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Newsdesk

Young batter Sameer Minhas eyes consistent performances

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Young batter Samir

KARACHI: Islamabad United young batter Sameer Minhasr has said his primary goal is to make the most of every opportunity and play impactful innings for his team in the Pakistan Super League.

Speaking in an interview, the emerging cricketer said that the PSL is widely regarded as a strong platform for young players to showcase their talent and build recognition at the national level.

Sameer Minhas , who has previously represented Pakistan at the Under-19 level, said he is determined to fully utilise his chances in the league and continue improving his game.

He expressed satisfaction over his team’s overall performance, noting that Islamabad United is playing good cricket with several players delivering strong performances.

Highlighting his personal approach, he said his focus remains simple: to perform whenever given the opportunity and contribute with meaningful innings for the team.

The youngster also described playing alongside senior cricketers as a valuable learning experience, saying the dressing room environment helps improve game awareness and skills through continuous interaction and guidance.

Reflecting on his Under-19 days, Sameer said team success was always his priority, recalling their Asia Cup victory as a memorable achievement.

He added that his long-term ambition is to represent Pakistan at the international level and help the national team achieve success, while continuing to work hard and maintain consistent performances in the PSL.

Iran confirms participation in FIFA World Cup 2026

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Iran confirms

TEHRAN: Iran has officially confirmed its participation in the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026 to be held in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, despite earlier political tensions surrounding the tournament.

According to the Iranian Ministry of Sports, the national football team is fully prepared to take part in the global event, which is scheduled to begin on June 11.

Government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani also confirmed that all necessary arrangements for participation have been completed.

The announcement comes after comments from FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who had previously stated that Iran would be part of the tournament.

Iran has already qualified for the World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The team’s matches are currently scheduled to be played in the United States.

Under the group stage fixtures, Iran is set to face New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15, followed by matches against Belgium on June 21 and Egypt on June 27.

Earlier reports suggested that the Iranian Football Federation had considered requesting FIFA to relocate its matches to Mexico due to ongoing geopolitical tensions involving the United States and Israel. However, no final decision on venue changes has been confirmed.

The participation had also drawn political commentary, including from U.S. President Donald Trump, who earlier suggested Iran’s participation in the U.S. might be inappropriate under current conditions. Iran, however, maintained that no country could exclude its national team from the tournament.

Despite tensions, both sporting authorities and political figures have now indicated that Iran will take part in the global football event as planned.

Usman Khan breaks record for most centuries in PSL history

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Usman Khan

KARACHI: Hyderabad Kingsmen batter Usman Khan has made history in the Pakistan Super League by becoming the player with the most centuries in the tournament’s history.

The milestone came during a PSL 11 match against Multan Sultans, where Usman Khan played a heroic innings of 101 runs off just 47 balls while chasing a target of 214 runs.

This century marks his fourth in the PSL, taking him to the top of the all-time list for most hundreds in the league.

Usman Khan has featured in 33 PSL matches, having previously scored one century in 2023 and two in 2024 before achieving this latest feat.

Powered by his match-winning knock, Hyderabad Kingsmen successfully chased down the 214-run target with three balls to spare, securing a memorable victory.

NEPRA license made mandatory for solar system users across Pakistan

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NEPRA license

ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Energy has made it mandatory for all solar system users to obtain a license from the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA), introducing new regulatory requirements for electricity generation.

According to NEPRA sources, consumers installing solar systems will now be required to secure a license based on their power generation capacity.

Previously, distribution companies were authorized to issue licenses for systems up to 25 kilowatts, often at no cost. However, under the new amendments introduced by the Power Division, obtaining a NEPRA license has become compulsory for all such users.

Sources further revealed that consumers will now have to pay a fee calculated at Rs1,000 per kilowatt, along with submitting a pay order in favor of NEPRA. Earlier, licenses for systems up to 25 kW were issued free of charge.

Under the revised rules, eligible consumers will be able to obtain connections under the net billing system, while those using hybrid solar technology will be exempt from the licensing requirement.

The move is aimed at streamlining solar energy regulation and ensuring proper oversight of distributed power generation in the country.

Survey: 36% Europeans view US as greater threat than China

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Survey

BRUSSELS: A new survey has revealed that 36% of Europeans consider the United States a bigger threat than China, amid criticism of anti-Europe statements by US President Donald Trump.

The poll, conducted across six European countries including Germany, found that 36% of respondents identified the US as a threat, compared to 29% who viewed China as a greater concern.

According to the “EuroPulse” survey, the perception was particularly strong in Spain, where 51% of respondents considered the US a threat. Similar views were recorded in Italy (46%), Belgium (42%), and Germany (30%).

In France, 37% of participants saw the US as a threat, while a higher 43% viewed China in that light.

Meanwhile, in Poland, only 13% of respondents identified the US as a threat, compared to 37% who pointed to China.

The findings highlight shifting geopolitical perceptions in Europe amid evolving global political dynamics.

Trump claims Iran halted execution of 8 women after his appeal

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Trump claims

WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump has claimed that Iran has halted the execution of eight women following his request, according to a statement shared on his social media platform.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump said he had been informed that the eight women, who were reportedly scheduled to be executed, would no longer face the death penalty.

He added that four of the women would be released immediately, while the remaining four would be freed after serving one month in detention.

Trump expressed appreciation toward the Iranian leadership for, as he stated, respecting his appeal and deciding to stop the executions.

