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Newsdesk

Pakistan Army wins gold at Cambrian Patrol Exercise 2025

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Pakistan Army

RAWALPINDI: Pakistan Army team secured a gold medal at Exercise Cambrian Patrol 2025, held in Wales, United Kingdom, from October 3 to 13, marking the 66th edition of the world-renowned military competition.

The exercise has retained its demanding professional standards; patrols from all across the globe had to move tactically across inhospitable terrain, covering a distance of 60 kms within 48 hours, completing specialist tasks in a contested environment.

This year, 137 teams from 36 Countries participated in the exercise and out of all these teams, Pakistan Army’ Team lead by Captain Muhammad Saad showed Exceptional Performance in the exercise and awarded with the gold medal.

It is indeed a proud moment for the whole Nation and Pakistan Army which is known for its professionalism and highest standards of training. Pakistan Army has always held Country’s flag high and will keep endeavouring in future as well.

Sohail Afridi secures 90 votes to become KP Chief Minister

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Sohail Afridi

PESHAWAR: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) nominee Sohail Afridi was elected the new Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, securing 90 votes in the provincial assembly on Sunday.

Speaker Babar Saleem Swati announced the result after the voting process concluded in the House. Prior to the ballot, he instructed that bells be rung for five minutes to ensure all absent members could return to the chamber.

The Speaker also directed lawmakers to register their attendance at the lobby gate before voting began. After a short pause, polling commenced, with Afridi winning by a comfortable margin to claim the position of leader of the House in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly.1

Earlier, former chief minister Ali Amin Gandapur said he resigned the same day Imran Khan instructed him to do so, emphasizing that the democratic process should not be turned into a mockery. “We will no longer tolerate what has been happening,” he warned.

Reflecting on his 19-month tenure, Gandapur stated that when his government took office, the provincial treasury had funds for only 18 days of salaries. “Today, there are Rs218 billion in the provincial exchequer,” he said, adding that while the opposition may criticize him for not allocating funds to them, “the people are satisfied because the money was spent on public welfare.”

He reaffirmed his loyalty to the party founder, saying, “Our leader is making sacrifices for us and for future generations — we stand firmly with the PTI.”

Addressing Opposition Leader KP Dr Ibadullah, said that the resignation of Ali Amin Gandapur has not yet been approved, as a Chief Minister cannot be elected as another Chief Minister.

Speaker KP Assembly Babar Saleem Swati said after addressing the opposition leader that Ali Amin Gundapur sent the resignation twice and announced his resignation in the House today. Some people want Sohail Afridi not to become the chief minister, but the constitution will not follow the wishes of the people.

Babar Saleem Swati, while reading the rolling in this regard, said that the procedure of the new leader will be in accordance with the constitution, after which the name of the elected chief minister will be announced.

Four candidates are in the running for the position. The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has nominated Sohail Afridi, while the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) has put forward Maulana Lutf-ur-Rehman as its candidate.

From the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), Sardar Shah Jehan Yousaf is contesting, whereas the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) has nominated Arbab Zarak Khan for the top provincial office.

The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly comprises 145 members, including 93 from the treasury benches and 52 from the opposition.

73 votes will be needed to be elected to the Leader of the House, and consultation is underway by the opposition parties to bring a joint candidate.

Newly elected KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi hails from District Khyber and entered the provincial assembly for the first time after winning the 2024 general elections.

Afridi has been associated with the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) for many years and previously served as the President of the Insaf Students Federation (ISF) in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

During Ali Amin Gandapur’s tenure, Afridi held the position of Special Assistant to the Chief Minister on Communication and Works, and was later appointed as Minister for Higher Education following a reshuffle in the provincial cabinet.

He is also a member of PTI’s Central Executive Committee, reflecting his longstanding role within the party’s organizational structure.

KP awaits new chief minister as assembly votes today

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KP awaits

PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly will elect its new Chief Minister today, with four contenders vying for the top provincial position.

The candidates include Sohail Afridi from the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Maulana Lutf-ur-Rehman representing the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F), Sardar Shah Jehan Yousaf of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), and Arbab Zarak Khan from the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP).

Ahead of the crucial vote, PTI has reinforced party discipline, administering oaths to its members to ensure unity. PTI Khyber Pakhtunkhwa President Junaid Akbar cautioned lawmakers against defection, warning that any betrayal of the party’s nominated candidate would not be tolerated and that efforts to sway members would be firmly resisted.

The provincial assembly comprises 145 members, with 93 on the treasury benches and 52 from the opposition — numbers that could prove decisive in determining the outcome.

Today’s polling takes place amid heightened political activity, reports of behind-the-scenes lobbying, and concerns about potential defections, prompting party leaders to urge their members to stay closely aligned with official directives.

Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi has formally written to Chief Minister Ali Amin Khan Gandapur, directing him to appear at the Governor’s House on October 15 for verification of two purported resignation letters received earlier this month.

According to the Governor’s letter, two separate sets of resignation documents dated October 8 and October 11, were received at the Governor’s House, both allegedly bearing different and inconsistent signatures.

