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KP CM Sohail Afridi rejects governor’s rule threats • Nadia Khan faces criticism after questioning Preshay Adnan over gym attire • OpenAI scraps new AI model launch over safety concerns • Men face higher cancer rates than women, study finds • Pakistan earn first point in FIFA ASEAN Cup after 2-2 draw with Philippines • Tax return filing deadline tomorrow as late-filer category set to end • Floods and heavy rains kill 23 in Thailand • Ahsan Bhoon sends Rs5b defamation notice to Capt (R) Safdar • Salman Khan speaks out against AI-generated deepfake videos • Insomnia linked to 26% higher stroke risk, study finds • Google Chrome introduces feature to preserve tab position across devices • Four militants killed in security operation in DI Khan • Clashes erupt over partial demolition of 600-year-old Ujjain mosque in India • Pakistan thrash Oman 7-2, set up Asian Games semifinal against India • Pakistan plans $500mn ADB loan for pension reforms
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PM Shehbaz Sharif Launches National Solar Energy Plan 2025

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Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif launches Pakistan’s National Solar Energy Plan to reduce power costs and promote clean energy.


Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced the launch of Pakistan’s National Solar Energy Plan 2025, aimed at cutting electricity costs and reducing dependency on imported fuels.


The project includes the installation of 10,000 megawatts of solar power across major cities, replacing expensive thermal generation units. The government will provide subsidies for home-based solar panels and net-metering systems.


Shehbaz Sharif said, “This is Pakistan’s step toward a green and sustainable energy future.” The plan also supports local solar equipment manufacturing and foreign investment partnerships.


Energy experts believe the project could save billions in fuel imports annually while reducing load-shedding. Implementation will begin in early 2026 under the supervision of the Ministry of Energy.

Tomato prices surge amid supply chain disruptions

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Tomato prices

ISLAMABAD: The Price Control Department has attributed the recent surge in tomato prices to temporary supply disruptions caused by adverse weather and logistical challenges.

A department spokesperson said that heavy rains in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa had damaged tomato crops, creating a temporary shortage in the market.

The spokesperson added that delays in tomato imports from Afghanistan and Iran further strained supply, resulting in short-term price increases.

“The recent hike in tomato prices is primarily due to seasonal changes, rainfall, and transport constraints,” the statement said.

According to the department, the price surge is temporary, and rates are expected to decline next week as supply normalizes. The spokesperson also noted that Sindh’s tomato harvest in November and Punjab’s crop in April–May will ensure ample availability in the coming months.

Pakistan all out for 333 on day two of Rawalpindi Test

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Pakistan

RAWALPINDI: Pakistan were dismissed for 333 runs in their first innings on the second day of the Rawalpindi Test against South Africa.

Resuming their incomplete innings at 259 for 5, Saud Shakeel (42*) and Agha Salman (10*) took the crease in the morning session. Both batters added valuable runs to the total — Saud Shakeel reached his half-century before being dismissed for 66, while Agha Salman contributed 45 runs.

Among the lower order, Shaheen Afridi, Sajid Khan, and Asif Afridi failed to make an impact, all three falling to spinner Keshav Maharaj, who delivered an exceptional performance, claiming seven wickets. Nauman Ali remained unbeaten on 6.

For South Africa, Simon Harmer picked up two wickets and Kagiso Rabada took one.

On the opening day, Pakistan had won the toss and opted to bat first. Captain Shan Masood led from the front with a fluent 87, while Abdullah Shafique made 57.

Pakistan currently lead the two-match Test series 1–0, having defeated South Africa by 93 runs in the first Test played in Lahore.

Sanae Takaichi elected as Japan’s first female Prime Minister

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Sanae Takaichi

TOKYO: Sanae Takaichi has made history by becoming Japan’s first-ever female prime minister, according to international news agencies.

Takaichi, 64, secured a majority of votes in both houses of parliament — 237 votes in the Lower House and 125 votes in the Upper House — to win the leadership.

