Govt approves 85% increase in house rent ceiling for federal employees

The federal government has approved an 85% increase in the house rental ceiling for federal employees, according to official sources. The decision was endorsed by the federal cabinet on a summary moved by the Ministry of Housing and Works. The revised ceiling will apply uniformly to employees from Grade 1 to Grade 22, offering relief in the wake of rising living cost. Sources said the increase will benefit hundreds of government employees, though it is expected to impose an estimated Rs12 billion additional annual burden on the national exchequer. The move is part of a broader review of government allowances to adjust compensation in line with inflationary pressures and market housing rates. Read: Here's how much advance salary federal employees can take under new rules Earlier, on Thursday, the Ministry of Finance unveiled the Federal Government Receipts and Payments Rules 2025, a new policy that entitles federal government employees to a house building advance. According to an official memorandum, employees from Grade 1 to 16 are classified as 'staff', who may now obtain a house building advance equivalent to 36 months of their basic salary. Officers in Grade 17 and above will be eligible for an advance equal to 24 months of their basic salary. The ministry stated that payments will be processed according to the 2025 rules whenever applications for house building advances are submitted. The combined revisions to allowances and loan eligibility are aimed at easing financial pressure on government employees at a time of persistent inflation and soaring housing costs.

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One in three Pakistanis suffering from psychological disorders

One out of three people in Pakistan is suffering from some form of psychological disorder, experts revealed during the 26th International Conference on Mental Health held in Karachi. The alarming figures highlight a growing mental health crisis driven by social, economic, and environmental stressors. Scientific Committee Chairman of the conference, Professor Muhammad Iqbal Afridi, told The Express Tribune that 34 per cent of Pakistan’s population — one in three individuals — is affected by mental disorders, compared with one in five globally. He said women are disproportionately impacted, largely due to domestic conflicts and social inequality. “Women in Pakistan are often deprived of the respect and recognition they deserve, leading to heightened levels of depression and anxiety,” he noted. Read: Court holds waste collection firm, driver responsible in biker’s death, orders Rs42.7m compensation Professor Afridi added that the use of narcotics such as crystal meth (ice) and other addictive substances is fueling an increase in mental health problems among the youth. He also pointed to repeated natural disasters - floods and earthquakes, along with terrorism and violence, as major factors causing psychological trauma among people. Speaking on the occasion, Professor Wajid Ali Akhundzada, President of the Pakistan Psychiatric Society, said, "One in four young people and one in five children in Pakistan are suffering from some form of psychological illness." He estimated that around 2.5 million people are affected by severe mental health conditions, often linked to economic hardship, political instability, and disaster-related stress. He further revealed that 10 per cent of Pakistanis are addicted to drugs. He mentioned, around 1,000 people took their own lives last year due to mental distress. Read More: Health staff face action over private clinic referrals Experts at the conference warned that the country faces a severe shortage of mental health professionals. With a population of 240 million, Pakistan has only 90 qualified psychiatrists, whereas the World Health Organization recommends one psychiatrist per 10,000 people. At present, there is roughly one psychiatrist for every 550,000 patients, a ratio described as “grossly inadequate.” Psychiatrist Dr Afzal Javed and other speakers said Pakistan’s economic instability, unemployment, recurring natural disasters, and border tensions have all contributed to widespread psychological distress, particularly among the youth. “Young people today feel hopeless and uncertain about their future,” Dr Javed said. The experts urged the government to adopt a comprehensive national mental health strategy to address the rising crisis. They also drew attention to environmental degradation, noting that Pakistan’s tree cover stands at only four per cent, which exacerbates climate change-related anxiety and stress among the population.

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Punjab jails introduce online booking for prisoner visits

The Punjab Prisons Department has introduced a mobile application to facilitate advance booking to meet inmates across all jails in the province, including Central Jail Adiala, officials said on Friday. According to prison authorities, the app allows family members and other visitors to schedule meetings with prisoners and under-trial inmates without requiring any recommendations or intermediaries. The system will also send notifications in case a scheduled meeting is cancelled due to security or administrative reasons. The application, now available for download on the Google Play Store, aims to make the visitation process more transparent and efficient. A formal notification for its implementation has been circulated to all jail superintendents across Punjab. Read: Court holds waste collection firm, driver responsible in biker’s death, orders Rs42.7m compensation Officials said staff responsible for the Prisoners Management Information System (PMIS) at each facility have been given special training to operate the new platform. Operational guidance videos have also been supplied for internal use. To assist visitors unfamiliar with the process, dedicated personnel will be deployed at waiting sheds of prisons to help them make online bookings. Separate facilitation counters will also be established for those who pre-book their meetings using the app. However, officials clarified that traditional meeting protocols will continue to apply for high-profile inmates and hardened criminals due to security concerns.

