DUBAI: Saudi air defences intercepted Houthi missiles launched toward the Riyadh region for the second consecutive day on Wednesday, according to the Saudi-led military coalition fighting the Yemeni group.
The coalition said the Houthis launched three cruise missiles that were destroyed.
The militia, which controls most of the populous parts of Yemen, has intensified attacks on the Saudi capital in recent days. A Houthi attack on Sunday damaged an Aramco administrative building in Riyadh’s financial hub.
Last month, a Houthi attack on Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport killed 13 people and wounded more than 300.
Renewed fighting between the two sides has intensified since September, when the Houthis advanced towards the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a strategic shipping chokepoint at the southern entrance to the Red Sea.
The Houthis have since stepped up strikes on Saudi airports, ports and oil facilities, while Saudi Arabia has ramped up airstrikes on Houthi targets in Yemen in response.
BEIJING: China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Wednesday held “positive and constructive” call with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, state news agency Xinhua reported, with Beijing expressing willingness to strengthen communication and cooperation with Washington.
The talks come roughly a week ahead of the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting in China’s Shenzhen where Presidents Xi Jinping and Donald Trump are expected to meet.
The current momentum of stability in China-US relations has not come easily, Wang said, calling it “a rational choice made by the two major countries based on respective and shared interests,” the Xinhua report said.
ISLAMABAD: Families dealing with inheritance can now get the exact process and list of documents for their case from an automated chatbot, introduced on the revamped succession website of the National Database and Registration Authority (Nadra).
The chatbot, called “ID”, works in Urdu and English on any phone or computer.
It asks the user a few simple questions about the deceased, the legal heirs and the assets, and then generates on its own the steps to follow and a checklist of only those documents that the particular case needs. No Nadra official is involved in the exchange.
Nadra spokesman Syed Shabahat Ali said the chatbot runs entirely online through a series of questions and answers, without asking for CNIC numbers or other personal details. Heirs living abroad are guided to complete their biometric verification online through the Pak ID facility.
The chatbot also tells users which office can take up their case. It warns them early if the matter will have to go to court, such as when an heir is a minor or the heirs are in dispute.
The chatbot interface advises the public to use it as a reference tool only, and to “always confirm final requirements” with the nearest Nadra registration centre.
The authority has been issuing succession certificates and letters of administration in uncontested cases since 2021. The chatbot offers guidance before the applicant reaches a Nadra office with a formal application.
Almost every family in Pakistan has to go through succession at some point, yet the requirements differ from case to case.
The law varies with the faith and sect of the deceased, and the procedure changes from province to province. Sindh, for instance, requires three newspaper advertisements, while other jurisdictions require two.
Many applicants usually learn such details only at a Nadra counter, often after travelling from another city.
A screengrab from Nadra’s succession website. — succession.nadra.gov.pk
The website makes it clear that Nadra can issue a succession certificate or letter of administration only in uncontested cases, where all legal heirs agree and have no dispute among them, no heir is a minor or mentally disabled, and the matter is neither pending before a court nor already decided by one.
The deceased must be in Nadra’s records and the heirs must be registered in the Family Registration Certificate (FRC), while the applicant must hold a valid CNIC, Nadra card or Pakistan Origin Card (POC), as the old manual NIC is no longer accepted.
A legal heir has to visit a Nadra centre in person, except in Sindh and Balochistan, where a lawyer can appear on his behalf. If any condition is not fulfilled, Nadra does not issue the certificate and the family has to approach the court.
For an application to be accepted, the family has to produce the death certificate of the deceased issued by the relevant union council, municipal authority or cantonment board, along with the receipt of cancellation of the deceased’s CNIC, FRC, and copies of the CNICs of all legal heirs.
They also need a Schedule-I letter of authorisation attested by an oath commissioner, and the original property documents, as photocopies are not accepted.
In some cases, additional documents are required. For immovable property in Sindh, a search certificate has to be obtained, while in Sindh and Balochistan, a wakalatnama (power of attorney) is also required if the application is filed through a lawyer. If the deceased was a government or private employee, a letter from the concerned department about pension or service dues is also needed.
The fee for a succession certificate or letter of administration is Rs10,000 where total assets are less than Rs100,000, and Rs20,000 where assets are Rs100,000 or more, except in Sindh where it is Rs22,000. A duplicate certificate costs Rs5,000.
Pakistan government is reviewing proposed amendments to the Export Facilitation Scheme (EFS) to simplify procedures, reduce compliance costs, and improve access for exporters while strengthening safeguards against misuse.
