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Newsdesk

Sindh tightens Ebola prevention measures at Karachi Airport

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Sindh tightens

KARACHI: The Sindh Health Department has intensified preventive measures against Ebola at Jinnah International Airport amid growing global concerns over the deadly virus.

A high-level emergency meeting was held under the chairmanship of Special Health Secretary Fawad Ghaffar Soomro to review preparedness and response mechanisms at the airport.

Officials reviewed emergency arrangements to deal with potential Ebola cases, including stricter passenger monitoring, rapid response protocols and improvements to isolation ward facilities.

Representatives from the Airport Security Force, Federal Investigation Agency, Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority and Border Health Services also attended the meeting.

Among those present were Director General Health Dr. Waqar Memon, Director PDSRU Dr. Asif Syed and Dr. Zafar Mehdi.

Following the meeting, training sessions were conducted for personnel from different departments to strengthen preparedness against Ebola.

Officials decided to ensure 24-hour ambulance availability and establish a separate storage facility for emergency medical supplies.

Authorities also directed officials to further strengthen the passenger surveillance system at the airport and ensure protective measures and facilities for frontline workers.

During the briefing, Dr. Zafar Mehdi highlighted operational challenges and urgent requirements at the airport, saying airports remain highly sensitive points for the transmission of deadly infectious diseases.

He stressed that rapid response capabilities and effective preparedness are essential to contain Ebola threats.

Dr. Waqar Ahmed Memon emphasized the importance of training sessions and mock exercises to improve emergency response capacity.

An Ebola awareness and training session for health professionals was also held at Jinnah International Airport, focusing on virus transmission, surveillance, infection prevention and control measures, and safe handling of suspected patients and contact tracing.

The Sindh Health Department reaffirmed its commitment to remaining on full alert to protect public health.

PM Shehbaz forms committee to review Rs72b oil sector windfall gains

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PM Shehbaz

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has constituted a high-powered committee headed by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb to review the country’s cross-subsidy framework and examine the recovery of an alleged 72 billion rupees in windfall profits earned by oil marketing companies.

The committee, formed ahead of the upcoming federal budget, will also evaluate broader fiscal and economic priorities, including expenditure rationalization, development spending allocation, energy sector reforms and the implementation of rightsizing measures across ministries and divisions.

Officials said the panel will be responsible for reviewing key financial planning areas for the next budget cycle, particularly efforts aimed at improving efficiency in public spending and reducing the fiscal deficit.

Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb will chair the committee, while the ministers for economic affairs, planning and law will serve as members.

Former bureaucrat Musharraf Rasool has been appointed as chief technical adviser, while the additional secretary for budget will also be part of the committee.

The panel is expected to submit its recommendations to the prime minister after completing a comprehensive review of economic and administrative reforms.

Meanwhile, government is preparing to recover an estimated 72 billion rupees in windfall profits from oil marketing companies (OMCs) in the upcoming fiscal year 2026-27, according to official sources.

Finance Ministry sources said a windfall gain tax could be imposed on OMCs after companies earned extraordinary profits on petroleum products during recent regional tensions.

Officials said the recovered amount may be used to provide petroleum subsidies, reduce electricity tariffs and help narrow the fiscal deficit.

Sources added that the government is examining legal and financial mechanisms to reclaim the extraordinary profits earned by the oil marketing sector.

Pakistan’s freelancers earn over $950m foreign exchange in 10 months

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Pakistan’s freelancers

KARACHI: Pakistani freelancers earned more than $950 million in foreign exchange during the first 10 months of the current fiscal year despite facing multiple local and global challenges, according to official data.

The State Bank of Pakistan said earnings from computer and information services through freelancing reached $959 million during July 2025 to April 2026, compared to $642 million in the same period last fiscal year.

This reflects a year-on-year increase of 49%, or $317 million, highlighting strong growth in the country’s digital services exports.

During the period, Pakistani freelancers reportedly outperformed counterparts in countries including India, China and the United Arab Emirates, according to industry sources.

Pakistan Freelancers Association President and CEO Dr. Imran Bataada said the rise in earnings was driven by increased participation of Pakistani freelancers on global platforms such as Upwork, Fiverr and social media-based work channels.

