BREAKING NEWS
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
Advertise with us >

Newsdesk

Sahibzada Farhan becomes highest run-scorer in a single edition

by
Sahibzada Farhan

Pakistan opener Sahibzada Farhan has become the highest run-scorer in a single edition of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.

Farhan achieved the milestone during a crucial match against the Sri Lanka national cricket team in the 2026 tournament.

The previous record was held by Virat Kohli, who scored 319 runs in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.

Sahibzada Farhan has now surpassed the 319-run mark in the 2026 edition, setting a new benchmark for the most runs scored by a batter in a single T20 World Cup tournament.

The achievement highlights Farhan’s remarkable consistency and impact throughout the competition, marking a historic moment for Pakistan cricket.

Pakistan beat Sri Lanka by 5 runs but eliminated from World Cup

by
Pakistan beat

Pakistan secured a thrilling five-run victory over Sri Lanka national cricket team in the Super 8 stage of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 in Kandy, but the win was not enough to seal a semi-final berth.

After winning the toss, the Sri Lankan captain invited Pakistan to bat first in the crucial encounter.

For the must-win match, Pakistan dropped Babar Azam, Saim Ayub and Salman Mirza from the playing XI. They were replaced by Naseem Shah, Khawaja Nafay and Abrar Ahmed.

Pakistan posted a formidable 212/8 in 20 overs, powered by outstanding knocks from Sahibzada Farhan and Fakhar Zaman.

Farhan scored a brilliant 100, while Fakhar contributed 84 runs, with the duo stitching together a record 176-run partnership.

No other batter reached double figures. Khawaja Nafay made 2, Shadab Khan 7, while Mohammad Nawaz and Salman Agha were dismissed for ducks.

This marked Farhan’s second century of the 2026 T20 World Cup, making him the first player in the tournament’s history to score two centuries in a single edition.

Sri Lanka’s Chase

Chasing 213, Sri Lanka fought valiantly and managed 207/6 in 20 overs.

Captain Shanaka led the resistance with 76 runs, while Pawan Ratnayake added 58.

For Pakistan, Abrar Ahmed claimed three wickets, while Nawaz, Naseem Shah and Shaheen Afridi picked up one wicket each.

Pakistan Eliminated Despite Victory

To qualify for the semi-finals, Pakistan needed to restrict Sri Lanka to 147 runs or fewer to boost their net run rate. However, the bowlers were unable to achieve the required margin, resulting in Pakistan’s elimination.

From Group 2, New Zealand national cricket team advanced to the semi-finals with three points and a superior net run rate, while England cricket team had already secured their place in the final four.

Despite the dramatic win, Pakistan’s World Cup campaign came to an end at the Super 8 stage.

Eating vegetables linked to lower risk of multiple Cancers

by
Eating vegetables

London: A new study from Oxford University suggests that including vegetables in your daily diet can significantly reduce the risk of developing several types of cancer.

The research followed over 1.8 million participants for several years, examining their health and dietary habits, and analyzed how different eating patterns impacted the risk of 17 types of cancer.

Participants were grouped based on their diets: those who ate vegetables regularly, those who preferred poultry over red meat, fish eaters, and strict vegetarians. The study also accounted for other cancer risk factors such as body weight and smoking.

Key findings include: Pancreatic cancer risk reduced by 21% among regular vegetable eaters, bladder cancer risk reduced by 12%, breast cancer risk reduced by 9%,kidney cancer risk was 28% lower in vegetable lovers compared to meat-eaters and bone marrow cancer risk reduced by 31%

Researchers noted that these results are encouraging for those who enjoy vegetables, showing a lowered risk for at least five major types of cancer.

However, the study also found that a vegetable-only diet may increase the risk of certain cancers. For example, gastrointestinal tract cancers and intestinal cancer risk rose by up to 40%, potentially due to insufficient intake of B vitamins and calcium typically obtained from meat.

The researchers emphasized that while vegetables are protective against many cancers, balanced nutrition remains essential, and further studies are needed to confirm these findings.

PM briefed on current Pakistan-Afghanistan tensions during GHQ visit

by
PM briefed

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif visited General Headquarters (GHQ) and met with military leadership, including Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Defense Forces.

