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Newsdesk

Weekly Report: Pakistan Stock Exchange surges by 4,575 points

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Weekly Report

KARACHI: The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) witnessed a strong bullish trend during the past trading week, with the KSE-100 Index rising by 4,575 points.

The index closed the week at 166,677 points, up from 162,102 points at the start of the week. During the week, the market recovered four psychological levels, reflecting investor confidence.

Over the five trading days, the market saw three days of gains and two days of declines. The highest level of the KSE-100 Index during the week was 167,005 points, while the lowest level was 160,564 points.

Market capitalization increased by PKR 353 billion, bringing the total to PKR 18,866 billion.

Around 42.21% of listed stocks recorded price increases. Shares of 1,009 companies gained, while 1,172 companies saw declines.

Analysts attributed the market rally to renewed buying interest from local institutions and individual investors, which helped sustain the bullish momentum.

President Zardari addresses 27th National Security Workshop

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President Zardari

ISLAMABAD:  President Asif Ali Zardari visited the National Defence University (NDU), where he addressed participants of the 27th National Security Workshop.

According to Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR), the workshop was attended by parliamentarians, senior civil and military officers, as well as representatives from academic and social sectors.

The President congratulated the participants on completing the workshop and appreciated their dedication to raising awareness on national security issues.

ISPR stated that the National Security Workshop is one of the prominent platforms for promoting dialogue and plays a key role in enabling Pakistan to effectively tackle current security challenges.

The workshop also strengthens institutional capacity and contributes to enhancing national strategy for the country’s security.

During the event, President Zardari emphasized the importance of informed leadership, national unity, and coordinated policy-making, and awarded certificates to the graduating participants.

Hong Kong residential fire claims 128 lives, scores injured

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Hong Kong

A devastating fire in residential buildings in Hong Kong has claimed 128 lives, with local authorities reporting 79 injured and dozens still missing.

According to international media reports, the exact cause of the fire is yet to be determined. However, authorities said that polystyrene sheets and protective nets installed on the exterior windows of the buildings contributed to the rapid spread of the blaze.

Reports indicate that renovation and repair work was ongoing in the buildings prior to the fire. In connection with this, the Anti-Corruption Commission arrested eight individuals on suspicion of corruption, including a director of an engineering company.

Police are collecting evidence from inside the affected buildings, with officials stating that the investigation could take three to four weeks to complete.

The government has established temporary shelters and support centers for the affected families.

This fire has been described as the worst in Hong Kong’s 70-year history.

Sri Lanka cyclone and floods claim 123 lives

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Sri Lanka

Colombo: The death toll in Sri Lanka has risen to 123 following severe rains and flooding triggered by Cyclone Ditwa.

The country’s Disaster Management Centre confirmed the fatalities, adding that 130 people are still missing as a result of the storm.

According to Reuters, officials said most deaths occurred due to landslides. Heavy rainfall—up to 300 mm in the northern and eastern regions—caused widespread landslides.

The Disaster Management Centre reported that more than 44,000 people have been affected nationwide. Many have been relocated to schools and public facilities for safety.

Sri Lanka’s Irrigation Department warned that further flooding is expected in the already inundated eastern and southern regions, while the capital Colombo also faces a risk of flooding.

Authorities stated that several people stranded on rooftops were rescued by helicopters as floodwaters rose.

Petrol, Diesel prices expected to drop notably from Dec 1

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Petrol

ISLAMABAD: Petroleum prices in Pakistan are projected to fall from December 1, marking a notable decrease for the next two weeks.

According to industrial and government sources, petroleum prices may drop by up to Rs 6.35 per litre from December 1.

The anticipated relief is attributed to increased global supply following the restoration of several units at Kuwait’s Al-Zour refinery, one of the Gulf region’s largest refining complexes.

Based on preliminary calculations using 13 days of data, petrol prices may decrease by Rs 3.70 per litre, bringing the current price down from Rs 265.45 to approximately Rs 261.75 per litre.

On the other hand, the price of high-speed diesel is likely to decrease by Rs 4.28 per litre, after which the price may decrease from Rs 284.44 to around Rs 280.16 per litre.

 A slight decrease in the price of kerosene (kerosene) is expected, i.e. after a decrease of Rs 0.73, the price of kerosene may decrease from Rs 194.34 to approximately Rs 193.61 per litre.

