Pakistan allocates Rs117.75 billion for education in new budget

Egypt's parliament authorised the military to provide support to help defend Saudi Arabia. Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty and Egyptian intelligence chief Hassan Rashad travelled to Riyadh on Wednesday.

The two officials delivered a letter from President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi to Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. President Sisi stated that Egyptian support would be limited to defending Saudi territory and borders rather than attacking Yemen.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman visited Sisi in Cairo on 15 September. Egypt joined the Saudi-led coalition in March 2015 and has deployed around 800 ground troops in Yemen.

The Makkah mutual defence pact between Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Turkiye was signed in August. Badr Abdelatty said Egyptian membership in the pact remained under serious consideration.

Cairo advocates exploring every opportunity to resolve the Yemen conflict diplomatically.

Dictionary.com selected "maxxing" as its 2026 Word of the Year, identifying the term as a prominent fixture of modern vocabulary. The word describes the act of optimising a specific activity or pursuing a goal to its absolute fullest extent.

Usage of the term has surged primarily among Gen Z and Gen Alpha demographics. Common variations of the expression include "gymmaxxing," "healthmaxxing," "sleepmaxxing," and "tokenmaxxing."

The term has permeated political messaging, appearing in phrases such as "homelandmaxxing." People also use "cozymaxxing" to characterise efforts aimed at maximising leisure and personal comfort.

The selection followed an evaluation of news coverage, social media trends, cultural significance, and search data. Dictionary.com previously chose "67" as its 2025 Word of the Year.

Finalists for the current award included "affordability," "data centre," "unc," and "odyssey." Christopher Nolan is set to release a 2026 film adaptation of Homer's epic.

The Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) launched a pharmacovigilance outreach campaign to enhance medicine safety and promote the reporting of suspected adverse drug reactions. Technical support for the initiative was provided by the World Health Organization (WHO).

Representatives from the National Pharmacovigilance Centre (NPC) of DRAP met with the Chief Executive Officer of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Healthcare Commission (KPHCC) to discuss the program. Awareness sessions were conducted at Quaid-i-Azam University in Islamabad, Peshawar General Hospital (PGH), and Rehman Medical Institute (RMI) in Peshawar.

Participants at these venues were introduced to VigiMobile and VigiFlow, which are tools designed to facilitate the reporting of suspected adverse drug reactions. These digital tools also support evidence-based regulatory decisions.

DRAP stated the initiative aimed to strengthen partnerships and encourage a culture of pharmacovigilance.

The Pakistan National Heart Association (PANAH) stated that placing simple and visible warning labels on food packaging makes nutritional information easier to understand than complex nutrition panels. Clear front-of-package warning labels help consumers identify packaged foods containing high levels of nutrients of concern.

These labels improve the understanding of nutritional risks and can influence people to select healthier food products. Health advocates maintain that consumers have the right to clear and accessible information regarding the nutritional content of packaged foods.

The initiative calls for greater attention to transparent food labelling.

Fox will premiere its reboot of the blockbuster beach series Baywatch at 9 p.m. on 6 January 2027. The network ordered 12 episodes for the 2026-2027 broadcast season in September 2025.

Production began in Los Angeles during the spring following an open casting call held in early 2026. Shay Mitchell, Brooks Nader, Hassie Harrison, Livvy Dunne, Noah Beck, David Chokachi and Thaddeus LaGrone star in the new production.

Amell and Belkin also feature in the reboot, while Megan Thee Stallion makes an appearance. Recurring roles include Ashley Moore, Luke Eisner, Nadia Gray, Kylar Miranda, and Charlie McElveen.

Matt Nix serves as an executive producer alongside McG, Michael Berk, Greg Bonann, Doug Schwartz, Dante Di Loreto and Mike Horowitz. McG directed the premiere episode of the series, which was co-produced by Fox Entertainment and Fremantle.

The original Baywatch series first debuted in 1989 and aired in more than 200 countries.

The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) CRO Islamabad office hosted an awareness session in partnership with the Rawalpindi-Islamabad Tax Bar Association. Mahboob Ahmad, the Incharge CRO Islamabad, headed the SECP delegation during the proceedings.

Participants received detailed information regarding the specific compliance mandates established under the Companies Act, 2017. The Central Depository Company (CDC) was represented by Zafar, who joined the session to discuss the role of the institution in managing share transfers.

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Zafar explained the necessary procedures and requirements for moving shares through the CDC system.

Apple launched iOS 27.2, introducing specific functionality for the iPhone Duo hardware. The new operating system enables Apple Pencil support on the iPhone Duo.

Users can also access an "Edge Light" feature on the device. The iPhone Duo features a 7.6-inch inner display and a 5.4-inch outer screen.

Siri AI now performs suggested actions within the Messages app. Language support for Siri AI has expanded to include French, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, and Spanish.

The company is deploying support for Google’s SynthID AI watermark in Photos and Image Playground. Dual capture is now available for FaceTime group calls.

