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Gulf stocks mixed ahead of potential US-Iran UN talks

September 22, 2026 1:36

Gulf stock markets closed mixed on Tuesday as cautious investors awaited potential US-Iran developments at the United Nations General Assembly. Market sentiment remained fragile following renewed threats exchanged between Washington and Tehran, prolonging a months-long stalemate that continues to pressure global energy dynamics and heighten regional tensions. Compounding these geopolitical risks, Yemen’s Houthis advanced near the strategic Red Sea coast amid persistent cross-border friction with Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia’s benchmark index finished flat, with Al Rajhi Bank losing 2.4%. Saudi civil defence lifted a security alert in the Najran region on Tuesday, confirming the threat had cleared amid ongoing hostilities with Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthis. Oil behemoth Saudi Aramco is offering prompt oil cargoes through negotiations for lifting from locations outside the Strait of Hormuz, two trade sources said. Aramco shares were down 0.2%. The Qatari benchmark declined 0.5%, following a 2.6% fall in The Commercial Bank . Dubai’s main gauge gained 0.6%, helped by a 1.2% rise in top lender Emirates NBD . The Abu Dhabi index advanced 1.3%, a day after falling 1.6%. A senior Iranian official told Reuters on Tuesday that Tehran could reopen the Strait of Hormuz within a week if the US eases military pressure and lifts its port blockade. The conditional offer comes shortly after Iran’s military warned on Sunday of unrestricted retaliation if the US, backed by regional allies, restarts military operations against the country. Outside the Gulf, Egypt’s blue-chip index eased 0.1%. Saudi Arabia finished flat at 10,681 Abu Dhabi advanced 1.3% to 10,232 Dubai was up 0.6% to 5,997 Qatar declined 0.5% to 9,514 Egypt eased 0.1% to 54,931 Bahrain slipped 0.1% to 1,910 Oman gained 0.1% to 7,560 Kuwait down 0.5% to 9,139 [...]

Rupee records gain against US dollar

September 22, 2026 1:35

if (!window._rawHtmlListenerAttached) { window._rawHtmlListenerAttached = true; window.addEventListener('message', function(event) { if (event.data && event.data.type === 'raw-html-resize' && event.data.id) { var iframe = document.getElementById(event.data.id); if (iframe) { var height = Math.min(Math.max(event.data.height, 50), 9200); iframe.style.height = height + 'px'; } } }); } The Pakistani rupee extended its marginal gains against the US dollar in the interbank market on Tuesday. The local unit closed the day at 277.21, a gain of Re0.01 against the greenback. On Monday, the Pakistani rupee settled at 277.22 against the dollar. Globally, the Japanese yen was under pressure from a firm US dollar on Tuesday as traders wagered on policymakers in Japan struggling to keep up with a hawkish turn ‌by global central banks, leaving the country’s interest rates at a wide gap with major peers. Moves were contained thanks to a holiday in Japan and because of the risk of intervention, after the Nikkei newspaper reported Japan checked dollar/yen rates on Friday. Such a move is often a precursor to stepping into the market. After drifting lower on Monday, the yen traded at 157.33 versus the dollar early on Tuesday, while broader ⁠financial markets were buoyed by falling oil prices. Other currency pairs were mostly steady, with the euro at $1.1467, though cryptocurrencies have rallied in the past day to lift bitcoin to an eight-month high above $87,000. Markets are pricing about a 30% chance that the BOJ hikes its benchmark short-term rate to 1.5% in October and a roughly 55% chance that the Fed will lift its funds rate window by 25 basis ⁠points to 4% to 4.25%. The Aussie dollar hovered at $0.7120. Sterling traded around $1.3372. The New Zealand dollar was pinned near multi-month lows at $0.5708 since Kiwi rates, sitting at 2.75%, are much lower than peers. Oil prices, a key indicator of currency parity, fell to a two-week low on Tuesday as prospects for Gulf supplies improved, with Iran signaling it could reopen the Strait of Hormuz within seven days and Saudi Arabia set to resume exports from its Red Sea port of Yanbu. The Brent crude futures November contract was down $2.11, or 2.1%, to $98.23 a barrel at 1151 GMT. The WTI October contract, which expires on Tuesday, lost $2.48, or 2.59%, to $93.30 a barrel. The more actively traded November contract was down $2.36, or 2.55%, at $90.01 a barrel. Inter-bank market rates for dollar on Tuesday BID Rs 277.21 OFFER Rs 277.41 Open-market movement In the open market, the PKR gained 4.00 paisa for buying and lost 19.00 paisa for selling against USD, closing at 278.19 and 279.26, respectively. Against Euro, the PKR gained 22.00 paisa for buying and 30.00 paisa for selling, closing at 318.63 and 321.63, respectively. Against UAE Dirham, the PKR lost 2.00 paisa for buying and remained unchanged for selling, closing at 75.70 and 76.27, respectively. Against Saudi Riyal, the PKR lost 2.00 paisa for buying and gained 1.00 paisa for selling, closing at 74.01 and 74.51, respectively. Open-market rates for dollar on Tuesday BID Rs 278.19 OFFER Rs 279.26 [...]

Oil falls to two-week low as Gulf supply outlook improves

September 22, 2026 1:29

LONDON: Oil prices fell to a two-week low on Tuesday as prospects for Gulf supplies improved, with Iran signaling it could reopen the Strait of Hormuz within seven days and Saudi Arabia set to resume exports from its Red Sea port of Yanbu. The Brent crude futures November contract was down $2.11, or 2.1%, to $98.23 a barrel at 1151 GMT. The WTI October contract, which expires on Tuesday, lost $2.48, or 2.59%, to $93.30 a barrel. The more actively traded November contract was down $2.36, or 2.55%, at $90.01 a barrel. Brent November, WTI October and WTI November futures all touched their lowest levels since September 8. Iran can reopen the Strait of Hormuz within seven days if the US eases military pressure and lifts its blockade on Iranian ports, a senior Iranian official told Reuters on Tuesday. The official said the Iranian delegation to the UN General Assembly in New York has full authority to revive diplomacy with the US. Hamad Hussain, senior climate and commodities economist at Capital Economics, said the Iranian comments were a sign that diplomacy efforts could be working. Before US-Israeli attacks on Iran began in late February, the Strait of Hormuz handled about one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas supplies. “There may also be other obstacles, such as the issue of tolls and fees, to overcome before a lasting solution can be achieved,” Hussain added. Saudi Arabia has restarted operations at its East-West Pipeline and could resume exports from Yanbu port later on Tuesday, three sources briefed on the matter said. Drone attacks forced Saudi Arabia to shut the pipeline on September 13, halting crude loadings at Yanbu. Market focus is also on US President Donald Trump’s meetings with world leaders at the UN General Assembly this week, against the backdrop of an unstable Middle East and Russia’s 4-1/2-year-old war in Ukraine that shows no signs of abating. Meanwhile, Saudi Aramco has increased exports through the Strait of Hormuz after the disruption at Yanbu. Around 14 million barrels of its crude were loaded on seven supertankers inside the Gulf on Sunday, tanker tracking data showed. Ole Hansen, head of commodity strategy at Saxo Bank, said he does not see much further downside to oil prices until supplies increase through the Strait of Hormuz, particularly of refined products where shortages are most acute. Diesel prices have rallied in Europe and the US to record highs as wars in Iran and Ukraine sharply cut exports from some of the biggest producers such as Russia, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. [...]

Broad gains boost Sri Lankan shares

September 22, 2026 1:24

Sri Lankan shares closed higher on Tuesday, helped by broad-based gains led by utilities and real estate stocks. The CSE All Share index settled up 0.36% at 21,054.01. Asia Siyaka Commodities and Hikkaduwa Beach Resort were the top percentage gainers on the CSE All Share index, rising 7.3% and 6.7%, respectively. Trading volume on the CSE All Share index rose to 58.4 million shares from 48.7 million in the previous session. The equity market’s turnover rose to 1.37 billion Sri Lankan rupees ($4.16 million) from 750.3 million rupees in the previous session, according to exchange data. Foreign investors were net sellers, offloading stocks worth 82.2 million rupees, while domestic investors were net buyers, purchasing shares worth 1.35 billion rupees, the data showed. [...]

PSX: Buying continues, KSE-100 settles with nearly 250 points gain

September 22, 2026 1:06

Buying continued at the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX), with the benchmark KSE-100 Index gaining nearly 250 points on Tuesday. The benchmark index initially moved higher and touched an intraday high of 171,680.73 during the session. The index then came under selling pressure, with gains gradually reversing through late morning and early afternoon. The benchmark declined steadily after around 11:30am, falling to an intraday low of 170,866.93, indicating notable profit-taking and selling pressure during the middle of the session. The market subsequently staged a sharp recovery, rebounding above 171,100 before moving sideways for much of the afternoon. Another brief dip around the final minutes was followed by a strong late-session buying spell, with the index surging towards its intraday high before easing slightly near the close. At close, the KSE-100 settled at 171,402.08, up 248.92 points or 0.15%. “Easing international oil prices and expectations of potential US-Iran de-escalation, which helped ease concerns surrounding inflation and Pakistan’s external account,” said Topline Securities, in its post market commentary. However, continued geopolitical uncertainty kept investors cautious and limited broader market gains, it added. “MARI, PPL, HUBC, FCCL, and LUCK were the major contributors to the index, collectively adding approximately 233 points. On the other hand, BAHL, FFC, and MCB emerged as the leading drags, collectively shaving around 172 points from the KSE-100,” the brokerage house said. On Monday, the PSX witnessed a range-bound and mixed trading session, as investors balanced easing international oil prices and expectations of additional Saudi crude supplies against renewed regional geopolitical tensions. The benchmark KSE-100 Index gained 268.58 points, or 0.16%, to close at 171,153.17 points. Internationally, technology stocks powered Asian markets higher on Tuesday as lower oil prices lifted sentiment and investors pinned their hopes on US-Iran talks, while the dollar stood tall on bets that more hikes are needed to rein ‌in inflation. Attention is also turning to a high-stakes meeting between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping later this week, with investors watching for signs the leaders of the world’s two largest economies can prevent a further deterioration in relations. Xi arrives in Washington on Wednesday for the first time in more than a decade amid growing optimism that a trade truce deal between the two nations will be extended and potential cooperation over artificial intelligence. President Trump said he ⁠would be open to meeting Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, who is expected to be in New York this week for the UN General Assembly, helping lift sentiment and pushing bond yields lower. MSCI’s broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan rose over 1% in early trading. Tech-heavy South Korean stocks jumped nearly 2% while Taiwan shares were 1.3% higher. Japan markets are closed for a holiday. Nasdaq futures rose 0.37% while European futures were 0.3% higher. Much of the AI enthusiasm has been centred on the strong reception to the launch of Meta’s Muse AI assistant. China’s blue-chip stock index rose 0.75%, while Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index gained 0.4%. AI stocks in China and Hong Kong also surged. Meanwhile, the Pakistani rupee extended its marginal gains against the US dollar in the interbank market on Tuesday. The local unit closed the day at 277.21, a gain of Re0.01 against the greenback. Volume on the all-share index decreased to 641.83 million from 692.88 million recorded in the previous close. The value of shares declined to Rs18.47 billion from Rs20.10 billion in the previous session. Tasdeeq Information was the volume leader with 133.19 million shares, followed by Media Times Ltd with 72.72 million shares, and WorldCall Telecom with 48.57 million shares. Shares of 494 companies were traded on Tuesday, of which 226 registered an increase, 221 recorded a fall, and 47 remained unchanged. [...]

