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Punjab extends Section 144 for 7 more days across province

Punjab extends

Lahore: The Punjab government has extended the implementation of Section 144 across the province for an additional seven days.

The Punjab Home Department issued a notification announcing that the restrictions will remain in place until Saturday, November 22.

Under the notification, all public gatherings—including protests, rallies, processions, sit-ins, and meetings—are prohibited. Section 144 also restricts the assembly of four or more people at public places.

A spokesperson clarified that the display of any type of weapons, use of loudspeakers, and dissemination of provocative, hateful, or sectarian material is completely banned. Loudspeakers may only be used for the call to prayer (Azaan) and Friday sermons.

According to the Home Department, this decision was taken for the establishment of law and order, protection of human lives and property.

The spokesman said that the ban will not apply to wedding ceremonies, funerals and burials, while officers and officials on official duties and courts are exempted from the ban.

According to the spokesman, in view of the security threats, processions and sit-ins can be a soft target for terrorists, miscreants can take advantage of the public protest to carry out anti-state activities.

“I Won’t Be the Father My Dad Was”: Usman Mukhtar shares bitter memories

Usman Mukhtar

KARACHI: Renowned Pakistani actor Usman Mukhtar has opened up about his childhood and the challenges he faced with his father, saying he is determined not to repeat the same mistakes with his own daughter.

In a recent interview, Usman reflected on his bitter childhood memories, explaining, “I will not be the kind of father my father was. His behavior towards me was very strict. Maybe he thought it was right, but for me, it wasn’t.”

He shared that his father’s approach had a deep impact on him, which now motivates him to be a better parent. “The way he treated me, I don’t want to treat my daughter the same way. That experience has made me want to be a better father for her,” he said.

Usman added that the experiences of childhood significantly shape a person’s life. “If my father hadn’t been the way he was, I wouldn’t be who I am today. I think differently for my daughter; I care for her deeply,” he explained.

Showing his hands-on approach, the actor shared a humorous anecdote, calling himself a “worried father.” He revealed that even before his daughter’s birth, he visited the doctor’s clinic to learn about the vaccinations and medical care she would need, emphasizing his dedication to her wellbeing.

Saudi Arabia imposes ban on severely ill pilgrims for Hajj 2026

Saudi Arabia

ISLAMABAD: Saudi authorities have announced a strict ban on severely ill individuals from performing Hajj 2026, introducing new medical compliance measures for incoming pilgrims.

Under the updated policy, severely ill pilgrims will be deported, and the cost of their return will be borne by the pilgrims themselves.

According to sources in Pakistan’s Ministry of Religious Affairs, action will also be taken against doctors who issue fitness certificates to unfit pilgrims.

The Ministry further clarified that, in line with guidelines issued by the Saudi Ministry of Health, individuals with kidney diseases, including patients undergoing dialysis, will not be allowed to perform Hajj in 2026.

The Saudi Ministry of Health has also restricted Hajj for patients suffering from advanced-stage heart, lung, and liver diseases, particularly those unable to endure physical exertion.

Mohammad Rizwan reaches major milestone with 100 ODI appearances

Mohammad Rizwan

KARACHI: Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan achieved a significant career milestone on Sunday as he completed 100 One-Day International (ODI) matches.

Before the start of the third and final ODI against Sri Lanka, a special ceremony was held on the field to honour Rizwan’s achievement. Head coach Mike Hesson praised the cricketer’s contributions, saying Rizwan has “always brought energy to the ground” and highlighted his strong passion for representing Pakistan.

On the occasion, pacer Naseem Shah presented Rizwan with a commemorative cap marking his 100th ODI appearance, while teammates congratulated him on reaching the landmark.

Rizwan has scored 2,921 runs in his 100 ODI matches so far.

Portugal qualify for FIFA World Cup 2026 after crushing Armenia

Portugal qualify

Portugal secured their place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 with a commanding 9–1 victory over Armenia, despite the absence of star forward Cristiano Ronaldo. The emphatic win also ensured Portugal finished at the top of their qualifying Group F.

Bruno Fernandes and João Neves were the standout performers, each scoring a hat-trick to lead Portugal to direct qualification for the World Cup.

The triumph came just days after Portugal suffered a 0–2 defeat to Ireland on Thursday, a match in which captain Cristiano Ronaldo was shown a red card and subsequently suspended, ruling him out of the Armenia clash.