Apple also distributed macOS 27.2 Golden Gate, watchOS 27.2, visionOS 27.2, tvOS 27.2, and HomePod 27.2.

The State Bank of Pakistan expects the nation's foreign exchange reserves to reach $25 billion by the end of June 2027. Governor Jameel Ahmad stated that the bank is aiming to increase the import cover to a four-month period.

Current reserves are valued at approximately $21.5 billion, which provides enough cover for three months of imports. The $25 billion projection excludes a $10 billion Exchange Stabilisation Support Facility that Pakistan formally requested from the United States earlier this year.

Washington is expected to provide a response regarding the stabilisation facility request within the next couple of months. The State Bank of Pakistan recently raised the policy rate by 50 basis points to 12%.

Actress Mawra Hocane visited a repatriation centre to meet families preparing to return home from conflict zones. She collaborated with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees on an Instagram video to raise awareness about the humanitarian situation.

During the visit, Hocane listened to the stories of parents worried about their futures and children mourning the loss of their schools and friends. The actress noted that while efforts may never be sufficient, it is vital to provide any possible assistance to those in need.

Hocane explained that the UNHCR works to ensure families who choose to return can do so in a safe and dignified manner. Mawra Hocane and Ameer Gillani recently welcomed a baby boy.

The Asian Development Bank will provide a new financing package to help approximately 200,000 smallholder farmers build resilience against climate change. Extreme weather events, including floods, droughts, and heatwaves, are currently damaging irrigation systems and roads across rural Cambodia.

These infrastructure failures are isolating farmers from markets and threatening the stability of national food supplies. More than half of the agricultural workforce in the country is comprised of women.

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The funding will specifically aim to increase the role of women within the agricultural sector.

The Government of Punjab issued a public awareness message to educate the population on identifying stroke symptoms. Medical signs of a stroke include drooping on one side of the face, weakness in the arm, and difficulty speaking.

Call Rescue 1122 immediately upon the appearance of these symptoms to seek urgent medical attention. Patients must be transported to the nearest stroke center as quickly as possible.

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A QR code is available to provide a list of established stroke centers across Punjab. Guidance and information regarding the Chief Minister Stroke Program can be accessed through a dedicated website or helpline.

Ayesha Omar and Nabeel Zafar marked the 17th anniversary of the sitcom Bulbulay on social media. The series first premiered in 2009.

Omar, Zafar, Hina Dilpazeer, Mahmood Aslam and Shagufta Ejaz shared collaborative posts on Instagram to commemorate the milestone. The actress noted that the show provides a moment of joy and laughter for families and communities facing various stressors.

Omar highlighted the show's diverse reach, mentioning that she meets children from Gen Z and Gen Alpha who credit the series with enriching their childhoods. She also noted that the program is watched by people with Down syndrome or autism, blind listeners who know the dialogues by heart, and even serious political figures.

Production was originally intended to last for 26 episodes with filming scheduled to continue for six months. Dilpazeer joined the cast as the character Momo during the wedding episode.

Walter Koenig died of old age at his home in North Hollywood on 25 October. His daughter and niece were present with him at the time of his death.

Koenig is best known for portraying Chekov in the original Star Trek series. The actor also served as the best man at the wedding of George Takei.

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Representatives for Koenig said, "Today we mourn the passing of Walter Koenig, whose talent, warmth, and unforgettable performances left a lasting mark on generations of fans around the world."

Lionsgate and Steven Paul are establishing a joint venture to launch new initiatives, with SP Media committing a significant investment to the project. Paul met with President Donald Trump at the White House on 31 August to advocate for federal tax incentives for the Hollywood industry.

Legendary Entertainment has revived its attempt to acquire Lionsgate, a deal involving negotiations by Brian Goldsmith, Bruce Tobey, and Suzy Felfeli. Scott Karol negotiated the terms for SP Media, while Moelis acted as the financial adviser for Lionsgate.

Lazard provided financial advice to SP Media, and Paul Hastings represented the company in the transaction.

Paramount Pictures is producing a film based on the Call of Duty video game franchise, with Peter Berg set to direct the project. Taylor Sheridan wrote the script for the upcoming production.

The studio announced the project in September 2025 and scheduled the theatrical release for 30 June 2028. The narrative will draw inspiration from the Modern Warfare games, specifically Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare, which debuted in 2007.

Berg stated, "Taylor and I are both deeply connected to the special ops community." The franchise has generated $35 billion in lifetime revenue and reached 1 billion players.

This agreement allows Paramount to potentially expand the Call of Duty universe into television and other film formats. Paramount Pictures has not disclosed any casting information or specific plot details for the movie.

Samsung is offering discounts on its P9 MicroSD Express cards across several retail outlets. The 256GB model of the P9 MicroSD Express card currently costs $47.99.

A 512GB version is available for $99, which is a significant reduction from its typical retail price of between $150 and $200. Retailers usually sell the smaller 256GB card for approximately $80.