She is set to take oath as Japan’s 104th Prime Minister later this evening, marking a historic milestone in the country’s political landscape.

Takaichi is among the more conservative candidates leaning to the ruling party’s right. A former government minister, TV host and avid heavy metal drummer, she is one of the best-known figures in Japanese politics – and a controversial one at that.

She faces many challenges, including contending with a sluggish economy and households struggling with relentless inflation and stagnant wages.

She will also have to navigate a rocky US-Japan relationship and see through a tariff deal with the Trump administration agreed by the previous government.

Last month, Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, whose term lasted just over a year, announced he would step down after a series of election defeats that saw the Liberal Democratic Party’s (LDP) governing coalition lose its majority in both chambers of parliament.

Jeff Kingston, Professor of Asian Studies at Temple University in Tokyo, told the  Takaichi was unlikely to have “much success at healing the internal party rift”.

Shaheen Afridi Appointed Pakistan’s New ODI Captain

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Shaheen Shah Afridi replaces Mohammad Rizwan as Pakistan’s ODI captain, marking the third leadership change in one year amid PCB restructuring.

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Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi announced the appointment of fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi as the new ODI captain, replacing Mohammad Rizwan. This marks the third leadership reshuffle in the past 12 months, reflecting continued instability in Pakistan’s cricket management.

The decision was made following a performance review of Pakistan’s recent ODI series, which highlighted inconsistent results and team morale issues. Rizwan, who captained the side for less than six months, will continue to play as a senior batsman and wicket-keeper.

PCB sources revealed that Afridi’s strong leadership skills during domestic tournaments and his popularity in the dressing room influenced the decision. Afridi is expected to bring energy, aggression, and strategic discipline to Pakistan’s limited-overs cricket setup.

Cricket analysts have expressed mixed reactions. Some see Afridi’s appointment as a positive move for long-term planning, while others criticize the frequent captaincy changes for disrupting team stability ahead of the 2026 Champions Trophy.

Afridi, in his statement, said he is “honoured to lead Pakistan and committed to rebuilding confidence in the team.” PCB also confirmed that the selection committee is planning to appoint a new vice-captain and a dedicated performance manager to improve consistency.

The leadership change has generated intense discussion on social media, where fans have called for structural reforms and better player management within the PCB.

Another polio case reported in Pakistan

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Another polio

ISLAMABAD: Another case of poliovirus has been confirmed in Pakistan, health ministry sources said on Tuesday.

According to officials, the affected child — a 12-month-old boy — belongs to the Kandar tehsil of Torghar district in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The child reportedly developed symptoms of the disease on September 19, 2025.

Health ministry sources added that this is the 19th polio case reported from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa so far this year, bringing the total number of cases nationwide in 2025 to 30.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s tally for the year has reached 19 cases, nine from Sindh, and one each from Punjab and Gilgit-Baltistan.

Polio is a highly infectious and incurable disease that can cause lifelong paralysis. Health experts emphasize that the only effective protection is repeated doses of the Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) for every child under the age of five, along with timely completion of routine immunizations.

Malala Launches Global Women’s Sports Initiative

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Nobel laureate Malala Yousafzai and husband Asser Malik launch a new project to promote women’s sports and gender equality worldwide.


Nobel Peace Prize winner Malala Yousafzai has launched a new global initiative aimed at empowering women through sports. The project, started in collaboration with her husband Asser Malik, seeks to increase participation, investment, and visibility for female athletes in Pakistan and around the world.

Announcing the initiative on social media, Malala emphasized that “sports empower girls to lead, to challenge stereotypes, and to inspire their communities.” The program will fund local clubs, mentorship programs, and digital campaigns that highlight female sports stories.

Asser Malik, who previously worked with the Pakistan Cricket Board, said the goal is to build sustainable structures for women’s leagues, especially in cricket, football, and athletics. The couple plans to collaborate with schools, NGOs, and global sports brands to provide training and scholarships for women athletes.

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This marks the first major joint project by Malala and Malik since their marriage, and it aligns with Malala’s long-standing advocacy for girls’ education and empowerment.

