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Vaneeza Ahmed challenges gender bias around children’s birth

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Vaneeza Ahmed

KARACHI: Renowned former Pakistani supermodel Vaneeza Ahmed has spoken out against outdated societal beliefs favoring sons over daughters.

Speaking at a recent event, Vaneeza Ahmed shared, “My father was a highly educated man, yet I could sense that in his heart, he wished for his first child to be a boy.”

She emphasized that attitudes are changing in modern times. “Today, women understand their own value. People realize that everyone brings their own destiny, writes their own journey, and creates their own story,” she said.

Vaneeza Ahmed rejected the notion that circumstances at birth or parental status define a person’s future. “Those are old ideas. We are creators, especially women, who are so amazing that limiting beliefs—like ‘I can’t do this’—are meant to be challenged and changed,” she added.

Her remarks highlight a growing cultural shift toward valuing daughters and empowering women to define their own paths, breaking long-standing stereotypes.

Singer Jawad Ahmed criticizes contemporary artists, calls them ‘Greedy’

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Singer Jawad Ahmed

KARACHI: Renowned Pakistani singer of the 1990s and current politician, Jawad Ahmed, is once again making headlines for his controversial statements.

Since stepping away from music, Jawad Ahmed  has frequently expressed critical opinions about political figures, celebrities, and his peers in the entertainment industry, attracting significant public attention and debate.

In a recent television interview, he described modern singers as “greedy”. He explained that he left music due to his political commitments and now earns no income from singing, emphasizing that financial motives should not dominate the art of music.

Jawad Ahmed claimed that during his era, artists were accessible to the public, and their cassette sales broke records, impressing audiences even in neighboring India.

He recalled performing in villages without any compensation, with the only condition that his songs carry moral and educational messages.

Criticizing today’s artists, he noted that many are now limited to weddings and corporate events, distancing themselves from the general audience.

“This approach is harmful for both art and artists,” he said, “because the very public that gave them fame is no longer part of their priorities.”

Snowstorm in US claims 65 lives, leaves thousands without power

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Snowstorm in US

United States: A severe snowstorm has wreaked havoc across the eastern United States, resulting in 65 deaths from multiple accidents.

Temperatures in the region have plunged below freezing, with Chicago recording -14°C and Cleveland -11°C.

The storm has caused widespread disruption in Tennessee and Mississippi, leaving over 100,000 customers without electricity.

Air travel remains heavily affected. On Wednesday, American Airlines canceled 653 flights and 1,077 others were delayed, while operations at Dallas-Fort Worth Airport were significantly disrupted due to snow and rain. U.S. airlines have reportedly offered double pay for additional shifts to staff to cope with the crisis.

The National Weather Service has warned of extreme cold in New York and New Jersey, with frigid conditions expected to persist through next week.

Two-Year-Old snooker prodigy sets two Guinness World Records

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Two-Year-Old snooker

United Kingdom: While snooker often challenges even the most experienced players, two-year-old Jodie Owens has stunned the world by setting two Guinness World Records in the game.

Snooker, one of the world’s most popular cue sports, requires precision and technique to pocket balls using a cue stick. Even seasoned players often miss shots that seem straightforward.

However, Jodie Owens from Manchester accomplished remarkable feats at an exceptionally young age.

According to international media, Owens completed a double pot on August 2025 at just 2 years and 261 days old. Less than two months later, on October 12, 2025, at 2 years and 302 days, Owens successfully executed the extremely difficult “pool bank shot”, astonishing fans and snooker enthusiasts alike.

Following these achievements, Jodie Owens was recognized as the youngest player to complete complex snooker shots and was officially listed in the Guinness World Records.

Pakistan armed forces fully prepared for any threat: COAS Asim Munir

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Pakistan armed forces

RAWALPINDI:  Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defense Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir Asim Munir, has affirmed that Pakistan’s armed forces are fully prepared to face any threat.

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Field Marshal Asim Munir visited the Bahawalpur Garrison, where he received detailed briefings on operational, training, and administrative matters.

During the visit, he observed military exercises at Khairpur Tamiwali, including demonstrations of modern drones, electronic warfare, and surveillance technology.

On the occasion, the Roohi E-Skills Learning Hub and APS Abbasiya Campus were inaugurated, with announcements made to promote digital education and a renewed commitment to quality education.

Field Marshal Asim Munir also visited the EME Regional Workshop, where he was briefed on the maintenance of advanced military platforms.

Furthermore, he paid tribute at the Martyrs’ Memorial, honoring the sacrifices of fallen soldiers.

The COAS reiterated, “Pakistan’s armed forces are fully prepared to counter any threat,” emphasizing the military’s readiness and dedication to national security.

Sindh CM writes to Chief Justice for judicial inquiry into Gul Plaza tragedy

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Sindh CM writes

Karachi: Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah has formally written to the Chief Justice of the Sindh High Court requesting a judicial inquiry into the Gul Plaza incident.

Earlier, during a press conference in Karachi, senior provincial minister Sharjeel Memon stated that the letter requests the Chief Justice to assign a sitting judge to conduct the investigation.

He emphasized that the decision for a judicial commission was independent of political pressures and that the government is answerable to the public, not any political party.

“Some political parties are trying to politicize the incident, but the Sindh government is not,” Memon said. “We acted on our own responsibility and initiated the judicial inquiry when it was deemed necessary.”

Memon explained that after the tragedy, the Sindh Cabinet had formed a committee, which was tasked with reviewing the report submitted by a committee led by the Commissioner of Karachi. “The Commissioner’s committee report has been received. It is very detailed and includes interviews of all relevant individuals,” he added.