Storage capacity is becoming increasingly relevant as first-party games for the Switch 2 are expected to range from 10 to 30 gigabytes. Specific titles like the 27GB remake of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time and the 60GB Cyberpunk 2077 highlight the need for expanded space.

Hardware such as the Asus ROG Ally X20 now includes support for MicroSD Express and operates on Windows 11.

Disney+ customers can now stream hundreds of hours of scripted and unscripted content from Channel 4, including access to the broadcaster's linear HD channel. Subscribers will view the programming through a dedicated section branded by Channel 4 without paying any additional fees.

The streaming platform will also provide users with multiple new Channel 4 shows every year. Disney+ described the arrangement as one of its “most significant” content deals with broadcasters on a global scale.

Approximately 10 similar content agreements have been signed by Disney with international broadcasters recently. Last year, Disney entered a similar agreement with the British streamer ITVX to share specific content.

Netflix also established a major deal in France to offer its subscribers access to TF1 channels.

Actress Tovah Feldshuh responded to actor Adam Brody's support for Palestine following his call for a “Free Palestine” during a GQ interview. Feldshuh, who portrays Bina Roklov in the production “Nobody Wants This,” stated that accusations from Jewish people impact the Jewish community.

The actress described the current era as experiencing a ‘horseshoe effect’ where socialism and antisemitism are attempting to converge. “I believe that the perseverance of the existence of the state of Israel is crucial to the well-being of the democratic world and of the free world… Of course, Israel needs the United States, [but] the United States needs Israel, believe me,” Feldshuh said.

She added that her role as both Bina and herself involves being kind and loving the people on her work set.

Macklemore launched a three-show 'Free Palestine' tour in Dublin, Ireland, to raise funds for charities supporting the region. The musician will travel to Paris on 29 October and London on 30 October as part of this specific stint.

Finneas, Lukas Graham, and Aaron Rowe have all withdrawn from the tour. The artist was removed as an opening act for Ed Sheeran after delivering a political speech on stage.

Sheeran stated that the decision to drop Macklemore belonged to the promoter rather than himself. Macklemore claimed that Robert Kraft refused to allow him to perform at Gillette Stadium in Massachusetts.

A one-off performance took place at Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Colorado on 22 October. Macklemore described the mission as one of "love and liberation".

Macklemore described the effort as "love and liberation".

Macklemore

National Foods Limited launched the National Foodpreneur Programme to provide practical skills to 10 Deaf men and women. The three-month Professional Culinary Training initiative was established in partnership with ConnectHear.

Participants will undergo hands-on training covering various cuisines, food hygiene, safety, HACCP principles, and professional kitchen operations. Sarah Dawood, Head of Corporate Reputation at National Foods Limited, said, "As a food leader, empowering the next generation of chefs, including Persons with Disabilities, is more than teaching a craft. It is a commitment to inclusion, socioeconomic uplift, and the enduring development of our communities."

Azima Dhanjee, CEO and Co-founder of ConnectHear, stated that by ensuring accessible training, sign language instruction, and trained teachers, this culinary programme gives ten Deaf individuals a pathway to professional skills and employment. The government increased the price of diesel by Rs2.16 per litre.

Petrol prices rose by Rs1.54 per litre.

Taylor Swift joined the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame as its youngest member at the age of 36. Brad Paisley inducted Swift into the hall during a ceremony that featured several other notable musicians.

Lyle Lovett, Bruce Channel, Shawn Camp and Lee Thomas Miller were also admitted to the hall alongside the singer. J.I. Allison received recognition as a late inductee during the proceedings.

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George Strait was presented with the Career Maker Award as part of the event. Lainey Wilson performed a stripped-back version of the song “Love Story” to serenade Swift.

Swift previously became the youngest writer to receive the Songwriters Hall of Fame honour in New York in June. Swift said, “the memories that I visit most frequently when I need to return back to some semblance of remembering what normalcy is and why I do this.”

Jon Stewart mocked Donald Trump's obsession with Nicki Minaj during a recent episode of The Daily Show. The former president previously commented on the rapper's "beautiful ass".

Stewart also criticised a campaign advertisement released by Ohio Republican governor hopeful Vivek Ramaswamy. That specific ad features the estranged mother of Democratic candidate Amy Acton.

Through 2028, Stewart will continue to host the program. His previous contract was scheduled to expire at the end of 2026.

In November 2025, the comedian signed a one-year renewal agreement. Stewart first began hosting The Daily Show in 1999.

He departed the show in 2015 before making a comeback in February 2024. Ratings for the show increased following his return to the host chair.

Donnie Iris died at the age of 83 after battling bladder cancer for three years. The artist performed his final show on 28 September.

During his career, Iris achieved success with The Jaggerz, whose 1970 single "The Rapper" reached No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100. In the late 1970s, he joined Wild Cherry as a guitarist.

Iris and the Cruisers released a string of singles including "Back on the Streets" in 1980, "King Cool" in 1981, "The High and the Mighty" in 1982, and "Fortune 410" in 1983. MCA Records dropped the group in 1984.

