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Newsdesk

US hails Pakistan’s willingness to consider sending troops to Gaza

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US hails Pakistan

Washington: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said that Pakistan, along with several other countries, has raised questions regarding the possible deployment of military contingents to Gaza and has offered to consider sending troops as part of efforts to restore peace and stability, for which the United States is grateful.

Speaking at a press conference at the US State Department, Rubio was asked whether Pakistan had formally conveyed its consent to deploy troops to Gaza to help maintain law and order. In response, he said Washington appreciated Pakistan’s willingness to be part of the Gaza peace plan, or at least to consider such a role.

Rubio noted that Pakistan and other countries were seeking clarification on certain aspects of the proposal and that only after addressing these questions would the United States be in a position to formally request any country to contribute forces to the Gaza peace initiative.

He added that he was confident many countries were acceptable to all parties involved in the conflict and were willing to step forward to become part of a Gaza stabilisation force aimed at ensuring long-term security and peace in the region.

Anant Ambani gifts rare watch football star Lionel Messi

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Anant Ambani

Football superstar Lionel Messi has received a rare luxury watch worth approximately $1.3 million (around Rs 364 million) as a gift from Indian billionaire Anant Ambani during his visit to India.

According to British media reports, the exclusive timepiece was presented to Messi by Anant Ambani while the Argentine star was touring the country. The watch is considered extremely rare, with only 12 pieces produced worldwide.

Media reports said the luxury watch features a black carbon fibre case and a skeleton dial that reveals its intricate internal mechanism.

 Images of Messi wearing the high-end watch have since gone viral on social media, drawing widespread attention from fans around the world.

Messi’s India visit has remained a major talking point, with fans closely following his public appearances and interactions during the tour.

Pakistan rejects Eurobond, Sukuk issuance, explores alternative options

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Pakistan rejects

ISLAMABAD: The government has decided against raising funds through Eurobond or Sukuk issuances this fiscal year, opting instead for a new financing approach that includes launching Pakistan’s first Panda bond in China to raise $250 million in the initial phase.

According to official sources, the Panda bond is expected to be issued by mid-January 2026, with the Prime Minister’s Office granting formal approval for the launch by January 31. A second phase of the programme, valued at $500 million, is expected to be completed before June 30, 2026.

Senior government officials told that the Panda bond is likely to be issued at an interest rate of around 4 percent. Pakistan faces two major external repayments during the current fiscal year due to the maturity of Eurobonds.

The first instalment of $500 million was paid in September 2025, while the second payment is due in April 2026, amounting to $1.3 billion, including $1 billion in principal and $300 million in interest.

Meanwhile, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has expressed reservations over the government’s plan to issue Panda bonds in the Chinese market, questioning why Pakistan is not opting for commercial borrowing if Chinese banks are expected to be the main buyers.

In response, Pakistani authorities informed the IMF that the government is pursuing diversification of its financing sources and aims to strengthen its presence in the Chinese capital market through the issuance of Panda bonds.

Medicinal cannabis linked to changes in sleep quality and brain activity

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Medicinal cannabis

Medicinal cannabis is commonly used to relieve pain and improve sleep, yet its effects on chronic pain and sleep patterns have mostly been studied separately. New research from the University of Texas at Dallas’ Center for BrainHealth seeks to bridge this gap.

The study, titled “Interactions Between Cannabis Use and Chronic Pain on Sleep Architecture: Findings from In-Home EEG Recordings,” was recently published in Neurotherapeutics.

Researchers collected 339 nights of in-home electroencephalogram (EEG) sleep recordings from 60 adults, with 32% reporting chronic pain and 47% reporting cannabis use. Each participant was monitored for seven consecutive nights, measuring total sleep time, sleep onset latency, slow-wave sleep (SWS), rapid-eye movement (REM) sleep, and the number of sleep disruptions.

Findings suggest that cannabis use in individuals with chronic pain may promote SWS, a deep, restorative sleep essential for physical recovery and immune function, potentially providing indirect pain relief. However, the increase in SWS comes at the expense of REM sleep, which is critical for emotional regulation and memory consolidation.

The study also found that while initial cannabis use may enhance SWS, the benefits decrease with prolonged use.

“For the first time in an in-home setting, we observed how cannabis use and chronic pain interact to influence the brain’s sleep stages. The results are complex, highlighting the need for personalized approaches to sleep and pain management,” said Francesca Filbey, PhD, director of the Neuroimaging of Reward Dynamics Lab.

