and Rs100 per litre on diesel.
According to the Petroleum Division’s notification, the new prices are applicable for Oct 20 (Tuesday).
The price of HSD has come down from a peak of Rs520.35 recorded on April 3. Its price had started rising from Rs281 per litre after the US-Iran war broke out on February 28.
Meanwhile, the government has reintroduced a raft of austerity measures in response to rising fuel prices amid the ongoing Middle East conflict. Under these measures, markets are required to close by 9pm and fuel allocations for official vehicles has been cut by 50 per cent for three months.
On September 13, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also announced a “relief scheme” for users of motorcycles, autos and vehicles of up to 800cc to “alleviate the burden” of rising global oil prices.
Previously, on July 17, Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik announced that fuel prices would now be fixed on a daily basis due to fluctuations in international market prices following renewed hostilities between Iran and the US.
Prior to this, the government had been announcing weekly revisions to fuel prices since early March, alongside measures for the conservation of fuel amid possible oil supply disruptions due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The federal government in April also announced targeted relief measures to provide subsidised fuel.
The petroleum minister stated that the cabinet and the prime minister had decided to give the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (Ogra) the responsibility of deciding fuel prices on a daily basis based on international market trends.
Petrol is mainly used in private transport, small vehicles, rickshaws and two-wheelers, and changes in its price affect the middle and lower-middle classes.
Similarly, changes in diesel prices also impact the public at large, as it is mainly used in the heavy transport sector, power plants and large generators.
Petrol and high-speed diesel (HSD) are the major revenue earners, with monthly sales of about 700,000 to 800,000 tonnes, compared to just 10,000 tonnes of monthly demand for kerosene.
CNN’s chief international anchor Christiane Amanpour will leave next year, after 43 years with the network, according to an internal memo seen by Reuters on Monday.
The news channel has recently come under the ownership of Skydance, whose Chief Executive Officer David Ellison has faced criticism over his stewardship of CBS News.
“After thinking carefully for several months … I’ve decided to separate from CNN, my partner of 43 fantastic years,” Amanpour said in a video statement, joking that it was “longer than many marriages”.
She added that her daily show on CNN would conclude at the end of this year, but that she would continue hosting ‘Amanpour’ once a week through to June 2027.
Thanking her TV crew and colleagues, Amanpour highlighted that it was the “teams and the camaraderie we built that counts so much”.
Amanpour, whose first major assignment was covering the first Gulf War, went on to report on conflicts in Bosnia, Rwanda, Afghanistan, Ukraine and Iran.
Skydance, formerly Paramount Skydance, completed its $110 billion takeover of Warner Bros Discovery earlier this month, bringing CNN and CBS News under one roof.
CNN chief Mark Thompson and CBS News Editor-in-Chief Bari Weiss kept their roles, with both reporting to Ellison and co-CEO Ynon Kreiz.
Lawmakers have criticised Ellison for tailoring news coverage at CBS News to favour US President Donald Trump.
KARACHI – BankIslami, one of Pakistan’s fastest-growing Islamic banks, has won a Bronze award in the Creative Excellence category at the Dragons of Asia Awards 2026 for its Independence Day campaign.
The recognition places the awareness efforts of a homegrown Islamic bank alongside some of the finest creative campaigns from across Asia. It also highlights the strength of Pakistani creative work on an international stage, and the impact of brand communication rooted in purpose and a genuine understanding of its audience.
The campaign, ‘Sab Mil Kar Azadi Ka Parcham Lehraein’, turned Independence Day into a nationwide call for unity, with inclusivity at its core as the foundation of the country’s freedom and a promise of an equal place for every citizen in its future.
The Bank sees inclusivity as the path to financial independence, where every individual, community and region has access to the financial system. This vision of a nation free from Riba, built on fairness and shared prosperity, is what the Bank works towards every day.
This marks a second international recognition this year for BankIslami, which had earlier been named Pakistan’s Best Islamic Digital Bank at the Euromoney Islamic Finance Awards.
The Bank’s purpose-driven campaigns and customer communications continue to build awareness and understanding of Islamic banking, bringing Islamic values closer to people in every part of the country, in line with its mission of Saving Humanity from Riba.
KARACHI – The controversy involving actress Momina Iqbal and PML-N MPA Saqib Chadhar again made headlines amid ugly allegations and legal proceedings linked to the dispute.
Lately, Momina Iqbal’s sister Advocate Ramsha Iqbal claimed that more than two dozen women, including actresses, are prepared to file cases against Saqib Chadhar. She has also spoken about the pressure she says her family faced and maintained that documents she previously presented were certified copies.
Momina Iqbal’s sister alleges more women, including actresses, are prepared to pursue legal action; says she faced immense pressure and her family was targeted in the media. Ramsha made the claims while addressing the media, where she also spoke about the pressure she says she endured and the allegations levelled against her.
Ramsha thanked those who had supported her throughout the controversy, saying that the pressure she experienced was difficult for any woman to withstand. She alleged that her entire family had been subjected to negative media coverage and maintained that she had endured the situation before deciding to present evidence in her defence.
Referring to her previous presser, Ramsha said the documents she presented were certified copies. She also claimed that complaints had been filed against her, but decisions issued by the Punjab Bar and other forums had gone in her favour.
According to Ramsha, efforts had been made to humiliate her, while the opposing parties had failed to appear in court. She expressed confidence that the relevant institutions would ultimately determine who was telling the truth.
She also questioned the changing figures allegedly cited against her, claiming that the amount initially mentioned was Rs20 million before being reduced to Rs8 million. She further raised concerns about her confidence in the institutions handling the matter, while defending the legal process that led to the registration of a case against the other party.