Iris also owned SimCorp in Aliquippa. Iris said, "It got me some business I normally wouldn’t have."

Pakistan Police Sports Board players won 13 medals in total during the 54th National Athletics Championship and the Asian and World Masters Grand Prix Weightlifting Championship 2026. Eight gold medals were secured by the athletes, alongside two silver and three bronze medals.

Inspector General Punjab offered his congratulations to the winning players for their performance. Imran Arshad, Additional IG and Director General of the Pakistan Police Sports Board, also praised the winners.

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DIG Athar Ismail, the Chief Sports Officer, extended his congratulations to the team as well.

Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi visited the Kashmir Chowk Underpass Project to review construction work and assess progress. The project was launched 17 days ago.

During the site visit, Naqvi inspected ongoing construction activities and reviewed the progress made since the start of the work. He examined the pace of work specifically on the walls and the roof slab of the underpass.

Public health facilities in Quetta are experiencing a significant rise in seasonal diseases, with hundreds of residents arriving daily for treatment. Civil Hospital, Bolan Medical Complex, and Benazir Bhutto General Hospital are reporting heavy patient volumes alongside numerous private clinics.

Large numbers of women and elderly citizens are also falling ill during this period. Medical staff claim that sudden temperature swings and an increasing chill have weakened the immunity of the local population.

The use of untreated water in some localities is compounding the health crisis. Health experts are urging residents to take preventive measures to protect themselves.

Medical professionals strongly advise against self-medication.

The Asian Development Bank provided a $40 million loan to Bank Respublika to bolster Azerbaijan's economic landscape. At least half of this capital will be directed toward agricultural businesses to improve productivity.

These specific funds will finance drip irrigation systems and support the cultivation of crops adapted to shifting weather patterns. Bank Respublika must ensure that at least 20 percent of the loan reaches businesses owned by women.

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Small companies and farms located outside the capital currently face significant hurdles in accessing finance.

The Punjab government established 95 sale points across the Bhakkar district to distribute subsidised flour. A 10-kilogramme bag of flour is priced at Rs1,100 at these locations.

This price offers consumers a discount of Rs230 compared to the current market rate. Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif directed the implementation of this initiative.

The Food Department is supplying the flour in 10kg bags rather than the standard 20kg packs. Sale points are distributed across the four tehsils of the district.

The department introduced monitoring arrangements to ensure flour is sold at the prescribed price. Monitoring is being carried out to ensure availability and prevent irregularities in distribution.

Relevant staff and dealers were instructed to cooperate with consumers. The 95 sale points were set up to improve access to subsidised flour.

Organisers moved the event from its original October date because of a conflict with Yemen's Houthis. Sinner, who is 25 years old, has been sidelined by an injury since he won Wimbledon in July.

The Italian player shared a poster for the upcoming competition on his Instagram account on Monday. He maintains a 94 percent winning record in 2026 and secured two Grand Slams and the ATP Finals in each of the previous two seasons.

Other notable competitors include world No.2 Alexander Zverev, who won the French Open and the US Open this season, and 24-time major champion Novak Djokovic. Carlos Alcaraz, a seven-time major winner, is also expected to participate.

Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry chaired a sub-committee meeting to establish a 120-day deadline for developing a shrimp farming expansion roadmap. The roadmap serves as a component of a broader 24-month process for implementation and review.

Seven technical working groups and a projection and costing cell received approval from the sub-committee during the session. Officials also approved 14 reports and export projections, alongside an initial 14-day action plan.

Fisheries departments from Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan participated in the meeting. The Trade Development Authority of Pakistan joined the ministries of National Food Security and Research and Maritime Affairs at the gathering.

Rana Muhammad Saleem Afzal noted that establishing an effective value chain remains a major challenge, though efforts are underway to build hatcheries. A feasibility study is currently being prepared for a 3,500-acre shrimp farm in Sindh.

A Saudi-led coalition intercepted and destroyed three ballistic missiles launched by the Houthi group toward Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province. Three drones were also shot down by the coalition over the Riyadh region and southern Saudi Arabia on 26 October.

Military operations successfully destroyed Houthi ballistic missile launchers, storage tunnels, and a missile depot. The Houthi group captured strategic areas along Yemen's Red Sea coast last month and moved toward the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.

The 2022 UN-brokered truce was shattered as the group maintains control over the capital, Sanaa. The Saudi-led coalition continues to support Yemen's internationally recognised government.

The federal government established a National Wheat Policy and fixed the price of wheat at Rs4,500 per maund. Rana Tanveer Hussain, Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research, announced the decision during a press conference in Islamabad.

Officials reached this price point following consultations with all provincial governments. The government stated there would be no shortage of wheat this year.

To ensure availability, the state will maintain strategic wheat reserves of up to 6,000,000 metric tonnes during the current year. The government can import up to 550,000 metric tonnes of wheat to meet provincial requirements, with imported grain costing approximately Rs4,500 per maund.