CM Gandapur summoned amid confusion over resignation claims

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CM Gandapur

PESHAWAR: Amid political uncertainty in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Governor Faisal Karim Kundi has called on Chief Minister Ali Amin Khan Gandapur to appear before him on October 15 to confirm the authenticity of two purported resignation letters.

According to the Governor’s letter, two separate sets of resignation documents dated October 8 and October 11, were received at the Governor’s House, both allegedly bearing different and inconsistent signatures.

The Governor said that, as he is currently out of the city and will return to Peshawar on the evening of October 15, the Chief Minister has been advised to meet him at 3:00 p.m. the same day to verify the authenticity of the documents.

Governor Kundi emphasized that the matter would be settled strictly in accordance with the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.

Trump insists Nobel winner recognized his role in promoting global peace

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Trump

WASHINGTON: U.S. President Donald Trump said on Friday that Nobel Prize winner Maria Corina Machado called him and said she accepted the prize in his honor, after the White House said earlier in the day that the Nobel Committee had chosen “politics over peace.”

The White House had criticized the Nobel Committee’s decision to grant the peace prize to the Venezuelan opposition leader instead of Trump, who aggressively lobbied for the award and touted his role in brokering international ceasefire deals.

The Norwegian Nobel Committee announced  that Machado had been selected for the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize in recognition of her efforts to promote democracy and freedom in Venezuela.

During a White House press conference, when asked about the award, Trump said:

“The person who won the Nobel Peace Prize called me and said, ‘I’m dedicating this to you — you were the one who truly deserved it.’”

Trump has often asserted that his administration’s diplomatic achievements, particularly in the Middle East, made him more deserving of the prestigious peace award.

US President Donald Trump said he respects the Nobel Committee’s decision to award the Nobel Peace Prize to Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, adding that he never sought the award for himself.

“I respect the committee’s decision. I never said the Nobel Prize should be given to me,” Trump told reporters. “But I’m proud that during my tenure, I helped prevent eight potential wars — including between Pakistan and India — and saved billions of lives.”

Meanwhile, Maria Corina Machado said she was dedicating the award to the people of Venezuela who have endured years of suffering, as well as to President Trump for his “decisive support” of their cause for democracy and freedom.

Gangster Taifi Butt dies in custody amid armed assault by associates

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Gangster Taifi

LAHORE: A high-profile Lahore gangster, Taifi Butt, was shot dead early Saturday when his accomplices ambushed a police convoy transporting him to Lahore.

According to initial reports, Taifi Butt, whose real name was Khawaja Tareef Gulshan, had been arrested in Dubai and brought to Pakistan by Punjab Police for investigation in the Ameer Balaj murder case.

The incident occurred on Ahmedpur Lamma Road near Rahim Yar Khan, when two of Butt’s associates opened fire on the police convoy. Taifi Butt was fatally shot on the spot, while the attackers managed to flee the scene.

Police took custody of the body and launched an initial investigation.

Officials said Taifi Butt was linked to a notorious Lahore-based gang network and had been wanted in multiple cases, including land grabbing, extortion, and illegal possession of weapons.

Law enforcement sources described his death as a major setback for organized criminal networks operating in Punjab.

A case has been registered in Rahim Yar Khan against accomplices of Taifi Butt, who was killed in a police encounter in Lahore.

According to police, the FIR was lodged on the complaint of DSP CCD Model Town Lahore Syed Hussain Haider.

The FIR states that Taifi Butt was being transported to Lahore after arrest when armed men in two vehicles opened fire on the police convoy. As a result, Constable Noor sustained a gunshot wound, the report added.

The attackers allegedly forcibly took Taifi Butt along with his handcuffs into their vehicle and fled the scene, according to the FIR.

Pakistan announces Playing XI for first Test against South Africa

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Pakistan announces

LAHORE: Pakistan, under the leadership of Shan Masood, will take on defending champions South Africa in a two-match Test series as part of the fourth cycle of the ICC World Test Championship 2025–27.

The first Test begins on Sunday at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, where Pakistan is expected to field seven batters, two fast bowlers, and two spinners.

Right-arm spinner Sajid Khan has been ruled out due to viral fever and will be replaced by Asif Afridi, who earns a place in the playing XI. The 38-year-old left-arm spinner has taken 198 wickets in 57 first-class matches at an average of 25.49. Asif will partner with experienced spinner Nauman Ali in Pakistan’s bowling attack.

The 39-year-old Nauman Ali has claimed 83 wickets in 19 Tests at an average of 24.75. In fast bowling, Shaheen Shah Afridi makes his return to Test cricket after a year-long absence.

The left-arm pacer, who has taken 116 wickets in 31 Tests, will share the new ball with Hasan Ali. Hasan, a right-arm fast bowler with 80 wickets in 24 Tests, last played a Test in January 2024 against Australia in Sydney.

Pakistan’s opening pair will feature Imam-ul-Haq and Abdullah Shafique, while Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, and Salman Ali Agha will strengthen the middle order. Mohammad Rizwan will keep wickets.