Lead author Tracy Brown, a PhD student in cognition and neuroscience at UT Dallas, added, “Although users often report subjective improvements in sleep, our study objectively measured changes in a sleep stage important for pain regulation.

The potential benefits of increased SWS come with reduced REM sleep, which may affect other aspects of quality of life. This nuanced understanding can help clinicians and patients make more informed decisions about medicinal cannabis use.”

Pakistan to launch Crypto mining within weeks, says PVRCA Chairman

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Crypto mining

ISLAMABAD: Chairman of the Pakistan Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (PVRCA), Bilal Bin Saqib, announced that cryptocurrency mining in the country will commence within a few weeks.

In an exclusive interview, he revealed that technologies for Bitcoin mining are now available, and mining cards can be installed at power plants. The first phase of mining is set to start shortly, which he said will address public concerns and allow Pakistan to sell surplus electricity in dollars.

Bilal Bin Saqib highlighted that while Pakistan lacked a legal framework for crypto transactions in the past, the government has now established the authority to regulate and license cryptocurrency activities.

He compared the introduction of crypto to emerging technologies like robotics and quantum computing, which governments regulate after initial adoption.

He emphasized that cryptocurrency adoption is being driven by Pakistan’s youth, who are already thinking ahead to 2030. The government aims to provide opportunities and ensure that investments are guided and experiential, benefiting the country economically.

The chairman also stated that P2P banking could play a bigger role in crypto transactions, and mining operations would enable Pakistan to convert excess electricity into foreign currency revenue. He stressed that global institutions are increasingly moving toward cryptocurrencies, and Pakistan must participate to maintain competitiveness.

Using examples like Singapore’s pilot security initiatives, he said Pakistan could fund crypto development through capital markets rather than relying solely on the IMF.

Bilal Bin Saqib concluded that crypto, robotics, and blockchain adoption would strengthen Pakistan’s economic integrity and global presence.

Singer Kumar Sanu files defamation case against ex-wife

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Singer Kumar Sanu

Mumbai: Renowned Indian playback singer Kumar Sanu has filed a defamation case against his former wife, Rita Bhatacharya, in the Mumbai High Court.

According to media reports, Sanu claims that Bhatacharya made false and defamatory statements in various media interviews, damaging his reputation. The singer stated that these allegations also violated the terms of their divorce settlement finalized in 2001.

Sanu said that the statements caused him severe mental distress, social embarrassment, and financial loss.

He has requested the court to order compensation of INR 30 lakh, remove the interviews immediately, and prevent any similar statements in the future.

Earlier, in September 2025, Bhatacharya had gone viral on social media for interviews alleging mistreatment during pregnancy, denial of medical care, infidelity, and family negligence by Sanu.

The singer emphasized that the divorce was mutually agreed upon at Bandra Family Court, and Bhatacharya’s public allegations contravene that settlement.

Saim Ayub continues to lead ICC all-rounders rankings

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Saim Ayub

KARACHI: The International Cricket Council (ICC) has released the latest player rankings across formats, with several notable movements involving players from Pakistan, India, England, and New Zealand.

In the Test batters’ rankings, England’s Joe Root has retained his position at the top. Pakistan’s Saud Shakeel moved up one place from 10th to 9th, while New Zealand’s David Conway made a significant jump of seven places to reach 34th.

In the Test bowlers’ rankings, India’s Jasprit Bumrah continues to hold the No. 1 position. Australia’s Mitchell Starc climbed from third to second place. New Zealand’s Jacob Duffy registered a major rise, moving up 15 places to 48th.

Among Test all-rounders, India’s Ravindra Jadeja remains firmly at the top of the rankings.

T20 Rankings

In the ICC T20I batters’ rankings, India’s Abhishek Sharma has maintained his position at No. 1. Fellow Indian batter Tilak Varma climbed two spots to fourth. New Zealand’s Tim Seifert also improved by two places to ninth.

Pakistan’s Sahibzada Farhan slipped one place to sixth, while Babar Azam dropped one position to 31st. South Africa’s Dewald Brevis fell seven places to 15th, whereas Aiden Markram surged eight spots to reach 29th.

In the T20I all-rounders’ rankings, Pakistan’s Saim Ayub continues to dominate at the top, with Mohammad Nawaz holding steady at fifth place. India’s Shivam Dube moved up four positions to claim 16th spot.

The latest rankings reflect shifting performances across international cricket, highlighting strong showings by players from South Asia and beyond.

