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Newsdesk

Oil prices rise as Iran-Israel conflict fears disrupt global markets

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Oil prices rise

NEW YORK: Crude oil prices rose sharply on Monday amid growing fears that escalating hostilities between Iran and Israel could further disrupt a fragile ceasefire and global energy supplies.

In international trading, Brent crude climbed to around $98 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) traded near $95 per barrel, reflecting heightened market uncertainty.

The increase comes as geopolitical tensions in the Middle East continue to intensify, with both Iran and Israel exchanging strikes and raising concerns over broader regional instability.

Meanwhile, global stock markets came under heavy pressure, with investors reacting to rising geopolitical risks.

Pakistan Stock Exchange’s benchmark KSE-100 index fell by 1,480 points during intraday trading, dropping to 168,998 points.

Asian markets also recorded sharp losses, with South Korea’s KOSPI index declining more than 8 percent and Japan’s Nikkei index falling over 3 percent.

Shaheen Afridi not included in Pakistan Test squad

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Shaheen Afridi

LAHORE: Pakistan’s ODI captain Shaheen Shah Afridi has not been included in the national Test squad setup, as the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) continues to restructure its selection strategy, according to media reports.

The PCB has reportedly invited 49 players to a training camp in Lahore, with 22 players selected for the red-ball (Test) group and 27 players named for the white-ball (ODI and T20) camp.

Officials said the white-ball camp is scheduled to begin on Sept. 18, while the red-ball training camp is expected to continue until July 10. The camp for Pakistan’s upcoming West Indies tour is likely to start from July 15.

According to sources, Shaheen, who currently leads Pakistan’s ODI side, has been placed only in the white-ball group and is expected to report for training on June 15.

PCB insiders said the decision reflects a strategic focus on workload management and format specialization, with selectors reportedly excluding him from the Test setup.

Shaheen, 26, made his Test debut in December 2017 against New Zealand in Abu Dhabi and has since played 34 Tests, taking 126 wickets.

He last featured in Test cricket against Bangladesh in May 2026, where Pakistan suffered a 104-run defeat in Mirpur. Despite a strong bowling workload in the series, his pace reportedly came under scrutiny, with analysts noting a drop compared to his white-ball speeds.

Reports suggest concerns within the selection committee over his limited first-class cricket participation and its impact on red-ball performance.

The PCB has not issued an official statement confirming long-term exclusion, but sources indicate he is unlikely to be considered for future Test selections under the current planning model.

Trump urges Iran and Israel to halt attacks as China calls for restraint

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Trump urges

WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump on Monday called on Iran and Israel to immediately stop attacking each other, amid escalating hostilities in the Middle East.

In a post on social media, Trump wrote: “Iran and Israel should stop the attacks immediately,” urging both sides to de-escalate rising tensions.

Meanwhile, China expressed deep concern over the latest situation in the region. A spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry said renewed hostilities would serve no party’s interests and called for both Iran and Israel to maintain a ceasefire.

The developments come as both countries have exchanged multiple strikes since the previous day, raising fears of further escalation.

According to earlier reports, Trump had also spoken by phone with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, warning against further escalation. However, shortly after the call, Israel reportedly launched missile strikes on Iran, prompting retaliatory attacks from Tehran.

Tensions between Iran and Israel have sharply intensified, with both sides continuing military actions despite growing international calls for restraint.

Sequel to superhit film ‘No Entry’ officially confirmed

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Sequel to superhit

MUMBAI: Indian filmmaker Anees Bazmee has confirmed that a sequel to the 2005 Bollywood blockbuster No Entry is in the works, ending months of speculation surrounding the project.

According to Indian media reports, rumours about No Entry 2 had been circulating for some time before Bazmee officially confirmed the development.

In an interview with Hindustan Times, Bazmee said some films are made quickly while others take time, adding that delays do not mean they are abandoned.

“We are fully trying to make No Entry 2 happen,” he said, calling the original film one of the most successful and closest to his heart.

He added that the project remains a priority for the team, though production timelines are still being finalized.

The original No Entry, released in August 2005, was a major box office success and featured an ensemble cast including Salman Khan, Anil Kapoor, Fardeen Khan, Lara Dutta and Bipasha Basu in leading roles.