Hussain claimed that the prevailing hike in prices is artificial and manipulated by certain market elements. The new policy framework also includes regulations relating to seeds, olives and biotechnology.

Pakistan currently experiences significant shortages of pulses, fruits, and vegetables across the country. In contrast, the nation's supply of sugar and cereals exceeds the actual dietary requirements of the population.

National dietary guidelines were adopted in 2018 to address nutritional standards. Agricultural and food policies have traditionally prioritised production volumes over nutritional requirements.

Rising food prices now place essential dietary components beyond the purchasing power of millions of people.

LPG prices fell by Rs20 to Rs30 per kilogram in parts of Hyderabad on 26 October. Distributors reduced the supply rate from Rs520 to Rs490 per kilogram.

Retailers subsequently lowered prices from Rs550 to between Rs520 and Rs530 per kilogram. The price reduction followed the arrival of an LPG shipment at the port.

The Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) fixed the domestic LPG price at Rs279.34 per kilogram. Retail prices continue to stay significantly higher than the official rate set by OGRA.

Universities across Pakistan must now provide mandatory internships for their students, according to a new requirement affecting 282 institutions. The Higher Education Commission (HEC) is overseeing the enforcement of this rule to ensure all universities comply with the standard.

Introduced in 2023, the policy allocates three academic credit hours specifically for the completion of these internships. Youth Development Centres were previously established at universities to offer career and academic guidance to the student body.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif directed the creation of these centres to foster connections between students and representatives from various industries. The government also announced the distribution of 500,000 Chromebooks to students to support their educational needs.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Inspector General of Police Zulfiqar Hameed handed over 10 modern ambulances and 8 armoured personnel carriers (APCs) to senior officers during a ceremony at the Central Police Office in Peshawar. The fleet consists of 6 Zarb-e-Haider APCs and 2 Dragon-class APCs.

Authorities distributed the vehicles to various locations, including Peshawar, Charsadda, Lower Dir, Upper Dir, Kohat, Karak, Bannu, Dera Ismail Khan, Tank, Abbottabad, and Shangla. Hameed stated that the modern APCs would help police personnel move safely during operations and emergencies, protecting their lives from terrorist attacks.

Several Chinese brands have severed ties with French footballer Kylian Mbappé following a social media backlash over his comments regarding a "Chinese dictator." Mbappé admitted to using a meme featuring a video of a "Chinese dictator" with his friends, stating, "I use it with my friends all the time."

The football forum Dongqiudi described the remarks as "inappropriate" and noted they "hurt the feelings of Chinese people" on Monday night. CCTV is suspending the broadcast of La Liga matches in response to the controversy.

Mengniu announced a zero-tolerance policy towards any actions that offend the public, stating the company "firmly opposes" such behaviour. Dongpeng also declared that his company "firmly opposes and has a zero-tolerance policy towards any behaviour that offends national sentiments."

Mbappé, who debuted for Real Madrid in August 2024, previously sued a French influencer and kebab shop owner earlier this year.

The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) warned job seekers to verify recruitment offers to avoid falling victim to financial fraud and identity theft. Cybercriminals are advertising fraudulent overseas employment opportunities to deceive people into paying for visas, registration, and processing fees.

Scammers may use these fake recruitment offers as a means to collect sensitive documents, banking information, and other personal details. To protect themselves, the NCCIA recommends that citizens apply through authorised recruitment channels and verify employers via reliable sources or official websites.

The agency advises against paying any advance fees to recruiters whose legitimacy remains unconfirmed. Individuals should never share banking details, passwords, or one-time passwords (OTPs) with unknown parties.

Citizens are urged to report any cybercrime incidents through the agency's helpline at 1799.

Mohammad Yousuf identified a technical flaw in the batting of Babar Azam during a recent ODI tri-series involving Pakistan, England, and Sri Lanka. The former captain noted that Azam's open right shoulder prevents him from keeping his left shoulder aligned with the ball's path.

This physical positioning causes the batsman to struggle with judging the line and swing of deliveries, which Yousuf described as unfortunate for a player of his calibre. Yousuf observed that Azam previously hit shots through extra cover but now faces difficulties due to the technical shift.

During the ongoing tri-series, Azam recorded scores of 45, 34, and 10 runs in separate innings. The upcoming ODI World Cup is scheduled to take place in South Africa.

A woman jumped from a moving motorcycle on 17 October to escape what she described as inappropriate behaviour by the rider. Injuries to her face, nose, throat, and head were sustained during the jump.

The bike rider fled the scene immediately after the woman jumped. Police registered a case against the rider following a formal complaint from the victim's brother.

Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar addressed participants of the Kashmir Solidarity Walk at D-Chowk in Islamabad. The gathering served to mark Jammu and Kashmir Black Day.

Dar paid tribute to the sacrifices and courage shown by the Kashmiri people. Pakistan reaffirmed its moral, political, and diplomatic support for the right of the Kashmiri people to self-determination.