During the meeting, the Prime Minister received a detailed briefing on the current Pakistan-Afghanistan border situation. He emphasized adopting a zero-tolerance approach toward collusion between Fitna‑al‑Khawarij and the Afghan Taliban regime, calling their hostile actions unacceptable.

PM Shehbaz Sharif stated that under the leadership of the Chief of Army Staff and the Chief of Defense Forces, the Pakistan Army remains fully prepared to protect the country and is well-equipped to defend against any aggression.

He commended the armed forces for repelling attacks in Afghan border areas and praised their professional capabilities in carrying out effective countermeasures.

The Prime Minister affirmed that the entire nation stands shoulder to shoulder with Pakistan’s brave armed forces, recognizing their role in safeguarding the homeland and defending the country from cross-border threats.

ISPR confirms significant Taliban caualties in Operation Ghazab‑Lil‑Haqq

by
ISPR confirms

ISLAMABAD: Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Choudhry provided a detailed briefing on Pakistan’s Operation Ghazab‑Lil‑Haqq, emphasizing that there is no distinction between the Afghan Taliban regime and terrorist groups, and that the operation is aimed at protecting civilians.

Lt Gen Choudhry stated that on the nights of 21 and 22 February, Pakistani forces targeted hideouts of the militant group Fitna‑al‑Khawarij near the border. He said the Afghan Taliban regime used this as a pretext to launch attacks.

According to ISPR, the Taliban carried out firing at 53 locations across 15 sectors along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, all of which were repelled by Pakistani forces with strong countermeasures.

Key outcomes of the operation, as shared by Lt Gen Choudhry, include: 274 Taliban personnel killed and over 400 injured, 74 Taliban posts completely destroyed, 18 enemy checkposts captured by Pakistan, 115 enemy tanks and armored vehicles destroyed and 12 Pakistani soldiers martyred and 27 wounded.

He further reported that 22 hideouts of Fitna‑al‑Hindustan and Fitna‑al‑Khawarij were targeted, with precision strikes on Taliban objectives in Kabul, Paktia, and Kandahar. The operation strictly targeted military assets, destroying terrorist shelters and weapons depots, while militants fled leaving casualties behind.

The ISPR DG highlighted that the Pakistan Air Force struck the Infantry Brigade Headquarters in Kabul, with nighttime explosions visible globally, and also destroyed a brigade headquarters in Kandahar.

Lt Gen Choudhry reiterated: “The Afghan Taliban regime and terrorists are one and the same. The world recognizes that Operation Ghazab‑Lil‑Haqq is conducted for the protection of our citizens.”

He concluded by stating that the operation continues under the direction of the Prime Minister and will proceed until all objectives are achieved.

China offers constructive role to calm Pakistan-Afghanistan dispute

by
China offers

ISLAMABAD: China, Russia, Qatar, and Iran have offered to mediate amid rising tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan.

A spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed concern over the situation and stated that China is ready to play a constructive role, using diplomatic channels to mediate the dispute.

Both Qatar and Iran have similarly offered to facilitate dialogue between the two neighbors. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi urged that differences be resolved through talks and pledged Iran’s full support in enabling the dialogue.

Russia’s Foreign Minister also stated that if requested, Moscow is willing to consider mediating between Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Meanwhile, the United Nations Secretary-General expressed concern over the recent tensions and urged both countries to fulfil their obligations under international law.

Pakistani Activist Mahnoor Omer named TIME’s Woman of the Year

by
Pakistani Activist

KARACHI: Pakistani women’s rights advocate Mahnoor Omer has been named among TIME magazine’s Women of the Year 2026, recognised for her legal and social activism challenging gender inequality, particularly the taxation of menstrual products in Pakistan.

Omer joins a global cohort of 16 other influential figures, including Oscar-nominated filmmaker Chloe Zhao and Olympic gold medalist Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone.

Her activism began in her teens. Frustrated at age 14 by an NGO’s approach to educating girls about sexual violence, she founded the Noor Foundation, conducting workshops in rural villages addressing issues from climate change to menstruation, according to her TIME profile.

A conversation with a domestic worker two years later exposed a harsh reality: many women could not afford basic menstrual hygiene products.

