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KSE-100 slides 2.3% in October amid global uncertainty

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KSE-100 slides 2.3% in October amid global uncertainty

ISLAMABAD, November 2 (Wealth Pakistan): The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) closed October on a cautious note, navigating through a volatile month marked by global uncertainty and local market corrections. Despite a weak start, the month ended with a strong recovery that helped limit overall losses.

Market Performance

The benchmark KSE-100 Index settled at 161,632 points, posting a month-on-month decline of 3,862 points or 2.3 percent in rupee terms and 2.2 percent in dollar terms. The bearish tone stemmed from institutional selling and fund outflows amid geopolitical tensions and below-par corporate earnings. However, a sharp 4,899-point rally on the final trading day helped cushion the decline.

Monetary and External Indicators

During the month, the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) maintained the policy rate at 11 percent, while foreign exchange reserves rose by USD 71 million to USD 14.47 billion. The current account showed a USD 110 million surplus in September 2025, compared to a USD 325 million deficit in the previous month, indicating improved external balances.

Remittances increased 11 percent year-on-year to USD 3.18 billion, while cumulative inflows for the first quarter of FY26 grew 8 percent to USD 9.6 billion.

Trade and Economic Trends

Trade indicators, however, remained under pressure. According to the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics, exports stood at USD 2.5 billion, down 11.7 percent year-on-year, while imports surged 14 percent to USD 5.8 billion. This pushed the quarterly trade deficit to USD 9.4 billion, up 32.9 percent from a year earlier.

Meanwhile, GDP growth for FY25 stood at 3.04 percent, and central government debt eased 1 percent month-on-month to PKR 77.5 trillion.

Sectoral Performance

The Banking, Fertilizer, and Technology sectors contributed positively to the index, while Exploration & Production, Cement, and Power dragged it down. Trading volumes rose 7 percent month-on-month to 1.43 billion shares, though traded value slipped 4.1 percent to USD 187 million.

Foreign investors remained net sellers, with outflows of USD 25.3 million mainly from Fertilizer, E&P, and Banking stocks, while local investors, including banks, individuals, and companies, stepped in as buyers.

Inflation and IMF Outlook

On the macro front, inflation stood at 5.6 percent year-on-year in September and is expected to remain around the same level in October, significantly below the 7.2 percent recorded in October 2024.

The IMF Staff-Level Agreement under the USD 7 billion Extended Fund Facility (EFF) and the USD 1.3 billion Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF) is expected to unlock around USD 1.2 billion in inflows after Executive Board approval. Analysts expect this development to bolster investor confidence in the coming months.

Market Valuation and Outlook

Arif Habib Limited reported that the KSE-100 Index is trading at a price-to-earnings ratio of 7.9x for 2025, below its 15-year average of 8.6x, offering a dividend yield of around 6.2 percent. The brokerage expects average inflation at 4.6 percent during the first four months of FY26, compared to 8.7 percent in the same period last year.

Muhammad Bilal Ejaz, Research Analyst at Ismail Iqbal Securities, told Wealth Pakistan that the PSX remained volatile amid border tensions but rebounded strongly on ceasefire optimism. He said the market’s 3.1 percent (around 4,900 points) recovery on the final day helped limit monthly losses.

Syed Zafar Abbas, Manager at Zahid Latif Khan Securities, described October as a volatile month, adding that the market corrected by 14,000 points before rebounding strongly, especially in the banking sector.

Overall, despite global uncertainty and foreign outflows, improving remittances, fiscal discipline, and the IMF agreement indicate a steadier macroeconomic outlook that could lift investor sentiment in November.

Pakistan Railways starts land acquisition for Pakistan-Afghan rail link

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Pakistan Railways starts land acquisition for Pakistan-Afghan rail link

ISLAMABAD, Oct 31 (Wealth Pakistan) – Pakistan Railways (PR) has started the land acquisition process following the completion of the feasibility study for the Pakistan-Afghan Railway transit project.

According to documents available with Wealth Pakistan, PR has initiated the land acquisition phase while recommending a new connectivity route with Afghanistan through Kharlachi instead of Torkham.

