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Pakistan qualify for hockey world cup after eight years

Pakistan qualify for

The Pakistan men’s national field hockey team has qualified for the Hockey World Cup after eight years by defeating Japan men’s national field hockey team 4–3 in a thrilling semifinal of the qualifiers being played in Egypt.

Pakistan secured the dramatic victory thanks to goalkeeper Ali Raza, who made a crucial save by stopping a penalty stroke late in the match.

Japan was awarded the penalty stroke just four minutes before the end of the match, but Ali Raza’s decisive save helped Pakistan hold on to the lead and secure an important win.

For Pakistan, goals were scored by Sufyan Khan, Abu Muhammad, Muhammad Imad and Afraz.

By winning the semifinal of the qualifiers, Pakistan have booked their place in the Hockey World Cup after an eight-year gap. The national team last played in the tournament in 2018 and failed to qualify for the most recent edition.

The Men’s Hockey World Cup 2026 is scheduled to take place from August 14 to August 30, 2026, and will be jointly hosted by Belgium and Netherlands

PM approves weekly pricing mechanism for petroleum products

PM approves weekly

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has approved a weekly pricing mechanism for petroleum products in view of the evolving regional situation and potential energy challenges.

The decision was taken during a meeting of the committee on petroleum product stocks and consumption, chaired by the prime minister in Islamabad.

 During the meeting, the finance minister briefed the premier on the current fuel supply situation and policy options.

According to sources, the committee presented recommendations regarding weekly adjustments in petroleum prices, which were approved by the prime minister.

Under the proposed framework, the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) will review and recommend weekly petroleum price adjustments. After ECC approval, the final summary will be submitted to the federal cabinet for formal approval.

Sources added that a comprehensive plan aimed at addressing potential energy challenges—similar to measures adopted during the COVID-19 period—has been finalized and may be announced soon.

The prime minister also directed the finance minister to consult with provincial governments and present a proposal on work-from-home arrangements for offices by Monday. Additionally, a plan for virtual learning in educational institutions is also under consideration.

Officials believe these measures could help reduce fuel demand and ensure efficient use of existing petroleum stocks.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Petroleum informed the meeting that the country currently has adequate petroleum reserves to meet national requirements.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif further instructed authorities to take strict legal action against hoarders of petroleum products. He directed that petrol pumps found involved in creating artificial shortages should be immediately shut down.

The prime minister also ordered the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) to cancel the licenses of petrol pumps involved in artificial shortages and initiate legal proceedings against them.

He directed the petroleum minister to visit provinces and coordinate with provincial governments to develop a strategy ensuring fuel conservation and uninterrupted supply to the public.

Furthermore, the prime minister instructed authorities to establish a digital dashboard to monitor the movement of petroleum products, allowing real-time data sharing with provincial governments to ensure transparent monitoring of fuel transportation across the country.

Minab school attack may be linked to US military operation: report

Minab school attack

A deadly attack on a school in the southern Iranian city of Minab on February 28 is being described as the deadliest civilian casualty incident so far in the ongoing US-Israeli strikes on Iran, with 175 students reportedly killed.

No party has officially claimed responsibility for the strike. However, a report by the American newspaper The New York Times suggests that satellite imagery, social media posts, and verified videos indicate the school building was directly targeted.

The attack occurred while a nearby naval base operated by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) was also under attack.

According to the report, statements from US officials acknowledging strikes on naval targets near the Strait of Hormuz have raised the possibility that the school strike may have been linked to the broader military operation.

Satellite imagery analysis cited by the newspaper shows that the building was once part of the IRGC naval base in 2013, with roads connecting it to other sections of the facility. However, the structure was reportedly separated from the base in 2016.

Further satellite evidence shows the presence of a playground and other recreational facilities, indicating that the building was functioning as an educational institution at the time of the strike.

The report noted that if it is confirmed the school was hit by US munitions, serious questions would arise about whether the strike occurred by mistake or was based on outdated intelligence.

YouTuber Rajab Butt faces fresh allegations amid family dispute

YouTuber Rajab Butt

Pakistani vlogger Rajab Butt has once again made headlines after his brother-in-law publicly levelled serious allegations against him and his family.

Rajab Butt has frequently remained in the spotlight due to controversies, scandals and legal issues. His personal life is also currently facing turmoil as his wife Iman Rajab is reportedly not living with him, while tensions between the two families continue to escalate. Although attempts were made to reconcile the differences, they have not been successful so far.

In a recent video statement, Iman Rajab’s brother Aun Sheikh claimed that Rajab Butt’s mother and uncle visited their house and allegedly issued threats to his sister. The statement came in response to criticism directed at Iman during a live session on social media by individuals identified as Haider and Dogar.