The development came during the fifth meeting of the Prime Minister’s Committee to Review the EFS, held at the Ministry of Finance on Wednesday under the chairmanship of Minister of State for Finance and Railways Bilal Azhar Kayani.
The meeting was attended by senior officials of the Ministry of Commerce and Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), representatives of exporters’ associations, including the All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (APTMA), Pakistan Textile Exporters Association (PTEA) and Sialkot Chamber of Commerce and Industry, as well as prominent exporters.
Export Facilitation Scheme allows eligible exporters to import raw materials, inputs, and machinery without paying upfront customs duty, sales tax, or withholding taxes, provided those inputs go directly into export production.
According to a Finance Division press release, the committee reviewed proposals to simplify exporter categorisation, rationalise authorisation periods, and improve access to the scheme for new and existing exporters.
Discussions also focused on facilitating compliant exporters, introducing a transparent mechanism and streamlining security requirements while maintaining safeguards against potential misuse.
The proposed changes aim to reduce export-related overheads, encourage new investment and local value addition, and ensure that concessions remain linked to genuine export performance.
Kayani stressed that relevant procedures should be simplified without compromising revenue safeguards. He also emphasised that eligibility requirements and prescribed procedures must be applied uniformly, with no exemptions.
The minister of state reiterated the government’s commitment to continued consultations with exporters and trade bodies to make the scheme more responsive to the needs of the exporting community.
Gold prices in Pakistandecreased on Wednesday in line with their loss in the international market. In the local market, gold price per tola reached Rs427,436 after a decline of Rs3,400 during the day.
Similarly, 10-gram gold was sold at Rs366,457 after it fell by Rs2,915, according to rates shared by the All-Pakistan Gems and Jewellers Sarafa Association (APGJSA).
On Tuesday, the gold price per tola reached Rs430,836 after a decline of Rs1,500 during the day.
The international rate of gold declined by $34 to reach $4,049 per ounce.
Meanwhile, the price of silver increased by Rs45 to clock in at Rs5,768 per tola.
ISLAMABAD: Lawyers representing PTI met party founder and former prime minister Imran Khan on Wednesday, a day after the Islamabad High Court (IHC) issued orders allowing the meeting.
On Tuesday, the IHC, while hearing appeals filed by Imran and his wife, Bushra Bibi, against their convictions in the £190 million reference, directed authorities to facilitate meetings between Imran and his legal team.
PTI lawyer Awais Younus Chaudhry, speaking to Dawn, said Barrister Salman Safdar and Advocate Latif Khosa held a meeting with Imran.
“As per orders of the court, the meeting was held to discuss under-trial cases,” Chaudhry said.
The lawyers remained at Adiala for four hours and left without speaking to the media or PTI lawyers, Chaudhry said.
“As their cell phones are switched off, it’s too early to say whether they were allowed to meet Imran together or separately and for how long,” he said.
The meeting took place hours after the ex-premier was again taken to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (Pims) for his eye ailment.
According to the hospital, Imran was brought to Pims last night for a medical check-up and follow-up eye treatment. It added that his vital parameters were “normal”, he was clinically “stable” and his general physical examination was “normal”.
Imran has been in prison since August 5, 2023, while his wife was arrested on January 17, 2025, in a separate case in which the couple were sentenced.
The IHC has allowed Imran twice-a-week meetings — on Tuesdays and Thursdays — with his family, lawyers and other associates. Despite multiple court directives, Imran’s meetings with his family and party leaders have been largely restricted.
On Nov 2, Safdar met Imran after a gap of seven months for less than an hour. When he had met Imran in April, months after the ex-premier’s eye condition had surfaced, the Supreme Court had designated Safdar as amicus curiae. However, on Nov 2, he met Imran as his lawyer.
PTI Central Information Secretary Sheikh Waqas Akram, speaking to Dawn after the Nov 2 meeting, said that no political issues were discussed as Safdar spoke about the cases and asked about future strategy.
When asked about Imran’s health, Akram replied that although health issues were discussed, the PTI would only speak about the legal cases.
Most Gulf markets endedhigher on Wednesday, as investors weighed hopes for a pause in the US-Israeli war on Iran against anxiety about shipping risks in the Strait of Hormuz.
Investors were assessing signs of de-escalation against shipping risks, but recent strikes on tankersin the Strait and on regional energy infrastructure suggested risks of renewed escalation remained.
Saudi Arabia’s benchmark index reversed early losses to close 1.4% higher, with oil major Saudi Aramco advancing 1.6%.
