BREAKING NEWS
US-Iran talks second round reportedly expected in Pakistan, claims US media • Shaheen Bhatt announces engagement to Ishaan Mehra • Iran signals naval readiness as tensions rise with US over maritime restrictions • Field Marshal Asim Munir concludes 3-day official visit to Iran • HIV cases surge in Islamabad, raising public health concerns • Pakistan stocks rally as KSE-100 posts strong weekly gains amid improved sentiment • Iran restores tight control over Strait of Hormuz, blames US blockade • PSL 11 points table heats up after 26 matches as playoff race intensifies • Moeen Ali explains why he chose PSL over IPL • US President Trump hints at ‘surprise’ on Iran deal • Shah Rukh Khan reacts to academy clip, says he feels like king • Few issues remain in US-Iran talks, Says Ishaq Dar at Antalya Forum • US–Iran talks continue on 3-page plan to end conflict • Pakistani film “Psycho” set for worldwide release on Eid-ul-Adha 2026 • Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s ‘Love & War’ set for January 2027 release
Advertise with us >

Newsdesk

Pakistan Idol star Nabeel Abbas shares his journey to show

by
Pakistan Idol star

ISLAMABAD: Nabeel Abbas, who won hearts with his performances on Pakistan Idol, recently shared the interesting story of how he became part of the popular singing competition.

Speaking on podcast, Nabeel answered questions from host Mubashir Hashmi and revealed the challenges and experiences that led him to audition for the show.

He explained that he has been working hard since the passing of his father and has been involved in the real estate business for the past two years, while his passion for singing has been with him since childhood.

“I am from Dera Ghazi Khan, but due to work commitments, I travel to Multan daily. On the day of the audition, my boss asked why I was going home. I told him that I had the Pakistan Idol audition in the morning, and I immediately headed back to Multan to prepare,” Nabeel said.

He added that he had no preparation for the audition beforehand. Arriving at 8 a.m., he saw participants lined up and rehearsing, which made the experience both challenging and inspiring.

Nabeel’s story highlights the determination and effort behind his rise to fame on one of Pakistan’s most popular music platforms.

Pakistan Super League welcomes Hyderabad and Sialkot teams

by
Pakistan Super League

ISLAMABAD: The auction for two new Pakistan Super League (PSL) teams concluded successfully, with Hyderabad purchased for PKR 1.75 billion as the 7th franchise and Sialkot acquired for PKR 1.85 billion as the 8th franchise.

The event was held at the Jinnah Convention Center, Islamabad, and attended by PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, federal ministers, prominent players, and officials.

Nine bidders and six potential cities were introduced at the start of the auction. Chairman PCB Mohsin Naqvi officially opened the proceedings by ringing the ceremonial bell, while Wasim Akram served as the auctioneer. The base price for each franchise was set at PKR 1.1 billion, with a minimum increment of PKR 10 million per bid.

In the first round of bidding, FKS Group successfully acquired the 7th team with a bid of PKR 1.75 billion, selecting Hyderabad as the team’s home city. In the second and final stage, Ozee Developers won the 8th franchise for PKR 1.85 billion, naming the team Sialkot.

Before the auction, the ceremony also honored recent tournament winners. Pakistan Shaheens and Hong Kong Sixes teams were awarded for their achievements, with the Hong Kong Super Sixes winning Pakistani team receiving PKR 185 million and the Rising Stars Asia Cup winners awarded PKR 90 million. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi presented the prizes.

Speaking at the event, PSL CEO Salman Naseer highlighted that the league’s decade-long journey has been full of challenges and successes. “We are not just fighting to survive, but to grow. Thanks to our teams, players, sponsors, franchises, and fans, PSL is today counted among the world’s top leagues,” he said.

The 11th season of PSL is scheduled to take place from March 26 to May 3, 2026. With the addition of Hyderabad and Sialkot, the total number of PSL teams has increased from six to eight.

About FKS Group

FKS Group, a leading Southeast Asian conglomerate with interests in food and agriculture, logistics, and property development, won the 7th franchise after a competitive bidding process.

With strong operational foundations in Indonesia, the group has recently expanded into sports investments, marking its first formal entry into the cricketing world with PSL.

About Ozee Developers

Ozee Developers, chaired by Hamza Majeed, is active in real estate and property development and seeks investment opportunities in sports and recreational ventures. The acquisition of the Sialkot franchise represents their entry into Pakistan’s premier cricket league.

