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Actress Momina Iqbal rumored to be tying the knot soon

Actress Momina Iqbal

KARACHI: Actress Momina Iqbal is reportedly set to get married soon, according to claims circulating widely on social media.

Several social media pages have suggested that wedding invitations have already been sent to close family members and relatives, fueling speculation about the actress’s upcoming marriage.

While details about the groom remain limited, reports indicate that he is not associated with Pakistan’s entertainment industry.

Sources also claim that Momina Iqbal plans to share photographs from her wedding on her official social media accounts once the ceremony takes place.

Fans of the actress have already begun extending congratulations and best wishes as she is said to be preparing to start a new chapter in her life.

However, Momina Iqbal has not yet made any official announcement regarding the reported wedding.

Trump warns Iran may face further strikes, vows to prevent nuclear weapons

Trump warns

US President Donald Trump said the United States will not allow Iran to acquire nuclear weapons and warned that additional military strikes could be carried out if necessary.

In a statement posted on Truth Social, President Trump accused Iran of using delaying tactics in its dealings with the United States and the international community.

He said Iran has been “playing this game for 47 years,” repeatedly postponing meaningful action while continuing to advance its strategic objectives.

Trump also criticized former U.S. President Barack Obama, alleging that his administration adopted a conciliatory approach toward Iran and enabled Tehran to regain economic strength and political stability.

The U.S. president referred to the Obama-era transfer of funds to Iran, claiming the move provided Tehran with substantial financial resources.

Trump further accused Iran of repressing domestic dissent and reiterated his administration’s hardline stance, saying Washington would obtain Iran’s uranium and take whatever steps are necessary to stop the country from developing a nuclear weapon.

“We will not allow Iran to have a nuclear weapon,” Trump said, adding that further military action remains a possibility.

White House invites Elon Musk, Tim Cook to join Trump on China visit

White House

The White House has invited Elon Musk and Tim Cook to accompany U.S. President Donald Trump on his upcoming visit to China later this week.

According to a Bloomberg report, a White House official said several prominent business leaders are also expected to join the delegation. These include David Solomon of Goldman Sachs, Stephen Schwarzman of Blackstone, Larry Fink of BlackRock , Jane Fraser of Citigroup, and Dina Powell McCormick of Meta Platforms.

The report said the delegation will include more than a dozen senior executives who will travel with President Trump to China, where he hopes to secure a range of commercial agreements and purchase deals with Beijing.

The companies involved did not immediately comment on the report.

President Trump is scheduled to visit China from May 13 to May 15, in what is being viewed as a renewed diplomatic effort despite the complex relationship between Washington and Beijing.

PM Shehbaz chairs meeting to finalize strategy for boosting Pakistan’s exports

PM Shehbaz

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif chaired a high-level meeting to review a policy framework aimed at increasing Pakistan’s exports, with participants presenting recommendations and suggestions to strengthen the country’s export sector.

During the meeting, the prime minister emphasized that export-oriented industries are essential for achieving Pakistan’s long-term economic development goals.

He said the government is focused on expanding exports and providing greater facilitation to industries, directing officials to formulate a comprehensive plan to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and industrial units to enhance export performance.

Prime Minister Shehbaz also called for a strategy to promote new businesses and industries that can contribute to higher exports and diversify Pakistan’s export base.

He stressed that investment in research and development (R&D) and innovation within the industrial and commercial sectors would improve Pakistan’s competitiveness in global markets.

Separately, members of the Senate of Pakistan discussed the economic impact of recent regional tensions and measures needed to reduce government expenditures and stabilize the economy.

Senator Mohsin Aziz said Pakistan’s exports had declined by $4 billion, adding that citizens currently hold Rs 38 trillion in bank deposits, with Rs 18 trillion shifted from businesses into banks.

He further noted that electricity and gas prices have doubled, while circular debt continues to rise despite the increase in utility tariffs.

Sindh announces vacations for schools from June 1 to July 31

Sindh announces

KARACHI: Sindh Government has announced summer vacations for all public and private schools across the province.

