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News in Brief

Trump Says He Could Easily Make Peace Between Pakistan-Afghanistan
Trump Says He Could Easily Make Peace Between Pakistan-Afghanistan

Former US President Donald Trump said it would be “very easy” for him to broker a ceasefire between Pakistan and Afghanistan if needed, adding that Pakistan’s prime minister told him he had helped stop a war between Pakistan and India. Trump said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif told him, “I brought about a ceasefire and saved hundreds of thousands of lives.” He claimed credit for having halted eight wars, saying no other U.S. president had achieved that, and stressed he negotiated not for a Nobel Prize but to save lives. Separately,...

Pakistan, UAE sign deal for privatization of First Women Bank under G2G framework
Pakistan, UAE sign deal for privatization of First Women Bank under G2G framework

Under the G2G (government-to-government) framework, the United Arab Emirates’ International Holding Company (IHC) and the Government of Pakistan have signed an agreement for the privatization of the First Women Bank Limited (FWBL). According to the agreement, 82.64% of the bank’s shares will be sold for $14.6 million. The signing ceremony was attended by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir, Chairman Two Point Zero Sheikh Zayed bin Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, federal ministers, and senior government officials. Speaking at the ceremony,...

Astrik and Grant Thornton Partner with JS Bank to Automate IFRS 9 ECL & EIR Framework

Karachi, Pakistan — Astrik, in partnership with Grant Thornton, has officially signed an engagement letter with JS Bank to develop and implement a comprehensive IFRS 9–compliant Expected Credit Loss (ECL) and Effective Interest Rate (EIR) automation system. The signing ceremony took place at JS Bank’s head office in Karachi, marking a major milestone in Astrik’s continued efforts to lead financial digital transformation initiatives across Pakistan’s banking sector. In attendance were Basir Shamsie, President & CEO JS Bank; Adeel Ehtesham, CFO JS Bank; Noman Soomro, Chief of Staff JS Bank along...

Shakeel Ahmed Durrani Appointed as Director General NAB Karachi
Shakeel Ahmed Durrani Appointed as Director General NAB Karachi

The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) has appointed Shakeel Ahmed Durrani, a Grade-21 officer of the Police Service of Pakistan, as Director General (DG) NAB Karachi. According to the official notification, the appointment has been made on deputation for an initial period of three years under standard terms and conditions, and he will assume charge on October 20, 2025. It is noteworthy that Shakeel Ahmed Durrani belongs to the Police Service of Pakistan and his appointment was approved by the Chairman NAB.

Pakistan extends ceasefire on Afghan Taliban's request
Pakistan extends ceasefire on Afghan Taliban’s request

The temporary ceasefire between the Afghan Taliban government and Pakistan has been extended. The extension was made at the request of the Afghan Taliban government. According to diplomatic sources, the temporary ceasefire between Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban government has been extended until the conclusion of the ongoing talks in Doha. The high-level negotiations are expected to begin tomorrow (Saturday). The 48-hour temporary ceasefire had ended at 6 p.m. on Friday. [embedpost slug="pakistan-agrees-to-ceasefire-on-afghan-taliban-request/"]  

BTC TO PKR – Today’s Bitcoin price in Pakistan on October 17, 2025
BTC TO PKR – Today’s Bitcoin price in Pakistan on October 17, 2025

The rate of Bitcoin (BTC) in Pakistani Rupee (PKR) will Bitcoin (BTC) in Pakistani Rupee (PKR) is Rs 29920783.56 on 17 October 2025. Bitcoin to PKR (Bitcoin Price in Pakistan) 1 BTC = 29920783.56 Pakistani rupees. The price of Bitcoin fluctuates constantly due to various factors such as market demand, investor sentiment, regulatory changes, and macroeconomic trends. The crypto community closely monitors these fluctuations as Bitcoin remains a prominent player in the financial landscape. Disclaimer: Bitcoin prices are volatile and may change rapidly. For current rates and financial advice, consult a...

BTC TO USD – Today’s Bitcoin price in Dollar on October 17, 2025
BTC TO USD – Today’s Bitcoin price in Dollar on October 17, 2025

As of 17 October 2025, the Bitcoin to USD exchange rate stood at $104,704.20. Bitcoin’s value in dollars reflects the dynamic nature of the cryptocurrency market. Investors and enthusiasts closely monitor these fluctuations to make informed decisions regarding buying, selling, or holding Bitcoin. Bitcoin price in Dollar Today Bitcoin to USD Rate: 104,704.20 Dollar The price of Bitcoin fluctuates constantly due to various factors such as market demand, investor sentiment, regulatory changes, and macroeconomic trends. The crypto community closely monitors these fluctuations as Bitcoin remains a prominent player in the...

