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FIFA World Cup 2026 official song “Dai Dai” released worldwide

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FIFA World Cup

The official song for the FIFA World Cup 2026, titled “Dai Dai,” has been officially released, FIFA announced.

The track has been created by Colombian singer Shakira and Nigerian artist Burna Boy as part of the tournament’s official music campaign.

According to FIFA, the song has been released in support of the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, with proceeds dedicated to improving access to education for children around the world.

Shakira has pledged her royalties from the song to the education fund, while the music production company has also contributed an initial donation of $250,000.

FIFA said the track is now available on all major streaming platforms, with additional songs expected to be released in the coming weeks as part of the official World Cup album.

The governing body also confirmed that the 2026 World Cup final will feature a halftime show for the first time in tournament history, with Shakira among the performers expected to take part.

Pakistan Hockey Federation invites South Korea for four-match Test series

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Pakistan Hockey

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has invited South Korea to tour Pakistan for a proposed four-match Test series, officials said.

PHF President Muhammad Uddin Wani said during an appearance on a local sports program that discussions are still in the early stages.

He expressed hope that the series could be held in Pakistan in the last week of July, depending on final agreements between both sides.

Wani said consultations are ongoing regarding venues, adding that matches could either be played in a single city or hosted across multiple cities.

He said the series, if finalized, would mark an important step toward reviving international hockey in Pakistan and help strengthen the country’s presence in global hockey.

Pakistan is ranked 12th in the world, while South Korea holds the 20th position. Officials noted that South Korea has not qualified for the upcoming Hockey World Cup scheduled to be held in Belgium and the Netherlands.

The proposed series is expected to serve as preparation for Pakistan ahead of major international competitions later this year.

Pakistan penalized for slow over-rate in first Test

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Pakistan penalized

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan cricket team has been penalized for maintaining a slow over-rate during the first Test against Bangladesh, the International Cricket Council (ICC) confirmed.

According to the International Cricket Council, match referee Jeff Crowe of the ICC Elite Panel imposed sanctions after Pakistan failed to bowl the required overs in the allotted time.

The ICC said the team was found eight overs short, leading to action under Article 2.22 of the code of conduct. Under the regulations, players are fined 5% of their match fee for each over short.

In addition to financial penalties, Pakistan also lost eight World Test Championship points under Article 16.11.2, which deducts one point per over short.

Captain Shan Masood accepted responsibility for the offence, after which the ICC deemed a formal hearing unnecessary.

The charge was levelled by on-field umpires Richard Kettleborough and Kumar Dharmasena, third umpire Allahudien Paleker and fourth umpire Ghazi Sohel.

Pakistan had earlier suffered a defeat in the Dhaka Test, while the second match of the two-Test series against Bangladesh is scheduled to begin in Sylhet.

Major shake-up expected in Pakistan cricketers’ central contracts

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Major shake-up

LAHORE: Significant changes are expected in the central contracts of national cricketers as the Pakistan Cricket Board prepares to revise its financial model ahead of the new cycle starting July 1.

The current central contract financial structure is set to expire on June 30, after which a new framework will come into effect. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi is expected to take key decisions regarding the revised model.

The previous three-year financial model was introduced in 2023 during the tenure of former PCB Chairman Zaka Ashraf and has remained largely intact, although player categories have been adjusted based on fitness and performance.

Last year, 30 players were awarded central contracts, with no cricketer placed in Category A for the first time.

Sources suggest the upcoming contracts may see major restructuring, with several players likely to be promoted or demoted across categories based on performance.

Players including Mohammad Nawaz, Abdullah Shafique, Faheem Ashraf, Hussain Talat and Khushdil Shah are reportedly less likely to be included in the new list, while domestic performers such as Azaan Awais and Abdullah Fazal may earn inclusion.

Officials say preliminary discussions regarding player selection and category adjustments are currently underway as the board finalizes the new contract cycle.

Gold prices drop sharply in global and local markets

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Gold prices drop

KARACHI: Gold prices witnessed a sharp decline in both international and domestic markets, with significant losses recorded in bullion trading.

In the international bullion market, the price of gold fell by $155 per ounce, bringing the new global rate to $4,545 per ounce.

Following the global trend, local gold markets also saw a steep decline on the final trading day of the week. The price of 24-karat gold per tola dropped by Rs15, 500, settling at Rs476, 862.

The price of 10 grams of gold decreased by Rs13, 289, bringing the new rate to Rs408, 832.

Market analysts said the local prices moved in line with international trends as volatility continued in global commodity markets.

Silver prices also declined in local markets following a sharp drop in gold rates, reflecting broader volatility in precious metals trading.

Meanwhile, silver prices also fell significantly, with the per tola rate dropping by Rs972 to Rs8, 232. The price of 10 grams of silver also registered a decline of Rs833, according to market data.

Traders said local bullion rates continue to track international market movements as investors respond to

Bilawal Bhutto inaugurates 11 development projects in Balochistan

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Bilawal Bhutto

QUETTA:  Pakistan People’s Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on Friday inaugurated 11 development projects in Balochistan’s health sector and reiterated his party’s commitment to providing free and quality healthcare across the country.

Addressing a ceremony in Quetta, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said the Pakistan People’s Party has always pursued people-friendly politics and remained focused on serving underprivileged communities.

He said every person, at some point in life, requires medical treatment and stressed that access to free and quality healthcare is a fundamental right of every citizen.

The PPP chairman said efforts are underway to ensure basic facilities in underserved areas and improve access to healthcare services at the grassroots level.