He said growing awareness of freelancing in Pakistan over recent years has enabled a large number of individuals to acquire skills through online learning, private institutions, government training programs and NGO initiatives.

Bataada, a five-time Global CIO Award winner, said he has trained more than 25,000 freelancers.

He added that Pakistan’s freelancing community now comprises around 3 million people and urged stronger collaboration between the government, banking sector and other stakeholders to further expand the sector in a structured manner.

Spain reveal surprise-filled squad for upcoming World Cup

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Spain reveal

MADRID: European champion Spain national football team has announced its 26-man squad for the upcoming FIFA World Cup, with no players from Real Madrid CF included in the selection.

It marks the first time in Spain’s history that the national team will compete in a World Cup without a single Real Madrid player in the squad.

Head coach Luis de la Fuente built much of his squad around players from FC Barcelona.

Eight Barcelona players were selected, including Lamine Yamal, Pedri, Gavi, Dani Olmo and Ferran Torres.

Meanwhile, notable Real Madrid players such as Dean Huijsen and Dani Carvajal failed to make the final squad.

Explaining the decision, De la Fuente said player selection was based on commitment to the national team rather than club affiliation.

“We only want players who feel proud to represent Spain,” the coach said.

The squad also includes seven players currently playing in the Premier League.

De la Fuente also expressed confidence over the fitness of Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams, saying all players are expected to be fully fit before the tournament begins.

Shoaib Malik suggests major reforms to revive Pakistan Test cricket

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Shoaib Malik

KARACHI: Former Pakistan captain Shoaib Malik has proposed key reforms to improve the standard of Test cricket in Pakistan, calling for a stronger domestic red-ball structure and better financial incentives for specialist players.

Reacting to Pakistan’s recent struggles in the longer format, Shoaib Malik emphasized the need to prioritize red-ball specialists and strengthen central contracts to support them financially.

The former all-rounder, who has represented Pakistan in 287 ODIs, 35 Tests and 124 T20 Internationals, shared his views on social media platform X, stressing that better financial security would encourage players to stay committed to first-class cricket instead of shifting focus to franchise leagues.

Malik said that dedicated and attractive red-ball contracts should be introduced to retain players in the longer format of the game. He also suggested that cricketers should be required to play at least five first-class matches each season.

He added that such reforms would help players maintain their natural red-ball skills and avoid unnecessary pressure to alter their playing style for franchise cricket.

The former captain further highlighted the gap between domestic and international cricket standards, saying that success at the highest level requires complete preparation and commitment.

Malik’s comments come after Pakistan, led by Shan Masood, suffered a 2-0 Test series whitewash against Bangladesh national cricket team.

Trump hints at positive outcome in Iran negotiations

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Trump hints

WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump has said that a proposed agreement with Iran has not yet been finalized, but expressed confidence that positive news will emerge, stating that he does not make “bad deals.”

In an interview with ABC News, Trump said the potential deal with Iran would be “completely different” from the agreement reached during former President Barack Obama’s administration.

He said that no one has seen the details of the agreement yet and urged the public not to rely on criticism from those who are not fully informed.

The US president added that previous leadership should have resolved the issue years ago, noting that ongoing negotiations are being conducted in an organized and constructive manner, with the outcome depending on Iran’s decisions.

Trump emphasized that any final agreement must serve U.S. interests and contribute to regional stability.

According to reports, he also shared an image on social media showing a missile mounted under a military aircraft, which drew attention amid ongoing tensions and negotiations with Iran.

Field Marshal helped push ceasefire talks toward final phase, says US TV report

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Field Marshal

WASHINGTON/ISLAMABAD: A report by CBS News has claimed that Pakistan’s military and political leadership played a significant mediating role in efforts to advance talks between the United States and Iran.

According to the report, Pakistan’s Chief of Defence Forces and Army Chief Syed Asim Munir has gained the trust of both U.S. and Iranian leadership and contributed to moving negotiations closer to a final stage.

The report stated that General Asim Munir’s recent visit to Tehran added momentum to ongoing diplomatic efforts, helping bridge gaps in the proposed agreement process.

