Rooma News ; IMF Projects 3.5% Growth Inflation is projected near 10%. Petrol prices were cut by Rs 2.71, with a small cut in diesel.

 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, high precision, and the ability to defeat missile defenses through its trajectory and maneuverability. The test follows a recent Fatah-4 test.

Rehman Baba Express Derails Near Multan

At least five to seven passengers were killed and dozens injured. Initial reports point to mechanical failure; the Railways Minister ordered an investigation.

Economy

IMF Projects 3.5% Growth

Inflation is projected near 10%. Petrol prices were cut by Rs 2.71, with a small cut in diesel.

Security

Operations in Bannu and Washuk

Security forces killed terrorists in operations in Bannu and Balochistan’s Washuk. Section 144 was imposed in DI Khan.

Diplomacy

Oman’s Foreign Minister in Islamabad

The visit is for the Pakistan-Oman Joint Ministerial Commission.

World

Middle East

Hormuz Attacks Widen as Saudi–Houthi Strikes Escalate

Iran has widened attacks on shipping near the Strait of Hormuz, aiming to keep oil prices high ahead of US midterms. Saudi Arabia struck fuel sites in Yemen; the Houthis responded with missiles and drones aimed at Riyadh, other cities and Aramco facilities. Explosions were reported in Riyadh, with interceptions ongoing. Iran’s IRGC threatened to sink US warships approaching the Strait.

Russia–Ukraine

Kyiv Hit; Power Outages Spread

Russian strikes hit Kyiv and energy facilities overnight, killing at least three. Ukraine reported no early warnings from Western partners on consecutive nights. Zelenskyy is seeking talks with US envoys and visiting London. SpaceX has limited some Starlink services, disrupting Ukrainian drone operations.

Vatican

Pope Leo Recovering After Lung Surgery

Pope Leo underwent successful surgery at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital to remove the lower lobe of his right lung after a diagnosis of pulmonary adenocarcinoma. The 90-minute procedure had no complications, and he spent a peaceful night. The nodule was detected early.

Also: Student protests continue in France and have emerged in Albania. The UK-EU summit signals closer relations. Hungary has repealed most Orbán-era LGBTQ restrictions. A trial over the Nord Stream sabotage begins in Germany. Drones struck ships in the Black Sea near Bulgaria, with sailors missing. President Trump discussed intelligence sharing with Ukraine and resource exploration in Greenland.

Editorial

Navigating Turbulence with Clarity and Resolve

The world and Pakistan confront overlapping crises that test institutions, leadership, and the public’s resilience. From the Strait of Hormuz to the tribal districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the common thread is the cost of unresolved conflict and the premium on decisive yet accountable governance.

The Middle East remains a powder keg. Iranian pressure on shipping and the Saudi-Houthi exchange of strikes risk broader economic shockwaves through higher oil prices and disrupted trade. Diplomatic channels, whether through Oman or other mediators, must be pursued with urgency, not as afterthoughts.

Closer to home, the decision to place Khyber Pakhtunkhwa under emergency and governor’s rule is a profound constitutional and political moment. The stated rationale cannot be dismissed lightly when lives and state writ are at stake. Yet removing an elected provincial setup, even temporarily, demands transparent justification, clear timelines, and measurable security outcomes.

Pakistan’s test of the Fatah-2 ER reinforces a necessary deterrent posture. Capability matters, and so does the discipline to pair strength with restraint and diplomatic outreach. Rail safety after Multan, economic stabilization, and protection of citizens deserve the same seriousness.

Whether in Riyadh, Kyiv, Rome, or Peshawar, leadership that confronts reality without exaggeration or evasion remains the scarcest and most valuable resource.

Rooma News

Published in Islamabad

Editor: Rooma Mehmood