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Pakistan clinch ACC Rising Stars title after dramatic super over win

Pakistan clinch

Pakistan Shaheens edged out Bangladesh A in a thrilling final to win the ACC Rising Stars T20 Asia Cup title, sealing victory in the Super Over after the match ended in a tie.

Both teams posted 125 runs each in their 20 overs, forcing the match into a Super Over decider.

In the Super Over, Bangladesh A were bowled out for just 6 runs, while Pakistan comfortably chased the 7-run target in four deliveries, securing the championship.

Earlier in the Doha final, Bangladesh A won the toss and opted to field first. On a challenging pitch for batting, Pakistan Shaheens were bowled out for 125 runs in 20 overs.

Saad Masood top-scored with 38, followed by Arafat Minhas with 25 and Muaz Sadaqat with 23. Bangladesh’s Rapon Mondol took three wickets.

Pakistan’s bowlers then put Bangladesh A under pressure from the outset. By the 18th over, Bangladesh A were struggling at 96 for 9, still requiring 27 runs off the final two overs with only one wicket remaining.

A tight 19th over from Shahid Aziz, which went for 20 runs, revived Bangladesh’s hopes. However, Ahmed Daniyal delivered an exceptional final over, restricting the opposition to 125 and forcing the match into a Super Over.

Pakistan dominated the Super Over to claim the title in dramatic fashion.

Pakistan to set up Federal Cyber Security Authority

Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: The government has resolved to establish a Cyber Security Authority at the federal level to bolster national digital security.

As per available information, the Ministry of Information Technology has finalized the preliminary draft of the Cyber Security Act and circulated it among key stakeholders for their feedback and consultation.

The Ministry stated that the National Cyber Security Policy provides a nationwide framework for digital security, and its implementation is underway under the Digital Economy Enhancement Program.

The IT Ministry document said that progress has been made on Secure Data Exchange Layer, Digital Identity projects, while data from National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA), Federal Board of Revenue(FBR) and Telecom have been identified as critical digital infrastructure.

According to officials, the authority will recommend cyber security measures for critical national infrastructure while the Cyber ​​Security Authority will implement cyber security measures in the country.

Terrorist attack on FC HQ Peshawar thwarted, three suicide bombers killed

Terrorist attack

Terrorist attack on FC HQ Peshawar thwarted, three suicide bombers killed

PESHAWAR: Security forces successfully foiled a major terrorist attack on the Federal Constabulary (FC) Headquarters in Peshawar on Monday morning, killing all three suicide bombers involved. Three FC personnel were martyred during the operation.

Confirming the incident, Peshawar’s Capital City Police Officer (CCPO) Dr. Mian Saeed said the attack occurred at 8:10 AM, after which Sunehri Masjid Road was immediately closed for traffic and vehicles were diverted towards Saddar Road.

According to police officials, one suicide bomber detonated himself at the main gate, while the remaining two managed to enter the FC Headquarters. FC personnel engaged both intruders in a fierce exchange of fire, killing them on the spot.

Deputy Commandant FC Javed Iqbal praised the bravery of the personnel, confirming that all three attackers had been neutralized. He said three FC officials were martyred during the suicide assault.

Hospital sources reported that nine people were injured, including three FC personnel and six civilians. The injured were shifted to Lady Reading Hospital where they are receiving medical treatment and are said to be in stable condition.

One injured victim was also brought to Khyber Teaching Hospital, where an emergency was declared and medical staff were directed to remain on high alert.

Law enforcement agencies subsequently cordoned off the area, and a clearance operation is currently underway.

BRT Service Temporarily Suspended

Following the attack, TransPeshawar temporarily suspended the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) service along its main corridor due to security concerns. However, feeder route operations continue as normal.

Prime Minister Condemns Attack

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif strongly condemned the terrorist attack, praising the timely action of security forces for preventing a larger tragedy.

He directed authorities to ensure immediate medical assistance for the injured and prayed for their swift recovery.

The Prime Minister also ordered the swift identification and arrest of those responsible.

Reaffirming the government’s resolve, he stated that Pakistan will crush the nefarious designs of terrorists who target the country’s sovereignty, and emphasized the state’s unwavering commitment to eliminating terrorism from the nation.

Trump confirms no discussion on Netanyahu’s arrest with Mamdani

Trump confirms

Washington, D.C.: Newly elected New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani met with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House, where they discussed mutual interests and cooperation on city and national matters.

Speaking to the media after the meeting, President Trump described the discussion as “good and productive,” expressing hope that Mamdani would manage New York’s affairs effectively. He added, “We will support him and provide every possible assistance to meet the expectations of the people.”

Trump also remarked that the mayor’s decisions could surprise conservatives, saying, “I hope Mamdani will astonish some conservatives.”

Responding to a question regarding the possible arrest of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump clarified that the issue was not discussed during the meeting.

On international affairs, Trump highlighted his efforts in establishing peace in the Middle East, stating that he had facilitated eight peace agreements, including initiatives to end conflicts between Pakistan and India. He emphasized that both he and Mamdani share the goal of reducing wars globally.

During the meeting, Mamdani, without naming any country, criticized U.S. funding policies for Israel, stating that supporters of both he and Trump agree that American taxpayer money should not fund countries violating human rights.

When asked by a journalist whether he considered Trump a fascist, Mamdani began to respond, but Trump interjected, saying he had no objection if Mamdani called him that, noting, “It’s easier to say than explain, and I don’t mind.”

Mamdani also confirmed that he discussed the issue of alleged genocide in Gaza with President Trump during their meeting.

