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 to launch Crypto mining within weeks, says PVRCA Chairman

by
Crypto mining

ISLAMABAD: Chairman of the Pakistan Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (PVRCA), Bilal Bin Saqib, announced that cryptocurrency mining in the country will commence within a few weeks.

In an exclusive interview, he revealed that technologies for Bitcoin mining are now available, and mining cards can be installed at power plants. The first phase of mining is set to start shortly, which he said will address public concerns and allow Pakistan to sell surplus electricity in dollars.

Bilal Bin Saqib highlighted that while Pakistan lacked a legal framework for crypto transactions in the past, the government has now established the authority to regulate and license cryptocurrency activities.

He compared the introduction of crypto to emerging technologies like robotics and quantum computing, which governments regulate after initial adoption.

He emphasized that cryptocurrency adoption is being driven by Pakistan’s youth, who are already thinking ahead to 2030. The government aims to provide opportunities and ensure that investments are guided and experiential, benefiting the country economically.

The chairman also stated that P2P banking could play a bigger role in crypto transactions, and mining operations would enable Pakistan to convert excess electricity into foreign currency revenue. He stressed that global institutions are increasingly moving toward cryptocurrencies, and Pakistan must participate to maintain competitiveness.

Using examples like Singapore’s pilot security initiatives, he said Pakistan could fund crypto development through capital markets rather than relying solely on the IMF.

Bilal Bin Saqib concluded that crypto, robotics, and blockchain adoption would strengthen Pakistan’s economic integrity and global presence.

Singer Kumar Sanu files defamation case against ex-wife

by
Singer Kumar Sanu

Mumbai: Renowned Indian playback singer Kumar Sanu has filed a defamation case against his former wife, Rita Bhatacharya, in the Mumbai High Court.

According to media reports, Sanu claims that Bhatacharya made false and defamatory statements in various media interviews, damaging his reputation. The singer stated that these allegations also violated the terms of their divorce settlement finalized in 2001.

Sanu said that the statements caused him severe mental distress, social embarrassment, and financial loss.

He has requested the court to order compensation of INR 30 lakh, remove the interviews immediately, and prevent any similar statements in the future.

Earlier, in September 2025, Bhatacharya had gone viral on social media for interviews alleging mistreatment during pregnancy, denial of medical care, infidelity, and family negligence by Sanu.

The singer emphasized that the divorce was mutually agreed upon at Bandra Family Court, and Bhatacharya’s public allegations contravene that settlement.

Saim Ayub continues to lead ICC all-rounders rankings

by
Saim Ayub

KARACHI: The International Cricket Council (ICC) has released the latest player rankings across formats, with several notable movements involving players from Pakistan, India, England, and New Zealand.

In the Test batters’ rankings, England’s Joe Root has retained his position at the top. Pakistan’s Saud Shakeel moved up one place from 10th to 9th, while New Zealand’s David Conway made a significant jump of seven places to reach 34th.

In the Test bowlers’ rankings, India’s Jasprit Bumrah continues to hold the No. 1 position. Australia’s Mitchell Starc climbed from third to second place. New Zealand’s Jacob Duffy registered a major rise, moving up 15 places to 48th.

Among Test all-rounders, India’s Ravindra Jadeja remains firmly at the top of the rankings.

T20 Rankings

In the ICC T20I batters’ rankings, India’s Abhishek Sharma has maintained his position at No. 1. Fellow Indian batter Tilak Varma climbed two spots to fourth. New Zealand’s Tim Seifert also improved by two places to ninth.

Pakistan’s Sahibzada Farhan slipped one place to sixth, while Babar Azam dropped one position to 31st. South Africa’s Dewald Brevis fell seven places to 15th, whereas Aiden Markram surged eight spots to reach 29th.

In the T20I all-rounders’ rankings, Pakistan’s Saim Ayub continues to dominate at the top, with Mohammad Nawaz holding steady at fifth place. India’s Shivam Dube moved up four positions to claim 16th spot.

The latest rankings reflect shifting performances across international cricket, highlighting strong showings by players from South Asia and beyond.