Pakistan’s Playing XI for the first Test:

Imam-ul-Haq, Abdullah Shafique, Shan Masood (captain), Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan (wicketkeeper), Salman Ali Agha, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Hasan Ali, Nauman Ali, and Asif Afridi.

Six terrorists killed, seven policemen martyred in attack on DI Khan

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Six terrorists

DERA ISMAIL KHAN: At least six terrorists, including a suicide bomber, were killed while seven policemen embraced martyrdom during a terrorist attack on the Police Training School in Dera Ismail Khan on Friday night.

According to DSP Hafiz Muhammad Adnan, the terrorists launched a suicide attack on the Police Training School at around 8:30 p.m. on Thursday night.

Security forces and police personnel swiftly responded, and a joint operation continued late into the night to clear the premises.

The DSP confirmed that all five terrorists, including one suicide bomber, were killed during the exchange of fire, while seven police personnel lost their lives in the line of duty.

The Hospital Director said that 13 injured personnel were brought to the DHQ Trauma Centre for medical treatment.

According to the DG Public Relations Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, around 200 police officers and recruits were successfully rescued during the operation. The training school and the nearby NADRA office were also cleared by the security forces.

On the other hand, Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi strongly condemned the terrorist attack carried out by Khawarij militants on the Police Training Centre in Dera Ismail Khan and paid rich tribute to the seven police personnel who embraced martyrdom while valiantly resisting the attackers.

Expressing heartfelt sympathy and condolences to the families of the martyrs, the Interior Minister prayed for the early recovery of the injured officials.

“The brave police personnel sacrificed their lives to foil the cowardly attack of the Khawarij terrorists,” Mohsin Naqvi said, lauding their courage and professionalism.

He commended the security forces and police for killing three Khawarij terrorists during the operation and preventing a larger tragedy.

“The police fought with exceptional bravery and thwarted the nefarious designs of the terrorists,” the minister added.

Mohsin Naqvi further said that the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police have rendered unforgettable sacrifices in the nation’s ongoing fight against terrorism.

500 electric buses to hit roads in Karachi, Hyderabad soon

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electric buses

KARACHI: To modernize urban mobility and reduce environmental pollution, the Sindh government has approved the introduction of 500 electric buses across Karachi and Hyderabad..

The decision was made during a meeting of the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Policy Board, chaired by Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah.

 The meeting was attended by provincial ministers Sharjeel Inam Memon and Syed Nasir Hussain Shah, along with board members and relevant officials.

The PPP Policy Board approved the Peoples Green Transport Project under the Public-Private Partnership mode to introduce a large fleet of electric buses in Karachi and Hyderabad. The Board endorsed the project’s scope, structure and risk matrix, and accepted the amended unsolicited proposal submitted by a private firm, granting it the Right of First Refusal and exemption from the prequalification process. It also authorised the initiation of the investor solicitation process to engage a private partner.

Under the project, 500 electric buses will be deployed in phases along with depots, charging infrastructure, bus shelters, and an automatic fare collection and intelligent transport system. The project, to be executed on a DBFMOT model with a 12-year concession period, is expected to serve over 200,000 passengers daily, integrate with the Green Line BRT, and significantly improve urban mobility. The Board termed the initiative a major step toward clean, modern, and efficient public transport in Sindh.

On the other hand, the meeting also decided to outsource the Radiology and Diagnostic Labs Services of Chandaka Hospital and Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC)Karachi.

During the session, the board approved several key projects, including the construction of an elevated expressway from Karachi Port to Qayyumabad, the plantation of riverine forests on 41,000 hectares in Jamshoro and Matiari, and the implementation of a concession agreement for the Science and Technology Park at NED University.

Heritage meets modernity as Esakhelvi duo reimagines classic ‘Theva’

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‘Theva’

KARACHI: Renowned Sareiki Singer Attaullah Khan Esakhelvi’s timeless hit “Theva” has been reimagined in a new version jointly performed by the legendary artist and his son, Sanwal Esakhelvi.

Blending the traditional folk essence with modern instrumentation, the father-son duo’s rendition has captured the attention of audiences nationwide.

The song is not just a musical collaboration but also a beautiful fusion of two generations — their voices, emotions, and shared cultural heritage.

The original “Theva” was the song that catapulted Attaullah Khan Esakhelvi to nationwide fame, establishing him as the undisputed king of Pakistani folk music. In this latest version, Sanwal Esakhelvi joins his father to breathe new life into that enduring legacy.

Speaking on the release, Sanwal Esakhelvi said the song represents more than just a remake — it is a symbolic bridge connecting generations through art, emotion, and family heritage.

He said his father had passed down not just the microphone, but also his emotions and centuries-old traditions. “It is my sincere effort to preserve and protect my father’s artistic legacy,” Sanwal remarked.

The music for the new version has been composed by Qasim Azhar, while the song has been released under the banner of S Records. The modern rendition of “Theva” is also available on Sanwal Esakhelvi’s official YouTube channel.