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PPP rejects all 27th Amendment proposals except Article 243 change

PPP rejects

KARACHI: The Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) has taken a firm stance on the proposed 27th Constitutional Amendment, with its Central Executive Committee (CEC) endorsing only one clause while discarding the rest after extensive deliberations.

Speaking at a press briefing after the meeting, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari said a delegation from the PML-N had approached the party seeking support for the amendment.

The proposed changes included the creation of a constitutional court, revisions to the NFC Award, reforms in education and population planning, restoration of executive magistracy, judicial transfers, and matters related to the Election Commission.

Bilawal stated that the only proposal the CEC agreed to support was the amendment pertaining to Article 243. He said the party outrightly rejected any move affecting the provincial share, adding that the PPP would not support such a proposal under any circumstances. All other points of the 27th Amendment, including changes to the NFC formula, were fully rejected.

Regarding the establishment of a constitutional court, Bilawal noted that while the idea existed in the Charter of Democracy, other commitments from the charter must also be considered. He emphasized that any such court must ensure equal representation from all four provinces.

Bilawal further said the CEC would reconvene after Friday prayers to finalize its position on the matter of the constitutional court.

Meanwhile, federal cabinet meeting, convened today under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to deliberate on the 27th Constitutional Amendment, has been postponed.

The session was expected to approve the draft of the 27th Amendment; however, cabinet members have been formally notified about the postponement.

The meeting was scheduled to take place at Committee Room No. 2 of the Parliament House, where key government matters and proposed constitutional amendments were to be discussed.

Clip of Usman Khawaja praying with his daughters goes viral

Usman Khawaja

A video of Australian cricketer Usman Khawaja offering prayers alongside his two young daughters has gone viral across social media platforms.

The clip shows Khawaja praying with his daughters standing beside him, a moment that has resonated widely with viewers. The video has garnered significant appreciation, with users praising the cricketer for setting a positive example.

Social media users have also expressed admiration for Khawaja’s humility and values, extending prayers and well-wishes for him and his family.

One social media user commented on the viral video, saying, “Children follow in their parents’ footsteps.” Another user simply wrote, “Legend and role model.”

According to media reports, Usman Khawaja married Rachel in 2017 after she embraced Islam prior to their Nikah. Later, on April 6, 2018, the couple held a cultural and traditional wedding ceremony.

Usman and Rachel Khawaja are parents to two daughters, Aisha Raheel and Ayla Fozia.

Govt postpones scheduled federal cabinet meeting

Govt postpones

ISLAMABAD: The federal cabinet session scheduled for today to review the proposed 27th Constitutional Amendment has been deferred.

The session was expected to approve the draft of the 27th Amendment; however, cabinet members have been formally notified about the postponement.

The meeting was scheduled to take place at Committee Room No. 2 of the Parliament House, where key government matters and proposed constitutional amendments were to be discussed.

According to sources, the reasons behind the postponement have not yet been disclosed. A new date for the meeting is likely to be announced in the coming days.

On the other hand,  Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has taken coalition partners into confidence regarding the proposed 27th Constitutional Amendment.

During a meeting with an MQM delegation, he assured the party that its local government draft would be incorporated into the amendment, after which MQM also extended its support.

MQM representatives also pledged to assist the government in securing backing from other political parties.

According to sources, MQM placed several demands before the prime minister, including granting financial, administrative, and political powers to local governments formed after the elections, setting a four-year tenure for local bodies, and holding new local government elections under a caretaker setup.

Separately, delegations from the Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party, PML-Q, and Balochistan Awami Party also met with the prime minister to discuss the amendment and related political matters.

Meanwhile, the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) has rejected all key points of the proposed 27th Constitutional Amendment except the change related to Article 243.

Pakistan down Kuwait in Hong Kong Sixes opener

Pakistan

Pakistan made a winning start to the Hong Kong Sixes tournament by defeating Kuwait by four wickets in their opening match. Skipper Abbas Afridi won the toss and chose to bowl first.

Kuwait put up an impressive total of 123 for 2 in the allotted six overs. Opener Adnan Idrees scored 17, while Bilal Tahir contributed 24 runs. Meet Bhusur remained unbeaten on 41, and wicketkeeper-batter Usman Patel scored an unbeaten 31.

For Pakistan, Abbas Afridi and Muaz Sadaqat picked up one wicket each.

Pakistan chased down the target with one wicket down. Khawaja Nafeh remained not out on 25, while Shahid Aziz contributed an unbeaten 23. Mohammad Shehzad retired hurt after scoring 14, and Abdullah Samad was dismissed without scoring.

Captain Abbas Afridi was the star of the innings, smashing a blistering 55 runs off just 12 balls, including one four and eight sixes, earning him the Player of the Match award.

Kuwait’s lone wicket was taken by Muhammad Shafiq. Pakistan will face India later today in their second match of the tournament.

