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Newsdesk

Pakistan armed forces fully prepared for any threat: COAS Asim Munir

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Pakistan armed forces

RAWALPINDI:  Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defense Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir Asim Munir, has affirmed that Pakistan’s armed forces are fully prepared to face any threat.

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Field Marshal Asim Munir visited the Bahawalpur Garrison, where he received detailed briefings on operational, training, and administrative matters.

During the visit, he observed military exercises at Khairpur Tamiwali, including demonstrations of modern drones, electronic warfare, and surveillance technology.

On the occasion, the Roohi E-Skills Learning Hub and APS Abbasiya Campus were inaugurated, with announcements made to promote digital education and a renewed commitment to quality education.

Field Marshal Asim Munir also visited the EME Regional Workshop, where he was briefed on the maintenance of advanced military platforms.

Furthermore, he paid tribute at the Martyrs’ Memorial, honoring the sacrifices of fallen soldiers.

The COAS reiterated, “Pakistan’s armed forces are fully prepared to counter any threat,” emphasizing the military’s readiness and dedication to national security.

Sindh CM writes to Chief Justice for judicial inquiry into Gul Plaza tragedy

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Sindh CM writes

Karachi: Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah has formally written to the Chief Justice of the Sindh High Court requesting a judicial inquiry into the Gul Plaza incident.

Earlier, during a press conference in Karachi, senior provincial minister Sharjeel Memon stated that the letter requests the Chief Justice to assign a sitting judge to conduct the investigation.

He emphasized that the decision for a judicial commission was independent of political pressures and that the government is answerable to the public, not any political party.

“Some political parties are trying to politicize the incident, but the Sindh government is not,” Memon said. “We acted on our own responsibility and initiated the judicial inquiry when it was deemed necessary.”

Memon explained that after the tragedy, the Sindh Cabinet had formed a committee, which was tasked with reviewing the report submitted by a committee led by the Commissioner of Karachi. “The Commissioner’s committee report has been received. It is very detailed and includes interviews of all relevant individuals,” he added.

He provided key details about the incident: At the time of the fire, the building housed 2,000–2,500 people. The Gul Plaza building had undergone two safety audits, but their recommendations were not implemented. During the fire, 80 precious lives were lost, and firefighters faced a shortage of water while trying to control the blaze. Memon paid tribute to the brave firefighter who sacrificed his life.

Memon said that all emergency and rescue agencies will now operate under a unified command. “The building lacked proper fire-fighting systems and other safety measures.

Even when authorities were informed, they did not act. We are taking steps to integrate the fire brigade, civil defense, and rescue agencies under one command structure,” he explained.

The minister also revealed that the committee identified serious irregularities in the building’s lease and construction approvals.

The Anti-Corruption Department has been directed to investigate these lapses. The building’s construction was found in violation of approved plans, and the Building Control Authority’s permits will be thoroughly reviewed. Memon warned that any negligence by senior officials will result in strict action.

Meta CEO predicts AI-powered smart glasses as future

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Meta CEO predicts

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg has called AI-powered smart glasses the next big innovation, likening their potential impact to the advent of smartphones.

Speaking during Meta’s quarterly earnings report, Zuckerberg said the company is accelerating the development of AI wearable devices and AI models.

He highlighted that billions of people worldwide rely on glasses or contact lenses, and AI-enabled smart glasses could soon become a daily necessity.

Zuckerberg explained, “When flip phones were replaced by smartphones, it became unimaginable to go back. Similarly, in the coming years, it will be hard to imagine most people not using AI glasses.” He noted that Meta’s smart glasses sales tripled in 2025, signaling growing consumer interest.

This is not the first time Zuckerberg has expressed bold predictions about emerging tech. Previously, he envisioned people working and socializing in the metaverse, a scenario that has not yet materialized.

However, current investments and development efforts by companies suggest that AI glasses could become widely popular in the coming years—though whether they will match the popularity of smartphones remains uncertain.

Other tech giants are also entering the market: Google is expected to launch smart glasses in 2026, while Apple plans to introduce its own models within the next one to two years.

Snap Inc., the parent company of Snapchat, is forming a subsidiary focused on AR glasses, and even AI-focused firm OpenAI is exploring wearable devices such as AI earbuds and AI pens.

