Rooma News by Rooma Mehmood

 Islamabad Friday, October 16, 2026 By Rooma Mehmood Rooma News Pakistan Economy World Editorial Pakistan · Peshawar School Roof Collapse in Peshawar Kills at Least 31, Mostly Young Students An FIR alleges substandard construction materials; a province-wide safety audit of educational institutions has been ordered. By Rooma Mehmood · Islamabad Tragedy struck Peshawar when the roof of a private school in Dir Colony collapsed, killing at least 31 people, mostly young students and one teacher, and injuring around 30 others. Authorities registered an FIR alleging use of substandard construction materials. The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chief secretary formed a fact-finding committee, while the governor ordered a province-wide safety audit of educational institutions and announced compensation for the victims’ families. Energy Power Bills to Rise by Rs2.56 Per Unit in November Power consumers face an additional fuel cost adjustment of about Rs2.56 per unit in November bills, adding roughly Rs33...

 Islamabad, Pakistan Thursday, October 15, 2026 Published by Rooma Mehmood Rooma News Pakistan World Editorial Peshawar · Top Story School Roof Collapse in Peshawar Kills Dozens of Children Heavy rain cited as a factor; school owner reportedly arrested on negligence charges. A roof collapse at a private school in Peshawar killed at least 29 children, most of them under 16, and one teacher, with scores more injured. Reports put the toll among children anywhere between 27 and 32. Heavy rain has been cited as a factor. Rescue operations have concluded, with all trapped people recovered. The school owner was reportedly arrested on negligence charges, and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif took serious notice and ordered a report. The tragedy dominated international headlines. Pakistan Parliament Endorses Emergency and Governor’s Rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Parliament endorsed the federal imposition of emergency and governor’s rule in KP, citing rising terrorism and a security breakdown. PTI ...

  Rooma News Islamabad Wednesday, October 14, 2026 By Rooma Mehmood Pakistan Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Centre Defends Emergency and Governor’s Rule in KP The federal government continues to defend the imposition of emergency (Article 232) and governor’s rule (Article 234) in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, citing rising terrorism and the PTI-led provincial government’s alleged failure to cooperate on security. Governor Faisal Karim Kundi is in charge with an advisory council. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said the Centre had “no option” and accused PTI of threatening economic growth. Opposition parties, including PTI, condemn the move as an attack on the provincial mandate. Protests in Bara turned violent, with injuries and arrests, and lawyers are boycotting courts. Parliament is debating the measures. Briefs Fatah-2 ER Hypersonic Missile Tested The Pakistan Army successfully test-fired the Fatah-2 Extended Range hypersonic ballistic missile. ISPR said it features advanced navigation and avionics, h...

 Islamabad Tuesday, 13 October 2026 By Rooma Mehmood Rooma News Pakistan & the World · Daily Edition · Editor & Reporter: Rooma Mehmood Pakistan Emergency and Governor's Rule Imposed in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa President Zardari cites deteriorating security and rising terrorism as the PTI-led provincial administration is suspended. President Asif Ali Zardari approved a state of emergency and governor's rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The federal government suspended the provincial administration led by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). Governor Faisal Karim Kundi has taken charge, and an 11-member advisory board headed by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar will oversee affairs. Massive bureaucratic reshuffles have taken place. Government officials claim the move was welcomed by residents as a source of hope and is not politically motivated. Opposition parties, including PTI and JUI-F, have criticised it as unconstitutional and a power grab. Some PTI leaders and former ministers ar...

 Islamabad · Independent Daily Rooma News By Rooma Mehmood Islamabad Monday, October 12, 2026 Pakistan · Lead Story Emergency and Governor’s Rule Imposed in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa President Asif Ali Zardari proclaimed an emergency and governor’s rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa after federal cabinet approval, citing a sharp rise in terrorism (reported 195% surge) and security concerns. Governor Faisal Karim Kundi will head an 11-member Advisory Council. The arrangement is initially for six months. The federal government authorised army deployment in aid of civil power. PTI strongly condemned the move as a “takeover,” vowed legal and political resistance, and reported that CM Sohail Afridi and provincial president Junaid Akbar were under house arrest. Opposition parties rejected the decision and threatened protests and parliamentary boycott. Also in Pakistan Security forces foil border infiltration In Kurram, security forces killed 12 terrorists (including Afghan Taliban personnel) in a firef...

