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Newsdesk

Trump mocks Macron, slams NATO allies over Iran war

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Trump mocks

Washington: US President Donald Trump ridiculed French President Emmanuel Macron and criticized NATO allies during a private lunch, accusing them of failing to support Washington in the ongoing conflict with Iran.

In remarks captured in a video briefly posted on the White House YouTube channel, Trump said the United States did not need allied support but had still reached out.

He mocked Macron personally, referring to a widely circulated 2025 video involving French First Lady Brigitte Macron, which the French president had earlier dismissed as disinformation.

Trump claimed he had asked France to provide military assistance in the Gulf, saying he urged Macron to send ships “immediately.” He then imitated a French accent while recounting what he described as Macron’s refusal, suggesting France was unwilling to act until after the war.

Sharp Criticism of NATO

The US president used the remarks to question the reliability of the NATO alliance, warning that it may not stand with the United States in a major conflict.

“NATO won’t be there if we ever have the big one,” Trump said, without elaborating, while also describing the alliance as a “paper tiger.”

His comments mark the latest in a series of criticisms directed at NATO since his return to the White House last year.

US Signals Policy Review

Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicated that Washington may reassess its relationship with NATO after the conclusion of the Iran conflict, signaling potential shifts in US foreign policy toward the transatlantic alliance.

Karachi Kings beat Rawalpindi by 5 wickets

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Karachi Kings

LAHORE: Karachi Kings secured their third consecutive victory in Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11, defeating Rawalpindi by five wickets in a high-scoring encounter at Gaddafi Stadium.

After winning the toss, Karachi Kings opted to field first, inviting Rawalpindi to bat. Rawalpindi posted a competitive total of 197 for 6 in their allotted 20 overs, with Daryl Mitchell scoring 65 and Sam Billings contributing 58 runs.

For Karachi Kings, Hasan Ali claimed three wickets while Khushdil Shah picked up two.

Azam Khan Stars in Successful Chase

In reply, Karachi Kings chased down the 198-run target in the final over, losing five wickets along the way. The chase was anchored by Azam Khan, who scored 74 runs, while captain David Warner added a solid 50.

With this victory, Karachi Kings maintained their unbeaten run in the tournament, registering their third straight win in PSL 11.

Six killed, three injured as strong winds and rain lash Karachi

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Six killed

KARACHI:  At least six people were killed and three others injured in rain-related incidents as strong winds and heavy showers battered various parts of the city.

According to rescue officials, multiple areas including Orangi Town, North Nazimabad, Old City Area, Saddar, Malir, Gulshan-e-Maymar and North Karachi experienced intense winds accompanied by rain, disrupting daily life.

Traffic movement was severely affected in several parts of the city. On Shahrah-e-Faisal, the track from Nursery to Baloch Colony Bridge was փակ to traffic, while water accumulation around the flyover on Shershah Suri Road in North Nazimabad caused major congestion.

Casualties Reported in Multiple Incidents

Rescue authorities said a rickshaw driver was killed in Old Golimar when a house wall collapsed onto his vehicle. In Orangi Town, three children were injured after a wall of a house collapsed at a gathering place.

In separate incidents, a man lost his life due to electrocution in Hassan Brohi Goth, New Karachi. Another man was electrocuted near Quetta Hotel in PIB Colony, while a young girl died from electric shock in a house near Surjani Sector 7-A.

More Rain Expected

The Pakistan Meteorological Department has forecast more rain in Karachi later tonight. Wind speeds are expected to range between 50 to 60 km/h, with gusts reaching up to 70 km/h in some areas.

The Met Office also predicted light rain and drizzle in the city on the following day.

Petrol Price Shock: Government raises rate to Rs458.40 per litre

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Petrol Price Shock

ISLAMABAD: The government has announced a sharp increase in petroleum prices, significantly raising the cost of petrol and diesel while introducing targeted subsidies to cushion the impact on vulnerable segments.

Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik and Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb jointly addressed a press conference, confirming that petrol prices have been increased by Rs137.23 per litre, bringing the new rate to Rs458.40 per litre.

Diesel prices have also surged by Rs184.49 per litre, with the new price set at Rs520.35 per litre. An official notification has been issued, and the revised prices will come into effect from midnight tonight.

The finance minister announced a targeted subsidy package aimed at easing the burden on lower-income groups. He said motorcyclists will receive a subsidy of Rs100 per litre on up to 20 litres of petrol per month.

Additionally, intercity public transport will be provided a subsidy of Rs100 per litre on diesel, while truck and goods transport operators will receive a monthly fuel subsidy of Rs70,000. The government will also extend support to Pakistan Railways to help manage fare increases.

Aurangzeb said the decisions were taken in consultation with the country’s leadership, emphasizing that the shift from blanket subsidies to targeted relief is intended to ensure assistance reaches those who need it most.

Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik said the global situation, particularly ongoing regional tensions, has severely impacted energy markets. He noted that crude oil prices have witnessed record increases, with diesel in international markets exceeding $250 per barrel.

He highlighted that global supply routes, particularly through the Strait of Hormuz, remain under pressure, and even countries with strategic reserves have declared energy emergencies.

Malik stressed that the government had made every effort to protect citizens through austerity measures and expenditure cuts, but was ultimately compelled to increase prices due to international commitments and rising costs.

He added that a high-level meeting involving the prime minister and chief ministers concluded that blanket subsidies were no longer sustainable amid soaring global prices.

“Timely decisions ensured uninterrupted fuel supply,” he said, adding that the government remains committed to mitigating the impact on the public while navigating the ongoing economic challenges.

UAE prepares to secure Strait of Hormuz with allies after Iran attacks

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UAE prepares

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is reportedly preparing, alongside the US and its allies, to secure the strategic Strait of Hormuz by force in response to recent Iranian attacks.

