ISLAMABAD – The federal government announced another cut in petrol prices, lowering the rate by Rs3.93 per litre to Rs386.30, offering some relief to motorists as fuel prices remain close to the Rs400 mark.

Diesel consumers will see no change, with high-speed diesel (HSD) continuing to sell at Rs396.96 per litre.

The revised rates will take effect from October 17 and remain in force until October 19, 2026, covering the weekend, according to an announcement by the Petroleum Division.

The latest reduction follows Wednesday’s price adjustment, when petrol became cheaper by Rs3.63 per litre, bringing its price down to Rs390.23. In the same revision, diesel prices increased by Re0.31 per litre to Rs396.96. The latest decision has lowered petrol prices further while leaving diesel rates untouched.

The domestic price revision comes amid continued uncertainty in international energy markets. Crude oil prices remained relatively steady on Friday but were heading towards weekly gains as concerns over Middle Eastern supplies and a larger-than-expected drawdown in US crude inventories supported the market.

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KARACHI – Pakistan’s external sector is facing pressure as current account deficit jumped to $356 million in September 2026, reversing the surplus recorded a year earlier and raising fresh concerns about the country’s trade imbalance.

Fresh data by State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) shows September deficit was higher than the revised shortfall of $73 million in August. The latest reading also marks a sharp reversal from September 2025, when Pakistan posted a current account surplus of $133 million.

The deterioration comes despite stronger exports and continued growth in overseas Pakistanis’ remittances, highlighting a persistent problem: the country’s import bill is expanding much faster than its export earnings.

The latest figures reveal growing imbalance in Pakistan’s external trade. Exports of goods and services rose to approximately $3.95 billion in September, up from $3.42 billion a year earlier. However, imports climbed to $7.38 billion from $5.99 billion over the same period.

The numbers tell a troubling story for Pakistan’s external account. While export receipts improved, the faster rise in imports increased the pressure on foreign exchange outflows. This imbalance has become a key factor behind the country’s deteriorating current account position.

The pressure is becoming more evident in the broader fiscal-year picture. Pakistan’s current account deficit reached $874 million during the July–September quarter of FY27, compared with $755 million in the same period last year, marking an increase of approximately 15.8%. The deficit accumulated in just three months has already exceeded twice the approximately $391 million shortfall recorded during the entire FY26.

The merchandise trade figures help explain the deterioration. Goods exports increased by 7.7% to $8.45 billion in the first quarter, while goods imports rose by 14.3% to $17.78 billion. Consequently, the goods trade deficit widened by around 21%, reaching $9.33 billion compared with $7.71 billion a year earlier.

The widening gap suggests that export growth has yet to match the pace of Pakistan’s rising import demand. Remittances from overseas Pakistanis remain one of the country’s most important sources of foreign exchange, but their contribution has not been sufficient to offset the growing trade imbalance.

Pakistan received $3.59 billion in workers’ remittances in September, compared with $3.18 billion in the same month last year. This shows annual growth of nearly 13%, although inflows were slightly lower than the $3.66 billion received in August.

Despite this encouraging performance, the current account remained under pressure as payments for imports and other external transactions continued to outweigh foreign exchange receipts.

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LAHORE – Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) imposed Rs20 million fine on Fatima Jinnah Medical College, Lahore, over alleged negligence and lapses in oversight following the death of final-year MBBS student Dr Fariha Ibrahim.

The college administration challenged the decision, refusing to accept the penalty and seeking a formal review of the council’s findings. The case centres on the death of Fariha Ibrahim, a student residing in the college hostel who sustained multiple serious injuries after falling from the rooftop one evening.

Fariha succumbed to her injuries, prompting scrutiny of the circumstances surrounding the incident and the institution’s responsibilities towards students living in its hostel.

PMDC sought detailed explanation from the college on March 31, 2026, as it examined the matter. The college principal submitted an inquiry report and supporting evidence to the council on April 2. The proceedings subsequently moved to the council’s disciplinary committee, where the college principal, acting head of the Department of Psychology and chief warden appeared on April 21 to present their positions.

After its review of available material, the committee imposed Rs20 million penalty and directed the institution to strengthen its student welfare and oversight arrangements. The prescribed measures include a comprehensive framework for medical assessments, counselling services, prevention of harassment and improved monitoring.

