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Newsdesk

Receiving Pakistan’s civil award is honor beyond words, says Afridi

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Receiving Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: Former Pakistan cricket captain Shahid Afridi said that receiving the Hilal-i-Imtiaz from the President of Pakistan is a great honor and a recognition shared by the entire nation.

In a post on X , Afridi shared a photograph with his wife and daughter and expressed gratitude for the love, prayers, and support he has received throughout his career.

“This is not just Shahid Afridi’s honor, but an honor for the entire Pakistani nation. It is your love, prayers, and support that brought me to this point,” he wrote.

Afridi dedicated the award to the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the country, adding, “May Allah always protect Pakistan.”

Earlier in the day, President Asif Ali Zardari conferred the Hilal-i-Imtiaz on Shahid Afridi during a special investiture ceremony at the Aiwan-e-Sadr in recognition of his outstanding services to sports.

Drug Dealer Anmol alias Pinky granted three-day physical remand

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Drug Dealer

KARACHI: Deputy Inspector General (South) Asad Raza said on Wednesday that alleged drug dealer Anmol alias Pinky has been granted a three-day physical remand by a judicial magistrate in Karachi.

According to the DIG South, the court had rejected the police request for physical remand a day earlier. However, the suspect was produced again before the Judicial Magistrate (South), where police renewed their request.

The court subsequently approved a three-day physical remand, after which police took the suspect into custody for further investigation.

Police sources said authorities have also compiled details of previous cases registered against Anmol alias Pinky.

The suspect was arrested by Garden Police during an operation in Karachi. According to police, cocaine and other narcotics worth millions of rupees were recovered from her possession.

On the other hand, Police have registered an additional case against alleged drug dealer Anmol alias Pinky after a pistol was reportedly recovered from her possession during her arrest in Karachi’s Garden West area.

According to the First Information Report (FIR), the suspect was unable to produce a valid license for the weapon.

Anmol alias Pinky was arrested from a flat in a residential building in Garden. Following media reports about the arrest, the property owner reportedly asked for the apartment to be vacated.

A family residing at the address mentioned in the FIR said they have been living in the flat as tenants for the past eight years and do not know the suspect.

The family questioned how their home address was included in the police report and said the apparent error has caused them significant mental distress.

Earlier, Garden Police claimed to have recovered a pistol, cocaine worth millions of rupees, chemicals, and other narcotics from the suspect.

Police said Anmol alias Pinky was wanted in 10 cases and had allegedly been operating a citywide drug trafficking and supply network.

Investigators alleged that she used online platforms to arrange narcotics deliveries through designated riders, including female couriers.

President confers Pakistan’s civil awards on recipients from various fields

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President confers

ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari on Wednesday conferred Pakistan’s civil awards on various personalities including the Pakistani nationals and foreigners in recognition of their outstanding services in various fields.

The investiture ceremony was held at the Aiwan e Sadr in which different personalities were decorated with the civil awards in recognition of their services in health, education, literature, journalism, public, research, diplomatic matters, sports and economy.

The ceremony was attended by First Lady Aseefa Bhutto, the federal ministers, Chairman Senate, parliamentarians, members of the civil society, diplomats, media and a large number of people.

Nishan-i-Imtiaz (posthumous) was conferred upon late Nawabzada Nasrullah Khan, and Irfan ul Haq Siddiqui in recognition of their outstanding services to the country.