According to the Sindh Education Department, the summer break will begin on June 1 and continue until July 31. The decision will apply to all government and private educational institutions in Sindh.

Meanwhile, the Government of Punjab has also declared extended summer holidays for schools across the province.

Punjab Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat said that summer vacations in Punjab will start on May 22 and schools will reopen on August 24.

The announcements come as temperatures continue to rise across the country, prompting provincial governments to take precautionary measures to protect students and school staff from extreme heat.

Mohammad Abbas surpasses Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis in Test bowling average

Mohammad Abbas

DHAKA: Mohammad Abbas has eclipsed legendary fast bowlers Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis in terms of Test bowling average following another impressive performance against Bangladesh national cricket team in Dhaka.

The 36-year-old seamer delivered a superb spell in the first Test, claiming five wickets for 92 runs in Bangladesh’s first innings.

Playing his 28th Test match, Abbas has now taken 105 wickets at an outstanding average of 22.95, giving him a better bowling average than two of Pakistan’s greatest pace icons.

In first-class cricket, Abbas has enjoyed a remarkable career, collecting 880 wickets in 216 matches at an average of 20.34. His five-wicket haul in Dhaka was the 56th of his first-class career.

The latest milestone further underlines Abbas’s reputation as one of Pakistan’s most effective red-ball bowlers, known for his precision, consistency, and ability to exploit seam movement.

Barcelona clinch 29th La Liga title with 2-0 victory over Real Madrid

Barcelona clinch

Barcelona secured their 29th La Liga title after defeating arch-rivals Real Madrid CF 2-0 in a decisive El Clásico at Camp Nou.

The victory allowed Barcelona to wrap up the league championship with three matches still remaining in the season.

Under head coach Hansi Flick, Barcelona delivered a dominant campaign, collecting 91 points and opening up an unassailable 14-point lead over second-placed Real Madrid.

Barcelona suffered only four defeats throughout the league season, highlighting their consistency and control.

The hosts made a dream start when Marcus Rashford opened the scoring in the ninth minute with a superb free kick.

Just nine minutes later, Barcelona doubled their lead. Fermín López provided the cross, Dani Olmo produced a clever backheel, and Ferran Torres finished emphatically.

Real Madrid attempted to mount a comeback but were unable to breach Barcelona’s disciplined defense as the Catalan giants sealed another historic domestic triumph.

Salman Agha says Pakistan will push for victory, not a draw

Salman Agha

Salman Ali Agha has made it clear that Pakistan will target a win rather than settle for a draw in the ongoing Test against Bangladesh national cricket team in Dhaka.

Speaking to the media at the end of the fourth day’s play, the Pakistan all-rounder said the team’s immediate objective on the final day is to dismiss Bangladesh quickly and then chase down the target.

“Our first goal tomorrow is to bowl Bangladesh out as early as possible. We will then try to achieve the target and secure victory,” he said.

Salman noted that the final day of a Test match is often the most thrilling, with the outcome remaining uncertain until the closing stages.

He also said the ICC World Test Championship has changed the approach of teams, with countries now preparing pitches designed to produce results rather than draws.

Reflecting on Pakistan’s performance, Salman said the team played particularly well on the second day, excelling with both ball and bat. He described the third day as a mixed one after Pakistan had not been in control on the opening day.

He added that winning remains the priority whenever Pakistan play Test cricket, though chasing a target of around 300 in 30 to 40 overs on the final day would be a significant challenge.

Salman praised Pakistan’s fast bowlers for their strong performance and reiterated that the team’s main focus is to dismiss Bangladesh as quickly as possible.

He further observed that, unlike a decade or more ago when flat pitches often led to drawn Tests, the World Test Championship has encouraged teams to prepare more result-oriented surfaces.

Earlier, Bangladesh national cricket team strengthened their hold on the first Test against Pakistan national cricket team by extending their lead to 179 runs at the close of the fourth day in Dhaka.

