October 2025 Current Affairs Bulletin
A chronological timeline of significant affairs curated for high-yield exam retention.
Appellate courts should only permit additional evidence in rare cases: SC
On Thursday, a Supreme Court bench led by Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar ruled that appellate courts can only permit additional evidence under Section 428 CrPC in rare cases to avoid miscarriage of justice, not to fill prosecution gaps. The court set aside the Islamabad High Court's April 11 order that had remanded the murder case of Esha Hassan for additional evidence and directed a fresh decision within three months.
Read Source ArticleUS signs 10-year defence pact with India, Hegseth says
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth and Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh signed a 10-year defence framework agreement on Friday in Kuala Lumpur, enhancing coordination and information sharing. Hegseth described the pact as 'ambitious' and a cornerstone for regional stability and deterrence in the Indo-Pacific.
Read Source ArticleIstanbul dialogue: Pakistan, Afghanistan agree to continue ceasefire
Pakistan and Afghanistan agreed early Friday to continue their ceasefire and establish a monitoring mechanism during the Istanbul dialogue, mediated by Türkiye and Qatar. The next principal-level meeting is scheduled for November 6 in Istanbul to discuss further modalities.
Read Source ArticleNCSW hails Justice Ayesha Malik’s landmark marriage dissolution ruling, terms it a ‘progressive step’
Justice Ayesha Malik on October 25 set aside a Peshawar High Court ruling, declaring psychological cruelty as grounds for marriage dissolution. The National Commission on the Status of Women termed the verdict a progressive step towards gender-sensitive family law.
Read Source ArticleWealthiest 10pc hold 42pc of national income in Pakistan: Oxfam report
Oxfam's report revealed that Pakistan's wealthiest 10% hold 42% of national income, indicating severe inequality. The report also highlighted that indirect taxes disproportionately burden low-income households, with tax-to-GDP ratio around 10%.
Read Source ArticlePM Shehbaz returns after 2-day Saudi visit
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif returned from a two-day Saudi visit after agreeing to launch an Economic Cooperation Framework with Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman. He also addressed the 9th Future Investment Initiative Conference, calling for climate catastrophe support.
Read Source ArticleSupreme Court tells PHC to decide Shibli Faraz's appeal against disqualification as senator
Supreme Court directed PHC to decide Shibli Faraz's appeal against disqualification, dismissing stay on ECP's by-election notification.
Read Source ArticleWB changes its mind on Pakistan's critical economic indicators
The World Bank revised Pakistan's GDP growth forecast for fiscal year 2025 to 3% from 2.6% and lowered the poverty rate estimate to 22.2% from 25.3% in FY2024. The revision, attributed to modest growth and easing inflation, was not based on the household integrated economic survey.
Read Source Article'Pakistan, Iran partners in regional peace and stability,' Naqvi says in meeting with President Pezeshkian
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi told Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian that Pakistan and Iran are partners in regional peace during a meeting in Tehran, where Pezeshkian offered to play a fraternal role in easing Pakistan-Afghanistan tensions. Naqvi also met Iran's Supreme National Security Council Secretary Ali Ardeshir Larijani and Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni, focusing on counterterrorism and border management cooperation.
Read Source ArticleGovt posts rare Rs1.5tr surplus amid flood, border shocks
Pakistan posted a Rs1.509 trillion federal fiscal surplus in Q1 FY26, up from a Rs648.8 billion deficit, as net revenues surged 231.4% to Rs3.27 trillion. The finance ministry warned that flood and border disruptions could increase prices, despite inflation at 5.6% within the 5-6% target range.
Read Source ArticleIHC judge recuses from hearing case challenging Justice Jahangiri's eligibility
IHC Justice Khadim Hussain Soomro recused himself from hearing a case challenging Justice Tariq Mahmood Jahangiri’s eligibility, dissolving the bench after the Islamabad Bar Association sought party status. The case involves an allegedly fake law degree from the University of Karachi, and a previous interim order restraining Jahangiri was set aside by the Supreme Court.