Route Finalised Through Kharlachi

Sources in the Ministry of Railways said the next phase of execution will begin once the land acquisition process is completed. They added that necessary documentation and financial approvals are in progress to ensure timely implementation. Technical teams have already carried out initial surveys, and coordination with provincial authorities is underway to resolve administrative and logistical issues before construction begins.

The documents confirm that the route has been finalised through Kharlachi due to several advantages over the Torkham option.

Reasons for Route Change

The shift from Torkham to Kharlachi offers multiple benefits, including a 277-kilometre shorter distance to Karachi Port, lower construction cost, and a more favourable gradient for train movement. The Kharlachi route also allows a higher payload capacity, easier implementation, and better technical parameters for an efficient railway system.

Background of the Project

The Government of Pakistan and the Government of Afghanistan signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in July 2010 to strengthen freight transport between the two countries. In line with that MoU, Pakistan Railways launched a feasibility study in 2015 for a 63-kilometre rail link from Peshawar to Jalalabad via Torkham.

However, the feasibility work in Afghanistan could not proceed due to the non-issuance of a security clearance NOC by the Afghan Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The existing Peshawar–Torkham railway track also faces operational limitations because it crosses the Bacha Khan International Airport boundary, where the Civil Aviation Authority has built a security wall. The section’s steep gradient allows a maximum train load of only 200 tonnes, making it technically unviable for heavy freight.

Regional Connectivity Initiative

The concept of regional rail connectivity was revived during a five-nation meeting in Tashkent in 2021. Participants emphasised the importance of linking Central Asia with South Asia through Afghanistan to promote trade and transit. It was agreed that the proposed Mazar-e-Sharif–Kabul–Peshawar route would be studied jointly by experts from the three countries.

Feasibility Study for New Corridor

Following those consultations, Pakistan and Uzbekistan agreed to conduct a feasibility study for a new rail corridor from Kharlachi (Pakistan) to Mazar-e-Sharif (Afghanistan) via Logar. A PC-II for the feasibility study has been approved at a cost of Rs1.401 billion for the 677-kilometre section.

According to the document, the proposed rail link will connect Pakistan’s Main Line-2 (ML-2) through Kohat, Jand, Kundian, Kot Adu, and Karachi, creating an integrated north-south transport corridor.

Technical Coordination and Gauge Standard

Pakistan currently uses the broad-gauge system, and changing the gauge is not feasible as it would require replacing the entire network. For the new connection from Kharlachi to Mazar-e-Sharif, the track gauge will be decided jointly by Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Uzbekistan after technical consultations.

Pakistan received $22.86 billion since 2008, paid $2.57 billion in IMF interest

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Pakistan received $22.86 billion since 2008, paid $2.57 billion in IMF interest

ISLAMABAD, Oct 31 (Wealth Pakistan) – Pakistan has paid $2.57 billion in interest and surcharges to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) since 2008, while receiving a total of $22.86 billion in financial assistance under multiple IMF programmes, according to a document available with Wealth Pakistan.

Continuous Dependence on IMF Support

The data, drawn from official papers titled “Year-wise Disbursements, Interest Paid and Repayments under IMF Programmes by Pakistan (2008 till Sept 2025)”, provides one of the clearest overviews of Pakistan’s reliance on IMF financing during the past 17 years.

Between 2008 and 2025, Pakistan entered into six major IMF arrangements. These included the Stand-By Arrangement 2008, Extended Fund Facility 2013, Stand-By Arrangement 2023, Extended Fund Facility 2024, Emergency Natural Disaster Assistance 2010, and Rapid Financing Instrument Loan 2020. Together, they brought $22.86 billion in inflows aimed at stabilising Pakistan’s external accounts and meeting fiscal gaps.

Largest IMF Inflows Over the Years

The biggest inflows were recorded in 2009 ($2.75 billion), 2016 ($1.89 billion), 2021 ($1.37 billion), and 2024 ($2.15 billion). The combined Extended Fund Facility and Stand-By programmes during 2024–25 accounted for more than $2.76 billion in fresh disbursements.

Officials said these inflows were critical in preventing default-like situations and in replenishing foreign reserves during balance-of-payments crises.

