Rooma News:Navi Pillay Wins 2026 Nobel Peace Prize; Washington Hits Back

 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 Strikes Panama; Hurricane Hits Florida

A powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Panama's Herrera Province, followed by strong aftershocks. Buildings were damaged, evacuations occurred, and tsunami warnings were issued for several Central and South American countries.

In the US, Hurricane Isaias made landfall near Destin, Florida, as a Category 2 storm before weakening to a post-tropical cyclone. Hundreds of thousands lost power in Florida and Alabama.

Houthi Strikes Hit Riyadh Airport

Houthi forces carried out deadly strikes on Riyadh's international airport, killing three Saudis, including a pilot. Saudi authorities and the Saudi-led coalition responded with operations against Houthi targets.

Separately, UAE prosecutors said an Omani co-pilot on a flydubai flight had planned a suicide attack on Tel Aviv airport, inspired by the 9/11 attacks.

India Detains Youth Movement Leaders

Authorities detained the founder and leaders of the "Cockroach Janta Party" youth movement and launched a major security crackdown in New Delhi to prevent large protests against the Election Commission over the deletion of more than 130 million names from voter lists.

Taiwan, China and the EU

Taiwan's president reaffirmed the island's commitment to peace while refusing to give up freedom.

China and the EU reached an interim deal expected to reduce Chinese hybrid vehicle exports.

Pakistan

PM Sharif Reaffirms "Resolute" Support for Saudi Arabia

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif strongly condemned Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia and reaffirmed Pakistan's resolute support for the Kingdom's sovereignty and security under the Makkah Alliance/pact.

The Foreign Office stated that deployments under the pact do not require parliamentary approval. The army spokesperson said Pakistan's actions reflect neutrality and a desire to prevent the Middle East conflict from expanding. PIA temporarily halted flights to Riyadh.

KP Long March Raises Political Temperature

KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi continues a PTI long march, inviting supporters to gather at Swabi Interchange. The federal government is weighing options including emergency or governor's rule.

PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari urged PTI to abandon "extremist" politics and return to parliamentary means, warning confrontation could prolong Imran Khan's imprisonment. Governor Faisal Karim Kundi criticised the provincial government over governance and terrorism.

Fuel Subsidy Reaches 10 Million

Prime Minister Sharif announced that more than 10 million people have benefited from the fuel subsidy scheme. Petrol prices were cut by 66 paisa while diesel rose by 52 paisa per litre.

Seven Terrorists Killed; IAEA Praises Nuclear Security

Security forces killed seven terrorists in an intelligence-based operation in North Waziristan. Separately, an IAEA team completed its first review of Pakistan's nuclear security and described the regime as robust.

SCO Summit Preparations

Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar reviewed preparations for the SCO Summit to be hosted by Pakistan.

Weather & Cricket

Rain and thunderstorms are expected in many parts of the country until mid-October.

Pakistan opened its T20I series against Sri Lanka with a win, led by captain Sahibzada Farhan.

Editorial

A Time for Steady Hands

By Rooma Mehmood

The world today presents a familiar but intensifying picture of instability. A major earthquake in Panama, a hurricane battering the American Gulf Coast, renewed Houthi strikes on Saudi Arabia, and a controversial diesel arrangement between Washington and Moscow all underline how quickly crises can cascade. In this environment, nations that value stability must act with clarity rather than impulse.

For Pakistan, the immediate priority is clear. The government's firm and public support for Saudi Arabia's right to defend itself is both principled and pragmatic. Long-standing ties, the safety of Pakistani workers, and the broader regional balance all require consistent solidarity. At the same time, the military's emphasis on neutrality and preventing wider escalation shows a mature understanding of Pakistan's limits and responsibilities.

Domestically, the political temperature in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa remains dangerously high. Long marches and confrontational rhetoric may energise core supporters, yet they divert attention from the real challenges of governance, terrorism, and public service delivery. Dialogue through constitutional channels remains the only sustainable path. Prolonged street politics rarely delivers justice; it usually deepens polarisation and weakens institutions.

Economic relief measures, such as the fuel subsidy that has already reached millions, demonstrate that practical governance can still produce results. These efforts deserve continuity and expansion, not distraction.

In a year marked by shifting alliances, natural disasters, and contested international awards, Pakistan's best course is steady diplomacy abroad and responsible politics at home. Neither grand gestures nor endless confrontation will secure the country's future. Disciplined, consistent work will.

Rooma News · Published in Islamabad · Edited by Rooma Mehmood