Read Source ArticlePakistan likely to contribute troops for Gaza force
Pakistan is likely to join the International Stabilisation Force for Gaza, with government discussions at an advanced stage and preference for UN mandate. The country, with over 200,000 peacekeepers deployed globally, was an original backer of the US-brokered Gaza peace plan.
Read Source ArticleSC Constitutional Bench issues notice to ECP on Shibli Faraz’s appeal against disqualification
The Supreme Court's Constitutional Bench on October 27 issued a notice to the ECP on Shibli Faraz's appeal against his disqualification as a senator. Faraz, sentenced to 10 years in prison on July 31 for involvement in the May 9, 2023 riots, was disqualified under Article 63(1h).
Read Source ArticleCentral bank keeps policy rate unchanged at 11pc
The State Bank of Pakistan on October 27 kept the policy rate unchanged at 11%, as headline inflation rose to 5.6% in September and core inflation at 7.3%. The MPC expects inflation to exceed the 5-7% target for a few months in H2-FY26 before returning in FY27, with GDP growth revised to 3% for FY25.
Read Source ArticlePM Shehbaz meets Saudi crown prince ahead of Future Investment Initiative conference
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on October 27 in Riyadh ahead of the FII9 conference, leading a delegation including Ishaq Dar, Muhammad Aurangzeb, and Attaullah Tarar. The meeting discussed strengthening bilateral trade and investment ties, according to a PMO statement.
Read Source ArticleUS Sees Opportunity to Expand Strategic Relationship with Pakistan, Says Rubio
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the US sees an opportunity to expand strategic ties with Pakistan, emphasizing that this does not come at the expense of US-India relations. The remarks follow Pakistan's acknowledgment of President Trump's role in de-escalating tensions and the signing of a $500 million mineral processing MoU with US Strategic Metals.
Read Source ArticlePM Shehbaz to Lead High-Level Delegation to Riyadh for Investment Talks
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will lead a high-level delegation to Riyadh from October 27-29 for the Ninth Future Investment Initiative (FII9) to explore cooperation in trade, investment, energy, and human resources. The visit builds on 34 MoUs worth $2.8 billion signed in 2024 and a recent defence agreement pledging mutual defence.
Read Source ArticleIron, Steel Imports Surge as State Bank Relaxes Curbs on Raw Material Inflows
Pakistan's iron and steel scrap imports surged to 359,759 tonnes in September 2025, up 30% year-on-year, after the State Bank relaxed import restrictions in FY26. First-quarter imports rose 12% to 935,981 tonnes, while the trade deficit exceeded $9 billion in the same period.
Read Source ArticleCM Afridi demands Centre pay Rs550bn to KP, calls for immediate NFC meeting
KP CM Sohail Afridi demanded Rs550bn from the Centre and called for immediate NFC meeting at a jirga in Khyber district. He warned against new military operations, saying people will not be made scapegoats again.
Read Source ArticleMore than 60 UN members sign cybercrime treaty opposed by rights groups
More than 60 UN members signed the first UN cybercrime treaty in Hanoi, targeting digital crimes. Human rights groups and tech companies opposed it, warning of potential state surveillance and abuse.
Read Source ArticlePakistan, Afghanistan seek to firm up truce in Istanbul talks
Pakistan and Afghanistan began second-round talks in Istanbul on Oct 25, 2025, to firm up a truce after the Doha agreement. Pakistan demands a verifiable monitoring mechanism, as the Doha ceasefire largely holds since Oct 19.
Read Source ArticleSC notifies new code of conduct for judges despite opposition
The Supreme Court notified a new code of conduct for superior court judges despite opposition from Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah and Justice Munib Akhtar. The two judges warned that the additions could be weaponized against individual judges.
Read Source ArticleInterior ministry notifies ban on TLP following federal cabinet’s approval
The interior ministry notified a ban on the TLP under the Anti-Terrorism Act after the federal cabinet unanimously approved the measure. The government cited reasonable grounds linking the party to terrorism and repeated violent protests.