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Bench rules SJC alone can try judges

Islamabad High Court (IHC) Justice Khadim Hussian Soomro has remarked that only the Supreme Judicial Council (SJC) is authorized to take action against a judge of the superior court and a bench cannot pass an order against a sitting brother judge. "There is only one body authorized to take action against a sitting judge or chief justice — the SJC. How can a contempt petition be filed against a sitting judge?" Justice Soomro asked while hearing a contempt plea filed against IHC judge Saman Raffat Imtiaz on Thursday. Petitioner Kulsoom Khaliq, appearing in person, told the court that her name had appeared on the list of lawyers eligible for a Supreme Court practice license. However, Justice Saman made "unlawful observations" against her, which allegedly led to her license being denied. She requested that contempt proceedings be initiated against the judge. Justice Soomro questioned as to under what law can one judge take action against another sitting judge. "Please cite any such legal provision." When the petitioner referred to an IHC division bench ruling in the Justice Tariq Mehmood Jahangiri case, the court noted that the Supreme Court's five-member bench had nullified that decision. "Would it seem appropriate if judges began initiating contempt actions or issuing orders against one another? Every judge runs their courtroom differently. We cannot issue directions to another judge," Justice Soomro asked. Later, the bench reserved its decision on whether to admit for hearing the contempt of court petition. The registrar office of the court had also objected to the petition.

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Pakistan, Afghan Taliban reach interim understanding in Istanbul talks

Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban have reached an interim understanding following six days of high-level talks in Istanbul, aimed at preventing the use of Afghan soil for terrorist activities against Pakistan and taking decisive action against India-backed militant groups, Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), referred to by Pakistani officials as “Fitna al-Khawarij” and “Fitna al-Hindustan.” The dialogue appeared to stall several times over the past week, with the Pakistani delegation even preparing to return home without a breakthrough. However, following requests from the host nations — Turkiye and Qatar — and an appeal from the Afghan Taliban delegation, Pakistan agreed to continue negotiations “to give peace another chance.” During Thursday’s session, both sides reached a provisional mutual understanding, with key points outlined as follows: All parties reaffirmed that the purpose of the talks was to reinforce the ceasefire originally agreed upon in Doha. Both sides committed to maintaining the ceasefire on the condition that Afghan territory will not be used for terrorist attacks against Pakistan. The understanding also requires the Afghan Taliban to take “clear, verifiable, and effective action” against groups such as Fitna al Khwarij (TTP) and Fitna al Hindustan (BLA). The next round of talks will be held in Istanbul on November 6 to finalise details and implementation mechanisms. A joint monitoring and verification mechanism will be established to ensure compliance and impose penalties on any party found violating the agreement. Turkiye and Qatar, acting as mediators and hosts, commended both sides for their participation and reaffirmed their commitment to supporting lasting peace and stability in the region. During talks, Pakistani delegation maintained a firm and evidence-based stance, presenting its demands with “clarity, professionalism, and logical consistency.” The eventual agreement was described as a “victory for reason and national interest.” The interim outcome of the talks is a positive step toward regional stability and a milestone achievement despite attempts by adversaries to derail the process through propaganda and pressure. Pakistan’s participation in the Istanbul talks, marked by “seriousness, prudence, and national dignity,” has been widely appreciated. The mediation efforts of Turkiye and Qatar were also credited with helping to achieve the breakthrough. The government reiterated that Pakistan remains committed to pursuing peace but will not compromise on its sovereignty, national interest, or public security. Civil and military leadership reaffirmed unity and determination to counter all internal and external threats to the country’s stability. Turkiye issues statement According to statement issued by the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Pakistan and Afghanistan have reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining the ceasefire agreed in Doha earlier this month, following six days of talks in Istanbul mediated by Turkiye and Qatar. “All parties have agreed on the continuation of the ceasefire,” the statement said. It added that further modalities for implementation will be discussed in a principal-level meeting scheduled for November 6 in Istanbul. Joint Statement on the Talks Between Afghanistan and Pakistan Through the Mediation of Türkiye and Qatar https://t.co/y1SH30i88Q pic.twitter.com/wH4GW3SC9k — Turkish MFA (@MFATurkiye) October 30, 2025 Participants also agreed to establish a monitoring and verification mechanism to ensure the maintenance of peace and to impose penalties on any party found violating the agreement. “As mediators, Turkiye and Qatar express their appreciation for the active contribution of both parties and stand ready to continue cooperation with both sides for lasting peace and stability,” the statement concluded. Doha Talks The Istanbul dialogues follow Pakistan and Afghanistan’s agreement on an immediate ceasefire during Doha talks, after a week of intense border clashes — the worst since the Taliban took power in Kabul in 2021. Pakistani delegation, led by Khawaja Asif, including other senior officials. On the Afghan side, the talks were headed by Acting Defence Minister Mullah Yaqoob, accompanied by other representatives. Pakistani officials raised the issue of cross-border terrorist attacks originating from Afghanistan, pointing in particular to groups such as the Gul Bahadur faction and the TTP. Islamabad maintains that these groups have been involved in multiple deadly incidents inside Pakistan in recent months. Sources familiar with the talks said Pakistan presented a ‘single-point agenda’ focused on the dismantling of terrorist networks. “Pakistan has made it clear that the Afghan government must eliminate terrorist organisations and their hideouts,” sources said. Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid said in a statement that the parties agreed on a complete and meaningful ceasefire. Tensions escalated after unprovoked firing by Afghan Taliban regime Tensions along the Pak-Afghan border escalated on October 12, when clashes erupted after the Afghan Taliban regime opened unprovoked fire at multiple locations in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) and Balochistan, prompting a swift and forceful response from the Pakistan Army, which destroyed several Afghan posts and killed dozens of Afghan soldiers and militants. The coordinated assault originated across several key sectors, including Angoor Adda, Bajaur, Kurram, Dir, Chitral in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, and Baramcha in Balochistan. The firing, security sources said, was aimed at facilitating the illegal entry of Khwarij — the state-designated term for the banned TTP — into Pakistani territory. “The Pakistan Army responded immediately and decisively,” security sources said. “The counteroffensive effectively targeted and destroyed multiple Afghan posts on the border. Dozens of Afghan soldiers and Khwarij were killed in retaliatory fire”.