Reacting to the team’s qualification, Ronaldo celebrated the achievement on social media, writing: “We are in the World Cup! Vamos Portugal!”

The FIFA World Cup 2026 will be hosted jointly by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, featuring an expanded lineup of 48 teams.

With this qualification, Portugal have booked their place in the World Cup for the ninth time overall and the seventh consecutive edition.

Sunny Deol recalls struggles of father Dharmendra in Bollywood’s early days

Sunny Deol

MUMBAI: Bollywood actor Sunny Deol has shared a touching revelation about his legendary father, Dharmendra, revealing that in the early days of his career, his father often had no money even for basic necessities like buying clothes.

In a recent interview, Sunny spoke about Dharmendra’s struggles in the film industry alongside renowned actor-director Manoj Kumar.

He recalled that both started their careers around the same time, with a strong bond between the two. “As a child, we always saw them together,” Sunny said.

Sunny further explained that Dharmendra once shared how, in the early years, he and Manoj Kumar would sometimes be without money. “My father would have nothing in his pocket. Manoj Ji would occasionally have some money and would say, ‘Come on Dharm, let’s buy two shirts,'” Sunny shared.

He added, “There was a beautiful bond between them back then, and I feel that was a beautiful time that can never come back.”

Manoj Kumar, a beloved figure in the Indian film industry, passed away this year at the age of 87.

Dharmendra’s Death Rumors

Recently, several major Indian media outlets, reported false news about Dharmendra’s death, which was later refuted by his family. The misleading reports sparked outrage, particularly from the Deol family.

Sunny Deol was visibly upset when he confronted reporters outside his home, using strong language and questioning the media’s lack of empathy. “Do you have parents, children in your house? If you do, why are you posting such videos? Don’t you have any shame?” he asked, expressing his anger at the sensationalized reporting.

Missing Sikh pilgrim converts to Islam, marries Pakistani citizen

Missing Sikh

LAHORE: During the annual Baba Guru Nanak Yatra in Pakistan, an Indian Sikh woman, Sarbjeet Kaur, converted to Islam and married a Pakistani citizen.

Renamed Noor after embracing Islam, the 48-year-old Sarbjeet Kaur married Nasser Hussain, a resident of Farooqabad in Sheikhupura district, on 5 November. The marriage contract included a mahr of PKR 10,000, which has been fully paid.

Sarbjeet Kaur had arrived in Pakistan on 4 November with a group of Indian pilgrims.

However, she did not return with the group on 13 November, when her visa also expired, leading authorities to initially declare her missing.

Subsequent investigations revealed that she had converted to Islam and entered into marriage with a Pakistani national.

Trump announces legal action against BBC over misedited speech

Trump announces

WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump has announced plans to take legal action against British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) next week.

Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump stated that legal advisors believe damages could exceed $1 billion, and that the United States may file a lawsuit against BBC.

He added that he has not yet discussed the matter with the UK Prime Minister, but intends to speak with Labour leader Keir Starmer regarding the issue.

The controversy stems from BBC’s misediting of one of Trump’s speeches, for which the broadcaster issued an apology but refused to pay compensation.

BBC also assured that the edited documentary featuring Trump, scheduled to air in 2024, will not be broadcast again.

Another blow for Australia: Josh Hazlewood ruled out of first Test

Josh Hazlewood

SYDNEY: Australia’s preparations for the Ashes series against England have suffered another setback, as fast bowler Josh Hazlewood has been ruled out of the first Test due to a hamstring strain, Cricket Australia confirmed.

This follows earlier blows with Pat Cummins and Shane Abbott also missing out on the opening Test. Cummins is sidelined with a back issue, while Abbott is recovering from a hamstring strain.

To fill the gap, Michael Neser has been added to the squad for the first Test.

The Ashes series between Australia and England will commence on 21 November in Perth.

Explosion at Srinagar’s Nogam police station claims 7 lives

Explosion at Srinagar’s

SRINAGAR: A massive explosion triggered a fire at the Nogam Police Station in Srinagar, Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), leaving 7 dead and 27 injured, local media reported.

Preliminary reports suggest that the explosion occurred due to detonation of seized ammonium nitrate, causing extensive damage inside the police station. Several vehicles were completely engulfed in flames, and parts of the building sustained severe damage.

Authorities have warned that the death toll could rise and further investigations are underway to determine the full extent and cause of the incident.