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US-Iran talks second round reportedly expected in Pakistan, claims US media • Shaheen Bhatt announces engagement to Ishaan Mehra • Iran signals naval readiness as tensions rise with US over maritime restrictions • Field Marshal Asim Munir concludes 3-day official visit to Iran • HIV cases surge in Islamabad, raising public health concerns • Pakistan stocks rally as KSE-100 posts strong weekly gains amid improved sentiment • Iran restores tight control over Strait of Hormuz, blames US blockade • PSL 11 points table heats up after 26 matches as playoff race intensifies • Moeen Ali explains why he chose PSL over IPL • US President Trump hints at ‘surprise’ on Iran deal • Shah Rukh Khan reacts to academy clip, says he feels like king • Few issues remain in US-Iran talks, Says Ishaq Dar at Antalya Forum • US–Iran talks continue on 3-page plan to end conflict • Pakistani film “Psycho” set for worldwide release on Eid-ul-Adha 2026 • Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s ‘Love & War’ set for January 2027 release
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Senior PPP leader Agha Siraj Durrani passes away in Karachi

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Senior PPP

KARACHI: Senior Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leader and former Sindh Assembly Speaker Agha Siraj Durrani passed away on Wednesday.

Family sources confirmed that Durrani had suffered a brain hemorrhage about a month ago and was admitted to hospital. His condition worsened in recent days, and doctors later pronounced him dead.

President Asif Ali Zardari expressed deep grief over his demise, paying rich tribute to Durrani’s lifelong commitment to democracy and public service. He said the late PPP stalwart played a pivotal role in strengthening democratic traditions in the country. The president prayed for eternal peace for the departed soul and extended condolences to the bereaved family.

Agha Siraj Durrani served as Speaker of the Sindh Assembly from May 31, 2013, to May 25, 2024, and briefly held the office of acting Governor of Sindh from March to October 2022.

A PPP member for over four decades, Durrani began his political journey in 1988, when he was first elected to the Sindh Assembly. Over the years, he served three times as a provincial minister and twice as Speaker, earning recognition as one of the most trusted aides of Shaheed Benazir Bhutto and Asif Ali Zardari.

Petrol prices likely to decrease from October 16

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Petrol prices

ISLAMABAD: The Petroleum product prices in Pakistan are expected to decline from October 16, offering slight relief to inflation-hit consumers.

According to sources in the petroleum sector, the price of petrol is likely to be reduced by Rs6.10 per litre.

Industry estimates submitted to the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) also indicate a possible decrease of 97 paisas per litre in the price of high-speed diesel.

Officials believe the expected price revision will provide marginal relief to the public amid persistent inflationary pressures.

Lahore, Multan Boards announce First Year Examination results

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Lahore

LAHORE/MULTAN: The Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education (BISE) Multan has announced the results of the First Year Examinations 2025.

According to details, the results were officially released online by Board Secretary Khurram Shehzad Qureshi and Controller of Examinations Hamid Saeed Bhatti.

The overall pass percentage stood at 57.46%, with 74,329 candidates appearing in the exams and 42,730 students declared successful.

Controller Bhatti stated that a total of 76,044 students had submitted admission forms for the examination, while 42,000 female and 33,553 male candidates participated.

Students can check their results through the BISE Multan official website or by sending an SMS to the designated number provided by the board.

On other hand, the Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education (BISE) Lahore has announced the results of the Intermediate Part-I Annual Examination 2025.

The results were declared by Controller of Examinations Tausif-ur-Rehman in the presence of Board Secretary Rizwan Nazir.

According to official figures, the overall pass percentage stood at 53.77%, with 92,541 candidates declared successful out of 175,950 who appeared in the exams.

The total included 153,526 regular and 22,424 private candidates, while 72,690 male and 103,260 female students took the examinations.

Among the examinees, 108,269 students appeared in the Science group and 67,681 in the Arts group.

The Lahore Board has also made the results available online and through SMS service for students’ convenience.

Pakistan moves closer to next IMF tranche after staff-level accord

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Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: In a major development on the economic front, Pakistan and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) have reached a staff-level agreement under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) and Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF) reviews.