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Here's how much advance salary federal employees can take under new rules

The Ministry of Finance has clarified that federal government employees will be eligible for house building advances under the new Federal Government Receipts and Payments Rules 2025, with officers entitled to 24 months’ salary and staff members to 36 months’ salary. According to an office memorandum issued by the finance ministry, government employees from Grade 1 to 16 fall under the “staff” category, while those in Grade 17 and above are classified as “officers.” The ministry stated that whenever federal employees apply for a house building advance, the payment will be made in accordance with the Federal Government Receipts and Payments Rules 2025. It added that, under the new regulations, staff members can avail an advance equivalent to 36 months of their basic salary, while officers are eligible for an amount equal to 24 months of their basic salary as a house building advance. The clarification aims to standardise the process and ensure fair implementation of the advance payment policy for all federal employees.

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SC rejects Faraz's plea to halt Senate polls

The Supreme Court on Wednesday rejected Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Shibli Faraz's plea to suspend the schedule for the Senate election on his vacant seat, stating that it would not interfere in the electoral process. Earlier, a special anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Faisalabad had sentenced Faraz and PTI's Omar Ayub to 10 years in prison each for their alleged role in the May 9, 2023, riots. Following their conviction, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) disqualified Faraz as Senate opposition leader and Ayub as National Assembly opposition leader. Later, both of them challenged their disqualifications before the Peshawar High Court (PHC), but their appeals were dismissed as "non- maintainable" since they had not surrendered before the court. They then approached the apex court to contest the ECP's decision. On Wednesday, a five-member constitutional bench led by Justice Aminuddin Khan heard the petition. During the proceedings, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan argued that the election on Faraz's seat was scheduled for Thursday (today), requesting the court to suspend the polls schedule until the matter of his disqualification was decided. Justice Hasan Azhar Rizvi questioned Gohar why was he seeking a stay order when he had already nominated a candidate for the Senate election. Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhail remarked that nominating a candidate was a compulsion, while Justice Rizvi further observed that Barrister Gohar himself was the party chairman and therefore should not be seeking such an order after fielding a candidate. "How many seats are up for election tomorrow?" the judge asked. Gohar replied, "only one". The PTI counsel further said that they were "disgraced and removed from two constitutional offices," and requested the court to issue a stay order on the election schedule and stop the poll. Additional Attorney General (AAG) Aamir Rehman informed the court that the speaker of the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Assembly, who was a party in the PHC case, had not been made a respondent in the Supreme Court proceedings. He added that under the law, surrendering before authorities was a prerequisite for seeking relief. Justice MuhammadAli Mazhar questioned whether the PHC had ruled on the maintainability of the case, to which Barrister Gohar responded that the court had not yet dismissed it. Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhail remarked that the court could not take any action in this case at this stage.

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