The other recipients who were conferred upon with awards in different categories included,  Attaul Haq Qasmi Nishan-i-Imtiaz, Shahid Khan Afridi Hilal-i-Imtiaz, Sardar Awais Ahmed Khan Leghari Hilal-i-Imtiaz, Muhammad Ali Hilal-i-Imtiaz, Asghar Nadeem Syed Hilal-i-Imtiaz, late Senator Taj Haider (posthumous) Sitara-i-Pakistan, Moazzam Jah Ansari Hilal-i-Imtiaz, Engineer Jamaluddin Ahmed Hilal-i-Imtiaz, Mirza Rizwan Baig Hilal-i-Imtiaz, Muhammad Yousuf Khan Hilal-i-Imtiaz, Dr Ameer Muhammad Hilal-i-Imtiaz, Professor Dr Ikram ul Haq Hilal-i-Imtiaz, Zahra Majid Ali Hilal-i-Imtiaz, Shehroz Kashif Hilal-i-Imtiaz, Late Malik Ata Muhammad Khan Hilal-i-Imtiaz (posthumous), Ehtesham ul Haq Hilal-i-Imtiaz, Azeez uddin Hilal-i-Imtiaz,  Bahrain’s diplomat Mohammad Ebrahim Mohammad Abdul Qadir, Javed Ullah Khan Mehsood Sitara-i-Shujaat (posthumous), Nawab Ali Shaheed Sitara-i-Shujaat (posthumous), Senator Hidayatullah Sitara-i-Shujaat (posthumous), ASI Muhammad Akram Sitara-i-Shujaat (posthumous), SI Taj Meer Shah Sitara-i-Shujaat (posthumous), Constable Abdullah Shaheed Sitara-i-Shujaat (posthumous), Constable Samand Khan Shaheed Sitara-i-Shujaat (posthumous), Constable Zameel Badshah Shaeed Sitara-i-Shujaat (posthumous), Abdul Hameed Shaheed Sitara-i-Shujaat (posthumous), Constable Muhammad Siraj Shaheed Sitara-i-Shujaat (posthumous), Constable Muhammad Javed Shaheed Sitara-i-Shujaat (posthumous), Hafeezullah Shaheed Sitara-i-Shujaat (posthumous), Inspector Shariq Rizwan Shaheed Sitara-i-Shujaat (posthumous), Jawad Qamar Sitara-i-Shujaat (posthumous), Naek Gulzar Ali Shaheed Sitara-i-Shujaat (posthumous), Sipoy Uzair Khan Shaheed Sitara-i-Shujaat (posthumous), Sepoy Khatab ul Rehman Shaheed Sitara-i-Shujaat (posthumous), Sepoy Gul Umarzai Shaheed Sitara-i-Shujaat (posthumous), Sepoy Abdul Sameed Shaheed Sitara-i-Shujaat (posthumous), Sepoy Imran Khan Shaheed Sitara-i-Shujaat (posthumous), Naeb Subedar Muhammad Jan Shaheed Sitara-i-Shujaat (posthumous),  Lance Naek Syed ur Rehman Sitara-i-Shujaat (posthumous), Sepoy Hazratullah Shaheed Sitara-i-Shujaat (posthumous), Sepoy Khunzada Shaheed Sitara-i-Shujaat (posthumous), Sepoy Mushtaq Ahmed Sitara-i-Shujaat (posthumous), Sepoy Baseerullah Shaheed Sitara-i-Shujaat (posthumous), Sepoy Mehtab ur Rehman Shaheed Sitara-i-Shujaat (posthumous), Sepoy Sher Rehman Shaheed Sitara-i-Shujaat (posthumous), Sepoy Fazal Kareem Shaheed Sitara-i-Shujaat (posthumous), Sepoy Syed Amin Shaheed Sitara-i-Shujaat (posthumous), Shah Wali Khan Shaheed Hilal e Shujaat (posthumous), ASI Muhammad Ejaz Khan Shaheed Hilal e Shujaat (posthumous), SI Laiq Zada Shaheed Hilal e Shujaat (posthumous), Constable Alam Zeb Shaheed Hilal e Shujaat (posthumous), Constable Muhammad  Ejaz Shaheed Hilal e Shujaat (posthumous), Waseem Ahmed Khan Shaheed Hilal e Shujaat (posthumous), Sepoy Azhar Mehmood Shaheed Hilal e Shujaat (posthumous).

The personalities who received Sitara-i-Shujaat included Sepoy Muhammad Yousaf Shaheed (posthumous), Constable Muhammad Shehryar Shaheed (posthumous), Faisal Ismail Shaheed (posthumous), Abdul Wakeel Shaheed (posthumous), Fazal Manan Shaheed (posthumous), ASI Noor Hakeem Shaheed (posthumous), Constable Zahidullah Shaheed (posthumous), and Liaqat Ali Shaheed (posthumous).