According to an IMF statement, Pakistan will receive $1.2 billion following approval by the Fund’s Executive Board. The IMF noted that Pakistan’s IMF-supported economic reform program continues to make steady progress toward macroeconomic stability and restoring market confidence.

The statement highlighted that for the first time in 14 years, Pakistan’s current account recorded a surplus in fiscal year 2025, while fiscal consolidation efforts exceeded program targets. Inflation has moderated, and foreign exchange reserves have improved. The Fund projected Pakistan’s economic growth between 3.25% and 3.5% for the fiscal year.

The IMF also praised Pakistan’s climate resilience and reform efforts, acknowledging the severe impact of recent floods that affected millions, caused over a thousand deaths, and inflicted widespread damage to crops and housing. It emphasized the need for continued implementation of comprehensive climate and structural reforms to mitigate future risks.

The Fund further acknowledged the government’s commitment to advancing reforms in the energy sector, improving fiscal discipline, and pursuing structural adjustments for long-term stability.

Earlier, Finance Minister Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb said that Pakistan’s talks with the IMF mission had been “constructive and forward-looking.” In an interview with an international news agency, he revealed that Pakistan plans to issue its first Green Panda Bond before the end of this year.

The minister also confirmed progress on the privatization of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) and three power distribution companies, noting that five investor groups have expressed interest in acquiring the national carrier. He added that the resumption of flights to Europe and the UK has further enhanced PIA’s investment appeal.

Taliban suffer heavy losses as Pakistan Army hits back in Kurram Sector

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Taliban suffer

PESHAWAR: The Pakistan Army delivered a swift and decisive response to unprovoked firing by Afghan Taliban and Khwarij terrorists in the Kurram Sector along the Pak-Afghan border.

According to security sources, Taliban positions suffered significant losses as a result of the retaliatory strikes. Within an hour, the Pakistan Army destroyed the fourth tank position of the Afghan Taliban at the Shamshad Post, forcing militants linked with Fitna al-Khawarij and the Taliban to flee in panic.

Sources confirmed that an important commander of Fitna al-Khawarij was reportedly killed in the counterattack. The strikes also destroyed multiple tank positions at the Nargsar Post in Afghanistan’s Khost province, eliminating several Taliban and Khawarij fighters. The post was later found abandoned.

One Taliban position reportedly raised a white flag before being evacuated by its fighters, officials added.

In addition, the army destroyed a sixth tank and its crew at Turkmanzai Top, with flames seen rising from the wreckage. A training camp opposite the Polsen Post, reportedly linked to Khawarij leader Malik Naeem, was also completely demolished in the operation.

PM Shehbaz concludes Egypt visit following Gaza peace summit

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PM Shehbaz

SHARM EL SHEIKH: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif left here for Pakistan after a two-day visit to attend the Gaza Peace Summit, where leaders from the United States, Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey signed a peace deal for Gaza.

At the Sharm El Sheikh airport, Egyptian Minister of Culture Ahmed Fouad Heno saw off the prime minister, who joined the leaders from 20 states at the summit and also addressed the gathering after Donald Trump invited him to give his address, interrupting his press conference.

Calling the moment “one of the greatest days in contemporary history” the prime minister spoke highly for the leadership role of President Trump and said, “And today again, I would like to nominate this great president for the Nobel Peace Prize because I genuinely feel he is the most genuine and the most wonderful candidate for the peace prize because he has not only brought peace in South Asia, saved millions of people, their lives, and today, here in Sharm el-Sheikh, achieved peace in Gaza and saved millions of lives in the Middle East,” he said.

PM Shehbaz winds up Egypt visit after Gaza peace summit

While on his way home, Prime Minister Shehbaz, in a social media post on X, said that Pakistan’s gratitude to Trump was anchored in his promise that he would make it stop, and delivering on that promise.

“We will continue to express our admiration for President Trump’s unique contribution to peace,” the prime minister said.