Bilawal Bhutto congratulates party workers as PPP leads in GB polls

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Bilawal Bhutto

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Peoples Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on Monday congratulated party workers following the party’s strong showing in the Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly elections, according to a statement.

Bilawal Bhutto said the PPP is emerging as the largest political party in the region and expressed confidence that the party would attempt to form a government.

PPP Vice President Sherry Rehman also congratulated Asif Ali Zardari and Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, praising the party’s performance. She said the people of Gilgit-Baltistan had voted for the agenda of development, democracy, and public service.

Separately, PPP Secretary General Nayyar Bukhari urged the Election Commission of Pakistan to release all remaining election results without delay.

PM Shehbaz congratulates PPP on emerging as leading party in GB elections

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PM Shehbaz

ISLAMABAD -Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday congratulated the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) for emerging as the leading political party in the Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly elections, according to a statement.

The prime minister also extended congratulations to the people of Gilgit-Baltistan for the peaceful conduct of the elections, saying voters had actively participated in the democratic process.

“Shehbaz Sharif said the PPP has emerged as the majority party in Gilgit-Baltistan and deserves congratulations,” the statement said, adding that he also congratulated PPP leaders Asif Ali Zardari and Bilawal Bhutto Zardari.

He further congratulated successful candidates of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), noting that the party’s candidates “put up a strong contest” and praised the party’s campaign efforts.

The prime minister said the active participation of voters reflected the strength of democracy, adding that peaceful political activity was a positive sign for the region.

He also lauded the Election Commission of Pakistan for conducting “transparent and impartial” elections, and praised law enforcement agencies for maintaining order during the polling process.

Unofficial and partial results from the election continue to be announced, with the PPP currently leading with nine seats, according to available tallies.

PPP leads GB assembly polls as unofficial results continue to roll in

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PPP leads GB

GILGIT: Unofficial and preliminary results from the Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly elections continued to pour in on Monday, with the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) emerging as the leading political force, securing the highest number of seats so far.

Voter turnout remained strong on election day, with long queues reported outside polling stations across the region. Polling began in the morning and continued uninterrupted until 5 p.m.

According to partial results from 19 of 24 constituencies, the PPP has won nine seats, independent candidates six, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) three, and the Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen (MWM) one.

The PPP secured victories in constituencies GBA-1, 4, 5, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12 and 19. The PML-N won seats in GBA-18, 20 and 22, while MWM claimed GBA-8. Independent candidates were successful in GBA-3, 6, 16, 21, 23 and 24.

In detailed constituency-wise results, PPP’s Amjad Hussain won GBA-1 Gilgit-I with 10,594 votes, defeating PML-N’s Muhammad Shafiq-ud-Din, who secured 6,312 votes.

In GBA-2 Gilgit-II, PML-N’s Hafiz-ur-Rehman led with 4,129 votes from partial results, while PPP’s Jameel Ahmad followed with 2,695 votes.

Independent candidate Syed Sohail Abbas won GBA-3 Gilgit-III with 7,877 votes, ahead of PPP’s Aftab Haider Advocate.

PPP’s Muhammad Ali Akhtar won GBA-4 Nagar-I, while in GBA-5 Nagar-II, PPP’s Zulfiqar Ali Murad secured victory.

In GBA-6 Hunza, independent candidate Nek Nam Karim emerged victorious, while PPP’s Imtiaz-ul-Haq stood second.

PPP also won in GBA-7 Skardu-I, GBA-9 Skardu-III, GBA-10 Skardu-IV, GBA-11 Kharmang, GBA-12 Shigar and GBA-19 Ghizer-I, according to the unofficial results.

MWM’s Muhammad Kazim won GBA-8 Skardu-II, while PML-N secured wins in GBA-18 Diamer-IV, GBA-20 Ghizer-II and GBA-22 Ghanche-I.

Counting remained underway in several constituencies, with final official results yet to be announced.

PM Nawaf Salam warns Iran over ‘use of Lebanon as bargaining chip

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PM Nawaf Salam

BEIRUT: Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam has warned Iran to stop using Lebanon as a “bargaining chip” in its negotiations and urged the international community to prevent Israel from targeting civilians and destroying southern Lebanon, according to international media reports.