Heavy Cost of Borrowing

Pakistan’s cumulative interest payments to the IMF now stand at $2.57 billion, including $530 million in surcharges. The highest annual interest payments were made in 2024 ($427 million), 2023 ($130 million), 2022 ($133 million), and 2021 ($96 million).

The surcharge element alone has cost Pakistan over half a billion dollars. It was triggered by the country’s extended borrowing beyond its IMF quota, which carries additional penalty rates.

Repayments Add to Fiscal Pressure

According to the data, Pakistan has repaid $14.23 billion in principal under different IMF programmes. Major repayments were made between 2014 and 2016 for the 2008 Stand-By Arrangement, totalling $6.46 billion, and between 2018 and 2024 for the 2013 Extended Fund Facility, amounting to $5.58 billion. Repayments under the Rapid Financing Instrument Loan taken during the pandemic reached $1.33 billion.

These figures reflect the country’s increasing debt obligations and its pattern of borrowing new funds while repaying older ones.

Persistent Cycle of Borrowing and Repayment

The data shows a consistent cycle that defines Pakistan’s economic landscape. Each new IMF programme began before the previous one ended, reinforcing structural weaknesses such as low exports, fiscal imbalances, and delayed reforms.

Economists say that Pakistan’s repeated return to IMF support demonstrates its failure to sustain domestic reforms needed to achieve economic independence.

Future Commitments Under the New Facility

The latest Extended Fund Facility (2024–25), worth nearly $3.97 billion, is seen as essential for Pakistan’s short-term stability. However, it will also increase future repayment and interest obligations.

While recent disbursements have helped restore investor confidence and stabilise the currency, they also deepen the long-term burden of external debt.

A Costly Reliance

Between 2008 and September 2025, Pakistan received $22.86 billion, repaid $14.23 billion, and paid $2.57 billion in interest and surcharges to the IMF. These numbers highlight the financial cost of dependence on the Fund—an ongoing pattern that continues to shape Pakistan’s economic future.

New dawn for fishing

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New dawn for fishing

The fishing communities of Keti Bunder and Shah Bunder in Sindh have welcomed the provincial government’s plan to build two mini fish harbours in Thatta and Sujawal districts. The initiative is designed to support fishermen affected by climate change and create new economic opportunities for coastal families.

Fishermen Welcome the Move

According to Mehran Shah, Chairman of the Pakistan Fisherfolk Forum (PFF), both Keti Bunder and Shah Bunder are among the worst-affected areas by sea intrusion and the shortage of freshwater in the Indus River. He said that local fishermen have lost their main source of income because freshwater fish are disappearing.

Shah said the government has promised training in modern fishing techniques and financial assistance so fishermen can build or upgrade their boats. He added that the project would help rebuild the fishing community, generate jobs, and improve the quality of fish for export.

Plan to Ease Karachi Harbour Congestion

Officials from the Livestock and Fisheries Department said the new mini fish harbours are being developed to reduce congestion at the Karachi Fish Harbour, promote small-scale fisheries, and support local livelihoods.

The total cost of the two harbours is estimated at Rs1.35 billion, with an implementation period of three years. Funding will come from provincial and foreign assistance.

Tackling Post-Harvest Losses

Asim Kareem, Director at the Fisheries and Livestock Department, told WealthPK that Karachi’s main seafood landing site is operating at full capacity. He said the congestion leads to long delays in unloading boats, causing large post-harvest losses.

“Almost half of the fish and shellfish catch deteriorates due to delayed unloading and shallow draft conditions,” he explained. The new facilities, he added, will help reduce these losses and improve handling efficiency.

Modern Infrastructure and Training

The department plans to build fully equipped mini harbours with auction halls, cold storage, and docking facilities. The Directorate of Fisheries (Marine and Inland) will implement the project. It aims to support small-scale fishermen, improve fish quality, and create new employment opportunities.

The proposed harbour at Shah Bunder will include berthing space for small vessels, refrigerated storage, fueling and repair stations, and an eco-friendly waste management system. A modern auction hall will help ensure fair prices and transparent fish trading.

