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SpaceX reportedly offers $60b to acquire Pakistani founder’s AI startup ‘Cursor’ • PM Shehbaz, Ishaq Dar review regional security after Araghchi call • Amir, Faheem fined for code of conduct breach in PSL 11 clash • Naseem Shah suffers knee injury during PSL 11 match • PSX turns positive as Iran-US talk’s news boost investor sentiment • Yami Gautam opens up about Quran study for character in ‘Haq’ • Netanyahu reveals prostate cancer diagnosis • “Michael” biopic sparks renewed global craze for Michael Jackson • Saba Faisal faces backlash again over controversial remarks in viral interview • Iranian FM expected to arrive in Islamabad tonight for second round of talks • Trump blasts media again over queries on Iran war duration • Aryan Khan’s fun ‘shoe-stealing’ moment at wedding goes viral • Pakistan, China discuss Middle East situation and peace efforts in high-level meeting • Pakistan playing key role in preventing breakdown of US-Iran talks: Report • No hardliners or moderates in Iran, nation united: President Pezeshkian
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Newsdesk

FCC summons KPK CM over formation of “Imran Khan Release Force”

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FCC summons

The Federal Constitutional Court(FCC)  has sought a response from Suhail Afridi within 10 days in a case challenging the formation “Imran Khan Release Force” formation.

The hearing was held before a three-member bench headed by Chief Justice Amin-ud-Din. The court directed CM Suhail Afridi to submit a detailed reply within the given timeframe.

During proceedings, the petitioner’s lawyer presented documents and argued that CM Afridi claimed the force was intended to counter criminals, while existing court rulings, including those from the Karachi High Court on law and order, raise concerns.

Justice Ali Baqar inquired whether the cabinet had authorized the creation of such a force. The petitioner’s counsel stated that no such approval had been given.

The court instructed the federal government to ensure no violation of law occurs. Chief Justice Amin-ud-Din remarked that such a force should not be formed for convicted individuals.

The controversy follows CM Suhail Afridi’s recent announcement to establish the force to assist in the release of Imran Khan.

Global markets surge after Trump announces exit from Iran conflict

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Global markets

KARACHI: Following US President Donald Trump’s announcement to withdraw from the Iran conflict, stock markets in Pakistan and across the world saw a sharp rise today.

The trading session opened on a positive note, with the 100-index climbing 7,461 points to reach 156,204, while the KSE-30 index rose 2,390 points to 47,422.

During trading, the 30-index recorded a 5.02% increase, prompting a temporary 45-minute suspension of trading, which resumed at 1:09 PM.

Trump’s announcement had also boosted Wall Street, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average closing up 2.49% yesterday.

Asian markets followed suit, with Japan’s Nikkei soaring by 9%, and positive trends were observed in Hang Seng, Nifty 50, and European markets.

Fakhar Zaman appeals against two-match ban in PSL 11

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Fakhar Zaman

LAHORE: Fakhar Zaman, a key batter for Lahore Qalandars in Pakistan Super League 11, has filed an appeal against his two-match suspension imposed over a ball-tampering incident.

The Pakistan Cricket Board had suspended Fakhar Zaman for two matches, citing a Level 3 breach of the code of conduct related to ball tampering.

According to PCB officials, the ban was imposed under the relevant article concerning ball manipulation during a match.

Sources indicate that the cricketer has now approached the PSL technical committee, challenging the decision and seeking relief from the suspension.

The incident was reported during the match between Lahore Qalandars and Karachi Kings, after which match referee Roshan Mahanama announced the verdict following a hearing.

Dr Omer Adil’s remarks on actress Nargis spark social media debate

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Dr Omer Adil

Pakistani media personality Dr. Omer Adil has stirred controversy after making remarks about stage dance and former actress Nargis, triggering a fresh debate on social media.

Known for his outspoken views on film and music, Dr. Omer Adil, in a recent discussion, expressed strong admiration for Nargis and her artistic work.

Nargis, once a leading figure in film and theatre, gained recognition not only for her acting but also for her dance performances. She was considered among the highest-paid actresses of her time before stepping away from showbiz and adopting a more religious lifestyle.

