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Newsdesk

Younis Khan considered for key role in PCB

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Younis Khan

Lahore: Former Pakistan captain Younis Khan is reportedly set to take on a significant role in the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) as part of efforts to strengthen the country’s cricketing structure.

Sources indicate that the legendary batsman has expressed his willingness to contribute to cricket development after being approached by the PCB. His name is also under consideration for the position of Director Domestic Cricket.

Following the precedent of Sarfraz Ahmed and Misbah-ul-Haq, the board is eager to leverage Younis Khan’s extensive experience to enhance cricket administration and performance.

Younis Khan, who amassed over 10,000 runs in 118 Test matches, also played 265 ODIs and 25 T20Is for Pakistan. He has previously served as the national team coach.

According to officials, PCB representatives contacted Younis Khan recently, and he has expressed availability for the role. A formal announcement is expected after final discussions and approval from PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi.

 US report claims Pakistan-led peace efforts between Iran and America stall

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 US report claims

Islamabad/Washington: A recent report by The Washington Post claims that the latest round of Pakistan-led regional efforts to broker a ceasefire between Iran and the United States has come to a halt.

According to the report, Iran is unwilling to meet US officials in Islamabad in the coming days, formally stating that America’s demands are unacceptable.

Despite the setback, diplomatic sources indicate that Turkey and Egypt are still attempting to make progress. Alternative venues for negotiations, including Doha, Qatar, and Istanbul, Turkey, are under consideration, along with new proposals to break the current deadlock.

Earlier, US President Donald Trump claimed on social media that Iran had requested a ceasefire, which Iran subsequently denied. Sources familiar with the matter said Trump had suggested that the US might consider a ceasefire if Iran reopened the Strait of Hormuz.

According to mediators, Iran initially stated that it would only consider ending hostilities if the US agreed to pay reparations, withdraw military bases from the Middle East, and provide guarantees against future attacks.

Petrol prices fall by Rs80 as Prime Minister announces new rate

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Petrol prices

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif announced a significant reduction in petrol prices, cutting Rs80 per liter and setting the new rate at Rs378 per liter.

Speaking to the nation, the Prime Minister stated that the levy on petrol has also been reduced by Rs80 per liter. The new price will take effect from midnight tonight and will remain applicable nationwide for the next month.

In his address, PM Shahbaz Sharif also announced that cabinet members will deposit six months of their salaries into the government treasury, instead of the previously planned two months.

The Prime Minister highlighted that small trucks will receive Rs70,000 per month in subsidies, large trucks Rs80,000, and public transport Rs100,000 per month. Freight vehicles will also benefit from a subsidy of Rs100 per liter of fuel.

Additionally, small farmers will receive Rs1,500 per acre in financial assistance, and no increase will be made in economy-class railway fares. The Prime Minister expressed gratitude to provincial chief ministers for providing resources promptly to support these national measures.

Earlier this week, the government had announced a sharp increase in petroleum prices, raising petrol by Rs137.24 per liter and diesel by Rs184.49 per liter. This hike had set petrol prices at Rs458.41 per liter and diesel at Rs520.35 per liter.

PM Shahbaz Sharif acknowledged the global surge in oil prices and the resulting inflation, stressing the need for immediate relief for the general public while resources remain limited.

Lahore Qalandars beats Multan Sultans by 20 runs

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Lahore Qalandars

LAHORE: Lahore Qalandars secured a 20-run victory over Multan Sultans in a rain-affected match of the Pakistan Super League.

The match, played at Gaddafi Stadium, saw a delayed toss due to rain. After the delay, Multan Sultans won the toss and opted to field first. The game was reduced to 13 overs per side because of weather conditions.

Batting first, Lahore Qalandars posted a massive total of 185/5 in 13 overs. Muhammad Naeem led the charge with 60 runs, while Parvez Hossain contributed 45 runs. Abdullah Shafique added 33, and Sikandar Raza chipped in with 13 runs.

For Multan Sultans, Mohammad Ismail picked up two wickets.

In response to a target of 186, Multan Sultans managed 165/5 in their allotted 13 overs.

Captain Ashton Turner led the charge with 52 runs, while Shan Masood contributed 44. Arafat Minhas also added a valuable 25 runs.

For Lahore Qalandars, Mustafizur Rahman claimed two wickets to help seal the victory.

Meesha Shafi speaks out after court verdict in defamation case

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Meesha Shafi

LAHORE: Pakistani singer Meesha Shafi has finally shared her response following the court’s verdict in the defamation case.

After the decision, Meesha Shafi took to Instagram, posting a series of stories featuring poetry focused on women’s strength and independence. In her message, she said she views this phase as a personal trauma and will now focus on healing and moving forward.

