Good afternoon,

Today’s news: Globally, updates from Sudan, Gaza, and the US government shutdown.  Locally, Senate debates the 27th Amendment, Sindh battles a dengue surge, and power tariffs drive record sales tax growth.

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Around The World

Updates from Sudan. The Sudan Doctors Network has accused the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) of concealing evidence of mass killings in Darfur by burning bodies or burying them in mass graves. New satellite images also highlight efforts by the RSF to dispose of corpses after the seizure and rampage through the city of el-Fasher. The International Organization for Migration estimates that 82,000 of el-Fasher’s total population of 260,000 fled after the RSF seized the last Sudanese military stronghold in the region, amid reports of mass killings, rape, and torture, while many residents are believed to still be trapped.

Updates from Gaza. The White House says nearly 15,000 trucks carrying commercial goods and humanitarian aid have entered Gaza since October 10, but Palestinians and aid groups have sharply disputed the figures. Despite US claims, conditions on the ground remain dire, as only half the required food aid is currently reaching Gaza, while a coalition of Palestinian relief agencies said total aid deliveries amounted to just one-quarter of what was agreed under the ceasefire deal.

Meanwhile, Israel has handed over the bodies of 15 Palestinian prisoners to authorities in Gaza under the ceasefire agreement, as the Israeli army is continuing to demolish homes in the Zeitoun neighbourhood. Israeli military vehicles are firing heavily in the east of Gaza City, while heavy air raids have also been carried out on the northern and eastern areas of Khan Younis.

Trickle on. The US Senate is set to hold a vote to advance a Republican stopgap funding package that could pave the way to end the longest government shutdown in the country’s history. The breakthrough came after a group of centrist Democrats negotiated a deal to reopen the government if the Republicans promise to hold a vote on expiring healthcare subsidies by December.

The deal would include a new stopgap measure to extend government funding until January and be tied to a larger package to fund several key agencies fully. It includes no guarantee from Republicans to extend the health care subsidies that have been at the heart of the funding fight.

Pakistan

Hot clause. The Senate session debating Pakistan’s proposed 27th Constitutional Amendment was paused until 3:30 pm after heated exchanges between government and opposition lawmakers. PML-N and PPP senators defended the amendment as vital for judicial efficiency, governance, and national unity, while the PTI opposed provisions granting immunity to top officials, calling them unconstitutional. 

Information Minister Attaullah Tarar maintained that immunity for heads of state and the creation of constitutional courts align with global practices, though PM Sharif later ordered the withdrawal of a proposed immunity clause for the premier, insisting on full accountability. The amendment, requiring a two-thirds majority in both houses, was earlier approved with minor changes by joint parliamentary committees, despite opposition boycotts. 

Buzzkill. Sindh health authorities reported 727 new dengue cases over the weekend, bringing the provincial total to 6,708 this month and 12,284 so far this year, amid an outbreak driven by heavy rains and poor drainage. Karachi recorded 269 cases and Hyderabad 458, with 175 new hospital admissions and 150 recoveries during the day.  Currently, 442 dengue patients are under treatment across public and private hospitals, where over 1,400 beds have been allocated. The Health Department said dengue positivity rates are declining, while officials continue urging residents to eliminate stagnant water and mosquito breeding sites as part of prevention efforts.

Watt tax? The Federal Board of Revenue reported that sales tax collection on local sales rose 32.4% to Rs1,619.5 billion in FY 2024-25, with 57.3% of revenue coming from 15 key sectors, including electrical energy, POL products, sugar, cement, and cotton yarn. Electrical energy led contributions at 22.8% due to higher power tariffs, while POL products’ share dropped to 2.6% from 6.9% last year. Meanwhile, Sales Tax rose 22.4% to Rs2,281.9 billion, with petroleum products contributing 13.8% (Rs315.1 billion), maintaining their position as the leading import-stage revenue source.

What Else Is Happening?

👑 Dr. Arfa Sayeda Zehra, a renowned human rights activist, poet, and educationist, passed away in Lahore at the age of 83. Celebrated for her lifelong dedication to Urdu literature, education, and social causes, she taught for over five decades and served as chairperson of the National Commission on the Status of Women. 

🛑Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang said last week that China is “nanoseconds behind America in AI” and that they are going to win the AI race. Meanwhile, the White House has said it won’t allow Nvidia to sell its latest scaled-down AI chips to China, despite Trump’s hints over the summer that he might allow the company to do so.

🙊Trump’s AI and crypto czar, VC David Sacks, said there will be no federal bailout for AI. His comments followed OpenAI CFO Sarah Friar's suggestion of a federal “backstop” to help fund AI infrastructure, which she later clarified was misunderstood.