LAHORE: A sessions court on Saturday sought arguments from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s counsel on a miscellaneous application by a lawyer for PTI founding chairman Imran Khan seeking permission to meet his client in jail regarding a Rs10 billion defamation suit filed by the former against the latter.
Earlier, Khan’s counsel, Muhammad Hussain Chotia, argued for permission to meet his client at Adiala Jail, Rawalpindi, saying he needed instructions from him regarding the case and his signatures on documents.
He told the court that the jail authorities were not allowing the meeting. He asked the court to direct the jail superintendent to permit him to meet Khan.
Additional District & Sessions Judge Yalmaz Ghani adjourned the hearing till Oct 31 and sought arguments from the prime minister’s lawyer.
In his suit filed in 2017, Prime Minister Shehbaz said Imran Khan levelled baseless allegations against him in connection with the Panama Papers controversy.
He sought a decree for recovery of Rs10bn as compensation from the defendant for publication of defamatory content.
Several key government figures, including Federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarar and Punjab Assembly Speaker Malik Ahmad Khan have already recorded their statements in support of the plaintiff, the prime minister.
ISLAMABAD – United States Chargé d’Affaires Natalie Baker praised Pakistan for hosting its first international women’s tennis tournament at the W15 level, calling it a milestone for women’s sports and an opportunity to strengthen ties through sports diplomacy.
Speaking at the closing ceremony of the Junaid Family Foundation (JFF) Women’s W15 Futures Tournament on Saturday, Baker congratulated the organisers for bringing together 30 players from 17 countries and territories.
She said holding Pakistan’s first women’s tournament at this level was an achievement that players, officials and organisers could take pride in.
Baker said sports helped develop teamwork and resilience while building connections between people and countries that endured beyond the competition.
Referring to the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Los Angeles, she expressed hope that more Pakistani athletes would compete on the international stage.
The American diplomat also praised the players’ sportsmanship and the hospitality extended to visiting participants. She thanked Pakistan Tennis Federation President Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi and JFF founders Ansir and Sufia Junaid for organising the event.
Baker recalled Qureshi’s achievement at the 2010 US Open, where he reached the men’s and mixed doubles finals, becoming the first Pakistani to contest a Grand Slam final. She also acknowledged his efforts to create opportunities for younger players.
France’s Astrid Cirotte won the women’s singles title, while China’s Ru Xi Wu and Thailand’s Kamonwan Yodpetch claimed the doubles championship. Baker joined Ansir and Sufia Junaid in presenting prizes to the winners.
The tournament, sponsored by the foundation led by the Pakistani-American philanthropists, took place under the theme “A Powerful Serve for Women’s Health”. It also highlighted the organisation’s work in maternal and child health, education and women’s empowerment in Pakistan.
Ansir Junaid said the competition showed how international sporting events could inspire young women and bring together policymakers, philanthropists and development partners.
“What we saw this week was about much more than tennis,” he said, adding that the event offered young people a chance to see what they could achieve.
Sufia Junaid said the foundation regarded healthcare, education and sporting opportunities as connected investments in women’s futures.
She said better maternal healthcare could give children a stronger start, while education and exposure to international athletes could help girls imagine new possibilities.
Ansir Junaid reiterated the foundation’s long-term commitment to Pakistan, saying it aimed to support initiatives capable of delivering lasting results.
UPPER KURRAM – A fresh border confrontation between Pakistan and Afghanistan erupted in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Upper Kurram on Saturday, with Pakistani forces launching retaliatory artillery fire against Afghan Taliban positions following reported cross-border firing, according to Pakistani state media and security sources.
The latest clash unfolded in Taldah sector and around Ghuzgarhi, where Afghan Taliban personnel allegedly opened fire to facilitate the movement of militants towards Pakistan.
Pakistan’s military responded with heavy weapons, reportedly striking several positions across the border and forcing Afghan Taliban personnel to abandon their posts. Security sources told the Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) that several Taliban personnel were reportedly killed during the retaliation.
Taida Sector, Upper Kurram, Pak-afghan International Border
Pakistan Army gave an effective response to firing by Afghan militants, hitting the enemy’s Topser Post & its base camp. https://t.co/II876JgqYv
Among the reported targets were the Taliban’s Topsar post and Shipola base camp in Upper Kurram. Security sources claimed that artillery fire completely destroyed the Shipola installation, while the exchange of fire was still continuing when the reports emerged.