Aun Sheikh said that he would be willing to compromise if it meant saving his sister’s marriage. “Everyone has sisters, but if your brother-in-law deceives your pregnant sister, what would you do?” he questioned.

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He further alleged that Rajab Butt not only speaks against his sister on social media but also makes claims about providing her with various luxuries, which he described as untrue. According to Aun, he had remained silent on several occasions despite what he called misleading statements.

He added that Rajab Butt’s family allegedly told them that his behaviour would not change, and claimed to have recordings related to the matter.

Meanwhile, many social media users have advised Aun Sheikh to carefully consider his sister’s future. Some suggested that separation might be the best option if the situation does not improve, while others urged him to avoid making further public statements about the family dispute.

Badshah reacts to Hania Aamir’s marriage rumours

Badshah reacts

Bollywood singer Badshah has shared his thoughts on the marriage rumours surrounding globally popular Pakistani actress Hania Aamir, offering a lighthearted piece of advice during a recent media interaction.

The singer, who is currently visiting London, addressed several questions during a press conference ahead of his upcoming concert.

When asked whether he would be interested in collaborating with Hania Aamir, Badshah said he would be open to working with her and other Pakistani artists once relations between Pakistan and India improve.

He added that artistic collaborations become easier when the emotional and political environment between the two countries is more positive.

During the conversation, a journalist also mentioned that rumours about Hania Aamir’s marriage have been circulating recently. Responding to the speculation, Badshah said that if marriage news is making rounds, it is a good thing.

He jokingly remarked that getting married is always a good idea but emphasized that it remains a personal matter for Hania Aamir.

Badshah is currently in London for his major concert scheduled at The O2 Arena on March 22, where he is expected to perform in front of thousands of fans.

Pakistan voices concern over India–Canada uranium supply deal

Pakistan voices

Islamabad: Pakistan has expressed concern over a uranium supply agreement between India and Canada, warning that the deal could disturb the strategic balance in South Asia.

Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Hussain Andrabi said the agreement represents another exception in the framework of civil nuclear cooperation. He noted that India’s 1974 nuclear test had originally led to the creation of the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG).

He pointed out that India has not placed all of its civilian nuclear facilities under the safeguards of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), and several of its nuclear installations remain outside international inspections.

According to the Foreign Office, external uranium supplies to India could potentially contribute to the expansion of its nuclear weapons stockpile.

The spokesperson further stated that such agreements may undermine the strategic stability of South Asia. Pakistan reiterated its call for a non-discriminatory and principles-based framework for civil nuclear cooperation, emphasizing that selective exceptions weaken the credibility of the global non-proliferation regime.

Pakistan urged the international community to adopt uniform standards based on global rules rather than discriminatory arrangements, warning that Canada’s move could damage the credibility of the international nuclear non-proliferation system.

Misbah, Sarfaraz appointed as members of selection committee

Misbah, Sarfaraz

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board has added two former captains to the national men’s selection committee.

According to an update on the PCB’s official website, Misbah-ul-Haq and Sarfaraz Ahmed have been appointed as members of the selection committee.

They will join Aaqib Javed and Asad Shafiq, who will continue to serve on the panel. With the new appointments, the national selection committee now consists of four members.

The development comes after Aleem Dar resigned from the selection committee three days ago following Pakistan’s early exit from the recent cricket World Cup.

Pakistan Cricket Board has decided not to make major changes to the national team despite its disappointing performance in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.

According to sources, the board has opted to maintain continuity in its policies and will not replace the captain or coaching staff in any format.

Sources said that head coach Mike Hesson will continue his role in One Day International and T20 formats as per his contract. Meanwhile, Salman Ali Agha will remain captain in the T20 format, while Shaheen Shah Afridi has been retained as captain for One Day Internationals.

The decision reflects the board’s approach to support team leadership rather than making immediate changes after major defeats.

Sources also confirmed that the resignation of Aleem Dar from the national selection committee has been accepted.

Pakistan destroys TTP infrastructure in Afghanistan, achieves target in Bagram

Pakistan destroys TTP

ISLAMABAD: Security sources say Pakistan has successfully achieved its target in Bagram, destroying the ammunition support infrastructure used by the Afghan Taliban regime to assist militants.

According to the sources, the ongoing Operation Ghazab-Lil-Haq is not directed against the Afghan people but solely against terrorism. They said the Afghan Taliban regime is involved in terrorist incidents in Pakistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

The sources maintained that Pakistan is conducting intelligence-based operations in Afghanistan, and civilians are not being targeted. “Our strategy focuses only on terrorist hideouts, not civilian populations,” they added.