Copper pushes higher on Chinese buying, capped by firm dollar

September 22, 2026 11:34

LONDON: Copper prices extended gains for a sixth session on Tuesday as top metals consumer China stocked up ahead of holidays, though a stronger dollar dampened the rise. Benchmark three-month copper on the London Metal Exchange was up 0.7% at $14,770 a metric ton by 0930 GMT, having gained 1% in the previous session. LME copper has climbed 18% so far this year, mostly due to large flows of metals to the US on speculation about tariffs on refined copper. Copper hit a record peak of $14,875 on September 10, then tumbled after sources told Reuters that US officials were concerned that tariffs may raise costs for manufacturers. “Copper is finding support from tightening physical market conditions in China,” said Ewa Manthey, commodities strategist at ING. “Falling inventories, seasonal restocking demand and constrained spot availability are offsetting the stronger dollar and tariff uncertainty.” The most-traded copper contract on the Shanghai Futures Exchange rose 1.2% to 111,320 yuan ($16,616) a ton, also helped by renewed speculative support. “Chinese are buying ahead of holidays and smelter shutdowns,” Sandeep Daga, head of research at Metal Intelligence Centre, said. The country’s upcoming holidays run from September 25 to 27 and from October 1 to 7. Copper inventories in warehouses monitored by SHFE have slid 70% since early June. Prices may be approaching a ceiling, said Robert Montefusco at broker Sucden. “I think it’s a little bit inflated up here. If it gets any higher, I think a lot of the producers in China are going to start selling because they’re not convinced it’s going to stay this high,” Montefusco said. Traders were awaiting a meeting between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping later this week for signals on trade ties and the global economic outlook. Among other metals, LME aluminium dipped 0.2% to $3,261 a ton, zinc rose 0.5% to $3,944, lead edged up 0.2% to $1,940, nickel gained 1.3% to $16,525 and tin ticked 0.2% higher to $54,030. [...]

Palm hits over 5-week low on rising stock expectations, subdued demand

September 22, 2026 11:15

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian palm oil futures reversed gains to hit a more than 5-week low on Tuesday, pressured by expectations of rising stock and subdued demand as traders awaited the upcoming meeting between the presidents of the US and China. The benchmark palm oil contract for December delivery on the Bursa Malaysia Derivatives Exchange fell 47 ringgit, or 0.97%, to 4,810 ringgit ($1,180.66) a metric ton, the lowest closing since August 14. US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping’s meeting this week is providing support to the broader agricultural complex, particularly soyoil, said Sandeep Singh, director of Kuala Lumpur-based consulting and trading firm The Farm Trade. El Nino-linked risks will remain a major concern through the middle of next year, he added. “However, Malaysia’s ending stocks are expected to exceed 3 million tons and could potentially approach record highs,” he said, adding that demand remained subdued and spot availability continued to weigh on prices. Dalian’s most-active soyoil contract rose 0.54%, while its palm oil contract shed 0.49%. Soyoil prices on the Chicago Board of Trade declined 1.32%. Palm oil tracks the price movements of rival edible oils, as it competes for a share of the global vegetable oils market. Cargo surveyors estimated that exports of Malaysian palm oil products for September 1 to 20 fell between 12.8% and 24.7% from a month earlier. Oil prices fell after reports that Iran said it could reopen the Strait of Hormuz within seven days if the US takes initial steps to ease military pressure, easing concerns over disruptions to a key global oil shipping route. Weaker crude oil futures make palm a less attractive option for biodiesel feedstock. Crude palm oil prices are expected to remain above $1,154 per metric ton in October and through the rest of the year, underpinned by weather uncertainties and favourable energy markets, the Malaysian Palm Oil Council said. [...]

Indian rupee sways with oil and intervention cues, keeping traders light-footed

September 22, 2026 11:08

MUMBAI: The Indian rupee swung between modest gains and losses before closing marginally higher on Tuesday, pushed around by volatility in oil prices, while likely central bank intervention supported the unit and swap operations drained excess cash. The Indian rupee rose 0.2% to end at 95.59 per dollar, helped by a 1.5% decline in Brent oil prices to $98.8 per barrel. Traders pointed to media reports stating that Iran had offered to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a key energy artery,if the US eases military pressure and lifts its blockade. Oil prices were higher earlier in the session, weighing on the rupee even as dollar sales by state-run banks helped limit the currency’s fall. The two-way moves in the currency prompted traders to keep positions small with tight stop-losses, a senior treasury official at a bank said. “Oil will likely dominate the momentum and while a fall past 96 for the rupee seems unlikely, it could spur a fresh round of dollar buying if it occurs,” the official added. Sustained Reserve Bank of India action through bond sales and foreign exchange swaps, and its defence of the rupee have helped more than halve the banking system’s liquidity surplus, which was generated by larger-than-expected inflows of $133 billion through the RBI’s diaspora deposit scheme. On Tuesday as well, the central bank’s spot dollar sales occurred alongside likely sell/buy swaps, which traders said were concentrated in the January 2027 maturity. “In the near-term, priorities will be to manage liquidity, gradually lower the sizeable forwards book, and support the domestic currency,” said Radhika Rao, a senior economist at DBS. Elsewhere, global technology shares got a boost from a resurgence of optimism over AI while attention also turned to a high-stakes meeting between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping later this week. [...]

Gold sheds Rs1,800 per tola in Pakistan

September 22, 2026 11:06

Gold prices in Pakistan decreased on Tuesday in line with their loss in the international market. In the local market, gold price per tola reached Rs455,736 after a decline of Rs1,800 during the day. Similarly, 10-gram gold was sold at Rs390,720 after it fell by Rs1,543, according to rates shared by the All-Pakistan Gems and Jewellers Sarafa Association (APGJSA). On Monday, gold price per tola reached Rs457,536 after a decline of Rs2,700 during the day. The international rate of gold declined by $18 to reach $4,332 per ounce. Meanwhile, the price of silver also decreased by Rs62 to reach Rs7,038 per tola. [...]

Indian shares fall as IT drags; oil slides ahead of potential US-Iran talks

September 22, 2026 11:05

Indian shares reversed early gains on Tuesday, dragged by IT stocks on concerns around demand and earnings, offsetting positive sentiment from a fall in oil prices for a fifth session ahead of potential US-Iran talks at the UN General Assembly this week. The Nifty 50 fell 0.36% to 23,329 and the BSE Sensex lost 0.44% to 74,529.08. Ahead of the closing auction, which marked NSE’s weekly derivatives expiry, the Nifty was down 0.28% and the Sensex down 0.27%. Most market participants said the regulator’s proposals earlier this month to overhaul derivatives settlement could help curb expiry-day volatility. “Our assessment is that the objective behind CAS is sound but implementation has moved ahead of market readiness,” said Nilesh Sharma, executive director and president at SAMCO Securities. The market regulator’s proposals “reflect a willingness to revisit a considered decision in light of live market evidence”, he added. Fourteen of 16 major sectors fell. Small-caps and mid-caps shed 0.2% and 0.1%, respectively. The IT index fell 0.9%, with CLSA and Goldman Sachs flagging subdued demand weighing on medium-term earnings outlook. “Markets turned volatile today after an early recovery attempt, with the Sensex and Nifty giving up gains as selling intensified at higher levels,” said Vikram Kasat, chief business officer of advisory and dealing at PL Capital. “Foreign outflows and geopolitical uncertainty continue to weight on sentiment and keep inflation and import-cost concerns in focus.” Brent crude futures fell 1.5% to $98.9 per barrel, reversing an intraday rise of about 2% after a report from Japanese news agency Kyodo said Iran had offered to reopen the Strait of Hormuz within 7 days if US eases military pressure in a push for diplomacy. Though Iran and the US exchanged threats on Sunday, President Donald Trump said he would be open to meeting Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, who is expected to be in New York this week for the UN General Assembly. Among stocks, Coal India gained 3.2% after Morgan Stanley upgraded to “overweight” from “equal-weight”. [...]

South African rand subdued as investors eye US-Iran talks, domestic events

September 22, 2026 7:35

JOHANNESBURG: The South African rand was subdued in early trade on Tuesday as investors awaited potential US-Iran talks and key domestic data and ‌events later this week, including inflation figures and the central bank’s policy decision. At 0706 GMT, the rand traded at 16.2825 against the dollar , 0.2% weaker than its previous close. Tehran and Washington exchanged threats on ⁠Sunday, though US President Donald Trump said he would be open to meeting Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, who is expected to be in New York this week for the UN meeting. Traders are focused on August inflation data and the South African Reserve Bank’s policy decision, both due on Wednesday. Economists polled by Reuters expect annual inflation to accelerate ‌to ⁠4.5%, while the central bank is widely expected to deliver a 25-basis-point rate hike after leaving rates unchanged at its previous meeting. Separately, South Africa’s central bank said on Tuesday ⁠that its composite leading business cycle indicator fell 0.9% month-on-month in July. Like other risk-sensitive currencies, the rand often takes cues from global ⁠developments, in addition to domestic economic data. On the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, the Top-40 index was down 0.3% ⁠in early trade. South Africa’s benchmark 2035 government bond was also weaker in early deals, as the yield rose 2 basis points to 8.65%. [...]

Gold muted as higher-for-longer rate outlook weighs

September 22, 2026 6:33

Gold prices struggled for momentum on Tuesday as expectations of interest rates staying ‌higher for longer weighed on sentiment, with investors awaiting comments from US Federal Reserve officials for policy clues. Spot gold was little changed at $4,344.29 per ounce, as of 0151 GMT. US gold futures steadied at $4,381.80. Bullion is traditionally viewed as a hedge against inflation and geopolitical risks, but its appeal tends to wane in a high-interest-rate environment as ⁠investors favour yield-bearing assets. With US economic data limited this week, investors will focus on comments from Fed officials for signs of whether the central bank is leaning toward another rate increase in October, as well as on crude oil prices, said Chris Weston head of research at Pepperstone. “While crude has come modestly off its recent highs, a reversal higher that builds inflation expectations would only intensify the rates story, and gold would likely continue to face headwinds,” said Weston. The Fed raised its policy rate by a quarter of a percentage ‌point ⁠last week and flagged more hikes in the coming months. The US central bank will likely need to hike rates further to lower inflation resulting from strong demand as well as a commodity price shock that has moved beyond oil, St. Louis Fed President Alberto Musalem said, adding that it would be ⁠better for the Fed to act sooner than wait. On the geopolitical front, Houthi fighters pushed to seize strategic heights in Yemen to cut off the Red Sea coast from remaining areas held by Saudi-backed ⁠forces, after a report that US President Donald Trump had called off American strikes on the group at the last minute. Oil prices gained as the market steadied after several days ⁠of declines, with investors awaiting developments on potential US-Iran talks at the United Nations General Assembly this week. Spot silver rose 0.3% to $66.19, platinum gained 0.3% to $1,792.76 and palladium climbed 0.3% to $1,305.10. [...]

Australian shares inch higher on gains in banks and miners

September 22, 2026 6:31

Australian shares rose modestly on Tuesday, underpinned by gains in index heavyweight banks and miners, as declining oil prices brought investors back to risk assets. The S&P/ASX 200 index climbed 0.3% to 8,759.60 by 0014 GMT, after closing little changed on Monday. Oil prices fell below $100 a barrel overnight on hopes for a diplomatic breakthrough between Iran and the United States and a partial recovery in shipments from top exporter Saudi Arabia. That helped yields on long-term Australian government bonds retreat, in tandem with long-dated US Treasury yields overnight. However, markets largely expect the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) to raise interest rates again next week to tame stubborn inflation that remains above its target range. RBA Assistant Governor Sarah Hunter reiterated that rates might have to rise for a fourth time this year to ensure inflation was reined in. The resources sub-index gained 0.4%, recouping some losses from the previous session on strong iron ore and copper prices. BHP, Rio Tinto and Fortescue rose between 0.2% and 0.3%. Among gold miners, Northern Star Resources and Evolution Mining advanced 1.1% and 0.7%, respectively. Financials inched 0.2% higher in a second straight session of gains, with top lender Commonwealth Bank of Australia up 0.4%. Rate-sensitive consumer discretionary and real estate stocks climbed 0.7% and 0.4%, respectively. Technology stocks rose as much as 3.9% and were on track for their steepest daily gain since late August, after the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite notched a record high overnight. Sector leaders WiseTech Global and Xero surged about 4% each. The energy sub-index was among the outliers, trading down 0.9%. Woodside Energy and Santos lost 1.5% and 0.8%, respectively. Further south, New Zealand’s benchmark S&P/NZX 50 index advanced to a near two-week high of 13,853.14. [...]

