BREAKING NEWS
Advertise with us >

Five Pakistanis deported from Sharjah over fake UK visas

Five Pakistanis

LAHORE: Five Pakistani nationals were deported from Sharjah for attempting to travel to the United Kingdom (UK) on forged visas, officials confirmed.

According to Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) spokesperson, the deportees were taken into custody immediately upon arrival at Lahore Airport.

The individuals had earlier travelled to Malaysia this year on visit visas and allegedly attempted to reach the UK using fake documents.

The spokesperson added that the suspects obtained counterfeit visas with the help of agents. Upon deportation, they were handed over to the FIA’s Anti-Human Smuggling Circle in Lahore, where investigation and questioning are currently underway.

Court grants bail to Nadia Hussain’s husband in fraud case

Court grants bail

KARACHI: The Sindh High Court(SHC) has approved the bail plea of Atif Khan, husband of actress Nadia Hussain, in a bank fraud case involving funds worth Rs 530 million linked to a private company.

During the hearing, the court directed former bank CEO Atif Khan to submit surety bonds worth Rs 1 million for his release. The court also extended the interim bail of other accused individuals involved in the case.

It is noteworthy that Atif Muhammad Khan was earlier arrested over allegations of embezzling millions of rupees from a private bank.

First test between New Zealand and West Indies ends in draw

First test

The opening Test match between New Zealand and West Indies at Christchurch concluded in a draw after a remarkable batting display from the West Indies in the final innings.

Chasing a massive target of 531 runs, the visitors held their ground with resilience, finishing at 457 for 6 after 163.3 overs. Justin Greaves played a historic innings, remaining unbeaten on 202 off 388 balls, while Kemar Roach provided strong support with an unbeaten 58 from 233 deliveries.

The pair added a crucial 180-run partnership for the seventh wicket, ensuring the match ended without a result. Earlier, Shai Hope contributed significantly with a superb 140-run knock.

New Zealand earlier posted 231 in the first innings, followed by 466/8 declared in the second. West Indies were dismissed for 167 in their first innings, but a valiant batting effort in the fourth innings saved them from defeat.

For his outstanding double-century, Justin Greaves was named Player of the Match.

8 Muslim countries reject forced displacement of Palestinians

8 Muslim countries

ISLAMABAD: Foreign ministers from eight Muslim countries, including Pakistan, have collectively rejected the forced displacement of Palestinians from their homeland, calling it unacceptable and a violation of their rights.

In the joint declaration, ministers from Pakistan, Egypt, Jordan, United Arab Emirates, Indonesia, Türkiye, Saudi Arabia and Qatar strongly condemned Israeli policies and the reported attempts to push residents of Gaza into Egypt. The statement emphasized that any effort to uproot Palestinians from their land is firmly opposed.

The foreign ministers called for the implementation of US President Donald Trump’s proposed peace plan and reiterated their complete opposition to any forced relocation of Palestinians. They stressed that Palestinians must not be compelled to leave their land and urged that the Rafah crossing remain open from both sides to ensure humanitarian access.

The statement highlighted the need for unrestricted humanitarian aid, maintenance of a full ceasefire in Gaza, and freedom of movement for civilians. It also acknowledged peace efforts and emphasized support for immediate reconstruction and rehabilitation of Gaza.

The ministers expressed readiness to continue cooperation with the United States and other regional and international partners.

The joint declaration reaffirmed support for a two-state solution based on pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as the capital of an independent Palestinian state.

Weekly Report: Pakistan Stock Exchange ends week on positive note

Weekly Report

KARACHI: The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) witnessed a mixed trend throughout the trading week, ultimately closing with notable gains.

Despite fluctuations, the 100-Index recorded an overall increase of 408 points, rising from 166,677 to close at 167,085 points by the week’s end.

During the week, the index regained one psychological barrier, while trading remained positive on three sessions and negative on two sessions. The benchmark index touched a weekly high of 169,289 points, whereas the lowest level stood at 165,886 points.

Market capitalization expanded by Rs172 billion, reaching Rs19,038 billion over the five-day trading period. According to market data, 44.05% of shares witnessed price appreciation, with 1,053 companies closing higher, while 1,109 scripts ended in decline.

Experts attribute investor confidence to improved financial sentiment and the extension of Saudi fund deposits for one year, keeping market activity vibrant throughout the week.

FIFA honours Trump with peace award at World Cup draw ceremony

FIFA honours Trump

The International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) has awarded US President Donald Trump the FIFA Peace Award.

According to international media reports, Trump received the honour during the FIFA World Cup 2026 draw ceremony, scheduled to be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico next year.

