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Newsdesk

UK plans social media ban for under-16s, moves to regulate AI Bots

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UK plans

The UK government is preparing to introduce an Australian-style ban on social media use for children under 16 as early as this year, while also moving to close regulatory gaps surrounding artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer last month launched a formal consultation on restricting social media access for under-16s, signaling a tougher stance on online safety. The move comes amid growing concerns about the impact of digital platforms and AI-driven tools on young users.

AI Bots: A Regulatory Gap

Technology Secretary Liz Kendall highlighted what she described as a loophole in Britain’s Online Safety Act 2023, noting that the law does not currently cover children’s interactions with AI chatbots in the same way it regulates social media platforms.

Kendall said both she and the prime minister are concerned about the increasing influence of AI systems on children and teenagers.

“I am concerned about these AI chatbots — as is the prime minister — about the impact that’s having on children and young people,” she stated, warning that some minors are forming one-to-one relationships with AI systems that could pose safety risks.

The government is expected to outline its formal proposals before June.

Wider European Push

The UK is not alone in seeking tighter controls. Several European nations — including France, Spain, Greece, Slovenia and Czech Republic — are also pushing for stricter regulations to shield children from online harm.

Additional Measures Under Consideration

Beyond the proposed age-based social media ban, the government is considering several new safeguards based on public consultation feedback:

Granting investigators automatic powers to restrict and preserve a deceased child’s social media and online data to secure key evidence.

Limiting “stranger pairing” features on gaming consoles that allow children to connect with unknown individuals.

Blocking the sending and receiving of nude images on children’s devices.

The proposed changes are expected to be introduced as amendments to existing crime and child-protection legislation.

If enacted, the measures would represent one of the most significant overhauls of online safety laws in the UK, reflecting mounting global pressure to better protect children in the digital age.

Pakistan Stock Exchange witnesses sharp decline in early trading

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Pakistan Stock Exchange

KARACHI: The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) opened the first trading day of the week on a negative note, with the benchmark PSX-100 Index showing significant downward pressure throughout early trading.

At one point, the index dropped over 6,000 points, reaching 173,574 points, marking a decline of more than 3.19% during the session.

Weekly Performance Context

Last week also saw a negative trend at PSX, with the PSX-100 Index falling by 4,525 points to close at 179,603. During the week, the index fluctuated within a 7,413-point range.

A total of 4.31 billion shares were traded over the week, amounting to PKR 212 billion, while market capitalization decreased by PKR 523 billion to reach PKR 20,359 billion.

The early session decline highlights ongoing volatility in the market, reflecting investor caution amid economic and financial uncertainties.

Imran Khan’s eye medical report reveals significant improvement

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Imran Khan’s eye

The medical report on former Prime Minister and PTI founder Imran Khan’s eye examination has been released, providing an update on his current ocular health.

A two-member medical board visited Adiala Jail to carry out the assessment, which was conducted on February 15, 2026.

The board comprised ophthalmology specialists Prof Dr Nadeem Qureshi from Al-Shifa Trust Eye Hospital and Prof Dr Muhammad Arif Khan from Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS).

Key Findings

Right-eye vision without glasses measured 6/24, while left-eye vision was 6/9.

With corrective lenses, the right-eye vision improved to 6/9, and the left eye reached full 6/6 acuity.

Examination revealed inflammation on the retina of the right eye, with a reduction in swelling and a decrease in retinal thickness from 550 to 350, indicating significant improvement.

Overall, vision in the affected right eye improved from 6/36 to 6/9, which experts consider satisfactory at this stage.

Treatment Recommendations

The medical board prescribed the following treatments:

Nevannak and Systane Ultra eye drops for both eyes

Co-Sopt eye drops exclusively for the right eye

Anti-VEGF therapy to be completed, followed by OCT angiography and FFA testing for further assessment

Follow-Up and Briefing

Following the examination, two opposition leaders, Allama Nasser Abbas and Barrister Gohar Khan, visited PIMS at 9 p.m. to receive a detailed briefing on Imran Khan’s ocular health. His personal physicians, Dr. Asim Yousuf and Dr. Khurram Mirza, were also present during the update.

According to the report, the attending doctors and PTI leaders expressed full satisfaction and confidence in the medical care, treatment plan, and ongoing follow-up.