“Most Gulf markets inched up as investors assessed ongoing security risks and watched for progress in regional mediation efforts. While some headway was evident, worries about renewed escalation persisted,” said Ranim Turfa, head of research and market analysis, MENA, at Tickmill. “Continued risks to energy flows along crucial shipping routes kept sentiment cautious, with attention centred on credible diplomatic progress.”
Elsewhere, Abdullah Al Othaim Markets Co jumped 7.1% after the supermarket operator cut its quarterly loss compared with the prior quarter.
Advanced Building Industries Co plunged 6.5%, the most on the index, following a steep decline in third-quarter profit.
Dubai’s main share index gained 0.8%, with top lender Emirates NBD increasing 4.3%.
In Abu Dhabi, the index edged 0.3% higher.
The Qatari index declined 0.5%, weighed down by a 1.4% slide in petrochemical maker Industries Qatar .
Outside the Gulf, Egypt’s blue-chip index finished flat, with tobacco monopoly Eastern Company leaping 4.2%, after posting a sharp rise in third-quarter profit.
The regional gains came after the Saudi-led coalition said it had intercepted two missiles fired by the Houthis at Riyadh, one ballistic and one cruise, plus a ballistic missile aimed at Saudi Arabia’s southern region and a drone over the oil-rich east.
Civil defence alerts went out in the capital and in the southern cities of Abha and Khamis Mushait before authorities said the danger had passed.
PESHAWAR: At least 12 cops were injured on Wednesday as a police party came under attack in Kohat’s Gumbat tehsil, according to officials.
Rescue 1122 spokesperson Jawad Afridi, in a video message, said, “There was an incident where a police party came under fire, and so far, we have shifted 12 police personnel to the hospital.”
He said that according to the injured police officials, there were several bodies at the scene. He added that details regarding the exact number of deaths would be shared when more information became available.
A statement issued by KP police said that a major operation had been launched against illegal gold mining, which was being fuelled by a nexus between terrorists and criminal elements.
It said that terrorists attack a police contingent in the Darbukach area, within the jurisdiction of the Gumbat police station, adding that Fitna al Khawarij were behind the attack.
Fitna al Khawarij is a term the state uses for terrorists belonging to the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan.
Police said that additional personnel had been dispatched to the area and an exchange of fire was underway.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi condemned the incident and sought a detailed report, as per an official statement issued by his office. It said that the incident occurred during an operation against illegal mining.
Although there has been no official death toll given so far, the statement said that Kundi “expressed sorrow at the martyrdom of police personnel”.
“This cowardly act by terrorists is highly condemnable,” Kundi was quoted as saying, vowing that the attackers would be brought to justice.
“The supreme sacrifices made by the police personnel will not go in vain,” the governor asserted, stressing that the martyrs’ sacrifices were a “source of pride” for the nation.
“In this difficult and sorrowful time, I fully share the grief of the families of the martyrs,” he said.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Tariq Fazal Chaudhry also expressed grief and sorrow at the “loss of human lives” due to “firing by terrorists” on the police team.
“The sacrifices of the police against terrorism and criminal elements are a source of pride for the entire nation,” he said on X.
“The government and relevant institutions should bring the elements involved in this cowardly act before the law as soon as possible so that they may be brought to justice,” he said.
Last week, two policemen were martyred, and another was injured when unidentified gunmen opened fire on them in KP’s Mohmand district.
Last month, a police officer was martyred after terrorists attacked a police post in KP’s Bajaur. On October 20, an additional station house officer (SHO) of the Miranshah police station was martyred in firing by unidentified individuals near Miranshah Bypass Road in North Waziristan.
On Oct 7, seven policemen were injured when terrorists attacked a police checkpost in Kohat.
According to Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies, the country’s security environment continued to show considerable volatility from Oct 30 to Nov 5, with renewed terrorist activity in parts of KP and the former tribal districts, alongside intensified counterterrorism operations and changing patterns of militant violence.
It is worth mentioning that KP has been under governor’s rule and emergency since Oct 11, when the federal government took the measures citing the PTI-led KP government’s “deliberate disengagement” from the counterterrorism fight.
This is a developing story that is being updated as the situation evolves. Initial reports in the media can sometimes be inaccurate. We will strive to ensure timeliness and accuracy by relying on credible sources, such as concerned, qualified authorities and our staff reporters.