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The Foreign Minister urged the international community to fulfill its role in addressing the plight of the people of Kashmir.

The federal government has approved an irrigation and agricultural development project in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa valued at Rs69.893 billion. The Asian Development Bank is expected to provide Rs56.133 billion, which is approximately $200 million, toward the initiative.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa authorities will contribute an additional Rs11.692 billion, including money designated for land acquisition. Work on the project involves extending the Pehur High Level Canal, rehabilitating the Pehur Main Canal, and building the Mulkhow Irrigation Distribution System.

Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal chaired a CDWP meeting where the forum reviewed 14 development projects across the country. These 14 nationwide projects have a combined estimated cost of Rs226.48 billion.

A separate Rs13.32 billion solar scheme for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa received federal approval during the same period. The government also announced the provision of 500,000 Chromebooks for students.

Daniel Mirón Lorente secured a position at the Ferrari Driver Academy following a year of training under the Elite Driver Development programme. Enaam Ahmed, the co-founder and driver mentor of Elite Driver Development, managed and coached Lorente for 12 months.

Born in 2013, Lorente won the COTF Euro Series championship and shared the Champions of the Future series victory with Ahmed this year. Ahmed, who was the British Formula 3 Champion and won 13 races in a single season, also served as the World Karting Champion.

As the first Pakistani to become a World Champion in Karting, Ahmed negotiated the agreement with the Ferrari Driver Academy. Ahmed stated his long-term ambition is to help Lorente potentially secure a Formula 1 seat with Ferrari.

The federal government moved forward with a Rs13.323 billion solar energy project to provide off-grid electricity to households in the newly merged districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal chaired the meeting where the solar initiative was one of 14 development projects evaluated.

A total of Rs226.48 billion was the combined estimated cost for all projects reviewed by the committee. The solar scheme represents one of three primary development projects for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa included in the latest infrastructure plans.

The CDWP referred the proposal to the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) for final approval before the project can move to the next stage.

Acer unveiled the Predator Atlas 8 gaming handheld as its first device to receive an official launch in the United States. The hardware features Arc B390 graphics containing 12 Xe3 GPU cores and 24GB of LPDDR5x RAM.

An 8-inch display with a 120Hz refresh rate powers the device, which also includes TMR joysticks and dual-mode triggers. Users can operate the handheld in a portable mode or a docked setup while running Windows 11 and accessing Xbox Game Pass.

The Intel Arc G3 Extreme variant costs $1,299.99 and will be available exclusively at Best Buy starting 1 November 2026. This price point matches the Xbox Ally X20.

Best Buy preorders for the Atlas 8 are currently sold out. Acer announced online orders will open again on 1 November 2026 to coincide with in-store availability.

The world premiere of the David Bowie immersive concert experience, titled “Stage,” will occur on 14 February 2026 at Berlin’s Uber Arena. Presented in association with the Berlin Film Festival, the project is a joint venture between the David Bowie Estate, documentary filmmaker Brett Morgen, and Rob Hallett’s Wonderworld.

Morgen found the original camera negatives while producing his Grammy Award-winning film “Moonage Daydream. The production features a 3-screen presentation that integrates transparent LED screens with large-scale projections.

Lighting designer Patrick Woodroffe, who has worked with Elton John and the Rolling Stones, provided the design for the show. Paul Massey created a bespoke sound mix for the experience, utilizing 7.1 surround technology and spatial audio design.

Massey previously won Academy Awards for “Bohemian Rhapsody,” “Michael,” and “Moonage Daydream.” Morgen will also serve as a headline speaker for the European Film Market talks program at Berlinale.

Noah Wyle has been selected as People’s Sexiest Man Alive for 2026. Wyle expressed surprise at the recognition, stating, "I thought that sounded like a prank — just not in a million years did I think that this would be an honor bestowed on me."

Wyle portrays Dr. Michael “Robby” Robinavitch in the HBO production The Pitt. Season 3 of the series is scheduled to debut in January 2027.

The Sexiest Man Alive contest, which Mel Gibson launched in 1985, marks its 41st year. Jonathan Bailey received the title in 2025, becoming the first openly gay man to win the award.

Wyle has appeared in emergency rooms since 1994. The finale of The Pitt aired in 2009.

India won by six wickets against New Zealand to take a 3-0 lead in the ongoing series. Abhishek Sharma struck a century off just 38 balls, hitting nine fours and 11 sixes to anchor the Indian innings.

The pair of Abhishek Sharma and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who scored 45 from 19 balls, blitzed 133 runs in seven overs. India reached 199-4 in 13.2 overs, setting a new international T20 record with a powerplay score of 118.

Zealand posted 198-3 in 20 overs during their turn at the crease. Daryl Mitchell scored 89 from 52 balls for the hosts, while Finn Allen contributed 40 off 25 deliveries.

Mitchell Santner finished with figures of 1-17 off three overs. Sharma has now recorded 11 centuries in T20 cricket, including a 30-ball hundred against Afghanistan last month.

Five one-day internationals and two Test matches will follow this series.