Read Source ArticleDoha signs protocol to invest $3bn in Pakistan
Pakistan and Qatar signed a protocol formalizing a $3bn investment pledge through the Qatar Investment Authority, covering transport, health, education, and culture. Specific initiatives include the Kharian-Rawalpindi Motorway project and a 'Year of Culture' programme.
Read Source ArticleSupreme Court adjourns 26th Amendment case to Nov 10 as Justice flags Article 191A violation
The Supreme Court's eight-member Constitutional Bench adjourned the hearing on 26th Amendment petitions to November 10; Justice Shahid Hassan remarked that ignoring Article 191A would amount to granting final relief. The amendment, passed by Parliament in October 2024, limits the chief justice's tenure and suo motu powers.
Read Source ArticlePunjab govt notifies new local government law, seeks four weeks for implementation
The Punjab government gazette notified the Punjab Local Government Act 2025, replacing the 2022 law, and sought four weeks for implementation; the ECP withdrew its delimitation order issued under the repealed act. The opposition PTI plans to challenge the law, which mandates non-party local elections and restricts elected officials' tenure to four months.
Read Source ArticleDar hails Polish counterpart's visit as significant; Pakistan, Poland sign MoU on bilateral consultations
Deputy PM Ishaq Dar hailed Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski's visit as significant; the two sides agreed to expand cooperation in trade, energy, defence, and other sectors. The foreign ministries signed an MoU on regular bilateral consultations, and bilateral trade exceeds $1 billion.
Read Source ArticleJustice Ayesha rules 26th Amendment does not bar full court from hearing cases
Justice Ayesha Malik observed that Article 191A does not bar a full Supreme Court from hearing cases before the Constitutional Bench, as an eight-member bench resumed hearing over three dozen petitions against the 26th Amendment. The hearing, which faced initial audio issues, was adjourned until the next day.
Read Source ArticleTrump says he spoke to Modi about having no wars with Pakistan
US President Donald Trump said at a White House Diwali celebration that he spoke with Indian PM Narendra Modi about avoiding wars with Pakistan and called him a 'great friend'. Trump also claimed credit for brokering a ceasefire between India and Pakistan after the May 2025 conflict that saw Pakistan shoot down six Indian jets.
Read Source ArticleAurangzeb hopeful Pakistan can achieve 3.5% GDP growth this fiscal year
Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb said he is hopeful Pakistan can achieve close to 3.5% GDP growth this fiscal year despite recent floods, after 3% growth last year and an earlier 4% estimate. He also noted inflation is in single digits, the policy rate has been halved, and Pakistan received credit rating upgrades from Fitch, S&P, and Moody's.
Read Source ArticleTwo SC judges warn new code of conduct will restrict judicial freedom, create avenues for control
Justices Shah and Akhtar warned that new SC code of conduct will restrict judicial freedom and create avenues for control.
Read Source Article26th Amendment case: Justice Mazhar says regular, constitutional benches ‘branches of same tree’
During 26th Amendment case, Justice Mazhar said regular and constitutional benches are branches of same tree.
Read Source ArticleSeptember sees $110m current account surplus after 2 months
Pakistan posted $110m current account surplus in September after two months of deficit, while FDI fell 34% in Q1 FY26.
Read Source Article26th Amendment case: Justice Mazhar says regular benches cannot hear constitutional matters
Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar observed that regular benches cannot hear constitutional matters, as the eight-member Constitutional Bench heard petitions against the 26th Amendment that removed suo motu powers and set a three-year CJP term. Petitioner Muhammad Akram Sheikh argued the amendment was a 'serious blow' to the Constitution.
Read Source ArticleSBP, International Finance Corporation ink deal to boost local currency financing in Pakistan
The State Bank of Pakistan and the International Finance Corporation signed an agreement under the ISDA framework to enhance local currency financing and manage currency risks, according to a Monday press release. The partnership aims to boost private sector growth and increase IFC's rupee investments in Pakistan.
