Pindi families return to wood-fuelled cooking

Prolonged gas load management, with supplies available for only six hours a day, coupled with a sharp increase in liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) prices, has forced low- and middle-income households in Rawalpindi to return to firewood and coal for cooking as winter sets in. Firewood, coal and kerosene oil are increasingly being used as fuels by middle- and low-income families, roadside eateries and small tandoors. The growing demand for firewood has also reportedly contributed to a significant increase in the theft of timber from public and private forests. Meanwhile, the prices of firewood and coal have risen sharply with the onset of winter. In the open market, coal is selling for between Rs800 and Rs1,000 per maund. Low-smoke coal that produces a good flame costs Rs1,000 per maund, while the variety producing less heat and smoke is available for Rs800. Dry firewood, which produces less smoke and provides greater heat, is priced between Rs1,500 and Rs1,800 per maund, while ordinary firewood costs between Rs1,300 and Rs1,400. Sawdust has also reached Rs700 per maund Sui gas supplies are being restricted to three daily intervals of two hours each, while uninterrupted outages from 9pm until Sehri have become routine. As a result, traders, large shopkeepers and affluent families have increasingly turned to gas cylinders, pushing up demand and prompting a further rise in cylinder prices. The price of a new, empty domestic gas cylinder has increased from Rs10,000 to Rs13,500, while used cylinders are available for between Rs8,000 and Rs10,000. The cost of refilling a domestic cylinder has risen from Rs3,000 to Rs5,000. Commercial gas cylinder refills, which cost between Rs12,500 and Rs14,000 a year ago, have now reached as much as Rs25,000, placing an additional burden on businesses. With gas load management extending to 18-20 hours a day across the city, roadside eateries, small tandoors, hotels and bakeries have begun using firewood instead of gas. Residents and tandoor owners are also visiting furniture markets to purchase discarded wooden pieces and sawdust at lower prices. Furniture factory owner Muhammad Faizan said that, previously, discarded wooden pieces and sawdust had been disposed of in Nullah Lai. However, the situation had changed as residents now collected the waste for use as fuel. "We used to dispose of these wooden pieces and sawdust in Nullah Leh. Now, people come to our factory in the evening, clean the premises themselves and take the waste away," he said. Divisional president of the All Pakistan Clerks Association, Shehzad Manzoor Kiyani, said rising inflation had brought back the era of firewood and coal. He said clerical and lower-grade government employees had reported that gas supplies were no longer reliable and monthly LPG expenses had reached Rs10,000–12,000, forcing them to switch to firewood. Teachers' leaders Basharat Iqbal Raja and Shafiq Bhalwalia said crippling inflation had compelled households to use gas cylinders for emergency cooking and making tea for guests during the day, while relying on firewood to prepare the evening meal.

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PHC seeks replies from governor, speaker against governor’s rule

The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Advocate General’s Office has issued notices to the governor and other relevant authorities, including the provincial assembly speaker, seeking detailed replies and comments on separate writ petitions challenging the imposition of governor’s rule and emergency in parts of the province. The petitions, filed in the Peshawar High Court by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan and others, contend that the imposition of emergency in certain districts and governor’s rule in others is unconstitutional and illegal. The petitioners argued that the situation in K-P was not beyond the control of the provincial government to warrant such extraordinary measures. They maintained that the federal government had exceeded its constitutional authority by imposing emergency and governor’s rule, effectively depriving an elected provincial government and its representatives of their powers. Read: K-P governor's rule to end in six months, emergency to continue until peace restored: Tariq Fazal The petitions further stated that governor’s rule could only be imposed in exceptional circumstances when the situation in a province deteriorated beyond control, with the provincial government itself expected to recommend such action. They also challenged the invocation of Article 245 to call in the armed forces, arguing that the deployment of troops in aid of civil administration fell within the provincial government’s domain. The petitioners alleged that several constitutional requirements had been disregarded while taking these decisions. Meanwhile, the Advocate General’s Office has directed the governor, chief secretary, provincial assembly speaker and secretary of the Home and Tribal Affairs Department to submit their respective reports and comments before the court through officers of Grade 17 or above by November 7. However, questions have been raised over how the provincial assembly speaker would submit his response, as the provincial government maintains that he is currently in protective custody. The Advocate General’s Office has also been informed of the situation. The high court will take up the petitions for further hearing on November 10. PHC orders release of 23 more PTI workers In another case, the high court has granted interim relief to 23 more PTI workers arrested under Section 3 of the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) Ordinance, ordering their release on bail. A bench comprising Justice Sahibzada Asadullah and Justice Inamullah heard writ petitions challenging the detention of 23 individuals, including Akbar Sher, Shehzad, Razaullah, Saqib, Ehsanullah and Momin Khan. The petitioners were represented by lawyers Yasir Khattak and Azhar Rahim Khan, while K-P Advocate General Sanaullah and the relevant officials also appeared before the court. According to the court order, the deputy commissioner of Mardan had been issued a notice at the previous hearing, directing him to explain the reasons and circumstances under which the petitioners were detained and sent to jail. Also Read: PM criticises PTI's 13-year rule in K-P, urges PML-N leadership to prioritise public welfare projects However, the concerned authorities have yet to submit their report despite the court’s directions. The bench observed that, in the absence of the required report, it had no option but to examine the available record and provide relief to the petitioners. It noted that similar relief had previously been granted in cases involving comparable circumstances. Consequently, the court ordered the release of each petitioner against two surety bonds worth Rs100,000. The bench clarified that the petitions would continue to be heard on merit and that the interim relief did not amount to a final decision on the legality of the detentions. The deputy commissioner of Mardan was once again directed to submit the relevant report and record before the court. The hearing was adjourned until November 12.