In his statement, Dr. Omer Adil said that if anyone perceives obscenity in Nargis’s dance, the issue lies in the viewer’s perspective.

He added that her performances carried elements of beauty and spirituality, claiming that her dance often moved him to tears.

The remarks have drawn mixed reactions online. While some users termed the comments inappropriate, others expressed surprise and criticism. One user remarked that such views require reconsideration, while several others also shared strong opinions on the matter.

Zayn Malik pays tribute to Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan

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Zayn Malik

British-Pakistani singer Zayn Malik has won hearts by paying tribute to legendary qawwali maestro Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan in his upcoming music project.

During a recent appearance on a music show, Zayn shared insights about his new album. In a special segment, he was asked to various songs, during which a famous qawwali by Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan was played. Zayn instantly recognized it and revealed that Nusrat’s music has had a profound influence on his artistic journey.

He further disclosed that one of the songs in his upcoming album is titled “Nusrat,” describing it as a heartfelt tribute to the legendary artist. According to Zayn, Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan’s music continues to resonate with audiences worldwide and remains influential across generations.

Zayn Malik’s new album is set to release on April 17, while one of its tracks, “Sideways,” has already been released and is gaining popularity on social media. Fans are now eagerly awaiting the full album.

Punjab Govt announces three weekly holidays for public schools

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Punjab Govt

LAHORE: The Punjab government has announced that all public schools across the province will now operate only four days a week.

According to details, educational institutions will remain closed on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. The provincial government has formally declared Friday as an official weekly holiday.

As per the issued notification, all government schools will observe three weekly holidays, with classes to be held from Monday to Thursday only.

Due to the Friday holiday, academic activities will now take place only four days a week.

Sultans seal six-wicket victory in nail-biting PSL encounter

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Sultans seal

Lahore: Multan Sultans secured a dominant six-wicket victory over Hyderabad Kingsmen in the eighth match of PSL 11 at Gaddafi Stadium.

Chasing a massive target of 226 runs, Multan Sultans successfully reached 227 for 4 in just 18.4 overs. The defeat marked Hyderabad Kingsmen’s third consecutive loss in the tournament.

Opener Sahibzada Farhan delivered a outstanding performance, scoring an unbeaten century off 55 balls, smashing 7 fours and 7 sixes. Steve Smith contributed 46 runs, while Shan Masood added 29. Josh Philippe scored 9, and captain Ashton Turner managed 4 runs.

For Hyderabad Kingsmen, Saim Ayub took two wickets, while Maheesh Theekshana and Hassan Khan claimed one each.

Earlier, Hyderabad Kingsmen posted a formidable total of 225 for 5 in their allotted overs. Muaz Sadaqat scored a quickfire 62 off 26 balls, while Sharjeel Khan added 51 runs. Irfan Niazi contributed 22 runs.

Saim Ayub scored 27, Usman Khan made 25, and captain Marnus Labuschagne was dismissed for 8, while Syed Saad Ali added 23 runs.

For Multan Sultans, Mohammad Wasim Jr picked up two wickets, while Peter Siddle and Ashton Turner took one wicket each.

Hyderabad Kingsmen captain Marnus Labuschagne had opted to field first, expressing hope that his team would avoid previous mistakes and deliver a strong performance. Meanwhile, Multan skipper Ashton Turner said his side aimed to restrict the opposition to a manageable total.

In another development, the previous day’s PSL match between Islamabad United and Peshawar Zalmi was abandoned due to rain, with both teams awarded one point each.

Russian military plane crashes in Crimea, 29 killed

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Russian military

A Russian An-26 military transport aircraft crashed into a cliff in Crimea, killing all 29 people on board, in what authorities believe was likely caused by a technical malfunction, according to Russia’s defence ministry.

State news agency TASS reported that communication with the aircraft was lost at around 6:00 pm local time on Tuesday during a scheduled flight over Crimea.

The peninsula, annexed by Russia from Ukraine in 2014, is known for its mountainous terrain along the Black Sea coast.

Rescue teams later located the crash site, where officials confirmed the deaths of six crew members and 23 passengers. No survivors were reported.