President, PM slam India’s unlawful control over Kashmir

President

ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif have issued special messages on Jammu Martyrs’ Day, reaffirming Pakistan’s unwavering moral, political, and diplomatic support for the Kashmiri people in their struggle for justice and self-determination.

President Zardari described the November 6, 1947 Jammu massacre as one of the “darkest human tragedies in the history of the subcontinent,” stating that over 200,000 Muslims were brutally killed by Dogra forces, RSS militants, and armed mobs.

He said that “millions of Muslims were forced to migrate after the massacre,” terming it as one of the darkest chapters in modern history. The President lamented that the international community failed to give due attention to the genocide of Kashmiri Muslims, adding that their sacrifices remain a painful reminder of the unfinished story of Jammu and Kashmir.

President Zardari said India’s illegal occupation of Jammu and Kashmir continues to deny basic rights to its people, while the revocation of Articles 370 and 35-A was part of a “dangerous demographic engineering plan.”

He called the move a violation of the Geneva Conventions, urging the international community not to remain silent over India’s human rights abuses in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).

He reaffirmed that Pakistan will continue to stand by the Kashmiri people in their just struggle for dignity, justice, and freedom.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in his message, called November 6, 1947, a dark day in the history of Jammu and Kashmir, noting that “even after eight decades, the pain of that tragedy remains etched in the memories of Kashmiris.”

He said the day symbolizes the Kashmiri people’s courage and unyielding resolve in the face of oppression. The Prime Minister stated that Indian forces and extremists had subjected over 237,000 Kashmiris to violence and genocide, attempting to alter the region’s demographic and religious composition.

The Kashmiris on both sides of the Line of Control (LoC) and around the world are observing Jammu Martyrs’ Day today to pay tribute to the hundreds of thousands of Muslims who were massacred in November 1947.

The day commemorates the memory of those who lost their lives when Hindu extremists brutally killed unarmed men, women, and children in Jammu during the first week of November 1947. Kashmiris continue to mark this day each year, reaffirming their resolve for freedom and justice.

For the past 77 years, the people of occupied Jammu and Kashmir have been enduring continuous oppression under India’s illegal occupation. Rights groups and Kashmiri leaders have urged the international community to break its silence and recognize the mass killings in Jammu as an act of genocide.

President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif have issued special messages on Jammu Martyrs’ Day, reaffirming Pakistan’s unwavering moral, political, and diplomatic support for the Kashmiri people in their struggle for justice and self-determination.

President Zardari described the November 6, 1947 Jammu massacre as one of the “darkest human tragedies in the history of the subcontinent,” stating that over 200,000 Muslims were brutally killed by Dogra forces, RSS militants, and armed mobs.

He said that “millions of Muslims were forced to migrate after the massacre,” terming it as one of the darkest chapters in modern history. The President lamented that the international community failed to give due attention to the genocide of Kashmiri Muslims, adding that their sacrifices remain a painful reminder of the unfinished story of Jammu and Kashmir.

President Zardari said India’s illegal occupation of Jammu and Kashmir continues to deny basic rights to its people, while the revocation of Articles 370 and 35-A was part of a “dangerous demographic engineering plan.”

He called the move a violation of the Geneva Conventions, urging the international community not to remain silent over India’s human rights abuses in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).

He reaffirmed that Pakistan will continue to stand by the Kashmiri people in their just struggle for dignity, justice, and freedom.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in his message, called November 6, 1947, a dark day in the history of Jammu and Kashmir, noting that “even after eight decades, the pain of that tragedy remains etched in the memories of Kashmiris.”

He said the day symbolizes the Kashmiri people’s courage and unyielding resolve in the face of oppression. The Prime Minister stated that Indian forces and extremists had subjected over 237,000 Kashmiris to violence and genocide, attempting to alter the region’s demographic and religious composition.

Highlighting India’s ongoing oppressive policies, he said that the August 5, 2019 actions were part of the same strategy to suppress Kashmiris and deny them their right to self-determination, in clear violation of UN Security Council resolutions and international law.

The Prime Minister reiterated Pakistan’s solidarity with the Kashmiri people, vowing continued support for their legitimate struggle for freedom and justice.

US cancels 80,000 immigrant visas over criminal offenses

US cancels

WASHINGTON: In a sweeping move reflecting its tough stance on immigration, the Trump administration has canceled the visas of about 80,000 immigrants accused of committing crimes in the United States.

Most of the visa cancellations were linked to cases involving violence, theft, and driving under the influence (DUI), officials confirmed.

A senior U.S. official said that 16,000 visas were revoked over DUI charges, while 12,000 were canceled due to assault-related offenses.

Additionally, in August, 6,000 student visas were revoked over visa expiry violations and breaches of U.S. immigration laws.