Social media users and activists have praised the initiative as a milestone for women in sports, especially in conservative regions where female participation remains limited. The project is also expected to bring international attention to Pakistan’s emerging women athletes.

Pakistan vs South Africa: Day 1 Test Highlights from Rawalpindi

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Pakistan closed Day 1 at 259/5 against South Africa in Rawalpindi, with Shan Masood and Abdullah Shafique steering a steady batting performance.


Pakistan’s top order displayed resilience on the opening day of the second Test against South Africa in Rawalpindi, finishing at 259 for 5 by stumps. Skipper Shan Masood and opener Abdullah Shafique led the charge with confident batting after early pressure from South Africa’s pace attack.

Shafique struck a composed 73 runs before being caught at slip, while Masood scored a gritty 84 runs in challenging conditions. The pair’s 130-run partnership helped Pakistan recover after losing two early wickets to Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen.

South Africa’s fielding errors, including two dropped catches, allowed Pakistan to regain control of the innings. Middle-order batsman Saud Shakeel contributed 42 runs, anchoring the team toward a competitive total.

Pakistan is aiming to level the series after losing the first Test in Cape Town. Coach Gary Kirsten said the team “focused on playing disciplined cricket and building partnerships,” praising the players for showing intent.

Day 2 will be crucial for Pakistan as it seeks to post a first-innings total of over 400. South Africa’s bowlers, led by Rabada, are expected to fight back early in the morning session.

Sindh’s Fuel Cess Likely to Raise Prices Nationwide

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Sindh’s new 1.8% infrastructure cess on oil imports may push fuel prices higher by Rs 3 per litre, sparking economic concerns nationwide.


The Sindh government’s decision to impose a 1.8% infrastructure cess on oil imports has raised alarm among economists and transport associations, who warn of potential fuel price hikes of up to Rs 3 per litre across Pakistan.

The cess, announced earlier this week, aims to generate funds for infrastructure maintenance and development within Sindh. However, oil marketing companies say the added cost will likely be passed on to consumers, worsening inflation at a time when the rupee remains under pressure.

According to industry sources, Pakistan’s current account deficit has widened again, and any additional tax burden could further slow industrial output. Transport unions have already threatened protests if the increase is not withdrawn or adjusted.

The Petroleum Division is in talks with provincial authorities to reconsider the levy or develop a shared revenue mechanism that would not burden end-users. Sindh officials, however, argue that the cess is “necessary to maintain critical logistics infrastructure used by the oil industry.”

Economists suggest that such regional levies could complicate federal-provincial fiscal coordination. With global oil prices fluctuating, even minor tax changes can have cascading effects on transportation, manufacturing, and household budgets.

The federal government has yet to issue an official statement on whether it will intervene or offer a subsidy to offset the increase.

Global Outage Disrupts Amazon Web Services and Major Platforms

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A major Amazon Web Services outage disrupted websites, apps, and streaming platforms worldwide, exposing internet infrastructure vulnerabilities.


A massive outage affecting Amazon Web Services (AWS) caused widespread disruption across major global websites, financial apps, and media streaming services on Monday. The incident impacted platforms such as Netflix, Spotify, Slack, and several government portals that rely on AWS for cloud hosting.

Amazon confirmed that an internal network configuration error caused the downtime, affecting multiple regions including North America, Europe, and parts of Asia. Services began gradually returning online after several hours, though some users continued to report issues.

Cybersecurity experts said the incident highlights the risks of over-reliance on centralized cloud infrastructure. AWS powers nearly one-third of the world’s cloud-based applications, making such disruptions critical for business continuity.

In a statement, Amazon apologized for the inconvenience and pledged to “strengthen its backup and recovery systems.” Industry observers say the outage may prompt regulators to examine the resilience of cloud service providers.

Stock markets showed limited reaction, but several companies reported temporary operational losses. The event reignited discussions about decentralization and the need for multi-cloud strategies in the digital economy.