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FBR halts Afghan Transit Trade from Karachi ports

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FBR

KARACHI: The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has temporarily halted Afghan Transit Trade operations from Karachi ports, citing capacity constraints at customs stations in Quetta and Peshawar.

The decision was taken during a key meeting held at the Directorate of Transit Trade Headquarters, Customs House Karachi, chaired by the Director General of Afghan Transit Trade. Directors of Afghan Transit Quetta and Peshawar attended the session via Zoom.

Following the meeting, the FBR issued Customs General Order No. 98/2025, stating that the movement of Afghan Transit Trade consignments has been suspended indefinitely due to severe congestion and lack of storage capacity at the Quetta and Peshawar customs stations, where no additional space is available to accommodate containers.

The order directed that all terminals unload Afghan Transit containers already placed on vehicles, cancel gate passes, and halt all transportation activities related to Afghan Transit Trade until further instructions are issued.

As a result of this directive, terminals at Karachi Port and Port Qasim have suspended the clearance of Afghan Transit consignments.

According to customs sources, long queues of Transit Procedure (TP) containers have formed at the South Asia Pakistan Terminals (SAPT), with hundreds of containers already loaded on trucks and many more stranded en route to Quetta and Peshawar, where drivers are waiting for the border to reopen.

Punjab Govt approves stern measures to restore law and order

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Punjab Govt

LAHORE: The Punjab government has moved to tighten its grip on extremist elements, deciding to recommend a federal ban on a group accused of promoting violence and disrupting public order.

The decision was made during a high-level meeting on security and public safety chaired by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, according to an official statement issued after the session.

The statement said the Punjab government would urge the federal government to ban the extremist group and place its leadership on the Fourth Schedule of the Anti-Terrorism Act.

It was further decided that those involved in the killing of police officers, destruction of public property, or acts of violence will be tried in anti-terrorism courts. The group’s properties and assets will be handed over to the Auqaf Department, while its posters, banners, and advertisements will be completely banned.

The meeting also approved measures to shut down the extremist group’s social media accounts spreading hate and to freeze all its bank accounts. Strict action will be taken for violations of the Loudspeaker Act, the statement added.

In addition, the Home Department Punjab has issued a one-month ultimatum for citizens to surrender illegal weapons, directing them to register their licensed arms at Khidmat Centers within the same period.

Authorities have also ordered inspections of arms dealers’ stocks and imposed a complete ban on the issuance of new weapon licenses. The Punjab government will recommend that the federal government regularize arms factories and manufacturers.

Furthermore, the provincial cabinet has approved stricter penalties for possessing illegal weapons, declaring it a non-bailable offense. Offenders will face up to 14 years in prison and a fine of Rs2 million, according to the statement.

15 killed, 8 injured as truck plunges into ravine in Malakand

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15 killed

MALAKAND: At least 15 people were killed and eight others injured when a truck carrying nomadic families plunged into a ravine on the Swat Expressway in Malakand on Thursday.

According to rescue officials, the truck overturned and fell into the gorge due to overspeeding. The ill-fated vehicle was reportedly transporting nomadic individuals from Bahrain area of Swat.

Rescue teams rushed to the scene and shifted the bodies and injured to a nearby hospital.

Malakand Deputy Commissioner Muhammad Fayaz confirmed the casualties, saying that most of the deceased were children.

Authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the tragic accident.

Nation observes 74th martyrdom anniversary of Liaquat Ali Khan

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Liaquat Ali Khan

KARACHI: The 74th martyrdom anniversary of Pakistan’s first Prime Minister, Shaheed-e-Millat Liaquat Ali Khan, was observed on Thursday with deep respect and reverence.

Born in Karnal, East Punjab, Liaquat Ali Khan received his education from Aligarh Muslim University in India and later from Oxford University in the United Kingdom. He worked alongside Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah in the struggle for a separate homeland for the Muslims of the subcontinent.

On this day in 1951, Liaquat Ali Khan was assassinated during a public gathering at Company Bagh in Rawalpindi, a site later renamed Liaquat Bagh in his honor. His martyrdom remains one of the most significant chapters in Pakistan’s history, reflecting his unwavering dedication and service to the nation.

Marking the occasion, Mustafa Kamal, senior central leader of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P), described Liaquat Ali Khan’s assassination as a national tragedy.

In his message, Kamal paid glowing tribute to the country’s first prime minister, calling him a symbol of honesty, integrity, and sacrifice in Pakistan’s political history. He said Liaquat Ali Khan played a pivotal role in the Pakistan Movement and made every possible effort to stabilize the newly independent state.

Kamal noted that the loss of Shaheed-e-Millat inflicted irreparable damage to Pakistan’s political trajectory, adding that the nation still feels the void of his visionary leadership.

He urged the youth to draw inspiration from Liaquat Ali Khan’s life and contributions and to dedicate themselves to establishing a transparent, honest, and stable system in the country.

Pakistan defeat South Africa by 93 runs in Lahore Test

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Pakistan

LAHORE: Pakistan clinched a commanding 93-run victory over South Africa in the first Test at Gaddafi Stadium, taking a 1–0 lead in the two-match series.

Resuming on the fourth day with Ryan Rickelton and Tony de Zorzi at the crease, South Africa’s hopes of a chase were dashed early when de Zorzi fell to Shaheen Shah Afridi without adding to his overnight score.

Spinner Nauman Ali then dismissed Tristan Stubbs and David Bedingham in quick succession, while Sajid Khan removed set batter Ryan Rickelton for 45.

Afridi continued his fine form, accounting for Verreynne and Subrayen, before Sajid Khan wrapped up the innings by taking Muthusamy’s wicket, sealing Pakistan’s victory.

South Africa

Earlier, South Africa were bowled out for 269 in their first innings before lunch on day three, replying to Pakistan’s 378. Pakistan then managed 167 in their second innings, setting the visitors a target of 277 runs.

By the close of the third day, South Africa had reached 51 for 2, with captain Aiden Markram (3) and Wiaan Mulder (0) already dismissed — paving the way for Pakistan’s bowlers to finish the job on day four.

Pakistani Trans woman shortlisted for top UN Human Rights position

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Pakistani Trans

ISLAMABAD: In a historic development, Nayyab Ali, a prominent Pakistani human rights defender and policy expert, has been officially shortlisted by the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) for the position of UN Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights Defenders.

Expressing her gratitude, Nayyab Ali said the recognition underscores the UN’s commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion.

“This acknowledgment reaffirms that the UN stands firm on universality and dignity for all. If appointed, I will work to strengthen protections for human rights defenders — particularly those from gender-diverse communities — who continue to face violence and exclusion around the world,” she said.

The next phase of the selection process will be overseen by the Special Consultative Group, comprising representatives from Malawi, the Republic of Korea, North Macedonia, Guatemala, and Türkiye, who will recommend candidates to the President of the Human Rights Council for final appointment during the 61st Session.

Nayyab currently serves as the Executive Director of Transgender Rights Consultants Pakistan and is a Global Human Rights Fellow at Harvard University’s Carr Center.

 She was instrumental in drafting the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2018, and has received several international accolades, including the Franco-German Prize for Human Rights and the Rule of Law (2020).

She noted that her shortlisting is being celebrated as a historic milestone for Pakistan and a significant step toward transgender representation and inclusion within the United Nations system.

This marks the first time in UN history that a transgender woman has been shortlisted for such a high-level position under the UN Special Procedures system — a momentous achievement for global diversity and inclusion in governance.

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.