Speaking at a press conference in Beirut while appealing to the United Nations for urgent humanitarian assistance, Nawaf Salam said Lebanon should not be treated as leverage in regional negotiations.

“If I have one message for Iran, it is this: have mercy on our southern regions and stop using this area and its people as a bargaining chip to improve your negotiation terms,” he said.

He stressed that Lebanon is not part of anyone’s political or military “game” and that the south of the country should not be treated as a “safe front” for conflict.

The Lebanese prime minister’s remarks come amid ongoing tensions between Hezbollah and Israel, although a U.S.-brokered ceasefire agreement was signed in Washington earlier this week between Lebanon and Israel.

Salam also called for urgent international humanitarian support, noting the scale of displacement and destruction in southern Lebanon. He said the government’s relief plan includes financial assistance for around one million displaced people and approximately 50,000 residents in southern areas.

He reaffirmed that ensuring the safe return of displaced citizens remains the government’s top priority and said Lebanon has chosen a difficult path by prioritizing negotiations to secure Israeli withdrawal and restore stability in affected regions.

Iran, Russia sign $25b MoU to expand nuclear energy cooperation

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Iran

TEHRAN / MOSCOW: Iran and Russia have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) worth $25 billion to expand cooperation in the field of nuclear energy, marking a major step forward in their strategic partnership, officials said.

According to international media reports, the agreement aims to strengthen Iran’s nuclear energy infrastructure and promote joint collaboration on multiple atomic energy projects. Analysts say the deal is expected to deepen both energy cooperation and broader political and economic ties between Tehran and Moscow.

During an online conference held in Moscow, officials and experts from both countries discussed various aspects of the agreement. Iran’s Ambassador to Russia, Kazem Jalali, highlighted key ongoing projects including the expansion of the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant and the Hormuz nuclear project.

He said the first unit of the Bushehr plant is already operational, while construction work on the second and third units is ongoing. Once completed, the projects are expected to significantly increase Iran’s electricity generation capacity.

Jalali described the $25 billion Hormuz project as Iran’s largest nuclear energy initiative, developed in cooperation between the Russian state nuclear company Rosatom and Iran’s private sector.

He also referred to plans for small-scale nuclear power plants and expressed hope for the early start of practical implementation. According to him, cooperation in advanced nuclear technology will benefit both countries.

The Iranian envoy further noted growing collaboration in energy transit, including Russian gas supplies via Iran, as well as expanding trade links with Eurasian countries. He said cooperation in energy, transport, and technology is rapidly strengthening bilateral relations.

At the conclusion of the conference, Jalali praised Russia’s political support in international forums and reaffirmed both countries’ commitment to expanding cooperation in energy, technology, economic development, and regional affairs.

Azhar Ali criticises spin-friendly pitches after Pakistan’s ODI series win

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Azhar Ali criticises

KARACHI: Former Pakistan captain Azhar Ali has criticized the preparation of spin-friendly pitches used during Pakistan’s ODI series against Australia, saying the surfaces made batting extremely difficult and prevented a fair assessment of players’ performances.

Speaking on the sports program Sports Room, Azhar said the series was challenging for batters not only against spin bowlers but also against the pace attack.

He noted that Australian fast bowler Ellis troubled batters by delivering off-cutters from a long run-up, making stroke play difficult even against the seamers.

“These pitches did not allow batters to score freely against either spin or pace,” Azhar said, adding that the surfaces limited scoring opportunities and made it hard to maintain a healthy strike rate.

The former skipper also defended young batters, including Moaz Sadaqat, saying the conditions were particularly tough for emerging players.

“If these had been batting-friendly wickets, we could have properly evaluated their performances,” he said. “Under such difficult conditions, it is unfair to be overly critical of the batters.”

Azhar further questioned Pakistan’s long-term preparation strategy, arguing that success in home series has often failed to translate into strong performances at major international tournaments.

“It doesn’t matter whether the opposition fields a full-strength side or a second-string team  you have to play whoever is in front of you,” he said. “But before World Cups, we often talk about our good rankings and strong form. Then, when the tournament begins, it feels as if other teams have brought their best players while we struggle to compete.”

He added that the trend has continued over several series, with Pakistan winning at home but failing to make a significant impact in major ICC events.