 Islamabad Sunday, October 11, 2026 By Rooma Mehmood RoomaNews The world and Pakistan, in one Sunday edition World Houthi Missile Strike on Riyadh Airport Kills at Least 12 More than 300 injured as operations at King Khalid International are suspended. Saudi authorities extended the closure of the airport after the attack. The United States has indicated it may join Saudi responses. Zaporizhzhia Strike Kills 15–20 A Russian attack hit a residential building, with some reports including children among the dead. Zelenskyy criticized a reported US-Russia diesel deal, while Trump called for Ukraine to replace its leadership. Ukraine kept up drone strikes on Russian infrastructure. Delhi Locked Down Ahead of Protests Security forces detained around 7,000 people to stop the "Cockroach" youth movement demanding the election commissioner's resignation. Leaders were later released in some accounts. 7.7 Quake Hits Panama Buildings were damaged, dozens injured and tsunami warnings i...

  Rooma News Islamabad Saturday, October 10, 2026 By Rooma Mehmood World News Navi Pillay Wins 2026 Nobel Peace Prize; Washington Hits Back South African jurist and former UN human rights chief Navi Pillay has been awarded the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize for her work promoting international law and justice. The decision drew sharp criticism from US President Donald Trump, who said he deserved multiple Nobels for ending conflicts and called the award a stain on Norway. Hours after the announcement, the United States imposed sweeping sanctions on the International Criminal Court. US-Russia Diesel Deal Angers Kyiv President Trump announced a deal with Vladimir Putin under which Russia will supply diesel fuel to the United States, with sanctions on Russian diesel eased temporarily. Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelenskyy strongly criticised the move, warning it would prolong the war. Russian attacks continued, killing at least eight people, including children, in Zaporizhzhia region. 7.7 Quake Strike...

 Islamabad Rooma News Pakistan and the world, in one page Friday, October 9, 2026 By Rooma Mehmood Islamabad Pakistan Economy Pakistan, IMF Reach Staff-Level Deal, Opening Door to $1.2 Billion Pakistan and the IMF agreed at staff level on the fourth review of the Extended Fund Facility and the third review of the Resilience and Sustainability Facility. About $1 billion under the EFF and roughly $210 million under the RSF could be released once the IMF Executive Board approves, taking total disbursements under the programmes to around $5.7 billion. FY26 growth is estimated near 3.6%, with inflation easing and reserves improving, though energy prices and geopolitics remain risks. The Fund has urged phasing out certain fuel support measures. The PSX closed lower despite the news amid oil price worries, while direct shipping links between Karachi and major European ports have been restored. Politics PTI Protest Continues Under KP Chief Minister The PTI long march led by KP CM Sohail Af...

  Rooma News Islamabad Thursday, October 8, 2026 By Rooma Mehmood Pakistan Economy Pakistan and IMF Reach Staff-Level Deal, Clearing $1.2 Billion Tranche The Fund completed Article IV consultations and urged a prompt phase-out of the costly, broadly targeted fuel support scheme. Rs 396.65 Petrol / litre ▲ Rs 394.94 Diesel / litre ▼ $1.2bn IMF tranche Security Terrorists Eliminated in KP and Balochistan Security forces killed multiple terrorists, including nine (four of them commanders) in North Waziristan. Heavy weapons were recovered. Officials praised the operations while political debate continued over counter-terrorism strategy. Politics Tensions Remain High in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi challenged the governor's role, sought legal measures regarding the office, rejected certain operations as unconstitutional, and joined ongoing PTI-related march activity. The federal government remains willing to talk with PTI but refuses to be "held hostage," wa...