In Pakistan, taxes on pads and tampons can add up to 40% of the retail price, limiting access. UNICEF estimates only 12% of women in the country use commercially produced sanitary products, while alternatives like cloth carry serious health risks and often prevent girls from attending school.

Combining activism with legal expertise, the 25-year-old filed a court challenge against the so-called “period tax” in September 2025. The case, first heard at the end of 2025, has sparked national debate and highlighted the urgent need for menstrual health policy reform.

Currently pursuing a master’s degree in gender, peace, and security at the London School of Economics, Omer described the legal case as the start of a long journey. “I’m not free until every woman is free,” she said, reaffirming her dedication to women and gender minorities across Pakistan.

Reflecting on the TIME recognition, Omer shared her gratitude on social media: “I hope this reflects the limitless potential of Pakistani women. While there is still a long journey ahead, moments like this remind us how far we have come and how much further we can go.”

Islamic scholar criticizes altered spelling of Urwa Hocane’s name

by
Islamic scholar

KARACHI: A video of a prominent Mufti commenting on the spelling of actress Urwa Hocane’s name has gone viral on social media.

The scholar was featured on a private TV channel’s Ramadan transmission discussing the Islamic perspective on deliberately altering names.

During the program, the host highlighted a growing trend where celebrities modify the spelling of their names for stylistic or modern appeal. In Urwa’s case, her original surname “Hussain” is now spelled and pronounced as “Hocane.”

The Mufti responded that it is not permissible to distort someone’s name. “‘Hocane’ is not an Arabic name, and using such a version is not correct,” he said. He cited a historical example, noting that Ali ibn Abi Talib once observed a person mispronouncing someone’s name and remarked that doing so is an injustice, as correctly pronouncing a person’s name is their right, and it is given by their parents.

He further explained that care should be taken even when choosing Islamic names. Some avoid the name “Muhammad” due to its respect and responsibilities, and likewise, deliberately altering a name is considered inappropriate.

Hema Malini denies family feud, honors late Dharmendra

by
Hema Malini denies

LONDON: Bollywood actress Hema Malini has dismissed rumours of family discord, emphasizing that there is no animosity within the family and that everyone was very close to her late husband, legendary actor Dharmendra.

The veteran actor was recently honored posthumously at the 79th BAFTA Awards in London. His wife, Hema Malini, accepted the tribute on his behalf. Speaking at the ceremony, she said, “It was a beautiful moment, and he truly deserved it. This is not just an honor for us but for the entire country. No Indian artist has received this recognition this year.”

Hema Malini added that Dharmendra’s fans spanned the globe and that he left an impact not only as an actor but also as a human being.

Addressing questions about alleged family tensions, she said: “There is nothing negative. Papa is there, and everyone will do anything for him. Whether it’s Esha, Ahana, Sunny, or Bobby, they all loved Dharm Ji very much. They liked each other a lot. There is absolutely no hatred in the family. Dharm Ji was a source of love for everyone.”

The legendary actor passed away in November of last year, leaving a lasting legacy in Indian cinema.

Faryal Gohar calls marriage to Jamal Shah a “wrong decision”

by
Faryal Gohar

KARACHI:  Veteran Pakistani actress Faryal Gohar has made candid remarks about her past marriage, with a video of her comments going viral on social media.

The former celebrity couple — Faryal Gohar and her ex-husband, renowned actor Jamal Shah — recently appeared together on a private TV channel’s Ramadan transmission. During the interview, both addressed sensitive aspects of their past with seriousness and mutual respect.

At one point, Jamal Shah admitted that he tends to break his belongings in moments of anger. When the host asked whether he had ever broken Faryal Gohar’s possessions, she responded spontaneously, saying, “I never really had anything of my own.”

Later, when questioned about past life decisions, Faryal Gohar looked towards Jamal Shah and stated that marrying him had been a wrong decision in her life. The remark quickly gained traction online, with short clips from the programme circulating widely and drawing strong reactions from viewers.

The host has also faced criticism for inviting the former couple to appear together on the show.

It is worth noting that Faryal Gohar and Jamal Shah were once considered one of Pakistan’s most admired showbiz couples before parting ways in 1992.