He provided key details about the incident: At the time of the fire, the building housed 2,000–2,500 people. The Gul Plaza building had undergone two safety audits, but their recommendations were not implemented. During the fire, 80 precious lives were lost, and firefighters faced a shortage of water while trying to control the blaze. Memon paid tribute to the brave firefighter who sacrificed his life.

Memon said that all emergency and rescue agencies will now operate under a unified command. “The building lacked proper fire-fighting systems and other safety measures.

Even when authorities were informed, they did not act. We are taking steps to integrate the fire brigade, civil defense, and rescue agencies under one command structure,” he explained.

The minister also revealed that the committee identified serious irregularities in the building’s lease and construction approvals.

The Anti-Corruption Department has been directed to investigate these lapses. The building’s construction was found in violation of approved plans, and the Building Control Authority’s permits will be thoroughly reviewed. Memon warned that any negligence by senior officials will result in strict action.

Meta CEO predicts AI-powered smart glasses as future

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Meta CEO predicts

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg has called AI-powered smart glasses the next big innovation, likening their potential impact to the advent of smartphones.

Speaking during Meta’s quarterly earnings report, Zuckerberg said the company is accelerating the development of AI wearable devices and AI models.

He highlighted that billions of people worldwide rely on glasses or contact lenses, and AI-enabled smart glasses could soon become a daily necessity.

Zuckerberg explained, “When flip phones were replaced by smartphones, it became unimaginable to go back. Similarly, in the coming years, it will be hard to imagine most people not using AI glasses.” He noted that Meta’s smart glasses sales tripled in 2025, signaling growing consumer interest.

This is not the first time Zuckerberg has expressed bold predictions about emerging tech. Previously, he envisioned people working and socializing in the metaverse, a scenario that has not yet materialized.

However, current investments and development efforts by companies suggest that AI glasses could become widely popular in the coming years—though whether they will match the popularity of smartphones remains uncertain.

Other tech giants are also entering the market: Google is expected to launch smart glasses in 2026, while Apple plans to introduce its own models within the next one to two years.

Snap Inc., the parent company of Snapchat, is forming a subsidiary focused on AR glasses, and even AI-focused firm OpenAI is exploring wearable devices such as AI earbuds and AI pens.

Currently, Meta leads the smart glasses market, offering several models already available to consumers. The coming years could see a surge in AI-enabled wearables as companies race to redefine how we see and interact with the digital world.

Pakistan beats Australia in first T20 to go 1-0 up in series

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Pakistan

LAHORE: Pakistan defeated Australia by 22 runs in the first match of the three-match T20 series, taking a 1-0 lead. The match was played at Gaddafi Stadium, where Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha won the toss and elected to bat first.

Pakistan posted 168 runs for the loss of 8 wickets in their 20 overs. Saim Ayub was the standout batter with 40 runs, supported by Salman Ali Agha’s 39 and contributions from Babar Azam (24), Fakhar Zaman (10), and Usman Khan (18). Mohammad Nawaz remained 15 not out.

Pakistan’s start was shaky as Sahbazada Farhan was dismissed for 0 on the very first ball. However, Saem Ayub and Salman Ali Agha stabilized the innings with responsible batting and attractive stroke play.

Adam Zampa was Australia’s most successful bowler, taking 4 wickets for 24 runs, while Barrett and Beardman took 2 wickets each.

Chasing 169 runs, Australia struggled to keep up with the required run rate and finished on 146 for 8 in 20 overs. Cameron Green (36) and Barrett (34) were the main contributors, while Pakistan bowlers Saim Ayub and Abrar Ahmed picked 2 wickets each, and Shadab Khan and Mohammad Nawaz took one wicket each.

With this win, Pakistan takes a 1-0 lead in the three-match T20 series.

Three Australian players made their T20 debuts: Mahli Beardman, Jack Edwards, and Matthew Renshaw.

This victory gives the Green Shirts a strong start in the series, putting pressure on Australia in the remaining two matches.

Sunil Gavaskar breaks silence on Pakistan–India group draw

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Sunil Gavaskar

Indian cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar has revealed the reason behind placing Pakistan and India in the same group for major international tournaments.

In a column written for a digital platform, Gavaskar said the primary objective of grouping the two arch-rivals together is to ensure at least one high-profile clash between them during the event.

He explained that, similar to previous mega tournaments, Pakistan and India have not only been placed in the same group but also in a comparatively easier pool to increase the likelihood of both teams progressing to the next round — setting the stage for further high-intensity encounters.

In the upcoming T20 World Cup, scheduled to begin next month, Pakistan and India have been drawn in Group A alongside Namibia, the Netherlands, and the United States.

Gavaskar further noted that the United States could emerge as a competitive side in the tournament, having gained valuable experience through participation in Major League Cricket (MLC).

Pakistan enforces strict entry screening after Nipah outbreak in India

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Pakistan enforces

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has been placed on high alert over the threat of the Nipah virus, though no confirmed case has been reported in the country so far.

In response to the spread of the virus in India, the Border Health Services (BHS) under the Federal Ministry of National Health Services has issued a formal warning and health advisory.

According to the health ministry, strict screening measures have been ordered at all airports, seaports, and land border crossings nationwide.

Authorities have made 100 percent screening mandatory for all incoming and transit passengers, along with thermal screening and clinical assessment.

Passengers have been directed to provide complete travel histories for the previous 21 days. Special monitoring has been ordered for travellers arriving from Nipah-affected or high-risk areas.

In case of suspicious symptoms, immediate isolation of the passenger has been made mandatory.

Officials further stated that no traveller will be allowed to enter Pakistan without formal health clearance.

The authorities confirmed that Pakistan has not reported any verified Nipah virus case to date. However, five cases have been confirmed in India’s West Bengal, prompting heightened vigilance.

Due to fears of cross-border transmission, countries including Thailand, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Nepal have also initiated enhanced screening procedures at their entry points.