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Newsdesk

Amna Youzasaif’s engagement photos go viral on social media

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Amna Youzasaif’s

LAHORE: Photos from the engagement ceremony of popular actress Amna Youzasaif have gone viral on social media, with fans extending heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to the couple.

Amna Youzasaif, who made her acting debut alongside Hamza Sohail and Sehar Khan, quickly gained audience appreciation for her impressive performance. The actress is now stepping into a new chapter of her personal life.

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A post shared by Amna Youzasaif (@amnayouzasaif)

Sharing the engagement photos on social media, Amna wrote that she has found the love of her life and is grateful to have her close ones by her side on this special occasion.

Dressed in an elegant pink outfit for the ceremony, she chose not to reveal the groom’s face in the pictures.

A large number of fans are congratulating Amna Yousuf and sending warm wishes as she embarks on this new journey.

PCB announces PSL roadshow in London on Dec 7

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PCB announces

LAHORE: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced that a major Pakistan Super League (PSL) roadshow will be held in London on December 7.

According to details, the event is expected to draw global investors, commercial partners, and cricket fans. Preparations to sell two new HBL PSL teams have accelerated, with strong interest emerging from UK-based investors.

The London roadshow aims to promote the league’s vision, commercial model, and future strategy. PSL champions Lahore Qalandars’ captain Shaheen Afridi and fast bowler Haris Rauf are also expected to attend.

PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi said the roadshow at Lord’s reflects the global recognition of Pakistan cricket, adding that the event will further enhance the international appeal of HBL PSL.

Meanwhile, HBL PSL CEO Salman Naseer said the league enjoys strong global following and commercial value, and that the addition of two new teams will create significant opportunities for investors.

Thirty “super fans” will be given special access to the event, with ticket information to be released soon.

HBL PSL is regarded as one of the fastest-growing T20 leagues in the world.

US suspends all immigration applications from 19 countries

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US suspends

WASHINGTON: The United States has suspended all immigration applications from 19 countries, a move that covers green card processing and naturalization requests.

According to US media, the countries affected by the suspension include Afghanistan, Iran, Libya, Myanmar, Somalia, Sudan, Turkmenistan, Yemen, and several others.

The New York Times reported that the ban applies to nationals from countries whose eligibility for status under the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) had already been restricted by the Trump administration in June.

USCIS confirmed that final decisions—whether approvals or denials—on all pending cases from these countries have been put on hold. The freeze also affects individuals who were close to obtaining American citizenship.

The Trump administration’s action follows a recent incident in which an Afghan national opened fire near the White House last week, killing one National Guard member and critically injuring another.

In the aftermath of the attack, the US halted visa issuance for all travelers using Afghan passports and suspended decisions on all pending asylum applications as well.

Sarfraz Ahmed appointed as manager and mentor of Pakistan U19 team

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Sarfraz Ahmed

KARACHI: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has appointed former national captain Sarfraz Ahmed as the manager and mentor of the Pakistan Under-19 cricket team. He will accompany the team for the ACC Under-19 Asia Cup.

The tournament is scheduled to take place in Dubai from 12 to 21 December, with Farhan Yousuf leading the team as captain and Usman Khan serving as vice-captain.

The squad also includes players Abdul Subhan, Ahmed Hussain, Ali Hassan Baloch, Ali Raza, Daniyal Ali Khan, Hamza Zahoor, and Huzaifa Ahsan, along with Momin Qamar, Muhammad Huzaifa, Muhammad Siyyam, Muhammad Shayan, Naqab Shafiq, and Sameer Minhas.

Pakistan announces U19 Asia Cup 2025 squad

Meanwhile, Pakistan has announced its U19 Asia Cup squad for the tournament in Dubai from December 12 to 21, with Farhan Yousuf appointed as captain.

The squad features a blend of talented youngsters, including Abdul sabhan, Ahmed Hussain, Ali Hasan Baloch, Ali Raza, Daniyal Ali Khan, Hamza Zahoor, Huzaifa Ahsan, Momin Qamar, Muhammad Huzaifa, Muhammad Syyam, Muhammad Shayan, Naqab Shafiq, and Sameer Minhas.

Pakistan will begin its campaign on December 12 against Qualifier 3 at Sevens Stadium, followed by a crucial clash with India on December 14 at the ICC Academy, and a third group match on December 16 against Qualifier 1. The semi-final is scheduled for December 19, with the final on December 21.

The team will be guided by an experienced support staff: Sarfraz Ahmed (Manager/Mentor), Shahid Anwar (Head & Batting Coach), Rao Aftakhar (Bowling Coach), Mansoor Amjad (Fielding Coach), Abrar Ahmed (Trainer), Ubaidullah (Physio), and Ali Hamza (Analyst).

With a star-studded squad and strong leadership, Pakistan aims to make a powerful impact in Asia’s premier youth cricket tournament.

KP Assembly passes joint resolution on Hazara province

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KP Assembly

PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly passed a joint resolution regarding the creation of Hazara Province. The resolution was presented by PTI MPA Nazir Abbasi, with support from PPP’s Ahmed Kareem Kundi and members of JUI.

The resolution calls on the federal government to immediately initiate the constitutional process for the establishment of Hazara Province under Article 239 of the Constitution of Pakistan, addressing the long-standing demands of the people of the region.

It also directs the provincial government to complete all necessary consultative and administrative measures in a timely and effective manner to facilitate the creation of the new province.