PESHAWAR: An anti-terrorism court (ATC) on Wednesday reissued arrest warrants for former chief minister Sohail Afridi, whose government was rendered nonfunctional following the imposition of governor’s rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and a PTI activist in the Radio Pakistan attack case.
The case relates to the attack, vandalism and arson at the Radio Pakistan Peshawar building during the May 9-10, 2023 unrest.
Judge Wali Muhammad Khan also extended interim pre-arrest bail for PTI leaders and former provincial ministers Taimur Saleem Jhagra and Kamran Bangash, as well as the party’s Peshawar president Irfan Saleem, until November 17.
The three appeared before the court on Wednesday along with their counsel, Ali Gohar Durrani and Barrister Sarwar Muzaffar Shah.
Advocate Ali Zaman, representing Afridi, told the court that his client’s whereabouts remained unknown. He alleged Afridi had been taken away from the Chief Minister’s House on Oct 11, when emergency and governor’s rule were imposed in the province, but his arrest had not been formally shown on record.
The defence sought more time to prepare the case. Accepting the request, the court adjourned the hearing until Nov 17. The court reissued arrest warrants for Afridi and PTI activist Amir Khan Chamkani after their earlier warrants — issued on Oct 28 — were returned unserved.
Afridi has not been seen since the imposition of governor’s rule and emergency in KP on Oct 11. His whereabouts remained unknown on the day governor’s rule was imposed, and a federal minister confirmed a day later that he and some of his cabinet members were in preventive custody. Chamkani has also reportedly been taken into custody.
Last month, the prosecution submitted a supplementary challan, nominating Afridi and four other PTI members as accused in the case. None of them had been named in the original first information report or charge-sheet.
The supplementary challan followed findings by the Punjab Forensic Science Agency (PFSA) and the National Database and Registration Authority (Nadra) regarding video clips purportedly showing the incident and profile pictures of the suspects.
According to a report by investigation officer Deputy Superintendent of Police Khushal Khan, Radio Pakistan Peshawar station director Tufail Ahmad recorded a supplementary statement in light of the forensic findings, nominating the five men as accused.
The forensic examination was ordered on Dec 12, 2025, on an application filed by Pakistan Broadcasting Corporation counsel Shabbir Hussain Gigyani.
The PFSA subsequently concluded that the facial features of the five men matched those of suspects allegedly seen participating in the rioting in the video footage. Nadra’s report identified CNIC numbers apparently belonging to the men and described them as probable matches for the profile pictures submitted for examination.
The newly nominated accused have challenged the authenticity of the videos, claiming that the footage does not relate to the incident.
The court is currently conducting the trial of 75 accused in the case, including serving and former lawmakers. The FIR was registered at the East Cantonment police station on May 10, 2023, on the complaint of then station house officer Arbab Naeem Haider under various provisions of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC) and the Anti-Terrorism Act.
Iran hit out at the United States’ $20 million reward for information on its nuclear programme on Wednesday, calling it “repugnant and regrettable”.
Tehran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi urged the International Atomic Energy Agency and the UN Security Council to condemn the reward, which was announced last week.
Last Friday, the US military said up to $20 million and “possible relocation” were available for information about the programme’s “facilities, equipment, and associated personnel”.
“The Islamic Republic of Iran calls upon the UN Secretary-General, the Security Council, and the Director General of the IAEA to condemn this repugnant announcement explicitly and unequivocally,” Araghchi wrote in a letter addressed to all three, repeating Iran’s insistence that its nuclear programme is peaceful.
US President Donald Trump has repeatedly said Iran’s nuclear programme was effectively obliterated by the brief US strikes on key Iranian nuclear facilities during the 12-day war between Iran and Israel in June 2025.
Since that war, Iran has blocked International Atomic Energy Agency inspectors from visiting bombed facilities at Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan.
War broke out between Iran and the United States on February 28 when US-Israeli strikes assassinated Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
During the war’s most intense phase, US-Israeli strikes hit Iranian nuclear sites again, but the scale of the damage remains unclear.
Diplomatic efforts have been led by Qatar and Pakistan to negotiate an end to the war.
Tehran has insisted Washington accepts a raft of demands, including unfreezing assets and lifting sanctions in return for reopening the Strait of Hormuz, the vital energy conduit it has blockaded since the start of the conflict.
Araghchi previously said that talks over Iran’s nuclear programme would come at a later stage.
Iran’s nuclear programme has been at the centre of tensions for years. In 2018, during Trump’s first term, the US withdrew from an agreement struck under former President Barack Obama that aimed to stop it developing nuclear weapons in return for sanctions relief.
