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KP CM Sohail Afridi rejects governor’s rule threats • Nadia Khan faces criticism after questioning Preshay Adnan over gym attire • OpenAI scraps new AI model launch over safety concerns • Men face higher cancer rates than women, study finds • Pakistan earn first point in FIFA ASEAN Cup after 2-2 draw with Philippines • Tax return filing deadline tomorrow as late-filer category set to end • Floods and heavy rains kill 23 in Thailand • Ahsan Bhoon sends Rs5b defamation notice to Capt (R) Safdar • Salman Khan speaks out against AI-generated deepfake videos • Insomnia linked to 26% higher stroke risk, study finds • Google Chrome introduces feature to preserve tab position across devices • Four militants killed in security operation in DI Khan • Clashes erupt over partial demolition of 600-year-old Ujjain mosque in India • Pakistan thrash Oman 7-2, set up Asian Games semifinal against India • Pakistan plans $500mn ADB loan for pension reforms
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PCB orders review of women’s cricket team after poor World Cup showing

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PCB women’s cricket review, Pakistan women cricket team World Cup, Mohsin Naqvi Pakistan Cricket Board, Pakistan cricket reforms

Pakistan Cricket Board orders review of women’s team performance at World Cup

PCB women’s cricket review, Pakistan women cricket team World Cup, Mohsin Naqvi Pakistan Cricket Board, Pakistan cricket reforms


Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has instructed an advisory panel to conduct a comprehensive review of the national women’s cricket team’s recent performance at the World Cup, following a disappointing campaign.


The team’s under-whelming results have raised questions about preparation, talent pipeline, coaching standards and overall strategy. In response, PCB leadership emphasised accountability, promising prompt action and reforms where necessary.

The review is expected to examine the domestic development structure, player welfare, and international exposure among other metrics.


For Pakistan, women’s cricket is increasingly under the spotlight—calls for equal investment, improved infrastructure and better global competitiveness are growing louder.

The outcome of this review may shape the future trajectory of the women’s game in the country.

Louvre Museum Robbed: $102 Million Jewels Stolen

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Louvre Museum heist, Paris robbery, art theft, French police, stolen jewels, global crime news


In one of the boldest heists in recent memory, thieves stole $102 million worth of royal jewels from the Louvre Museum in Paris.


According to French police, the robbers entered through a staff-only corridor during maintenance hours and escaped within minutes before alarms were triggered.


Authorities are investigating possible inside assistance as security footage revealed lapses in the museum’s surveillance system.

Louvre Museum heist, Paris robbery, art theft, French police, stolen jewels, global crime news


The stolen items included rare diamonds and emerald-studded crowns from the 18th century. The Louvre remains partially closed as forensic teams investigate.

EU Approves New Sanctions on Russia Over Ukraine War

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EU sanctions Russia, Ukraine war, global economy, European Union, Moscow, energy crisis


The European Union has agreed on a new round of sanctions against Russia, targeting the country’s energy, banking, and technology sectors in response to its ongoing invasion of Ukraine.

The 15th sanctions package includes tighter restrictions on oil exports, import bans on key Russian goods, and measures against individuals supporting Moscow’s war effort.


EU leaders said the new sanctions aim to further weaken Russia’s ability to fund its military operations. Moscow called the move “hostile” and vowed retaliatory measures.


Analysts say these sanctions will have significant implications for global energy markets and EU member states dependent on Russian imports.

Medical Students Announce Nationwide Protest Over MDCAT Results

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MDCAT 2025, PMDC, Pakistan medical students, MDCAT protest, education news, entrance test controversy


Thousands of Pakistani medical students are planning protests across the country after the announcement of the MDCAT 2025 results sparked widespread allegations of unfair marking and mismanagement.


Students claim the test, conducted by the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC), was marred by errors in grading and lack of transparency.


Several student associations have demanded an independent audit of the results and a uniform passing policy across provinces. PMDC officials said they are reviewing complaints and will take appropriate action if irregularities are proven.


The MDCAT controversy has reignited debate over the fairness of medical entrance exams and the pressure students face due to inconsistent standards.

Polish Foreign Minister begins two-day official visit to Pakistan

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Polish Foreign Minister

ISLAMABAD: Polish Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski has arrived in Pakistan for a two-day official visit, aimed at strengthening bilateral relations and enhancing political and economic cooperation between the two countries.

He was received at the airport by Additional Foreign Secretary Khalid Jamali upon arrival.

During his stay, the Polish Deputy Prime Minister is scheduled to hold meetings with senior Pakistani officials to discuss bilateral relations, regional developments, and international issues of mutual interest.

