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COAS Asim Munir said action is underway against India-linked proxies in Balochistan. He framed youth engagement and development as keys to long-term stability. Munir warned any breach of Pakistan’s territorial integrity will be met decisively. Officials note Balochistan and KP have absorbed most recent violence nationwide.
Records point to an interagency group coordinating Trump’s agenda against alleged past government “weaponisation.” Officials say the group implements a presidential order; the White House and ODNI defend the effort in principle. Reuters identified 39 people linked to the working group across multiple agencies. ODNI disputes claims of targeting individuals, and key operational details remain unclear. Lawmakers have pressed for disclosures on the group’s composition and activities.
A portion of the White House East Wing is being demolished to build a new ballroom. Trump says private donors and himself will cover costs estimated above $250 million. The venue is planned to hold up to 999 guests with views of the Washington Monument. The East Wing, erected in 1942, has struggled with space limits for modern events. The White House did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Sanae Takaichi won a lower-house vote and is on track to be sworn in as Japan’s first woman PM. Her coalition arithmetic and conservative profile point to continuity with a harder edge on some policies. Equity markets reacted positively, betting on economic steadiness under the new leadership. Formal upper-house approval and an evening swearing-in were expected. She faces inflation, social policy debates and security priorities from day one.
An Islamabad court issued a non-bailable warrant for ex-KP CM Ali Amin Gandapur. The order cites his repeated absence in an arms and liquor case heard by a magistrate. Police have been told to arrest and produce him; the next hearing is Oct 28. The case adds to PTI’s wider legal troubles following post-May 2023 unrest.
Pakistan and Afghanistan have agreed to a ceasefire and are preparing to reopen Torkham and Chaman within 24–48 hours. The crossings were shut after October 12 attacks on Pakistani posts; Islamabad reported 23 soldiers martyred and over 200 militants killed. Talks in Doha paved the way for Sunday’s truce, with a follow-up meeting due in Istanbul on October 25. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif says both sides identified terrorism as the core issue and vowed joint efforts. Officials say reopening hinges on continued calm at the frontier and progress in talks.
Maryam Nawaz launched Punjab’s flood recovery, saying no foreign aid was sought. Damage surveys are 70% complete; cheques are being issued across 15 districts. Rs100bn has been allocated, with Rs1m for destroyed homes and Rs500k for partial damage. Families of the deceased get Rs1m; farmers receive Rs20,000 per acre. Relief includes 72 camps, 71,000 bank accounts and flexible cash withdrawals.
New KP CM Sohail Afridi ordered a review to identify officials accused of undermining the 2024 vote. He pledged rewards for officers who “stood by the people” amid election pressures. Afridi also rebuked bulletproof vehicles supplied to KP Police as defective and sought their return. The directives were issued at his first law-and-order meeting since taking office on October 13. The moves signal a tougher line on election-related misconduct and police readiness.
Riyadh welcomes the Pakistan–Afghanistan ceasefire reached in Doha. Kingdom backs efforts for lasting regional peace and stability. KSA praises Qatar and Türkiye for their mediation roles. Follow-up talks are planned in Istanbul on October 25. Ceasefire comes after deadly cross-border clashes.
President Zardari and PM Shehbaz greet the Hindu community on Diwali. Leaders stress constitutional guarantees of equal rights. Messages highlight harmony, tolerance and Pakistan’s diversity. Hindu community’s contributions to national life acknowledged. Calls for unity and interfaith coexistence reiterated.
IHC removes registrar’s objections to KP CM Sohail Afridi’s plea. Notices issued to interior, Punjab Home, Islamabad police and Adiala. Authorities told to file replies by October 23. Afridi says meeting Imran Khan is vital for cabinet formation. Petition cites governance challenges and PTI’s KP mandate.
Rawalpindi ATC issues a non-bailable warrant for Aleema Khan. Police told to produce her before the court on October 22. Ten co-accused attended; five witnesses testified. Guarantor also faces a non-bailable warrant; property papers to be verified. Case stems from PTI’s November 26, 2024 protest in Rawalpindi.