The defence ministry stated there was no external impact on the aircraft, ruling out possibilities such as missiles, drones, or bird strikes. Preliminary findings suggest a technical failure as the cause of the crash, with a military commission investigating the incident.

The Antonov An-26, a light tactical transport plane introduced in the late 1960s, has long been used for short- and medium-range missions, carrying cargo and up to 40 passengers.

The model has been involved in several fatal accidents in recent years. In 2022, a Ukrainian An-26 crashed in the Zaporizhzhia region, killing one person.

A 2020 training flight crash in northeastern Ukraine claimed 26 lives, while separate incidents in South Sudan (2020) and Ivory Coast (2017) also resulted in multiple fatalities.

Eid-ul-Fitr: President, PM urge unity, brotherhood, and prayers for Muslim Ummah

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Eid-ul-Fitr

ISLAMABAD: On the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr, President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif extended heartfelt greetings to the people of Pakistan and the global Muslim community, emphasizing unity, brotherhood, and national solidarity.

President Zardari described Eid as the reward for the month of Ramadan, highlighting the spiritual renewal, patience, piety, and selflessness it fosters. He urged citizens to incorporate the lessons of Ramadan into daily life by promoting patience, tolerance, empathy, and justice.

The President also stressed the importance of including the underprivileged, orphans, and marginalized communities in the celebrations, while reiterating the nation’s commitment to constitutional supremacy, law, and collective responsibility. He prayed for peace, stability, and prosperity for Pakistan.

Prime Minister Sharif echoed similar sentiments, calling Eid a manifestation of Allah’s mercy and blessings bestowed upon Muslims after the month of Ramadan. He said the festival revitalizes the values of selflessness, unity, public service, and collective responsibility.

Highlighting support for vulnerable groups, the Prime Minister noted that the government ensured financial assistance through digital mechanisms during Ramadan. He added that collective cooperation is the foundation of national progress and prosperity.

Expressing concern over ongoing conflicts in Gaza and the Middle East, Sharif emphasized the urgent need for unity within the Muslim Ummah to promote justice, dignity, and sustainable peace.

Both leaders reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to global peace, tolerance, and fostering brotherhood, praying that the blessings of Eid bring peace and security to the entire world.

Amazon eyes smartphone comeback with transformer over decade after fire phone failure

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Amazon eyes smartphone

Seattle: Amazon is planning a return to the smartphone market more than ten years after the disastrous launch of its Fire Phone.

The original Fire Phone, introduced in 2014 under the direct supervision of founder Jeff Bezos, was meant to challenge Apple and Samsung but was discontinued after just over a year, becoming one of Amazon’s most high-profile flops.

The new device, internally codenamed “Transformer,” is being developed within Amazon’s devices and services unit, according to sources familiar with the project.

The phone is envisioned as a highly personalized mobile device that integrates seamlessly with Alexa and serves as a daily conduit for Amazon’s customers.

The Transformer aims to make shopping on Amazon, streaming Prime Video, listening to Prime Music, and ordering food from partner services easier than ever.

Artificial intelligence features may eliminate the need for traditional app stores, streamlining access to content and services.

This initiative reflects Bezos’ long-term vision of a ubiquitous, voice-driven computing assistant, similar to the AI in science fiction series like Star Trek. While Alexa is expected to play a central role, it may not serve as the phone’s primary operating system.

Amazon faces the challenge of competing against entrenched leaders Apple and Samsung, which together captured about 40% of global smartphone sales last year, according to Counterpoint Research. Compounding the challenge, global smartphone shipments are forecast to decline 13% in 2026 due to rising memory chip prices, according to the International Data Corporation.

The company hopes to avoid past pitfalls of the Fire Phone, which suffered from a proprietary operating system lacking popular apps, battery-draining 3D display technology, and weak consumer adoption despite a free Amazon Prime trial. Amazon had ultimately canceled the Fire Phone after 14 months, taking a $170 million charge for unsold inventory.

With the Transformer, Amazon aims to combine AI, personalized shopping, and entertainment into a single device to make a stronger mark in the smartphone market.