Similarly the personalities who received Sitara-i-Imtiaz included Secretary Interior Captain (r) Muhammad Agha, Dr Muhammad Fakhar e Alam, Nabeel Munir, Iftikhar Amjad, Lt. (R) Sohail Ashraf, Dr Naseem Faraz, Javed Akbar Riaz, Brigadier Faisal Shaukat Jehangiri, Ahmed Abdul Moeez Khawaja, Irfan Ahsan, Hamza Tabani, Dr Arshad Rehan (US/Pakistani), Late Munir Ahmed Chaudhry, Muhammad Yaseen Khan, Arshad Wali Muhammad, Ahmed Raza, Prof Sarwar Muhammad Khawaja, Hamra Abbas, Late Justice Syed Deedar Hussain Shah, Nadeem Hussain, and Nadeem Mehboob.

Rashid Waheed Khawaja and Zahid Ahmed received Pride of Performance award while Muhammad Saeed Sheikh received Sitara-i-Khidmat and Shahid Hussain received Tamgha-i-Shujaat award.

Those received Tamgha-i-Imtiaz included IG Sindh Javaid Akhtar Odhoo,  Nadir Shafee Dar, Dr Muhammad Shahbaz Chaudhry,  Muhammad Kashif Ashfaq, Ch Amanat Hussain Mahr, Dr Farhat Akhtar Raja, Dr Khurum Hayat Khan, Dr Muhammad Shabi Ahmed, Dr Zeeshan Ali, Syed Zahid Hussain Shah, Raja Suleman Raza, Sajid Abbas, Naveed Anwar Chaudhry, Abdul Waheed Khan, Abdul Wahab Sheikh, Waqas ul Hassan,  Shazia Sikandar Rana, Mohsin Nawaz, Muhammad Arsalan Zafar, Abdul Muhai Shah, Dr Rao Kamran Ali, Dr Imran Syed, Dr Muhammad Naeem Malik, Nasir Aftab, Professor Dr Fateh Muhammad Marri, Aamir Javed Sheikh, Dr Anam Fatema, Captain (r) Qazi Ali Raza, Capt (r) Chaudhry Awais Afzal, Sahibzada Muhammad Yousuf, Waseem Ahmed, Professor Muhammad Tayyeb, CEO SMEDA Nadia Jehangir Seth, and Zia ul Hassan Lanjar.

Pakistan launches Hepatitis C elimination programme: Mustafa Kamal

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Pakistan launches

ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Health Mustafa Kamal has revealed that around 10 million people in Pakistan are suffering from Hepatitis C, while nearly 80 percent of patients remain unaware of their condition.

He made these remarks while addressing the soft launch ceremony of the Prime Minister’s Hepatitis C Elimination Programme, announcing free nationwide screening and treatment under the initiative. He described the programme as a historic and revolutionary step for Pakistan’s healthcare sector.

The minister said the Rs67 billion programme was initiated after nearly a decade of sustained efforts. He added that while an estimated 60 million people worldwide are affected by Hepatitis C, Pakistan accounts for a significant portion of the burden.

Highlighting the severity of the disease, he warned that untreated Hepatitis C can lead to liver cancer, stressing the importance of prevention, early diagnosis, and public awareness.

Mustafa Kamal said Pakistan’s healthcare system must shift from “sick care” to true preventive healthcare, focusing on disease prevention rather than only treatment.

He further stated that a nationwide screening drive will be launched in collaboration with National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) to ensure wider public access. In the initial phase, 12 screening counters have already been set up in federal hospitals in Islamabad.

He announced that the Hepatitis C screening test, costing around Rs7,000, along with a full three-to-six-month treatment course, will be provided free of cost under the programme.

Comparing international success stories, he said that if countries like Egypt can eliminate Hepatitis C, Pakistan can achieve the same goal through timely screening and public participation.

The minister also highlighted the growing pressure on Pakistan’s healthcare system due to population growth, stating that doctors are now treating over 350 patients a day compared to an ideal workload of around 30 patients.

