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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.

Dar praises US, Turkey’s role in ceasefire talks

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Dar

CAIRO: On the sidelines of the Gaza Peace Summit in Sharm El-Sheikh, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar engaged in talks with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio to discuss regional developments and peace efforts.

The Foreign Office said in a statement, the two leaders discussed matters of mutual interest, including regional stability and ongoing efforts for peace in Gaza.

On the occasion, Deputy Prime Minister Dar also held a separate meeting with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan.

Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar appreciated the role of the United States and Turkey in promoting a ceasefire, reaffirming Pakistan’s support for all efforts aimed at lasting peace and stability in the region.

Dar further emphasized that the international community must continue to provide humanitarian assistance to the people of Gaza and Palestine.

Sohail Afridi secures 90 votes to become KP Chief Minister

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Sohail Afridi

PESHAWAR: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) nominee Sohail Afridi was elected the new Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, securing 90 votes in the provincial assembly on Sunday.

Speaker Babar Saleem Swati announced the result after the voting process concluded in the House. Prior to the ballot, he instructed that bells be rung for five minutes to ensure all absent members could return to the chamber.

The Speaker also directed lawmakers to register their attendance at the lobby gate before voting began. After a short pause, polling commenced, with Afridi winning by a comfortable margin to claim the position of leader of the House in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly.1

Earlier, former chief minister Ali Amin Gandapur said he resigned the same day Imran Khan instructed him to do so, emphasizing that the democratic process should not be turned into a mockery. “We will no longer tolerate what has been happening,” he warned.

Reflecting on his 19-month tenure, Gandapur stated that when his government took office, the provincial treasury had funds for only 18 days of salaries. “Today, there are Rs218 billion in the provincial exchequer,” he said, adding that while the opposition may criticize him for not allocating funds to them, “the people are satisfied because the money was spent on public welfare.”

He reaffirmed his loyalty to the party founder, saying, “Our leader is making sacrifices for us and for future generations — we stand firmly with the PTI.”

Addressing Opposition Leader KP Dr Ibadullah, said that the resignation of Ali Amin Gandapur has not yet been approved, as a Chief Minister cannot be elected as another Chief Minister.

Speaker KP Assembly Babar Saleem Swati said after addressing the opposition leader that Ali Amin Gundapur sent the resignation twice and announced his resignation in the House today. Some people want Sohail Afridi not to become the chief minister, but the constitution will not follow the wishes of the people.

Babar Saleem Swati, while reading the rolling in this regard, said that the procedure of the new leader will be in accordance with the constitution, after which the name of the elected chief minister will be announced.

Four candidates are in the running for the position. The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has nominated Sohail Afridi, while the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) has put forward Maulana Lutf-ur-Rehman as its candidate.

From the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), Sardar Shah Jehan Yousaf is contesting, whereas the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) has nominated Arbab Zarak Khan for the top provincial office.

The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly comprises 145 members, including 93 from the treasury benches and 52 from the opposition.

73 votes will be needed to be elected to the Leader of the House, and consultation is underway by the opposition parties to bring a joint candidate.

Newly elected KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi hails from District Khyber and entered the provincial assembly for the first time after winning the 2024 general elections.

Afridi has been associated with the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) for many years and previously served as the President of the Insaf Students Federation (ISF) in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

During Ali Amin Gandapur’s tenure, Afridi held the position of Special Assistant to the Chief Minister on Communication and Works, and was later appointed as Minister for Higher Education following a reshuffle in the provincial cabinet.

He is also a member of PTI’s Central Executive Committee, reflecting his longstanding role within the party’s organizational structure.

KP awaits new chief minister as assembly votes today

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KP awaits

PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly will elect its new Chief Minister today, with four contenders vying for the top provincial position.

The candidates include Sohail Afridi from the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Maulana Lutf-ur-Rehman representing the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F), Sardar Shah Jehan Yousaf of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), and Arbab Zarak Khan from the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP).

Ahead of the crucial vote, PTI has reinforced party discipline, administering oaths to its members to ensure unity. PTI Khyber Pakhtunkhwa President Junaid Akbar cautioned lawmakers against defection, warning that any betrayal of the party’s nominated candidate would not be tolerated and that efforts to sway members would be firmly resisted.

The provincial assembly comprises 145 members, with 93 on the treasury benches and 52 from the opposition — numbers that could prove decisive in determining the outcome.

Today’s polling takes place amid heightened political activity, reports of behind-the-scenes lobbying, and concerns about potential defections, prompting party leaders to urge their members to stay closely aligned with official directives.

Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi has formally written to Chief Minister Ali Amin Khan Gandapur, directing him to appear at the Governor’s House on October 15 for verification of two purported resignation letters received earlier this month.

According to the Governor’s letter, two separate sets of resignation documents dated October 8 and October 11, were received at the Governor’s House, both allegedly bearing different and inconsistent signatures.

CM Gandapur summoned amid confusion over resignation claims

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CM Gandapur

PESHAWAR: Amid political uncertainty in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Governor Faisal Karim Kundi has called on Chief Minister Ali Amin Khan Gandapur to appear before him on October 15 to confirm the authenticity of two purported resignation letters.