The penalty now triggered fresh dispute between the regulatory body and the college administration, which maintains that the decision warrants reconsideration.

After approval from its General Council, the college has filed a review petition before the PM&DC, seeking a reassessment of the findings and the financial penalty.

The administration argues that police and judicial investigations into the student’s death have been completed and that, according to its position, no evidence was found establishing that the institution had committed a criminal offence warranting police action.

On this basis, the college has urged the council to reconsider the investigative findings before reaching a final determination on the disciplinary action.

The administration’s challenge places the regulatory decision under further scrutiny, although the filing of a review petition does not, by itself, establish that the penalty has been overturned or suspended.

Beyond the financial penalty, the case raised broader questions about the responsibility of medical colleges to protect students residing in institutional hostels and provide adequate welfare and support systems. PMDC’s directions concerning medical assessments, counselling, harassment prevention and monitoring indicate that student welfare arrangements form a significant part of the regulatory response.

At the same time, the college’s challenge highlights a dispute over how the findings of separate investigations should be considered alongside regulatory proceedings. The review petition is expected to be placed before the council at an upcoming meeting for further examination and a decision.

MBBS Student drowns in Swimming Pool at Lahore’s Allama Iqbal Medical College

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ISLAMABAD – Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations (DG ISPR) Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry lamented Fazl’s remarks on sacrifices of Pakistan’s military martyrs and linking it to financial compensation.

Reacting to JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman’s remarks about soldiers’ salaries and their duties, the military spokesperson said the sacrifices of fallen personnel form the backbone of Pakistan’s armed forces and play a fundamental role in the country’s defence and security. He stressed that military personnel willingly risk their lives to protect the nation, adding that reducing their ultimate sacrifice to a matter of salary failed to reflect the spirit of service and devotion associated with defending the homeland.

Questioning whether anyone would willingly lay down their life merely for financial reward, the DG ISPR underscored that the commitment of Pakistan’s armed forces extends far beyond the terms of paid employment. He maintained that soldiers remain prepared to make the ultimate sacrifice for the protection of the country and its people, describing the legacy of martyrs as integral to Pakistan’s national security, defence and dignity.

The military spokesperson expressed concern over what he described as disrespectful remarks about Pakistan’s armed forces, particularly the martyrs of the Kargil conflict. He said statements that reinforce the Indian narrative about the conflict were regrettable and difficult to understand.

ISPR chief maintained that their sacrifices deserve lasting respect and recognition rather than being reduced to financial considerations.

His remarks came amid a political controversy following Fazlur Rehman’s comments at a JUI-F rally in Kasur, Punjab, where the opposition leader questioned why civilians were being encouraged to confront armed groups when national defence was the responsibility of the armed forces.

The controversy prompted criticism from government ministers, who argued that the remarks failed to acknowledge the courage and sacrifices of military personnel. Fazlur Rehman subsequently rejected calls for an apology, maintaining that his comments had been misunderstood and were directed at those in positions of authority rather than individual soldiers.

Pakistan Army Major makes Ultimate Sacrifice during Waziristan Operation

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Bubbly versatile actress Hira Mani found herself at centre of social media attention during her visit to Canada, where she is meeting overseas fans at special meet-and-greet events. While the actress has been enjoying interactions with her admirers, her outfit has also sparked discussion online.

Mere Paas Tum Ho star is currently appearing alongside Mikaal Zulfiqar in Geo TV’s drama serial Khafa, continues to draw attention for both her on-screen performances and her personal style. However, her latest appearance in Canada has attracted mixed reactions, with some social media users commenting on her choice of dress.

While some fans continue to show their support and appreciate her work, others have focused on her fashion choice. The mixed reactions highlight how celebrities’ public appearances can quickly become a talking point on social media.

Despite the online chatter, Hira Mani remains active in the entertainment industry, with Khafa and her upcoming projects keeping her connected with audiences in Pakistan and abroad.

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KARACHI – Pakistan’s information technology (IT) exports increased by 19% year-on-year to $435 million in September, reaching their highest level in nine months.

According to the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), IT exports also recorded a 10% month-on-month increase. During the first quarter of the current fiscal year, from July to September, IT exports reached $1.25 billion.

The central bank’s data further showed that IT exports increased by 20% between September last year and September this year, rising from $4 billion to $4.8 billion over the 12-month period.

