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Ex-PM meets Bushra Bibi in Adiala Jail amid restrictions on family visits

Ex-PM

RAWALPINDI:  Former prime minister Imran Khan met his wife Bushra Bibi at Adiala Jail on Tuesday, according to prison sources.

Despite it being a designated day for meetings, no family members or legal representatives were allowed to meet the PTI founder.

However, sources confirmed that a weekly meeting between Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi was arranged inside the jail.

The two reportedly spent around 30 to 35 minutes together and inquired about each other’s well-being.

Meanwhile, Aleema Khan staged a protest along with other family members near Gorakhpur checkpoint outside Adiala Jail late into the night, expressing concern over the denial of ملاقات permissions.

250 feared missing after boat carrying Rohingya refugees capsizes

250 feared missing

Around 250 people are feared missing after a boat carrying Rohingya refugees and Bangladeshi nationals capsized in the Andaman Sea, according to a joint statement by United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and International Organization for Migration.

The agencies said the overcrowded trawler, carrying men, women and children, reportedly sank due to strong winds and rough sea conditions. The vessel had departed from Teknaf in southern Bangladesh and was heading toward Malaysia.

Describing the incident as a tragedy, the UN agencies said it underscores the severe human cost of prolonged displacement and the lack of lasting solutions for the Rohingya population.

For years, members of the Rohingya Muslim minority from Myanmar have undertaken perilous sea journeys in fragile boats to reach countries such as Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand, seeking refuge from persecution and dire conditions in overcrowded camps in Bangladesh.

The agencies urged the international community to increase funding for life-saving assistance for Rohingya refugees and extend support to host communities in Bangladesh.

The crisis dates back to 2017, when Myanmar’s military launched a large-scale crackdown that forced more than 730,000 Rohingya to flee into Bangladesh.

Survivors reported widespread atrocities, including killings, sexual violence and arson. A UN fact-finding mission later concluded that the military operation involved “genocidal acts,” a claim denied by Myanmar’s authorities.

Global energy shift as uncertainty deepens over Hormuz Strait closure

Global energy shift

Global energy markets are facing heightened uncertainty following reports regarding the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and the ongoing blockade of Iranian ports announced by the Donald Trump administration, raising concerns over the restoration of global oil and gas flows.

The Strait of Hormuz, through which nearly one-fifth of the world’s oil trade typically passes estimated at around 20 million barrels per day had reportedly seen severe disruption following recent regional tensions and military escalations involving the United States and Iran. Supply flows were said to have been significantly affected, triggering volatility in global energy markets.

As a result, international oil and gas prices surged sharply, with particularly severe impacts felt across Asia and developing economies that rely heavily on energy imports and have limited capacity to absorb global price shocks.

Energy experts say the prolonged disruption could have lasting consequences for the global energy landscape, potentially reshaping long-term supply chains and energy security priorities.

According to industry analysis platforms such as OilPrice.com, the current uncertainty is accelerating a global shift toward alternative energy sources. Energy security and price stability are now being prioritized alongside environmental goals.

Experts further note that clean energy is increasingly being viewed not just as an environmental necessity but as a geopolitical and economic imperative.

The focus has shifted from climate concerns alone to issues of stability, affordability, and national energy independence.

China has emerged as a major beneficiary of this transition, with exports from renewable energy companies reportedly rising by 57%. As a dominant player in solar panels, wind turbines, batteries, and electric vehicles, China is strengthening its position in global clean energy supply chains, particularly in markets affected by disruptions in traditional energy routes.

Analysts predict a further rise in demand for wind and solar energy in the coming years, as countries seek to reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels and improve resilience against future supply shocks. As one expert noted, renewable sources like wind and solar cannot be blocked or restricted, making them a more secure and strategically stable energy option for the future.

Actress Ramsha Khan confirms marriage to Khushhal Khan

Actress Ramsha Khan

Karachi: Pakistani actress Ramsha Khan has confirmed her marriage to fellow actor Khushhal Khan after days of speculation on social media.

Rumors about the couple’s wedding had been circulating recently, with several public figures also hinting at their union. The speculation intensified after a photo from their nikah ceremony surfaced online.

Breaking her silence, Ramsha Khan shared an Instagram story confirming the marriage while expressing anger over the leak of private images. She stated that the photos were shared without consent and called the act unethical.

“We have always kept our personal lives private, and we intend to continue doing so,” she wrote, urging social media pages to delete the images and refrain from reposting them.