According to the resolution, the formation of Hazara Province will allow the residents of Hazara to see their long-standing demand materialize into reality.

Furthermore, the provincial government has been instructed to prepare and submit recommendations regarding the new province’s structure, boundaries, and administrative framework to relevant forums, ensuring there are no delays in completing the constitutional process.

Over 1,100 dead in Asia amid devastating floods and storms

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Over 1,100 dead

Several Asian countries are reeling from a series of cyclones, heavy rains, floods, and landslides, leaving millions affected and causing widespread devastation. Over the past week, more than 1,100 people have lost their lives, while thousands have been displaced.

The death toll in individual countries includes 604 in Indonesia, 366 in Sri Lanka, 176 in Thailand, and 3 in Malaysia.

In Sri Lanka, an emergency has been declared as the government grapples with extensive damage caused by cyclones, heavy rainfall, and flooding. President Gotabaya Rajapaksa described the destruction as even worse than the 2004 tsunami.

According to the global charity Save the Children, severe floods and landslides in Indonesia and Thailand have disrupted education for thousands of children. In southern Thailand, nearly 76,000 children are unable to attend school due to closures or lack of access in affected areas.

In Indonesia, the situation is similarly dire, with around 1,000 schools damaged or closed by flooding. Many schools are being used as temporary emergency shelters, further interrupting teaching activities. Save the Children emphasizes that affected children urgently require educational, psychosocial, and protective support, while ongoing rains threaten to worsen the situation.

Meanwhile, the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, under the influence of Cyclone Mandous, continues to experience heavy rainfall, leading to the suspension of flight operations in Chennai.

Makkah, Madinah hotels see sharp price hike

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Makkah

RIYADH: Hotel rates in Makkah and Madinah have seen a significant increase due to the December holidays in Gulf countries, according to reports from Saudi news agencies.

The hospitality sector stated that hotels in the central areas of the two holy cities have recorded a 40% rise in rates compared to November, largely driven by advance bookings from Gulf families.

Hotels located outside the central districts have also experienced a price increase, though at a relatively lower rate of 15–20% compared to November. Experts note that National Day celebrations and school holidays in Qatar, Bahrain, and the UAE have prompted a surge in travel.

Hundreds of Gulf citizens and expatriates have made advance bookings for Umrah and ziyarat, contributing to the spike in hotel prices. Reports indicate that bookings in both cities are now fully reserved for the first week of December.

Authorities predict that hotel rates may stabilize by mid-December, but they are expected to rise again during the peak Umrah season, when large numbers of pilgrims arrive in the holy cities.

Entertainment Community reacts strongly to Karachi manhole death

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Entertainment Community

KARACHI: The tragic death of three-year-old Ibrahim, who fell into an open manhole near NIPA Chowrangi, has deeply saddened not only the city but also Pakistan’s entertainment community.

The young boy had gone shopping with his parents when he accidentally fell into the uncovered drain. After a 15-hour search, his body was recovered, and funeral prayers were offered before burial. The incident has raised serious concerns over the negligence of local authorities.

Prominent figures from the showbiz industry expressed grief and criticized the administration. Actor Ahsan Khan shared a photo of Ibrahim, writing: “We failed to provide the basic safety every child deserves. His innocence and helplessness reflect our collective failure. Ibrahim, forgive us.”

Actress Fatima Effendi criticized officials for their incompetence, stating that while millions are collected via e-challans, authorities fail to even cover manholes on busy roads.

Mahira Khan, after viewing the incident footage, commented: “A mother crying inconsolably for her child is heart-wrenching. Who is responsible for this accident? Such indifference is unbearable.”

Sajal Ali expressed similar sorrow, calling it a “heartbreaking incident” and questioning the accountability of the authorities responsible for Karachi’s safety. She added: “A city that supports millions of lives is being neglected when it comes to protection.”

Other celebrities also shared their condolences, expressing deep grief over the untimely death of little Ibrahim and urging authorities to ensure the safety of children in public spaces.

Hasnain Raza wins gold at World Powerlifting Championship

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Hasnain Raza wins

Colombo: Pakistan’s Hasnain Raza delivered a stellar performance at the World Powerlifting Championship, claiming the gold medal in the Masters 2 category.

The championship was held from 27 to 30 November in Colombo, Sri Lanka. Competing in the 94kg weight category, Hasnain Raza outperformed all rivals with an impressive display of strength.

He lifted a total of 570kg, including a 250kg deadlift, securing the top podium spot and bringing home the gold medal for Pakistan.

England cricketer Moeen Ali announces to join PSL

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England cricketer


After South African skipper Faf du Plessis, former England all-rounder Moeen Ali has also decided to skip the Indian Premier League (IPL) and participate in the Pakistan Super League (PSL).

In an Instagram post, Moeen Ali described this move as a “time for a new beginning.” He expressed excitement about joining the HBL PSL’s new season, praising the league for its high standards and world-class talent, which he said make it a prominent tournament in T20 cricket.

“Playing in Pakistan has always been a great experience,” Ali wrote. “The quality of cricket and the exceptional passion of the fans inspire you to perform at your best. I am looking forward to creating unforgettable memories and embracing this new and special experience, InshaAllah.”

Recently, South African cricketer Faf du Plessis had announced on social media that he would not participate in the IPL this season, choosing instead to take on the new challenge of playing in the PSL.