Pakistan announces squad for ICC under-19 World Cup

by
Pakistan announces

LAHORE: The Pakistan Under-19 cricket team has been announced for the upcoming tri-nation series and the ICC Under-19 World Cup. Farhan Yousuf will continue as captain, with only one change in the squad: Umar Zubair replaces Mohammad Huzaifa.

The squad includes captain Farhan Yousuf, vice-captain Usman Khan, Abdul Subhan, Ahmad Hussain, Ali Hassan Baloch, Ali Raza, Daniyal Ali Khan, and Umar Zubair.

Additional members are Hamza Zahoor, Huzaifa Ahsan, Momin Qamar, Mohammad Siyyam, Mohammad Shayan, Naqab Shafiq, and Sameer Minhas.

Pakistan qualified for the semi-finals of the Under-19 Asia Cup after defeating the UAE by 70 runs.

The tri-nation series will be held in Zimbabwe from December 25 to January 6, featuring Pakistan, Afghanistan, and host Zimbabwe. Pakistan’s Under-19 team is expected to play at least four matches in the series.

The ICC Under-19 World Cup will take place from January 15 to February 6 in Namibia and Zimbabwe, with both tournaments played in the 50-over format.

President Putin slams European leaders in fiery speech

by
President Putin

Russian President Vladimir Putin has lashed out at European leaders, referring to them as “pigs” and accusing them of seeking to destroy Russia to settle past grievances.

Addressing a ceremony of Russian generals, Putin said that European powers wanted to take revenge and undermine Russia, but all destructive plans against the country had failed. He added that many had expected Russia to collapse and break apart, but that prediction proved wrong.

The Russian president further warned that if the opposing side and its backers fail to show seriousness toward a proposed US peace plan, Russia would use force to liberate what he described as its historical lands.

Putin’s remarks reflect a hardening stance amid ongoing tensions with the West and uncertainty surrounding diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict.

Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned that Russia may use force to seize Ukrainian territories if ongoing peace negotiations collapse.

Speaking at the annual meeting of the Russian Ministry of Defence, Putin stated that Moscow will not compromise on demands for territorial transfers from Ukraine, regardless of pressure from the U.S. and European nations to reach a peace agreement.

He sharply criticized Ukraine’s European allies, asserting that while Russia seeks to resolve the conflict through diplomatic means, it will secure its “historical lands” by force if Kyiv and its foreign backers refuse serious negotiations.

Putin specifically referred to regions that Russia demands be separated from Ukraine—currently the main obstacle in ongoing talks.

Meanwhile, the United States and European countries are intensifying diplomatic efforts to end the war, though clear disagreements remain over territorial issues and security guarantees for Ukraine.

Martyrdom Day: Armed forces pay tribute to Muhammad Mahfooz

by
Martyrdom Day

RAWALPINDI: Lance Naik Muhammad Mahfooz’s martyrdom anniversary is being observed today, honoring his selfless bravery and dedication, as the armed forces and nation pay their respects.

According to the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR), Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff & Chief of Defence Forces; Admiral Naveed Ashraf, Chief of the Naval Staff; and Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, Chief of Air Staff, on behalf of the Armed Forces of Pakistan, pay profound homage to the immortal legacy of Lance Naik Muhammad Mehfooz Shaheed, Nishan-e-Haider, on his martyrdom anniversary.

Lance Naik Muhammad Mehfooz Shaheed stands as a towering symbol of valor, sacrifice, and unyielding devotion to the motherland.

During the 1971 war at the Wagah sector, he displayed extraordinary courage in the face of overwhelming enemy resistance. Undeterred by severe injuries and relentless fire, he pressed forward with fearless resolve, ultimately laying down his life in the highest tradition of military honor. His gallantry in battle remains one of the most luminous chapters in the history of the Pakistan Armed Forces.

His supreme sacrifice embodies the indomitable spirit, professional excellence, and selflessness that define Pakistan’s Armed Forces. Lance Naik Muhammad Mehfooz Shaheed’s heroism transcends time, serving as an enduring source of inspiration for generations of soldiers and citizens alike, reinforcing the sacred bond between the armed forces and the nation they are sworn to defend.