Pakistan Rejects Afghan Allegations, Reaffirms Right to Self-Defence
Pakistan Rejects Afghan Allegations, Reaffirms Right to Self-Defence

Pakistan has the right to defend itself and does not need anyone’s permission to do so, Foreign Office spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan said, rejecting the allegations made by Afghanistan as baseless and misleading. Speaking at the weekly press briefing, he expressed deep concern over the aggression of Fitna-tul-Khawarij and Fitna-tul-Hind. The spokesperson said Pakistan exercised its right to self-defence in response to Afghanistan’s aggression while ensuring that no civilians were targeted. He reaffirmed that Pakistan would continue to take all possible measures to protect its national sovereignty. Shafqat Ali Khan...

5.6 magnitude earthquake jolts Islamabad and parts of KP
5.6 magnitude earthquake jolts Islamabad and parts of KP

Tremors were felt in several parts of Pakistan, including Islamabad, on Friday evening after a 5.6 magnitude earthquake struck. The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) said the earthquake’s epicentre was located in Afghanistan’s Hindu Kush region. Tremors were strongly felt in Peshawar, Rawalpindi, Islamabad, Chitral, Swat, Gilgit, Abbottabad and nearby areas. However, there were no immediate reports of any damage or casualties. According to the PMD’s National Seismic Monitoring Centre, the earthquake occurred at a depth of 120 kilometres.

PM Shehbaz Sharif chairs key meeting on Afghan repartiation
PM Shehbaz Sharif chairs key meeting on Afghan repartiation

A high-level meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif decided to review progress on the repatriation of Afghan refugees. The meeting, held to review progress on the repatriation process of Afghan refugees, was attended by Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, federal ministers, chief ministers of AJK, Punjab, Sindh, Balochistan, and Gilgit-Baltistan, as well as representatives from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and senior officials. Welcoming the participants, the prime minister emphasized that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is an integral part of the federation, assuring full federal support for the province’s development...

Currency Exchange Rates in Pakistan Today
Currency Exchange Rates in Pakistan Today

The Pakistani rupee showed mixed movement against several foreign currencies, including the Euro, Saudi Riyal, and British Pound, in the open market on Friday. On October 17, the buying rate of the US Dollar was recorded at Rs282.25, while the selling rate was Rs282.95, according to forex.pk. The Euro was being bought at Rs331.8 and sold at Rs335.3, whereas the British Pound’s buying rate was Rs380.65 and selling rate Rs383.65. There was no change in the exchange rates of other major currencies such as the Australian Dollar, Canadian Dollar, Chinese...

Abducted son
Abducted son of Ziarat AC rescued from Harnai after two months

QUETTA: The son of the Assistant Commissioner of Ziarat, who was abducted two months ago, has been safely recovered. According to police, the kidnapped son of the Assistant Commissioner reached the Zardalu area of Harnai and is now in the custody of the Deputy Commissioner Harnai. It may be recalled that the Assistant Commissioner of Ziarat and his son were abducted two months ago. However, the Assistant Commissioner remains missing. Last month, several media outlets reported the alleged killing of the Assistant Commissioner of Ziarat. However, Balochistan Chief Minister Mir...

Weekly inflation
Weekly inflation rises in Pakistan; annual rate reaches 4.57%

ISLAMABAD: The weekly inflation rate in Pakistan increased by 0.49%, according to the latest report released by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS). As per the PBS data, the overall annual inflation rate now stands at 4.57%. During the week under review, prices of 24 essential commodities increased, 8 items became cheaper, while rates of 19 products remained unchanged. The report stated that tomato prices rose by 33.20%, onions by 8.70%, eggs by 2.18%, and wheat flour by 1.42%. Prices of sugar, ghee, cooking oil, garlic, and potatoes also registered...