Under the government’s Uraan Pakistan plan, a target has been set to increase the country’s IT exports to $10 billion by the end of fiscal year 2028-29.

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KARACHI – Mastercard and BankIslami have collaborated to expand the bank’s consumer and commercial card offerings and support the continued growth of digital payments in Pakistan.

Under the agreement, BankIslami will develop a broader portfolio of debit, credit and business card solutions to meet the needs of its diverse customer base, including individual account holders, micro, small & medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) and commercial clients.

The collaboration includes a priority banking program featuring Mastercard World cards, along with Mastercard World Elite cards for affluent customers. It also covers BankIslami’s Shariah-compliant credit card program for customers across mass-market and affluent segments. The bank will also expand its Shariah-compliant offerings for corporates and small and medium-sized enterprises through debit cards and Business Payment Controls, helping businesses manage payments and optimise their supply chain processes.

In addition, Mastercard will support the launch of BankIslami’s unified loyalty platform across its card portfolio, providing customers with a consistent rewards and benefits experience.

“This collaboration with Mastercard strengthens our ability to provide customers with a broader range of Shariah-compliant card and payment solutions across individual and business banking”, said Imran H Shaikh, President & Chief Executive Officer of BankIslami. “Our goal is to make Islamic banking the preferred choice for customers by combining Shariah-compliant solutions with the convenience and capabilities they expect from modern digital banking,” he added.

“Mastercard powers commerce by connecting people and businesses through digital payment technology. Working with BankIslami, we are expanding payment options for consumers and small businesses in Pakistan, supporting the bank’s Shariah-compliant card offerings and helping more customers participate in the digital economy,” said Arslan Khan, country manager, Pakistan and Afghanistan, Mastercard.

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KARACHI – Pakistan’s current account recorded a deficit of $356 million in September, marking a sharp deterioration from the previous month.

According to the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), the current account deficit surged by 388% on a month-on-month basis, compared with just $73 million in August.

Economic analysts attributed the widening deficit to an increase in imports and a lack of significant improvement in exports, which put pressure on the country’s external account balance.

Data showed that Pakistan’s cumulative current account deficit stood at $874 million during the first quarter of the current fiscal year, covering July to September.

The current account deficit increased by 16% in the first quarter of the current fiscal year compared with the corresponding period of the previous fiscal year.

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LONDON – Chief Justice of Pakistan Yahya Afridi has been conferred the honour of an Honorary Bencher by London’s Inner Temple during his visit to the United Kingdom.

According to a statement issued by the Supreme Court of Pakistan, Chief Justice Afridi attended the Benchers’ Night ceremony in London, where he was welcomed as an Honorary Bencher.

The statement said discussions were held during the ceremony on strengthening cooperation between judicial and legal institutions in Pakistan and the United Kingdom.

The discussions also covered ways to enhance judicial capacity, improve case management, and raise the quality and standards of judicial decision-writing.

According to the Supreme Court, the two sides also exchanged views on promoting legal ethics and improving professional standards in Pakistan and the United Kingdom.

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LAHORE – Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has said that the head of a political party is deeply upset over not being given a role in the imposition of governor’s rule or appointed as governor.

Speaking informally to journalists in Lahore, Naqvi said the politician in question had relied on the establishment for decades to pursue his political career.

“He used to get even the air tickets for his political party arranged through the establishment,” Naqvi said, adding that such politicians were not in a position to point fingers at others.

He said political differences were understandable, but political discourse should be based on arguments and facts rather than inappropriate language and allegations.

Naqvi said some political leaders had recently expressed considerable concern over the allocation of resources to the former Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) districts.

He questioned why these leaders had remained silent for years when the former FATA districts were not receiving their due share of resources.

“Why did they not remember to speak up for the rights of the people of former FATA at that time?” he asked.

The interior minister said the rights and resources of the people of former FATA should be treated as an issue beyond political interests, adding that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was currently facing serious security challenges.

He urged political leaders to play a constructive role in restoring law and order and eliminating terrorism instead of fuelling tensions and spreading unrest.

“Khyber Pakhtunkhwa needs peace, stability and collective efforts, not political confrontation,” Naqvi said.

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ISLAMABAD – More than 15,000 highly educated Pakistanis have moved abroad for employment so far this year, according to official documents presented in parliament.

