Newsdesk 
ISLAMABAD: The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has received a $1.2 billion installment from the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
Sources confirmed that the funds have been transferred to the SBP account. The IMF had approved the disbursement for Pakistan on 8 December.
The amount represents the third tranche under the current IMF loan program. In addition, the IMF has released an extra $20 million for Pakistan to support climate change-related initiatives.
LAHORE: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has reportedly almost tripled the value of all six existing Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchises, while setting a price of PKR 1.3 billion per year for each of the two new franchises.
Although no official announcement has been made by PCB regarding the exact figures, media reports suggest that the new valuations are significantly higher than before. Unlike 2016, when franchise prices were quoted in US dollars, all financial transactions are now being conducted in Pakistani rupees.
To attract investors for the two new franchises and the Multan Sultans, PCB organized a grand roadshow in London.
The Board has shortlisted six cities—Rawalpindi, Faisalabad, Sialkot, Hyderabad, Muzaffarabad, and Gilgit—from which two cities will be selected to expand the PSL to eight teams.
PCB also plans to hold a roadshow in New York as part of its global investment strategy, aiming to draw international investors’ attention before the auction of the two new franchises.
The initiative highlights the PSL’s commercial potential, international following, and long-term growth prospects.
KARACHI: The preparations for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 have reached their final stage, with full-member teams concluding their pre-tournament commitments. The mega event will take place from 7 February to 8 March in India and Sri Lanka.
With the schedule tightening, no full-member nation is expected to play any additional bilateral series before the tournament begins.
Pakistan will play six T20Is ahead of the World Cup — three against Sri Lanka in January and three at home against Australia.
Meanwhile, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Ireland and Zimbabwe will go into the tournament without playing any pre-World Cup matches. Australia, however, will play three T20Is against Pakistan, while England will feature in a three-match series in Sri Lanka in January.
India will be the busiest team, playing 10 T20Is in December and January, including a five-match home series against New Zealand. South Africa are currently touring India, and West Indies will tour South Africa for a three-match T20I series.
In total match exposure before the World Cup:
India: 10 matches
South Africa: 8 matches
Pakistan: 6 matches
Sri Lanka (hosts): 6 matches
New Zealand: 5 matches
Australia, England, West Indies: 3 matches each
With final preparations underway, teams are now gearing up for the global showdown beginning in early February.
Bollywood megastar Shah Rukh Khan has introduced a significant change to his fitness regimen to stay healthier and maintain peak performance.
According to Indian media, the actor has improved his sleep routine—an essential component of physical recovery.
In a recent interview, Shah Rukh revealed that instead of his famously short 4-hour sleep, he now sleeps 5 to 6 hours a night. He said that longer sleep helps in better muscle recovery and ensures the heart never tires, allowing the body to keep functioning even when physically exhausted.
The actor added that while the body may occasionally feel fatigue, the heart remains strong—an attitude that keeps him motivated and consistently working.
Experts say that sleep is crucial for muscle repair and growth after exercise. The most effective muscle recovery occurs during deep sleep, with 7 to 9 hours of quality rest playing a vital role in maintaining overall health and fitness.
Pakistan’s UN envoy Asim Iftikhar has warned that terror networks operating from Afghan soil pose the gravest threat to the country’s national security.
Speaking at a UN Security Council session on the situation in Afghanistan, Ambassador Iftikhar warned that Afghanistan has once again become a safe haven for terrorist groups and their proxy networks.
He stressed that cross-border terrorism from Afghanistan poses severe security challenges for neighbouring states — particularly Pakistan — and its impact is being felt beyond the region.
The Pakistani envoy told the Council that several terrorist organisations, including ISIS-K, Al-Qaeda, TTP, ETIM, BLA, and the Majid Brigade, are exploiting safe sanctuaries inside Afghanistan.
He informed the Council that dozens of terrorist camps are operating inside Afghanistan, enabling cross-border infiltration, suicide attacks and other violent acts.
Ambassador Iftikhar noted that the UN Monitoring Team has confirmed the presence of nearly 6,000 TTP militants on Afghan soil, adding that certain elements within the Taliban ranks are aiding these groups by offering them freedom of movement and operational space.
He further stated that there is solid evidence of collaboration among terrorist outfits, involving joint training, illegal weapons trafficking, providing shelter to militants, and coordinating attacks against Pakistan from Afghan territory.
Without directly naming India, the envoy said that a hostile and opportunistic state has intensified its material, technical and financial support for anti-Pakistan terrorist groups and proxy networks.
Calling for stronger measures to curb illicit trade and the destabilising spread of small and light weapons in Afghanistan and the region, the envoy urged collective international action.
He emphasised that the Taliban must take credible, verifiable action against terrorist groups operating from their soil. Failing this, Pakistan will take all necessary defensive measures to safeguard its people, territory and sovereignty.
Ambassador Iftikhar added that the war in Afghanistan has ended, expressing hope that Afghan citizens will return to their homeland in a dignified, phased and orderly manner.
Lionel Messi has become the first player in Major League Soccer history to win the MVP award in back-to-back seasons.
The Inter Miami superstar played a pivotal role in his team’s 3-1 victory over Vancouver Whitecaps, registering two assists to help the club secure its first MLS Cup. Messi also claimed the MLS Golden Boot, finishing the 2025 regular season with 29 goals.
Across 28 matches in 2025, the 38-year-old contributed to 48 goals, combining goals and assists—the second-highest total for a single season. Messi recorded at least three goal contributions in nine different matches, setting another MLS record.