Read Source ArticleTurkiye, Qatar help seal truce on western front
Pakistan and Afghanistan agreed to an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Doha on Sunday, mediated by Qatar and Turkiye, after border clashes that began on Oct 11. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif stated terrorist attacks from Afghan soil must stop, and the next round of talks is scheduled for Oct 25 in Istanbul.
Read Source ArticleJudges barred from media engagement, political comment
The Supreme Judicial Council approved amendments barring superior court judges from media interaction, political comment, and social/diplomatic functions. The council also reviewed 74 misconduct complaints, closing 70 and proceeding with three.
Read Source ArticleIMF can’t impose terms against Pakistan’s interests: minister
Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb said the IMF cannot impose terms against Pakistan's interests and expects the $1.2 billion tranche by December 31. He also anticipates a trade deal with the United States within weeks and said the government is close to deciding the fate of the Roosevelt Hotel.
Read Source Article‘First step in right direction’: Political figures, other nations welcome Pakistan-Afghanistan ceasefire pact
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif led Pakistan's delegation to Doha for talks that resulted in a ceasefire with Afghanistan, mediated by Qatar and Turkiye, with further talks in Istanbul on October 25. Deputy PM Ishaq Dar, Qatar, Turkiye, and Oman welcomed the agreement, with Dar calling it the 'first step in the right direction'.
Read Source ArticleCJP Yahya Afridi calls for reforms in family, criminal laws
CJP Yahya Afridi presided over the Law and Justice Commission meeting, calling for reforms in the Code of Criminal Procedure and Family Laws to expedite dispute resolution. The AJDF governing body, also chaired by Afridi, disclosed disbursement of Rs1,462.3 million for judicial infrastructure from July 2024 to September 2025.
Read Source ArticleNational Judicial Policy-Making Committee proposes KPIs for judges
The NJPMC, chaired by CJP Yahya Afridi, proposed KPIs for judges aligned with the World Justice Project's Rule of Law Index and decided to form a committee of high court chief justices to review the proposals. The committee also discussed safeguards for judicial independence, ethical guidelines for Generative AI, and Attorney General Mansoor Usman Awan's assurance that enforced disappearances are being addressed via the Anti-Terrorism Act amendment requiring 24-hour magistrate appearance.
Read Source ArticleFinance minister briefs World Bank president on govt’s flood response
Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb briefed World Bank President Ajay Banga on flood response efforts, appreciated post-flood damage assessment support, and requested additional IDA funding while discussing gas and power sector reforms. He separately met Fitch Ratings officials, thanking them for upgrading Pakistan's credit rating to B- with stable outlook, and outlined progress on structural reforms including taxation, energy, privatisation, and state-owned enterprises.
Read Source ArticleSafeguards being added to blasphemy laws: law minister
Azam Nazeer Tarar announced new safeguards in blasphemy laws, urging judiciary to protect vulnerable communities' constitutional rights.
Read Source ArticleSBP projects 3.25pc growth in FY26
SBP projected 3.25% GDP growth for FY26 and stressed structural reforms to enhance economic resilience.
Read Source ArticlePakistan seeks China's support for BRICS-backed bank membership
Finance Minister Aurangzeb sought China's support for Pakistan's membership in BRICS-backed NDB during a Washington meeting.
Read Source ArticleCeasefire declared after Pakistan hits targets in Kabul, Kandahar
Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban agreed to a 48-hour ceasefire from 6pm on October 15, 2025, brokered by Qatar, after Pakistani retaliatory airstrikes on TTP camps in Kandahar. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif expressed doubt the ceasefire would hold, alleging the Taliban are a 'proxy of Delhi'.
Read Source ArticleAirspace ban for India extended until Nov 24
Pakistan extended its airspace ban for Indian aircraft until November 24 via a NOTAM on October 15, 2025, continuing restrictions from April. The ban covers all Indian-registered aircraft, including civilian and military, amid ongoing tensions.