Kareem said that the initiative would strengthen Sindh’s coastal economy and promote sustainable fishing. Training sessions on post-harvest management, cooperative formation, and environmental sustainability will also be arranged.

Boost to Tourism and Coastal Economy

He added that the development of mini harbours at Keti Bunder and Shah Bunder would mark a milestone for Sindh’s coastal belt. These locations once served as natural ports and still hold historic importance.

The first phase will include the construction of mini harbours, while the second phase will upgrade them into full ports. Both areas are close to the national highway and motorway, offering better connectivity for trade and tourism.

This initiative aligns with Sindh’s vision for climate-resilient and inclusive coastal growth. It promises long-term benefits for fisheries, tourism, and trade in the Indus Delta region.

Pakistan Railways to spend Rs100bn on upgrading 19 branch lines

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Pakistan Railways to spend Rs100bn on upgrading 19 branch lines

ISLAMABAD, Oct 30 (Wealth Pakistan) – Pakistan Railways (PR) plans to invest around Rs100 billion in upgrading 19 branch lines across the country to improve passenger safety, ensure reliable service, and strengthen inter-provincial connectivity.

Major Investment for Nationwide Upgradation

Documents available with Wealth Pakistan show that PR will spend Rs98.58 billion on rehabilitating 19 branch lines covering 2,479 kilometres. The project aims to modernize the ageing infrastructure and boost regional trade and passenger mobility.

Out of the total allocation, Rs44.411 billion will be invested in Punjab, Rs35.955 billion in Sindh, and Rs17.217 billion in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP). A smaller portion of Rs1 billion is reserved for Balochistan.

Eight Branch Lines to Be Upgraded in Punjab

Eight branch lines in Punjab are part of the plan. These include:

  • Shahdara–Narowal (78km) – Rs3,909 million

  • Narowal–Sialkot (62km) – Rs3,705 million

  • Raiwind–Kasur–Pakpattan (370km) – Rs10,709 million

  • Qila Sheikhupura–Jaranwala–Shorkot (220km) – Rs5,669 million

  • Shorkot–Jhang–Sargodha (147km) – Rs7,351 million

  • Sargodha–Malikwal–Lalamusa (167km) – Rs6,432 million

  • Chak Jhumra–Shahinabad (68km) – Rs3,699 million

  • Kashmore–Dera Ghazi Khan–Kot Addu (303km) – Rs2,937 million

The rehabilitation work will help restore smoother and safer travel across Punjab’s key regional routes.

Sindh to Receive Six Upgraded Lines

In Sindh, six branch lines will be rehabilitated:

  • Kotri–Dadu (181km) – Rs2,950 million

  • Dadu–Habib Kot (166km) – Rs8,217 million

  • Hyderabad–Mirpur Khas–Marvi (200km) – Rs10,333 million

  • Rohri–Jacobabad (87km) – Rs5,000 million

  • Jacobabad–Kashmore (124km) – Rs3,500 million

  • Hyderabad–Badin (100km) – Rs5,955 million

The upgrade will strengthen connectivity between rural and industrial areas of Sindh, enabling faster cargo and passenger movement.

Four Routes in KP and One in Balochistan

In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, four branch lines will be improved:

  • Jahangira Road–Peshawar (62km) – Rs3,982 million

  • Nowshera–Dargai (65km) – Rs6,197 million

  • Mardan–Charsadda (28km) – Rs2,818 million

  • Peshawar–Jamrud (18km) – Rs4,217 million

In Balochistan, one 33km route will be upgraded at a cost of Rs1 billion. This will ensure greater inclusion of the province in the national rail network.

Modern Features and Digital Transformation

A senior railway official told Wealth Pakistan that the initiative marks a turning point in reviving Pakistan’s rail infrastructure after years of neglect and underinvestment.

“The plan includes track rehabilitation, upgraded signalling systems, and the introduction of modern coaches with improved safety features,” the official said.

He added that the digital ticketing system and real-time train tracking would enhance transparency and passenger convenience, making travel smoother and more accessible.

Boost for Trade, Connectivity, and Economy

The official noted that the upgraded lines will not only improve travel experience but also play a major role in economic growth. An efficient railway system can lower transportation costs, support trade, and reduce the heavy load on road networks.