The award was presented to Trump by FIFA President Gianni Infantino at a ceremony held in Washington. Media outlets in the U.S. reported that FIFA had announced the honour last month, stating it would be given to individuals who made exceptional efforts for the cause of peace.

Speaking at the ceremony, Trump expressed gratitude, calling it “one of the greatest honours of my life.” He stated, “We saved millions of lives. We prevented wars—whether in Congo or by stopping conflict between India and Pakistan before it erupted.”

Trump also praised Infantino for his leadership, acknowledging remarkable achievements in football development and record-breaking ticket sales, describing the honour as a moment of pride for both the sport and its global community.

Parents allegedly kill daughter over desire for son in Mianwali

Parents allegedly kill

MIANWALI: In a shocking incident in Mianwali’s Canalawala area, parents allegedly drowned their two-month-old daughter in a water tank due to their wish for a male child.

According to the FIR, the couple was reportedly unhappy with the birth of a girl and wanted a son instead.

The FIR states that the incident occurred two days ago, when the parents allegedly threw the infant into a water tank, resulting in her death. Police have arrested the father, while the mother is currently on the run.

Authorities confirm that samples taken from the victim’s body have been sent to Lahore for forensic examination to determine the exact cause of death. Further investigation is underway.

FIFA World Cup 2026 draw announced

FIFA World Cup

The draw for the Federation International Football Association (FIFA) World Cup 2026 has been finalized, with 48 teams divided into 12 groups for the mega event scheduled to be hosted across the United States, Canada and Mexico next year.

The highly anticipated ceremony took place in the United States, where  US President Donald Trump also attended the event.

As per the official grouping:

Group A: Mexico (host), South Africa, South Korea, Playoff D winner

Group B: Canada (host), Qatar, Switzerland, UEFA Playoff A winner (Wales or Northern Ireland)

Group C: Brazil, Morocco, Scotland, Haiti

Group D: United States (host), Australia, Paraguay, UEFA Playoff C winner

Group E: Germany, Ecuador, Ivory Coast, Curaçao

Group F: Netherlands, Japan, Tunisia, UEFA Qualifier B winner

Group G: Belgium, Iran, Egypt, New Zealand

Group H: Spain, Saudi Arabia, Uruguay, Cape Verde

Group I: France, Senegal, Norway, FIFA Playoff 2 winner

Group J: Argentina (defending champions), Austria, Algeria, Jordan

Group K: Portugal, Uzbekistan, Colombia, FIFA Qualifier 1 winner

Group L: England, Croatia, Panama, Ghana

The expanded format will see intense competition as teams battle through the group stage for a place in the knockout rounds. Fans worldwide now eagerly await the kickoff of football’s biggest global tournament next year.

Pakistan to launch AI-based app to prevent illegal immigration

Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: The government of Pakistan has decided to tighten measures against individuals traveling abroad on fake documents.

A high-level meeting chaired by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Minister for Overseas Pakistanis Chaudhry Salik Hussain resulted in several key decisions.

Authorities resolved to make the issuance of Protector documents foolproof and implement reforms in the immigration system to facilitate travelers. Federal ministers have been asked to submit final recommendations within seven days.

The meeting also directed a crackdown on individuals and agent networks involved in the fake visa trade.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi announced the launch of a pilot AI-based app to prevent illegal immigration, stating that the system will identify who is eligible to travel and who is not.

He emphasized a zero-tolerance policy against fake visas and agent mafias, ensuring that deported individuals cannot obtain new visas once their passports are canceled. Additionally, a standardized international driving license will be issued through the National Police Bureau.

Mohsin Naqvi highlighted that illegal travel harms Pakistan’s global reputation, and the immigration reforms aim to facilitate citizens while improving the country’s international standing.

Minister for Overseas Pakistanis Chaudhry Salik Hussain stressed that labor visa holders must possess authentic documents and assured full support from the ministry to strengthen the Protector and immigration systems.

Balochistan Govt moves to target banned terror groups abroad

Balochistan Govt

Quetta: The Balochistan government has decided to initiate Interpol red notices and pursue legal action in international courts to arrest leaders, key commanders, and over 300 terrorist operatives of banned organizations based abroad.

The decision was taken during a high-level, extraordinary meeting chaired by Chief Minister Mir Sarfaraz Bugti.

Officials briefed the meeting on documented evidence, including communication records, call recordings, financial support trails, and other proof linking overseas terrorist leaders with local facilitators.

It was decided that cases will be prosecuted in global courts, ensuring robust and decisive action from local facilitators to foreign-based leaders.

The prosecution of cases against banned groups including BLA, BRA, BLF, UBA, BRG, and Lashkar-e-Balochistan will be expedited, with all evidence compiled according to international standards.