A delegation from Meta, led by Rafael Frankel, Director for Public Policy (South Asia), met Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan at the Ministry of Commerce in Islamabad to discuss cooperation in digital trade, e-commerce, and artificial intelligence (AI). Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Commerce, Rana Ihsaan Afzal, was also present in the meeting. Welcoming the delegation, Jam …

The Punjab government has moved to overhaul its mining and minerals regulatory system by introducing a new comprehensive legal framework aimed at boosting domestic and foreign investment in the sector. The Punjab Mines and Minerals Bill 2025 was tabled in the Punjab Assembly, proposing a modern licensing regime for mining operations across the province. According to the draft bill, a …

Anisuzzaman Chowdhury, Special Assistant (State Minister, Ministry of Finance) to the Honorable Chief Adviser of Government of Bangladesh, paid a courtesy call on the Minister of State for Finance and Railways, Bilal Azhar Kayani, at the Ministry of Finance today. The two ministers engaged in highly productive discussions focused on the mutual goal of strengthening bilateral ties, exploring new avenues …

The Green Climate Fund (GCF) has approved $250 million in financial assistance for Pakistan to support climate-resilient water and agriculture systems, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) announced on Tuesday. According to the ADB statement, the funding will be utilised for the “Glaciers to Farms” project, which aims to protect and enhance glacier-fed water systems threatened by climate change. The programme …

Pakistan’s national wicket-keeper batsman Mohammad Rizwan has declined to sign the recent Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) central contract. The board had offered central contracts to 30 players for the 2025-26 cycle, but Rizwan listed in Category B — has yet to endorse the agreement. Sources say that Rizwan has submitted a set of demands to the PCB before agreeing to …

Saudi Arabia is preparing to construct the world’s first “sky stadium”, named NEOM Stadium, which will be located approximately 350 metres (about 1,150 ft) above the ground. According to media reports, the stadium, planned within the larger NEOM megacity project in the northwest of the Kingdom, is expected to be completed by 2032 and will host matches for the FIFA …

Pakistan’s junior tennis players delivered an impressive performance on the second day of the ITF Pakistan Ali Embroidery World Junior Tennis Championship J-30 (Leg-2) 2025, with five boys and one girl advancing to the third round in the ongoing international event at the PTF-SDA Tennis Complex. The tournament has attracted a large contingent of young players from around the world, …

Acclaimed yet controversial drama writer Khalil-ur Rehman Qamar has sparked fresh outrage after his latest work, “Main Manto Nahi Hoon”, portrayed a romantic relationship between a teacher and his student. The storyline, critics say, is “deeply disturbing and culturally tone-deaf,” and emerged in an episode where the student’s classmates demand the teacher marry her — triggering heavy backlash across social …

A video circulating on social media showing a staff member at Bollywood legend Amitabh Bachchan’s home holding a box of sweets and an envelope claiming to contain a ₹10,000 (Indian rupees) bonus has triggered widespread criticism of the star’s Diwali-gift practice. In the clip filmed outside his residence during the Hindu festival of Diwali, the employees are shown receiving promotional …

Several officials of the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) have come under investigation following serious allegations of bribery and misuse of authority, according to media reports. The case was registered on the complaint of Aroob Jatoi, wife of popular YouTuber Saqib Rehman, widely known as Ducky Bhai. The FIR accuses multiple NCCIA officials of receiving a total of Rs9 …

Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan has directed the National Highway Authority (NHA) to bring major changes in its existing policy framework to ensure transparency, efficiency, and accountability in all development projects. He expressed concern over certain projects that lack visibility and tangible progress during a high-level meeting held on Tuesday, October 28. Chairing the meeting, the Minister directed …

As part of the Türkiye–Pakistan Cultural Week from28 to 31 October, being celebrated under the patronage of Prime Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif to mark the 102nd anniversary of the Republic of Türkiye, a Letter of Intent has been signed for the rehabilitation of the Javed Manzil / Allama Muhammad Iqbal Museum in Lahore. The agreement was concluded between the Turkish …