COAS meets Bangladesh Air chief to strengthen defence cooperation

by
COAS meets

RAWALPINDI: Chief of Air Staff, Bangladesh Air Force Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan called on Chief of Army Staff (COAS) and Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir at General Headquarters (GHQ), Rawalpindi.

During the meeting, matters of mutual interest, regional security dynamics and avenues for enhancing bilateral defence and military cooperation were discussed.

 Both sides underscored the importance of strengthening professional collaboration, training exchanges and defence ties between the Armed Forces of Pakistan and Bangladesh.

The visiting dignitary lauded the professionalism of Pakistan Armed Forces and appreciated their contributions towards regional peace and stability. The COAS & CDF reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to fostering enduring defence relations with Bangladesh.

The meeting concluded reflecting the longstanding and strong bonds between the two brotherly countries.

BYD tops global sales in new energy vehicles

by
BYD sets

Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer BYD has announced its global sales results for 2025, reporting over 4.6 million new energy vehicles (NEVs) sold worldwide, securing its position as the top-selling NEV company globally.

For the first time, BYD achieved over 1 million overseas sales in a single year, marking a significant milestone in its international expansion.

Li Jian, Country Head of BYD Pakistan, stated, “The year 2025 has been a defining period for BYD. Alongside record-breaking sales, we have received remarkable recognition both domestically and internationally.”

He added, “In Pakistan, our vehicles have received overwhelmingly positive responses from consumers, reflecting the growing demand for new energy solutions.”

Global cancer cases double since 1990, study warns of rising deaths

by
Global cancer cases

A new medical study reveals a dramatic increase in cancer cases worldwide, with the number of cases doubling between 1990 and 2023. In 2023 alone, approximately 18.5 million new cancer cases were reported globally, with the disease spreading most rapidly in low- and middle-income countries.

Published in The Lancet, the research highlights that nearly 50% of cancer-related deaths are preventable through lifestyle changes and early interventions.

Rising Death Toll and Risk Factors

Between 1990 and 2023, cancer-related deaths rose by 74%, reaching 10.4 million. The study identified over 44 key risk factors contributing to more than 40% of these deaths, including tobacco use, unhealthy diets, and high blood sugar levels. Experts note that prevention through tobacco cessation, nutritious diets, and blood sugar control can significantly reduce mortality.

Researchers warn that if no action is taken, cancer cases could increase by 61% by 2050, exceeding 30 million annually, with deaths potentially rising 75% to 18.6 million.

Call for Global Action

The study emphasizes the urgent need for governments and policymakers to implement robust strategies to prevent cancer, promote early detection, and provide effective treatments worldwide. Despite advances in medical science, the burden of cancer continues to grow, particularly in developing regions.

The analysis covered data from 204 countries and examined 47 types of cancer. In 2023, breast cancer was the most common type, while lung-related cancers accounted for the highest number of deaths. Tobacco use alone was responsible for 21% of global cancer deaths, with men experiencing a higher mortality rate than women.

Pakistan defeat Sri Lanka in first T20I

by
Pakistan defeat

Dambulla: Pakistan made a winning start to the three-match T20 series by defeating Sri Lanka by six wickets in the opening match, taking a 1-0 lead.

Chasing a modest target of 129 runs, Pakistan reached the total in the 17th over with the loss of four wickets. Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha won the toss and elected to field first, a decision that paid dividends as the bowlers delivered a disciplined performance.

Pakistan’s playing XI saw the return of all-rounder Shadab Khan, alongside Saim Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan, Salman Ali Agha, Fakhar Zaman and Usman Khan. The bowling unit included Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Salman Mirza and Abrar Ahmed.

ri Lanka were bowled out for 128 in 19.2 overs, struggling against Pakistan’s incisive bowling attack. Janith Liyanage top-scored for the hosts with 40 runs, while Wanindu Hasaranga and Charith Asalanka chipped in with 18 runs each.

For Pakistan, Salman Mirza and Abrar Ahmed claimed three wickets apiece, while Shadab Khan and Mohammad Wasim Jr picked up two wickets each.

Pakistan chased down the target comfortably, led by a composed half-century from Sahibzada Farhan, who scored 51 off 36 balls. Saim Ayub contributed 24 runs, while Salman Ali Agha scored 16 and Fakhar Zaman managed five before being dismissed.