She stated that she has gone through her experiences and is now on a journey toward recovery. According to her, speaking the truth remains her true success, and she will continue to rebuild her strength through her work.

The controversy dates back nearly eight years, when Meesha Shafi accused Ali Zafar of harassment, sparking widespread attention in the context of the #MeToo movement and leading to a prolonged legal battle between the two artists.

It is worth noting that the court ultimately ruled in favor of Ali Zafar, directing Meesha Shafi to pay Rs5 million in damages.

Ali Zafar issues first statement after legal victory over Meesha Shafi

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Ali Zafar

LAHORE: Renowned singer Ali Zafar has shared his first Instagram post after winning a defamation case against Meesha Shafi, expressing gratitude and humility following the court’s decision.

In his post, Ali Zafar thanked Almighty Allah and all those who stood by him during what he described as one of the most difficult periods of his life. “Justice has finally been served,” he wrote, adding that he does not feel a sense of victory but rather humility and thankfulness, with no ill feelings toward anyone.

He further stated that this chapter of his life is now closed and expressed hope that everyone can move forward with dignity and peace.

Earlier this week, a court in Lahore ruled in favor of Ali Zafar, ordering Meesha Shafi to pay Rs5 million in damages. The decision came after Shafi failed to appear in court proceedings and did not provide substantial evidence to support her allegations, while Zafar presented his witnesses before the court.

The case dates back to 2018, when Meesha Shafi accused Ali Zafar of harassment, making it one of Pakistan’s most high-profile cases linked to the global #MeToo movement.

PTI to convene APC over fuel price hike, protests erupt in NA

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PTI to convene

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has decided to convene an All Parties Conference (APC) with like-minded parties over the recent increase in petroleum prices.

The announcement was made by PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan during a press conference, where he criticized the government for imposing what he termed a massive hike in fuel prices.

Speaking alongside party leaders, he said the decision to call an APC aims to formulate a joint strategy against the price increase.

He added that while global factors such as tensions with Iran have contributed to price fluctuations, the rise in Pakistan has been significantly higher compared to countries like Nigeria and Vietnam.

PTI leader Taimur Saleem Jhagra also criticized the government, saying it has failed to deliver on the economy over the past four years.

He remarked that the prime minister had previously announced reductions in fuel prices and should have personally addressed the public regarding the latest increase.

Meanwhile, PTI lawmakers staged a protest in the National Assembly of Pakistan, tearing copies of the agenda in opposition to the fuel price hike.

Oil jumps as Middle East conflict weighs on global markets

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Oil jumps

Amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, global oil prices remained elevated, with no signs of decline in international markets.

U.S. crude West Texas Intermediate (WTI) jumped 12% to reach $112 per barrel, while Brent Crude rose 8% to trade at $109 per barrel.

Meanwhile, Asian stock markets displayed a mixed performance. In Pakistan, the benchmark index of the Pakistan Stock Exchange dropped by 1,612 points to close at 150,398.

Elsewhere, Hang Seng Index fell by 0.7%, and the Shanghai Composite Index declined by 1%.

In contrast, Japan’s Nikkei 225 gained 1.26%, while South Korea’s KOSPI rose by more than 2.5%. The Indian stock market also closed in positive territory.

US legal experts call strikes on Iran ‘war crimes,’ raise serious concerns

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US legal experts

WASHINGTON: Around 100 American experts in international law have described recent U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran as potential war crimes, expressing deep concern over the nature and legality of the attacks.

According to reports, the legal experts, in an open letter, highlighted that targeting hospitals, schools, and critical infrastructure such as water and energy facilities in Iran is alarming and may violate international law.

They also criticized remarks attributed to U.S. President Donald Trump, who allegedly suggested that attacks on Iran could be carried out “for entertainment,” calling such statements dangerous and irresponsible.

The experts further stated that the ongoing conflict is costing American taxpayers approximately $2 billion per day.

In their letter, the legal scholars raised concerns over the legal basis for initiating the war against Iran, the conduct of military operations, threatening rhetoric, and what they described as a “blank check” policy.

Kriti Sanon breaks silence on marriage plans

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Kriti Sanon

Mumbai: Bollywood actress Kriti Sanon has finally opened up about her marriage plans, addressing ongoing speculation surrounding her personal life.

The actress has frequently made headlines over reports linking her to UK-based businessman Kabir Bahia, sparking dating rumors in recent months.

According to Indian media, Kriti recently responded to a question about her marriage during an interaction with an anchor, who referenced her sister’s wedding.

The actress appeared slightly irritated and sarcastically remarked whether she was being asked the typical “auntie-style” question about when she plans to get married.

She emphasized that life is not solely about marriage, adding that she currently has no plans to tie the knot.

“I don’t know when I will get married, but I will do so when the time feels right,” she said, making it clear that she is in no rush to settle down.