According to the Governor’s letter, two separate sets of resignation documents dated October 8 and October 11, were received at the Governor’s House, both allegedly bearing different and inconsistent signatures.

The Governor said that, as he is currently out of the city and will return to Peshawar on the evening of October 15, the Chief Minister has been advised to meet him at 3:00 p.m. the same day to verify the authenticity of the documents.

Governor Kundi emphasized that the matter would be settled strictly in accordance with the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.

Gangster Taifi Butt dies in custody amid armed assault by associates

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Gangster Taifi

LAHORE: A high-profile Lahore gangster, Taifi Butt, was shot dead early Saturday when his accomplices ambushed a police convoy transporting him to Lahore.

According to initial reports, Taifi Butt, whose real name was Khawaja Tareef Gulshan, had been arrested in Dubai and brought to Pakistan by Punjab Police for investigation in the Ameer Balaj murder case.

The incident occurred on Ahmedpur Lamma Road near Rahim Yar Khan, when two of Butt’s associates opened fire on the police convoy. Taifi Butt was fatally shot on the spot, while the attackers managed to flee the scene.

Police took custody of the body and launched an initial investigation.

Officials said Taifi Butt was linked to a notorious Lahore-based gang network and had been wanted in multiple cases, including land grabbing, extortion, and illegal possession of weapons.

Law enforcement sources described his death as a major setback for organized criminal networks operating in Punjab.

A case has been registered in Rahim Yar Khan against accomplices of Taifi Butt, who was killed in a police encounter in Lahore.

According to police, the FIR was lodged on the complaint of DSP CCD Model Town Lahore Syed Hussain Haider.

The FIR states that Taifi Butt was being transported to Lahore after arrest when armed men in two vehicles opened fire on the police convoy. As a result, Constable Noor sustained a gunshot wound, the report added.

The attackers allegedly forcibly took Taifi Butt along with his handcuffs into their vehicle and fled the scene, according to the FIR.

Six terrorists killed, seven policemen martyred in attack on DI Khan

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Six terrorists

DERA ISMAIL KHAN: At least six terrorists, including a suicide bomber, were killed while seven policemen embraced martyrdom during a terrorist attack on the Police Training School in Dera Ismail Khan on Friday night.

According to DSP Hafiz Muhammad Adnan, the terrorists launched a suicide attack on the Police Training School at around 8:30 p.m. on Thursday night.

Security forces and police personnel swiftly responded, and a joint operation continued late into the night to clear the premises.

The DSP confirmed that all five terrorists, including one suicide bomber, were killed during the exchange of fire, while seven police personnel lost their lives in the line of duty.

The Hospital Director said that 13 injured personnel were brought to the DHQ Trauma Centre for medical treatment.

According to the DG Public Relations Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, around 200 police officers and recruits were successfully rescued during the operation. The training school and the nearby NADRA office were also cleared by the security forces.

On the other hand, Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi strongly condemned the terrorist attack carried out by Khawarij militants on the Police Training Centre in Dera Ismail Khan and paid rich tribute to the seven police personnel who embraced martyrdom while valiantly resisting the attackers.

Expressing heartfelt sympathy and condolences to the families of the martyrs, the Interior Minister prayed for the early recovery of the injured officials.

“The brave police personnel sacrificed their lives to foil the cowardly attack of the Khawarij terrorists,” Mohsin Naqvi said, lauding their courage and professionalism.

He commended the security forces and police for killing three Khawarij terrorists during the operation and preventing a larger tragedy.

“The police fought with exceptional bravery and thwarted the nefarious designs of the terrorists,” the minister added.

Mohsin Naqvi further said that the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police have rendered unforgettable sacrifices in the nation’s ongoing fight against terrorism.

500 electric buses to hit roads in Karachi, Hyderabad soon

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electric buses

KARACHI: To modernize urban mobility and reduce environmental pollution, the Sindh government has approved the introduction of 500 electric buses across Karachi and Hyderabad..

The decision was made during a meeting of the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Policy Board, chaired by Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah.

 The meeting was attended by provincial ministers Sharjeel Inam Memon and Syed Nasir Hussain Shah, along with board members and relevant officials.

The PPP Policy Board approved the Peoples Green Transport Project under the Public-Private Partnership mode to introduce a large fleet of electric buses in Karachi and Hyderabad. The Board endorsed the project’s scope, structure and risk matrix, and accepted the amended unsolicited proposal submitted by a private firm, granting it the Right of First Refusal and exemption from the prequalification process. It also authorised the initiation of the investor solicitation process to engage a private partner.

Under the project, 500 electric buses will be deployed in phases along with depots, charging infrastructure, bus shelters, and an automatic fare collection and intelligent transport system. The project, to be executed on a DBFMOT model with a 12-year concession period, is expected to serve over 200,000 passengers daily, integrate with the Green Line BRT, and significantly improve urban mobility. The Board termed the initiative a major step toward clean, modern, and efficient public transport in Sindh.

On the other hand, the meeting also decided to outsource the Radiology and Diagnostic Labs Services of Chandaka Hospital and Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC)Karachi.

