Storm of inflation, poor condition of the people | 12 AM Geo News Headlines (Oct 24, 2026)

Crime, Justice and Public Safety

• In a high-profile Lahore assault case, the woman involved reportedly posted a social-media statement declaring one accused, Ahmed Tanveer, innocent and saying she wished to drop the matter. Police and officials said her earlier statement, recorded in court, implicated all three accused. They raised concerns that the online statement was intended to influence the investigation.
• Tanveer’s bail was extended to October 27, after which a confrontation followed between police and his associates. Punjab officials alleged that the accused’s family had offered the woman money to withdraw her complaint and said the government would pursue the case. They also raised concerns about possible bribery connected to the bail decision.
• The bulletin reported two other attacks on women:
  • In Multan, a woman travelling with her husband and children was allegedly assaulted after armed men stopped them.
  • In Lahore, a scooter rider was beaten and had her laptop damaged after a dispute over overtaking. The accused was arrested.
• Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz said a man accused of assaulting a petrol-pump employee had been arrested. She stressed that wealth or influence would not protect offenders from the law.
• In Nowshera district, police said two accused wanted in robbery, extortion and murder cases were killed in an exchange of fire.
• The post-mortem report in Hina Javed’s murder case described severe injuries. A parliamentary committee summoned senior police officers and her family for October 29.

Security and Politics

• During a visit to Peshawar, Field Marshal Asim Munir called for the highest level of readiness and said operations against militant groups allegedly operating with Indian support would continue.
• The military said security forces killed 10 militants, including a woman, in operations in Gwadar following attacks and attempted attacks there. One civilian was killed. The military said order had been restored and condemned the use of women in militant activity and propaganda.
• PTI chairman Barrister Gohar denied reports of leadership disputes or plans to replace Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi. He said party decisions would be made by its core and political committees.
• KP Governor Faisal Karim Kundi identified security and provincial development as priorities and said the prime minister had promised additional funds. Separately, government and opposition figures exchanged criticism over terrorism policy and calls to discuss emergency measures in the province.
• JUI representatives called for an in-camera parliamentary session on the proposed emergency and governor’s rule in KP. They disputed government remarks about the sacrifices made by the party’s supporters. A government minister rejected the politicization of counterterrorism operations.

Economy and Living Costs

• The government set next year’s wheat procurement price at Rs4,500 per maund, with a national strategic procurement target of six million tonnes. It said the move was intended to support farmers.
• Diesel rose by Rs1.91 per litre to Rs393.66, while petrol remained at Rs377.71 for the announced pricing period.
• The report described steep increases in household costs, including LPG, chicken, onions and flour. It cited annual inflation of about 12% and substantial year-on-year increases in several essential goods, electricity and fuel.
• An IMF report warned of inflation risks, recommended interest-rate and exchange-rate measures, and said Pakistan might not meet its economic growth target.
• Documents presented to the National Assembly showed about Rs2 billion in irregularities involving the Benazir Income Support Programme. Government employees, their spouses and some programme staff were reportedly implicated, while only a fraction of the amount had been recovered.
• Flu vaccines were reported to be scarce, with delays in approving prices for multinational brands. The health minister said a Chinese vaccine was available, while two other brands were unavailable. The report also described price increases at medical stores.
• Jamaat-e-Islami said it opposed an Rs80 petroleum levy and sought its removal in talks with the government.

Regional and International Affairs

• Foreign ministers from Pakistan, Türkiye, Egypt and Saudi Arabia met in Istanbul. They expressed concern about regional tensions and backed continued diplomacy and humanitarian assistance. The meeting also condemned attacks on shipping and discussed de-escalation through dialogue.
• The Saudi-led coalition said it had intercepted Houthi missiles and drones. Egypt said its military support was intended to protect Saudi territory and borders, not to conduct offensive operations in Yemen.
• President Asif Ali Zardari met Germany’s president in Berlin. They discussed stronger bilateral ties and cooperation, and Zardari invited him to visit Pakistan.
• In the occupied West Bank, a shooting near Hebron injured five Israelis. Israeli forces then killed two Palestinians, according to the report. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered a blockade of Hebron.
• A church shooting left seven people dead and 34 injured, according to the bulletin.
• Indian farmers and opposition groups protested over alleged changes to voter lists and demanded the resignation of the chief election commissioner.

Technology, Infrastructure and Sport

• PPP leader Aseefa Bhutto Zardari criticized poor internet service during a National Assembly session. The IT parliamentary secretary said 5G was available in only 24 cities.
• The government announced a public-awareness campaign on online scams and harassment. It said the cybercrime agency would be strengthened and offenders pursued.
• A road project connecting Gulistan-e-Johar and Scheme 33 in Karachi was reported to be about 90% complete. The project has also prompted a dispute between Karachi authorities and Pakistan Railways.
• Twelve people were killed and more than 20 injured when a passenger wagon and coach collided near Uthal in Lasbela.
• Pakistan’s cricket team trained in Lahore ahead of its next ODI against England. The match was designated a Pink Day to raise awareness of breast cancer.
• Pakistan reached the final of the Billie Jean King Cup Asia/Oceania Group III after a third straight win.
• Pakistani-born cardiac surgeon Dr Asif Hasan received a lifetime-achievement award in Britain, recognizing decades of work in children’s heart surgery.

Presenters and Contributors

The subtitles do not identify the bulletin’s presenters. Named programme contributors include Shahzaib Khanzada, host of Aaj, and Salim Safi, host of Jirga. Ata Tar is mentioned as an interview guest, and Asma Bukhari also appeared on Aaj.