South Korean shares climb nearly 2% as Wall Street rally boosts sentiment

September 22, 2026 6:29

SEOUL: Round-up of South Korean financial markets: South Korean shares rose on Tuesday, tracking Wall Street gains after the S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100 posted their biggest advances since early August. The won strengthened 1% against the dollar, while the benchmark bond yield fell. The benchmark KOSPI was up 135.91 points, or 1.94%, at 7,143.63 as of 00:59 GMT. Shares of chipmaker Samsung Electronics rose 2.28%, while peer SK Hynix gained 2.94%. The Nasdaq hit a record close on Monday, lifted by Advanced Micro Devices and other AI heavyweights, while lower oil prices and long-dated Treasury yields also boosted risk sentiment. The South Korean government is due to brief lawmakers on Tuesday on plans for a $350 billion US investment package, a key step as Seoul and Washington seek to finalise implementation of a trade deal that cut US tariffs on South Korean goods to 15%. Among other index heavyweights, battery maker LG Energy Solution climbed 0.43%, while Hyundai Motor and sister automaker Kia Corp were up 2.30% and 0.92%, respectively. Shares of steelmaker POSCO Holdings added 0.63%, while drugmaker Samsung BioLogics edged 0.07% higher. Of the total 906 traded issues, 458 shares advanced, while 381 declined. Foreigners were net buyers of shares worth 162.8 billion won. The won was quoted at 1,365.7 per dollar on the onshore settlement platform, 0.71% higher than its previous close at 1,375.4. The KOSPI has risen 69.51% so far this year. The won has strengthened 5.4% against the dollar so far this year. In money and debt markets, December futures on three-year treasury bonds gained 0.04 point to 102.26. The most liquid three-year Korean treasury bond yield fell 1.1 basis points to 4.044%, while the benchmark 10-year yield fell 0.8 basis points to 4.438%. ‑Reuters [...]

Thai baht/US dollar steady on Tuesday

September 22, 2026 6:26

BANGKOK: The [Thai baht ](https://Thai baht)was little changed against the US dollar on Tuesday. At 0158 GMT, the baht was 0.02% lower at 33.25 versus the dollar, after trading in a range of 33.215 to 33.310. It ended the previous session at 33.2425 per dollar, as per LSEG data. [...]

Govt cuts diesel price by Rs3.12, petrol by Rs1.70 per litre

September 22, 2026 6:02

The government on Tuesday reduced the prices of high-speed diesel (HSD) by Rs3.12 to Rs418.96 per litre and petrol by Rs1.70 to Rs392.05 per litre, effective September 23. According to a press release issued by the Petroleum Division, the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) revised the prices under the petroleum pricing mechanism issued by the federal government. The existing HSD price of Rs422.08 per litre has been reduced to Rs418.96, while the price of motor spirit (petrol) has been cut from Rs393.75 to Rs392.05. The Petroleum Division said the price changes were necessitated by global developments, including changes in Platts rates, premiums and incidentals. The revised prices will remain effective till Wednesday, September 23, 2026. In the previous review, the government had reduced the price of high-speed diesel by Rs1.96 per litre to Rs422.08 per litre, and increased the petrol price by Rs4.61 to Rs393.75 per litre. Meanwhile, oil prices fell to a two-week low on Tuesday as prospects for Gulf supplies improved, with Iran signalling it could reopen the Strait of Hormuz within seven days and Saudi Arabia set to resume exports from its Red Sea port of Yanbu. The Brent crude futures November contract was down $2.11, or 2.1%, to $98.23 a barrel at 1151 GMT. The WTI October contract, which expires on Tuesday, lost $2.48, or 2.59%, to $93.30 a barrel. The more actively traded November contract was down $2.36, or 2.55%, at $90.01 a barrel. Brent November, WTI October and WTI November futures all touched their lowest levels since September 8. [...]

SECP proposes more insurance tribunals, digital complaint system

September 22, 2026 2:06

The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) has recommended increasing the number of Insurance Tribunals and Small Dispute Resolution Committees (SDRCs), along with establishing an integrated digital complaint system to improve grievance redressal for policyholders across the country. The recommendations were presented in SECP’s report, “Strengthening Insurance Grievance Redressal in Pakistan: Current Status and Strategic Way Forward,” which reviewed existing mechanisms for resolving insurance-related complaints. According to the report, the existing grievance mechanisms collectively received 37,029 complaints in 2025. SECP recommended that the Ministry of Law and Justice increase the number of Insurance Tribunals based on geographical needs, publish a list of Sessions Courts designated as Insurance Tribunals and ensure timely appointment of tribunal members. The regulator also proposed expanding the scope and geographical coverage of SDRCs, periodically reviewing their financial thresholds and digitising their operations through online complaint submission and document sharing. To improve coordination among grievance forums, SECP recommended a formal mechanism for sharing information and consolidating complaint data between the SECP, Federal Insurance Ombudsman, Wafaqi Mohtasib, Insurance Tribunals, SDRCs and insurance companies. The report further recommended including complaint volumes, resolution rates, disposal times and emerging trends in the Insurance Industry Statistics Report to support evidence-based regulatory oversight. To address overlapping jurisdictions, the SECP proposed legal and administrative measures to transfer complaints concerning public-sector insurers to the Federal Insurance Ombudsman, in line with an understanding reached among relevant authorities. It also recommended that grievance forums publish complaint-resolution timelines and that insurers clearly inform policyholders about available grievance procedures. The report called for a coordinated public-awareness campaign and a stronger role for the Insurance Association of Pakistan in promoting consistent complaint-handling practices across the insurance industry. SECP Chairman Dr Kabir Ahmed Sidhu said stronger coordination and greater use of technology could help reduce complaint-resolution times and improve accountability. “Through stronger coordination and the use of technology, we aim to reduce complaint-resolution times, improve accountability and ensure that every policyholder has access to an effective grievance redressal forum,” he said. The report provides an action-oriented framework assigning proposed measures to relevant stakeholders to improve access to grievance redressal and the overall policyholder experience. [...]

Gulf stocks mixed ahead of potential US-Iran UN talks

September 22, 2026 1:36

Rupee records gain against US dollar

September 22, 2026 1:35

Oil falls to two-week low as Gulf supply outlook improves

September 22, 2026 1:29

Broad gains boost Sri Lankan shares

September 22, 2026 1:24

PSX: Buying continues, KSE-100 settles with nearly 250 points gain

September 22, 2026 1:06

Copper pushes higher on Chinese buying, capped by firm dollar

September 22, 2026 11:34

CCP fines 3M Pakistan Rs10mn over Scotch-Brite ‘deceptive marketing’

September 22, 2026 11:29

The Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) has imposed a penalty of Rs10 million on 3M Pakistan (Private) Limited for deceptive marketing through a false or misleading comparison of its Scotch-Brite product with Colgate-Palmolive Pakistan Limited’s Max Scrub, in violation of Section 10 of the Competition Act, 2010. According to a CCP statement released on Tuesday, the proceedings originated from a complaint filed by Colgate-Palmolive Pakistan Limited, alleging that during a marketing campaign for Scotch-Brite, a video showed a comparison in which, after washing with Scotch-Brite and Max Scrub for 20 minutes, Max Scrub was shown to have deteriorated significantly while Scotch-Brite remained in comparatively better condition. Following an enquiry, CCP issued a show cause notice to 3M Pakistan. The company challenged the authenticity and reliability of the video and maintained that the demonstration was carried out by an employee in his personal capacity without company authorization, read the statement. CCP probe recommends action against deceptive marketing campaigns CCP, however, found that Muhammad Imran, then Regional Sales Manager of 3M Pakistan, had acknowledged before the enquiry committee that he made the comparison. As the demonstration was closely connected with his official duties and occurred in the context of a marketing campaign commissioned by 3M Pakistan, the CCP held that his conduct was attributable to the company. CCP held that a comparison of competing products made without a reasonable basis or recognisable substantiation may constitute false or misleading advertising. The order found that 3M Pakistan failed to substantiate the comparison. It also considered a third-party laboratory report submitted by the complainant, which concluded after testing that the two products were of similar quality and was not rebutted by 3M during the proceedings. CCP also rejected 3M’s contention that the demonstration did not constitute advertising because it was shown to third-party channel partners rather than directly to consumers, noting that these partners were engaged to promote Scotch-Brite, increase its market visibility and enhance sales. “Accordingly, the commission imposed a penalty of Rs10 million on 3M Pakistan for violation of Section 10(1) read with Section 10(2)(c) for false or misleading comparison of goods in the process of advertising,” read the statement. 3M Pakistan has also been directed to refrain from repeating the same or similar conduct concerning Max Scrub or any other undertaking’s comparable product and to submit a compliance report regarding payment of the penalty within 60 days. Failure to comply will attract an additional penalty of Rs50,000 per day from the date of the order, it added. [...]

Palm hits over 5-week low on rising stock expectations, subdued demand

September 22, 2026 11:15

India's aviation regulator places SpiceJet under operational, financial scrutiny

September 22, 2026 11:12

India’s aviation ministry has placed troubled carrier SpiceJet under operational and financial scrutiny following its long-running cash flow troubles, worsened by the ongoing Middle East conflict, a government official said on Tuesday. Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu said the government was closely monitoring SpiceJet’s operations and finances through the aviation regulatory body to ensure safety is not compromised. The ministry’s focus comes amid heightened attention on aviation safety in India after recent industry disruptions, with regulators keen to ensure financial stress does not affect operations or passenger safety. Naidu said there were limits to how far the government could intervene in privately run businesses, but noted that authorities had extended the Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme (ELGS), under which SpiceJet has received 1.5 billion rupees($15.67 million) in support. The minister’s remarks at a press conference comes months after Reuters reported that the company was actively pursuing government funding after delaying salary payments to its pilots this year. SpiceJet, which was one of India’s second-largest domestic carrier by market share in 2019, has struggled to deal with thinning market share, rising fuel costs, and intense competition. [...]

Indian rupee sways with oil and intervention cues, keeping traders light-footed

September 22, 2026 11:08

Gold sheds Rs1,800 per tola in Pakistan

September 22, 2026 11:06

Indian shares fall as IT drags; oil slides ahead of potential US-Iran talks

September 22, 2026 11:05

BoI chief says govt fails to address business community issues

September 22, 2026 11:03

Federal Minister for the Board of Investment (BoI) Qaiser Ahmed Shaikh expressed grave concerns that the business community’s issues remained unresolved by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for the past two and a half years, as the Businessmen Group (BMG) kicked off its election campaign at the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI). Addressing Karachi’s business community at a reception hosted on Sunday by BMG to unveil its 30 candidates for the elections, the minister said he was an elected representative of the business community in the National Assembly. Despite this, he failed to get the government’s backing to resolve the business community issues at the Cabinet level. “I have written several letters to PM Shehbaz over the past two and a half years, seeking an appointment to meet and brief him on the business community’s issues,” said Shaikh. Provinces ‘misusing’ 18th amendment, claims Qaiser “If a federal minister cannot meet the prime minister for two and a half years, then how will he be accessible to the country’s business community, and how will the community be able to call on the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) chairman?” he questioned. He claimed that the Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (PPRA) Rules were being violated at Port Qasim. “I have informed the PM about this,” he said. BMG Chairman Zubair Motiwala introduced thirty candidates, who will contest KCCI’s elections on Saturday (September 26). The office-bearers and committee members would be elected for a two-year term, from 2026 to 2028. Motiwala said they would continue to raise Karachi’s voice, as the country’s economic hub remained ignored by the power corridors. Despite this, Karachi continued to attract 55% of Pakistan’s export earnings and generate 67% of the country’s tax revenue, said Motiwala. “If the city gets due attention, it has huge potential to increase its contribution to economic activities,” he said. BMG Vice Chairman Anjum Nisar said Pakistan’s economy was in decline. The export earnings have remained stagnant for the past two decades, he said, increasing marginally to $30 billion in FY26 compared to $26 billion some 18 years ago. [...]

