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PM Shehbaz briefs President Zardari on US-Iran talks

PM Shehbaz

Islamabad: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met President Asif Ali Zardari at Aiwan-e-Sadr and took him into confidence on all aspects of the ongoing US-Iran negotiations.

During the meeting, the prime minister provided a detailed briefing on various stages of the talks and shared progress achieved through Pakistan’s mediation efforts. He also informed the president about his upcoming visits to Saudi Arabia and Turkey.

President Zardari noted that conflicts have far-reaching impacts on regional stability as well as global security, economy, and politics.

He appreciated Pakistan’s efforts in facilitating the US-Iran dialogue and commended the contributions of the prime minister, the Field Marshal, and other state institutions.

He said Pakistan has further strengthened its position as a responsible and key state and has reinforced its image as a peace-loving nation on the global stage.

The president emphasized the importance of continued engagement with the United States, Iran, and other regional and global powers, stating that sustained diplomatic contacts are essential to ensure continuity of the peace process and promote regional harmony.

PCB imposes two-year PSL ban on Blessing Muzarabani

PCB imposes

KARACHI:  The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has imposed a two-year ban on Zimbabwe fast bowler Blessing Muzarabani for withdrawing from the Pakistan Super League (PSL).

According to the PCB, Muzarabani violated his contractual agreement after signing with the PSL but later opted to participate in the Indian Premier League (IPL).

The board emphasized that professional cricket is built on trust and the sanctity of contracts. It added that franchise leagues require players and agents to maintain transparency, consistency, and professional conduct.

The PCB further stated that the ban is a necessary step to protect the integrity and professional standards of the PSL, underscoring the importance of honoring agreements and upholding the reputation of the tournament.

Actress Trisha Krishnan receives bomb threat at residence

Actress Trisha

Chennai: A bomb threat targeting the residence of South Indian actress Trisha Krishnan triggered alarm in the entertainment industry, but was later declared a hoax by authorities.

According to media reports, an email was received at the Tamil Nadu DGP control room claiming that explosive devices had been planted at the actress’s home as well as at the residence of the Bangladeshi Deputy High Commissioner.

Police and bomb disposal squads immediately cordoned off both locations and conducted thorough searches. However, no explosives were found, and the threat was deemed false.

Officials noted a recent surge in fake emails targeting high-profile individuals, though all such alerts have so far turned out to be baseless. Investigations into the latest incident are ongoing.

The 43-year-old actress is among the highest-paid stars in South India. Similar hoax threats have previously targeted leading actors such as Rajinikanth and Dhanush.

Separately, Trisha has also been in the spotlight after videos of her attending a wedding with actor Vijay went viral on social media, sparking speculation about their relationship.

Some reports have even claimed that Vijay’s wife Sangeeta Sornalingam has filed for divorce, allegedly linked to these rumors, though no official confirmation has been made so far.

Trump hints at Pakistan as venue for next US-Iran talks within two days

Trump hints

Washington: U.S. President Donald Trump has indicated that the next round of negotiations with Iran could take place in Pakistan within the next two days.

Speaking to a U.S. newspaper, Trump said Washington is increasingly inclined to choose Pakistan as the venue for the upcoming talks, adding that developments could unfold shortly.

He remarked that the likelihood of Pakistan hosting the dialogue is higher, praising the role of the country’s military leadership. Referring to Asim Munir, Trump described him as “outstanding” and credited his performance as a key reason behind the U.S. considering Pakistan again for diplomatic engagement.

Trump also recalled his contact with the Field Marshal during last year’s heightened tensions between Pakistan and India, noting that the situation de-escalated within four days through a peace understanding in which the United States played a role.

In response to a question, Trump said U.S. media should remain present in Pakistan, as “anything could happen” in the next couple of days.

According to the report, Trump had initially denied that a U.S. delegation was heading to Pakistan for talks but later called back to suggest that Pakistan could host the next round of negotiations.

Tennis Legend Björn Borg to visit Pakistan next month

Tennis Legend Björn

ISLAMABAD: Swedish tennis great Björn Borg is set to visit Pakistan next month on a week-long tour, marking a significant moment for the country’s tennis scene.

The former world No. 1 will arrive on May 4 to attend the ITF Futures Series being held in Islamabad.

Borg, one of the most iconic players of the 1970s, won six French Open titles and five Wimbledon championships during his illustrious career, along with a total of 66 titles.

His son, Leo Borg, is also expected to participate in the Islamabad tournament.

During his visit, Borg may feature in an exhibition match with Pakistan’s tennis star Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi, adding further excitement to the event.

Ex-PM meets Bushra Bibi in Adiala Jail amid restrictions on family visits

Ex-PM

RAWALPINDI:  Former prime minister Imran Khan met his wife Bushra Bibi at Adiala Jail on Tuesday, according to prison sources.

Despite it being a designated day for meetings, no family members or legal representatives were allowed to meet the PTI founder.

However, sources confirmed that a weekly meeting between Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi was arranged inside the jail.