The latest confrontation comes against the backdrop of a sustained deterioration in relations between Islamabad and Kabul, with Pakistan repeatedly accusing the Afghan Taliban authorities of failing to prevent militant groups from operating from Afghan territory.
September escalation saw Pakistan launch airstrikes against what its government described as terrorist hideouts in Afghanistan following major attacks in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. On September 21, officials said the operation had killed more than 28 militants.
KARACHI – Pakistani actress Kubra Khan is in spotlight after her appearance at recent event hosted by Samsung Pakistan. Pictures sparked interest among fans and entertainment enthusiasts, with the actress’s elegant style becoming a talking point online.
The latest buzz surrounding Ehd-e-Wafaa began after a post featured the actress at the event. The pictures showed her glamorous appearance, showing social media users and fans to take notice.
Actress #KubraKhan looking gorgeous in while spotted a recent event of @SamsungPakistan https://t.co/PlgCFYUkjM
The actress’s is among Pakistan’s recognised TV and film actresses and has earned appreciation for her performances in several popular drama serials. Her notable projects include Noor Jahan, Alif and Hum Kahan Ke Sachay Thay. She maintain a strong presence in the country’s entertainment industry and gained a following.
The actress public appearances and fashion choices attract interest from her admirers. Her latest appearance at the Samsung Pakistan event has once again brought her into the spotlight, as fans continue to follow updates about the actress and her professional engagements.
GUJRANWALA – Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif comes up with strong defence of the federal government’s decision to impose emergency measures and governor’s rule in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P), warning that failure to act amid escalating political tensions could have resulted in bloodshed.
PM Sharif maintained that the government could not stand by as the security situation deteriorated and the threat of violence surrounding Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) long march intensified. He described the intervention as a necessary step to prevent further instability and protect the country’s interests.
The decision deepened political confrontation, with PTI leader Asad Qaiser ruling out negotiations with the federal government and signalling that the opposition would formulate a collective response.
Defending the government’s action, Shehbaz said the authorities had reached a point where inaction was no longer an option. Invoking the historical analogy of Rome burning while Nero played his fiddle, he argued that allowing the situation to deteriorate without intervention would have amounted to criminal negligence.
PM hoped that the decision would produce positive results, insisting that it had been taken in the best interests of Pakistan.
The federal government imposed emergency measures and governor’s rule in K-P on October 11 under Articles 232 and 234 of the Constitution. The move suspended the PTI-led provincial administration and transferred executive authority to Governor Faisal Karim Kundi.
Federal officials have defended the intervention on security grounds, also citing what they described as a lack of cooperation from the provincial government.
The move has become a major flashpoint in the ongoing political dispute, with the federal government defending its actions as necessary while PTI has condemned the handling of the crisis.
Shehbaz linked the decision to the deteriorating security environment in K-P, warning that the province continued to face serious challenges from terrorism and alleged infiltration from Afghanistan. He said the resurgence of militant activity since 2018 required a united national response, pledging that the federal government would provide the necessary resources and administrative assistance to combat terrorist groups.
The premier also paid tribute to law-enforcement personnel and security forces, including Pakistan Army officers, who have lost their lives in counterterrorism operations. He lamented that attacks had also killed innocent civilians, including women and children.
Describing K-P as an integral part of Pakistan, Shehbaz said its people had demonstrated courage and resilience and deserved every possible opportunity for peace, stability and development.
Premier said the government had made repeated attempts to defuse tensions before introducing the emergency measures. He said discussions were held with the province’s former chief minister and current Chief Minister Sohail Afridi as part of efforts to address outstanding issues. He said the government had also established a committee and conducted negotiations with relevant stakeholders for around 48 hours to prevent the PTI long march from proceeding.
Shehbaz claimed the talks had progressed to the preparation of a comprehensive agreement under which PTI was expected to withdraw its march call, allowing the country to focus on economic recovery and development.
However, he said the proposed settlement collapsed following consultations involving the then provincial chief minister. Disagreements over the consultation process were followed by a further deterioration in the situation, according to the prime minister.