Ace Frehley, founding KISS Guitarist and Rock and Roll Hall of Famer, dies at 74
Ace Frehley, founding KISS Guitarist and Rock and Roll Hall of Famer, dies at 74

New York: Ace Frehley, the legendary lead guitarist and co-founder of the rock band KISS, has died at the age of 74 following complications from a fall last month, his family announced today. Frehley, affectionately known as "Space Ace" for his cosmic on-stage persona, played a defining role in creating KISS’s bombastic sound and theatrical style that helped turn the band into global rock icons during the 1970s and beyond. Born Paul Daniel Frehley in the Bronx in 1951, Frehley picked up his first guitar in 1964 and was inspired...

Punjab moves
Punjab moves to ban TLP over violent protests

LAHORE: The Punjab cabinet has approved a ban on the Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) following violent protests that resulted in property damage and public unrest. Addressing a press conference in Lahore, Punjab Minister for Information Azma Bokhari said that while the world recognizes Pakistan’s constructive role in the Gaza ceasefire efforts, a certain religious group announced protests even after the peace agreement had been reached. She stated that the demonstrations turned violent, causing damage to public and private property. “Those who resort to violence and destruction cannot be well-wishers of the...

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman warns of AI investment bubble despite industry's explosive growth
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman warns of AI investment bubble despite industry’s explosive growth

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has warned that the artificial intelligence market may be entering a bubble, likening the current frenzy around AI to the dot-com boom of the late 1990s. In comments reported by The Verge on Friday, Altman said, “Are we in a phase where investors as a whole are overexcited about AI? My opinion is yes. Is AI the most important thing to happen in a very long time? My opinion is also yes.” Altman’s comments come amid record-breaking investment activity in the AI sector, including OpenAI’s own...

Pakistan’s economy
Pakistan’s economy hit hard as flood damages exceed Rs822b

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s economy has suffered massive losses amounting to Rs822 billion as a result of the recent devastating floods, which have affected more than 6.5 million people across 70 districts of the country. According to official documents from the Ministry of Planning and the Economic Affairs Division, the agriculture and infrastructure sectors are among the hardest hit by the disaster. The report notes that Pakistan is facing one of the most severe monsoon floods in its history, causing extensive destruction to infrastructure, livelihoods, and essential services. Initial estimates had placed...

Saudi Arabia in talks with U.S. over defense pact amid regional tensions
Saudi Arabia in talks with U.S. over defense pact amid regional tensions

Saudi Arabia is in advanced negotiations with the United States over a landmark defense pact, with hopes of finalizing the deal during Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s expected visit to the White House next month, the Financial Times reported Friday, citing sources familiar with the matter. The potential agreement would mirror the recent U.S.–Qatar defense pact, under which Washington pledged to treat any armed attack on Qatar as a direct threat to U.S. security. That pact was issued in response to an Israeli airstrike in Doha last month targeting Hamas...

2025 MAMA Awards: Hong Kong tickets available starting friday
2025 MAMA Awards: Hong Kong tickets available starting friday

Tickets for the 2025 Mnet Asian Music Awards (MAMA), one of K-pop’s biggest annual events, will go on sale this Friday, with early access for Visa cardholders and general sales beginning Monday. Returning to Hong Kong for the first time in seven years, the star-studded two-day ceremony will take place at the 50,000-seat Kai Tak Stadium on November 28 and 29. The event is sponsored by Visa, with presale tickets available via Cityline for cardholders on October 17. General public sales will follow on multiple platforms. The MAMA Awards, last...

Security forces
Security forces thwart Suicide attack in North Waziristan, kill four militants

RAWALPINDI: Security forces successfully foiled a coordinated suicide attack in the Mir Ali area on Friday, killing four militants. Officials said an assailant drove an explosive-laden vehicle into the outer wall of a security camp; the vehicle detonated on impact. Following the blast, three additional militants attempted to breach the camp on foot but were intercepted and neutralised outside the perimeter after a swift response by troops. There were no reported casualties or damage among security personnel. Sources added that, over the past two days, security forces have eliminated 88...

Gold Hits New High in Pakistan
Gold Hits New High in Pakistan

KARACHI: Gold prices in Pakistan witnessed a sharp and historic rise on Friday, hitting new record levels in the local bullion market. According to the All Pakistan Gems and Jewellers Association(APGJA), the price of per tola gold soared by Rs14,100, reaching an all-time high of Rs456,900. Similarly, the rate of 10 grams of gold increased by Rs12, 089, pushing it to Rs391,718. In the international bullion market, gold prices surged by $141, touching a record high of $4,358 per ounce. Meanwhile, the price of silver rose by Rs167 per tola,...