During the session, the board approved several key projects, including the construction of an elevated expressway from Karachi Port to Qayyumabad, the plantation of riverine forests on 41,000 hectares in Jamshoro and Matiari, and the implementation of a concession agreement for the Science and Technology Park at NED University.

Who is Nobel Peace laureate Maria Corina Machado?

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Maria Corina Machado celebrating Nobel Peace Prize win with Venezuelan supporters.

The Nobel Committee recognized Machado for “her unwavering commitment to non-violent political reform and her courage in the face of persecution.”

Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado has been awarded the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize for her decades-long struggle to restore democracy, defend human rights, and promote political freedom in Venezuela — a nation suffering under years of authoritarian rule and economic crisis.

Who Is Maria Corina Machado?

Born on October 7, 1967, in Caracas, Maria Corina Machado is a 58-year-old industrial engineer and one of the most influential figures in Venezuela’s pro-democracy movement.

Coming from an upper-class family with deep ties to Venezuela’s industrial sector, she co-founded Súmate, a civil organization promoting electoral transparency. Over the years, she became one of the fiercest critics of the late Hugo Chávez and his successor, President Nicolás Maduro.

Her liberal economic stance — advocating privatization of state enterprises like PDVSA, along with strong social welfare for the poor — made her both a popular and polarizing figure.

Political Persecution and Defiance

Machado’s political journey has been marked by constant threats, arrests, and political bans. In 2023, she won Venezuela’s opposition primary with overwhelming support and was widely seen as the leading challenger to Maduro in the 2024 presidential elections.

However, the government banned her from holding public office, effectively blocking her candidacy. Despite the ban, her campaign inspired mass rallies and renewed hope among opposition supporters.

Facing repeated harassment, Machado went into hiding for safety. She briefly resurfaced to join a protest before Maduro’s controversial inauguration, where she was arrested and later released after international condemnation.

Her Message: “Our Struggle Is Collective”

In her Nobel acceptance message, Machado said the award “belongs to every Venezuelan who refuses to surrender their dignity.”

She emphasized that her mission is to “rebuild democratic institutions, restore economic freedom, and give voice to millions silenced by fear.”

Her campaign slogan — “Vamos con todo” (We go all in) — has become a rallying cry for citizens demanding change.

Global Reactions

World leaders, human rights organizations, and activists worldwide have praised the Nobel Committee’s decision.

  • European Union officials hailed Machado as “a symbol of democratic resistance in Latin America.”
  • Human Rights Watch said the award highlights “the urgent need for global solidarity with Venezuela’s political prisoners.”
  • In Latin America, opposition leaders from Brazil, Colombia, and Argentina celebrated her recognition as a victory for all who fight against authoritarianism.

Meanwhile, the Venezuelan government condemned the award, calling it “a political interference by Western powers.” State media described the decision as “an insult to the sovereignty of Venezuela.”

Why It Matters

Machado’s Nobel win is more than a personal triumph — it’s a political statement that puts Venezuela’s human rights situation back in the global spotlight.

Over the past decade, millions of Venezuelans have fled economic collapse, hyperinflation, and repression. International observers see Machado’s recognition as a turning point that may pressure the Maduro government to open dialogue and allow free elections.

Venezuela’s Human Rights Context

  • Over 7 million Venezuelans have fled the country since 2015 (UNHCR).
  • Inflation peaked at 400% in 2024, according to IMF estimates.
  • The UN Human Rights Office has reported hundreds of cases of arbitrary detention and torture linked to political dissent.
  • The International Criminal Court (ICC) is investigating alleged crimes against humanity committed by Venezuelan authorities.

A Nobel That Rekindles Hope

Maria Corina Machado’s Nobel Peace Prize marks a rare global acknowledgment of Latin America’s democratic struggles.

For many Venezuelans, it revives faith that their decades-long fight for freedom is not forgotten.

Two high-profile militants eliminated in CTD raid in Bannu

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Bannu

BANNU: The Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) neutralized two most-wanted militants during an intelligence-based operation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Bannu district.

According to the CTD, one of the slain terrorists was the mastermind behind the killing of four police personnel. The terrorist, identified as Khalid, was involved in several attacks on CTD and police officials in 2023.

According to the CTD, 2 Kalashnikovs, 6 magazines and 2 hand grenades were recovered from the terrorists’ possession.

A few terrorists’ associates escaped, CTD spokesman CTD said.

Punjab restricts protests and public gatherings province-wide

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Punjab

LAHORE: The Punjab government has enforced Section 144 across the province, restricting public gatherings and the display of firearms for the next ten days.

According to a notification issued by the Home Department, the restrictions have been enforced to maintain law and order in the province. The ban applies to rallies, processions, and sit-ins, which will remain prohibited during this period.

The ongoing notification states that under Section 144, the display of weapons and public gatherings will also be banned in the province.

Meanwhile, the use of loudspeakers besides Azan and Sermon across the province will also be prohibited.

It is to be remembered that Tehreek -e –Labbaik Pakistan has announced a march towards Islamabad today, there were some incidents of clashes between TLP workers and police in different cities of Punjab including Lahore.