Building on nearly eight decades of strong partnership and Islamic solidarity, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan have agreed to launch an Economic Cooperation Framework aimed at expanding trade, investment, and development collaboration between the two nations. The agreement was reached during a meeting in Riyadh between His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin …

Pakistan and Sri Lanka have agreed to explore joint cooperation in marine tourism, recognizing the immense potential of their vast coastlines and rich marine biodiversity to boost sustainable economic growth and regional connectivity. Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry proposed enhanced marine tourism collaboration during a meeting with Sri Lankan Minister for Transport, Highways and Urban Development …

Federal Minister for Railways Muhammad Hanif Abbasi met with the Secretary General of the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce (ACFIC), Jiang Yi, in Islamabad, where both sides discussed investment, technical cooperation, and regional connectivity. Jiang Yi was accompanied by a high-level delegation comprising representatives of leading Chinese logistics, transport, and aviation companies. The meeting focused on investment opportunities, technical …

The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has so far received 5.5 million income tax returns for the current fiscal year, out of which around 33% show zero or nominal income, according to FBR officials. Officials describe as an alarming trend, nearly 1 million taxpayers have reported lower incomes compared to the previous year, triggering serious concerns over potential tax evasion. …

The Islamabad High Court (IHC), presided over by Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani on Tuesday has ordered a full investigation into allegations that police personnel were involved in the abduction of a woman and her three minor daughters, and the subsequent registration of false criminal cases against them. The petition concerns the case of Sana Sohail, her 12-year-old daughter Harim, 7-year-old …

The Punjab Environment Protection Agency (EPA) has announced that vehicles operating without a valid “Green Sticker” or ETS (Emissions Testing System) certificate will be immediately seized after November 15, if found on the roads of Lahore. Director General of Environment Dr. Imran Hamid Sheikh on Tuesday said that exhaust testing has become mandatory for all vehicles in Lahore. The EPA …

A District and Sessions Court in Islamabad has restrained police from arresting the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan in five different cases, including the May 9 violence cases, an attempted murder case, and a case related to alleged fake receipts. The court also granted an extension in the pre-arrest bail of Imran Khan’s wife, Bushra Bibi, who is accused …

The Karachi Traffic Police has released statistics showing that since the launch of its e-challan system, over Rs 12.5 million in fines were imposed within just six hours. According to the police, a total of 2,662 violations were recorded during that period. Details show that of the total incidents: 419 were for overspeeding; 3 were for failing to drive within …

German Ambassador to Pakistan Ina Lepel, along with Arno Kirchof, Deputy Head of Mission, and Janine Rohwer, Economic Counselor, called on Minister of State for Finance and Railways Bilal Azhar Kayani at the Ministry of Finance to discuss further strengthening bilateral ties and economic cooperation between Pakistan and Germany. Minister of State Bilal Kayani said that Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif …

Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Industries and Production, Haroon Akhtar Khan, chaired a meeting with the Pakistan Stone Development Company (PASDEC) in Islamabad today. The meeting focused on discussions regarding the quality and export potential of marble produced in Pakistan, with comparisons drawn to international standards, including those of Italy. Haroon Akhtar Khan highlighted that Pakistan’s marble industry …

BEIJING (Internews): The Embassy of Pakistan in Beijing organized a solemn event on Monday to commemorate Kashmir Black Day, marking the day in 1947 when Indian forces unlawfully occupied Jammu and Kashmir. The event served as a reminder of the grave injustice and continued suffering endured by the Kashmiri people under illegal Indian occupation. Messages from the President, the Prime …

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Monday departed for Riyadh to attend the ninth edition of the Future Investment Initiative (FII) conference, following a special invitation extended by Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman. According to official statement, the Prime Minister is accompanied by a high-level delegation, including Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar, …

BEIJING: As China moves forward with new plans for the next five years, its status as a major investment destination stays strong. For global companies that prioritize long-term, high-quality development, the Chinese market will remain not just relevant, but crucial for seizing fresh growth opportunities. In a key political meeting held last week, China said it will share opportunities and …

President Asif Ali Zardari said that October 27, 1947, marks the “darkest day” in the history of Jammu and Kashmir, when Indian forces took control of Srinagar in violation of international law. In his message issued on the occasion of Kashmir Black Day, the President stated that the Kashmiri people have continued to face repression, human rights abuses, and collective …