  Rooma News Islamabad Wednesday, October 7, 2026 By Rooma Mehmood World UN chief urges end to US-Iran conflict, return to diplomacy UN Secretary-General António Guterres urged an end to the US-Iran conflict and a return to diplomacy. He praised Pakistan’s diplomatic role in US-Iran mediation efforts, as well as its refugee hosting and peacekeeping contributions. Fighting and related conflicts continue in Lebanon, Syria and involving Iran, while global economic concerns include energy shocks and rising AI-related demand pressures, according to the IMF. Regional tensions continue Fighting and related conflicts continue in Lebanon, Syria and involving Iran. Saudi-led forces reported intercepting a Houthi missile near Riyadh. Heavy clashes were reported in Yemen with significant casualties on both sides. Other international developments Russia launched drone and missile attacks on Ukraine, causing casualties and damage. Student protests continued in France over education funding; auth...

  Rooma News Islamabad Tuesday, 6 October 2026 By Rooma Mehmood World news Nobel Prize in Medicine awarded for optogenetics breakthrough By Rooma Mehmood American scientist Karl Deisseroth and German researchers Peter Hegemann and Georg Nagel have jointly won the 2026 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine. Their work on light-gated ion channels and the development of optogenetics allows precise control of individual nerve cells in living brains using light. The technique, now widely used in laboratories, is advancing understanding of how the brain processes information, memories and behaviour. The trio will share the prize. Spain calls snap general election Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has announced early elections for 29 November after parliament rejected key housing measures. Nationwide protests over rising rents and evictions, including the high-profile case of an elderly woman, intensified pressure on his minority government. Sánchez said a broader progressive majority is neede...

  Rooma News Islamabad Monday, October 5, 2026 By Rooma Mehmood Pakistan PTI long march begins after talks with government collapse By Rooma Mehmood, Islamabad Talks between the federal government and PTI ended in deadlock. The main sticking points were access for jailed former prime minister Imran Khan to his personal physicians, and differences over counter-terrorism policy in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP). PTI has now launched its long march, with caravans setting out from areas including Lakki Marwat and D.I. Khan. KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi is leading elements of the protest. The government has warned of possible governor's rule in KP if the situation deteriorates, while Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has blamed the KP government for sabotaging the talks. Pakistan Eight terrorists killed in Dera Ismail Khan Security forces killed eight terrorists, including key leaders of Fitna al-Khawarij, in an intelligence-based operation. Arms, ammunition and foreign currency were recovered...

  Rooma News Islamabad Sunday, October 4, 2026 By Rooma Mehmood. Government–PTI talks end with no deal; long march to proceed After marathon sessions, negotiations between the government and PTI closed without agreement. PTI says its march will leave Lakki Marwat in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa for Islamabad as planned, while Rana Sanaullah has warned it will not be allowed into the capital. Pakistan Politics Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi accused the PTI-backed KP government of backtracking on counter-terrorism commitments. Rana Sanaullah offered talks only under clear terms. KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi listed PTI’s seven demands. PPP leader Bilawal Bhutto Zardari claimed his party helped avert emergency rule in KP. Security Security forces killed eight terrorists in an intelligence-based operation in Dera Ismail Khan; weapons, ammunition and foreign currency were recovered. Further militants were neutralised in KP and Balochistan operations earlier. Two children were killed in a blast ...

 Rooma News Islamabad Saturday, October 3, 2026 Edited by Rooma Mehmood PTI and government talk again today as long march looms tomorrow A first round on Friday was cordial but produced no breakthrough. The second round is set for 2 p.m. in the Speaker's chamber. PTI is pressing for Imran Khan to be moved to hospital and is preparing to start its long march from southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on October 4, with KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi expected to lead. The government wants the march cancelled. The army has warned of "decisive force" against any attempt to create a "May 9-like situation." Freight is already disrupted by truck seizures and container blockades around Islamabad. Fuel and prices Petrol rises Rs 2.10 to Rs 392.76 per litre. Diesel rises Re 0.30 to Rs 399.64. Weekly inflation surged 11.53%. Exports grew 11%, but the trade deficit widened. Pakistan 11 militants killed in KP and Balochistan Security forces killed 11 militants, described by sources a...