Explaining the role of the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA), Ramsha said the agency conducts an inquiry before registering a case. She argued that the registration of a case reflected the presence of evidence, although the allegations and evidence would ultimately need to be assessed through the legal process.
Earlier this year, Momina alleged that Chadhar harassed and threatened her after she rejected his marriage proposal upon learning that he was already married. She also accused him of blackmail involving private videos, unauthorised access to personal information and threats against her fiancé and sister. Momina further claimed that the alleged conduct affected her personal life and professional reputation.
National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) later registered a case against Chadhar and his wife, Sumaira, following a preliminary inquiry and reported technical and forensic examinations of electronic devices. The case reportedly involved allegations under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) and the Pakistan Penal Code.
On July 28, an investigating officer reportedly told a sessions court that the initial investigation had found Chadhar guilty of the allegations. However, this was an investigative statement, not a final court conviction.
The case took another turn on September 3, when the NCCIA reportedly appointed a new investigating officer and formed a special team after additional defence evidence emerged. The new investigator said the arrest of Chadhar and his wife was not required at that stage, and both withdrew their interim pre-arrest bail petitions. Chadhar has denied the allegations and presented his own account of his relationship with Momina. Her legal team, meanwhile, questioned the change in the investigation’s direction.
ISLAMABAD – Pakistan’s efforts to ease tensions between US and Iran could enter another crucial phase, with Iranian media reports reporting that Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir may visit Tehran this week.
The reported visit comes at a time when the confrontation between Washington and Tehran continues to threaten regional stability, disrupt energy markets and raise fears of further military escalation. However, Pakistani government, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), nor Iranian authorities officially confirmed the upcoming visit.
If the visit takes place, it could provide another opportunity for Islamabad to engage with Iranian leadership and explore ways to revive negotiations with Washington. The purpose of the reported visit, the officials expected to participate and the possible outcomes remain unclear.
The security situation around Hormuz emerged as one of the concerning aspects of the conflict. Maritime reports indicate that at least 15 vessels were attacked over approximately ten days in October, with incidents reportedly involving drones, naval mines, projectiles and rocket-propelled grenades.
Energy markets have already felt the pressure. Brent crude oil prices reportedly approached $108 per barrel, reflecting growing uncertainty over supplies and the risk of further disruption. Continued instability around the waterway has also increased concerns among shipping operators and energy traders.
Meanwhile, Washington has maintained its naval blockade targeting Iranian ports, while US forces have reportedly carried out strikes against vessels. The Trump administration has also kept the possibility of additional military action in view, further complicating efforts to secure a lasting settlement.
Islamabad also reaffirmed its support for Saudi Arabia amid attacks linked to Iran-backed Houthi rebels, condemning strikes on Saudi territory and emphasizing the kingdom’s right to defend its sovereignty. Islamabad has also indicated its readiness to honour its defence commitments, although it has not publicly confirmed participation in offensive military operations against the Houthis.
Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said Islamabad could make its available capabilities accessible to Riyadh under their mutual defence arrangements.
The situation has placed renewed attention on Pakistan’s defence cooperation with Saudi Arabia, particularly amid a joint arrangement involving Turkey that treats an armed attack against one member as an attack against all.
At the same time, Islamabad faces a delicate diplomatic challenge. While supporting Saudi security and reportedly urging Tehran to discourage further Houthi attacks, Pakistan is seeking to preserve relations with neighbouring Iran and prevent a wider regional confrontation.
ISLAMABAD: The Senate on Monday passed a bill that sought to allow former lawmakers to have blue passports even if they had not served a full term in the National Assembly (NA) or Senate.
In the same sitting, a bill seeking to allow the issuance of blue passports to dependent children under the age of 28 of ex-members of Parliament was withdrawn.
Official blue passports are issued to key constitutional, government and judicial office holders, senior bureaucrats and their eligible dependents, allowing them visa-free entry to 55 countries, including 22 European countries.
The bills pertaining to the blue passport were moved by Senator Abdul Qadir today.
Of them, the House passed the amendment inserting a new Section 3-A in the Passports Act, 1974, which states that “a retired parliamentarian who has taken oath as a Member of the National Assembly (MNA) or the Senate, whether for a full term or for the remainder of the term of another member, shall, on such terms and conditions as may be prescribed, be entitled to retain and use the gratis official (blue) passport issued to him or her after ceasing to hold office”.
The amendment also covers lawmakers who leave office before completing five years as an MNA or six years as a senator.
At present, blue passports are issued to those ex-parliamentarians who remained a member of either House for at least one term, according to the Passport Rules 2021.
The statement of objects and reasons of the bill approved by the Senate states that the amendment “brings parity with the privileges available to other high-ranking officials and ensures uniform treatment of persons who have served the state at the highest level”.
The bill has yet to be passed by the NA.
The second bill, which sought to amend Section 12 of the Members of Parliament (Salaries and Allowances) Act, 1974 to provide that “an ex-member, the spouse of the ex-member and the dependent children of the ex-member below the age of 28 years shall be entitled to a gratis official (blue) passport”, was withdrawn after opposition by treasury members in the Senate.
In July, the bill had been approved by the relevant Senate committee, with the government drawing backlash. After criticism of the bill, Minister of State for Interior Tallal Chaudhry had assured that measures would be taken to ensure that the travel document was used for “only official duties” abroad and issued for a limited time in most cases.
