Economy
World Bank: commodity prices to jump 23pc this year on war shocks
The World Bank expects commodity prices to rise 23pc in 2026 on the Middle East war and grain disruption, and warns of a food crisis if shocks combine
Strait of Hormuz
Strait of Hormuz: 49 The Indus Compass stories. Latest: Trump says US does not need an Iran deal; Guards claim Bahrain radar strike. Key developments…
Middle East
Iran calls Qatar's new peace ideas unacceptable but talks go on
A senior Iranian official called Qatar's new seven-day draft 'unacceptable ideas', while Araghchi said Iran stays in close contact with mediators.
Islamabad
Pakistan urges US and Iran at UNSC to honour the Islamabad MoU
At the UN Security Council Pakistan urged the US and Iran to honour the Islamabad MoU; Iran said Trump's reported remarks show the deal was never taken seriously.
Middle East
Iran warns ships in Hormuz of 'serious damage' if they stray from routes
Iran's armed forces chief said any vessel deviating from Iranian-designated routes in southern waters would face serious damage, as KLM cancelled winter Gulf flights.
Energy
Oil prices fall as US-Iran peace efforts ease supply fears
Brent fell on hopes of a US-Iran settlement and talks in Tehran, but Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia kept crude near six-month highs, Reuters reports.
Islamabad
Dar in Istanbul for first R4 and E3 foreign ministers' meeting
Ishaq Dar flew to Istanbul for the first meeting of Pakistan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Turkey with Britain, France and Germany on Iran, Yemen and Hormuz.
Middle East
Iran's IRGC says seven vessels hit in Gulf, warns US of wider response
Iran's IRGC Navy said four vessels were hit and three struck mines near Hormuz, as Trump said the US is 'not negotiating' and something will happen soon.
Markets
Oil climbs above $110 after US orders staff out of Saudi Arabia
Brent rose $1.29 to $110.11 after the US ordered some diplomats out of Saudi Arabia, as Houthi strikes hit a Dammam airport and a Saudi oilfield.
Middle East
US orders non-emergency embassy staff to leave Saudi Arabia
The US told non-emergency staff and families to leave Saudi Arabia after deadly Houthi attacks, as drone debris killed two at the Shaybah oilfield.
Energy
Petrol cut by Rs2.71 a litre, diesel up 31 paisas for Thursday
The government cut petrol by Rs2.71 to Rs379.31 a litre and raised high-speed diesel by 31 paisas to Rs390.11 for October 22 under daily pricing.
Energy
LPG cylinders selling at twice the official price amid supply crisis
LPG cylinders are selling at more than twice Ogra's Rs3,296 price after Iranian supplies were disrupted; the minister says prices will ease within days.
Middle East
Araghchi says US-Iran talks go on through Pakistan and Qatar
Iran says talks with Washington continue via Pakistan and Qatar, while Tehran told Field Marshal Munir no enriched nuclear material will leave the country.
Islamabad
Rubio defends US ties with Pakistan during India visit
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington must keep a relationship with nuclear-armed Pakistan, citing geography, in an interview in India.