A new driving license issuance facility has been set up at Allama Iqbal International Airport, allowing both domestic and international travelers to obtain their driving licenses directly at the airport. According to details, the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority, in collaboration with the City Traffic Police, has established a dedicated counter at the airport. The counter will provide multiple services, including …

The Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Rawalpindi has once again issued non-bailable arrest warrants for Aleema Khan, sister of PTI founder Imran Khan, after she failed to appear before the court despite previous summons. Judge Amjad Ali Shah presided over the hearing of the case related to the protest held on 26 November. Eleven accused are nominated in the case, including …

Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) has announced that Pakistan will suspend commercial overflight of its airspace for three hours each morning over the next two days, citing “operational reasons” linked to military preparedness near the border. The temporary closure will be in effect from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. on 28 and 29 October. According to the Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) …

A protest rally was held in Islamabad on Monday to mark Black Day, denouncing Indian atrocities in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). The rally was organized by the Ministry of Kashmir Affairs, in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Information. The march began from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and proceeded towards D-Chowk …

On the solemn occasion of Kashmir Black Day, Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, issued a message recalling the dark events of October 27, 1947, when Indian troops landed in Srinagar to enforce India’s illegal occupation of Jammu and Kashmir. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that in the last seventy-eight years, the people of …

A minister from the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh has sparked controversy after blaming two Australian women cricketers for a recent incident of sexual harassment in Indore. According to media reports, two days ago, while walking from their hotel to a nearby café, two Australian women players were allegedly harassed by a man on a motorcycle, who touched one of …

Renowned Pakistani actress Aamina Sheikh has advised young women to carefully observe certain key qualities when choosing a life partner, emphasizing emotional behavior and financial independence. In a recent interview, Aamina Sheikh discussed important considerations for women before marriage. When asked what a woman should keep in mind while selecting her future husband, the actress said that economic stability is …

Lahore and large parts of central Punjab are once again enveloped in thick smog as air pollution surged to dangerous levels across the region. According to data on the Punjab Environment Protection Department’s website, Lahore’s Air Quality Index (AQI) climbed to 358, while Gujranwala hit a staggering 500. Sargodha recorded 347. In other cities: Faisalabad reached 306, Multan 304 and …

Renowned Pakistani folk and Sufi singer Sanam Marvi mesmerized audiences with a powerful musical performance at the Théâtre de la Ville in Paris, held in collaboration with the Embassy of Pakistan and the theatre’s cultural program. The event drew a large gathering of French and international music lovers, who applauded Marvi’s unique blend of folk and spiritual melodies. According to …

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has unveiled a special pink-themed kit for the national team ahead of the first T20 match against South Africa, scheduled to be played on October 28 in Rawalpindi. The initiative is part of the breast cancer awareness campaign known as PINKtober. According to the PCB, national players will wear the pink jersey during the match …

More than 60 countries have signed the first-ever global agreement to combat cybercrime, finalized under the auspices of the United Nations in Hanoi. However, the treaty has drawn strong criticism from technology companies and human rights groups, who argue it could expand state surveillance and restrict digital freedoms. According to foreign media, the treaty aims to strengthen international cooperation against …

Important developments took place in the Supreme Court on Monday regarding cases related to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leadership. PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan withdrew several appeals during the hearing, including those involving Omar Ayub and Shibli Faraz. During the proceedings, Barrister Gohar informed the court that the appeal challenging Omar Ayub’s disqualification was being withdrawn on his instructions, as …

The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government observed Black Day on Monday to express solidarity with the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) and to condemn Indian human rights violations. The day marks October 27, 1947, when Indian forces entered Jammu and Kashmir, a move Pakistan and Kashmiris term as an illegal occupation. Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Muhammad Sohail Afridi, …

Pakistan and the European Parliament reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation under the Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+) framework during a high-level meeting in Islamabad on Monday. A delegation of the European Parliament’s Committee on Development, led by Lukas Mandl of Austria, visited the Ministry of Commerce for discussions with Federal Minister for Commerce, Jam Kamal Khan. The …