According to a report by the Wall Street Journal, the UAE is lobbying the United Nations Security Council for a resolution that would authorize such an operation.

Emirati diplomats are urging military powers from the US, Europe, and Asia to form a joint coalition capable of reopening the Strait through force if necessary.

A UAE official stated that the country has assessed its capabilities to ensure the strait’s security, including mine-clearing operations and other support services.

The UAE has also argued that the US should assert control over some islands in the strait, including Abu Musa Island, which has been under Iranian control for decades but is also claimed by the Emirates.

Arab officials indicate that Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states are taking a hard stance against Iran, seeking to continue the conflict until Iran is weakened or its government removed. Bahrain, a close US ally hosting the Fifth Fleet headquarters, is preparing the resolution for a vote expected on Thursday.

According to Gulf officials, the UAE’s assertive position signals a major strategic shift. Previously, Emirati diplomats were engaged in mediation efforts between the US and Iran, including a visit by former Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, Ali Larijani, to Abu Dhabi.

The UAE is now reportedly aligning closer with US President Donald Trump’s stance, which calls for allies to bear a greater share of military responsibility. Trump has told advisors he is willing to end the conflict without reopening the strait, leaving the matter largely to other nations.

Gulf officials believe that hesitant countries in Asia and Europe may join the operation if Security Council approval is granted. However, Russia and China could veto the resolution, while France has proposed an alternative draft. Even if the resolution fails, the UAE is prepared to participate in any effort to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

FCC summons KPK CM over formation of “Imran Khan Release Force”

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FCC summons

The Federal Constitutional Court(FCC)  has sought a response from Suhail Afridi within 10 days in a case challenging the formation “Imran Khan Release Force” formation.

The hearing was held before a three-member bench headed by Chief Justice Amin-ud-Din. The court directed CM Suhail Afridi to submit a detailed reply within the given timeframe.

During proceedings, the petitioner’s lawyer presented documents and argued that CM Afridi claimed the force was intended to counter criminals, while existing court rulings, including those from the Karachi High Court on law and order, raise concerns.

Justice Ali Baqar inquired whether the cabinet had authorized the creation of such a force. The petitioner’s counsel stated that no such approval had been given.

The court instructed the federal government to ensure no violation of law occurs. Chief Justice Amin-ud-Din remarked that such a force should not be formed for convicted individuals.

The controversy follows CM Suhail Afridi’s recent announcement to establish the force to assist in the release of Imran Khan.

Global markets surge after Trump announces exit from Iran conflict

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Global markets

KARACHI: Following US President Donald Trump’s announcement to withdraw from the Iran conflict, stock markets in Pakistan and across the world saw a sharp rise today.

The trading session opened on a positive note, with the 100-index climbing 7,461 points to reach 156,204, while the KSE-30 index rose 2,390 points to 47,422.

During trading, the 30-index recorded a 5.02% increase, prompting a temporary 45-minute suspension of trading, which resumed at 1:09 PM.

Trump’s announcement had also boosted Wall Street, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average closing up 2.49% yesterday.

Asian markets followed suit, with Japan’s Nikkei soaring by 9%, and positive trends were observed in Hang Seng, Nifty 50, and European markets.

Fakhar Zaman appeals against two-match ban in PSL 11

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Fakhar Zaman

LAHORE: Fakhar Zaman, a key batter for Lahore Qalandars in Pakistan Super League 11, has filed an appeal against his two-match suspension imposed over a ball-tampering incident.

The Pakistan Cricket Board had suspended Fakhar Zaman for two matches, citing a Level 3 breach of the code of conduct related to ball tampering.

According to PCB officials, the ban was imposed under the relevant article concerning ball manipulation during a match.

Sources indicate that the cricketer has now approached the PSL technical committee, challenging the decision and seeking relief from the suspension.

The incident was reported during the match between Lahore Qalandars and Karachi Kings, after which match referee Roshan Mahanama announced the verdict following a hearing.

Dr Omer Adil’s remarks on actress Nargis spark social media debate

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Dr Omer Adil

Pakistani media personality Dr. Omer Adil has stirred controversy after making remarks about stage dance and former actress Nargis, triggering a fresh debate on social media.

Known for his outspoken views on film and music, Dr. Omer Adil, in a recent discussion, expressed strong admiration for Nargis and her artistic work.

Nargis, once a leading figure in film and theatre, gained recognition not only for her acting but also for her dance performances. She was considered among the highest-paid actresses of her time before stepping away from showbiz and adopting a more religious lifestyle.

In his statement, Dr. Omer Adil said that if anyone perceives obscenity in Nargis’s dance, the issue lies in the viewer’s perspective.

He added that her performances carried elements of beauty and spirituality, claiming that her dance often moved him to tears.

The remarks have drawn mixed reactions online. While some users termed the comments inappropriate, others expressed surprise and criticism. One user remarked that such views require reconsideration, while several others also shared strong opinions on the matter.

Zayn Malik pays tribute to Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan

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Zayn Malik

British-Pakistani singer Zayn Malik has won hearts by paying tribute to legendary qawwali maestro Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan in his upcoming music project.

During a recent appearance on a music show, Zayn shared insights about his new album. In a special segment, he was asked to various songs, during which a famous qawwali by Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan was played. Zayn instantly recognized it and revealed that Nusrat’s music has had a profound influence on his artistic journey.

He further disclosed that one of the songs in his upcoming album is titled “Nusrat,” describing it as a heartfelt tribute to the legendary artist. According to Zayn, Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan’s music continues to resonate with audiences worldwide and remains influential across generations.

Zayn Malik’s new album is set to release on April 17, while one of its tracks, “Sideways,” has already been released and is gaining popularity on social media. Fans are now eagerly awaiting the full album.