The documents show that 45,830 highly educated Pakistanis went abroad in 2024, while 28,726 secured employment overseas in 2025. In 2026, a total of 15,850 highly educated Pakistanis have left the country so far.

Those moving abroad include doctors, engineers, IT professionals and educationists.

Details of Managers and Engineers Working Abroad

According to the documents, 23,674 managers went abroad in 2024, compared with 9,562 in 2025 and 5,190 in 2026 so far.

Similarly, 8,015 engineers secured employment abroad in 2024, while 5,945 went overseas for work in 2025. In 2026, a total of 3,605 engineers have moved abroad.

Accountants, Doctors and Teachers

The documents further reveal that 4,779 accountants went abroad in 2024, followed by 4,305 in 2025 and 1,771 in 2026 so far.

Meanwhile, 3,625 doctors moved abroad in 2024, while 3,795 went overseas in 2025. A total of 2,093 doctors have left the country for employment abroad so far in 2026.

The number of teachers moving abroad stood at 1,729 in 2024 and 1,725 in 2025. In 2026, a total of 1,457 teachers have gone abroad, according to the documents.

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LAHORE – The Lahore High Court has dismissed a petition challenging the proposed 10-day celebration of Basant in 2027, declaring it premature, and directed the petitioner to file a fresh petition along with the relevant notification.

Justice Shahram Sarwar Chaudhry heard the petition filed by a citizen, Shahid Islam. During the hearing, the court asked the petitioner’s counsel whether he had any notification confirming the decision to celebrate Basant for 10 days in 2027.

Justice Shahram Sarwar Chaudhry observed that the petition could not be entertained without an official notification, adding that no judicial order could be issued solely on the basis of documents available on a website.

The court further remarked that, in the absence of the relevant notification, it could not be determined how celebrating Basant would constitute a violation of fundamental human rights. It said the notification must first be presented before the government could be asked to respond to the matter.

During the hearing, the court expressed surprise over why the registrar’s office had not raised an objection to the petition. It also questioned the petitioner’s counsel about why a fine should not be imposed on the petitioner.

The petitioner argued that the government had issued a notification regarding the celebration of Basant in 2027 but had failed to establish standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the festival.

The petition further claimed that dozens of people had died during Basant celebrations in 2026 and sought to have the announcement of the 2027 festivities declared null and void.

The petitioner also requested the court to direct the government to reduce the duration of Basant celebrations from 10 days to just one day.

The court dismissed the petition and directed the petitioner to file a fresh plea along with the relevant notification.

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KARACHI – Gold prices in Pakistan jumped higher on October 16 as international bullion rates advanced, while silver climbed to an unprecedented Rs6,256 per tola in the domestic market.

The price of 10 grams of gold also increased by Rs2,401 to Rs377,774. In the international market, gold gained $28 to reach $4,181 per ounce, while silver prices in Pakistan increased by Rs108 per tola to set a new all-time high of Rs6,256.

Latest Prices

Gold Rates in Karachi

In Lahore, the local rates for gold piece were Rs434,800 and Rs434,200, while the Pathoor hovers at Rs429,500 and Rs427,500. Karachi’s reported selling rate stood at Rs434,500.

Lahore Silver Market

Silver prices also remained in focus after the reported per-tola rate reached a record Rs6,256 nationally. Separate quotations supplied for Lahore included the following rates:

With gold and silver prices fluctuating, consumers and investors are advised to verify current rates through recognised bullion market associations or local dealers before making transactions.

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RAWALPINDI/ISLAMABAD – Passengers travelling between twin cities have been hit by partial suspension of Metro Bus Service, with operations on key section of the route halted amid security and administrative concerns.

The suspension affected stretch between IJP Road and Pak Secretariat, disrupting direct bus travel along this corridor. However, services between Saddar and Faizabad stations remain operational, providing commuters with a limited travel option.

According to Metro Bus authorities, the decision was taken on the instructions of the district administration as a precautionary measure to prevent any untoward incident.

The sudden restriction may cause inconvenience for daily commuters who rely on the service to travel between Rawalpindi and Islamabad, particularly those heading towards stations on the suspended section.

Passengers have been advised to plan their journeys accordingly, as buses are currently operating only on the available Saddar-Faizabad segment.