Read Source ArticleAurangzeb meets Saudi finance minister, briefs him on ongoing privatisation of PIA and key airports
Finance Minister Aurangzeb briefed Saudi Finance Minister Al-Jadaan on the privatization of PIA and key airports during IMF/World Bank meetings in Washington. He sought Saudi support for infrastructure and reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to reforms under the $7bn IMF programme.
Read Source Article26th Amendment case: Justice Ayesha asks whether Article 191A means full court cannot be formed
Justice Ayesha Malik questioned if Article 191A prevents full court formation during the Constitutional Bench hearing on the October 2024 26th Amendment. The eight-judge bench, headed by Justice Aminuddin Khan, adjourned to October 20 after senior lawyer Abid Shahid Zuberi argued for a 16-member full court.
Read Source ArticleIMF, Pakistan reach staff-level agreement over another $1.2bn in loans
The IMF and Pakistan reached a staff-level agreement for $1.2 billion, with $1 billion under the EFF and $200 million under the RSF, pending board approval. The deal would bring total disbursements to $3.3 billion and cuts FY26 GDP growth forecast to 3.25-3.5% due to floods.
Read Source ArticleSecurity forces repel attack along Balochistan border, 15-20 Afghan Taliban killed: ISPR
Security forces repelled Afghan Taliban attacks at four locations in Spin Boldak, killing 15-20 fighters, the ISPR said. In a separate incident, Pakistani troops destroyed eight Afghan posts and killed 25-30 fighters in Kurram sector the previous night.
Read Source ArticlePHC directs KP Governor Kundi to administer oath to CM-elect Sohail Afridi by 4pm tomorrow
Peshawar High Court ordered KP Governor Faisal Karim Kundi to administer the oath to CM-elect Sohail Afridi by 4pm October 15, or Speaker Babar Saleem Swati will do so. The decision followed a PTI petition after the court ruled Gandapur's resignation effective from October 8, vacating the CM office.
Read Source ArticleNo borrowing in Q1FY26 despite interest rate cuts
Pakistan's private sector recorded zero net borrowing in Q1FY26, instead retiring Rs297 billion in debt, sharply up from Rs18.5 billion a year earlier. The FBR missed its Q1FY26 target by Rs199 billion, reflecting subdued economic activity amid political and security uncertainties.
Read Source ArticlePakistan elected to UNHRC for 2026-28 term: FM Dar
Pakistan was elected to the UN Human Rights Council for the 2026-2028 term starting January 1, 2026, alongside 13 other countries. Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar announced the election, reaffirming Pakistan's commitment to the council based on TRUCE principles.
Read Source ArticleJustice Mandokhail wonders whether judges can hear 26th Amendment case if they are its ‘beneficiaries’
Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhail questioned whether judges on the Constitutional Bench, formed under the 26th Amendment, could hear petitions as beneficiaries. The amendment removed the SC's suo motu powers and set the CJP's term at three years.
Read Source ArticlePrisoners convicted under ATA not entitled to pardon, says Balochistan High Court
The Balochistan High Court ruled that Section 21-F of the Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997 permanently excludes terrorism convicts from any pardon or remission. A two-member bench dismissed petitions filed in 2023-2024 and ordered immediate revocation of illegal remissions.
Read Source ArticleTrump thanks PM Shehbaz and ‘my favourite’ Field Marshal Asim Munir for Gaza peace efforts
US President Donald Trump thanked PM Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir for Gaza peace efforts at the Sharm el-Sheikh summit after the Israel-Hamas ceasefire. Trump invited Shehbaz to speak, where the premier nominated Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize.
Read Source ArticleFinance Minister Aurangzeb arrives in Washington to attend IMF, World Bank plenary meetings
Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb arrived in Washington on Oct 12 for the IMF and World Bank annual meetings from Oct 13-18 with 65 planned engagements. He seeks to finalize an IMF staff-level agreement and will hold bilateral talks with IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva and World Bank President Ajay Banga.