The actress, while confirming the marriage, requested respect for their privacy, saying, “This is our life, not your headline. Please respect it and leave us alone.”

She added that further details would be shared at an appropriate time.

Oil prices surge after reports of Strait of Hormuz blockade

Oil prices

Global oil markets witnessed a sharp rise following reports of a blockade in the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global energy supplies.

The price of Brent crude jumped by $7, crossing $102 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) rose by around $6.5 to reach $103 per barrel.

Shipping costs in the Gulf region also surged significantly, with insurance premiums for vessels increasing by as much as 1,000%.

Reports indicate that a tanker carrying oil worth $150 million would now require approximately $7.5 million in insurance premiums.

Meanwhile, global demand for alternative energy sources is rising. China has taken a lead in this sector, with exports from Chinese renewable energy companies increasing by 57%.

On the other hand, OPEC has expressed concerns that global oil demand could decline amid shifting energy trends.

PSX plunges as KSE-100 index drops over 6,000 points

PSX plunges

Karachi: The Pakistan Stock Exchange witnessed a sharp bearish trend at the start of the trading week, with heavy losses recorded throughout the session.

Trading opened on a negative note, with the benchmark KSE-100 Index falling nearly 3% during intraday activity. The index shed around 4,861 points in early trading, reflecting strong selling pressure in the market.

After 1:00 PM, the index hovered around 162,329 points before slipping further to 161,638 points as the downward trend intensified.

By the close of trading, the KSE-100 Index had plunged by 6,600 points, settling at 160,591, marking a significant decline on the first day of the business week.

PM directs continuous monitoring of oil consumption amid regional tensions

PM directs

Islamabad: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed authorities to ensure continuous monitoring of oil consumption in the country in view of rising regional tensions.

The directive was issued during a high-level meeting chaired by the prime minister to review petroleum reserves and supply. The meeting was attended by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Federal Minister Ahsan Iqbal Cheema, Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, and senior officials.

During the briefing, the prime minister was informed that the country currently has sufficient petroleum reserves and that arrangements have already been made to meet future demand. Officials also stressed the need to maintain austerity measures to ensure efficient use of resources.

Shehbaz Sharif noted that consistent monitoring of oil consumption and reserves has helped avert any crisis so far, adding that government efforts to provide relief to the public will continue.

Miss Universe Pakistan to represent country at Cannes Film Festival 2025c

Miss Universe

Karachi: Roma Riaz, who was crowned Miss Universe Pakistan in 2025, is set to attend the prestigious Cannes Film Festival this year.

Belonging to Pakistan’s Christian community and a Punjabi family background, Roma Riaz confirmed in a conversation with Geo Digital that she will walk the red carpet at the global event and also host the Expedition Gala. She expressed pride in representing Pakistan on such an international platform.

She follows in the footsteps of Erica Robin, who became the first Miss Universe Pakistan to debut at the Cannes Film Festival in 2024, where she attended the premiere of The Substance.

Roma Riaz is expected to showcase outfits by various designers during her appearance at the festival, although she has not yet revealed details about her wardrobe.

The 78th edition of the Cannes Film Festival will take place in France from May 12 to May 23, featuring selected films from around the world.

Peshawar Zalmi beat Multan Sultans by 24 runs, move top of PSL 11 table

Peshawar Zalmi

KARACHI:  Peshawar Zalmi secured a comfortable 24-run victory over Multan Sultans in Pakistan Super League (PSL) Season 11, registering their fifth win of the tournament.

After being put in to bat, Peshawar Zalmi posted an impressive 196 for 6 in their allotted 20 overs. Kusal Mendis led the charge with a brilliant 68, while Mohammad Haris contributed a quickfire 38. Babar Azam scored 18, Saim Ayub added 30, and Michael Bracewell chipped in with 14 runs.

For Multan Sultans, Mohammad Ismail and Peter Siddle took two wickets each.

Chasing 197, Multan Sultans were restricted to 172 for 8 in their 20 overs. Shan Masood top-scored with 35, while Josh Philippe made 32.

Zalmi’s bowling attack was led by Sufiyan Muqeem, who picked up three wickets, while Iftikhar Ahmed and Nahid Rana claimed two wickets each.

With this win, Peshawar Zalmi moved to the top of the points table with 11 points from six matches, including one no-result, while Multan Sultans remain second with 8 points.