Speaking on blue passports in the Senate, Chaudhry said the number of these official passports issued in the country had been reduced from 75,000 to 45,000 after European countries and Canada raised reservations. Around 30,000 unnecessary and inactive blue passports had been cancelled, he said.
“Security and dignity of passport is a matter of the dignity of people of Pakistan,” he remarked, noting that Pakistan also had agreements with other countries regarding blue and red passports.
He said the government had no issue with parliamentarians themselves getting blue passports but had concerns over extending the facility to their families, explaining that a large number of blue passports resulted in other countries hesitating to offer visa-free access.
He added that a bill would soon be moved to withdraw the blue passport facility available for the children of retired bureaucrats.
Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar emphasised that blue passports should be regulated as they are meant for official business.
“Let children make their own careers; respect is not built through blue passports,” he said.
He also called for ending the six-year service requirement for Senate members to obtain official passports, saying the rules should be the same for members of the Senate and the NA.
NA members became eligible for official passports after taking the oath, while senators had to complete their six-year term, he said, adding that a senator who resigned a few months before completing their term could lose eligibility for the passport.
PML-N Senator Abid Sher Ali strongly criticised the requirement of a no-objection certificate (NOC) from the interior ministry for the issuance of blue passports to parliamentarians, saying it did not exist earlier.
“Are we dacoits or terrorists that we need NOCs?” he said, terming the requirement a breach of privilege. He announced that he would move a privilege motion in this regard.
‘Assault on people’s mandate’
The Senate also witnessed a debate between the opposition and the treasury over the imposition of emergency and governor’s rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Leader of the Opposition in the Senate Allama Raja Nasir Abbas termed the move an “assault on the people’s mandate”.
“You robbed the people’s votes. Your own minister said the system has collapsed,” he said, referring to comments made by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi about the governance system in the country requiring a reset.
Speaking at the Pakistan Economic Summit in July, the interior minister had said the current “system” of governance had “collapsed”, and was fundamentally incapable of resolving the country’s problems.
The opposition leader said what happened in KP was “sheer oppression” and could have been avoided.
He also urged the government not to push people to the wall, saying, “You snatched the mandate from Bengalis and they separated. You have still not learned.”
Abbas also sought a briefing on Yemen, noting that Parliament in 2015 had passed a resolution not to be part of the conflict in the Middle Eastern country. He said he had written to the prime minister and foreign minister asking them to mediate, instead of becoming part of the conflict.
“This is a sensitive issue. Countries are economically devastated and we are going to be part of another war,” he said.
In response, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Tariq Fazal Chaudhry said that emergency and governor’s rule were imposed in KP via a presidential order under Articles 233 and 234 of the Constitution, and were ratified by the Senate and National Assembly.
“All steps have been taken in the interest of peace, stability and national interest,” he said.
MULTAN – The death of 15-year-old laborer in Royal Orchard housing society sparked widespread concern after disturbing CCTV footage surfaced on social media, prompting questions about the circumstances surrounding the teenager’s final moments.
The victim, Wasim Abbas, died after being struck by car in the residential area. Police held contractor Tauqeer Nazir and registered a murder case in connection with the incident. According to police, the suspect was taken into custody at the scene, while further investigation is underway.
ملتان کے رائل آرچرڈ میں 15سالہ وسیم عباس کا قصور صرف اتنا تھا کہ گھر کی وائرنگ کا کام دیر سےمکمل ہوا۔ مبینہ طور پر ٹھیکیداروں نے تشدد کےبعد گاڑی سےکچل کر اس کی جان لے لی۔محنت کش بچوں کی زندگیاں اتنی سستی کیوں ہیں؟ کیا ایسے سفاک قاتلوں کو سرعام پھانسی کےپھندے پر نہیں لٹکانا چاہئے؟ https://t.co/uYgwvgu1JA
The case gets attention after viral clips show white car hitting the teenager, some pictures also surfaced online with several people gathered around a person lying on the ground. The available video captures the aftermath but does not clearly show the collision itself.
@realsher07 ملتان: تھانہ ڈی ایچ اے کی حدود میں بچے کو گاڑی تلے کچل کر قتل کرنے کے واقعہ پر ملتان پولیس نے کارروائی کرتے ہوئے اپنی مدعیت میں قتل کا مقدمہ درج کرتے ہوئے ملزم توقیر نذیر کو موقع پر گرفتار کر لیا گیا۔ ملزم سے مزید تفتیش جاری ہے اور مقدمہ کے قانونی تقاضے مکمل کیے جا رہے ہیں۔ https://t.co/mv79wBbe1S
As per available information, the teenager travelled to Multan to learn electrical wiring and was working at a house when a dispute allegedly erupted over delays in completing the job.
Wasim was reportedly assaulted and attempted to flee before being chased by a vehicle and run over. Other reports claim that local residents apprehended the suspect and handed him over to police.
With the suspect in custody and a murder case registered, investigators face the task of establishing what happened before the fatal incident. CCTV recordings, forensic evidence and witness statements could prove crucial in determining the sequence of events and assessing the allegations.
The available footage alone does not establish how the collision occurred or confirm the claims circulating online. The arrested contractor’s legal responsibility will depend on the evidence gathered during the investigation and subsequent legal proceedings.
The incident has prompted renewed calls for clarity over the circumstances of the teenager’s death and accountability based on verified evidence.
England head coach Brendon McCullum has warned his side they will need to adapt quickly to subcontinent conditions to compete against Pakistan and Sri Lanka, as the visitors prepare to face the hosts in the second match of the One-day International tri-series at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Tuesday.
