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Maryam Nawaz cancels Basant events following deadly blast

Maryam Nawaz

ISLAMABAD: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has announced the cancellation of all her scheduled Basant-related activities for tomorrow following a deadly suicide bombing in the federal capital.

In a statement shared on social media platform X, Maryam Nawaz said that the mega Basant show at Liberty Square has also been called off in light of the tragic incident.

She emphasized that it is crucial for the nation to remain united against “Khawarij and their facilitators,” adding that no mercy will be shown to terrorists and no compromise will be made on Pakistan’s defense.

The attack took place during Friday prayers at Masjid and Imambargah Khadijat-ul-Kubra in Tralai, a suburban area of Islamabad. According to initial reports, around 32 people have been martyred while more than 169 sustained injuries.

Government sources confirmed that the suicide bomber has been identified, stating that he had received terrorist training in Afghanistan and had traveled there multiple times.

Iran–US nuclear talks in Oman conclude latest round

Iran–US nuclear

MUSCAT: The latest round of nuclear negotiations between Iran and the United States, held in Oman, concluded on Friday, officials and state media confirmed.

The Iranian delegation was led by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, while the US side was represented by President Donald Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff, accompanied by his son-in-law Jared Kushner.

According to Iranian state media, the talks in Oman have formally ended and both delegations are set to return to their respective countries. A reporter from Iran’s state broadcaster, accompanying the Iranian delegation, said the indirect negotiations with the United States continued for several hours.

Iran’s official news agency also confirmed the conclusion of the talks, stating that assessments indicate an understanding has been reached to continue negotiations.

Following the talks, Iran’s foreign minister described the discussions as positive. Meanwhile, a White House spokesperson said that if diplomacy fails, President Trump retains other options.

The report said the meeting, which began on Friday morning, saw Iranian and US negotiating teams convey their positions, concerns and proposed frameworks to each other through Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi, who acted as mediator.

Massive third-degree blaze erupts at plastic factory in Landhi

Massive

KARACHI: A massive fire that erupted at a plastic factory in the Landhi Export Processing Zone has been declared a third-degree blaze.

According to officials, the fire has engulfed a large portion of the factory’s first floor and spread to a nearby warehouse.

Authorities warned that the blaze has also begun advancing toward a third factory in the area. As a precaution, people inside that facility were safely evacuated, while continuous water spraying operations are underway to contain the fire and prevent further spread.

The Karachi Fire Brigade is battling the blaze with at least 10 fire engines, supported by water bowsers and snorkels.

However, traffic congestion in the industrial area caused delays for some firefighting vehicles, complicating rescue and containment efforts.

To ensure smooth operations, authorities are working to clear access routes within the Landhi Export Processing Zone.

Sindh Inspector General of Police has directed the SSP Malir and SP Traffic to reach the scene, manage traffic flow, and ensure security in the affected area.

Sindh Rangers personnel also reached the site shortly after the incident and joined the firefighting and rescue operations.

 Additional Rangers have been deployed around the affected buildings to assist emergency teams, regulate traffic, and secure the premises. A Rangers spokesperson said that saving lives and preventing the fire from spreading further remain the top priorities.

Emergency arrangements were also made at water hydrants in Landhi and Sherpao. The Karachi Water Corporation ensured an uninterrupted water supply, while additional water tankers were deployed and will remain operational until the fire is fully brought under control.

So far, no casualties have been reported. Investigations are underway to determine the cause of the fire.

Sindh Chief Minister has taken notice of the incident and sought a detailed report from the Commissioner Karachi.

Emergency directives have been issued to the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation and fire services to ensure coordinated response efforts.

Authorities have also ordered a comprehensive inquiry and instructed relevant departments to provide immediate assistance to affected workers and their families.

Cristiano Ronaldo continues to shine on and off the pitch at 41

Cristiano Ronaldo

World-renowned football star Cristiano Ronaldo has celebrated his 41st birthday, yet continues to maintain an elite status in world football thanks to his exceptional fitness, consistent performances, and strong market value.

