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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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Pakistan News

Read the latest Pakistan news, politics, economy, public services and breaking developments with verified updates, context and original analysis.

Pakistan Reaches $1.2 Billion IMF Staff-Level Agreement to Stabilize Economy

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Pakistan ,IMF ,deal ,2025, Pakistan economic, recovery, IMF loan Pakistan, Pakistan, finance, ministry news

ISLAMABAD:
Pakistan and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) have reached a staff-level agreement that will unlock a $1.2 billion disbursement to help the country stabilize its struggling economy.

Pakistan ,IMF ,deal ,2025, Pakistan economic, recovery, IMF loan Pakistan, Pakistan, finance, ministry news

According to the IMF statement, the deal includes $1 billion under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) and $200 million under the Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF). The IMF praised Pakistan’s fiscal discipline, saying inflation and the fiscal deficit have improved since July.

Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb said that the agreement would “restore investor confidence and strengthen the rupee.” Pakistan plans to issue an international bond worth $1 billion early next year, followed by a green yuan-denominated bond to attract Chinese investors.

Analysts say this agreement signals improved trust between Islamabad and the IMF, though challenges remain due to inflationary pressures and slow exports.

Pakistan collapse leaves South Africa 68-run target in Rawalpindi Test

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Pakistan collapse

RAWALPINDI: Pakistan’s batting lineup faltered once again in the Rawalpindi Test, setting South Africa a modest target of just 68 runs after a disappointing second innings performance on the fourth day of play.

Resuming their second innings with a 71-run deficit, Pakistan struggled from the outset as wickets tumbled rapidly in the morning session. Key batters Imam-ul-Haq (9), captain Shan Masood (0), Abdullah Shafique (6), and Saud Shakeel (11) all failed to make an impact, leaving the hosts in deep trouble.

Earlier, Pakistan had scored 333 runs in their first innings, while the visitors replied strongly with 404, thanks to valuable lower-order partnerships.

South Africa’s tail-enders delivered a remarkable performance — Keshav Maharaj and Senuran Muthusamy added 71 runs, followed by a 98-run stand between Muthusamy and Kagiso Rabada.

Later, Marco Jansen contributed 25 runs, while Tristan Stubbs and Tony de Zorzi combined for another 113-run partnership. The final three wickets collectively added 194 runs, giving South Africa a crucial first-innings lead.

For Pakistan, Asif Afridi was the standout bowler with six wickets, while Nauman Ali claimed two, and Shaheen Afridi and Sajid Khan picked up one wicket each.

Polish Foreign Minister begins two-day official visit to Pakistan

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Polish Foreign Minister

ISLAMABAD: Polish Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski has arrived in Pakistan for a two-day official visit, aimed at strengthening bilateral relations and enhancing political and economic cooperation between the two countries.

He was received at the airport by Additional Foreign Secretary Khalid Jamali upon arrival.

During his stay, the Polish Deputy Prime Minister is scheduled to hold meetings with senior Pakistani officials to discuss bilateral relations, regional developments, and international issues of mutual interest.

According to diplomatic sources, the visit is being undertaken at the invitation of Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and aims to strengthen political, economic, and security cooperation between the two countries.

Six Militants Killed in Balochistan Operation

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Balochistan operation, Pakistan Army, terrorism in Pakistan, security forces, ISPR, Dalbandin


Pakistani security forces killed six suspected militants in a targeted operation in Dalbandin, Balochistan, on Wednesday. The operation was launched after intelligence reports indicated the presence of a militant group in the area.


According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), a gun battle broke out as troops closed in on the hideout. A cache of weapons and explosives was also recovered from the site.


Authorities said the militants were linked to recent attacks on security personnel and infrastructure in the region.

The operation marks another step in Pakistan’s ongoing counterterrorism campaign in Balochistan.
Security experts say the latest offensive highlights Islamabad’s continued effort to stabilize the province amid recurring insurgent activity.

Pakistan Navy Seizes Drugs Worth Nearly $1 Billion in Arabian Sea

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Pakistan Navy, Arabian Sea, drug bust, Pakistan news, methamphetamine, maritime security, transnational crime


In a major counter-narcotics operation, the Pakistan Navy has seized a massive cache of drugs worth nearly US$972 million in the Arabian Sea. The intercepted haul included crystal methamphetamine and cocaine, reportedly being smuggled through international maritime routes.


According to official sources, the operation was carried out with support from international intelligence partners. The recovered drugs were handed over to the relevant authorities for legal proceedings.


The Pakistan Navy reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining maritime security and curbing illegal trafficking across its waters. Officials said such operations not only protect Pakistan’s coastal borders but also strengthen global efforts against transnational crime.


This is one of the largest narcotics seizures in Pakistan’s maritime history. Maritime experts noted that the operation underscores the country’s strategic role in ensuring safe international trade routes through the Arabian Sea.

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.