It is noteworthy that a day earlier, Trump had shared images of the women on social media and called for their release, urging Iranian authorities to ensure their safety and describing their act as a positive step toward upcoming negotiations.

However, according to U.S. media reports, the detention of these eight women in Iran could not be independently verified. Meanwhile, Iran’s judiciary has denied reports that eight women were sentenced to death.

A statement from Iranian judicial authorities, cited by international media, said the U.S. president had once again been misled by “fake news,” adding that some of the women mentioned had already been released, while others if convicted would face imprisonment rather than capital punishment.

US singer D4vd charged in murder case of teenage girl

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US singer D4vd

LOS ANGELES: American singer David Anthony D4vd, 21, has been formally indicted in a shocking criminal case involving the alleged murder of a 15-year-old girl, along with multiple other serious charges.

According to international media reports, the artist whose real name is David Anthony Burke has been charged in the killing of Celeste Rivas Hernandez. He has, however, pleaded not guilty in court and denied all allegations.

Investigators said the victim’s remains were discovered last September inside a vehicle registered under the singer’s name. Authorities described the condition of the body as severely mutilated, adding to the gravity of the case.

The indictment includes not only murder charges but also allegations of sexual assault involving a minor and desecration of a body. Prosecutors have stated that if convicted, the accused could face life imprisonment or even the death penalty, depending on legal proceedings.

Los Angeles District Attorney Nathan Hochman said a final decision on seeking the death penalty will be made later.

Police officials further claimed that the victim had been reported missing after visiting the singer’s residence in April 2025, while investigations suggest she may have been subjected to abuse since 2023.

Meanwhile, the singer’s legal team has strongly denied the charges, insisting that he will be proven innocent in court.

D4vd rose to fame in 2022 through viral music releases, but has since canceled all upcoming tours following the emergence of the case.

The high-profile case has sparked widespread discussion across social media and the global music industry, with audiences awaiting further legal developments.

Suspicious trading patterns emerge ahead of Trump announcements

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Suspicious trading

WASHINGTON: Millions of dollars in highly profitable trades have reportedly been detected in stock markets just minutes before major announcements by US President Donald Trump, raising serious concerns among financial experts.

During the Iran conflict, a clear pattern of unusual market activity was observed ahead of sharp fluctuations in global oil prices, suggesting possible advance knowledge of market-moving developments.

According to an investigative report by BBC, financial data from various markets was analyzed alongside key statements by Trump that had a significant impact on global markets.

The analysis revealed a recurring trend of sudden spikes in trading activity just before these announcements became public—patterns that analysts say are difficult to dismiss as mere coincidence.

Experts believe such trends could point to illegal insider trading, where privileged or non-public information is used to gain substantial financial advantage.

Trump’s market-moving decisions have already been a source of concern in global financial circles, with renewed calls for stricter oversight and transparency in politically sensitive economic developments.

PM Shehbaz directs acceleration of development projects through PPP

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PM Shehbaz

ISLAMABAD: Shehbaz Sharif has directed authorities to fast-track development projects across the country through enhanced use of Public-Private Partnerships (PPP).

The directive came during a high-level meeting chaired by the prime minister to review progress and reforms in the PPP framework. Key decisions were taken to improve efficiency and coordination within the system.

The meeting granted in-principle approval to further streamline the Public Private Partnership Authority and integrate its structure more effectively.

It was also decided that the authority will operate under the Privatization Division to align its performance with modern requirements and accelerate project execution.

The prime minister instructed relevant ministries and departments to strengthen their capacity for initiating and managing development projects under the PPP model.

He further directed that such projects should be made part of institutional Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to ensure accountability and progress.

Shehbaz Sharif emphasized that reforms through P3A aim to make the PPP system more transparent and efficient, enabling faster delivery of infrastructure and development initiatives.

During the meeting, officials presented a comparative analysis of PPP models adopted in various countries, along with a briefing on the proposed new framework. It was informed that under the revised structure, P3A will be overseen by the Cabinet Committee on Privatization and the Privatization Division.

The prime minister directed authorities to expedite implementation of the newly approved system.

Steve Smith enjoying PSL stint with Multan Sultans

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Steve Smith

KARACHI: Steve Smith has described his time with Multan Sultans in the Pakistan Super League as a “great experience,” saying he is thoroughly enjoying his stint in the tournament.

Speaking after Multan Sultans’ six-wicket victory over Rawalpindi in PSL 11, Smith said the past month with the franchise has been excellent and the team has played impressive cricket.

In the match, Rawalpindi posted 166 for 4 in their 20 overs. In reply, Multan Sultans comfortably chased down the target in 18.4 overs for the loss of four wickets, thanks to Smith’s half-century.

Addressing a post-match press conference, Smith highlighted his role as an opener, stating that the position suits his style of play as it allows him more opportunities during the powerplay.

He also praised the PSL as a highly competitive and quality league, noting that every team features strong players, making the competition intense.

Commenting on young players in the Multan Sultans squad, Smith said in a light-hearted manner, “I am learning from the youngsters; they are teaching me everything,” while adding that he is always available to offer guidance if needed.

Smith further said that the team’s goal is to perform strongly in the remaining matches and secure a place in the top two of the points table.

He also appreciated the hospitality in Pakistan and the team environment at Multan Sultans, though he noted that larger crowd turnout would enhance the overall atmosphere.