He also accused PTI of repeatedly disrupting national affairs through protests and long marches, arguing that the country could ill afford prolonged political instability amid serious security and economic challenges.
ISLAMABAD — Iran’s exports to Pakistan are facing disruption as banking restrictions threaten to bring cross-border trade to a standstill, raising fresh concerns over the economic relationship between the two neighbouring countries.
Peyman Sanandaji, head of the Transportation Commission of the Tehran Chamber of Commerce, told Iranian media that banking-related hurdles temporarily disrupted Iranian exports to Pakistan. He warned that if the obstacles to financial transactions remain unresolved, exports could effectively grind to a halt.
The development highlights how international banking sanctions, particularly those imposed by the United States on Iran, continue to complicate trade even when physical borders remain open.
According to Sanandaji, Pakistani importers are required to submit electronic import forms to their banks for goods arriving from Iran. However, difficulties associated with Iran’s restricted banking system have made the process increasingly challenging, disrupting the movement of Iranian goods into Pakistan.
The immediate concern is not a border closure but the inability to complete the banking and payment procedures required to facilitate trade.
Sanandaji warned that continued difficulties in processing financial transactions could effectively halt Iran’s exports to Pakistan if no workable solution is found.
Despite the disruption, the shared land trade border between Iran and Pakistan remains open, according to the reported remarks. Sanandaji also dismissed claims circulating in a purported letter that a border crossing had been closed.
While Iranian exports face uncertainty, shipments from Pakistan to Iran may still continue, Sanandaji said, although their continuation would depend on cooperation from the Pakistani side. This creates the possibility of an uneven impact on bilateral trade, with Iranian exporters facing immediate difficulties while Pakistani suppliers could retain opportunities to access the Iranian market.
Iran and Pakistan have long sought to expand economic ties, with some estimates placing their bilateral trade potential at between $10 billion and $13 billion. Actual trade has remained substantially below that level, reaching several hundred million dollars to a few billion dollars in recent years, depending on the period and measurement used.
Tehran supplies Pakistan with oil, petroleum products, chemicals, steel and other goods. Pakistan, meanwhile, exports rice, meat, agricultural products and other commodities to Iran. Yet banking restrictions, customs procedures, logistics bottlenecks and difficulties moving goods across the border have repeatedly limited the expansion of formal trade.
LAHORE – Amid weeks of uncertainty over earlier plan to extend celebrations across Lahore’s upcoming Basant festival, the Deputy Commissioner’s office proposed return to the original dates of March 12–14, 2027.
The latest proposal, reported on October 17, revived hopes among kite makers and traders who had raised concerns about the feasibility of the revised winter schedule. However, the Punjab Cabinet’s approval is still awaited, meaning the proposed dates cannot yet be treated as final.
Under the latest reported plan, kite flying would be permitted within Lahore district, except in designated prohibited areas, and only with materials approved under the government’s safety regulations.
The renewed uncertainty comes as the provincial administration attempts to balance the revival of a popular cultural tradition with public safety, legal restrictions and the practical concerns of the industry supplying the festival.
Basant 2027 calendar has changed more than once, leaving manufacturers, retailers and residents waiting for a definitive decision. The original plan, announced in August 2026, envisaged a three-day celebration from March 12 to 14. Preparations followed, including manufacturer registration and the development of safety procedures.
The situation changed in late September when Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz approved 10-day festival from January 29 to February 7, with a break on February 5 for Kashmir Solidarity Day.
The proposed shift brought an immediate response from kite and string manufacturers. Industry representatives argued that bringing the festival forward would leave insufficient time to produce the required supplies. They also cited winter fog, limited availability of raw materials and sharp increases in production costs.
Earlier this month, manufacturers reported price increases in key materials following the schedule change. The reported price of bamboo used in kite-making rose from approximately Rs12,000–15,000 per stack to Rs25,000–28,000. Paper prices were also reported to have climbed from Rs3,200–3,800 per ream to between Rs7,000 and Rs14,000, while thread prices increased from around Rs2,800 to as much as Rs6,500, depending on the brand.
Manufacturers warned that higher material and labour costs could push up the price of kites and string, potentially making the celebrations less affordable for ordinary residents.