McCullum acknowledged Pakistan’s familiarity with home conditions and the challenge of winning away from home, but said England were eager to test themselves against two strong opponents in a competition that will also serve as preparation for next year’s 50-over World Cup.
“Pakistan’s a very strong side,” McCullum said during a media talk on Monday. “When you come to this part of the world, you have to do things differently. Playing subcontinent teams in subcontinent conditions has its own challenges, but that’s something we’re looking forward to.”
England arrive with momentum after three consecutive ODI series victories in 2026, but the prospect of facing Pakistan on their home ground presents a different examination. The visitors will also have to contend with Sri Lanka, with the top two sides from the double round-robin stage qualifying for the Oct 31 final in Lahore.
McCullum said England wanted to be competitive against any opposition and in all conditions, rather than rely on a fixed approach.
“We don’t have any kind of binary process of how we want to go about playing,” he said. “We want to just make sure that we play what’s in front of us, adapt as quick as we can, and hopefully try and play the best cricket we can to give ourselves a chance.”
Pakistan, meanwhile, enter Tuesday’s fixture after beginning their campaign with a 37-run victory over Sri Lanka on Sunday. A match-winning century from Salman Ali Agha helped the hosts post 305 before their pace attack bowled Sri Lanka out for 268, giving captain Shaheen Shah Afridi’s side an encouraging start to the tournament.
Salman’s unbeaten 107 off 90 balls was particularly significant after a difficult period in his international career. Having been left out of Pakistan’s T20 and Test sides, the middle-order batter returned to domestic cricket, where substantial first-class scores helped him regain form ahead of his comeback.
Speaking after the Sri Lanka match, Salman called for greater recognition of performances in domestic cricket, saying: “I feel that we don’t give enough respect to our domestic cricket.”
He argued that scoring runs at that level was not as straightforward as some critics suggested, adding that players had to work hard to earn their runs.
His own return offered a timely illustration of how domestic cricket can help players rebuild confidence and address technical shortcomings before returning to the international stage.
Salman’s innings also underlined the importance of Pakistan’s middle order against an England attack that includes experienced campaigners and several emerging players. His ability to anchor an innings while scoring at a healthy rate could prove valuable if Pakistan lose early wickets against England’s seamers.
The hosts will also look to their fast bowlers to build on Sunday’s performance.
Shaheen, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf and Faheem Ashraf shared all 10 Sri Lankan wickets, demonstrating the depth of Pakistan’s pace resources. However, Sri Lanka’s fifth-wicket partnership between Janith Liyanage and Pavan Rathnayake showed that Pakistan’s attack can be challenged if batters settle in.
England, for their part, have assembled a squad combining established names with players seeking to establish themselves in the ODI side.
Former captain Joe Root brings experience and stability, while Harry Brook, who leads the team in white-ball cricket, will be central to their batting plans. Will Jacks offers an additional option with both bat and ball, while leg-spinner Adil Rashid and all-rounder Sam Curran have returned to the squad after injuries.
England will, however, be without Jos Buttler, who is recovering from a hamstring injury, while fast bowler Jofra Archer has been rested to manage his workload. The absence of two prominent players places added responsibility on the available squad to deliver in unfamiliar conditions.
McCullum said the team understood the advantage Pakistan enjoyed at home but viewed the challenge as an opportunity to improve their adaptability. He also welcomed the chance to play in a tri-series, describing the format as a distinctive test because teams must adjust to different opponents in quick succession.
“It’s a real opportunity in front of us,” he said, adding that England respected the strength of both Pakistan and Sri Lanka and would need to be at their best to reach the final.
Tuesday’s match is the first of two meetings between Pakistan and England in the league stage. The sides will meet again in Lahore on Oct 25, while England face Sri Lanka in Rawalpindi on Thursday. With the final scheduled for Lahore on Oct 31, a strong start could prove decisive in the race for qualification.
LAHORE – TCL reported shipments of 2.43 million Mini LED televisions in the first half of 2026, an increase of 77.1 per cent compared with the same period last year, the company said on Monday in its interim results report.
Citing data from market research firm Omdia, the company said it ranked first globally by Mini LED TV shipment volume during the six-month period.
TCL also reported a 31.1pc share of global Mini LED television shipments in 2025, with its shipment volume rising by 118pc year on year.
The figures reflect growing adoption of the technology. According to Omdia data cited in the statement, Mini LED televisions accounted for 13pc of global TV shipments in the second quarter of 2026.
Backlight control shapes performance
As Mini LED becomes more widely available, picture quality increasingly depends on how manufacturers implement the technology.
Mini LED televisions use small LEDs to form dense backlight systems. Local dimming allows different sections of the backlight to be controlled independently, helping manage bright and dark areas within an image.
The number of dimming zones influences how finely light can be distributed across the screen. However, performance also depends on how precisely those zones operate.
Full Array Local Dimming places controllable backlight zones behind the display panel, allowing brightness to be adjusted in specific areas.
These features work together to influence the viewing experience. Brightness levels and zone counts, considered individually, do not provide a complete measure of picture quality.
Clearer information for buyers
In its statement, TCL called for greater consumer awareness of the technical differences between Mini LED televisions as the technology reaches more market segments and price points.
The company said manufacturers had a role in explaining features such as local dimming, zone precision and backlight design, helping buyers assess individual models beyond the Mini LED label.
While shipment figures indicate commercial reach, evaluating picture quality requires closer examination of each television’s hardware and light-control capabilities.
KARACHI – A major fraud involving the use of illegally issued duplicate SIM cards to steal millions of rupees from bank accounts has come to light in Pakistan, with two members of the National Assembly (MNAs) and a Karachi-based businessman among the reported victims.