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Pakistan rebukes Afghan Taliban's 'deeply misguided approach' to resolving bilateral tensions

Pakistan on Saturday rejected the Afghan Taliban spokesperson's latest remarks about resolving bilateral issues, describing them as reflective of a “deeply misguided approach” towards the deteriorating relations between the two countries, and said terrorism emanating from Afghan soil remained a major obstacle to normal ties. The response came after Afghan Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid accused Islamabad of lacking the readiness to resolve tensions with Kabul through dialogue, saying efforts to ease the dispute had so far failed. Ministry of Information and Broadcasting 31 October 2026 The Afghan Taliban spokesperson’s latest tweet exposes the regime’s deeply misguided approach and unwillingness to confront the root cause of deteriorating relations with Pakistan. The Taliban leadership continues to blame… pic.twitter.com/gNnBnoAJfI — Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (@MoIB_Official) October 31, 2026 In a statement posted on its official X account, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting said Mujahid’s latest remarks exposed the Taliban leadership’s unwillingness to confront the main issue straining bilateral ties — its failure to address terrorism emanating from Afghan soil. “The Taliban leadership continues to blame Islamabad’s policies while conveniently ignoring the single most important issue poisoning bilateral relations: its persistent failure to address terrorism emanating from Afghan soil,” the statement said. It added that Pakistan’s position was unequivocal, stressing that “terrorism is a red line and the security of its citizens is non-negotiable”. The statement said Pakistan would not tolerate terrorist sanctuaries across its borders that threatened its security or allow its people to remain targets of attacks originating from Afghanistan, adding that Islamabad reserved the right to take all necessary measures, in accordance with international law, to eliminate threats to its national security, wherever they originated. “Kabul must recognise that the responsibility for addressing these threats rests squarely with the Afghan Taliban regime,” it said, warning that Pakistan’s resolve to protect its people must never be mistaken for weakness. Read: Pakistan urges Afghan Taliban to take 'decisive action' against terrorist groups The ministry said the Taliban regime’s continued refusal to address terrorism remained the principal obstacle to normal relations, adding that shifting blame, making assurances and questioning Pakistan’s policies would neither resolve the crisis nor absolve Kabul of its responsibilities. “Pakistan’s security will not be held hostage to Afghan Taliban’s inaction, evasions or misplaced priorities,” the statement said. The statement came after Mujahid told Radio Azadi that Afghanistan had made its final efforts through talks to ease tensions with Pakistan, but these had so far produced no results. He confirmed that messages had been exchanged between Kabul and Islamabad, adding that efforts by mediating countries and Afghan Taliban officials had also failed to reduce tensions. A day earlier, Pakistan had urged the Afghan Taliban authorities to take “decisive action” against terrorist groups operating from Afghan territory, questioned their “complicity and support” for groups including the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), and reaffirmed its right to self-defence. Addressing an interactive dialogue with the UN special rapporteur on the human rights situation in Afghanistan in the General Assembly’s Third Committee, Counsellor Muhammad Jawad Ajmal of Pakistan’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations expressed concern over the presence and activities of several militant groups in Afghanistan. These included the TTP, the Balochistan Liberation Army, the Majeed Brigade, the Islamic State in Khorasan Province and the East Turkestan Islamic Movement, along with their affiliates operating from Afghan territory. Read More: Info ministry calls out Afghan Taliban for deflecting attention from terrorist sanctuaries Relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan have been strained due to recurring cross-border terrorism and security concerns. Islamabad has repeatedly urged the Afghan Taliban administration to prevent terrorist organisations, particularly the TTP, from using its territory to launch attacks inside Pakistan. Islamabad has rejected Taliban assurances that Afghan territory would not be used against neighbouring countries, arguing that the ground situation and documented militant activity tell a different story. Pakistan maintains that the terrorist nexus extended beyond the movement of terrorists across the border to their training, arming and operational support. Security officials estimate that up to 70 per cent of the Fitna al-Khawarij terrorists infiltrating Pakistan were of Afghan origin. They further claim that the Taliban regime had allowed leftover US and NATO weapons to reach terrorist groups, including Fitna al-Khawarij and Fitna al-Hindustan. The security establishment also linked the escalation in attacks to the presence of terrorist infrastructure inside Afghanistan. In 2026 alone, terrorism emanating from Afghan soil claimed the lives of 1,327 Pakistanis and injured another 2,484, according to figures cited by Pakistani authorities. Read More: Pakistan warns Afghanistan after Kohat attack, says it can eliminate terror threats ‘wherever they are’ Officials said that whenever Pakistani forces targeted terrorist hideouts, the Taliban regime instead moved to defend the militants and their sanctuaries rather than dismantling the infrastructure. The issue, Pakistan has argued, was not confined to TTP. UN assessments have continued to document the presence of several other militant organisations in Afghanistan, including al Qaeda, the East Turkestan Islamic Movement and Islamic State-Khorasan, reinforcing concerns about the broader militant ecosystem operating from Afghan territory. Pakistani officials say the continued presence of these groups, combined with training facilities, cross-border infiltration and access to sophisticated weapons, demonstrates that Afghanistan remains an important base for terrorist activity affecting Pakistan. Pakistan's position, according to officials, remains that Kabul must take concrete steps to dismantle terrorist sanctuaries, eliminate training infrastructure, prevent cross-border infiltration and ensure that Afghan territory is not used for attacks against Pakistan. The government has maintained that the issue was fundamentally one of Pakistan's national security and that continued attacks from Afghan soil cannot be addressed through denials alone. Pakistan says it expected the Taliban regime to fulfil its commitments by taking verifiable action against terrorist groups operating from its territory rather than defending or denying their presence.

