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Pakistan, Afghan Taliban to resume key negotiations in Türkiye

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Pakistan

ISTANBUL: The second round of high-level talks between Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban is set to begin in Türkiye on Saturday, focusing on counterterrorism cooperation and border security mechanisms.

The talks aim to establish a robust and verifiable monitoring mechanism to address the growing threat of terrorism.

Foreign Office Spokesperson Tahir Andrabi and Taliban government spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid have confirmed that the meeting will be held in Istanbul.

The meeting will focus on establishing a clear, verifiable, and effective monitoring mechanism to counter the threat of terrorism. “Pakistan supports the creation of a robust and credible framework to combat terrorism,” the spokesperson said.

On the other hand, Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid stated that an Afghan delegation, led by Deputy Interior Minister Haji Najib, has departed for Türkiye to participate in the talks.

It is worth noting that the first round of negotiations—mediated by Qatar and Türkiye—was held in Doha, resulting in a temporary ceasefire between Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Dinner turns to drama as rat startles Australian cricketers in Indian hotel

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Australian cricketers

VISAKHAPATNAM:  Members of the Australian women’s cricket team had quite an unexpected moment during dinner at their hotel in Visakhapatnam, where they are staying for the Women’s Cricket World Cup.

According to Indian media reports, the incident occurred when the players spotted a rat running across the dining area. The startled cricketers began shouting and jumped onto their chairs to avoid it.

Hotel staff rushed to the scene and tried to catch the rodent, but it darted around the room, causing further chaos before eventually escaping.

The unusual incident quickly went viral on social media, with fans reacting humorously to the Australian players’ startled response.

Cricket Australia has shared a video capturing the light-hearted chaos that unfolded when members of the Australian women’s cricket team encountered a rat during dinner at their hotel in India.

In the video, the players recount that they had just finished their meal and were about to leave when a rat suddenly appeared. “Everyone said it’s gone — but then it came back out, and that’s when we all screamed,” one player recalled, laughing.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Aussie Women’s Cricket Team (@auswomencricket)

The incident, which occurred at a hotel in Visakhapatnam, has raised questions about the cleanliness and hygiene standards of the hotel’s management, particularly as it accommodates international athletes participating in the Women’s Cricket World Cup.

Pakistan, Qatar pledge stronger partnership across key economic sectors

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Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: In a significant step toward deepening bilateral ties, Pakistan and Qatar have agreed to expand collaboration across multiple sectors, notably energy, agriculture, information technology, tourism, trade, and investment.

The understanding came during a meeting between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Qatar’s Minister of Commerce and Industry Sheikh Faisal bin Thani Al Thani, who is in Pakistan to co-chair the session of the Pakistan-Qatar Joint Ministerial Commission.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed satisfaction over the positive trajectory of Pakistan-Qatar relations and lauded Qatar’s role as an important partner and influential regional mediator.

During the meeting, the Prime Minister highlighted Pakistan’s investor-friendly policies and emphasized the significance of expanding bilateral cooperation in areas such as energy, agriculture, food security, information technology, tourism, and infrastructure development.

Shahbaz Sharif invited Qatari investors to explore new avenues of cooperation under the SIFC framework.

Sheikh Faisal bin Thani Al Thani expressed good wishes on behalf of the Qatari leadership and the Qatari Minister of Commerce reiterated Qatar’s determination to further strengthen economic ties with Pakistan.

The Prime Minister expressed Pakistan’s appreciation for Qatar’s continuous support on regional and global issues and reiterated Pakistan’s desire to strengthen cooperation at regional and multilateral forums.

The two leaders agreed to maintain close ties to translate common understandings into concrete results.

Teenager from Bahawalpur dies after alleged police torture in Karachi

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Teenager

KARACHI: A tragic incident has emerged from Karachi, where a 16-year-old boy, Muhammad Irfan from Bahawalpur, allegedly lost his life after being subjected to torture while in the custody of CIA Saddar police. Irfan had reportedly traveled to Karachi with three friends for a leisure visit when the group was detained by police under suspicious circumstances.

According to sources, the boys were picked up by police from the Ayesha Manzil area after being deemed “suspicious.” The family claims that the officers subjected the boys to severe torture throughout the night.