Govt cuts diesel price by Rs3.12, petrol by Rs1.70 per litre

September 22, 2026 6:02

Trump praises PM Shehbaz as ‘terrific man’ during UNGA speech

September 22, 2026 5:17

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday praised Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif as a “terrific man” and described Pakistan as a “great country” during his address to the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York. Trump said Shehbaz had called him to thank him for the US role in helping end the Pakistan-India conflict in May 2025, claiming the intervention had helped save 30 million lives. Trump also said he had helped “settle eight wars” and highlighted his administration’s efforts to resolve international conflicts. ALSO READ: Trump urges compete isolation of Iran, expects deal after election On Iran, Trump warned that the Islamic Republic could face destruction if a deal was not reached, while saying he expected an agreement after the US midterm elections in November. He also called for economic isolation of Iran and rejected international supervision of artificial intelligence, saying the US would resist efforts to establish global controls over the technology. Trump renewed his criticism of the United Nations and the International Criminal Court, saying US military personnel would not be subject to the court’s jurisdiction. [...]

Pakistan, Turkiye, Saudi Arabia, Egypt affirm Riyadh's right to defend itself

September 22, 2026 5:15

ANKARA: The foreign ministers of Pakistan, Turkiye, Egypt and Saudi Arabia said in a joint statement on Tuesday that they affirmed Riyadh’s right to defend itself in line with international law and stressed the need to maintain safety of navigation in the region, amid escalating attacks by Yemen’s Houthis. Following a meeting on the sidelines of the U.N. General Assembly in New York, the ministers also expressed deep concern over the ongoing conflicts in the region, saying dialogue and diplomacy were the only pat to a sustainable solution. They also voiced their support for Yemen’s government in its efforts to achieve stability and peace. Saudi King Salman condemns Houthis as ‘terrorist militia’ in rare statement [...]

Erdogan says Turkiye in contact with all sides to end Gulf fighting

September 22, 2026 4:49

UNITED NATIONS: Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said on Tuesday Turkiye was continuing efforts with all parties to end fighting between Saudi Arabia and Yemen’s Houthi movement, saying continued hostilities benefited nobody. Speaking at the U.N. General Assembly, Erdogan said Ankara would maintain its diplomatic efforts to end the conflict. The Houthis have intensified attacks on Saudi Arabia amid renewed fighting in Yemen. Trump urges compete isolation of Iran, expects deal after election [...]

PM Shehbaz, Kuwait Crown Prince discuss stronger economic cooperation

September 22, 2026 4:46

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday met Crown Prince of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York and discussed ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation. According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office, the meeting focused on Pakistan-Kuwait relations and avenues for expanding cooperation in areas of mutual interest. The prime minister conveyed warm greetings to the Kuwaiti Crown Prince and reaffirmed Pakistan’s strong and brotherly ties with Kuwait. Shehbaz Sharif highlighted the potential for enhanced cooperation in trade, investment, energy and human resource development. The two leaders also exchanged views on regional and international developments and reiterated their shared commitment to promoting peace, stability and prosperity. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the high-level segment of the UN General Assembly’s 81st session in New York. Shehbaz arrived in New York on Tuesday to attend the UNGA session. During his visit, the prime minister will also hold bilateral meetings with world leaders attending the UN General Assembly session The meetings will provide an opportunity for the prime minister to exchange views with participating leaders on matters of mutual interest and issues of international importance. [...]

Princess Diana's brother, eyewitness to history, sparks royal ruckus

September 22, 2026 4:22

LONDON: Charles Spencer, brother of the late Princess Diana, is no stranger to writing books about British kings. His previous bestsellers include “Killers of the King” and “To Catch a King” and, while those two works focused on the 17th century, some might say his latest book is along the same lines. “Swan Song: Diana, My Sister” will be published on Tuesday, and is his take on his sister’s life and her unhappy marriage to the now King Charles. In pre-released excerpts, Spencer claims Charles was “giddily elated” in the aftermath of Diana’s death in 1997, reopening a painful episode for the royal family. Spencer, 62, said he wrote the book because it was his duty “as an eyewitness to history”, but his version of events has been rejected by Buckingham Palace in unusually strong terms. “The pain of fraternal grief can cloud reason, affect judgment and colour memory,” it said, in a statement that added to the publicity surrounding the book. ‘Revenge dress’ shows Princess Diana’s lasting appeal amid royal family war of words Godson to Queen Elizabeth Spencer was born into a British aristocratic family, with close links to the royal family. The late Queen Elizabeth was his godmother. He was 17 when his 20-year-old sister, fast becoming the most photographed woman in the world, married the then-Prince Charles in a fairytale wedding in 1981. Spencer told CNN in an interview some years later how at the time he was more interested in “exams and playing my sports at school” than the global event. The wider world, however, was fascinated by the young couple, who went on to have two sons, William in 1982 and Harry two years later. But behind the scenes, the relationship unravelled. “I didn’t fully understand actually how very difficult things were for her at times,” Spencer told Good Morning America in an interview before the book was released. “That’s one of my regrets. I wish I could have done more to help her.” By the early 1990s, Diana’s unhappiness was making headlines across the world, and she and Charles were using the media to brief against each other. They divorced in 1996. A year later, she was killed, aged 36, in a Paris car accident as she was pursued by photographers. Spencer used a much-lauded eulogy at her funeral to tell an estimated 2 billion people watching around the world that her “particular brand of magic” meant she would “never be extinguished from our minds”. New Princess Diana documentary promises her own words His words were applauded by the tens of thousands of people who listened on loudspeakers in the streets of London, but some of his comments about how Diana’s goodness was “threatening” and how her “blood family” would need to protect her sons, made uncomfortable listening for the royal family. ‘Astonishingly provocative’ Whatever goodwill between the two families remained after Diana’s death will likely have been lost after Spencer’s new allegations about King Charles, which have reignited talk about one of the most damaging periods in the royal family’s modern history. He writes that Charles said of Diana “we’ll forget her soon enough”, before shouting at Spencer for suggesting the then 15-year-old William and 12-year-old Harry, should not be expected to walk behind her coffin at the funeral. Spencer, who has seven children from three different wives and married his fourth wife earlier this year, hit back at Buckingham Palace’s questioning of his memory. “It was astonishingly provocative and below the belt because it was essentially trying to say I’d lied without the King being able to deny what I’d said,” he told the Daily Mail. After studying history at the University of Oxford in the early 1980s, Spencer worked for US broadcaster NBC News for a decade, presenting lifestyle and travel programmes. He inherited the family’s 30-bedroom ancestral mansion in central England in 1992, when his father died, and started writing history books in the late 1990s, one of which was shortlisted for an award and many of which were top sellers. His publishing career has helped pay for the restoration of the Althorp estate, which has been in his family for five centuries and where Diana is buried. In 2024, he published a memoir, “A Very Private School”, that detailed his experience of sexual abuse, neglect and isolation while at boarding school as a child. “When looking at the wreckage of my first and second marriages, I learned early in therapy that being sent away to boarding school at eight years of age meant that I had next to no understanding of intimacy,” he writes in that book. [...]

Trump, Greenland, Denmark sign deal in bid to end Arctic standoff

September 22, 2026 4:10

UNITED NATIONS: US President Donald Trump and the leaders of Greenland and Denmark signed an agreement on Tuesday that permits a larger US military presence on Greenland and may resolve a standoff over the strategically located and mineral-rich island. The agreement, signed during Trump’s visit to the UN General Assembly in New York, stops short of Trump’s demand that the US adopt Greenland as a US territory to head off the growing Arctic presence of Russia and China. But the deal does permit a greater US military presence on the icy territory, an option that emerged as Greenland leaders argued against a complete US takeover. In his speech to the assembled world leaders at the UN before the signing ceremony, Trump said the agreement gives the US “permanent control over security and all other needs on that territory.” “No US adversary will ever be permitted to establish a military presence in Greenland any more, or make sensitive investments there without our express written approval,” Trump said. Greenland deal: Denmark says NATO shares responsibility for Arctic security Trump signed the agreement along with Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and Greenland Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen in a trilateral ceremony after Trump gave his UN speech. Frederiksen described the agreement as “a deal that can “last forever” and said it underlines the importance of the NATO alliance and respects Greenland’s right to self-determination. [...]

Trump urges compete isolation of Iran, expects deal after election

September 22, 2026 4:01

UNITED NATIONS: US President Donald Trump on Tuesday called for complete economic isolation of Iran, showing no intention to resume talks at the UN General Assembly but saying he believed a deal would be done after the US midterm elections in November. Iran had earlier hinted at the prospect of reviving negotiations to end their almost seven-month-old conflict, with the presidents of both countries due at the UN in New York. A senior Iranian official said Iran could reopen the Strait of Hormuz to Gulf shipping within seven days if the US fulfilled Tehran’s demands to ease military pressure and lift an American blockade on Iranian ports, adding that Tehran had conveyed its latest proposal to Washington via mediators last week. Secretary of State Marco Rubio told NBC’s “Today” show the US was open to speaking with the Iranians, “especially if it has the prospects of leading to something positive and ultimately achieving the goal of what this is all about”. But in a combative speech to the UN, Trump gave no sign of readiness to compromise. “I call on all nations to help to enforce the complete economic isolation of Iran,” he said. “I believe we’ll make a deal right after the election because it doesn’t make sense for them not to. They’re waiting to see how I do in the midterm election.” Iran sees ‘golden opportunity’ to revive diplomacy The senior Iranian official had earlier told Reuters that the US should “announce that it wants to resolve the issue diplomatically, make that official, and then agree on a timeline”. “The UN General Assembly is a golden opportunity for the US to return to diplomacy,” the official said. Trump to use UN speech to defend Iran war, tout peace efforts No face-to-face meetings between Iran and the United States are known to have taken place since July, when an agreement on an interim deal to end the war collapsed weeks after it was signed. In a reminder of Iran’s firm position so far, Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, who headed Iran’s negotiating team at previous talks, said Iran would never surrender: “Trump must understand that he cannot impose his power on the Iranian people and its armed forces.” Trump was due to meet on Tuesday with leaders of the six Gulf Arab states: Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. All are keen to restore shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, the conduit for a fifth of global oil and gas shipments before the war, but wary of giving their longstanding rival Iran too much power. All apart from Oman also host huge US military bases that have come under repeated Iranian attack throughout the war. The biggest of them, Saudi Arabia, has been drawn deeper into the war this month, as Houthi fighters have advanced in Yemen, routing forces of a Saudi-backed government and threatening Saudi oil exports through the Red Sea. There was some relief on oil markets on Tuesday, after sources told Reuters that Saudi Arabia had restarted operations at its East-West Pipeline and could resume exports within hours, albeit at reduced volume, from the Red Sea port of Yanbu. The pipeline, Saudi Arabia’s main alternative route for exports to bypass wartime disruption in the Strait of Hormuz, had been shut down after attacks this month that Riyadh blamed on Iranian allies in Iraq. Saudis seek US support against Houthis The Houthis have driven back Saudi-supported government forces along the Red Sea and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait at its mouth, and have attacked Saudi Arabia directly with missiles and drones. The fighters are now pushing to seize the strategic heights of the Kahboub Mountains that overlook the Red Sea coast. The US, which bombed the Houthis for two months last year, has so far rebuffed repeated pleas from Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to rejoin the fight. The New York Times reported that Trump called off US strikes against the Houthis on Sunday at the last minute, after troops had already begun loading bombs onto planes. Asked why Washington had held back from striking the Houthis, Rubio said: “Ultimately, if it comes down to it, the United States will always stand with Saudi Arabia and support them because we have an agreement with them to do so. “That said, that is a very dangerous and complex conflict that pre-exists … We have a history with the Houthis as well, and that’s something we don’t want to see impacted either.” On the table at the Gulf states’ meeting with Trump is a Qatari proposal for a framework to bring Iran and the Arab Gulf states into a common security architecture, regional sources said. One source said Iran was reviewing the proposal. Speaking at the Qatar Economic Forum in New York on Sunday, Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani said any such arrangement would need to provide security guarantees for the Gulf states and expand economic interdependence with Iran. “Lasting security cannot be built through repeated cycles of escalations and retaliation, or arrangements that leave any state permanently exposed to insecurity,” Sheikh Mohammed said. [...]