Despite his advancing age, Ronaldo remains one of the most valuable and high-profile footballers globally, defying conventional expectations about longevity in professional sports.

Currently, Ronaldo is associated with Saudi Pro League club Al Nassr, where he is playing under a lucrative contract. Reports suggest that he earns millions of pounds on a daily basis, placing him among the highest-paid athletes in the world.

Beyond football, Ronaldo’s personal life has frequently attracted media attention. He was in a high-profile relationship with Russian supermodel Irina Shayk from 2010 to 2015. The two reportedly met during a campaign for a leading fashion brand and were considered one of the most influential celebrity couples of their time before parting ways in 2015.

At present, Georgina Rodríguez is Ronaldo’s long-term partner, and the couple is known to share a stable and prosperous family life.

Even at 41, Ronaldo’s global popularity, peak physical condition, and relentless passion for football continue to serve as an inspiration for younger players around the world, reinforcing his legacy as one of the greatest athletes of all time.

Sourav Kumar Yadav reacts to Pakistan’s refusal to play in ICC T20 World Cup

Sourav Kumar Yadav

Mumbai: Ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup, Indian captain Sourav Kumar Yadav responded to Pakistan’s decision not to play against India in the tournament, clarifying that the choice was made by Pakistan and the Government of Pakistan, not by the Indian team.

Pakistan, under government instructions, will not face India on February 15, 2026, in the World Cup. Speaking at a media briefing in Mumbai before the tournament, Yadav said, “Whether the match happens or not, the Indian team will go to Colombo. We did not refuse to play against Pakistan; the refusal came from their side.”

Yadav explained that the ICC set the schedule, after which the BCCI and Indian government decided, in consultation with ICC, to play at a neutral venue. He confirmed, “Our flight to Colombo is booked, and we are going. What happens next will be seen later.”

Discussing the team’s schedule and preparation, Yadav said India’s plan is clear: first, the February 7 match, then February 12 against Namibia, followed by departure to Colombo.

He emphasized that the decision regarding the February 15 match is not in their hands, adding, “If we are asked to play on that day, we will certainly do so.”

This situation mirrors last year’s Asia Cup, when political tensions between India and Pakistan affected the event.

During that tournament, under Indian government instructions, the team avoided shaking hands with Pakistan players, and India did not collect the trophy from ACC President and PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, despite winning the Asia Cup.

Aishwarya Rai’s loving birthday message for husband debunks divorce rumors

Aishwarya Rai’

Mumbai: Amid circulating divorce rumors, Bollywood actress Aishwarya Rai Bachchan dispelled speculation by posting a loving birthday message for her husband Abhishek Bachchan on his 50th birthday, which quickly went viral on social media.

Rai shared a childhood photo of Abhishek, accompanying it with affectionate emojis and a message reading: “Happy 50th birthday to my dear baby papa! Wishing you lots of love, peace, happiness, heartfelt serenity, and the best of health. Shine with love always.”

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A post shared by AishwaryaRaiBachchan (@aishwaryaraibachchan_arb)

Fans expressed delight at the message, though some noticed the post featured only part of Abhishek’s face, with a few suggesting that it may have been posted by mistake.

Regardless, followers praised the heartfelt wishes and sent the couple congratulatory messages, calling them a “perfect pair” and highlighting the genuine love between them.

The post was widely described as touching, with many fans also wishing Abhishek a happy 50th birthday.

Aishwarya Rai and Abhishek Bachchan tied the knot in 2007 and have shared the screen in several films since. The couple also has a daughter, Aaradhya Bachchan, completing their family.

Pankaj Tripathi and daughter Ashi share first on-stage performance

Pankaj Tripathi

Mumbai: Renowned Bollywood actor Pankaj Tripathi made a heartfelt return to the theatre after 12 years, sharing the stage with his daughter Ashi Tripathi, calling the experience one of the most memorable moments of his life.