According to the news agency, six more visas were canceled last month after individuals posted incendiary remarks online following the attack on political commentator Charlie Kirk.

The move underscores the Trump administration’s continued strict enforcement of immigration and visa policies, particularly targeting those with criminal records or violations of U.S. law.

Miss Universe in turmoil after Thai official calls Miss Mexico ‘Dumb’

Miss Universe

BANGKOK: The Miss Universe 2025 event in Thailand has come under fire after several contestants walked out in protest over what they described as “humiliating and disrespectful behavior” toward Miss Mexico, Fatima Bosch.

According to international media reports, the controversy erupted when the pageant’s Executive Director, Nawat Itsaragrisil, allegedly made an inappropriate remark toward Miss Mexico during a live event.

The situation escalated when Nawat questioned Fatima Bosch about her absence from a promotional photoshoot and, in front of the audience, called her “dumb.” The exchange immediately soured the atmosphere, prompting outrage among participants and viewers alike.

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A video of the incident quickly went viral on social media, with several contestants condemning the remarks as degrading and walking out in solidarity with Miss Mexico.

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A post shared by World Beauty Queen Press (@wpressofficial)

Contestant Victoria Thielvig said the treatment of Miss Mexico was “against the standards of any international competition.”

In a statement posted online, Fatima Bosch said she “will not remain silent like cattle” and vowed to continue speaking up for women’s dignity and respect, declaring, “No one can silence our voices.”

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Social media users also rallied behind Miss Mexico, harshly criticizing the Thai executive director’s conduct and calling for his removal from the post.

In response, the Miss Universe Organization issued a statement emphasizing its commitment to treating all participants with respect, noting that an internal investigation is underway and measures will be taken to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Pakistani-Origin Naima Sheikh wins Scotland’s National Sports Scholarship

Pakistani-Origin

LAHORE: Pakistani-origin Scottish cricketer Nayma Sheikh has become the first-ever cricketer to receive the prestigious Winning Students 100 Scotland National Sports Scholarship.

According to Cricket Scotland, Nayma Sheikh is the first player from Scottish cricket to be selected for this national-level sports scholarship program.

The Winning Students initiative supports more than 1,700 student-athletes across Scotland, providing academic and athletic assistance based on educational qualifications and sporting performance.

Cricket Scotland said Nayma Sheikh is currently pursuing a degree in Accountancy and Finance at the University of Glasgow. This year, 105 student-athletes from 31 different sports disciplines have been awarded scholarships to help them excel in both education and competition.

Speaking about the achievement, Nayma Sheikh said, “It’s an honor to be the first cricketer, male or female, to receive this scholarship. It will give me the opportunity to progress further in both my studies and my game.”

Naima Sheikh made her international debut for Scotland in 2023 and has represented the national side in two One Day Internationals and seven T20 matches so far.

Pakistan, Afghan Taliban to resume talks in Istanbul today

Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban are set to resume high-level negotiations in Istanbul on Thursday, aiming to address security concerns and cross-border militant activity.

Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said that talks are pursued only when there is a possibility of progress. “If there is no chance of advancement, it’s merely a waste of time,” he remarked.

He reiterated Pakistan’s consistent stance that attacks on its territory from across the Afghan border must stop, expressing hope that the Taliban leadership would act wisely for the sake of regional peace.

The previous round of Pakistan-Afghan talks was held on October 25 in Istanbul. The lengthy and tense negotiations failed to yield results on Pakistan’s key demand — an end to terrorism originating from Afghan territory.

During the earlier session, the Afghan delegation reportedly kept seeking instructions from Kabul and Kandahar, delaying the process and causing frustration among participants. After the talks collapsed, the Pakistani delegation had departed for home but returned to Istanbul at Turkey’s request to give the dialogue one final chance.

According to a statement issued by Turkey’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, both sides have agreed to maintain a ceasefire, establish a monitoring and verification mechanism for peace implementation, and introduce penalties for violations. The two parties will resume high-level discussions today, November 6, in Istanbul.

201 Afghan nationals pursued higher education in Balochistan Institutions

201 Afghan

QUETTA: In the wake of Pakistan’s repatriation policy for Afghan nationals, official data shows that 201 Afghan students had been enrolled in universities across Balochistan.

According to statistics, 84 Afghan students were studying at the University of Balochistan, 59 at Balochistan University of Information Technology, Engineering and Management Sciences (BUITEMS), 22 at the University of Loralai, and 36 female students at Sardar Bahadur Khan Women’s University in Quetta.

Following the federal government’s decision to repatriate Afghan nationals residing in Pakistan, most Afghan students have discontinued their studies and returned to Afghanistan.

University administrations have instructed the remaining students to return to their country and re-enter Pakistan after obtaining valid visas to continue their education.

Additionally, universities in Balochistan have abolished the special quota previously allocated for Afghan students for the current academic year.