Trump says freedom will be coming to Cuba in UN speech

September 22, 2026 3:49

WASHINGTON: President Donald Trump said Cuba was a failed state and freedom would be coming to the Communist-run island in an UN address Tuesday that touted greater US involvement in the region. “My administration is also seeking a fundamental change in the situation in Cuba, where the communist regime is under great pressure-the biggest pressure they’ve ever been under. It’s an absolutely failed State, it’s failing like never before, and it will fall,” Trump said in his speech to the UN General Assembly. “Communism will never be coming to America, but freedom will be coming to Cuba.” The Cuban delegation walked out of the UN General Assembly hall during Trump’s remarks. The US has maintained a trade embargo on Cuba for more than 60 years and Trump’s administration has been stepping up pressure on Communist-controlled Cuba, after using the military in January to remove Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. US embassy issues health alert for Cuba amid oil blockade, sanctions Trump has called Cuba a failed nation in the past, including in June, when he said the United States had some very good plans for Cuba and will take care of the country. Cuba has been a U.S. antagonist for decades, since Fidel Castro’s 1959 revolution. Trump is strongly supported by hardline Cuban-Americans in Florida, who have pushed for U.S.-instigated regime change for decades. The Republican U.S. president has made clear he wants to see change in their homeland. [...]

Finance Division rejects ‘misleading’ reporting on Pakistan’s IMF programme

September 22, 2026 3:14

The Finance Division on Tuesday rejected what it described as “misleading” reporting about Pakistan’s engagement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), saying the programme is a whole-of-government initiative rather than a Finance Division-led exercise. The ministry issued the clarification in response to a report published by The Express Tribune on September 22, titled “Iqbal seeks role in IMF talks”, saying certain assertions regarding the Ministry of Finance, IMF engagement and the government’s economic stabilisation programme did not accurately reflect the institutional process. The Finance Division said the IMF’s Extended Fund (EF) and Resilience and Sustainability (RS) facilities cover reforms and commitments falling within the mandates of multiple federal and provincial institutions, including the Finance Division, Planning Commission/Ministry of Planning, Ministry of Energy, provincial governments, Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) and State Bank of Pakistan (SBP). “Concerned ministries and institutions participate and lead technical discussions, including benchmark setting relating to their respective mandate,” it said. The ministry also rejected the characterisation that the IMF programme is focused primarily on fiscal targets, saying the programme includes growth-enhancing structural reforms, social protection, governance, energy-sector efficiency, climate resilience and measures to reduce economic distortions. It said the latest IMF staff report specifically highlighted reforms aimed at supporting stronger growth while protecting vulnerable households. PDL not central to IMF programme The Finance Division also disputed the assertion that the petroleum development levy (PDL) is the “central point” of the IMF programme. It said the fiscal strategy was broader and included FBR revenue mobilisation, expansion of the tax base, provincial taxation and expenditure rationalisation. “PDL is one of the revenue instruments and describing it as centrepiece of programme materially overstates its role,” the ministry said. However, the Finance Division clarified that while the IMF programme does not prescribe a single permanent headline PDL rate, published programme documents contain provisions concerning petroleum pricing and levies. These include alignment of domestic fuel prices with international prices through regular adjustments, while the Resilience and Sustainability Facility also includes a reform measure introducing a supplementary carbon levy through the PDL framework. The ministry said petroleum pricing policy therefore forms part of the agreed programme framework rather than being an independent fiscal strategy developed solely by the Finance Division. The Finance Division also rejected what it called an analytical error in directly linking the PDL to inflation, unemployment, poverty and low economic growth. It said Pakistan’s inflation and growth outcomes were influenced by multiple factors, including geopolitical developments, domestic and international commodity prices, exchange-rate movements, monetary conditions, fiscal imbalances, external financing constraints and global shocks. The ministry said fiscal stabilisation could not be separated from growth, arguing that restoring fiscal sustainability, rebuilding reserves and reducing refinancing risks were necessary conditions for durable private investment and economic growth. It referred to the IMF’s third-review documents, which recorded that fiscal consolidation had contributed to reducing macroeconomic imbalances and demand pressures, supporting disinflation and external-sector stabilisation through reserve accumulation and recovery in overall growth. Highlights social safeguards The ministry said fiscal consolidation under the programme had also included social safeguards, including floors and commitments for social protection. These included targeted cash transfers under the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) and inflation adjustments to unconditional cash-transfer benefits. The Finance Division also cited the government’s targeted fuel-subsidy programme as an example of a temporary intervention aimed at protecting vulnerable households while maintaining fiscal sustainability. It said sovereign debt was linked to fiscal imbalances and claimed that debt growth in the last financial year was limited to its lowest level in two decades. Agricultural taxation involves provinces On agriculture-related reforms, the Finance Division said agricultural income taxation was constitutionally and administratively a provincial responsibility and therefore required implementation by provincial governments. It said assessments of such reforms should distinguish between programme coordination by the Finance Division and the constitutional and administrative responsibilities of relevant governments and institutions. The ministry stressed that the Finance Division’s role in overall programme coordination and agreement on benchmarks with the IMF should be distinguished from the policymaking, legislative and implementation responsibilities of federal ministries and provincial governments. “The appropriate policy debate is therefore not ‘stabilisation versus growth’, but how to transition from stabilisation towards sustainable growth without any fiscal and external imbalances that necessitated reverting to IMF stabilisation programmes, as witnessed in the past,” it said. [...]

Iran, US hint at revival of talks as Trump, Pezeshkian due to attend UN

September 22, 2026 2:57

DUBAI: Iran and the United States hinted on Tuesday at the prospect of reviving negotiations to end their conflict, with the presidents of both countries due at the UN General Assembly in New York. The event would be the first attended by Donald Trump and Masoud Pezeshkian since Trump launched “Operation Epic Fury” against Iran in February, alongside Israel. Trump had said on Sunday he would be open to a meeting with the Iranian president. A senior Iranian official said there were no plans for the two leaders to meet directly, but that Iran’s delegation had full authority to revive talks. Iran could reopen the Strait of Hormuz to Gulf shipping within seven days if the US fulfilled Tehran’s demands to ease military pressure and lift an American blockade on Iranian ports, the Iranian official said, adding that Iran had conveyed its latest proposal to Washington via mediators last week. Trump to use UN speech to defend Iran war, tout peace efforts “The US needs to announce that it wants to resolve the issue diplomatically, make that official, and then agree on a timeline for how the process will move forward,” the official said. “The UN General Assembly is a golden opportunity for the US to return to diplomacy.” Secretary of State Marco Rubio told NBC’s “Today” show the US was open to speaking with the Iranians, “especially if it has the prospects of leading to something positive and ultimately achieving the goal of what this is all about”. No face-to-face meetings between Iran and the United States are known to have taken place since July, when an agreement on an interim deal to end the war collapsed just weeks after it was signed by Trump and Pezeshkian. Asked by Fox and Friends about the prospect of a meeting between the presidents, Rubio said of Trump: “He’s a businessman who comes from the world of practicality and common sense. And common sense tells you there’s no harm in engaging and talking to someone.” Zelenskiy to meet Trump at UN in push for energy truce with Russia Reminders of hardline positions But Rubio also noted that Pezeshkian is subordinate under Iran’s ruling system to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, “and the supreme leader is a radical Shia cleric and we need to remember that when we talk”. “The central issue here is Iran is run by lunatic clerics,” Rubio told Fox. “These people can never have nuclear weapons.” In a reminder of Iran’s firm position so far, Parliament Speaker Mohammed Baqer Qalibaf, who headed Iran’s negotiating team at previous talks, said on Tuesday that Iran would never surrender: “Trump must understand that he cannot impose his power on the Iranian people and its armed forces.” Trump is due to meet on Tuesday with leaders of the six Gulf Arab states: Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. All are keen to restore shipping through the Strait of Hormuz but wary of giving their longstanding rival Iran too much power. All apart from Oman also host huge US military bases that have come under repeated Iranian attack throughout the war. Iran’s president to fly to New York for UN General Assembly, his office says Saudis seek US support against Houthis The biggest of them, Saudi Arabia, has been drawn deeper into the war this month, with Houthi fighters aligned to Iran advancing in Yemen, routing forces of a Saudi-backed government there and threatening Saudi oil exports through the Red Sea. There was some relief on oil markets on Tuesday, after sources told Reuters that Saudi Arabia had restarted operations at its East-West Pipeline and could resume exports within hours, albeit at reduced volume, from the Red Sea port of Yanbu. The pipeline, Saudi Arabia’s main alternative route for exports to bypass wartime disruption in the Strait of Hormuz, was shut down after attacks this month that Riyadh blamed on Iranian allies in Iraq. The Houthis have routed Saudi-supported government forces along the Red Sea and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait at its mouth, and have attacked Saudi Arabia directly with missiles and drones. The fighters are now pushing to seize the strategic heights of the Kahboub Mountains that overlook the Red Sea coast. The US, which bombed the Houthis for two months last year, has so far rebuffed repeated pleas from Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to rejoin the fight. The New York Times reported that Trump called off US strikes against the Houthis on Sunday at the last minute, after troops had already begun loading bombs onto planes. Asked why Washington had so far held back from striking the Houthis, Rubio said: “Ultimately, if it comes down to it, the United States will always stand with Saudi Arabia and support them because we have an agreement with them to do so. “That said, that is a very dangerous and complex conflict that pre-exists… We have a history with the Houthis as well, and that’s something we don’t want to see impacted either.” Saudi defence fund speeds up maritime sector push following Houthi advance Qatari proposal on the table On the table at the Gulf states’ meeting with Trump is a Qatari proposal for a framework to bring Iran and the Arab Gulf states into a common security architecture, regional sources said. One source said Iran was reviewing the proposal. Speaking at a Qatar Economic Forum in New York on Sunday, Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani said any such arrangement would need to provide security guarantees for the Gulf states and expand economic interdependence with Iran. “Lasting security cannot be built through repeated cycles of escalations and retaliation, or arrangements that leave any state permanently exposed to insecurity,” Sheikh Mohammed said.a [...]

Saudi King Salman condemns Houthis as 'terrorist militia' in rare statement

September 22, 2026 2:12

RIYADH: The king of Saudi Arabia denounced Yemen’s Houthis as a “terrorist militia” in a rare statement Tuesday reacting to an attack that authorities said targeted the holy city of Makkah last week. King Salman, 90, praised the armed forces and security services for defending the country, and condemned the recent Houthi attempt “to target Makkah”, calling it “a provocation to Muslims around the world”, according to the official Saudi news agency. Flames, smoke seen near Riyadh airport; Houthis claim attacks on Saudi capital [...]