By improving safety, reliability, and modernization, Pakistan Railways hopes to regain public trust and make train travel a preferred option for millions of passengers nationwide.

AKU-EB honors High Achievers 2025 in Gilgit

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AKU-EB honors High Achievers 2025 in Gilgit

GILGIT, Oct 30 (Wealth Pakistan) – The Aga Khan University Examination Board (AKU-EB) celebrated the outstanding achievements of students from Gilgit-Baltistan at its High Achievers 2025 ceremony held under the inspiring theme “You Are a Drop in the Ocean.”

The theme highlights that every student — like a single drop — holds the power to shape a larger wave of change. It reflects AKU-EB’s belief in collective responsibility, sustainability, and environmental awareness. The event celebrated young learners who have shown excellence, resilience, and a strong sense of purpose — qualities that define the spirit of AKU-EB students nationwide.

Welcoming the guests, Dr. Naveed Yousuf, Chief Executive Officer of AKU-EB, congratulated the high achievers for their exceptional results. He said that since its inception in 2002, AKU-EB has produced over 80,000 graduates under its SSC and HSSC qualifications.

“You are the new chapter in AKU-EB’s story — a story of fairness, innovation, and hope,” Dr. Yousuf said. “Our vision goes beyond access. We are building an education system that connects ethics with innovation and purpose. We want every AKU-EB graduate to be ready not only to succeed but also to make a difference.”

Mr. Imtiaz Momin, Chief Executive Officer of the Aga Khan Education Service, Pakistan (AKESP), attended as the Guest of Honour. He reaffirmed AKESP’s strong partnership with AKU-EB and announced that all AKESP schools will affiliate with AKU-EB within the next two years.

“Eighty percent of AKESP schools already affiliated with AKU-EB achieve A+ results,” he said. “This shows AKU-EB’s leadership in promoting higher-order thinking, quality assessment, and authentic preparation for higher education. AKU-EB also ensures fairness and equal access through scholarship opportunities for deserving learners.”

He added that the theme “You Are a Drop in the Ocean” holds deep meaning. “It reminds us that success extends beyond grades — it includes our duty to society and our planet.”

Renowned mountaineer Samina Baig, the first Pakistani woman to scale Mount Everest, attended as the Chief Guest. She praised the AKU-EB and the wider Aga Khan Development Network for redefining education across Pakistan.

“No mountain is too high and no dream is too far,” she said. “Great goals require patience and persistence. Challenges will come, but faith and support will always help you rise again. Every success begins with purpose — and AKU-EB helps you find that purpose.”

Student representative Shuja spoke on behalf of the achievers, calling for urgent climate action in Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral. “Each of us is a drop — small, maybe even fragile — but together we form an ocean of hope and strength,” he said. “Let’s make sure no drop dries. Together, we can build a better tomorrow.”

The AKU-EB High Achievers Ceremonies 2025 began in Karachi for Sindh, Punjab, and AJK students, continued in Chitral for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and concluded in Gilgit, symbolizing a nationwide celebration of learning and excellence.

According to AKU-EB’s University Destination Survey, 92% of its graduates secure admission to universities, with half enrolling in the top 15 HEC-ranked institutions in Pakistan. Many also join over 200 international universities, representing Pakistan with pride and contributing globally.

Each story from the ceremony reflects AKU-EB’s mission — to connect intellect with empathy, learning with action, and personal achievement with the collective good.

 

AI layoffs or economic correction?

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AI layoffs or economic correction?

Global anxiety over Artificial Intelligence (AI) replacing human workers deepened this week after Amazon announced a major round of corporate layoffs, citing the need to reorganize operations around AI technologies. Economists, however, remain divided on whether automation is truly to blame for the wave of job cuts sweeping through the US tech industry.

Amazon’s decision to trim about 14,000 corporate positions follows similar announcements from Chegg, Salesforce, and UPS — all of which partly attributed workforce reductions to the use of AI tools and machine learning systems. Yet researchers argue that linking every layoff to automation oversimplifies what may be a normal economic correction across industries.