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PM Shehbaz approves expansion of Karachi, Lahore airports

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday approved the expansion of Karachi and Lahore airports under their respective master plans, directing authorities to complete the projects within the stipulated timelines and ensure compliance with international standards. Chairing a meeting on airport expansion and passenger facilities in Islamabad, the prime minister stressed that passenger convenience must remain the top priority, adding that there would be no compromise on the quality of construction work. According to a statement shared by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) on X, PM Shehbaz directed the relevant authorities to engage internationally renowned institutions to improve passenger facilities and ensure third-party validation of reforms aimed at upgrading airport infrastructure and services. He also called for regular training of airport staff to improve service delivery and better coordination among the various agencies operating at airports. He directed the authorities to engage leading catering companies to ensure high-quality food and beverages for passengers. پاکستانی ایئرپورٹس پر مسافروں کی سہولت اولین ترجیح بنائی جائے، وزیرِ اعظم محمد شہباز شریف نے ائیرپورٹس پر بین الاقوامی معیار کو مد نظر رکھ کر سہولیات مزید بہتر بنانے کی ہدایت کردی. وزیرِ اعظم نے لاہور اور کراچی ائیرپورٹس کی ماسٹر پلانز کے تحت توسیع کی منظوری دے دی. وزیرِ اعظم نے… pic.twitter.com/RPFOsTKWBB — Prime Minister's Office (@PakPMO) October 29, 2026 The meeting was briefed on a recent survey conducted by an international firm to assess the quality of facilities at major airports across the country. Officials also presented the master plans for Karachi and Lahore airports, outlining the proposed expansion projects and their timelines. The meeting was further informed about development and upgradation work being undertaken by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) at airports nationwide. Officials told the prime minister that the runway expansion at Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport had been completed. “During the past year, the CAA activated 14 airports to restore domestic flights,” the statement said. Officials also informed the meeting that the Federal Investigation Agency had increased staffing and the number of counters at airports to facilitate passengers. Also Read: Multibillion-rupee airport upgrade drive launched Work on installing automated border management systems, or e-gates, at major airports was also under way. A project to establish an air cargo village was progressing, with the aim of developing Karachi into an air cargo hub, according to the statement. The prime minister was also informed that a meet-and-greet service had been launched at Islamabad airport to facilitate passengers. Officials further briefed him on plans to upgrade the existing aviation institution in Hyderabad into an international-standard aviation university, with work scheduled to begin by February 2028. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, Climate Change Minister Dr Musadik Malik, Economic Affairs Minister Ahad Khan Cheema, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, Prime Minister's Adviser Muhammad Ali, MNAs Raja Osama Sarwar and Ali Zahid, Prime Minister's Coordinator Sardar Yasir Ilyas and senior officials attended the meeting. Pakistan’s airport infrastructure modernisation drive has gathered pace, with major expansion and upgradation projects planned or under way at key airports. In February, the Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) announced a Rs100 billion expansion plan for Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport, including a new terminal building, a modern cargo village and other facilities to meet rising passenger demand. The project is part of efforts to expand capacity at the country’s busiest airport. The drive has also focused on improving runway infrastructure and enabling airports to accommodate larger aircraft. Karachi airport’s reconstructed main runway, upgraded to Code 4F standards to handle the Airbus A380, was inaugurated