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.

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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.

Momina Iqbal stuns in Golden Bridal Look as Nikah Pictures break the internet

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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.

Saudi Ambassador meets Field Marshal Asim Munir to discuss defence cooperation, regional security

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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

— Umar Khattak (@iUmarKhattak) October 19, 2026

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

— CPO Multan (@multan_cpo) October 19, 2026

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.

MNA Khurram Shehzad’s Son injures Two Bikers in Islamabad Crash

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KARACHI – Pakistan’s economic growth lost momentum in final quarter of fiscal year 2025–26, with gross domestic product (GDP) expanding by 2 percent as the industrial sector contracted sharply.

The latest figures by National Accounts Committee (NAC) shows contrast between stronger-than-expected growth in the middle quarters and a substantial slowdown toward the end of the fiscal year. NAC lowered full-year GDP growth estimate to 3.65 percent from 3.70 percent, while the fourth-quarter performance fell far short of the 6.07 percent growth recorded in the corresponding period of FY25.

The revisions were approved at committee’s 118th meeting after adjustments to import data and other annual and quarterly economic indicators, the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) said in a press release.

Pakistan’s economy was valued at Rs. 126.4 trillion, equivalent to $450.4 billion, during FY26. Per capita income stood at Rs. 531,897, or $1,896. The NAC also revised the previous fiscal year’s growth rate downward to 3.11 percent from the earlier estimate of 3.18 percent.

The revised quarterly figures show that economic growth remained relatively strong through the first nine months of FY26 before slowing sharply in the final quarter. First-quarter growth was marginally reduced to 3.89 percent from 3.92 percent. In contrast, the second-quarter estimate was raised to 4.31 percent from 4.05 percent, while third-quarter growth was revised upward to 4.42 percent from 3.99 percent.

The fourth quarter, however, delivered a markedly weaker result, with GDP growth dropping to 2 percent against 6.07 percent a year earlier.

Industrial sector emerged as the weakest performer in the fourth quarter, contracting by 4.70 percent after recording an extraordinary 20 percent expansion in the same period of FY25. The steepest decline came from electricity, gas and water supply, which plunged by 33.19 percent. The PBS linked the contraction to lower subsidies, a high deflator and the base effect from the previous year.

The industrial sector’s full-year growth estimate was also reduced to 3.34 percent from 3.51 percent, reflecting weaker-than-expected large-scale manufacturing and adjustments in utilities-related activity.

Large-scale manufacturing shows significant downward adjustment, with its FY26 growth estimate cut to 5.01 percent from 6.11 percent, based on the Quantum Index of Manufacturing.

The revision came despite strong growth in several industries, particularly automobile production, which surged by 57.77 percent. Transport equipment output increased by 42.36 percent, while electrical equipment production rose by 14.25 percent and rubber products expanded by 14.19 percent.

Furniture manufacturing posted growth of 22.69 percent, tobacco production increased by 12.61 percent, petroleum products rose by 9.7 percent, and food manufacturing expanded by 7.03 percent.

Mining and quarrying performed better than previously estimated, with its growth rate revised upward to 1.52 percent from 0.38 percent.

Agriculture provided a more encouraging picture, with its annual FY26 growth estimate revised upward to 3.50 percent from 2.89 percent. The growth estimate for important crops increased to 1.59 percent from 0.65 percent, supported by wheat and maize. Other crops also performed better than initially expected, with their growth rate revised upward to 4.28 percent from 2.43 percent.

Construction was another area where the revised estimates improved. Its FY26 growth rate was raised to 6.30 percent from 5.73 percent, reflecting increased public-sector construction expenditure.

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