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner also became the first MLS player to achieve 10 multi-goal games in a single season, surpassing the previous record of eight held by Stern John, Mamadou Diallo, and Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
Additionally, Messi scored in five consecutive matches from May 28 to July 12, marking the first time an MLS player recorded a multi-goal streak longer than four games and netting 10 goals during that period.
Messi recently extended his Inter Miami contract through the end of the 2028 season. He has been named in two MLS Best XI selections and won over 70% of the MVP vote, far ahead of runner-up San Diego winger Anders Dreyer, who received just over 11%.
The MLS MVP award, presented since 1996, is voted on by club technical staff, media, and current players.
The Argentine legend adds this accolade to a glittering career that includes the 2022 World Cup, three The Best FIFA Men’s Player awards, two World Cup Golden Balls, three UEFA Men’s Player of the Year awards, six European Golden Shoes, eight Pichichi trophies, and 15 Argentine Footballer of the Year awards.
Messi has yet to confirm whether he will represent Argentina at the 2026 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Simone Johnson, the eldest daughter of actor Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, has made her relationship with girlfriend Tatyanna Dumas public on Instagram.
The 24-year-old shared a montage of videos, showcasing moments of the couple traveling, dining, and enjoying each other’s company.
The Reel, posted by Dumas, was captioned, “Fall in love, again and again,” and included clips of the couple kissing and embracing. Simone reposted the Reel on her own account, writing, “Crying screaming throwing up, I am so lucky.”
While the exact start of their relationship remains private, the couple made their red carpet debut together in September at the premiere of Dwayne Johnson’s latest film, The Smashing Machine. Dwayne, 53, posed alongside Simone and Dumas, beaming as he stood between the two.
Simone Johnson is the daughter of Dwayne Johnson and his ex, Dany Garcia, and this marks one of her first public acknowledgments of her long-term relationship.
ISLAMABAD: Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) Chairman Rashid Langrial said that strict actions against tax evaders are being carried out across the country on a daily basis.
Speaking informally to the media in Islamabad, he provided details on ongoing operations against tax evasion and smuggling.
He stated that 30 individuals who were underreporting their tax returns have already received notices, and complete data has been compiled for those failing to file or submitting incorrect returns.
Langrial added that a Chief Commissioner for Enforcement has been appointed to oversee all operations, with daily reports on action against tax evaders being prepared.
He highlighted that the sugar industry has contributed an additional Rs40 billion annually in sales tax, noting that previously there were separate rates for taxed and untaxed sugar across the country. Now, strict action will be taken against anyone holding untaxed sugar stock, as Prime Minister Imran Khan reportedly has no leniency for tax offenders.
The FBR Chairman also emphasized that strict measures are ongoing to prevent smuggling of goods. He mourned the loss of two tax officials who were martyred during anti-smuggling operations.
LAHORE: Junaid Safdar, the son of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, is reportedly set to enter his second marriage following the finalisation of a new match, sources say.
According to sources, Junaid Safdar’s upcoming marriage has been arranged with the granddaughter of senior PML-N leader Sheikh Rohail Asghar. The bride, daughter of Ali Rohail Asghar, will unite two prominent political families.
Insiders say that PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif and the broader Sharif family have given their approval for the match. A formal gathering between the Sharif and Rohail Asghar families has also reportedly been held as part of the wedding preparations.
The wedding is expected to take place either in the last week of December or in January, though the final date has not been officially confirmed.
This will be Junaid Safdar’s second marriage. He was previously married to Ayesha Saif, daughter of former NAB chairman and Qatar-based businessman Saifur Rahman Khan. The couple divorced amicably in October 2023. Their first wedding was held in 2021 at The Lanesborough in London’s Knightsbridge during Nawaz Sharif’s exile.
Baba Vanga, the renowned blind mystic from Bulgaria, is known for making startlingly accurate predictions about major global events. Born in 1911 and passing away in 1996 at the age of 85, she reportedly foretold some of the most significant incidents in modern history, including the 9/11 attacks.
Raised in Romania, Baba Vanga lost her eyesight at the age of 12 due to a severe dust storm. Beyond her knowledge of herbal medicine, she was considered a spiritual guide and made predictions extending to the year 5079, believing the world would end thereafter.
Predictions for 2026:
Devastating natural disasters
Baba Vanga predicted that in 2026, natural calamities such as major earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and extreme weather could destroy 7–8% of the Earth’s surface. Given recent global events like wildfires in Australia and Canada, heatwaves in Europe, and earthquakes in Myanmar, this forecast has drawn significant attention.
Rising global conflicts
She also foresaw growing international tensions, marking 2026 as a critical year. According to her, conflicts may escalate among global powers including China, Russia, and the United States. Some reports suggest potential disputes over Taiwan and possible direct confrontations between Russia and the U.S.
First contact with other civilizations
Another prediction indicates that humans may make contact with extraterrestrial life or other civilizations in 2026. Reports speculate that a large spacecraft could approach Earth, possibly linked to interstellar origins.
Challenging year for the global economy
Baba Vanga predicted that 2026 could be an extremely difficult year for the world economy, potentially marked by instability and financial hardships.
AI turning point
She also foresaw artificial intelligence gaining dominance across major sectors in 2026, which could disrupt jobs and create significant societal challenges.
These predictions highlight Baba Vanga’s continued influence on global curiosity and speculation about the future.