EcoStar introduced a new 100-inch Smart 4K QD Mini LED TV to the Pakistani market. The company launched this product alongside its "Your World, Your Way" marketing campaign.

QD Mini LED technology powers the display, which provides 4K Ultra HD resolution and supports both HDR10 and Dolby Vision. A 4.1-channel sound system with an integrated subwoofer delivers the audio, while a 144Hz native refresh rate ensures smooth motion.

Gaming enthusiasts can access up to 288Hz via DLG technology and utilize HDMI 2.1 connectivity. The television operates on Google TV powered by Android 14 and includes built-in Chromecast and Google Assistant features.

Hardware specifications include 3GB of RAM, 64GB of internal storage, and Bluetooth 5.1 connectivity. Consumers can choose from a range of sizes including 55-inch, 65-inch, 75-inch, 85-inch, and 100-inch models.

A joint steering committee will oversee the audit process to assess the condition of fire protection arrangements and electrical systems. The secretary of Specialised Healthcare will chair the committee, while the secretary of Energy serves as co-chairman.

Beyond identifying hazards, the committee will supervise measures to rectify serious deficiencies found during the inspections. Monitoring the efficient use of energy and electricity conservation measures is another primary responsibility for the group.

The committee is tasked with preparing recommendations to improve energy efficiency and lower electricity expenditures in healthcare facilities. Coordination among the Health Department, Energy Department, and Punjab Energy Efficiency and Conservation Agency (PECA) will be ensured.

A comprehensive progress report on the audits and the rectification of identified flaws will be submitted to the Punjab Chief Secretary.

Prof. Dr. Farhan Essa and Dr. Arshad Qaimkhani visited the Health Research Institute (HRI) on 27 October. The visiting officials received a briefing regarding the institutional priorities and current activities of the facility.

During the meeting, the pair shared recommendations to improve institutional capacity and expand opportunities for research funding. Essa, a Member of the Board of Governors of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), also suggested ways to strengthen professional skills.

Qaimkhani, who serves as the Chief Executive Officer of the Sehat Sahulat Programme, advocated for the effective translation of research findings into evidence-based policies.

Magistrate Naeem Wattoo extended the physical remand of a suspect involved in an alleged Rs35 billion fraud case. The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) presented Faheem Akram before the court, where the magistrate also granted initial remand to a second suspect.

Both individuals will remain in custody until 30 October 2026. According to the NCCIA, Akram managed the website LabelsBank.com starting 1 August 2023.

The agency stated that the platform sold more than 5,000,000 fraudulent labels. US Department of Justice records show a federal grand jury in Florida indicted Akram on 1 September 2026.

Prosecutors in the United States claimed the sale of over 5,100,000 counterfeit postage labels resulted in losses to the US Postal Service exceeding $126 million. The website offered these labels to customers for approximately $2 each.

A court order from the United States authorized the seizure and shutdown of the website.

Fujifilm released the Instax Mini Evo 2 hybrid instant camera for $290. The device features a 1/2.77-inch sensor and a 4.5-inch rear display equipped with touchscreen controls.

Users can adjust flash settings, white balance, and exposure while choosing from 10 film effect options and 10 lens effect options. Two dials and a film-inspired print lever provide physical navigation for the camera, which also includes an Expanded View mode.

The camera prints 2 x 3-inch Instax Mini format photos and supports basic video recording. Video clips recorded at 24FPS with a resolution of 560 × 992 pixels do not include audio and must be saved to a microSD card.

Available in Black, the model charges via USB-C and goes on sale at the end of November.

Dr Oba identified five core sectors where investment opportunities exist for local companies. Pakistani entrepreneurs are encouraged to attend the FINTEX trade fair and the "Invest in Ethiopia" forum, which will run from 28 January to 31 January 2027.

The ambassador stated that Ethiopia serves as a strategic commercial gateway to Africa and hosts the African Union as well as the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa. RCCI President Nosherwan Khalil Khan, Senior Vice President Waseem Aslam, and Vice President Ikram ur Rehman Abbasi met with the Ethiopian diplomatic delegation to discuss cooperation.

Minister Counselor Melaw Getachew and Economic In-charge Kalkidan Tadesse joined the visiting delegation for these talks. Both nations agreed to establish joint working groups to increase bilateral trade volume and promote mutual trade delegations.

The parties also committed to exploring untapped export markets across the African continent.

Shaheed Benazir Bhutto University (SBBU) observed a Black Day on 27 October to show solidarity with the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Professor Dr. Madad Ali Shah led a protest rally that moved from the Academic Block to the Administration Block.

Students, faculty members, and administrative staff joined the march while chanting slogans of Allah-o-Akbar. Speakers at the event highlighted 27 October 1947 as a pivotal moment when Indian troops entered Jammu and Kashmir.

The primary goal of the observation is to stand in unity with Kashmiris, advocate for their fundamental rights, and seek a peaceful resolution to the dispute. Participants called on the international community to protect human rights and play an effective role in implementing United Nations resolutions.