Punjab Home Secretary subsequently indicated that the scheduling issue would be placed before the provincial cabinet. The latest move by the DC Lahore office now points back to March, although the final decision remains with the provincial government.
The date dispute also reached the Lahore High Court. Lahore court took up a petition challenging the proposed 10-day Basant schedule. According to reports published on October 17, the petition was withdrawn after the court questioned the legal basis for challenging the plan without an authenticated formal government notification.
The proceedings did not establish the January schedule as the final arrangement. Instead, the case highlighted the importance of obtaining an official notification before pursuing a legal challenge.
With DC office now reportedly proposing March 12–14, attention has returned to the cabinet’s decision and the formal notification required to settle the matter.
Foodie, Entrepreneur, and traveller reportedly Khurram Ali Khan passed away in a tragic accident, leaving behind his wife, children, and a community of thousands of followers.
His death sent shockwaves through the community of food lovers, travel enthusiasts, and digital media followers who knew him through his work and social media presence. Known for his entrepreneurial activities and passion for exploring Pakistan, Khurram had established a recognisable identity among people who shared his interests.
His reported death in a car accident while travelling to Muzaffarabad has sparked an outpouring of grief. The news is particularly painful for his family, including his wife and children, as well as friends and acquaintances who had known him through personal and professional connections.
Funeral details are expected to be announced by his family. Meanwhile, people have been requested to pray for the forgiveness of the departed soul.
Khurram was widely associated with Foodies and Friends, a Facebook community. The private group amassed alot of people with a shared appreciation for food, restaurants, travel, and discovering destinations across Pakistan.
Beyond his online activities, he was known as an entrepreneur, philanthropist, chamber of commerce member, and food reviewer. His enthusiasm for travelling frequently took him and his friends to scenic locations around the country, reflecting his interest in exploration and shared experiences.
His involvement in business and community activities, alongside his digital presence, helped him build connections with a diverse audience.
The reported news has prompted heartfelt reactions from people expressing sadness, disbelief, and sympathy for his family. Some recalled meeting him personally, while others shared prayers for his forgiveness and eternal peace.
CHITRAL – Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly Deputy Speaker Suriya Bibi has been booked for failing to return official vehicle provided to her following her election as a member of the provincial assembly.
According to FIR’s reported contents, the case was registered on the complaint of the Deputy Commissioner of Chitral, alleging that Suraiya Bibi retained possession of the government vehicle and failed to return it to the district administration within the stipulated time and in accordance with the prescribed rules.
The development drawn attention amid heightened political tensions and recent administrative actions involving political leaders in the province. Family sources reportedly said they had no confirmed information about Suraiya Bibi’s whereabouts since the day of the long march.
According to a report aired by a private television channel, the family maintained that the vehicle had been provided to her by the district administration after her election as a member of the provincial assembly.
The family also claimed that it had contacted the Deputy Commissioner’s office in Chitral several times by telephone, requesting officials to collect the vehicle. However, they alleged that no representative of the administration had arrived to take it back.
The case raised questions on handling of government property by elected representatives into focus, raising questions about the circumstances surrounding the vehicle’s non-return and the communication between the district administration and the Deputy Speaker’s family.
While the reported FIR points to the administration’s move to pursue the matter through legal channels, the family’s account presents a different perspective, claiming that efforts had already been made to facilitate the vehicle’s return. The competing accounts have added another dimension to a case unfolding against a backdrop of political uncertainty in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The development could attract further scrutiny as authorities deal with matters involving government assets and elected officials. However, the precise legal grounds of the case, the current status of the vehicle, and any formal response from Suraiya Bibi herself remain important details requiring confirmation.
As of the information available in the reported account, no direct statement from Suraiya Bibi regarding the FIR has been provided.
ISLAMABAD – Pakistan is turning to AI to flag suspicious bidding patterns across a public procurement sector estimated at $60 billion annually, in a new chapter in the fight against bid rigging.
With government procurement accounting for up to a fifth of Pakistan’s economy, the Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) developed an artificial intelligence-based system to detect suspicious bidding patterns and identify possible collusion in public contracts worth billions of dollars.
The initiative marks shift in how authorities monitor government tenders, as the newly developed Bid Rigging Detection System is designed to flag irregularities that may indicate coordinated bidding or other anti-competitive practices among companies competing for public contracts.