“Irfan could not bear the torture and lost his life inside the CIA police station,” the family alleged. They further stated that police personnel left Irfan’s body at Jinnah Hospital and fled the scene.

Two of the surviving boys are currently under treatment at Jinnah Hospital. The incident has triggered widespread outrage, with the family demanding justice and an impartial investigation into the alleged custodial killing.

The case of a young man’s death allegedly due to torture by the Special Investigation Unit (SIU) police has taken a grim turn as the victim’s companions came forward with harrowing statements.

The detainees claimed they were kept blindfolded for two days and taken to different locations, continuously facing abuse. “When Irfan died from the torture, they finally removed our blindfolds,” another survivor said.

The deceased, identified as Irfan, was the eldest of five brothers. The incident has sparked outrage and calls for a thorough investigation into alleged custodial abuse by SIU personnel.

In a shocking revelation, a friend of the youth who allegedly died in SIU police custody claimed that they were filming a TikTok video when police officers detained them without explanation.

According to the survivor, “We were making a TikTok video when 2 to 3 police bikes arrived. The officers forced us into their vehicle and took us away. When we asked why, they said we were terrorists, pickpockets, and wanted criminals.”

The victims allege they were blindfolded and brutally beaten for two days while being moved between different locations. One of them, Irfan, succumbed to the alleged torture before the others were released.

In the wake of the alleged custodial death of teenager Muhammad Irfan, the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) has suspended seven officials of the Special Investigation Unit (SIU), including three Assistant Sub-Inspectors (ASIs), and ordered a thorough investigation into the incident.

The move follows mounting public outrage after reports surfaced that the 16-year-old from Bahawalpur died as a result of police torture at the CIA Saddar police station. The SSP has assured that strict departmental action will be taken once the inquiry determines responsibility.

Bill Gates makes surprise appearance in Indian TV drama

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Bill Gates

Microsoft founder and one of the world’s richest individuals, Bill Gates, has made an unexpected entry into Indian television drama.

According to Indian media reports, Gates will appear in the popular TV serial “Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2”.

A newly released promo this week shows Bill Gates in a video call with the show’s main character, Tulsi Virani, played by Smriti Irani.

In the short clip, Tulsi can be heard saying in her signature style, “It’s wonderful to know that you’re connecting with my family all the way from America — we’re eagerly waiting for you.”

The promo’s caption suggests that Bill Gates’ appearance in the Indian TV drama Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2 carries a deeper purpose.

According to the post, Gates’ inclusion in the show is part of a broader awareness campaign focused on maternal and child health.

The collaboration aims to use the show’s massive viewership to spread vital health messages and encourage better healthcare practices for mothers and children across India.

Multan Sultans’ owner Ali Tareen tears up PCB’s legal notice

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Multan Sultans

MULTAN: Multan Sultans owner Ali Tareen has torn up a legal notice sent to him by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), declaring that he refuses to be intimidated.

In a video message posted on social media, Tareen revealed that the Pakistan Super League (PSL) management had issued him a legal notice demanding that he withdraw his critical remarks and issue an apology. The notice also warned of the termination of his franchise agreement and the possibility of being blacklisted.

Tareen stated firmly that he would not remain silent in the face of such threats. “If you think I will be silenced by intimidation, you are mistaken,” he said.

Expressing his deep affection for the PSL, Tareen said, “I love this league — it belongs to the entire nation.” He added that he was willing to sit down and resolve the issues but lamented that the PCB had not made any attempt to contact him. “No one has made a single call or sent an email to understand my concerns,” he remarked.

In his latest video message, Tareen offered what appeared to be a tongue-in-cheek apology, saying, “I apologize for demanding that competent people be included in the PSL management. I also apologize for criticizing the draft process, training facilities, and the opening ceremony.”

The PCB had earlier issued a legal notice to the Multan Sultans franchise, accusing it of violating contractual clauses and running a campaign that damaged the reputation of the Pakistan Super League (PSL).

According to sources, the notice was served for breaches of the 10-year franchise agreement. If the franchise fails to provide a satisfactory response, the PCB may terminate the contract and blacklist the franchise owners.

Pakistan seeks probe into Israel’s war crimes in Gaza

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Pakistan

UNITED NATIONS: Pakistan has called for accountability over what it described as “grave atrocity crimes” committed by Israel in Gaza, urging an immediate halt to the occupying power’s unlawful actions in the West Bank, including forced displacements, illegal settlements, and annexations.

