– Pakistan represents about 48% of people living in extreme poverty across the Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan and Pakistan region. The World Bank reported the figure in its October 2026 regional economic update. The lender measured poverty using the
Business
– The African Union officially launched the Africa Credit Rating Agency, or AfCRA, in Mauritius on October 7. The new institution will focus on African sovereigns, companies and other issuers. AfCRA plans to provide independent credit assessments using African data,
– Pakistan’s federal state-owned enterprises carried debt equal to about $36.5 billion at the end of December 2025. The total rose 14.3% from a year earlier, adding roughly $4.7 billion at current exchange rates. The Ministry of Finance published the
– The UAE recorded $63.353 billion in outward foreign direct investment in 2025, according to UN Trade and Development. The country’s total outward FDI stock reached $402.729 billion by year-end. That compares with $55.560 billion in 2010, showing a sharp
– Pakistan petrol prices moved higher again on October 6 after another daily fuel revision. Petrol increased by Rs0.88 per litre to Rs393.64, extending the rise recorded three days earlier. High-speed diesel moved in the opposite direction, falling by Rs1.88
– Oil prices steadied near $102 a barrel on Monday after Brent briefly climbed above $103 in early trading. At 0900 GMT, Brent crude futures were up 5 cents at $102.30 a barrel. U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude was down
– Renault Group will invest more than €10 billion in France over the next five years, Chief Executive François Provost said on October 3. The spending will focus on electric vehicles and more affordable cars. Renault produced about 500,000 vehicles
Travel
– Air Arabia will start nonstop flights from Sharjah International Airport to Amman City Airport on November 15, 2026. The carrier will operate the route four times a week. The service will add another direct connection between the United Arab
Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé, Lamine Yamal and Erling Haaland lead the 30-player shortlist for the 2026 Ballon d’Or. Organizers released the nominees on September 8 ahead of the October 26 ceremony in London. Ousmane Dembélé, Rodri and Vinícius Júnior also