Pakistan’s public procurement sector accounts for an estimated $60 billion in annual spending and represents between 15 and 20 per cent of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). The scale of expenditure makes effective oversight a major challenge for regulators seeking to ensure fair competition and prevent the misuse of public resources.
CCP Chairman Fareed Ahmad Tarar has highlighted the limitations of manually examining procurement transactions worth trillions of rupees, stressing the need for technology to help identify high-risk cases. The AI-powered system is expected to assist investigators by detecting suspicious patterns and directing limited investigative resources towards cases that warrant closer examination.
While the system could strengthen the detection of potential bid rigging, the commission has clarified that an alert will not constitute conclusive evidence of a violation or prove that a cartel exists.
Each flagged case will require independent verification, supporting evidence and legal scrutiny before the commission considers enforcement action. The technology is intended to assist investigations, not replace the evidentiary and legal process required to establish wrongdoing.
The system also gets international recognition, having been featured in Stanford University’s global antitrust report documenting the experiences of 30 competition authorities worldwide. Its inclusion places Pakistan’s initiative among international efforts to use technology in competition regulation.
To facilitate implementation, CCP established institutional understandings with federal and provincial procurement authorities and the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP). Cooperation among these institutions is expected to support the system’s integration into the broader procurement oversight framework.
YouTuber Rajab Butt faces online criticism after expressing his desire to play late Abdul Sattar Edhi, one of Pakistan’s most respected humanitarians, in a biopic. YouTuber remarks sparked debate on social media, with many users questioning his choice of role.
Butt recently appeared in a podcast with Ahmad Ali Butt, where the conversation turned to personalities he would like to portray on screen. When asked to name his preferred character for a biopic, the YouTuber initially responded humorously, suggesting that his own life was interesting enough to deserve a film.
Butt said that he would also like to play Abdul Sattar Edhi, the legendary philanthropist whose lifelong dedication to humanitarian work earned him immense respect across Pakistan and beyond.
The YouTuber showed admiration for Edhi Sahab and said he would be willing to portray him if he could recreate the renowned humanitarian’s appearance and convince audiences to accept him in the character.
His statement draws backlash, with online discussions focusing on whether he would be a suitable choice to represent Edhi’s extraordinary life and legacy.
Edhi devoted his life to serving humanity and established one of Pakistan’s most recognised charitable welfare networks. His humanitarian services made him a symbol of compassion, selflessness, and dedication to people in need.
Butt is known for his YouTube content and a public life frequently surrounded by controversies, personal disputes, and discussions on social media. He is preparing to make his film debut, marking a potential new chapter in his entertainment career.
RAWALPINDI – Pakistani skipper Shaheen Shah Afridi shows confidence in national team’s batting firepower, saying Green Shirts are capable of chasing targets of up to 400 runs as Pakistan, England and Sri Lanka prepare to lock horns in the one-day tri-series.
The tournament’s trophy unveiling ceremony was held at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Saturday, with the captains of all three teams posing alongside the silverware ahead of the competition’s opening match between Pakistan and Sri Lanka on Sunday.
Afridi said Pakistan’s primary objective was to build towards the World Cup by playing positive, disciplined cricket and giving players consistent opportunities to establish themselves. Stressing importance of adapting to match conditions, Pakistan skipper said the team’s batting approach would depend on the nature of the pitch, the opposition and the situation during a game. He maintained that Pakistan could post totals of around 300 runs or chase a target of 400, depending on the circumstances.
Shaheen voiced confidence in Pakistan’s experienced batting order, stressing that the players understood their responsibilities and that the team would focus on executing its plans rather than allowing external pressure to affect its performance. “Pressure is always there in Pakistan cricket, but our entire focus is on our own game,” was the essence of the captain’s message as he urged his players to concentrate on the basics, play positive cricket and deliver results that would bring happiness to the country.
With the World Cup preparations shaping the team’s approach, Shaheen highlighted the importance of maintaining a strong pool of backup players who could step up whenever required. He said the purpose of having alternative options was to ensure that the team had suitable replacements available when needed. According to the captain, players had made the most of their opportunities in previous assignments, while several had also produced encouraging performances in first-class cricket.