Pakistan announces squad for ICC under-19 World Cup

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Pakistan announces

LAHORE: The Pakistan Under-19 cricket team has been announced for the upcoming tri-nation series and the ICC Under-19 World Cup. Farhan Yousuf will continue as captain, with only one change in the squad: Umar Zubair replaces Mohammad Huzaifa.

The squad includes captain Farhan Yousuf, vice-captain Usman Khan, Abdul Subhan, Ahmad Hussain, Ali Hassan Baloch, Ali Raza, Daniyal Ali Khan, and Umar Zubair.

Additional members are Hamza Zahoor, Huzaifa Ahsan, Momin Qamar, Mohammad Siyyam, Mohammad Shayan, Naqab Shafiq, and Sameer Minhas.

Pakistan qualified for the semi-finals of the Under-19 Asia Cup after defeating the UAE by 70 runs.

The tri-nation series will be held in Zimbabwe from December 25 to January 6, featuring Pakistan, Afghanistan, and host Zimbabwe. Pakistan’s Under-19 team is expected to play at least four matches in the series.

The ICC Under-19 World Cup will take place from January 15 to February 6 in Namibia and Zimbabwe, with both tournaments played in the 50-over format.

President Putin slams European leaders in fiery speech

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President Putin

Russian President Vladimir Putin has lashed out at European leaders, referring to them as “pigs” and accusing them of seeking to destroy Russia to settle past grievances.

Addressing a ceremony of Russian generals, Putin said that European powers wanted to take revenge and undermine Russia, but all destructive plans against the country had failed. He added that many had expected Russia to collapse and break apart, but that prediction proved wrong.

The Russian president further warned that if the opposing side and its backers fail to show seriousness toward a proposed US peace plan, Russia would use force to liberate what he described as its historical lands.

Putin’s remarks reflect a hardening stance amid ongoing tensions with the West and uncertainty surrounding diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict.

Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned that Russia may use force to seize Ukrainian territories if ongoing peace negotiations collapse.

Speaking at the annual meeting of the Russian Ministry of Defence, Putin stated that Moscow will not compromise on demands for territorial transfers from Ukraine, regardless of pressure from the U.S. and European nations to reach a peace agreement.

He sharply criticized Ukraine’s European allies, asserting that while Russia seeks to resolve the conflict through diplomatic means, it will secure its “historical lands” by force if Kyiv and its foreign backers refuse serious negotiations.

Putin specifically referred to regions that Russia demands be separated from Ukraine—currently the main obstacle in ongoing talks.

Meanwhile, the United States and European countries are intensifying diplomatic efforts to end the war, though clear disagreements remain over territorial issues and security guarantees for Ukraine.

Martyrdom Day: Armed forces pay tribute to Muhammad Mahfooz

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Martyrdom Day

RAWALPINDI: Lance Naik Muhammad Mahfooz’s martyrdom anniversary is being observed today, honoring his selfless bravery and dedication, as the armed forces and nation pay their respects.

According to the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR), Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff & Chief of Defence Forces; Admiral Naveed Ashraf, Chief of the Naval Staff; and Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, Chief of Air Staff, on behalf of the Armed Forces of Pakistan, pay profound homage to the immortal legacy of Lance Naik Muhammad Mehfooz Shaheed, Nishan-e-Haider, on his martyrdom anniversary.

Lance Naik Muhammad Mehfooz Shaheed stands as a towering symbol of valor, sacrifice, and unyielding devotion to the motherland.

During the 1971 war at the Wagah sector, he displayed extraordinary courage in the face of overwhelming enemy resistance. Undeterred by severe injuries and relentless fire, he pressed forward with fearless resolve, ultimately laying down his life in the highest tradition of military honor. His gallantry in battle remains one of the most luminous chapters in the history of the Pakistan Armed Forces.

His supreme sacrifice embodies the indomitable spirit, professional excellence, and selflessness that define Pakistan’s Armed Forces. Lance Naik Muhammad Mehfooz Shaheed’s heroism transcends time, serving as an enduring source of inspiration for generations of soldiers and citizens alike, reinforcing the sacred bond between the armed forces and the nation they are sworn to defend.

On this solemn occasion, the Armed Forces of Pakistan reaffirm their unwavering resolve to uphold the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and security of the nation.

The legacy of Lance Naik Muhammad Mehfooz Shaheed will forever remain etched in the nation’s collective memory, a timeless beacon of courage, resilience, and ultimate sacrifice.