Cambridge cancels AS Level mathematics exam after paper leak confirmation

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Cambridge cancels

ISLAMABAD: Cambridge International Education has confirmed the leakage of an AS Level Mathematics paper, prompting the postponement of the examination and triggering concerns over exam security.

According to an official statement, the AS Level Mathematics paper was shared ahead of schedule on May 12, leading the examination body to take immediate precautionary measures.

The administration stated that, as a result, the A Level Mathematics Paper 32 (9709) has been postponed, and a new examination date will be announced later.

The paper was originally scheduled to be held in Pakistan on Friday, May 15, with the revised date expected to be communicated by May 22.

Cambridge further confirmed that the decision was taken after consultations with stakeholders in Pakistan and as part of enhanced security measures. Schools will be provided with detailed instructions regarding alternative arrangements by May 22.

Despite the disruption, the examination body has maintained that the AS & A Level results will still be released on August 11 as planned.

Meanwhile, Country Director Uzma Yousuf described the situation as “unusual and serious,” noting that certain elements are attempting to undermine the examination system and students’ future. She added that legal measures are being pursued to hold those responsible accountable and prevent further breaches.

Lionel Messi remains MLS highest-paid player with $25m salary

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Lionel Messi

LOS ANGELES: Argentina star Lionel Messi continues to dominate Major League Soccer’s salary rankings as the highest-paid player with an annual base salary of $25 million, according to the latest figures released by the MLS Players Association.

The report shows that Messi earns more than double the salary of the league’s second-highest paid player, South Korea’s Son Heung-min.

Messi’s updated earnings reflect his contract extension with Inter Miami CF signed in October, which will keep him at the club until the 2028 season. His overall guaranteed compensation has increased to $28.3 million.

Son Heung-min, who joined Los Angeles FC last August in a record transfer, earns a base salary of $10.36 million with total guaranteed compensation of $11.2 million.

The salary figures do not include endorsement earnings, nor do they reflect Messi’s reported option to acquire an ownership stake in Inter Miami, which is co-owned by David Beckham.

At 38, Messi continues to perform at a high level, scoring 59 goals in 64 MLS regular-season appearances. He also led the league with 29 goals last season and was named Most Valuable Player for a second consecutive year.

Messi’s teammate at Inter Miami and Argentina international Rodrigo De Paul ranks third on the salary list with $9.7 million in guaranteed compensation.

Mexico’s Hirving Lozano sits fourth despite limited appearances, while Atlanta United’s Miguel Almirón completes the top five with $7.9 million.

Overall league compensation has reached $631 million, with average guaranteed pay rising 8.9 percent to $688,816, reflecting continued financial growth across MLS.

Pakistan lose 11th Test in 15 matches under Shan Masood

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Pakistan lose

KARACHI: Pakistan Test captain Shan Masood has faced a difficult start to his leadership tenure, with the national side losing 11 out of 15 Test matches under his captaincy.

Masood took over the Test leadership following the resignation of Babar Azam after the 2023 World Cup, but results have remained largely disappointing for Pakistan in the longest format.

Since assuming charge, Pakistan have played 15 Test matches, winning only a few while suffering 11 defeats. The team has also lost three consecutive matches against Bangladesh, highlighting ongoing inconsistencies.

Since December 2023, Pakistan have played six away Tests and lost all of them, including series whitewashes in Australia and South Africa.

Bangladesh also secured a historic 2–0 whitewash over Pakistan at home, marking one of the team’s most significant Test setbacks in recent years.

Under Masood’s captaincy, Pakistan have also suffered home defeats against England, West Indies, and South Africa, losing at least one Test match against each opponent on home soil.

Despite ambitions of reaching the World Test Championship final, the team’s performance has continued to decline, with Pakistan finishing seventh in the 2023 cycle and bottom of the table in the 2025 cycle.

Analysts note that while the captain has repeatedly pointed out errors after defeats, the team has struggled to translate discussions into on-field improvements.

Shahid Afridi awarded Hilal-i-Imtiaz for outstanding services to sports

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Shahid Afridi

ISLAMABAD: Former Pakistan cricket captain Shahid Afridi has been conferred the Hilal-i-Imtiaz in recognition of his outstanding contributions to sports.