Shaheen noted that individual performances were improving and expressed hope that the players would continue to raise their standards as the team builds towards the global tournament. He added that the management was focused on providing players with regular opportunities and carefully planning the use of pitches to prepare the squad for the demands of the World Cup.
The captain’s comments underline Pakistan’s emphasis on assessing its available options, strengthening competition for places and developing a more adaptable approach in one-day cricket.
Brook acknowledged that conditions in Pakistan could present a challenge but said England had a good understanding of the local pitches and playing environment. He also stressed the importance of developing a side capable of chasing targets in different match situations.
England skipper said he wanted to play as much cricket as possible for his country and viewed the series as an opportunity to compete against quality opposition. With Pakistan and Sri Lanka providing the opposition, England will face a demanding test as the three teams look to make the most of the tournament.
The opening encounter between Pakistan and Sri Lanka on Sunday will mark the start of the tri-series, with England completing a three-team lineup featuring sides eager to test themselves against quality international opposition.
MASTUNG — A fresh abduction in Balochistan heightened concerns over security in the mineral rich region as armed men seized 20 police trainees traveling home on leave from the Kalat Recruit Training Centre, police said.
The trainees, who belong to the Rakhshan Division, were traveling in a private passenger van when they were intercepted along the Sarband route between Kalat and Nushki on Friday.
The armed men reportedly identified the police personnel among the passengers and took them away, leaving three other passengers unharmed and releasing them. Police said the abducted trainees were subsequently taken into Mastung district before being moved to an undisclosed location. Efforts to recover the missing personnel have been launched, but their whereabouts remain unknown.
The latest incident comes amid a troubling series of abductions involving government officials in the region. Earlier this week, Rakhshan Division Commissioner Asadullah Kakar was abducted along with his driver while traveling from Quetta to Kharan in a private vehicle. Another person accompanying them was later released by the armed men. The commissioner and his driver remain missing, according to police.
The abduction of the 20 police trainees is the fourth reported incident involving government personnel in the area over the past two months. Earlier incidents included the abductions of a judicial magistrate and a deputy commissioner. Both officials were subsequently released by their captors.
The latest kidnappings intensified concerns about the safety of public officials and security personnel traveling across the region, particularly on routes connecting districts in Balochistan.
Balochistan and KP witnessed increase in militant attacks as well as kidnapping incidents in recent times.
WASHINGTON — Katie Zakaria replaced Karoline Leavitt as White House press secretary and she got sacked within a week after US President Donald Trump picked her for key position, raising fresh questions about her performance, professional credentials and the administration’s handling of media pressure.
White House officials confirmed that she was leaving the press secretary position, calling the move as transition to different role. Communications Director Steven Cheung praised her amazing teammate, adding that she would continue supporting the administration in a new capacity. However, officials did not immediately provide details about her next assignment.
Zakaria’s first press briefing, held on October 13, lasted around 15 minutes, and quickly became a focal point of criticism. According to accounts of the briefing, she spent much of the session reading from prepared remarks, including roughly eight minutes devoted to praise and scripted statements. She answered just three questions from reporters, before abruptly bringing the briefing to an end.
The performance drew criticism from media observers, with some calling it awkward and disastrous for a spokesperson expected to defend the president and respond confidently to an aggressive press corps.
A verbal fumbling added to the scrutiny. During the briefing, she reportedly said “my president” before correcting herself to “my husband,” an error that became another talking point amid the growing attention surrounding her performance.
Speaking to reporters on Friday, Trump said he had advised Zakaria to “reconsider” her position, suggesting that the high-profile role might not be the right fit for her. The president said the media had treated her very badly and questioned whether she could be happy in the job. He also suggested that she could contribute to the administration in a “more pleasant” role.
Beyond her first briefing, questions about Zakaria’s legal credentials became another major source of controversy. She earned a law degree from Pepperdine University in 2011 and subsequently took the California bar examination, but did not pass it or retake the test. Despite this, Trump referred to her as an “attorney,” while she had also described herself as a “lawyer.”
Zakaria later acknowledged that she had not passed the bar examination, explaining that she was moving to China, where she worked at a Chinese law firm.
The disclosure triggered criticism and intensified scrutiny of the language used to describe her professional qualifications. The distinction is significant: earning a law degree does not, by itself, authorize someone to practise law as a licensed attorney in California.