According to Indian media reports, Tripathi will appear in a short role in the musical comedy-drama ‘Lilaaj’, marking his theatre comeback.

The play is produced by Pankaj Tripathi and his wife Mridula, and also features their daughter Ashi, who is making her professional stage debut.

Tripathi described the play as a homecoming, taking him back to the roots of his theatre journey. He said, “Cinema has given me immense love and recognition, but the intimacy of theatre is something else—it humbles you, challenges you, and keeps you honest as an artist.”

He added that ‘Lilaaj’ is close to his heart because it is a project born out of family, friendship, and a shared love for storytelling. Producing the play with his wife has been a heartwarming experience, reminding them why they began dreaming in the first place.

Speaking about performing alongside his daughter, Tripathi said, “Seeing Ashi step onto the stage was one of the most emotional moments of my life. Sharing the stage with her isn’t just a father guiding his daughter—it’s two actors learning and growing together in that moment.”

‘Lilaaj’, written and directed by renowned theatre artist Faiz Mohammad Khan, is scheduled to be staged on February 8, 2026, at Rang Sharda, Mumbai.

Veteran Actor Naseeruddin Shah denounces last-minute removal from event

Veteran Actor

Mumbai: Renowned Indian actor Naseeruddin Shah has claimed that he was unnecessarily removed at the last moment from an event organized by the Urdu Department of Mumbai University, without any explanation or apology.

Writing in the newspaper, Shah described the incident as highly humiliating and disappointing, adding that he had been enthusiastic about interacting with the students.

He stated that the university informed the audience that he had declined to participate, whereas in reality, he was removed without reason. Shah challenged anyone who believed he spoke against the country to provide a single example.

Naseeruddin Shah gained critical acclaim in the 1980s for his roles in art-house Hindi films, including Mandi, Nishant, Aakrosh, Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro, Masoom, and Sparsh.

Looking ahead, Shah will appear in the film Assi alongside Taapsee Pannu, Riwothi, and Manoj Pahwa, set to release on February 20, 2026, and is also slated to feature in Imtiaz Ali’s upcoming film scheduled for release in June 2026.

Actor Rajpal Yadav surrenders to police in cheque bounce case

Actor Rajpal Yadav

New Delhi: Bollywood actor Rajpal Yadav has surrendered to authorities in connection with a cheque bounce case, Indian media reported.

The comedy actor faced legal trouble after failing to pay the settlement amount in the case.

 Earlier, the New Delhi High Court had withdrawn previous leniency in multiple cheque dishonor cases against Yadav and instructed him to surrender before the concerned jail superintendent by February 4.

According to reports, the actor complied with the court’s deadline and was taken into custody at Tihar Jail.

Yadav’s lawyer had requested additional time to pay ₹50 lakh (5 million INR), seeking a one-week extension, but the court denied the request.

This development comes amid a series of legal issues involving Yadav, including previous controversies reported in the media.

Security forces kill 24 terrorists in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa IBOs

Security forces

RAWALPINDI: Security forces in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa successfully neutralized 24 terrorists during two separate operations on February 4 and 5, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).

The militants, affiliated with Indian-backed proxy group Fitna al-Khawarij, were targeted in coordinated actions in the Orakzai and Khyber districts.

In Orakzai, security forces conducted an operation based on intelligence reports, striking militant hideouts. During intense gunfights, 14 terrorists were killed.

In a separate operation in Khyber district, 10 more terrorists were killed following an exchange of fire with security personnel.

The ISPR confirmed that search operations continue against other Indian-supported militants in the region. The clearance operations aim to eliminate all remaining terrorist elements, ensuring long-term stability.

The operations are part of the Pakistan Army’s anti-terrorism campaign “Vision Azm-e-Istiqamat”, reflecting a decisive crackdown on Indian-backed terrorism across the province.