Read Source Article23 troops martyred, 200 Taliban and affiliated terrorists killed in border skirmishes with Afghanistan: ISPR
ISPR reported 23 Pakistani troops martyred and 200 Taliban and affiliated terrorists killed in overnight border clashes on Oct 11-12. The Afghan attack, targeting multiple locations, was repelled with precision fires and physical raids capturing 21 hostile positions and destroying terrorist training camps.
Read Source ArticlePM Shehbaz to visit Egypt tomorrow, will attend signing ceremony of pact aimed at ending ‘grave situation in Gaza’: FO
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will visit Egypt on Oct 13 to attend the Sharm el-Sheikh Peace Summit and sign a peace agreement ending the 'grave situation' in Gaza, accompanied by Deputy PM Ishaq Dar. The summit, chaired by US President Donald Trump and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi, includes over 20 countries and follows a US-brokered 20-point plan.
Read Source ArticleSupreme Court acquits man on death row for blasphemy
SC acquits elderly suspect diagnosed with mental illness, citing prosecution failure to prove case beyond doubt.
Read Source ArticleAurangzeb heads to US to participate in IMF, WB meetings
Finance Minister Aurangzeb heads to US for IMF and World Bank meetings, optimism on staff-level agreement.
Read Source ArticleDeflecting responsibility can’t absolve Afghan govt of obligations: FO
Pakistan's FO says Afghanistan's export of terrorism will create cracks in relations; counter-terror measures self-defence.
Read Source ArticleGovt set to ink IMF deal after ‘flood adjustments’
Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb will travel to the US for IMF staff-level agreement talks, focusing on flood-loss adjustments and tariff measures for sustainability. Pakistan anticipates receiving around $1.2 billion from the EFF and RSF facilities after board approval.
Read Source ArticleIndia to reopen its embassy in Kabul after 4 years
India’s Foreign Minister Jaishankar announced the reopening of the Kabul embassy, closed since the Taliban takeover in 2021, upgrading the existing technical mission. The announcement came during Taliban Foreign Minister Muttaqi’s first visit to India since 2021, as New Delhi takes steps to thaw ties without formal recognition.
Read Source ArticleFederal cabinet approves formation of special force to protect dams
The federal cabinet approved legislation for a special security force for major dams under Wapda and ratified the Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement with Saudi Arabia. PM Shehbaz warned that facilitators of cross-border violence will not be spared, while the cabinet approved donating 15 non-operational aircraft to educational institutions.
Read Source Article26th Amendment case: Full court formation via judicial order argued before constitutional bench
Senior lawyer Munir A. Malik argued before an eight-member Constitutional Bench headed by Justice Aminuddin Khan that a full court can be formed via judicial order under Article 191A. The bench must first decide whether challenges to the 26th Amendment—passed in October 2024—should be heard by a full court or the same eight-judge bench.
Read Source ArticleWorkers remittances rise 8.41% to $9.5bn in Q1 FY26
Workers' remittances increased 8.41% to $9.536 billion in Q1 FY26 (July-September 2025), with September inflows rising 11.33% to $3.183 billion. Major sources included Saudi Arabia ($750.9 million), UAE ($677.1 million), UK ($454.8 million), and US ($269 million).
Read Source ArticleGDP growth rises to 3.04% in FY25
Pakistan's GDP grew 3.04% in FY25, revised up from 2.68%, driven by a 5.66% Q4 expansion. Agriculture grew 1.51%, industry 5.26%, and services 3%, while the economy was $407 billion with per capita income of $1,812.
Read Source ArticleSC Constitutional Bench mulls formation of full court while hearing pleas against 26th Amendment
An eight-judge Supreme Court Constitutional Bench began deliberations on forming a full court to hear petitions challenging the 26th Amendment, which altered judicial authority and CJP tenure.