Analysts caution against AI panic

“There is a real tendency to overreact to individual company announcements,” said Martha Gimbel, Executive Director at Yale University’s Budget Lab. “Many of these firms expanded too rapidly during the pandemic and are now scaling back in line with the broader economic cycle.”

Chegg recently cut almost half of its staff, citing “new realities” created by AI chatbots disrupting online education. Salesforce eliminated 4,000 customer service roles, saying AI assistants now handle much of the administrative workload. UPS has shed 48,000 jobs since last year, with management linking the changes partly to automation in logistics and route planning.

Experts note that many of these announcements coincided with the Federal Reserve’s interest rate hikes, which began soon after the launch of ChatGPT in late 2022. The timing, they say, suggests that macroeconomic forces may be as influential as technological change.

Cyclical correction or automation shift?

Data from the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis shows that unemployment has risen more sharply in jobs more exposed to AI. However, a study from the University of Pittsburgh found that the only occupations immediately affected by ChatGPT’s launch were administrative and clerical roles, not those in computing or mathematics.

“Both tech workers and admin staff are in a tougher job market than two years ago,” said Professor Morgan Frank, who led the study. “But I’d be skeptical that AI is the sole reason for all of it.”

Enrico Moretti, an economist at the University of California, Berkeley, said large firms like Amazon are “at the forefront of both producing and consuming AI.” While automation may explain part of the company’s job cuts, he noted that many layoffs reflect a correction after years of overhiring during the pandemic.

Hiring, firing, and the business cycle

Amazon’s quarterly results in July beat Wall Street expectations, with sales rising 13 percent year-over-year to $167.7 billion. Analysts say the company’s strong performance indicates reorganization rather than distress.

Lawrence Schmidt, a finance professor at MIT Sloan School of Management, said automation increasingly shapes hiring decisions. “It’s not surprising if Amazon chooses not to hire in areas that can be automated quickly,” he said. “Even if total employment remains steady, we’ll likely see reallocation rather than elimination.”

Gimbel agreed that most workforce changes still align with traditional business patterns. “So far, nothing suggests a new trend outside normal hiring and firing,” she said. “The real question is whether AI will permanently alter these patterns once economic growth picks up again.”

Long-term implications

Economists largely agree that distinguishing between cyclical and AI-driven job losses will be key to understanding future trends. If a slowdown hits, human resources and marketing professionals — both heavily exposed to AI — would likely face early job cuts. Yet such trends, they note, resemble historic recessions more than a technological revolution.

While AI may eventually reshape the world of work, analysts believe the current wave of layoffs represents a broader corporate recalibration after years of aggressive expansion. “AI is part of the story,” said Gimbel, “but it’s not the whole story.”

The report was originally published by the BBC.

Taiwan watches nervously as US policy ambiguity grows ahead of Trump–Xi meeting

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Taiwan watches nervously as US policy ambiguity grows ahead of Trump–Xi meeting

TAIPEI, Oct 29 (CNN) – Taiwan is bracing for possible policy shifts from Washington as US President Donald Trump prepares to meet Chinese leader Xi Jinping later this week in South Korea — their first in-person encounter of Trump’s second term. The island fears its strategic position could become a bargaining chip in trade negotiations between the two superpowers.

Speaking to reporters before his departure, Trump refused to rule out that Taiwan could feature in discussions with Xi, saying only that “a lot of things” would be on the table. His remark has renewed anxiety in Taipei that the United States might soften its stance on Taiwan’s autonomy in pursuit of a broader trade deal with Beijing.

Strategic ambiguity returns

While senior officials in Trump’s administration insist that no concessions are being considered, analysts say the president’s mixed messages suggest a return to Washington’s long-standing policy of “strategic ambiguity.” The approach — avoiding explicit commitments to defend Taiwan — contrasts sharply with former President Joe Biden’s repeated declarations that the US would intervene militarily if China attacked the island.

Some officials argue the shift merely restores traditional balance to US policy, but others warn that it risks undermining deterrence. “Trump’s second-term team includes more isolationist voices, and Taipei is unsure how far US support will really go if tensions escalate,” said Henrietta Levin, a senior fellow at the Center for Strategic and International Studies.