Security officials claimed that several mid-level leaders of the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) were killed in the strikes. They said Pakistan has carried out more than 50 strikes against positions linked to the Afghan Taliban regime.

Sources further stated that Pakistan has so far destroyed 226 TTP checkpoints in Afghanistan and captured 36 others.

They emphasized that the Pakistani government’s role in the operation is balanced and called for national unity to make Operation Ghazab-Lil-Haq successful. “Our only demand from Afghanistan is that its territory should not be used for terrorism against Pakistan,” the sources said.

Referring to a United Nations report, they noted that 22 terrorist organizations are currently operating in Afghanistan. They also alleged that the Afghan Taliban were involved in recent incidents in Bajaur, Tarlai Mosque, and Wana.

The sources stressed the need for full implementation of the National Action Plan, saying the fight against terrorism must rise above politics. They added that if the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police were given full political independence, it could effectively combat terrorism on its own.

Security officials said Pakistan is not concerned about who governs Afghanistan, but is focused solely on eliminating terrorism. They clarified that no large-scale operation is underway in Tirah, and only intelligence-based operations are being conducted there.

The sources also accused India of supporting terrorism in Pakistan with the backing of the Afghan Taliban regime, claiming that decisions within the regime are being influenced by external actors.

They noted that although Pakistan’s defence budget is smaller than Iran’s, the country remains among the world’s most powerful militaries and maintains good relations with China, Russia, and the United States.

According to the sources, Pakistan did not act in response to any particular statement but carried out operations strictly to achieve its targets. “Strikes in Afghanistan will continue until the objectives are fully achieved,” they said.

They also rejected the notion that Afghanistan is the “graveyard of empires,” saying it has instead become a playground where global powers pursue their interests.

The sources claimed that threats attributed to the TTP are being circulated deliberately and described Afghanistan as a “master proxy.”

They reiterated that Pakistan has no intention of conquering Afghanistan and that the Afghan people themselves will decide any regime change.

Finally, Pakistan has conveyed a clear message to Afghanistan: hand over the TTP leadership to Pakistani authorities.

President Trump insists on US role in Iran leadership transition

President Trump

US President Donald Trump has said he should personally be involved in selecting Iran’s next leader after Ali Khamenei, warning that Tehran would be “wasting its time” if it attempts to appoint a successor without US involvement.

In an interview with an American website, Trump said that discussions are underway in Iran regarding the country’s next supreme leader. He claimed that Mojtaba Khamenei, the son of Ayatollah Khamenei, is being considered as a potential successor, but he would not accept such a decision.

Trump described Mojtaba Khamenei as a weak personality and said the United States wants to see a leader in Iran who can bring harmony and peace to the country.

He added that he must be part of the process of selecting Iran’s next leadership, similar to what he claimed happened in Venezuela.

He further warned that Washington would not accept any new Iranian leader who continues the policies of the current leadership.

According to Trump, if the same approach persists, it could lead to another confrontation with the United States within five years.

China pledges to build “Childbirth-Friendly Society” amid declining population

China

Beijing: China has announced a five-year plan to create a “childbirth-friendly society”, addressing concerns over employment, education, healthcare, income, and overall family support, according to an official government report released Thursday.

Authorities said they will improve population services and respond proactively to the challenges of an ageing population by promoting high-quality, full employment, enhancing income distribution, and refining the social security system.

The government also aims to foster positive attitudes toward marriage and childbearing and provide expanded housing support for families with children.

China’s population fell for the fourth consecutive year in 2025, with the birth rate hitting a record low, raising concerns among experts about further decline. Policymakers have made population planning a key part of the country’s economic strategy.

Beijing is expected to spend around 180 billion yuan ($25.8 billion) in 2026 on measures to boost births, including the national child subsidy and ensuring no out-of-pocket costs for women during pregnancy, covering medical expenses such as in vitro fertilization (IVF).

The government will continue to expand childcare subsidies and trials for subsidized childcare services, while improving support for women in early pregnancy and reproductive health, including better prevention and treatment of birth defects. Education policies will also be enhanced, with free preschool programs and increased secondary school places, backed by government spending exceeding 4% of GDP.

China faces a rapidly ageing population, with the number of people aged 60 and above projected to reach 400 million by 2035, roughly equal to the combined populations of the US and Italy. Authorities plan to boost the “silver economy”, particularly in rural areas, expanding elderly care services, pensions, and wellness programs.

China has already raised retirement ages, requiring men to work until 63 (up from 60) and women until 58 (up from 55), as the country seeks to manage the economic impact of a shrinking workforce while supporting both young families and the elderly.

This initiative reflects China’s dual challenge of reversing population decline while ensuring sustainable economic growth amid demographic pressures.