SECP proposes more insurance tribunals, digital complaint system

September 22, 2026 2:06

Trump to use UN speech to defend Iran war, tout peace efforts

September 22, 2026 1:49

UNITED NATIONS: US President Donald Trump will use a UN General Assembly address on Tuesday to argue that the war with Iran prevented Tehran from obtaining a nuclear weapon and to tout what he sees as progress toward peace and a global order increasingly aligned with American interests, according to a White House official. Trump is also expected to criticize the UN, highlighting his administration’s efforts to prevent the organization and other international bodies from encroaching on US sovereignty or advancing what it views as a left-wing agenda, the White House official said, speaking on condition of anonymity. Trump last year caused a stir with a combative speech at the UN, saying that other countries were “going to hell” for, among other things, climate policy and mass migration. Iran says conveyed conditions to US for reopening Hormuz Trump’s address, which is scheduled for 9:55 a.m. ET (1355 GMT), comes amid a whirlwind of diplomacy as instability grips the Middle East and the nearly five-year-old war in Ukraine drags on despite his repeated attempts to broker peace. After his speech, Trump is scheduled to meet with no fewer than 11 world leaders, bilaterally or in group settings. Later on Tuesday, Trump will meet with British Prime Minister Andy Burnham, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, Venezuela’s interim leader Delcy Rodriguez, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, Greenland Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen, and the representatives of the Gulf states of the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain, Kuwait and Qatar. In the evening, he may meet dozens more leaders, albeit briefly, during a leaders’ reception. Trump met with French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday. Additions to his Tuesday schedule are possible. The long list of foreign leader meetings reflects the US president’s focus on foreign affairs during his second term, during which he has started multiple wars, questioned longstanding alliances, threatened allies with invasion and sought to broker well over a dozen conflicts, with mixed success. Iran says it has conveyed conditions to re-engage in talks, end war with US The US-Israeli war against Iran has been particularly consequential, driving up fuel prices globally, dragging down Trump’s approval ratings and presenting a challenge for Republicans running in the November 3 congressional midterm election. On Monday, a Reuters/Ipsos poll showed Trump’s approval rating falling to an all-time low of 32%, as his fellow Republicans soured on his handling of the cost of living. Among the closely watched meetings will be the seven-way gathering with the Gulf leaders, many of whom are alarmed by the recent advances of the Houthis, Iran-backed militants who have captured wide swathes of Yemen, attacked US ally Saudi Arabia and threatened shipping through the strategic Bab el-Mandab Strait. Political allies and opponents will also be closely watching Trump’s first-ever meeting with Venezuela’s Rodriguez, who rose to power with the Trump administration’s blessing after US forces snatched President Nicolas Maduro in January and took him to New York to face drug trafficking charges. US military says it completed latest wave of strikes on Iran Trump’s allies say the US is working with Rodriguez to open Venezuela’s oil sector to US investment, but Democrats and some Republicans say his administration has not done enough to press for new elections in the South American nation. During the meeting with the leaders of Denmark and Greenland, its overseas territory, Trump will ink an accord designed to increase US military presence on the island while limiting that of geopolitical adversaries. Danish and Greenland officials hope the accord will put an end to Trump’s past comments suggesting he might take Greenland by force. [...]

Mediavest crowned No. 1 agency at Dragons of Pakistan

September 22, 2026 1:38

Mediavest, the media agency of Brainchild Communications Pakistan, has been named the No. 1 Agency at the Dragons of Pakistan 2026, marking a significant achievement for the agency and its teams. The recognition comes in a year that saw increased participation from agencies and clients, making the competition at the Dragons of Pakistan more extensive than in previous editions. Securing the top position against a stronger and broader field underscores the significance of Mediavest’s achievement. The recognition reflects Mediavest’s continued focus on strategic thinking, effective media solutions and impactful work for its clients, further strengthening its position within Pakistan’s advertising and communications landscape. Commenting on the achievement, Farhan Khan, CEO, Brainchild Communications Pakistan, said: “Winning awards is a significant achievement on its own. To win it three years in a row is not just a milestone-it’s a testament to our unwavering commitment to excellence and our refusal to settle for “good enough”. In our industry, consistency is the hardest thing to maintain. Trends shift, technology evolves, and consumer behaviors change rapidly. However, our team has proven that when you combine bold creativity with rigorous strategy, you create a standard of work that stands the test of time. These wins belong to every single member of our team who pours their passion into every project, and to our clients who trust us to push the boundaries.” Three Consecutive Years of Leadership Mediavest’s 2026 achievement extends Brainchild Communications Pakistan’s three year leadership at the Dragons of Pakistan, with a group agency securing the No. 1 position each year. Mediavest ranked No. 1 in 2024, Publicis Media Pakistan in 2025, and Mediavest again in 2026. This three year run highlights the strength and consistency of the Brainchild Communications Pakistan group, with Mediavest, Publicis Media Pakistan and Starcom Worldwide Pakistan each contributing to the group’s continued presence among the country’s leading agencies. The group’s regional track record is equally strong, with Brainchild Communications named Agency Network of the Year at the Dragons of Asia in both 2023 and 2024. Reflecting on the significance of the achievement, Mohibullah Seenharo, Associate Director, Brainchild Communications Pakistan, said: “Reaching the top spot at the Dragons of Pakistan is a defining moment for Brainchild Communications Pakistan. It is a reflection of our people, our clients’ trust and our commitment to creating work that makes an impact. This recognition inspires us to push boundaries and set an even higher benchmark for the industry.” [...]

Punjab by-polls: Notices served on minister, SAPM for 'violating' election code of conduct

November 21, 2025 1:33

This collage of pictures show Federal Minister of Power Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari and Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Huzaifa Rehman. —APP/NA website/FileShow-cause notices have been issued to Minister for Power Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari and Special Assistant to the... [...]

27th Amendment empowers FCC to hear all constitutional cases: minister

November 20, 2025 7:59

Minister of State for Law and Justice Barrister Aqeel Malik addressing an event on December 21, 2024. — Facebook@BarristerAqeelMalikState Minister for Law Aqeel Malik said on Thursday that the 27th Amendment has vested authority to hear constitutional matters in the Federal Constitutional... [...]

JF-17 attracts strong attention at Dubai Airshow as friendly country inks procurement MoU

November 20, 2025 5:25

Pakistan Air Force JF-17 Thunder fighter jet during World Defence Air Show 2024 held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, February 7, 2024. — PPI Pakistan's JF-17 Thunder garnered significant attention at the Dubai Airshow 2025, leading to the signing of a memorandum of understanding with a... [...]

US lawmakers laud Punjab govt's initiative to modernise brick-kiln

November 20, 2025 4:39

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz attends ceremony in this undated image. — Facebook/@MaryamNSharifISLAMABAD: The Congressional Pakistan Caucus has applauded Punjab’s drive to modernise its brick-kiln sector, saying the reforms could serve as a pilot for eliminating bonded labour and... [...]

Security forces gun down 30 terrorists in multiple IBOs in KP: ISPR

November 20, 2025 4:38

Frontier Constabulary and army personnel gather stand guard in Kurram, January 17, 2025. — AFPSecurity forces killed 30 Indian proxy Fitna al-Khawarij terrorists during multiple intelligence-based operations carried out by security forces in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa , the military's media wing... [...]

MQM-P calls for new province in Sindh

November 20, 2025 3:56

Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan Convener Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui addresses a press conference in Karachi, November 20, 2025. — Screengrab via YouTube/Geo NewsKARACHI: With discussions on the 28th Amendment gaining momentum, the Muttahida Qaumi Movement–Pakistan has once again... [...]

US report validates Pakistan military edge over India: PM

November 20, 2025 3:55

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif addresses ceremony in Azad Jammu and Kashmir on November 20, 2025. — X/@GovtofPakistanPrime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday said a recent US report endorsing Pakistan’s downing of Indian aircraft stands as formal validation of the country’s... [...]

Banned TTP poses serious threat to Pakistan security: UNSC panel

November 20, 2025 10:24

Denmark’s Deputy Permanent Representative to United Nations and chair of UNSC's ISIL, Al-Qaeda Sanctions Committee Sandra Jensen Landi. — Screengrab via UN WebTV websiteThe chair of the United Nations Security Council's Daesh and Al-Qaeda Sanctions Committee has cautioned that the... [...]

CM Afridi clarifies remarks on by-poll after ECP requests army deployment

November 20, 2025 10:01

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Khan Afridi addresses a gathering at Havelian, Abbottabad on November 19, 2025. — Facbook@ImMuhammadSohailAfridiISLAMABAD: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi on Thursday issued a clarification concerning his remarks on the NA-18 by-poll,... [...]

Dubai sees 3.2m Pakistani passengers in 2025 as airport sets new milestone

November 20, 2025 6:16

People sit at a coffee shop as they wait for their flight at the Dubai International Airport, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, April 17, 2024. — ReutersDUBAI: Dubai International Airport handled 3.2 million passengers travelling from Pakistan in the first nine months of 2025, making the... [...]

Security forces kill 23 Indian proxy terrorists in KP's Kurram

November 20, 2025 5:08

Security forces are seen taking position during an operation. — ISPR/FileRAWALPINDI: Amid country's ongoing fight against the menace of terrorism, security forces have neutralised 23 Indian proxy Fitna al-Khawarij terrorists in separate engagements in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's Kurram... [...]

Pakistan to construct island to boost oil exploration: report

November 19, 2025 6:26

Pump jacks operate in front of a drilling rig in an oil field in Midland, Texas United States. — Reuters/FilePakistan's state-owned energy company, Pakistan Petroleum Limited , has announced plans for an artificial island to boost its oil exploration efforts.Islamabad has intensified its... [...]

Russia ready to mediate Pakistan's issues with India, Afghanistan: envoy

November 19, 2025 6:14

Russia's ambassador to Pakistan has extended his country's offer to mediate Islamabad's conflicts with India and Afghanistan, amid strained relations with its neighbouring countries.Islamabad's relations with India have remained tense since the four-day war in May, while the Afghan Taliban regime... [...]

Security forces neutralise four terrorists in KP IBOs

November 19, 2025 5:12

Soldiers ride on a Pakistan Army vehicle in this undated image. — AFP/FileFour terrorists affiliated with Indian proxy, Fitna al-Khawarij, were killed in a series of operations across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa from November 17 to 18, the Inter-Services Public Relations said on Wednesday.An... [...]

Reclassification of 41 candidates on reserved seats goes beyond SC mandate: Justice Mandokhail

November 19, 2025 4:38

Supreme Court's Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhail addresses an event related to Labour Day in Islamabad on May 1, 2025. — Screengrab/YouTube/Geo NewsISLAMABAD: Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhail has released a detailed dissent in the reserved seats case, stating that the ruling on 41 candidates... [...]

Mexico on alert as Hurricane Polo reaches Category 5 strength

September 22, 2026 4:50

Hurricane Polo strengthened into a powerful Category 5 storm off Mexico’s Pacific coast on Tuesday, with authorities warning of potentially life-threatening flooding and mudslides.Polo intensified from Category 1 to Category 5 in less than 24 hours, according to the US National Hurricane... [...]

Tucson police arrest five teens after stolen car incident and recover replica handgun

September 22, 2026 4:30

Five teenagers have been arrested in Tucson, Arizona, following a stolen vehicle investigation, with police saying two suspects had 43 previous arrests between them.According to the Tucson Police Department, the incident happened on September 12 near 29th Street and Craycroft Road after officers... [...]

Net zero may not end climate inequality for poorer nations, research warns

September 22, 2026 3:50

The world’s poorest countries could remain among the hardest hit by global warming even after greenhouse gas emissions reach net zero, new research has found.The study, published in Environmental Research Letters, found temperatures have risen more sharply relative to historical ranges in... [...]

Kamala Harris rallies behind progressive Abdul El-Sayed in Michigan Senate battle

September 22, 2026 3:30

Former US Vice President Kamala Harris will campaign in Michigan on Tuesday to support Democratic Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed as the party fights to retain a crucial seat.Harris will appear at events in Detroit aimed at building support among Black voters, reported the Associated Press. She is... [...]

Republican senator calls for investigation into Trump family business dealings: What to know

September 22, 2026 3:26

On Tuesday, a Republican US senator called for a major investigation into the ways that Donald Trump’s family is capitalizing on his time in office, adding that the growing perception of them exploiting their position is eroding confidence in the government.Senator John Curtis primarily sent... [...]