Authorities have not announced a specific timeline for the restoration of full operations. Services along the suspended section are expected to resume once the situation improves and conditions permit a safe reopening.

Until then, commuters are urged to remain alert to official announcements regarding changes to Metro Bus operations.

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ISLAMABAD – Thousands of highly educated Pakistanis have travelled abroad for employment over the past three years, including doctors, engineers, IT professionals, accountants, managers and teachers, according to documents presented in parliament.

As a whole, over 1.8 million Pakistanis travelled abroad for the employment abroad during 2024-26.

The documents show that 45,830 highly educated Pakistanis went abroad in 2024, while 28,726 secured overseas employment in 2025. A further 15,850 highly educated Pakistanis went abroad in 2026 so far.

The figures indicated that managers accounted for a significant share of professionals seeking employment abroad. In 2024, a total of 23,674 managers went overseas, followed by 9,562 in 2025 and 5,190 in 2026 so far.

The number of engineers securing overseas employment stood at 8,015 in 2024 and 5,945 in 2025. In 2026, a further 3,605 engineers went abroad for work.

According to the documents, 4,779 accountants went abroad in 2024, followed by 4,305 in 2025 and 1,771 in 2026 so far.

The figures also show that 3,625 doctors travelled abroad in 2024. The number increased to 3,795 in 2025, while 2,093 doctors went overseas in 2026 so far.

The education sector also featured in the figures. A total of 1,729 teachers went abroad in 2024, followed by 1,725 in 2025 and 1,457 in 2026 so far.

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US electric vehicle manufacturer Tesla has unveiled its next-generation Roadster sports car, demonstrating a series of unusual manoeuvres that included a brief leap into the air, an aerial rotation and a controlled landing.

The vehicle features thrusters inspired by technology developed by SpaceX, Elon Musk’s aerospace company. The Roadster uses compressed-air thrusters and approximately 10 nozzles to perform its airborne movements.

During the demonstration, the car moved backwards on a ramp before launching into the air, rotating during flight and landing back on the ground. The display highlighted Tesla’s efforts to showcase advanced engineering and experimental automotive technology.

However, the demonstration does not establish the Roadster as a flying vehicle capable of sustained flight like an aircraft or helicopter.

Tesla claims the sports car can accelerate from zero to 60 miles per hour in less than a second. Its reported top speed exceeds 230 miles per hour, placing it among the company’s most ambitious performance-focused projects.

The vehicle is being presented primarily as a demonstration of technological innovation and engineering capabilities.

According to Elon Musk, production of the new Roadster is planned to begin in 2028.

The project has faced a lengthy development timeline. The Roadster concept was first introduced in 2017, with deliveries initially promised for 2020. However, the launch has been postponed several times.

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BANGKOK – Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Governor WBG for Pakistan Ahad Khan Cheema, has been formally announced as the incoming Chair of the Boards of Governors of the World Bank Group (WBG) and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for 2027.

The announcement, made during the Plenary Session of the 2026 WBG–IMF Annual Meetings in Bangkok, marks a historic milestone, as Pakistan returns to the Chairmanship for the first time since 1953.

The forthcoming chairmanship provides Pakistan an important opportunity to contribute to global economic and development deliberations and facilitate constructive dialogue among member countries at a critical juncture for the multilateral system.

Following the Plenary, Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Pakistan’s Governor to the WBG, the Minister received a briefing from the WBG Corporate Secretariat on the responsibilities of the Chairmanship. He also met Ms. Aradhana Kumar-Capoor, Vice President and Corporate Secretary of the WBG, to discuss institutional support and coordination during Pakistan’s term.

The minister also met Carlos Carvallo Spalding, Governor of the Central Bank of Paraguay and outgoing Chair of the Boards of Governors. He congratulated Mr. Spalding on the successful completion of his tenure and commended his stewardship of the Chairmanship. The two exchanged views on the responsibilities of the office and priorities for the year ahead, providing an opportunity to benefit from the outgoing Chair’s experience and insights.

During the meetings, the minister highlighted Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening the voice of developing countries, promoting effective and predictable development financing, enhancing coordination among multilateral development institutions, and mobilizing private capital to support sustainable and inclusive growth. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s resolve to work closely with the WBG, IMF and member countries to foster constructive dialogue and contribute to a more responsive multilateral development and financial system.

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