Feroze Khan breaks silence on personal life, court cases, and recovery

Feroze Khan

KARACHI: Actor Feroze Khan has revealed that he was targeted due to his personal life and at one point considered leaving acting to become a tailor and sell clothes.

A teaser of his interview was released on a private TV channel’s YouTube account, in which Khan spoke about facing criticism during the most difficult times of his life.

In the teaser, he said, “I was targeted because of my personal life. I even thought about becoming a tailor and starting to sell clothes.”

He recounted a harrowing incident, saying, “Once I fainted in the toilet and almost died. I was thinking about my children because I wasn’t allowed to see them, and I was facing multiple allegations, including court cases.”

Khan added that his mother’s prayers helped him recover, stating, “Her recitation of Ayat al-Kursi worked, and I got back on my feet.”

For context, Feroze Khan married Alizeh Sultan in 2018. The couple had a son in 2019 and a daughter in 2022, before divorcing the same year. During the custody battle, Alizeh Sultan had accused Khan of severe domestic abuse.

Feroze Khan remarried in June 2024 to Dr. Zainab.

Pakistan ends ban on gold imports and exports

Pakistan ends

ISLAMABAD: Following a Cabinet approval, the Ministry of Commerce has notified the lifting of restrictions on gold imports and exports in Pakistan.

According to the notification, the previously suspended SRO regulating global gold trade has been reinstated.

The government has also made certain amendments related to the import and export of precious metals and jewelry, while maintaining the existing framework for trade in gold and jewelry. The framework will continue with improved transparency and automated processes.

Earlier in May this year, a ban had been imposed on the export and import of gold. On May 6, 2025, the Ministry of Commerce suspended the relevant SRO for 60 days to regulate gold trade following complaints of gold smuggling.

PSX records modest gains during weekly trading

PSX records

KARACHI: The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) witnessed modest gains during the trading week. The KSE-100 Index rose by 167 points, closing at 162,102 points compared to 161,935 points at the start of the week.

During the week, the market recovered a key psychological level, with three days of decline and two days of upward movement. The highest level of the week for the index was 162,936 points, while the lowest stood at 160,583 points.

The market capitalization increased by Rs 7.9 billion, reaching Rs 1,851.2 billion by the end of the week. Around 42.7% of listed shares recorded gains, with 1,021 companies seeing price increases and 1,161 companies recording declines.

Experts noted that limited buying pressure for profit-taking in certain stocks contributed to the modest uptick in the market.

Ex-Bangladesh PM Hasina’s sentence ‘Internal matter’, says Pakistan FO

Ex-Bangladesh

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has described the recent death sentence of former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina as an internal matter, emphasizing that Bangladeshis are capable of addressing their own issues.

Speaking at a media briefing, Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andarabi said Pakistan does not consider it appropriate to interfere in the matter.

He emphasized that the people of Bangladesh are capable of resolving issues through democratic and constitutional processes, and Pakistan remains committed to maintaining and fostering better bilateral relations between the two countries.

It should be remembered that during the regime of Sheikh Hasina Wajid, last year there was an attempt to crush the nationwide protest of students with force, as a result of which around 1400 people were killed while thousands were injured.

In the International Crimes Tribunal of Bangladesh, the case against Sheikh Hasina Wajid and her fellow former ministers was conducted and the court declared them guilty of crimes against humanity and sentenced former Prime Minister Hasina Wajid and her six associates to death.

It should be noted that the 78-year-old former prime minister Hasina Wajid had left her government and homeland and fled to her friend country India in a plane before the growing protest of students and entering the government houses in Dhaka in August last year and has been living a hidden life there for more than a year.

Weekly inflation rises 0.07%, annual rate at 3.53% in Pakistan

Weekly inflation

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s weekly inflation increased by 0.07%, bringing the overall annual inflation rate to 3.53%, the Federal Bureau of Statistics (FBS) reported in its latest weekly update.

According to the report, prices of 16 essential items rose during the week, while 13 items became cheaper and 22 items remained stable.

The report highlighted significant price changes: tomatoes surged 57.03%, garlic increased 2.61%, and sugar rose 2.23%. Additionally, bananas went up 0.72%, tea 0.59%, while diesel, beef, cooking oil, LPG, and firewood also saw price hikes.

Conversely, prices of onions dropped 12.38%, chicken 8.07%, and potatoes, flour, eggs, moong lentils, and chickpeas also became cheaper during the week.

ICC T20 World Cup groups and Pakistan-India match details revealed

ICC T20

The ICC T20 World Cup 2026 is scheduled to be played from February 7 to March 8, with the official schedule set to be announced on November 25.

According to media reports, 20 teams will be divided into four groups of five teams each. The top two teams from each group will qualify for the Super 8 stage. Pakistan and India have been drawn in the same group, with their clash scheduled on February 15 in Colombo.

It is expected that Netherlands, Namibia, and USA will also be in the Pakistan-India group, while the host nation Sri Lanka will have Australia, Zimbabwe, Ireland, and Oman in its group.

Meanwhile, England, West Indies, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Italy are likely to form one group, while South Africa, New Zealand, Afghanistan, UAE, and Canada will be in another.

Match venues in India include Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Delhi, and Ahmedabad, while Sri Lanka will host matches in Colombo and Kandy. Pakistan will play its group-stage matches in Sri Lanka.

Ahmedabad has been selected as the final venue, but if Pakistan reaches the final, it will be played in Colombo. Semi-finals are scheduled for Mumbai and Kolkata, with venue selection dependent on the semi-finalist teams; Pakistan’s semi-final, if qualified, will be held in Sri Lanka.