He noted that instead of the originally planned 20 projects, 11 were inaugurated on the day, adding that remaining initiatives would be launched after Eid.

Bilawal Bhutto Zardari praised the provincial government’s performance, saying several projects had been initiated and completed within two years, and added that he had asked the chief minister to invite him to Quetta more frequently.

He also highlighted the importance of the newly introduced air ambulance service in Balochistan, saying it would help ensure timely transfer of critical patients from remote areas.

The PPP chairman said the 150-bed trauma center in Quetta is equipped with modern facilities, including a paperless system, and will provide free and quality treatment to patients.

He added that primary healthcare systems form the foundation of any health structure and praised the operationalization of basic health units across the province.

Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said similar healthcare initiatives to those in Sindh will also be introduced in Balochistan, adding that inter-provincial cooperation is essential for national progress.

He also referred to past public health initiatives, including the polio vaccination campaign launched during the tenure of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto.

He said the government is countering negative propaganda through performance and development work, and stressed that challenges remain but collective efforts would lead to success.

Police prepare detailed chart of Pinky’s handlers, carriers and riders

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Police prepare

KARACHI: Investigators have compiled detailed data on the alleged handlers, carriers and riders linked to Anmol alias Pinky, the woman arrested for allegedly operating a major drug trafficking network in Karachi.

According to investigative sources, a data chart prepared by authorities includes photographs of suspects and outlines how the network allegedly functioned.

The report identifies three handlers and 22 carriers accused of supplying narcotics across the city. Authorities say drugs were passed from handlers to carriers and then delivered to customers through riders.

Sources said individuals identified as Hamza, Abbas and Aqib allegedly served as the main handlers in Karachi. Investigators believe communication between the handlers and Anmol was coordinated through her brother, Shaukat.

The report also states that three women were among the alleged carriers and were reportedly paid monthly salaries of Rs 70,000.

According to investigators, narcotics brought from Lahore were allegedly mixed with chemicals by Anmol’s brother, Nasir, before distribution.

Authorities say eight riders from Lahore, Faisalabad and Vehari were involved in delivering drugs in Karachi.

Police said further investigations are underway to identify and arrest all those involved in the alleged network.

Punjab relaxes business hours, lifts 8 p.m. closing restriction until June 1

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Punjab relaxes

LAHORE: The Punjab government has temporarily lifted the requirement for markets and businesses to close by 8 p.m., granting relief to traders across the province until June 1.

Under the decision, shopping malls, markets, hotels, restaurants and food outlets throughout Punjab will be allowed to operate beyond the previously imposed closing time.

Deputy Commissioner Ali Ejaz said the 8 p.m. shutdown rule will no longer be enforced starting immediately.

He said providing relief to the business community is a government priority and added that extended operating hours will make shopping more convenient for the public.

The temporary relaxation comes as authorities seek to balance commercial activity with broader administrative and energy management policies.

Earlier, The Punjab government has introduced a series of austerity measures on the instructions of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, including mandatory early closure of markets and cuts in government spending.

According to an official notification, shops, markets and shopping malls across the province, including Lahore, will close at 8 p.m.

Wedding halls and restaurants will be required to shut by 10 p.m., while fuel quotas for government vehicles have been reduced by 50%.

The notification also imposes a ban on the purchase of new government vehicles and encourages officials to conduct meetings through online platforms.

Sajal Aly faces social media backlash over new short pixie haircut

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Sajal Aly faces

Pakistani actress Sajal Aly is facing criticism on social media after unveiling a bold new hairstyle that sparked mixed reactions among fans.

The Pakistani actress recently shared a video on Instagram, where she appeared in a short pixie haircut instead of her usual long, thick hair. The post quickly went viral, drawing widespread attention from fans and online users.

In the caption of her video, Sajal Aly tagged her sister, actress Saboor Aly, who had also recently opted for a short bob haircut, further fueling discussions among followers.

Many social media users expressed disappointment over her new look, while others speculated that the hairstyle could be for an upcoming role. Some fans even suggested that the pixie cut might not be permanent and could possibly be a wig.

A section of users also compared her transformation to other celebrities, while some claimed she may have been inspired by fellow actor Sahifa Jabbar Khattak, who previously faced similar attention for her bold fashion and hairstyle choices.

Despite the criticism, the new look has kept Sajal Aly trending across social platforms, with fans divided between praise for her experimentation and preference for her traditional style.

Sara Ali Khan reflects on early fame, failure, and learning from criticism

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Sara Ali Khan

Indian actress Sara Ali Khan has spoken candidly about the pressures of early success in Bollywood, saying that sudden fame can sometimes be dangerous and overwhelming.

In a recent interview, the actress revealed that her mother Amrita Singh had warned her early in her career about how rapid success can affect judgment and stability in the film industry.

Sara Ali Khan made her debut in 2018 with Kedarnath, starring alongside Sushant Singh Rajput. She said that her first two films brought her immense popularity, but later projects such as Love Aaj Kal and Coolie No. 1 failed at the box office, leading to intense public criticism.

The actress admitted that experiencing both success and failure within a short span gave her a more realistic understanding of the industry. She added that she now values constructive criticism while ignoring unnecessary negativity.

Sara emphasized that artists must recognize their weaknesses and continuously work on self-improvement rather than being carried away by public attention.

She is currently busy promoting her upcoming film Pati Patni Aur Woh 2, directed by Mudassar Aziz, which is a sequel to the 2019 hit Pati Patni Aur Woh.