Read Source ArticleWorld Bank predicts inflation may shoot to 7.2pc as floods dampen Pakistan's growth outlook
World Bank cut Pakistan's FY2025/26 growth forecast to 2.6% and predicted inflation to rise to 7.2% due to catastrophic floods.
Read Source ArticlePakistan, Malaysia reaffirm support for Palestinian statehood
Pakistan and Malaysia called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and reiterated support for Palestinian statehood, as IIUM conferred an honorary PhD on PM Shehbaz.
Read Source ArticleSC Constitutional Bench approves live streaming of 26th Amendment case proceedings
The eight-judge Supreme Court Constitutional Bench approved live streaming of challenges to the 26th Amendment, which altered judicial authority and tenure. The bench adjourned the hearing to 11:30am Wednesday.
Read Source ArticleHigh-level Saudi business delegation arrives to discuss trade and investment
Prince Mansour bin Mohammad Al Saud led a Saudi business delegation to Islamabad for trade and investment discussions. The visit focuses on priority sectors aligned with Saudi Vision 2030 and Pakistan's economic growth agenda.
Read Source ArticleGovt pushes provinces to meet IMF targets ahead of review deadline
The Centre urged provinces to clear IMF-related backlogs for the second review of the $7 billion EFF by the weekend. Sindh and Punjab missed cash surplus targets, and the IMF expects revised economic growth of 3.5%.
Read Source ArticlePakistan forms 18-member committee for economic negotiations with Saudi Arabia
Pakistan formed an 18-member committee co-chaired by Climate Change Minister Musadik Malik and SIFC coordinator Lt Gen Sarfraz Ahmad for economic talks with Saudi Arabia. The committee, which includes ministers from multiple departments, must process travel proposals within one hour per PM directive.
Read Source ArticleMalaysia to import $200m halal meat from Pakistan, says PM
Malaysian PM Anwar Ibrahim announced a $200m halal meat import from Pakistan after bilateral talks with PM Shehbaz in Putrajaya. Shehbaz welcomed the move and invited Malaysian companies to invest in Pakistan.
Read Source ArticlePakistan sends first mineral samples to US, PTI demands transparency
US Strategic Metals dispatched the first consignment of mineral samples from Pakistan, including antimony and rare earths, under a $500m investment MoU signed in September. The opposition PTI demanded the government disclose details of the deal and other secret agreements.
Read Source ArticlePakistan sees sharpest drop in default risk, only emerging market showing consistent improvement
Adviser Khurram Schehzad said Pakistan’s sovereign default risk fell by 2,200 basis points over 15 months, ranking second globally behind Turkiye in reduction. He noted Pakistan is the only emerging market with consistent quarterly improvement, according to Bloomberg CDS data.
Read Source ArticleAyaz Sadiq assumes role of acting president, hails AJK deal
Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq assumed acting president under Article 49(2) on October 5, 2025, due to the absence of the president and Senate chairman. He welcomed the successful negotiations between the government and the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee as a positive step restoring peace.
Read Source ArticlePM Shehbaz arrives in Malaysia for comprehensive economic talks
PM Shehbaz Sharif arrived in Malaysia on October 5 for a three-day official visit to strengthen bilateral ties with PM Anwar Ibrahim. The visit aims to enhance cooperation in trade, IT, Halal industry, energy, and other sectors, with multiple MoUs expected to be signed.
Read Source ArticleReserved seats case: Why the Constitutional Bench’s verdict undermines the very essence of democracy
The Constitutional Bench reversed its earlier verdict, stripping the PTI of 22 reserved seats by ruling that the Sunni Ittehad Council, not PTI, was the petitioner. The 12-member review bench overturned the 13-member decision without addressing the procedural incompleteness.
Read Source ArticlePakistan set to secure $1bn tranche from IMF despite slippages
Pakistan is set to secure over $1bn as the third tranche of the IMF's EFF despite the FBR missing its end-June 2025 revenue target by a wide margin and a Rs200bn shortfall in Q1 FY26. Punjab and Sindh governments also failed to meet cash surplus commitments, but flood-related relaxations may secure waivers.