According to sources, light diesel oil price is expected to decrease the most, after a reduction of Rs 6.35 per liter from Rs 170.80 to Rs 164.45 per litre.

India blocks Pakistani dramas on Netflix

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India blocks

LAHORE: India has reportedly imposed an undeclared ban on Pakistani dramas by blocking them on Netflix.

Pakistani actor and singer Farhan Saeed stated that India is apprehensive about the growing popularity of Pakistani content, which is why Pakistani dramas are being restricted there.

According to him, global platforms need to give more attention to Pakistani productions, as the younger generation watches these dramas enthusiastically, and Pakistani serials are also widely searched across the border.

It is noteworthy that Indian audiences have long admired Pakistani dramas, and several prominent Indian actors and industry figures have repeatedly praised Pakistan’s drama industry.

Some Indian artists have even advised their production houses to create stories inspired by Pakistani-style narratives.

Pakistan to face Sri Lanka in tri-nation T20 series final today

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Pakistan

RAWALPINDI: The final of the Tri-Nation T20 Series will be played on Saturday between Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

Pakistan secured their spot in the final after winning three out of four matches in the tournament, while Sri Lanka qualified by winning two games. The Sri Lankan side defeated Zimbabwe earlier and overcame Pakistan in their last group match.

Captains Salman Ali Agha and Sri Lankan skipper Dasun Shanaka posed with the trophy at a local hotel ahead of the clash.

The decisive encounter between the two teams will take place today at Rawalpindi Stadium, with the match scheduled to start at 6 PM.

Iran to boycott FIFA World Cup draw in Washington over US visa denial

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Iran

TEHRAN: Iran has announced a boycott of the Federation International Football Association (FIFA) World Cup 2026 draw scheduled to be held in Washington on December 5, after the United States refused to issue visas to key members of its delegation.

According to Iranian Football Federation spokesperson Amir Mehdi Alavi, the Iranian delegation will not attend the ceremony because the US issued visas to only four officials while denying entry to several others, including the team’s head coach and Federation President Mehdi Taj.

The spokesperson termed the US decision a violation of sporting principles. Reports indicate that the Iranian Football Federation has officially informed FIFA of its decision.

It is worth noting that Iran qualified for the FIFA World Cup 2026 in March.

Hema Malini shares heartfelt tribute to late husband Dharmendra

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Hema Malini

MUMBAI: Following the death of Bollywood legend Dharmendra, his wife, veteran actress Hema Malini, has shared a heartfelt message along with memorable photographs on social media.

In a long post on X, Hema Malini wrote, “Dharm Ji! He meant so much to me — a loving husband, the father of our two daughters, a friend, philosopher, guide, poet, and someone who was always there whenever I needed him.”

She added that despite his fame and popularity as a public figure, Dharmendra’s humility set him apart, and his immortal legacy and achievements in the film industry will always be remembered.

Hema Malini further expressed, “My personal loss is indescribable, and the void left behind will remain for life. After so many years together, I have countless cherished memories to keep him alive in my heart.”

Alongside her message, she shared multiple photographs of herself with Dharmendra.

Dharmendra passed away at the age of 89 on Monday, 24 November, in Mumbai. Fans and colleagues across social media expressed deep grief over his demise.

Hema Malini wanted Isha Deol to marry Abhishek Bachchan, actress reveals

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Hema Malini

Indian media reports reveal that veteran Bollywood actress Hema Malini had once hoped for her only son, Abhishek Bachchan, to become the husband of fellow actress Isha Deol.

During a recent interview on director Karan Johar’s show, Johar asked Isha if her mother had ever mentioned wanting her to marry Abhishek. Isha responded, “My mother is incredibly sweet.

She mentioned Abhishek in front of me because he was one of the most eligible bachelors at the time. She wanted me to marry a good person, and she thought Abhishek would be perfect for me. But I didn’t want to marry him. To me, Abhishek felt like an elder brother, so I politely declined my mother’s wish.”

When asked if her mother had later suggested Vivek Oberoi for marriage, Isha firmly denied it, saying, “Mothers can think a lot of things, but definitely not Vivek. He’s not my type.”

For context, Isha Deol married Bharat Takhtani in 2012. The couple welcomed their first daughter in 2017 and their second in 2019. In 2024, after 12 years of marriage, Isha Deol and Bharat Takhtani announced their separation.