The China-South Asia Forum-2026 on Poverty Reduction and Development Cooperation will take place in Islamabad on 30 October. Professor Ahsan Iqbal is scheduled to attend the forum as the chief guest.

Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Jiang Zaidong will also participate in the proceedings. Organisers have themed the gathering "Creating Development Opportunities for Shared Prosperity."

Proceedings are set to begin at 9:30 a.m. Simultaneous interpretation in Chinese and English will be available for attendees.

The CICG Centre for Europe and Asia (China Pictorial Publications), the Understanding China Forum Pakistan and the Belt and Road Initiative for Sustainable Development Pakistan are jointly organising the event.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan presented an award shield to Inaya Khan during a ceremony in Ankara. Khan, a Grade 9 student at the Pak-Turk Maarif International Schools & Colleges’ Asifa Irfan Girls Campus in Lahore, previously attended the Lahore Dream Gardens Campus.

The student secured first place at Teknofest in Lefkosa, Northern Cyprus, while she was in Grade 7. At that event, she received a medal, a trophy, and a cash prize.

In Baku, Azerbaijan, Khan also took first place at the International STEAM Competition, where she was awarded a laptop. Pak-Turk Maarif International Schools & Colleges provided full funding for her visits to these international competitions and her trip to Türkiye.

Mr Mahmut Mustafa Özdil serves as the Chairman of the Turkish Maarif Foundation.

The District Health Office Islamabad has bolstered its dengue surveillance operations throughout the federal capital. Field teams are currently visiting various locations to pinpoint potential sites where mosquitoes might breed.

Workers are inspecting water storage areas to eliminate mosquito larvae and reduce the risk of disease transmission. Monitoring efforts include ensuring that dengue prevention standard operating procedures are being followed.

Officials are also tracking adherence to guidelines designed to limit opportunities for mosquito reproduction. Surveillance activities also involve addressing complaints submitted by the public.

September to November represent the peak period for dengue transmission in the region. Residents have been instructed to maintain clean surroundings and drain stagnant water from rooftops and containers.

The Higher Education Commission (HEC) extended the application deadline for the PIDCL Recruitment Test 2026 to 1 November, 2026. The Education Testing Council (ETC) of the HEC reopened the online registration portal on 26 October, 2026.

Applicants now have until 1 November, 2026, to submit their documentation. This change follows the original deadline, which was set for 19 October, 2026.

By reopening the portal, the Pakistan Industrial Development Corporation Limited (PIDCL) added seven days to the recruitment period. PIDCL is a public-sector company owned by the government.

Vacancies advertised by the company span across various administrative and professional fields. The HEC confirmed the updated timeframe on its official website.

The Federal Public Service Commission (FPSC) announced that Phase III of the 2026 general recruitment test will now take place from 7 November to 11 November 2026. These examinations were previously set to occur between 12 October and 19 October in Peshawar and Dera Ismail Khan.

Authorities postponed the original dates because of the prevailing law-and-order situation in those specific regions. By 30 October, the commission will upload the revised timetable and admission certificates to its official website.

The Health Services Academy awarded Leonid Kadis a postgraduate diploma in Public Mental Health during a ceremony at the institution. Prof. Dr. Shahzad Ali Khan, the Vice Chancellor of the academy, presented the certificate to Kadis.

Kadis currently works as a psychotherapist at the St. Basil the Great Center in Saint Petersburg, Russia. Admissions are now open for the fourth batch of the postgraduate diploma programme.

Lectures for these new students are set to commence in the first week of November 2026.

Farzad Khoshdast directed the documentary Third Land, which chronicles the lives of a family residing in Turkey. Khoshdast and his wife began their journey in Turkey approximately four years ago.

The film follows Hamid, who abandoned a career in Iran because his technical expertise was being utilised for the nation's missile systems. Hamid's family encountered significant delays in obtaining work permits, eventually leading them to find employment under the table.

Khoshdast stated, "We filmed in three locations: Ankara, our main location; Alanya, where Hananeh worked; and an industrial town near Istanbul, where Hamid worked." The director claimed that as many as 500,000 Iranians have been forced to flee their home country.

Khoshdast asked, "What kind of world allows such talent to go to waste while everyone simply watches?" Third Land will screen in the Czech Joy section of the Ji.hlava fest.

The documentary will run through 1 November 2026.

Actress Susan Saint James died at the age of 80 following a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. Saint James earned an Emmy Award for her work as a supporting actress in a drama series in 1969.

Three Emmy nominations for the series The Name of the Game followed her early success. From 1971 to 1976, she played a lead role in McMillan & Wife, a production that garnered her three additional Emmy nominations.

Starting in 1984, she took on a starring role in Kate & Allie, which aired for six seasons on CBS. The actress received two more Emmy nominations for her performance in Kate & Allie.

A star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame was awarded to her in 2008. She is survived by her husband, Dick Ebersol, four children, and seven grandchildren.