Speaking in the UN Security Council, Ambassador Usman Jadoon, acting permanent representative of Pakistan to the UN, condemned “the killing of more than 68,000 innocent Palestinians, mostly women and children”, in Gaza, stressing: “The ceasefire, the release of hostages and Palestinian prisoners, and the restoration of humanitarian flows are welcome steps.”

At the same time, he denounced Israel’s continued attacks and aid restrictions. He rejected “the Israeli Knesset’s preliminary approval of draft laws to impose Israeli sovereignty over the occupied West Bank” as blatant violations of international law.

The Pakistani envoy also demanded an end to Israeli illegal actions in the West Bank, including forced displacements, upholding of the legal and historical status of Al-Haram Al-Sharif – Al-Aqsa Mosque, and the unhindered functioning of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).

“As reaffirmed by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in its advisory opinion yesterday, Israel is under an obligation to facilitate relief provided by the UN and its entities, particularly UNRWA,” Ambassador Jadoon pointed out.

In addition, he stressed the need for the launch of a credible, time-bound political process consistent with international legitimacy and relevant UN resolutions to establish an independent, sovereign, and contiguous State of Palestine, based on the pre-1967 borders with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.

In his remarks, Ambassador Jadoon also welcomed the peace efforts led by President Donald Trump and commended the crucial role played by the mediators—Egypt, Qatar, Türkiye, and the United States —in facilitating the negotiations.

“We sincerely hope these efforts will yield sustainable results, including a permanent cessation of hostilities and a just, comprehensive and lasting peace.”

“Looking ahead,” the Pakistani envoy said, “the roles of the UN, the Palestinian Authority, and the Palestinian people will be vital to ensuring legitimate governance, reconstruction, and institution-building in Gaza”, along with the Security Council whose role will also be critical for the next phases of the peace plan including for designing and mandating the deployment of an international stabilization force to fulfill its tasks.

Pakistan, he said, will continue to work with all partners to advance these shared objectives and to help restore peace, justice, and dignity to the Palestinian people.

Briefing the 15-member Council, the UN’s Deputy Middle East envoy, Ramiz Alakbarov, said that the Gaza ceasefire provides a rare opportunity to end one of the most destructive phases of the wider Israel-Palestine conflict.

Alakbarov warned that without decisive support for reconstruction and aid delivery, the region risks sliding back into violence.

How Young Entrepreneurs Are Driving Change in Pakistan’s Economy

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youth ,entrepreneurship ,Pakistan, women entrepreneurs, Pakistan ,start-ups, Pakistani start-up hubs, Lahore, Karachi, Pakistan, start-up ecosystem
youth ,entrepreneurship ,Pakistan, women entrepreneurs, Pakistan ,start-ups, Pakistani start-up hubs, Lahore, Karachi, Pakistan, start-up ecosystem

Youth-led start-ups reshaping Pakistan’s entrepreneurial landscape

With more than 60 % of its population under 30, Pakistan is in the midst of a youth-driven entrepreneurial surge. According to a recent analysis, this generation is not simply entering jobs—they’re building businesses.


In major hubs like Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad, start-ups led by young entrepreneurs are emerging across e-commerce, ed-tech, fintech and sustainable ventures. The report by DigiIT notes that sectors previously underserved—such as agritech, sustainable fashion and cloud kitchens—are now drawing interest.


Women entrepreneurs are gradually gaining visibility. Female-led tech start-ups such as those backed by i2i Ventures are recording increased activity, though funding disparities persist.


What’s driving this youth momentum?

• High internet and mobile penetration (~100 m users)

• Rising freelancing and remote work allowing side-projects to turn into start-ups

• Government incubator programmes (e.g., NICs) and grants providing early-stage support
Still, there’s a gap between desire and scale.

Many youth-led start-ups stall after MVP phase due to funding, regulatory hurdles or limitations in mentorship.

As one founder remarked:

“We have the idea, the tech, the hustle—but finding the right mentor and investor is the toughest part.”


For these entrepreneurs to succeed, the ecosystem must provide better access to networks, global mentors, cross-border expansion opportunities and structured growth tracks.