The two reportedly spent around 30 to 35 minutes together and inquired about each other’s well-being.

Meanwhile, Aleema Khan staged a protest along with other family members near Gorakhpur checkpoint outside Adiala Jail late into the night, expressing concern over the denial of ملاقات permissions.

250 feared missing after boat carrying Rohingya refugees capsizes

250 feared missing

Around 250 people are feared missing after a boat carrying Rohingya refugees and Bangladeshi nationals capsized in the Andaman Sea, according to a joint statement by United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and International Organization for Migration.

The agencies said the overcrowded trawler, carrying men, women and children, reportedly sank due to strong winds and rough sea conditions. The vessel had departed from Teknaf in southern Bangladesh and was heading toward Malaysia.

Describing the incident as a tragedy, the UN agencies said it underscores the severe human cost of prolonged displacement and the lack of lasting solutions for the Rohingya population.

For years, members of the Rohingya Muslim minority from Myanmar have undertaken perilous sea journeys in fragile boats to reach countries such as Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand, seeking refuge from persecution and dire conditions in overcrowded camps in Bangladesh.

The agencies urged the international community to increase funding for life-saving assistance for Rohingya refugees and extend support to host communities in Bangladesh.

The crisis dates back to 2017, when Myanmar’s military launched a large-scale crackdown that forced more than 730,000 Rohingya to flee into Bangladesh.

Survivors reported widespread atrocities, including killings, sexual violence and arson. A UN fact-finding mission later concluded that the military operation involved “genocidal acts,” a claim denied by Myanmar’s authorities.

Global energy shift as uncertainty deepens over Hormuz Strait closure

Global energy shift

Global energy markets are facing heightened uncertainty following reports regarding the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and the ongoing blockade of Iranian ports announced by the Donald Trump administration, raising concerns over the restoration of global oil and gas flows.

The Strait of Hormuz, through which nearly one-fifth of the world’s oil trade typically passes estimated at around 20 million barrels per day had reportedly seen severe disruption following recent regional tensions and military escalations involving the United States and Iran. Supply flows were said to have been significantly affected, triggering volatility in global energy markets.

As a result, international oil and gas prices surged sharply, with particularly severe impacts felt across Asia and developing economies that rely heavily on energy imports and have limited capacity to absorb global price shocks.

Energy experts say the prolonged disruption could have lasting consequences for the global energy landscape, potentially reshaping long-term supply chains and energy security priorities.

According to industry analysis platforms such as OilPrice.com, the current uncertainty is accelerating a global shift toward alternative energy sources. Energy security and price stability are now being prioritized alongside environmental goals.

Experts further note that clean energy is increasingly being viewed not just as an environmental necessity but as a geopolitical and economic imperative.

The focus has shifted from climate concerns alone to issues of stability, affordability, and national energy independence.

China has emerged as a major beneficiary of this transition, with exports from renewable energy companies reportedly rising by 57%. As a dominant player in solar panels, wind turbines, batteries, and electric vehicles, China is strengthening its position in global clean energy supply chains, particularly in markets affected by disruptions in traditional energy routes.

Analysts predict a further rise in demand for wind and solar energy in the coming years, as countries seek to reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels and improve resilience against future supply shocks. As one expert noted, renewable sources like wind and solar cannot be blocked or restricted, making them a more secure and strategically stable energy option for the future.

Actress Ramsha Khan confirms marriage to Khushhal Khan

Actress Ramsha Khan

Karachi: Pakistani actress Ramsha Khan has confirmed her marriage to fellow actor Khushhal Khan after days of speculation on social media.

Rumors about the couple’s wedding had been circulating recently, with several public figures also hinting at their union. The speculation intensified after a photo from their nikah ceremony surfaced online.

Breaking her silence, Ramsha Khan shared an Instagram story confirming the marriage while expressing anger over the leak of private images. She stated that the photos were shared without consent and called the act unethical.

“We have always kept our personal lives private, and we intend to continue doing so,” she wrote, urging social media pages to delete the images and refrain from reposting them.

The actress, while confirming the marriage, requested respect for their privacy, saying, “This is our life, not your headline. Please respect it and leave us alone.”

She added that further details would be shared at an appropriate time.

Oil prices surge after reports of Strait of Hormuz blockade

Oil prices

Global oil markets witnessed a sharp rise following reports of a blockade in the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global energy supplies.

The price of Brent crude jumped by $7, crossing $102 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) rose by around $6.5 to reach $103 per barrel.

Shipping costs in the Gulf region also surged significantly, with insurance premiums for vessels increasing by as much as 1,000%.

Reports indicate that a tanker carrying oil worth $150 million would now require approximately $7.5 million in insurance premiums.

Meanwhile, global demand for alternative energy sources is rising. China has taken a lead in this sector, with exports from Chinese renewable energy companies increasing by 57%.

On the other hand, OPEC has expressed concerns that global oil demand could decline amid shifting energy trends.