CBS News further claimed that amid the complex regional situation involving Gulf states and Lebanon, Pakistan emerged as a key country capable of helping shape and finalize a draft framework for a potential agreement.

It added that the draft was shared with both Iranian and American leadership for review following Asim Munir’s return from Tehran.

The report also highlighted what it described as strong coordination between Pakistan’s civilian and military leadership as a crucial factor in the mediation efforts.

CBS News noted that U.S. President Donald Trump had previously referred to General Asim Munir as his “favorite field marshal,” underscoring his perceived influence in diplomatic channels.

The report further said that discussions held in Islamabad reportedly helped reduce tensions and supported progress in the negotiations.

It also recalled Pakistan’s historical role in facilitating major diplomatic breakthroughs, including efforts that contributed to the normalization of relations between the United States and China in earlier decades.

Lionel Messi injury scare raises concerns among football fans

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Lionel Messi

Football fans were left concerned after reports emerged of a possible injury to Argentine star Lionel Messi during an American league match.

According to details, Messi, representing Inter Miami CF, appeared to feel discomfort during the game and requested to be substituted before leaving the field.

The incident occurred during Inter Miami’s match against Philadelphia Union, where a rain-soaked pitch created difficult playing conditions for the athletes.

In the 73rd minute, Messi was seen holding the back of his left leg before being called off the field. However, he was observed walking normally toward the dugout, easing fears of a serious injury.

Speaking after the match, the team coach said the issue did not initially appear severe and that Messi was substituted as a precautionary measure.

The coach added that the poor ground conditions and a congested playing schedule had left the 38-year-old fatigued, prompting the decision to rest him and avoid any further risk.

Messi has not yet officially confirmed whether he will play in the next FIFA World Cup, although expectations remain high that he will represent defending champions Argentina in what could be the sixth World Cup appearance of his career.

Fan collapses in extreme heat outside Amitabh Bachchan’s residence

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Fan collapses

MUMBAI: A fan fainted after waiting for several hours in intense heat outside veteran Bollywood actor Amitabh Bachchan’s residence “Jalsa,” according to Indian media reports.

The incident occurred  when hundreds of fans gathered outside the actor’s home in hopes of catching a glimpse of him.

A video shared on Instagram shows a fan suddenly collapsing on the road. People nearby quickly rushed to help and moved him to a safer place.

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Amitabh Bachchan is known for meeting fans outside his residence on Sundays and often shares pictures and videos of these interactions on his blog.

The actor recently stated that he has instructed his security team to treat fans with respect and care.

In a post, he said he feels honoured by the love and prayers of his fans, calling them his “extended family” and expressing gratitude for their support.

He also noted that standing for hours in extreme heat is not easy, and stressed that fans should always be treated properly and with dignity.

Chinese President Xi praises Pakistan’s role in promoting Middle East peace

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Chinese President

BEIJING: Chinese President Xi Jinping on Monday praised Pakistan’s constructive role in promoting peace in the Middle East during a meeting with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Beijing.

During the meeting, Xi said China gives priority to its relationship with Pakistan in its neighborhood diplomacy.

The Chinese president appreciated Pakistan’s efforts toward regional peace and said the two countries had forged an “unbreakable traditional friendship.”

Xi also welcomed Syed Asim Munir on his visit to China, noting that the field marshal had recently returned from Iran.

He said Pakistan’s positive efforts and mediation initiatives for peace were commendable and acknowledged Asim Munir’s important role in facilitating contacts between Iran and the United States.

“The situation is moving in the right direction,” Xi said, according to official statements.

The Chinese president further stressed that China and Pakistan should jointly oppose unilateral actions and Cold War mentality, while advancing high-level and broader security cooperation.

Earlier, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also met Chinese Premier Li Qiang, where both sides agreed to elevate Pakistan-China partnership into a new phase of high-quality cooperation.

During the visit, 15 memorandums of understanding were signed covering cooperation in investment, agriculture, climate change and education.

Speaking on the occasion, Shehbaz Sharif said the longstanding strategic partnership with China remains a cornerstone of Pakistan’s foreign policy and reflects the two countries’ shared commitment to friendship, development and prosperity.