The timing could hardly be more sensitive for the Trump administration, with the November midterm elections approaching. The press secretary’s position is central to the White House’s public messaging, particularly during an election cycle when every briefing can become a political battleground. A spokesperson who struggles to handle questions or becomes the focus of a controversy risks diverting attention from the administration’s agenda.
Zakaria was also relatively inexperienced compared with veteran White House communicators. Her background included conservative commentary, some experience with the Department of Homeland Security and work connected to Truth Social.
KAKUL – Pakistan Military Academy (PMA) Kakul held grand passing-out parade as cadets from multiple training courses completed their rigorous military training and prepared to embark on their professional careers in the armed forces.
The ceremony featured smartly turned-out cadet contingents marching in precision and discipline, marking a significant milestone for the graduating cadets. General Syed Aamir Raza, Commander National Strategic Command, attended the event as the chief guest, inspected the parade and took the salute presented by the cadets.
The passing-out parade marked the completion of training for cadets of the 154th PMA Long Course, alongside those of the 39th Technical Graduate Course, 73rd Integrated Course and 28th Lady Cadet Course. The ceremony also reflected Pakistan’s military training ties with friendly countries, as cadets from Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and other participating nations were among those graduating.
General Aamir Raza conferred awards and medals among outstanding cadets, acknowledging their dedication, discipline and achievements throughout their time at the academy.
The ceremony was attended by a large gathering of cadets’ parents, ambassadors from various countries and senior military officers, who witnessed the graduating cadets’ formal transition from military trainees to officers ready to take on their professional responsibilities.
Addressing the ceremony, the country’s 4-star general reaffirmed preparedness of Pakistan’s armed forces to defend every inch of the country. He stressed that cross-border infiltration would not be tolerated under any circumstances.
He further stressed that Pakistan’s desire for peace should not be interpreted as a sign of weakness, warning that any act of aggression would be met with a strong and decisive response.
The passing-out parade at PMA Kakul underscored the academy’s role in preparing future military leaders through demanding training, discipline and professional development, while celebrating the achievements of cadets ready to begin the next chapter of their military careers.
KAKUL – Pakistan’s Strategic Command Chief General Syed Amir Raza has drawn a firm red line on cross-border infiltration, warning that Armed Forces are fully prepared to defend every inch of the country amid regional tensions.
Addressing passing-out parade at Pakistan Military Academy (PMA), Kakul, General Amir Raza stressed armed forces’ unwavering commitment to national defence, as he called on newly graduating cadets to shoulder their responsibilities with courage, discipline and professionalism.
Congratulating the cadets and their parents, the military commander said the responsibility of safeguarding Pakistan’s security, dignity and sovereignty rested heavily on the shoulders of the country’s future military leadership.
He urged the cadets to play an active role in protecting national security and confront the challenges of their professional careers with determination, stressing that integrity, bravery and courage were fundamental principles of effective leadership.
Reaffirming Pakistan’s defence preparedness, General Amir Raza said the country’s armed forces remained ready to protect every inch of national territory, while brave soldiers continued to make sacrifices for the country’s security. Gen Raza also referred to the recent tensions in the region, saying Pakistan played a positive role for global peace.
He said Pakistan’s efforts to help reduce regional tensions and its role as a mediator had been witnessed by the international community, highlighting the country’s diplomatic engagement amid a challenging regional environment.
General Amir Raza also expressed pride in the participation of female cadets, acknowledging their presence as a positive development. He said the Pakistan Armed Forces had demonstrated their capabilities across various fields.
Addressing wider international issues, the military commander called for an end to human rights violations in Palestine, stressing the need to halt abuses against the Palestinian people. On Kashmir, he reiterated that the dispute remained unresolved at the international level and should be settled in accordance with United Nations Security Council resolutions.
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.
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.
indicators
Sept 2026
Sept 2025
Annual change
Current account balance
-$356 million
+$133 million
Surplus turns deficit
Exports of goods and services
$3.95 billion
$3.42 billion
+15%
Imports of goods and services
$7.38 billion
$5.99 billion
+23%
Workers’ remittances
$3.59 billion
$3.18 billion
+13%
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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