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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