in February too. The runway project was completed within 18 months, according to the PAA. Meanwhile, expansion work at Lahore’s Allama Iqbal International Airport remains a key part of the country’s aviation development programme, with a new passenger terminal intended to increase capacity and improve the passenger experience. Alongside physical expansion, authorities have been pursuing technology-led improvements to passenger processing and airport security. In November 2025, self-boarding kiosks were installed at Lahore, Karachi and Islamabad airports to help passengers obtain boarding cards and complete immigration-related procedures more efficiently. Then in January, authorities also moved towards installing advanced baggage-scanning systems at major airports, including Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad, to speed up screening and strengthen security. These initiatives form part of a wider effort to bring airport operations closer to international standards.

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Battery storage imports cross 4.5GW in H1

Pakistan imported more than 4.5 gigawatts of battery storage equipment during the first half of 2026, accounting for nearly half of the country's cumulative imports of 9.5GW, as households and industries increasingly turn to energy storage to avoid high electricity tariffs. The figures were disclosed during a high-level parliamentary dialogue on energy and the economy organised by the Parliamentary Forum on Energy and Economy, where participants discussed the future of battery storage in the power sector and regulatory arrangements.

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Snowfall lures tourists to Galiyat resorts

The first snowfall of the winter season transformed the picturesque Galiyat hills and adjoining mountain valleys into a winter wonderland over the weekend, attracting thousands of tourists from the plains eager to enjoy snow-covered landscapes and capture memorable moments with their families. White flakes blanketed the slopes, rooftops and pine trees of Nathiagali, Ayubia, Dongagali and Khanspur in Abbottabad district, bringing the normally tranquil hill resorts to life. Children played in the snow, families posed for photographs and visitors shared images of the spectacular scenery on social media. Nathiagali witnessed a substantial influx of domestic tourists following forecasts of snowfall by the Meteorological Department. Hotels, guesthouses, motels and private accommodation facilities remained heavily occupied as visitors arrived from across Punjab and Khyber- Pakhtunkhwa. At nearby Ayubia, families queued for the famous chairlift, enjoying panoramic views of the snow-covered mountains. "The chairlift ride at Ayubia takes tourists to a new height of thrill and excitement," said Professor Dr Naveed Farooq, a lecturer at Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, while enjoying the scenery with his family. He said the natural beauty of Khanspur, Dongagali and Bagnotar had left a lasting impression on visitors, adding that the snowfall and cool breezes from the Kashmir hills had enhanced the winter experience. "I visited Babusar Top before coming here, where the floating clouds were equally mesmerising. Every hill station has its own attraction," he said. The snowfall also provided an economic boost to local communities, with hotel owners, restaurant operators, horse riders, photographers, transporters and shopkeepers reporting increased business. Some residents opened additional rooms in their homes to accommodate tourists seeking affordable lodging. However, the influx of visitors renewed concerns about excessive accommodation charges and rising prices of essential commodities during the peak tourist season. Dr Naveed Farooq urged the district administration to monitor hotel tariffs and commodity prices and ensure adequate parking facilities at major tourist destinations. Former ambassador Manzoorul Haq said private hotels were reportedly charging between Rs10,000 and Rs15,000 per room per night in Nathiagali, Naran-Kaghan and Kalam. He warned that unchecked overcharging could discourage families travelling on limited budgets.

