Germany Offers Cash to Afghan Refugees in Pakistan to Forgo Resettlement Scheme
Berlin/Islamabad: The German government is providing financial incentives and support to Afghan refugees in Pakistan who agree to relinquish their spots in a resettlement program to Germany, according to activists and reports. Under the “Airbridge Kabul” initiative, established post-Taliban takeover, accepted refugees have received letters offering money and assistance in exchange for exiting the program. Critics, including human rights groups, decry the move as a betrayal of promises, potentially stranding thousands amid Pakistan’s crackdown on Afghan migrants. Berlin cites capacity constraints, but the offer has sparked outrage over broken commitments to those who aided Western forces.
Imran Khan Rejects Talks with Govt or Establishment: ‘No Use in Dialogue’
Adiala/Islamabad: PTI founder Imran Khan, speaking from Adiala Jail, has categorically ruled out any possibility of talks with the current government or the military establishment, calling such efforts futile and a “waste of time.” In a message relayed through his legal team, Khan reiterated his stance that meaningful dialogue can only occur after the release of political prisoners and the restoration of the rule of law. He accused the powers-that-be of undermining democracy through “imported governments” and vowed that PTI will continue its struggle through street protests and legal avenues until justice is served. This comes amid heightened political tensions following recent Senate debates on constitutional amendments.
27th Constitutional Amendment Will Be Govt-Led, Not ‘Parachuted’ from Anywhere: Dar
Islamabad: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar firmly stated that the proposed 27th Constitutional Amendment will be entirely government-led and drafted through internal processes, dismissing any notion of it being “parachuted” from external sources. Speaking in the Senate, Dar clarified that the bill—covering the establishment of a Constitutional Court, amendments to the NFC Award, Article 243 on armed forces command, and federal roles in education and population planning—has been prepared by a parliamentary committee and will only be tabled after full consensus with coalition partners. He reiterated that no outside influence is involved, and the process remains transparent and constitutional.
Govt to Table 27th Amendment After Full Coalition Consultation: Dar
Islamabad: Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar confirmed in the Senate that the federal government will introduce the 27th Constitutional Amendment only after comprehensive consultations with all coalition partners, including the PPP, MQM-P, ANP, and BAP. The proposed bill will be tabled in the Senate on November 7 following parliamentary committee reviews. Dar emphasized a transparent, consensus-driven process in line with the Constitution, assuring no haste in passage.
PIA Flight Operations Hit as Dispute with Engineers Continues
Karachi: Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) faces ongoing disruptions with dozens of flights delayed and several cancelled, as aircraft engineers from the Society of Aircraft Engineers Pakistan (SAEP) refuse to issue airworthiness clearances over safety concerns, unpaid salaries for eight years, and demands for pay hikes. The protest has grounded 12 international flights, stranding hundreds of passengers including Umrah pilgrims. SAEP insists engineers are on duty but won’t clear unsafe jets, while PIA labels the action an illegal strike aimed at sabotaging privatization efforts.
PIA Restores Some Operations with Alternative Arrangements
Islamabad: PIA has partially restored services by sourcing engineers from private carriers, managing to dispatch some delayed flights overnight. A spokesperson confirmed five flights were cancelled but all affected passengers received alternative options, with schedules gradually normalizing. The airline emphasizes customer priority and denies any compromise on safety.
IMF Staff Deal Secured; Focus Shifts to Investment-Led Growth: FinMin
Islamabad: Pakistan has clinched a staff-level agreement with the IMF for the second review, unlocking $1.2 billion in December upon board approval. Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb declared investment-driven growth as the new priority to bolster economic stability, with total program disbursements reaching $3.3 billion.
Pakistan-Afghanistan Seal Immediate Ceasefire After Week-Long Border Clashes
Kabul/Islamabad: A week of fierce border skirmishes ended with a Doha-brokered ceasefire. Pakistan insists Kabul must halt cross-border terrorism. Information Minister Attaullah Tarar warned Afghanistan to act against militants. Prices have skyrocketed, with tomatoes in Pakistan jumping five times.
SBP Monetary Policy Announcement Today; Rate Likely Steady at 11%
Karachi: The State Bank will reveal its policy today, with experts forecasting no change in the 11% key rate amid flood-driven food inflation and tight easing space.
Sweeping Restructuring in Judiciary, Finance, and Administration Unveiled
Islamabad: Major overhauls in key sectors have been announced, raising political eyebrows. Analysts say the national interest verdict is pending.