Read Source Article‘New normal of response’: Army warns future Pak-India conflict might lead to ‘cataclysmic devastation’
The ISPR warned that a future India-Pakistan conflict could lead to cataclysmic devastation, stating Pakistan will resolutely respond without restraint. The statement followed provocative remarks by Indian officials, including claims of downing five Pakistani jets, which Pakistan denied.
Read Source ArticleSC’s Justice Afghan says transfer of IHC judges carried out in ‘unnecessary haste’
Justice Naeem Akhter Afghan issued a dissenting note terming the transfer of three judges to the IHC as 'unnecessary haste' and suffering from malice in facts and law. The process completed in five days, allegedly to deprive Senior Puisne Judge Mohsin Akhtar Kayani of the chief justice appointment.
Read Source ArticleBalochistan PA passes bill for enhanced security of lawmakers
The Balochistan Assembly passed the Provincial Assembly (Special Privileges Amendment) Bill 2025 to enhance security for lawmakers, providing at least 10 guards to the speaker. The deputy speaker and ministers get eight guards each, while the opposition leader and all MPAs get six guards each.
Read Source ArticleSBP reserves inch up to $14.4bn
SBP foreign exchange reserves rose by $21 million to $14.4bn in the week ending September 26, supporting a gradual rupee appreciation against the dollar. Total liquid reserves stood at $19.8bn, with commercial banks holding $5.4bn and profit repatriation outflows reaching $592m.
Read Source ArticleSC cannot ‘rewrite Constitution’, says Constitutional Bench in detailed order on reserved seats case
The Supreme Court’s 10-judge Constitutional Bench ruled that the July 12, 2024 majority judgment granting PTI relief under Article 187 was unjustified and exceeded jurisdiction, effectively rewriting the Constitution. The bench emphasized that courts cannot ignore constitutional commands and set aside the earlier order, which violated rights of returned candidates.
Read Source ArticleMustafa Khokhar files appeal after SC registrar returns plea seeking full court hearing against 26th Amendment
Mustafa Khokhar, TTAP vice chairman, filed an appeal against the Supreme Court registrar’s decision to return his petition demanding a full court hearing on the 26th Amendment, passed on October 21, 2024. The appeal argues the registrar cannot decide maintainability on administrative side, while an eight-member Constitutional Bench will resume hearings on October 7.
Read Source ArticleInflation rebounds to 5.6pc on food price surge
Pakistan’s CPI inflation rose to 5.6% in September 2025 from 3% in August, driven by a food price surge with urban food inflation at 4.4% and rural at 6%. The Ministry of Finance warned that flood-related supply chain disruptions could temporarily push inflation higher, though average FY25 inflation fell to 4.49%.
Read Source ArticlePakistan wavers after Gaza deal draft 'changed'
FM Ishaq Dar distanced Pakistan from the US Gaza plan, saying it is not their document, after Axios reported Netanyahu altered the draft agreed with Muslim leaders. Indonesia committed 20,000 troops for the International Stabilisation Force, and Pakistan's decision is expected soon.
Read Source ArticleCompetition Commission of Pakistan approves PTCL's acquisition of Telenor with conditions
The Competition Commission of Pakistan approved PTCL's acquisition of Telenor Pakistan and Orion Towers, merging Telenor and Ufone. Conditions include separate leadership and non-discriminatory infrastructure access to prevent anti-competitive conduct.
Read Source ArticlePakistan repays $500m Eurobond on schedule, reflecting fiscal discipline
Pakistan repaid its $500 million Eurobond due September 30 on schedule, with debt-to-GDP ratio improving from 77% to 70% and external debt share declining from 38% to 32%. The timely servicing reflects fiscal discipline and improved sovereign ratings by Fitch, Moody's, and S&P.
Read Source Article