On this solemn occasion, the Armed Forces of Pakistan reaffirm their unwavering resolve to uphold the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and security of the nation.

The legacy of Lance Naik Muhammad Mehfooz Shaheed will forever remain etched in the nation’s collective memory, a timeless beacon of courage, resilience, and ultimate sacrifice.

US President claims unprecedented success in ending eight wars

by
US President

US President claims unprecedented success in ending eight wars

Washington: US President Donald Trump claimed significant accomplishments during his address, stating that his administration ended eight wars in just ten months—something no one else could achieve.

Trump said, “A year ago, America was failing, on the brink of disaster, but in one year, we achieved what no one else could. We stopped eight wars in ten months.”

He criticized President Biden’s policies, asserting that illegal immigrants took jobs during the Biden era, while under his administration, all new jobs went to Americans.

Trump added that he received a strong mandate to end corruption, halt illegal immigration, and reduce drug trafficking. He claimed that drugs entering the U.S. via land and sea routes have been cut by 94 percent.

India–South Africa fourth T20 match called off due to fog

by
India–South Africa

LUCKNOW: The fourth T20 International between India and South Africa, scheduled to be played in Lucknow, was abandoned due to dense fog and extremely poor visibility.

According to reports, severe fog enveloped the ground, making it impossible to proceed with the match. While air pollution levels in Lucknow were also alarmingly high during the game — with the Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded above 400 — umpires were primarily concerned about the dangerously low visibility on the field.

Match officials conducted six inspections in an attempt to start play. During one inspection, an umpire stood near the square boundary and tried to spot a white ball raised by a colleague standing close to the pitch, but the ball could not be clearly seen due to the thick fog. Following repeated failed inspections, the match was officially called off.

As a result of the abandonment, India, who hold a 2-1 lead after three matches, extended their tally of unbeaten T20I series victories to 15. The series-deciding fifth and final match is scheduled to be played on Friday in Ahmedabad.

Miss Finland loses title after posting racist content online

by
Miss Finland

Finland’s reigning beauty queen has been stripped of her Miss Finland title after a controversial social media post mocking Asians sparked widespread backlash.

The 22-year-old Miss Finland, Sarah Dzafse, who represented Finland at the Miss Universe pageant held in Thailand last month, came under fire after sharing a photograph on social media. In the image, she was seen pulling the corners of her eyes, accompanied by a caption that read: “Having dinner with a Chinese.”

The post was widely condemned as racist, triggering strong reactions across Japan, South Korea, and China. Critics accused the beauty queen of promoting offensive stereotypes and disrespecting Asian communities.

Although Sarah later issued an apology for her actions, it was deemed insufficient by pageant authorities. As a result, the Miss Finland Organization decided to revoke her crown and title.

Reacting to the controversy, Finland’s Prime Minister described the act as “thoughtless and foolish,” adding that the ensuing backlash had damaged the country’s image internationally.

In a statement, the Miss Finland organizing committee said that racism in any form would not be tolerated, reaffirming its commitment to diversity, respect, and inclusivity.

Pakistan extends airspace closure for Indian aircraft until Jan 23, 2026

by
Pakistan extends

KARACHI:  Pakistan has extended the closure of its airspace to Indian aircraft for an additional month, the Pakistan Airports Authority announced following government approval.

According to the newly issued NOTAM, Pakistani airspace will remain closed to flights from India until January 23, 2026.

Pakistan had initially imposed the airspace closure on April 23, 2025, and has been extending it in phases since then.

Pakistan had initially imposed the airspace closure on April 23, 2025, and has been extending it in phases since then.

The airspace ban was initially imposed on April 23, 2025, and has since caused significant financial losses to Indian airlines, running into billions of rupees.

Authorities emphasized that the extension is a continuation of the previous restriction, underlining Pakistan’s strict control over its airspace regarding Indian carriers.

This move comes amid ongoing diplomatic tensions between the two neighboring countries and reflects Pakistan’s continued caution over civil and military air traffic from India.