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Army destroys Afghan border check posts after 5 of a family injured, one killed in Angoor Adda: official

The Pakistan Army on Tuesday night destroyed Afghan Taliban check posts after they targeted civilian areas in South Waziristan's Angoor Adda along the border, injuring five members of a family and killing one member. In a post on X, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) Information Adviser Samar Haroon Bilour, citing security sources, stated that "in the Angoor Adda area of South Waziristan, the Afghan Taliban regime, showing stubbornness, targeted the civilian population". She added that "the cowardly attack by the Afghan Taliban regime resulted in a shell landing on a house in the civilian population, wounding five members of the same family and one civilian attaining martyrdom." ‼️ *ٹاپ بریکنگ* *پاک افغان سرحد پر افغان طالبان ریجیم کی اشتعال انگیزی اور پاک فوج کا منہ توڑ جواب* جنوبی وزیرستان کے علاقے *انگور اڈہ* میں افغان طالبان ریجیم نے ہٹ دھرمی کا مظاہرہ کرتے ہوئے شہری آبادی کو نشانہ بنایا ، *سیکیورٹی ذرائع* ​افغان طالبان ریجیم کے بزدلانہ حملے میں… pic.twitter.com/ANg8h9c157 — Samar Haroon Bilour (@SamarHBilour) October 27, 2026 The statement said that the incident sparked "widespread anger" among locals over the targeting of civilians. "Pakistan Army gave an immediate and highly vigilant strong response to the Afghan aggression," it said, adding that multiple Afghan force check posts were destroyed in the "robust retaliatory action" by Pakistani forces. The statement said Pakistani troops remained on high alert along the border and were fully prepared to thwart any further aggression, adding that the military’s response to the attack on civilians was continuing. In a post on X, the South Waziristan deputy commissioner stated that the Afghan Taliban had engaged in "unprovoked" firing on civilian houses, further adding that many "shops were damaged". Afghan Taliban Regime fired unprovoked on civilian houses & Angoor Adda Bazar, South Waziristan (Lower), night of 27 Oct. One civilian killed, five injured by a mortar round, many shops damaged. Pakistan Forces on the border have and are responding effectively and heavily. — Deputy Commissioner South Waziristan Lower (@dcswlower) October 27, 2026 The latest attacks come after Pakistan carried out “calibrated” air strikes against terrorist hideouts near the Afghan border and conducted intelligence-based ground operations on September 21 that killed a total of 37 terrorists following a series of deadly attacks in K-P. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, in a statement, said that three targets were destroyed in precision strikes, including a training centre for suicide bombers. It said 28 terrorists, along with several suicide bombers, were killed, while large quantities of weapons and ammunition stored at the centres and hideouts were also destroyed. On September 24, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar stated that Pakistan had carried out “precision” aerial and drone strikes against 10 locations in Afghanistan after drones launched from Afghan territory entered Pakistani airspace, describing the strikes as a response to a “deliberate and unlawful incursion”. Pak-Afghan tensions The development came amid fighting ​between Pakistan and Afghanistan that started in October 2025. Islamabad accuses the Afghan Taliban of harbouring ⁠militants ​who launch attacks in Pakistan, ​although Kabul denies this, calling the militancy its neighbour's domestic problem. Amid continued tensions between the neighbours, Operation Ghazab Lil Haq was launched around the end of February following renewed clashes along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, after Afghan Taliban forces fired on multiple locations, prompting swift military retaliation by Pakistan. The clashes intensified after Afghanistan launched a border offensive in response to Pakistani air strikes targeting terrorist positions. The two sides had agreed to a week-long ceasefire on the eve of Eidul Fitr on March 18, following requests from Turkiye, Saudi Arabia and Qatar. Pakistan in April put forth three core demands to the Afghan Taliban during peace talks in Urumqi, China, including Kabul formally declaring the TTP a terrorist organisation, dismantling its infrastructure, and providing verifiable proof of the action. These demands form the basis of Pakistan's negotiating position, which sources say has hardened amid persistent security concerns.

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