Zardari draws contrast between his 14-year jail term and current leaders

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Zardari draws contrast

Rahim Yar Khan: President Asif Ali Zardari on Saturday criticised his political opponents, saying he had endured years in prison without losing courage, while some leaders “begin to complain” within a short span of incarceration.

Addressing party workers in Jamal Din Wali, the president said democracy does not permit taking up arms, warning that violence ultimately harms ordinary citizens. “In any conflict, it is your own nephews and sons who suffer,” he remarked.

Zardari stated that he had previously said prison begins to test a person after two years. “Today, there are leaders who have not even completed a year and a half in jail and have already started shouting,” he said.

Emphasising his own experience, he added, “I spent 14 years in prison and endured hardships, but I did not lose hope or determination.” He further commented that some political figures lack the courage to make sacrifices and can only engage in rhetoric.

The president also observed that prison is a place for reflection and worship, saying that prayers offered there are accepted.

Concluding his address, Zardari expressed confidence that his party would win across Pakistan and strengthen the country, adding that Bilawal Bhutto Zardari would become the prime minister in the future.

Federal Govt decides to shift PTI founder from Adiala Jail to hospital

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Federal Govt decides

ISLAMABAD: The federal government has decided to transfer the founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and former prime minister Imran Khan, from Adiala Jail to a hospital in view of his health condition.

Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs, Tariq Fazal Chaudhry, confirmed the development, stating that the decision was taken after considering the PTI founder’s medical condition.

According to the minister, arrangements have also been made to facilitate communication between Imran Khan and his sons.

Tariq Fazal Chaudhry emphasized that the government prioritizes humanitarian considerations and legal requirements, adding that providing facilities to every inmate in accordance with the law remains the state’s responsibility.

Saudi Arabia gears up to welcome Ramadan 1447 Hijri

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Saudi Arabia

RIYADH: Preparations to welcome the holy month of Ramadan 1447 Hijri are in full swing across Saudi Arabia, with authorities completing extensive arrangements to host millions of worshippers.

According to Saudi media reports, government-level preparations have reached their peak, ensuring a grand reception for the “Guests of Allah.” As in previous years, banners reading “Ahlan wa Sahlan Ya Ramadan” have been displayed across cities, while streets and neighborhoods have been illuminated with decorative lights.

Major roads, residential areas, and key landmarks have been adorned with colorful lanterns and billboards featuring verses from the Holy Qur’an and Hadith.

 Numerous religious, educational, and reformative programs have also been organized to help worshippers make the most of the blessed month.

Large-scale Iftar gatherings are being arranged, as providing Iftar during Ramadan is considered a highly rewarding act.

The most vibrant scenes are being witnessed in Mecca and Medina, where streets, alleys, and prominent sites have been beautifully decorated in anticipation of the holy month.

Millions of Muslims from around the world are expected to travel to Masjid al-Haram and Al-Masjid an-Nabawi for Umrah and special prayers. Special arrangements are being finalized to facilitate the influx of pilgrims.

On the last Friday of Sha’ban, more than 1.5 million worshippers reportedly attended prayers at Masjid al-Haram, reflecting the anticipated surge in visitors during Ramadan.

The number is expected to increase significantly, particularly during the last ten days of the holy month, when the atmosphere resembles that of Hajj.

It is worth noting that Ramadan is likely to begin on February 19 in Saudi Arabia and several other Islamic countries, subject to the official moon-sighting announcement.

Sindh to launch mega blood donation campaign before Ramadan

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Sindh to launch

KARACHI: The Sindh Blood Transfusion Authority has announced the launch of a province-wide Mega Blood Donation Drive on February 16, describing it as the first campaign of its kind under the Sindh Health Department.

Secretary of the authority, Dr. Dur-e-Naz Jamal, termed the initiative a major step aimed at addressing blood shortages ahead of Ramadan. She said that for the first time, all blood banks across Sindh will work simultaneously under a coordinated strategy to ensure maximum collection.

According to Dr. Jamal, a single bottle of donated blood can help save up to three lives. She revealed that around 17,000 thalassemia patients are currently registered across Sindh, underscoring the urgent need for regular voluntary blood donations.