Calling the Palestinian people’s freedom, dignity and prosperity remain a primary concern for Pakistan, he reaffirmed that the establishment of a strong and viable Palestinian state with pre-1967 borders and Al Quds Al Sharif as its capital remained the bedrock of Pakistan’s Middle East policy and would continue to be so.

He said that Pakistan was deeply involved in the process and that, along with other brotherly nations, its priority was stated and reinforced consistently.

Pakistani envoy exposes India’s role in backing terror groups

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Pakistani envoy

UNITED NATIONS: Pakistani diplomat Asif Khan has sharply denounced the Indian government, accusing it of state-sponsored terrorism and deliberate disinformation campaigns aimed at tarnishing Pakistan’s global image.

Speaking at the Fourth Committee Meeting on Decolonisation Items, Asif Khan, representing Pakistan’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations, said that India continues to support banned terrorist groups such as the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), and the Majeed Brigade, revealing what he called the Modi administration’s “heinous face” before the world.

He said India’s repeated attempts to distort facts about the situation in Jammu and Kashmir have failed to hide the reality of its occupation and ongoing human rights abuses. “Jammu and Kashmir remains an internationally recognized disputed territory, and its resolution lies in a UN-supervised plebiscite as outlined in the Security Council resolutions,” he emphasized.

The Pakistani envoy reminded that India had itself taken the Kashmir issue to the UN Security Council, but now seeks to backtrack on its own commitments. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering support for the Kashmiri people’s legitimate and peaceful struggle for self-determination.

Asif Khan further warned that India’s irresponsible conduct poses a grave threat to regional peace and stability, accusing New Delhi of portraying itself as a victim to mask its state-sponsored terrorism.

Concluding his remarks, he said India’s claim of being the world’s largest democracy is hollow, calling it instead “the world’s largest deception.”

JUI-F challenges election of new KP Chief Minister in PHC

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JUI-F

PESHAWAR: The Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F) has approached the Peshawar High Court (PHC), challenging the election of newly appointed Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi.

According to details, the petition was submitted by JUI-F’s parliamentary leader in the provincial assembly, Lutfur Rehman, through Barrister Yaseen Raza.

The plea argues that the resignation of outgoing Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur has not yet been formally accepted, rendering the election of a new chief minister unconstitutional.

 It adds that the Governor has summoned Gandapur on October 15 to verify his resignation.

Referring to Article 130(8) of the Constitution, the petitioner maintained that a new chief minister can only be elected once the resignation of the incumbent has been officially accepted.

South Africa bowled out for 269, Pakistan gain 109-run lead

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South Africa

LAHORE: South Africa were dismissed for 269 in their first innings of the Lahore Test, giving Pakistan a commanding 109-run lead heading into the second innings.

Resuming on the third day at 216 for six in reply to Pakistan’s 378, the visitors lost their remaining wickets in the morning session.

 Tony de Zorzi, who started the day unbeaten on 81, completed a well-made 104 before being caught by Shaheen Afridi off Nauman Ali. Senuran Muthusamy, who resumed on 6, added only five more runs before falling to Sajid Khan for 11.

Kagiso Rabada was dismissed without scoring, also by Sajid Khan. Pakistan’s spinners dominated the innings, with Nauman Ali claiming six wickets, Sajid Khan taking three, and Salman Ali Agha picking up one.

Earlier, Pakistan had posted 378 in their first innings, with key contributions from Imam-ul-Haq (93), Salman Ali Agha (93), Shan Masood (76), and Mohammad Rizwan (75).

Dar praises US, Turkey’s role in ceasefire talks

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Dar

CAIRO: On the sidelines of the Gaza Peace Summit in Sharm El-Sheikh, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar engaged in talks with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio to discuss regional developments and peace efforts.

The Foreign Office said in a statement, the two leaders discussed matters of mutual interest, including regional stability and ongoing efforts for peace in Gaza.

On the occasion, Deputy Prime Minister Dar also held a separate meeting with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan.

Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar appreciated the role of the United States and Turkey in promoting a ceasefire, reaffirming Pakistan’s support for all efforts aimed at lasting peace and stability in the region.

Dar further emphasized that the international community must continue to provide humanitarian assistance to the people of Gaza and Palestine.