According to a report, the fraudsters allegedly obtained duplicate SIM cards without the account holders’ authorisation and used them to gain access to their banking services, change transaction limits and transfer funds into accounts opened in other people’s names.
MNA Loses Rs1.5 Million After Duplicate SIM Issued
The report stated that on January 12, Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) MNA Farhan Chishti arrived at Islamabad Airport in the afternoon and discovered that his mobile SIM had stopped working. He was unable to make calls or receive messages.
When he visited his mobile operator’s service centre, he learned that a duplicate SIM had been issued against his number without his knowledge or consent, rendering his original SIM inactive. Staff informed him that the replacement SIM had been issued from Malir, Karachi.
Meanwhile, the person using the duplicate SIM had allegedly registered an online banking facility in Chishti’s name, even though the lawmaker had never used electronic banking services.
The fraudster reportedly increased the withdrawal limit on Chishti’s account, set the password to “Sain Sarkar” and transferred Rs1.5 million from his account to one belonging to a woman identified as Sakina Bibi.
According to the report, Bibi was also a victim of the fraud, as a bank account had allegedly been opened in her name without her knowledge. Funds were also transferred to other accounts registered in women’s names in southern Punjab and Sindh.
Biometric Verification Process Under Scrutiny
Chishti lodged a complaint with the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA), prompting investigators to question the owner of a shop in the Khokhrapar area of Malir from where the duplicate SIM had reportedly been issued.
The shop owner told investigators that a man had visited the outlet and claimed that his mother needed a duplicate SIM but was too weak to get out of a vehicle. The man allegedly requested that the shopkeeper bring the biometric verification device to the vehicle so his mother’s thumb impression could be recorded.
However, it remains unclear how Chishti’s own thumb impression was obtained or used in the process. The individual allegedly using the duplicate SIM was reportedly a resident of Nawabshah.
Second MNA and Karachi Businessman Also Targeted
The report identified another lawmaker, MNA Shehryar Mahar, as a victim of a similar fraud, in which he reportedly lost Rs2 million.
Karachi businessman Sunny Kumar was also targeted. On September 29, 2025, a duplicate SIM registered in his name was issued from a retail outlet in Dhabeji, Thatta.
Interestingly, Kumar and Chishti were customers of the same telecommunications company.
Following the issuance of the duplicate SIM, Rs8.5 million was allegedly withdrawn from Kumar’s bank account.
Bank Employee Suspected of Sharing Customer Information
Investigators looking into Kumar’s case reportedly discovered evidence suggesting that a bank employee may have been involved in the fraud.
According to the report, a branch service officer employed at a bank branch in Mardan had accessed Kumar’s account details before the duplicate SIM was issued. The officer had also reportedly accessed information relating to around 30 other accounts.
Call records allegedly showed that the officer had attempted to obtain customer data from an employee of another bank. He also reportedly offered money to an employee of the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) in exchange for information, but the employee refused to provide it.
A source familiar with the investigations told the publication that similar methods had been used in the other two cases, with the possible involvement of bank employees also coming under suspicion.
However, investigations into those cases reportedly failed to make significant progress because the complainants were primarily interested in recovering their stolen money.
PTA Fines Telecom Company Rs77.8 Million
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) imposed a fine of Rs77.8 million on the telecommunications company over irregularities in the SIM issuance process.
According to the report, the action taken against the banks was limited to orders directing them to reimburse the affected customers.
The report also noted that the problem was not confined to these three cases, as similar incidents had been reported in other provinces of Pakistan.
Stolen Biometric Data Raises Wider Security Concerns
Investigators suspect that criminal networks may be obtaining biometric information, including fingerprints, on a wider scale through stolen data or by collecting fingerprints at locations where verification procedures are not strictly enforced for routine services.
The fingerprints are allegedly stored using software and subsequently misused to bypass biometric verification systems.
The cases have raised concerns about weaknesses in SIM registration procedures, banking security, the protection of customer information and the possible misuse of biometric data.
The incidents also highlight the need for stronger verification mechanisms and accountability across telecommunications companies, banks and other institutions that handle sensitive personal information.
Alberta is holding a non-binding referendum on Monday to ask residents if they want to remain part of Canada, marking the first time the oil-rich province has ever put the question of separation to the public.
Polls have consistently shown that most Albertans — around 70 per cent — want to stay in Canada, with roughly a quarter of residents supporting an independent Alberta.
What will residents be asked?
There are 10 questions, each with its own colour-coded ballot. The last ballot voters see is question 10, on whether Alberta should remain a Canadian province or start the legal process required to hold a binding referendum on separation.
A simple majority in favour of separation could trigger that process. There are nine other nonbinding questions about immigration, access to provincial services including education, social care and healthcare and voter identification requirements.
Supporters of Alberta separating from Canada hold a banner and flags during a rally in May. — AFP/File
Why is Alberta having this referendum?
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said in May it was time to have a vote, understand the will of Albertans on this subject, and move on, when she announced the government would add a question on separation.
Smith’s decision followed months of campaigning by a small but vocal group of separatists, who argue Alberta’s energy wealth is subsidising poorer parts of the country and that bureaucracy in Ottawa has stifled the province’s economy.
Some members of the group had backed Smith’s candidacy for premier. Smith says she voted for Alberta to remain in Canada during advance polling, according to a video she posted on social media on Wednesday.
Have there been previous separatist referendums in Canada?