She further announced that medals and certificates will be awarded to blood donors during the campaign in order to encourage greater public participation and promote a culture of voluntary donation.

Appealing to citizens, Dr. Dur-e-Naz Jamal urged people to actively participate in the Mega Blood Donation Drive and make it a success so that no shortage of blood arises during Ramadan.

PSX ends week in red with KSE-100 falling 4,526 points

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PSX ends week

KARACHI The Pakistan Stock Exchange witnessed a sharply negative trend during the past week, with heavy selling pressure dragging key indices lower.

During the five trading sessions, the benchmark KSE-100 Index declined by 4,526 points. The index fell from 184,129 points at the start of the week to close at 179,603 points.

The market lost five psychological levels over the course of the week, reflecting weak investor sentiment. Out of five trading days, the market remained bearish for four sessions, while only one day recorded gains.

The index touched a weekly high of 185,650 points, while the lowest level recorded during the week was 178,237 points.

Market capitalization shrank by Rs523 billion over the five-day trading period, bringing the total market capitalization down to Rs20,359 billion by the end of the week.

Analysts attributed the downturn to sustained selling pressure, lower-than-expected corporate financial results, and investor concerns related to the Reko Diq project, which collectively weighed heavily on market performance.

Salman Agha calls Usman Tariq ‘trump aard’ ahead of clash against India

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Salman Agha

Colombo: Pakistan T20 captain Salman Ali Agha has termed spinner Usman Tariq as the team’s “trump card” ahead of the much-anticipated match against India, stressing that his side must focus on playing quality cricket.

Addressing a press conference in Colombo, Salman said all players in the squad are equally important, but Usman Tariq holds special value for the team. “You all have made him what he is today; for us, he is a trump card,” he remarked.

Responding to questions regarding concerns over Usman Tariq’s bowling action, the captain clarified that the spinner has already been cleared twice. “I don’t know why the issue is being discussed again. It does not affect Usman at all. We cannot stop people from expressing opinions; everyone has that right,” he added.

Looking ahead to the high-profile encounter, Salman emphasized that the team is fully prepared. “It will be another big-level match tomorrow. We are ready and need to play good cricket. We are familiar with the conditions and understand the pitch. Rain is beyond our control, but we also have plans in place if overs are reduced,” he said.

The skipper reiterated that all 15 squad members are important and that the playing XI will be selected based on match conditions. He also backed Babar Azam, expressing confidence in his form. “Babar is scoring runs. There is no concern from our side, and we hope he continues to perform tomorrow as well.”

On Pakistan’s World Cup record against India, Salman admitted that history has not been in Pakistan’s favor but insisted the team has learned from past experiences. “We have prepared plans for India’s entire playing XI and will aim to deliver a strong performance,” he stated.

When asked about India’s aggressive batter Abhishek Sharma, the Pakistan captain said he hoped the player’s recovery was going well and that he would be available for his side.

Speaking about leadership pressure, Salman concluded, “When you are captain, there is added responsibility and pressure. You represent your country, and all eyes are on you. Our job is to play good cricket on the field.”

Indian captain confident of strategy against Usman Tariq

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Indian captain

Colombo: India captain Suryakumar Yadav has said his team has prepared a clear strategy against Pakistan, particularly their spin attack, ahead of the high-voltage encounter in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup on February 15.

Speaking at a press conference in Colombo, Suryakumar said preparations for the Pakistan match were carried out according to schedule. “A Pakistan-India match is ultimately just a game. It’s not as if we don’t play enough cricket. We will try to deliver our best performance,” he remarked.

Referring to Pakistan spinner Usman Tariq, the Indian skipper described him as a different kind of cricketer but stressed that India would not surrender. “Pakistan’s spinners are bowling well. We have made our plans accordingly,” he added.

When asked about shaking hands with Pakistan players, Suryakumar responded lightheartedly, saying, “Wait 24 hours for the handshake. We are here to play good cricket and will focus on that. Have dinner, get some rest, and we’ll see what happens tomorrow.”

The Indian captain also acknowledged Pakistan’s recent performances, noting that they played impressive cricket in the Asia Cup and have continued that form. He admitted that Pakistan-India matches always bring added pressure, but emphasized that controlling nerves and executing skills on the field is key to success.