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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Federal Government to Support Development and Food Security

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

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

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

PM Calls for Improved Policing and Accountability

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

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

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

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

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

Tribal Council to Be Empowered

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Recent Diplomatic Engagements

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

PM Says KP Cannot Be Left to Suffer

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

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

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

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

PM Criticises Previous Provincial Government

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

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

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

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

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

PM Says Tough Decisions Followed Consultations

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

PM Says Decisions Are Within Constitutional and Legal Authority

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

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

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

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

Governor KP Calls for Joint Efforts Against Terrorism

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

 

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