Yes, but not in Alberta. The majority French-speaking province of Quebec has had two referendums, in 1980 and 1995. Quebecers voted to remain in Canada both times, but by the slimmest of margins in 1995.
The separatist Parti Quebecois (PQ) won a provincial election earlier this month and has pledged to hold a third referendum, but only after US President Donald Trump has left office and if the party holds a majority.
The PQ was elected with a minority government on October 5, meaning it will rely on smaller parties to pass legislation.
Canada is a federation of 10 provinces and three territories. While Ottawa is responsible for matters of national interest, such as defence, trade and foreign policy, the provinces and territories hold significant power over medical care, education and land rights.
When will the results be known?
Polls are scheduled to close at 8pm on Monday (0200 GMT on Tuesday). Elections Alberta says it will count ballots by hand and that the question on separation will be counted first.
It will publish results on the Elections Alberta website as they are received, and unofficial results are expected within 48 hours after voting ends.
What happens if most Albertans vote to start the process of leaving Canada?
Smith has said she will respect the result and quickly begin the process to hold a legally binding referendum. But separation would not happen imminently. After the 1995 Quebec referendum, Canada’s Parliament passed the Clarity Act in 2000, which says talks about secession can only be triggered if there is a clear majority from the public, without specifying the necessary threshold.
The act also states provinces and territories have no unilateral right to leave Canada and that a constitutional amendment negotiated by provincial, territorial and federal governments is required.
A supporter of the pro-Canada group Forever Canadian participates in an event, one day before the non-binding referendum on separation from Canada, in Okotoks, Alberta, Canada on October 18, 2026. — Reuters
First Nations groups have objected to the idea of an independent Alberta, as their land treaties with Canada predate Alberta’s entry into Confederation.
In May, an Alberta court judge ruled the province’s chief electoral officer was wrong to allow separatists to collect signatures requesting a referendum, because the process should have prompted a consultation with Indigenous peoples whose rights might be violated by separation. Alberta has appealed the decision.
What has PM Carney said about the referendum?
Carney, who was largely raised in Alberta, has previously said the best place for Alberta is in Canada and that the country cannot succeed if it’s divided. He released a video on Canadian Thanksgiving, October 12, saying national unity is critical as Canada fights threats from abroad, including a trade war with the US. Carney has campaigned for Alberta to remain in Canada.
The new Saudi envoy in Pakistan, Dr Rajeh Tami Albugamy, met with Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir on Monday, with both sides expressing satisfaction over the progress made under the trilateral Makkah defence agreement, according to the military’s media wing.
Albugamy assumed his diplomatic responsibilities in Islamabad last Thursday, reaffirming the commitment to strengthening the strategic and fraternal ties between the two countries.
Inter-Service Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement on Monday that the ambassador called on CDF Munir at General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi. According to the statement, matters of mutual interest and regional security dynamics were discussed.
“Both the dignitaries expressed satisfaction over the progress made under the framework of the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement and underscored the importance of strengthening defence collaboration, institutional linkages and strategic coordination,” the statement read.
CDF Munir congratulated the ambassador on his appointment and expressed confidence that his tenure would further strengthen the longstanding fraternal ties between Islamabad and Riyadh, which are “rooted in shared faith, mutual trust and strategic partnership”.
Last week, Albugamy met Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar.
PM Shehbaz reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for Saudi Arabia in safeguarding its “sovereignty, security and territorial integrity” amid a recent escalation in Houthi attacks during their meeting.
DPM Dar, meanwhile, underscored longstanding fraternal and strategic ties between Islamabad and Riyadh when he met Albugamy. He also reaffirmed Islamabad and Riyadh’s “shared commitment to further strengthen bilateral cooperation for mutual progress and prosperity”.
Earlier this month, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye convened an emergency meeting under the Makkah alliance and agreed to deploy military forces and capabilities rapidly in the kingdom.
While the statement did not specifically name any threat, the development came against the backdrop of Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia.
The Makkah defence pact, signed on Aug 7, aims to strengthen collective deterrence and empower its signatory states to treat an attack against one of them as an attack against all of them.
In an interview aired on Sunday, the military’s spokesman said Pakistan is providing “whatever support is needed” to defend Saudi Arabia amid attacks by Yemen’s Houthi rebels against the kingdom.
Israeli police said on Monday that they had arrested 10 people in the occupied West Bank after settler attacks on an American photographer and a French mayor that drew international condemnation but mixed messages from the government.
In a rare action against rising settler violence, police said they raided several locations across the occupied territory and seized cars and potential evidence related to the attacks.
“Following the severe incidents of violence over the past weekend, including the assault of a media worker and the suspected attacks on foreign civilians, an arrest operation was conducted before dawn,” said Major General Moshe Finchi, the Israeli police’s West Bank commander.
“Suspects were arrested on suspicion of involvement in the violent incidents, violating a military commander’s order concerning a closed military zone, and illegal construction,” he said.
Israeli settlers gather as Palestinians harvest their olive trees in the Israeli-occupied West Bank village of Deir Abu Mashal on October 19, 2026. — AFP
Witnesses say that settlers have been stepping up violent attacks on Palestinians during the ongoing olive harvest, aiming to seize their land during a season that carries cultural importance for the community.
Rights groups note that Israel rarely prosecutes settlers when the victims are Palestinian. The Israeli human rights group Yesh Din said it documents 561 acts of settler or military violence against Palestinians since September 27 — more than 26 incidents a day.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is facing a tight race for a new mandate, has tried to shore up his pro-settlement right-wing base and has cast doubt on the circumstances behind the recent settler attacks on Westerners.