The award was presented during a special investiture ceremony held at the Aiwan-e-Sadr, where President Asif Ali Zardari distributed civil honors to distinguished individuals from various fields.

Afridi was honored for his remarkable services to cricket and his role in promoting Pakistan’s image internationally through sports.

At the same ceremony, young mountaineer Shehroze Kashif was also awarded the Hilal-i-Imtiaz for his achievements in mountaineering. The award was received by his mother on his behalf.

The investiture ceremony recognized prominent personalities for exceptional performance and contributions in sectors including sports, literature, journalism, science, education, and public service.

Among the honors conferred were the Nishan-i-Imtiaz, Hilal-i-Imtiaz, and awards for bravery, acknowledging individuals who have rendered distinguished service to Pakistan.

Trump arrives in Beijing for two-day state visit to China

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Trump arrives

BEIJING: US President Donald Trump arrived in Beijing on Wednesday for a two-day state visit, where he is expected to hold high-level talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping on bilateral ties, trade, and regional security.

According to US media reports, Chinese Vice President Han Zheng received President Trump upon his arrival in the Chinese capital.

Also present at the airport were the US ambassador to China, China’s ambassador to the United States, and Executive Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu.

Nearly 300 Chinese youths waving American and Chinese flags were also present to welcome the US president.

Members of Trump’s delegation included his son Eric Trump, daughter-in-law Lara Trump, and Elon Musk.

Chinese media reported that Trump and Xi Jinping are scheduled to hold several detailed meetings during the visit.

Before departing for Beijing, Trump told reporters that he intended to discuss the Iran conflict in depth with Xi and would urge China to further open its markets to American businesses.

In a statement, China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomed the visit, saying the two leaders would exchange views on bilateral relations as well as key issues related to global peace and development.

The ministry said China is prepared to strengthen ties with the United States on the basis of equality, mutual respect, and shared interests.

Talking to the media, Mushahid Hussain Syed said the visit carries significant importance, with expectations of concrete decisions on trade, tariffs, and regional stability.

He noted that both China and Pakistan favor a permanent end to the Iran conflict rather than a temporary ceasefire, and expressed hope that Trump’s visit could contribute to positive diplomatic progress.

Mushahid Hussain added that both Washington and Beijing have substantial shared economic interests, making the visit a potentially pivotal moment in US-China relations.

Australia joins UK–France led maritime security mission in Strait of Hormuz

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Australia joins

SYDNEY: Australia has announced that it will join a multinational maritime security mission led by the United Kingdom and France to safeguard shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, according to international media reports.

Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles said after a meeting of defence officials from more than 40 countries that Australia will contribute an E-7A Wedgetail surveillance aircraft to the mission.

He added that the aircraft is already deployed in the region, where it is supporting the protection of the United Arab Emirates from potential drone attacks.

Marles described the initiative as a “free and purely defensive multinational military mission” led by the UK and France aimed at ensuring maritime security in the strategically important waterway.

Earlier, the United Kingdom announced that it would deploy drones, fighter jets, warships, and mine-hunting equipment as part of the same multinational effort to secure shipping lanes in the Strait of Hormuz.

UK Defence Secretary John Healey made the announcement during a virtual meeting with defence ministers from over 40 countries, stating that the mission would be activated under appropriate conditions.

He said the operation would be defensive, sovereign, and effective, carried out in coordination with allied nations.

Britain has also allocated £115 million in additional funding for mine-hunting drones and counter-drone systems under the initiative.

The British deployment includes advanced autonomous mine-hunting systems capable of detecting and neutralizing naval mines, as well as the Royal Navy’s “Beehive” system, which operates with high-speed unmanned “Kraken” drone boats for surveillance and threat response.

Typhoon fighter jets will also be deployed for aerial patrols over the Strait of Hormuz, along with Royal Navy mine-clearing specialists.

Additionally, HMS Dragon has already been deployed to the Middle East, with its crew receiving enhanced training to ensure operational readiness for any potential mission requirements.