Shadab Khan (18*) and Usman Khan (7*) remained unbeaten to see Pakistan home, sealing a convincing victory in the series opener.

US Navy seizes Russian tanker escaping Venezuela blockade

by
US Navy seizes

WASHINGTON: The US Navy and Coast Guard have seized a Russian tanker that had attempted to evade a partial US blockade of Venezuela, according to international news agencies.

The tanker, which had been under pursuit for several weeks, was previously protected by a Russian submarine and a warship during its voyage.

The US authorities said the vessel is part of a so-called “shadow fleet” transporting crude oil for countries facing American sanctions, including Venezuela, Russia, and Iran.

Earlier reports by the Wall Street Journal indicated that Russia dispatched a submarine and additional naval vessels to protect the tanker. CBS News confirmed the deployment, citing two US officials.

The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed concern over the US pursuit on Tuesday, stating that the tanker, traveling under the Russian flag, was far from US shores and had been receiving “unusual attention” from American and NATO forces.

Following the US Coast Guard chase, the tanker transferred its registration to Russia, changed its name from Bella 1 to Marinera, and the crew painted the Russian flag on the vessel last month.

The incident highlights rising tensions over oil shipments from sanctioned nations and underscores the ongoing strategic maneuvering in the Caribbean and Atlantic waters.

PM Shehbaz directs strategy to boost agricultural exports

by
PM Shehbaz directs

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has instructed officials to develop a comprehensive strategy to increase agricultural exports and reduce the country’s trade deficit.

The Prime Minister chaired a review meeting on enhancing Pakistan’s exports, during which the government’s strategy to promote exports was briefed.

The meeting presented trade data for July to December 2025 and highlighted efforts to boost exports in high-value sectors such as engineering, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and processed food.

Officials also informed the Prime Minister that work is underway to integrate Pakistan into global value chains and improve the country’s ports and logistics systems to facilitate exporters.

The Prime Minister noted that government-to-government agreements are being discussed with several countries to enhance rice exports.

Pakistani-American Muslims make history in Cambridge elections

by
Pakistani-American Muslims

CAMBRIDGE, MASSACHUSETTS: For the first time in Cambridge’s history, both the mayor and deputy mayor positions have been won by young Pakistani-Americans.

In the elections held on January 5, 2026, Karachi-born Sumbul Siddiqui was elected mayor of Cambridge for a third consecutive term (2026–2027), while Burhan Azeem from Burewala, Punjab, became the city’s youngest-ever deputy mayor.

Sumbul Siddiqui, a practicing lawyer, has been active in American politics for several years. She was first elected to the Cambridge City Council in 2017 and previously served as mayor twice from 2020 to 2024. Siddiqui is Cambridge’s first Muslim mayor and the first Asian woman to be elected for three consecutive terms in the city’s history.

Burhan Azeem, the son of Professor Munir Chaudhry and an MIT engineering graduate, had previously become Cambridge’s youngest-ever councillor. With his second term as councillor, he now also holds the record as the city’s youngest deputy mayor.

The historic win underscores the growing representation and influence of Pakistani-Americans in US local governance.

Actor Rushna Khan reveals how she met and married Shahzeb Khanzada

by
Actor Rushna Khan

Pakistani actress Rushna Khan, known for her role as Karin in the popular drama Case Number 9, recently opened up about her love story and marriage to anchor Shahzeb Khanzada in an exclusive interview.

Rushna revealed that their first meeting occurred in 2013 while she was studying filmmaking at a Toronto film school.

She explained, “I was working on my final project, a documentary film, and at that time, I also had to travel to Pakistan to attend my brother’s wedding. My family already had a good relationship with Shahzeb Khanzada, so I met him for the first time during my brother’s wedding. Afterward, he helped me with my documentary project, so we stayed in touch, but there was no dating or marriage in mind at that time — we were just communicating for work purposes.”

The actress added that after completing her studies in Canada, she moved to Dubai to join Emirates. She continued, “When Shahzeb came to Dubai for PSL matches, we met there several times, and eventually we decided to get married. After the wedding, I settled in Karachi.”

Rushna Khan’s candid account provides a glimpse into how a professional connection gradually blossomed into love, culminating in their marriage.