Taiwan’s cautious optimism

Taiwanese officials are publicly downplaying fears of a policy reversal. A senior government source in Taipei said the administration remains “cautiously optimistic” about the upcoming Trump–Xi talks and views recent statements by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio — affirming Washington’s continued backing for Taiwan — as reassuring.

Still, the island’s leadership has intensified outreach to Trump-aligned political circles in the United States, including conservative media figures and influencers. President Lai Ching-te recently granted a rare interview praising Trump’s diplomatic instincts, while Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim and Taiwan’s de facto ambassador to Washington have appeared on right-wing talk shows and podcasts.

Diplomatic observers say this campaign reflects Taipei’s recognition that informal political channels now carry increasing weight in shaping US foreign policy debates.

Military and economic concerns

Despite public reassurances, Taiwan remains uneasy about delayed arms shipments and the slow pace of US defense commitments. More than $20 billion worth of American weapons are pending delivery, with production delays linked partly to the war in Ukraine.

Trump’s administration has encouraged Taiwan to expand its own defense spending, urging the island to invest in asymmetric capabilities designed to make any invasion by China “costly and unsustainable.” However, sources in Washington say some military transfers have been halted under the Presidential Drawdown Authority program — raising further questions about long-term support.

Meanwhile, Taiwan is also navigating trade frictions with Washington. The island has pledged to buy six million tons of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Alaska in a goodwill gesture, but it continues to resist US pressure to relocate a portion of its semiconductor production capacity to American soil.

Beijing’s ambitions and the stakes for Asia

China, which claims Taiwan as part of its territory, has reiterated that “reunification” remains a central national objective. President Xi’s government has tied the issue to its vision of “national rejuvenation,” with Beijing’s next five-year plan expected to emphasize greater economic integration with the island.

US intelligence assessments indicate that China’s military aims to be ready for a potential invasion by 2027. While Trump has publicly stated that he does not believe Xi will attempt such a move during his presidency, experts warn that complacency could weaken deterrence.

“If both sides waste the next four years assuming an invasion won’t happen, the region could face a far more dangerous situation by 2030,” said Dmitri Alperovitch, chairman of the Silverado Policy Accelerator.

This news was originally published by CNN.

Real Madrid seeks compensation from UEFA in Super League Case

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Real Madrid seeks compensation from UEFA in Super League Case

MADRID, Oct 29 (Reuters) – Real Madrid have initiated compensation proceedings against the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) after Spain’s Regional Court of Madrid dismissed appeals filed by UEFA, the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), and LaLiga concerning the long-running European Super League case.

The ruling, issued this week, marks another chapter in the legal dispute over the 2021 breakaway competition that aimed to challenge UEFA’s control of European football. The court’s decision confirms that UEFA infringed European Union competition rules, paving the way for possible financial claims from clubs involved in the project.

Legal setback for UEFA

Real Madrid welcomed the ruling, saying it validated the European Court of Justice (CJEU) decision from December 2023, which found that both UEFA and FIFA had breached EU law by blocking the Super League and threatening sanctions against participating clubs.

“This judgment confirms that UEFA, in the matter of the Super League, seriously infringed European competition law, abusing its dominant position,” Real Madrid said in a statement. “It paves the way for substantial claims to compensate for damages suffered by the club.”

The court’s decision follows a previous Spanish ruling ordering UEFA and FIFA to halt their opposition to any new European competition, deeming their restrictions anti-competitive. However, the latest judgment is not final and may be appealed before the Supreme Court’s First Chamber, which oversees civil cases.

Real Madrid calls for reforms

Real Madrid said it had engaged in discussions with UEFA earlier this year to propose reforms aimed at improving governance, financial sustainability, and player welfare, as well as enhancing the fan experience through transparent broadcasting and accessibility measures.

“No agreement has been reached regarding these reforms,” the club said, adding that it would continue to advocate for a more open and balanced football system while seeking compensation from UEFA for financial losses incurred.

Club officials said the decision strengthens their argument that Europe’s football governance structure requires modernization to ensure fair competition and protect smaller clubs from economic concentration.