Trump insists US weapons stockpile remains strong despite Iran war concerns

September 22, 2026 3:10

US President Donald Trump has rejected concerns that the war with Iran has depleted American munitions, insisting the country has more weapons than it could need.Trump wrote on Truth Social shortly before his scheduled address to the United Nations: “The cowards and traitors would love to... [...]

UK PM Andy Burnham refuses to rule out EU rejoin pledge in next Labour manifesto

September 22, 2026 3:06

UK PM Andy Burnham refuses to rule out EU rejoin pledge in next Labour manifestoIn major political shift UK's Prime Minister Andy Burnham has declined to rule out incorporating a future pledge for the UK to rejoin the European Union into a future Labour election manifesto. Speaking to reporters... [...]

US F-16 reportedly crashes near American air base in Germany

September 22, 2026 2:50

A US fighter jet has reportedly crashed near Spangdahlem Air Base in western Germany, leaving one person injured, initial reports stated.German broadcaster n-tv reported that a US F-16 fighter jet crashed near the American military facility on Tuesday, citing local authorities.Residents in the... [...]

UN chief urges action on AI curbs and ongoing wars in final address

September 22, 2026 2:34

On Tuesday, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres gave his final address to the General Assembly, urging policymakers to set rules for advanced artificial intelligence to end conflicts, focus on climate change and reform UN institutions, emphasizing a stern warning about potential... [...]

Trump calls on Putin to 'settle the war' as world leaders gather at UN

September 22, 2026 2:30

US President Donald Trump delivered a brief message to Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday as he arrived at United Nations headquarters in New York.According to The Guardian, Trump said, “settle the war”, after a reporter shouted a question asking what message he had for... [...]

EU central banks, ECB oppose stablecoin bank deposit as fear mounts

September 22, 2026 2:17

EU central banks, ECB oppose stablecoin bank deposit as fear mountsThe European Central Bank and national central banks across the European Union have raised formal objections to a key regulatory requirement under the bloc's Markets in Crypto-Assets framework regarding stablecoin reserves.Under... [...]

Russia pushes UN Security Council expansion as Erdogan challenges veto power

September 22, 2026 12:06

Russia pushes UN Security Council expansion as Erdogan challenges veto power The UN Security Council is at the crossroads as debate regarding its existing setup and veto power has intensified with the opening of General Assembly week.When it comes to outlining visions for a reformed Security... [...]

US to open two new military bases in Greenland under landmark Arctic deal

September 22, 2026 11:40

US to open two new military bases in Greenland under landmark Arctic dealThe United States is planning to establish two new military sites in Greenland under a strategic tripartite agreement negotiated with Denmark and the semi-autonomous territory.The deal marks a major expansion of the American... [...]

South Korea's Lee proposes 'phased approach' to North Korea's nuclear disarmament

September 22, 2026 8:56

South Korea’s Lee proposes ‘phased approach’ to North Korea’s nuclear disarmamentSouth Korean President Lee Jae Myung has proposed a “phased approach” to deal with North Korea’s growing nuclear threat. Speaking to The Associated Press, Lee has pushed for a... [...]

Trump to meet Zelenskyy at UN in high-stakes push for Russia energy truce

September 22, 2026 8:05

Trump to meet Zelenskyy at UN in high-stakes push for Russia energy truceMajor update reveals Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and U.S. President Donald Trump are meeting on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York to discuss a potential mutual "energy truce" between... [...]

سیکریٹری دفاع کی سینیٹ کمیٹی کو پروازوں میں بڑھتی تاخیرکی وجوہات پر بریفنگ

September 22, 2026 6:09

سینیٹ قائمہ کمیٹی برائے دفاع کے اجلاس میں سیکریٹری وزارت دفاع نے کہا ہے کہ دسمبر تک نجی ایئرلائنز کے بیڑے میں مزید طیارے شامل ہونے کی... [...]

23 ستمبر سے موٹروے ایم 2 پر لاہور سے بڑی گاڑیوں کے اسلام آباد میں داخلے پر پابندی

September 22, 2026 6:09

فائل فوٹو۔موٹر وے پولیس کے مطابق 23 ستمبر سے موٹر وے ایم 2 پر لاہور سے بڑی گاڑیوں اور کارگو وہیکلز کے اسلام آباد میں داخلے پر پابندی... [...]

پیٹرول کی قیمت میں کمی کردی گئی، ڈیزل مزید سستا ہوگیا

September 22, 2026 5:09

حکومت کی جانب سے پیٹرولیم مصنوعات کی قیمتوں میں یومیہ ردوبدل کا اعلامیہ جاری کردیا گیا ہے۔ نوٹیفکیشن کے مطابق پیٹرول کی قیمت میں ایک... [...]

کلر کہار میں بھیڑیوں کی موجودگی کی اطلاع، وائلڈ لائف ٹیم علاقے میں پہنچ گئی

September 22, 2026 4:09

فوٹو: فائلکلر کہار کے قریب سالٹ رینج میں تین سے چار بھیڑیوں کی موجودگی کی اطلاع ملنے پر محکمہ وائلڈ لائف کی ٹیم علاقےمیں پہنچ... [...]

پشاور موٹروے ایم ون کل رات 11 بجے سے تاحکم ثانی ہر قسم کی ٹریفک کیلئے بند

September 22, 2026 4:09

پشاور موٹروے ایم ون کل رات 11 بجے تاحکم ثانی ہر قسم کی ٹریفک کےلیے بند رہے گی۔موٹروے پولیس کی جانب سے جاری ایڈوائزری کے مطابق شہری ایم... [...]

صدر ٹرمپ نے ایک بار پھر وزیراعظم شہباز شریف کی تعریف کردی

September 22, 2026 4:09

امریکی صدر ڈونلڈ ٹرمپ نے ایک بار پھر وزیراعظم پاکستان شہباز شریف کی تعریف کردی۔اقوام متحدہ کی جنرل اسمبلی اجلاس سے خطاب میں ٹرمپ نے... [...]

اسلام آباد: پاکستان فرانس مشترکہ سیکیورٹی کمیشن اجلاس، سیکیورٹی اور دفاعی تعاون پر گفتگو

September 22, 2026 4:09

پاکستان اور فرانس مشترکہ سیکیورٹی کمیشن کا اسلام آباد میں آٹھواں اجلاس منعقد ہوا، جس میں پاکستانی وفد کی قیادت وفاقی سیکریٹری دفاع... [...]

پی ٹی آئی والے جھوٹی ویڈیوز سوشل میڈیا پر پھیلانے میں ماہر ہیں، عطا تارڑ

September 22, 2026 4:09

وفاقی وزیر اطلاعات و نشریات عطا تارڑ نے کہا ہے کہ پی ٹی آئی والے جھوٹی ویڈیوز سوشل میڈیا پر پھیلانے میں ماہر ہیں۔پشاور میں ریڈیو... [...]

کراچی میں شدید گرمی، محکمہ موسمیات نے وجہ بھی بتادی

September 22, 2026 3:09

کراچی میں ستمبر کے دوران شدید گرمی ہونے لگی، آج شہر قائد میں پارہ 39.1 ڈگری سینٹی گریڈ ریکارڈ کیا گیا۔محکمہ موسمیات کا کہنا ہے کہ کل... [...]

پولیس افسران نے بھی آج قانون کے بجائے پریکٹس کی بات کی، جبران ناصر

September 22, 2026 3:09

ویڈیو گریب۔میر رضا کے اہلخانہ کے وکیل جبران ناصر نے کہا ہے کہ کل ڈی جی ہیلتھ کمیشن میں پیش ہوئے تھے، ڈی جی ہیلتھ کے مطابق پہلی بار... [...]

اسلام آباد میں غیر قانونی کال سینٹرز کیخلاف کارروائی، 212 افراد تحویل میں

September 22, 2026 3:09

نیشنل سائبر کرائم انویسٹی گیشن ایجنسی نے اسلام آباد میں غیر قانونی کال سینٹرز کے خلاف کارروائی کی ہے۔ترجمان این سی سی آئی اے کے... [...]

پی ٹی آئی کا ممکنہ لانگ مارچ، پنجاب و سندھ سے 18 ہزار پولیس اہلکار مانگ لیے گئے

September 22, 2026 2:09

فوٹو: فائلپاکستان تحریک انصاف کے 27 ستمبر کو ممکنہ لانگ مارچ کے پیش نظر اسلام آباد پولیس نے پنجاب اور سندھ سے 18 ہزار پولیس اہلکار مانگ... [...]

ساران تنگی میں سیکیورٹی فورسز کی کارروائی، فتنہ الہندوستان کے 6 دہشتگرد ہلاک

September 22, 2026 2:09

تصویر سوشل میڈیا۔بلوچستان کے علاقے ساران تنگی میں سیکیورٹی فورسز کی کارروائیوں میں فتنہ الہندوستان کے 6 دہشتگرد ہلاک ہوگئے۔ کوئٹہ... [...]

رضا ربانی کا حکومت کو احتجاج کرنے والی سیاسی جماعتوں سے مذاکرات کا مشورہ

September 22, 2026 1:09

سابق چیئرمین سینیٹ اور پیپلز پارٹی کے سینئر رہنما سینیٹر رضا ربانی نے حکمران جماعت مسلم لیگ کو احتجاج کرنے والی سیاسی جماعتوں سے... [...]

بیرسٹر گوہر کی راجا ناصر عباس سے ملاقات ،27 ستمبر کے لانگ مارچ پر گفتگو

September 22, 2026 1:09

چیئرمین پاکستان تحریک انصاف بیرسٹر گوہر نے قائد حزب اختلاف سینیٹر علامہ راجا ناصر عباس سے ملاقات کی ہے۔پارلیمنٹ ہاؤس میں ہونے والی... [...]

مسئلہ کشمیر اقوام متحدہ کی قراردادوں کے مطابق حل کرنے کی ضرورت ہے، ترک صدر

September 22, 2026 5:09

ویڈیو گریب۔ترک صدر رجب طیب اردوان نے کہا ہے کہ ہم آزاد فلسطین کی آواز بنیں گے، مسئلہ کشمیر اقوام متحدہ کی قرار دادوں کے مطابق حل کرنے... [...]

ٹرمپ نے اے آئی کی رفتار سست کرنے کے مطالبات مسترد کردیے

September 22, 2026 5:09

امریکی صدر ڈونلڈ ٹرمپ نے مصنوعی ذہانت کی رفتار کو عالمی سطح پر سست کرنے کے مطالبات کو مسترد کردیا۔ایک بیان میں صدر ٹرمپ نے کہا کہ وہ... [...]

برطانیہ: مرسی سائیڈ میں گھر میں آگ لگنے سے 4 افراد ہلاک

September 22, 2026 5:09

تصویر سوشل میڈیا۔برطانیہ کی سرمونیل کاؤنٹی مرسی سائیڈ میں بوٹل کے مقام پر گھر میں آگ لگنے سے 4 افراد ہلاک ہوگئے، ہلاک افراد میں... [...]

10 ہزار کم کیوں دیے؟ ملازم نے بدلہ لینے کیلئے آگ لگا کر فیکٹری کو 24 کروڑ کا نقصان پہنچادیا

September 22, 2026 4:09

فوٹو: سوشل میڈیابھارت میں ایک ملازم نے تنخواہ میں 10 ہزار روپے کم دینے پر بدلہ لینے کےلیے فیکٹری میں آگ لگا کر اسے 24 کروڑ کا نقصان... [...]

گزشتہ دہائی میں جنگوں کے خوفناک اور تباہ کن نتائج برآمد ہوئے، انتونیو گوتریس

September 22, 2026 3:09

سیکریٹری جنرل اقوام متحدہ، انتونیو گوتیرساقوام متحدہ کے سیکریٹری جنرل انتونیو گوتریس نے کہا ہے کہ گزشتہ دہائی میں شروع جنگوں کے... [...]