For policy-makers, the lesson is clear: lower regulatory burden, simplify registration and taxes, improve internet and power reliability and fund seed-stage grants targeted at diverse groups (women, rural founders).


In short, the young entrepreneurial army in Pakistan is ready—but to win the battle they need stronger arms: capital, infrastructure and institutional support.

Tech Trends Entrepreneurs Must Watch in Pakistan in 2025

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tech trends, Pakistan 2025, AI startups Pakistan, fintech Pakistan, renewable energy startups Pakistan

What tech entrepreneurs in Pakistan should focus on now



As the entrepreneurial landscape evolves in Pakistan, three major technology trends are standing out as high-potential for start-ups and entrepreneurs in 2025: AI & automation, fintech & digital payments, and renewable-energy tech integration.


According to a report by tech-analytics portal DigiIT, artificial intelligence and machine learning adoption are no longer optional. Companies in Pakistan are integrating chatbots, predictive analytics and automation to reduce costs and improve service.

Fintech and digital banking have also surged: as smartphone penetration climbs (~85 % in 2025), mobile wallets, QR payments and buy-now-pay-later (BNPL) models are gaining traction.


Meanwhile, Pakistan’s energy challenges are creating a fertile ground for start-ups in renewable energy and sustainable tech.

Businesses offering solar-installations, smart grid solutions or IoT energy-management systems are emerging.
For entrepreneurs, the implication is clear: Aligning start-up ideas with these tech trends increases relevance and investor appeal.

For example:

• AI-driven logistics start-ups that optimise last-mile delivery

• Fintech platforms that serve under-banked or remittance-heavy populations

• Energy-tech firms enabling solar-plus-storage in urban or rural Pakistan


Yet challenges remain. Many start-ups cite infrastructure gaps (unreliable power, slower internet), regulatory ambiguity around fintech and data-privacy, and talent shortages in advanced AI skills.


In this environment, entrepreneurs who differentiate by combining technology with local market insight will have an edge. Consider partnerships with universities, leverage government incentives or incubators, and build lean MVPs before scaling.


Overall, the message for 2025: Technology is not just about building another app—it’s about solving real business and social problems using tech that is accessible, scalable and locally relevant.

The State of Startup Funding in Pakistan: What’s Changing in 2025

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Pakistan ,startup, funding ,2025, Pakistan, venture ,capital, startup ecosystem ,Pakistan, hybrid financing ,startups Pakistan

Pakistan startup funding falls but ecosystem matures

Pakistan ,startup, funding ,2025, Pakistan, venture ,capital, startup ecosystem ,Pakistan, hybrid financing ,startups Pakistan



Pakistan’s startup ecosystem is experiencing a shift in 2025. Although the numbers show a slowdown, many analysts believe this represents maturation rather than collapse. According to a recent report by Invest2Innovate (i2i), disclosed funding in Q3 2025 stood at US$15.2 million across six deals, a steep drop from roughly US$58 million in Q2.


The largest raise that quarter was by Trukkr (logistics), which secured US$10 million through a hybrid equity-and-debt structure. Investors note that the number of deals may be smaller, but the ecosystem is diversifying: fintech, Web3, fashion and mobility deals all featured.


Why the slowdown? Several factors: global venture capital is tighter post-pandemic; Pakistan’s macroeconomic headwinds (currency instability, inflation, regulatory uncertainty) make investors cautious; and start-ups themselves are pivoting toward sustainable business models rather than growth-at-all-cost.


“Founders are choosing hybrid financing — convertible notes, equity-plus-debt — to reduce dilution and risk,” the i2i report noted. This is a sign the market is maturing, emphasising resilience over hype.


However, the drop in funding underscores serious challenges. Early-stage start-ups still struggle to secure funding beyond seed rounds, while growth-stage funding remains scarce.

The gender-funding gap remains visible: women-led start-ups receive smaller checks on average.
What should founders and policy-makers do? First, focus on building strong unit economics and export-oriented models to appeal to global investors.

Second, leverage government initiatives like the Pakistan Startup Fund (PSF) and incubators to de-risk early stages. Third, embrace hybrid financing models and structured debt to extend runway.


For Pakistan’s ecosystem, this period of lower funding is not necessarily a downturn—it may be a “spring cleaning” phase toward sustainable growth. Founders who prioritise product-market fit, revenue generation and capital efficiency will emerge stronger.