The opening Test of the two-match series was heavily affected by rain, with only 37 overs possible on Day 4.

Bangladesh resumed their second innings at 7 without loss, holding a 34-run lead, and lost two early wickets. Mahmudul Hasan Joy was dismissed for 5 by Mohammad Abbas, while Shadman Islam made 10 before falling to Hasan Ali.

Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto and Mominul Haque then steadied the innings with a crucial 105-run partnership for the third wicket.

Mominul was eventually dismissed for 56 after the total reached 128, but Pakistan were unable to claim another wicket before stumps.

At the end of the day, Bangladesh were 152 for 3, with Shanto unbeaten on 58 and Mushfiqur Rahim not out on 16.

Earlier, Bangladesh had scored 413 in their first innings, led by Shanto’s 101. Pakistan responded with 386, with Azan Awais making 103 and Abdullah Shafique contributing 60.

Shaheen Afridi reaches 400 international wickets during Dhaka Test

Shaheen Afridi

DHAKA: Fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi achieved another major milestone in his career by completing 400 international wickets during Pakistan’s ongoing Test against Bangladesh national cricket team in Dhaka.

The 25-year-old fast bowler reached the landmark on the fourth day of the Test when he dismissed Mominul Haque.

Shaheen became only the fifth Pakistani fast bowler to claim 400 international wickets, joining an elite list that includes Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, Imran Khan, Shoaib Akhtar and Umar Gul.

Overall, he is the ninth Pakistani bowler to reach the 400-wicket mark across all formats. Among the spinners who previously achieved the feat are Shahid Afridi, Saqlain Mushtaq and Saeed Ajmal.

Shaheen accomplished the milestone in his 211th international appearance and now ranks ninth on Pakistan’s all-time list of leading wicket-takers across all formats.

Service Chiefs congratulate nation on first anniversary of Marka-e-Haq

Service Chiefs

RAWALPINDI: On the auspicious occasion marking the first anniversary of Marka-e-Haq, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) and Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf and Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu extend their heartfelt congratulations to the nation and all ranks of the Armed Forces.

Observed with deep reverence, gratitude, and national fervour, the day stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of courage, professionalism, and unity.

The Armed Forces stand shoulder to shoulder with the people of Pakistan, reaffirming their unbreakable bond with the nation they proudly serve. To celebrate the victory of Marka-e-Haq and to honour the unparalleled sacrifices by our martyrs and veterans, ceremonies are being held across the country.

Floral wreaths are being laid at martyrs memorials, and prayers are being offered to pay tribute to their valour and selflessness, recognised as the cornerstone of Pakistan’s sovereignty, security, and stability. Marka-e-Haq has become a defining landmark in the nation’s journey, reflecting national resolve, military excellence, and strategic maturity.

This success not only bolstered national confidence but also established Pakistan as a responsible regional stabiliser, possessing formidable military capabilities. Pakistan’s measured and resolute response during Marka-e-Haq exposed adversarial conspiracies, false flag narratives and disinformation campaigns, diminishing their credibility internationally.

Despite facing conventional and hybrid challenges, including proxy terrorism, the Armed Forces demonstrated superior operational competence across land, air, sea, cyber, and information domains.

In the aftermath of Marka-e-Haq, Pakistan has further enhanced its defensive capabilities and reinforced full-spectrum deterrence despite resource asymmetries. Marka-e-Haq stands as a testament to the Armed Forces’ preparedness, dedication, and professionalism, which decisively strengthened public confidence in their Armed Forces.

The anniversary also reaffirms Pakistan’s steadfast commitment to safeguarding its sovereignty while promoting peace and stability in the region.

Pakistan believes that sustainable peace in South Asia can only be achieved through meaningful dialogue, mutual respect, and adherence to international law and principles of justice.

With the unwavering support of a resilient and united nation, the Armed Forces remain capable, vigilant, and fully prepared to confront all internal and external challenges, ensuring the security, stability and territorial integrity of Pakistan. Pakistan Hamesha Zindabad