ذہن میں صرف ایک بات ہے ایران ایٹمی ہتھیار نہیں رکھ سکتا، صدر ٹرمپ

September 22, 2026 2:09

امریکی صدر ڈونلڈ ٹرمپ نے کہا ہے کہ میرے ذہن میں صرف ایک بات ہے کہ ایران ایٹمی ہتھیار نہیں رکھ سکتا۔نیو یارک میں اقوام متحدہ کی جنرل... [...]

سعودی عرب نے خام تیل کی سپلائی دوبارہ شروع کردی

September 22, 2026 2:09

سعودی عرب نے ایسٹ ویسٹ پائپ لائن سے خام تیل کی سپلائی دوبارہ شروع کردی ہے۔تجارتی ذرائع نے خبر ایجنسی سے گفتگو میں بتایا کہ پائپ لائن... [...]

غزہ میں جنگ بندی برقرار، تمام خلاف ورزیاں ختم کی جائیں، آٹھ ممالک کے وزرائے خارجہ کا مشترکہ بیان

September 22, 2026 2:09

تصویر سوشل میڈیا۔آٹھ مسلم ممالک کے وزرائے خارجہ کا نیو یارک میں غزہ پر اجلاس منعقد ہوا جس کے بعد مشترکہ بیان جاری کیا گیا۔ بیان کے... [...]

برطانیہ: قیدیوں کے سر قلم کرنے کی ویڈیوز شیئر کرنے پر ملزم کو 8 سال قید کی سزا

September 22, 2026 1:09

تصویر بشکریہ: بی بی سیبرطانیہ میں قیدیوں کے سر قلم کرنے کی ویڈیوز شیئر کرنے پر ملزم کو 8 سال قید کی سزا سنا دی گئی۔ ملزم کا تعلق... [...]

امریکا اقوام متحدہ میں ایرانی حکام سے ملاقات کیلئے تیار ہے: مارکو روبیو

September 22, 2026 12:09

امریکی وزیر خارجہ مارکوروبیو۔امریکی وزیر خارجہ مارکو روبیو نے کہا ہے کہ امریکا اقوام متحدہ میں ایرانی حکام سے ملاقات کے لیے تیار... [...]

روسی صدر ولادیمیر پیوٹن اور محمد بن سلمان کا ٹیلیفونک رابطہ

September 22, 2026 12:09

فوٹو: فائلروسی صدر ویلادیمیر پیوٹن اور سعودی ولی عہد محمد بن سلمان کا ٹیلی فون پر رابطہ ہوا ہے۔ روسی صدر کے دفتر کریملن کی جانب سے... [...]

ایرانی میزائل کسی بھی ملک کے کسی بھی مقام کو بغیر رکاوٹ نشانہ بنا سکتے ہیں، باقر قالیباف

September 22, 2026 12:09

باقر قالیباف۔ایرانی پارلیمنٹ کے اسپیکر باقر قالیباف نے کہا ہے کہ ایرانی میزائل کسی بھی ملک کے کسی بھی مقام کو بغیر رکاوٹ نشانہ بنا... [...]

ایران کی امریکا کو آبنائے ہرمز کھولنے کی مشروط پیشکش

September 22, 2026 12:09

ایران نے امریکا کو 7 دن میں آبنائے ہُرمُز کھولنے کی مشروط پیشکش کردی۔غیر ملکی خبر ایجنسی رائٹرز اور جاپانی نیوز ایجنسی کیوڈو نے... [...]

ٹرمپ نے امریکی ہتھیاروں میں کمی کی بات کرنے والوں کو غدار قرار دے دیا

September 22, 2026 12:09

فوٹو: فائلٹرمپ نے امریکی ہتھیاروں میں کمی کی بات کرنے والوں کو غدار قرار دے دیا۔امریکی صدر ڈونلڈ ٹرمپ کا کہنا تھا کہ بزدل اور غدار یہی... [...]

ہم نے تو ابھی آغاز کیا ہے: حاقان فیدان کا مکہ دفاعی معاہدے پر تنقید کرنیوالوں کو منہ توڑ جواب

September 22, 2026 10:09

ترک وزیرِ خارجہ حاقان فیدان — فائل فوٹوترک وزیرِ خارجہ حاقان فیدان نے مکہ دفاعی معاہدے پر تنقید کا جواب دیتے ہوئے کہا ہے کہ نئے قائم... [...]

پی ایس ایکس 100 انڈیکس میں 248 پوائنٹس کا اضافہ

September 22, 2026 4:09

پاکستان اسٹاک ایکسیچنج میں آج کاروبار کا ملا جلا دن رہا۔ بازار میں سرمایہ کاری محتاط، کاروباری حجم و مالیت گذشتہ روز کے مقابلے کم... [...]

ملک میں ایک تولہ سونے کی قیمت 1800 روپے کم ہوگئی

September 22, 2026 11:09

کاروباری ہفتے کے دوسرے روز بھی سونے کی قیمت میں کمی ہوگئی۔آل پاکستان صرافہ جیمز اینڈ جیولرز ایسوسی ایشن کے مطابق ملک میں فی تولہ... [...]

صوابی: 25 کروڑ روپے کی سگریٹس ایف بی آر ویئر ہاؤس سے غائب ہونے کا مقدمہ درج

September 22, 2026 5:09

—فائل فوٹو25 کروڑ کی سگریٹس ایف بی آر کے صوابی میں ویئر ہاؤس سے غائب ہونے کا مقدمہ ایف آئی اے نے درج کر لیا۔ایف آئی آر میں ایف بی آر... [...]

عالمی مارکیٹ میں تیل کی قیمتوں میں اتار چڑھاؤ جاری

September 22, 2026 3:09

بین الاقوامی مارکیٹ میں تیل کی قیمتوں میں اتار چڑھاؤ جاری ہے۔ ویسٹ ٹیکساس انٹرمیڈیٹ 93 ڈالرز 1 سینٹ فی بیرل پر آ گیا۔ برینٹ کروڈ... [...]

پیٹرول مہنگا، ڈیزل سستا کردیا گیا

September 21, 2026 6:09

وفاقی حکومت کی جانب سے اگلے ایک روز کیلئے پیٹرولیم مصنوعات کی قیمتوں کا اعلان کردیا گیا۔اعلامیہ کے مطابق پیٹرول کی قیمت میں 4 روپے 61... [...]

پی ایس ایکس میں ملا جلا دن، 100 انڈیکس میں 268 پوائنٹس کا اضافہ

September 21, 2026 1:09

فائل فوٹو پاکستان اسٹاک ایکسچینج میں کاروبار کا ملا جلا دن رہا، 100 انڈیکس 268 پوائنٹس اضافے سے 1 لاکھ 71 ہزار 153 پر بند ہوا ہے۔ مارکیٹ... [...]

عالمی اور مقامی مارکیٹ میں سونے کی قیمتیں کم ہو گئیں

September 21, 2026 10:09

---فائل فوٹوملک میں سونے کی قیمتوں میں کمی کا سلسلہ جاری ہے، آج بھی سونا سستا ہو گیا۔آل پاکستان صرافہ جیمز اینڈ جیولرز ایسوسی ایشن... [...]

امریکا ایران سفارتی پیشرفت کی امید، عالمی منڈی میں تیل کی قیمتوں میں کمی

September 21, 2026 3:09

---فائل فوٹوامریکا اور اسرائیل کی ایران کے خلاف جنگ کے معاملے پر سفارتی پیش رفت کی امید پر عالمی منڈی میں تیل کی قیمتیں 1 ہفتے سے زائد... [...]

احتجاج، دھرنوں سے یومیہ 120 ارب روپے کا نقصان ہوگا، وزیر خزانہ

September 20, 2026 6:09

وزیر خزانہ محمد اورنگزیب---فائل فوٹووزیر خزانہ محمد اورنگزیب نے خبرار کیا ہے کہ دھرنوں، احتجاج، کاروباری سرگرمیوں کی بندش سے ملک کو... [...]

ملک میں ایک تولہ سونے کا بھاؤ 100 روپے کم ہوگیا

September 19, 2026 11:09

گزشتہ روز بڑے اضافے کے بعد ملک میں کاروباری ہفتے کے آخری روز سونا سستا ہوگیا۔آل پاکستان صرافہ جیمز اینڈ جیولرز ایسوسی ایشن کے... [...]

پاکستان اسٹاک ایکسچینج میں اس ہفتے ملا جلا رجحان رہا

September 19, 2026 5:09

—فائل فوٹوپاکستان اسٹاک ایکسچینج کی ہفتہ وار اپ ڈیٹس سامنے آ گئیں۔پاکستان اسٹاک ایکسچینج میں اس کاروباری ہفتے میں ملا جلا رجحان... [...]

سونے کی فی تولہ قیمت 6900 روپے کا اضافہ ہوگیا

September 18, 2026 1:09

ملک میں سونے کی فی تولہ قیمت میں آج 6900 روپے کا بڑا اضافہ ہوگیا۔ آل پاکستان صرافہ جیمز اینڈ جیولرز ایسوسی ایشن کے مطابق اس اضافے کے... [...]

پی ایس ایکس 100 انڈیکس میں ایک ہزار 841 پوائنٹس کا اضافہ

September 18, 2026 1:09

خام تیل کی قیمتوں میں کمی پر پاکستان اسٹاک ایکسچینج کے 100 انڈیکس میں اضافہ ہوا ہے۔ پاکستان اسٹاک ایکسچینج کا 100 انڈیکس ایک ہزار 841... [...]

اب ہمارا فوکس ایڈ نہیں، ٹریڈ ہے: محمد اورنگزیب

September 18, 2026 9:09

— تصویر بشکریہ رپورٹروزیرِ خزانہ محمد اورنگزیب نے کہا ہے کہ گزشتہ مالی سال اوورسیز پاکستانیوں نے 41.6 بلین ڈالرز کا زرِ مبادلہ وطن... [...]

کمپنیوں کا پیٹرول و ڈیزل پر فی لیٹر 1 روپے 22 پیسے منافع کا مطالبہ

September 18, 2026 8:09

— فائل فوٹوآئل مارکیٹنگ کمپنیوں نے پیٹرول اور ڈیزل پر فی لیٹر 1 روپے 22 پیسے منافع کا مطالبہ کر دیا۔آئل کمپنیز ایڈوائزری کونسل نے... [...]

She was ready to buy her dream condo — but discovered the HOA had just 1% in cash reserves

September 22, 2026 6:33

You may be able to choose your house or condo, but you can’t always choose your homeowners association. [...]

Defending against dangerous AI should be a national priority — and we need more capable AI to do it

September 22, 2026 5:52

A rogue state or terrorist organization has little reason to observe an AI slowdown. [...]

Quantum stocks are getting hot again after a brutal summer. Can the rally last?

September 22, 2026 5:42

This week’s Quantum World Congress could trigger a ‘sentiment reversal’ for quantum stocks after a rough summer, an analyst said. [...]

How to avoid the ‘widow tax’ and other financial headaches if your spouse dies

September 22, 2026 5:09

A surviving spouse is sometimes left with less income and a higher tax bill. These tax-saving strategies can soften the impact. [...]

I have $125,000 in credit-card debt. Will $17,000 a month in income, including disability, affect my bankruptcy?

September 22, 2026 5:00

“I racked up this debt to cover my living expenses for two years without an income stream.” [...]

Want to retire with more money? Leave the country for work early in your career.

September 22, 2026 4:40

Gain experiences, memories and a substantial contribution to your future nest egg. [...]

Could Meta’s viral Muse app be the company’s ChatGPT moment?

September 22, 2026 4:24

Meta’s new assistant is topping App Store charts and beating ChatGPT’s early download pace, spurring renewed confidence in the company’s AI strategy [...]

‘It doesn’t seem fair’: I’m retired and have plenty of money. Why can’t I qualify for a retail credit card?

September 22, 2026 4:15