Currently, Meta leads the smart glasses market, offering several models already available to consumers. The coming years could see a surge in AI-enabled wearables as companies race to redefine how we see and interact with the digital world.

Pakistan beats Australia in first T20 to go 1-0 up in series

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Pakistan

LAHORE: Pakistan defeated Australia by 22 runs in the first match of the three-match T20 series, taking a 1-0 lead. The match was played at Gaddafi Stadium, where Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha won the toss and elected to bat first.

Pakistan posted 168 runs for the loss of 8 wickets in their 20 overs. Saim Ayub was the standout batter with 40 runs, supported by Salman Ali Agha’s 39 and contributions from Babar Azam (24), Fakhar Zaman (10), and Usman Khan (18). Mohammad Nawaz remained 15 not out.

Pakistan’s start was shaky as Sahbazada Farhan was dismissed for 0 on the very first ball. However, Saem Ayub and Salman Ali Agha stabilized the innings with responsible batting and attractive stroke play.

Adam Zampa was Australia’s most successful bowler, taking 4 wickets for 24 runs, while Barrett and Beardman took 2 wickets each.

Chasing 169 runs, Australia struggled to keep up with the required run rate and finished on 146 for 8 in 20 overs. Cameron Green (36) and Barrett (34) were the main contributors, while Pakistan bowlers Saim Ayub and Abrar Ahmed picked 2 wickets each, and Shadab Khan and Mohammad Nawaz took one wicket each.

With this win, Pakistan takes a 1-0 lead in the three-match T20 series.

Three Australian players made their T20 debuts: Mahli Beardman, Jack Edwards, and Matthew Renshaw.

This victory gives the Green Shirts a strong start in the series, putting pressure on Australia in the remaining two matches.

Sunil Gavaskar breaks silence on Pakistan–India group draw

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Sunil Gavaskar

Indian cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar has revealed the reason behind placing Pakistan and India in the same group for major international tournaments.

In a column written for a digital platform, Gavaskar said the primary objective of grouping the two arch-rivals together is to ensure at least one high-profile clash between them during the event.

He explained that, similar to previous mega tournaments, Pakistan and India have not only been placed in the same group but also in a comparatively easier pool to increase the likelihood of both teams progressing to the next round — setting the stage for further high-intensity encounters.

In the upcoming T20 World Cup, scheduled to begin next month, Pakistan and India have been drawn in Group A alongside Namibia, the Netherlands, and the United States.

Gavaskar further noted that the United States could emerge as a competitive side in the tournament, having gained valuable experience through participation in Major League Cricket (MLC).

Pakistan enforces strict entry screening after Nipah outbreak in India

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Pakistan enforces

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has been placed on high alert over the threat of the Nipah virus, though no confirmed case has been reported in the country so far.

In response to the spread of the virus in India, the Border Health Services (BHS) under the Federal Ministry of National Health Services has issued a formal warning and health advisory.

According to the health ministry, strict screening measures have been ordered at all airports, seaports, and land border crossings nationwide.

Authorities have made 100 percent screening mandatory for all incoming and transit passengers, along with thermal screening and clinical assessment.

Passengers have been directed to provide complete travel histories for the previous 21 days. Special monitoring has been ordered for travellers arriving from Nipah-affected or high-risk areas.

In case of suspicious symptoms, immediate isolation of the passenger has been made mandatory.

Officials further stated that no traveller will be allowed to enter Pakistan without formal health clearance.

The authorities confirmed that Pakistan has not reported any verified Nipah virus case to date. However, five cases have been confirmed in India’s West Bengal, prompting heightened vigilance.

Due to fears of cross-border transmission, countries including Thailand, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Nepal have also initiated enhanced screening procedures at their entry points.

BCB alleges ICC’s ‘unfair scheduling’ led to U19 World Cup exit

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BCB alleges

DHAKA: The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has blamed the International Cricket Council (ICC) for its under-19 team’s early exit from the U19 World Cup, citing unfair scheduling and logistical challenges as key reasons.

According to Bangladeshi media, the BCB revealed that the team had to travel at its own expense due to the demanding schedule.

Habib Al-Bashar, BCB’s Game Development Coordinator, said the team’s performance suffered because of the way matches were scheduled.

