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Pakistan News

Lahore retains top spot among world’s most polluted cities

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Lahore

LAHORE: The air quality in Lahore remained hazardous on Thursday, with the city once again ranking first among the world’s most polluted cities.

 According to air quality data, Lahore’s Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 253, a level considered extremely unhealthy.

Before 7 a.m., the Barqi Road area of Lahore registered an alarming AQI of 485, reflecting dangerously high pollution levels. Environmental experts have warned that such conditions pose severe health risks, particularly to children, the elderly, and those with respiratory illnesses.

Other cities across Punjab are also experiencing poor air quality, with pollution levels far above safe limits.

Globally, New Delhi ranked second, followed by Baghdad at third place, while Karachi stood at fourth with an AQI of 181, and Kolkata (India) ranked fifth among the most polluted cities in the world.

PCB announces squads for white-ball series against South Africa

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PCB announces

LAHORE: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced the national squads for the upcoming T20 and ODI series against South Africa.

The same squads will also feature in the ODI series against Sri Lanka and the Tri-Nation T20 Tournament involving Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe.

The board named a 15-member T20 International squad and a 16-member One Day International squad. Former captain Babar Azam and fast bowler Naseem Shah have returned to the T20 setup, while Usman Tariq earned his maiden call-up to the national T20 squad.

Pakistan T20I Squad

Salman Ali Agha (captain), Abdul Samad, Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Hasan Nawaz, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Wasim Jr., Mohammad Salman Mirza, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Shaheen Afridi, Usman Khan, and Usman Tariq.

Reserves: Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, and Sufiyan Muqeem.

Pakistan ODI Squad

Shaheen Afridi (captain), Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Faisal Akram, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Haseebullah, Hasan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Rizwan, Mohammad Wasim Jr., Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, and Salman Ali Agha.

The T20I series between Pakistan and South Africa will be played from October 28 to November 1, while the Tri-Nation T20 series featuring Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe will be held from November 17 to 29 in Rawalpindi and Lahore.

PM Shehbaz Sharif Launches National Solar Energy Plan 2025

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Solar energy Pakistan, Shehbaz Sharif, renewable energy, power sector reforms, National Solar Plan 2025, clean energy, green Pakistan


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.

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.

Sindh’s Fuel Cess Likely to Raise Prices Nationwide

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Sindh fuel cess, Pakistan oil prices, infrastructure tax Sindh, inflation in Pakistan, fuel import levy, petroleum news Pakistan


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.

Former Skipper Misbah-ul-Haq tipped for top PCB post

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Former Skipper

ISLAMABAD: Former Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq is likely to be given a key role by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

According to sources, the PCB had recently advertised the position of Director Cricket Operations (International), and Misbah-ul-Haq has emerged as the top contender for the post.

Sources revealed that for the first time, the eligibility criteria in the job advertisement specifically required the candidate to be a former Test or One Day International (ODI) cricketer.

It is worth mentioning that the PCB had earlier suspended Director of International Cricket Operations Usman Wahla for his alleged mishandling of the situation during the Pakistan-India dispute in the Asia Cup, although he was later reinstated.

Pakistan, Afghanistan Agree to Ceasefire Amid Border Clashes

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Pakistan Afghanistan border, ceasefire news, Qatar mediation, Taliban Pakistan relations, Chaman border clashes, South Asia security, latest Pakistan news


Pakistan and Afghanistan have agreed to an immediate ceasefire following deadly cross-border attacks. Qatar confirms mediation efforts between both nations.


Pakistan and Afghanistan have agreed to an immediate ceasefire following a series of intense cross-border clashes that left dozens dead, officials confirmed on Monday. The agreement, brokered by Qatar, comes after Pakistan’s defence chief urged the Taliban to halt militant incursions from Afghan soil.

According to Pakistan’s military, more than 30 people were killed in overnight attacks near the Chaman and Torkham borders. Islamabad accused Afghan-based militants of targeting civilian and security installations. Kabul has yet to issue an official statement, but Afghan Taliban representatives have reportedly assured cooperation to de-escalate tensions.

The ceasefire was confirmed by Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which said both countries had “agreed to halt hostilities and establish a joint mechanism for future communication.” Analysts believe Qatar’s involvement underscores the growing diplomatic interest in stabilizing the Pakistan-Afghanistan frontier.

Pakistan’s Defence Minister stated that long-term peace “depends on the Taliban’s ability to control militant networks operating within Afghanistan.” The issue of border management and refugee movements has also been brought to the table.

The recent escalation marks one of the deadliest border episodes since the Taliban took control of Afghanistan in 2021. Experts warn that any prolonged conflict could undermine regional stability and trade routes connecting South and Central Asia.

Security officials said both sides will maintain communication through military channels to ensure that the ceasefire holds in the coming days.

Pak-Afghan border partially reopened after Doha meeting

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Pak-Afghan border

CHAMAN: Following renewed peace efforts in Doha, Pakistan and Afghanistan have moved toward normalization as the Chaman border crossing has been partially reopened.

According to local sources, empty vehicles and trucks engaged in Afghan transit trade have been allowed to enter Pakistan from Afghanistan. However, pedestrian movement across the border remains suspended.

Entry has been permitted only for Afghan drivers holding valid passports and visas. A large number of vehicles are reportedly crossing into Pakistan at Chaman, while Afghan refugees being repatriated from Pakistan have also been allowed to cross the border.

President of Chaman Traders Association, Muhammad Sadiq, told media that the permission is temporary. The Spin Boldak border crossing between Pakistan and Afghanistan has been reopened.

Media reports indicate that the border has been reopened solely for trade activities. Sources added that pedestrian crossings remain restricted due to certain sensitive security concerns.

Background of the Clashes:

The border clashes began on the night between October 11 and 12 when Afghan Taliban militants launched unprovoked attacks on Pakistani forces. According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), more than 200 militants were killed, while 23 Pakistani soldiers embraced martyrdom while defending the border.