UEFA response and political context

UEFA said it would review the court judgment before announcing its next steps. In a statement to Reuters, UEFA clarified that the ruling “does not validate the abandoned Super League project announced in 2021, nor does it undermine UEFA’s current authorisation rules, adopted in 2022 and updated in 2024.”

UEFA added that its regulatory framework ensures all cross-border competitions are evaluated on transparent and proportionate criteria.

The development comes just weeks after the European Parliament passed a resolution reaffirming its opposition to “breakaway competitions,” warning they could endanger the broader European sports ecosystem.

Decline of the Super League

Launched in 2021 by 12 elite European clubs, the Super League collapsed within days following public backlash, fan protests, and government criticism. Six English Premier League clubs withdrew first, prompting several others to exit the project.

Currently, only Real Madrid and Barcelona continue to support the concept, after Juventus officially pulled out in 2023 to rejoin the European Club Association.

In December 2024, the competition’s promoters, A22 Sports Management, reintroduced the project under a new name — the “Unify League” — proposing a 96-club multi-tier format. However, both LaLiga and the Premier League rejected the idea, effectively stalling its revival.

This news was originally published by Reuters.

Pakistan to use all resources against terror threats

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Pakistan to use all resources against terror threats

ISLAMABAD, Oct 29 (APP) – Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar has reaffirmed the government’s resolve to eliminate terrorism through a comprehensive strategy that combines security operations with diplomatic engagement. He said every possible resource would be utilized to destroy terrorist networks, dismantle their hideouts, and bring their facilitators to justice.

In a statement on social media platform X, Tarar wrote that protecting Pakistani citizens remains the government’s foremost priority. “We will continue to take all necessary steps to safeguard our people from terrorism,” he said, emphasizing that the state will use all available means to neutralize militants and their supporters.

Security first, diplomacy with caution

Tarar said the Taliban regime in Afghanistan operates under a “war economy” and has shown little responsibility toward its own citizens. Despite Pakistan’s consistent efforts for regional peace, he said, the regime in Kabul has ignored Islamabad’s repeated warnings about cross-border attacks.

Pakistan has endured heavy human and material losses over the past four years due to the activities of groups operating from Afghan soil, he said. The government’s patience, Tarar added, has reached its limit as militant threats continue to rise.

He noted that Pakistan’s engagement with the Afghan Taliban was initiated at the request of Qatar and Türkiye to give peace one final opportunity. Multiple rounds of talks were held in Doha and Istanbul, focusing on a single issue — urging the Taliban to prevent the use of Afghan territory by terrorist organizations for training, logistics, and attacks inside Pakistan.

Dialogue and regional cooperation

Tarar thanked Qatar and Türkiye for hosting the talks and for their diplomatic efforts to convince the Afghan Taliban to end their support for terror proxies. He said that since the Taliban took control of Kabul, Pakistan has repeatedly raised concerns about cross-border terrorism involving Indian-backed groups such as Fitna al Khwarij (TTP) and Fitna al Hindustan (BLA).

He added that Pakistan has reminded the Taliban to fulfill their written commitments under the Doha Agreement, both to Pakistan and the international community. However, he said, the regime’s continued support for anti-Pakistan elements has rendered Islamabad’s diplomatic initiatives ineffective.

Evidence presented, but no results

According to Tarar, during the four days of dialogue, Pakistan presented solid evidence of terrorist safe havens in Afghanistan, which was acknowledged by both the Taliban delegation and the host countries. However, he said the Afghan side failed to provide any firm assurances or commitments to address the issue.

“Instead of tackling the core concern of cross-border terrorism, the Taliban avoided responsibility and shifted blame,” Tarar said, adding that the discussions ended without any practical outcome.

Regional partners appreciated

Tarar expressed gratitude to the governments of Qatar, Türkiye, and other friendly nations for their constructive role in supporting peace efforts. He said their commitment reflects a shared desire for stability and prosperity in Pakistan, Afghanistan, and the wider region.

He reiterated that Pakistan’s national security comes before all other considerations. “Our forces are fully capable of defending the country,” he said. “Pakistan will continue to pursue peace, but it will never compromise on its security.”

This news was originally published by Associated Press of Pakistan.

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