Netanyahu’s tone has brought unusually strong criticism from the opposition, which has accused him of tarnishing Israel’s image.
US Ambassador Mike Huckabee, a staunch ally of Israel, had called Friday’s beating of veteran photographer Heidi Levine an “act of terror” and demanded punishment. He called Monday’s arrests a “very positive development”.
Levine, 65, who was on assignment for The Washington Post, was taken to a hospital with broken vertebrae. She was visited at her hospital bed both by President Isaac Herzog, who holds a largely ceremonial role, and centre-left opposition leader Yair Golan.
Golan, in a social media post afterwards, said that if he takes power, there will no longer be “a reality in which Jews instil terror in the name of Jewish supremacy, and stain the state we built here”.
Rising international attention
One day after Levine’s beating, settlers attacked a convoy of European diplomats, including the French and Belgian consuls general in Jerusalem as they went through the town of Taybeh in the West Bank on Saturday.
The settlers beat up Bernard Baudoux, 78, the mayor of the northern French town of Aulnoye-Aymeries, who was wearing a sash in the French tricolour during a goodwill visit in which he helped harvest olives.
The mayor, wearing a blue, white and red sash, leans against a vehicle as masked men intercept and surround a car at a village in the occupied West Bank. — AFP
Netanyahu earlier questioned the facts behind the two recent incidents.
On Levine’s beating, he alleged that Palestinians and “far-left” activists were fanning violence. With the attack on the diplomatic convoy, he pointed out that the mayor was a leftist supporter of the Palestinian cause and said that diplomats should have coordinated with the Israeli military.
The top official on human rights in the US State Department, Riley Barnes, on Sunday visited the same town where the mayor was beaten, which is largely Christian, on a trip coordinated with the military. He was unharmed.
The violence by settlers has led British Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband to accuse Israel of an “ethnic cleansing” campaign and for London to impose sanctions on goods from settlements.
Marking Monday’s deadline for Israel accepting construction tenders for the E1 settlements, a major new project that Palestinians fear will divide the West Bank in two, Miliband warned businesses about consequences.
“They should be aware of legal and reputational consequences, including the risk of involving themselves in serious breaches of international law,” Miliband said in a statement.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar hit back against what he called an “obsession” with Israel by British Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s government.
“The days when Israel would quietly accept threats, sanctions and attempts to dictate its policies are over,” Saar said.
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has reported its seventh polio case of the year, with a six-month-old boy from Karachi’s East district testing positive for wild poliovirus, the National Emergency Operation Centre (NEOC) said on Monday.
The affected child belongs to Union Council Jamali Colony and was identified through the polio surveillance network. The case was confirmed by the Regional Reference Laboratory for Polio Eradication at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in Islamabad, it said in a statement.
The NEOC said the child was malnourished and had fallen victim to virus circulation already present in Karachi.
According to an official of the polio programme, the latest case is the first reported from Karachi since December 2024.
The city has faced intense virus circulation for the past two years, although focused door-to-door vaccination campaigns and improvements in essential immunisation had contributed to a marked reduction in transmission.
Only one environmental surveillance site in Karachi tested positive in September, NEOC said, but vulnerable children remained at risk as long as the virus continued to circulate.
A comprehensive investigation has been launched, while the Polio Eradication Initiative (PEI) is assessing the “best science-based response to tackle and prevent further transmission, including targeted vaccination activities and support to strengthen routine immunisation”.
NEOC also underscored the importance of vaccinating children against the incurable, paralytic disease.
Of the seven cases detected across Pakistan this year, five were from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa — including four from Bannu division — and two from Sindh.
The latest case has emerged about two weeks after this year’s sixth case was reported from KP’s Khyber district, where a seven-year-old boy tested positive for the disease.
Polio is a highly contagious and incurable disease that can cause lifelong paralysis and, in some cases, death. It can, however, be prevented through safe and effective polio vaccines.
Pakistan and Afghanistan are the only two countries where polio is still endemic.
According to NEOC, Pakistan had recorded a 99.8 per cent reduction in polio cases from an estimated 20,000 in the early 1990s to 31 in 2025 and seven so far this year.
Four nationwide polio campaigns have already been conducted in 2026, protecting more than 45 million children multiple times, besides targeted oral and injectable vaccination activities in high-risk areas.
The next subnational campaign is scheduled for Nov 2-8 and will target nearly 24m children in 97 districts, including all districts of Karachi, in synchronisation with Afghanistan.
A New Delhi magistrate extended the detention of two leaders of India’s youth-led Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) movement by two days on Monday, after they were remanded in custody five days ago.
CJP activists and opposition parties have defied a security crackdown to demand the resignation of India’s chief election commissioner, accusing the poll body of manipulating voter rolls to benefit Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ruling party.
The commission, which oversees voting in the world’s most populous nation, has denied any wrongdoing.
Television footage showed CJP leaders Ashutosh Ranka, 30, and Saurav Das, 27, being taken away in a blue police van from a police station where the hearing took place.
“This is an absolute mockery of the justice system,” the movement’s legal affairs head Ratna Singh told reporters.
Das and Ranka were taken into custody on Oct 14 for their “alleged repeated attempts to disturb public peace and violate the law”, the police said in a statement at the time.
The pair had jumped security barricades to wave the national flag at Jantar Mantar, a decades-old protest site that police have barred people from using.
“Their alleged attempts to instigate others through social media to engage in similar unlawful activities were also taken into consideration,” the statement said.
Jantar Mantar, in the heart of the capital, has been sealed off with yellow metal barricades for more than a week and guarded by security personnel.