“Our approach against England and India was misjudged, but the travel schedule affected the team the most,” Al-Bashar said. He described the schedule as “completely unfair”, explaining that the team was originally supposed to play two warm-up matches in Masango, then travel to Bulawayo. However, the ICC suddenly changed the schedule, forcing the matches to be held at two separate venues.

The BCB requested that the ICC adjust the fixtures to reduce travel burden, but the request was reportedly ignored.

Bangladeshi media reports stated that the team traveled from Masango to Bulawayo by road, a journey of several hours, for matches on January 10 and 13.

During the World Cup, domestic flights were restricted by the ICC, requiring teams to travel by bus. The Bangladesh team faced a 9-hour road journey from Harare to Bulawayo for group matches during the monsoon season.

To ease fatigue, the BCB personally arranged flights for matches against New Zealand and India, covering the expenses themselves.

Bangladesh was ultimately eliminated from the tournament following a defeat against England.

Varun Dhawan’s team refutes reports of Mumbai Metro fine

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Varun Dhawan

MUMBAI: Bollywood actor Varun Dhawan was recently seen in a viral video performing push-ups on handrails inside a Mumbai Metro train, sparking widespread discussion and speculation about a possible fine from the metro authorities.

The video, which circulated on social media, led to criticism from some users and reports suggesting that the actor had been penalized for his actions.

In response, Varun Dhawan’s team released an official statement clarifying the situation. The team denied any fine had been imposed and said:

“We would like to address recent reports regarding Varun Dhawan and the Mumbai Metro. We want to clarify that no fines were issued to Varun.

 The post by the metro authorities has since been removed, and we appreciate their cooperation in resolving this misunderstanding.”

The team also emphasized that Varun respects the city’s laws and the efforts of the Metro Department, and the incident has been fully cleared up.

Reema Khan’s snow singing video sparks social media buzz

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Reema Khan’

ISLAMABAD: Renowned Pakistani film and television actress Reema Khan has shared a short video of herself singing in the snow, which is now circulating widely on social media, drawing attention from both fans and critics.

The clip, posted on her official Instagram account, shows Reema enjoying a snow-covered location with her husband and a few friends. She is seen in a cheerful mood, humming along to a song appropriate for the cold weather.

In the video, Reema is dressed in warm clothing suitable for the chilly conditions and appears to be enjoying the snowfall.

However, not all viewers were impressed by the clip. Many social media users criticized her style and questioned the timing and purpose of the video.

Some commenters expressed surprise, saying that at first, the video reminded them of her famous song “Mera Je”, while others directly advised Reema to refrain from sharing such videos, claiming they expected more mature content from the actress.

A section of viewers also noted that in harsh winter conditions, public attention might be better directed toward helping those in need, rather than focusing on entertainment.

Gold and Silver prices hit record highs amid geopolitical tensions

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Gold and Silver

KARACHI: Global and local gold and silver prices have surged to all-time highs amid rising geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and uncertainty in international markets.

The recent escalation between European Union countries and the United States, coupled with the deployment of a US aircraft carrier to the region and Iran’s military exercises near the Strait of Hormuz, has created a climate of uncertainty, driving both international and domestic precious metals markets to new record levels.

In the international bullion market, gold prices jumped $211 per ounce, reaching a new high of $5,293 per ounce.

This surge was reflected in Pakistan’s local markets, where per tola 24-carat gold soared by Rs 21,100, reaching Rs 551,662 — the highest in the country’s history for a single trading day.

Similarly, 10 grams of gold climbed by Rs 18,090, reaching Rs 472,961.

Silver prices also reached historic levels. In the global market, silver rose $2.36 per ounce, reaching $114.27, while in local markets, per tola silver increased by Rs 271 to Rs 11,911, and 10 grams of silver rose by Rs 232 to Rs 10,211.

Analysts attribute the surge to a combination of factors, including the de-dollarization trend, which has pushed the US dollar to a four-year low, and growing demand for gold as a safe-haven asset amid geopolitical uncertainties.

Central banks worldwide are also increasing purchases of physical gold, further supporting the upward trend.

As a result, gold and silver prices continue to reach historic levels on a daily basis, reflecting both global and domestic market dynamics.