Delhi police said last week they had removed the site from the list of designated protest venues.
The Punjab government decided on Monday to ban objects equipped with hidden cameras and recording devices, including pens, eyeglasses and watches.
A statement by the Punjab Home Department identified such objects as those “used for spying” and said the decision was taken to protect the citizens’ privacy and personal information, particularly those of women and children.
The statement said “strict legal action” would be taken against the use, purchase and sale of “spying devices and covert electronic devices”, further warning that the “illegal use” of objects equipped with hidden cameras would result in “severe penalties”.
The statement also mentioned that complaints had been received about the use of “spying devices” for “illegal surveillance, harassment and blackmailing”.
Punjab Home Secretary Ahmad Javed Qazi told Dawn that a formal notification for the implementation of the ban would be issued in a few days. He explained that the announcement about the ban had been made prior to the issuance of the notification to give people some time to discard such items.
Amid concerns about the misuse of such devices, the Lahore High Court (LHC) has also been seized with a public interest petition that challenges the unregulated import and sale of camera and mic-equipped smart glasses, citing threats to people’s privacy, dignity and national security.
Meta in particular has faced pushback for its AI-powered smart glasses, with critics dubbing the eyewear as “pervert glasses”. And while it has not officially listed Pakistan as a market, the petitioner’s counsel in the case before the LHC has contended that its glasses are openly sold online and in shops in Lahore.
Taking up the plea on Thursday, the LHC directed the federal government to forward a summary to the federal cabinet regarding the unregulated import and sale of smart glasses.
RAWALPINDI – Pakistan and Sri Lanka have been penalised for maintaining slow over-rates during their opening match of the ODI tri-series at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Sunday, October 18.
Pakistan were fined 10 per cent of their players’ match fees after falling two overs behind the required rate, while Sri Lanka received a five per cent fine for being one over short, after time allowances were taken into account.
Jeff Crowe, a member of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees, imposed the penalties under Article 2.22 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel. The provision stipulates a fine of five per cent of a player’s match fee for every over a team fails to bowl within the allotted time.
Pakistan captain Shaheen Shah Afridi and Sri Lankan skipper Kusal Mendis admitted the offences and accepted the proposed sanctions. As a result, formal hearings were not required.
The charges were brought by on-field umpires Asif Yaqoob and Wayne Knights, third umpire Sharfuddoula Ibne Shahid, and fourth umpire Faisal Afridi.
Salman Ali Agha’s Century Powers Pakistan to Victory
Pakistan began their tri-series campaign on a winning note, defeating Sri Lanka by 37 runs in the opening fixture.
After Sri Lanka captain Kusal Mendis opted to field, Pakistan posted 305 runs before being bowled out in 49.5 overs. Salman Ali Agha was the standout performer, smashing 107 off 90 balls to register his fourth ODI century.
Babar Azam contributed 45 runs, while debutant Saad Baig scored 39 and Hasan Nawaz added 37 to strengthen Pakistan’s total.
For Sri Lanka, Eshan Malinga claimed four wickets for 46 runs, while Asitha Fernando picked up three wickets to restrict the hosts.
Sri Lanka Fall Short Despite Fighting Partnership
Chasing a target of 306, Sri Lanka were dismissed for 268 in 48.1 overs, handing Pakistan a 37-run victory.
Pavan Rathnayake top-scored with 79, while Janith Liyanage made 60. Their 119-run partnership for the fifth wicket revived Sri Lanka’s hopes of completing the chase, but Pakistan’s bowling attack broke through at crucial moments to regain control.
Shaheen Shah Afridi led the bowling effort with three wickets for 55 runs. Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf and Faheem Ashraf supported him with two wickets each.
Salman Ali Agha was named Player of the Match for his decisive century, which laid the foundation for Pakistan’s opening victory in the tri-series.
WASHINGTON – Elon Musk, chief executive of SpaceX and one of the world’s richest people, has announced plans to gift shares in his company to all children in the United States in 2027.
According to the announcement, Musk intends to distribute shares among American children under the age of 18, although he has not yet disclosed how the proposed distribution would be carried out.
Musk reportedly owns 4.8 billion shares in SpaceX, representing approximately 48.4 per cent of the company. Based on the figures cited in the report, the proposed gift would amount to shares worth around $10.5 billion.
According to US population estimates as of July 1, 2025, the country had approximately 72 million children under the age of 18.
If implemented as announced, the plan would involve distributing SpaceX shares among millions of American children. However, Musk has not provided details about how the beneficiaries would be identified, how the shares would be allocated or how the arrangements would be managed.
Musk Calls It His First Donation
In a post on X, formerly Twitter, Musk described the proposed share distribution as his first donation and indicated that he intended to undertake similar initiatives in the future.
However, he did not specify the mechanism through which the shares would be transferred to children or whether additional eligibility conditions would apply.
The announcement has drawn attention to the possibility of distributing corporate ownership directly to members of the public rather than channelling shares through charitable organisations.
Musk made the announcement after artificial intelligence company Anthropic disclosed plans to allocate five per cent of its shares to a public-benefit fund.
Responding to Anthropic’s post on X, Musk suggested that the shares should instead be distributed directly to the public, referring to his own proposed initiative.
“I would suggest giving the shares directly to the public, as I intend to do,” Musk wrote in his response.
His comments highlighted a difference in the proposed approaches to distributing corporate wealth, with Anthropic outlining a public-benefit fund and Musk discussing direct share ownership for American children.
Further details about Musk’s proposed giveaway, including its implementation and the precise value of the shares at the time of distribution, have yet to be announced.
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