According to diplomatic sources, the visit is being undertaken at the invitation of Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and aims to strengthen political, economic, and security cooperation between the two countries.

Six Militants Killed in Balochistan Operation

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Balochistan operation, Pakistan Army, terrorism in Pakistan, security forces, ISPR, Dalbandin


Pakistani security forces killed six suspected militants in a targeted operation in Dalbandin, Balochistan, on Wednesday. The operation was launched after intelligence reports indicated the presence of a militant group in the area.


According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), a gun battle broke out as troops closed in on the hideout. A cache of weapons and explosives was also recovered from the site.


Authorities said the militants were linked to recent attacks on security personnel and infrastructure in the region.

The operation marks another step in Pakistan’s ongoing counterterrorism campaign in Balochistan.
Security experts say the latest offensive highlights Islamabad’s continued effort to stabilize the province amid recurring insurgent activity.

Pakistan Navy Seizes Drugs Worth Nearly $1 Billion in Arabian Sea

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Pakistan Navy, Arabian Sea, drug bust, Pakistan news, methamphetamine, maritime security, transnational crime


In a major counter-narcotics operation, the Pakistan Navy has seized a massive cache of drugs worth nearly US$972 million in the Arabian Sea. The intercepted haul included crystal methamphetamine and cocaine, reportedly being smuggled through international maritime routes.


According to official sources, the operation was carried out with support from international intelligence partners. The recovered drugs were handed over to the relevant authorities for legal proceedings.


The Pakistan Navy reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining maritime security and curbing illegal trafficking across its waters. Officials said such operations not only protect Pakistan’s coastal borders but also strengthen global efforts against transnational crime.


This is one of the largest narcotics seizures in Pakistan’s maritime history. Maritime experts noted that the operation underscores the country’s strategic role in ensuring safe international trade routes through the Arabian Sea.

Pakistan urges UN to ease sanctions for Syria’s political transition

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Pakistan urges

UNITED NATIONS: Amid worsening humanitarian conditions in Syria, Pakistan has urged the UN Security Council to provide urgent sanctions relief, stressing that easing restrictions is vital for advancing peace, stability, and reconstruction after 14 years of civil war.

“We emphasize the critical importance of easing sanctions on Syria in order to enable economic recovery, reconstruction and reintegration,” Ambassador Usman Jadoon, acting permanent representative of Pakistan to the UN, told the 15-member Council on Wednesday.

At the same time, he emphasized the need for improvement in Syria’s governance to yield tangible results towards those ends.

The Pakistani envoy said the holding of parliamentary elections for the People’s Assembly recently reflected a move towards greater political engagement and the rebuilding of state institutions. “We also hope that regions, which experienced delays due to security concerns, will soon be able to hold elections, ensuring inclusive participation across the country.”

Equally important on the political front, he said,  was the recent agreement between the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), a Kurdish-led coalition of ethnic militias and rebel groups, and the central government to integrate SDF units into Syria’s national army.

“This development represents a positive and necessary contribution to national cohesion and the restoration of unified state institutions, and we look forward to its full and timely implementation.”

Ambassador Jadoon called for comprehensively addressing concerns over the presence of foreign terrorist fighters through both political and security measures, including the implementation of disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration (DDR) reforms. “We also hope that centralized authority will be extended and consolidated, throughout the country, so as to effectively address the concerning situations including in (the regions of) Suweidah, Aleppo and Deir-az-Zour.”

Reaffirming Pakistan’s solidarity with the people of Syria, he expressed confidence that through concerted domestic efforts and requisite international support, the country will emerge stronger, more peaceful and prosperous.

“We will continue to support a Syrian-led and Syrian-owned political process towards this end, respecting the sovereign choices of the Syrian people”.

Lahore retains top spot among world’s most polluted cities

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Lahore

LAHORE: The air quality in Lahore remained hazardous on Thursday, with the city once again ranking first among the world’s most polluted cities.

 According to air quality data, Lahore’s Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 253, a level considered extremely unhealthy.

Before 7 a.m., the Barqi Road area of Lahore registered an alarming AQI of 485, reflecting dangerously high pollution levels. Environmental experts have warned that such conditions pose severe health risks, particularly to children, the elderly, and those with respiratory illnesses.

Other cities across Punjab are also experiencing poor air quality, with pollution levels far above safe limits.

Globally, New Delhi ranked second, followed by Baghdad at third place, while Karachi stood at fourth with an AQI of 181, and Kolkata (India) ranked fifth among the most polluted cities in the world.

PCB announces squads for white-ball series against South Africa

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PCB announces

LAHORE: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced the national squads for the upcoming T20 and ODI series against South Africa.

The same squads will also feature in the ODI series against Sri Lanka and the Tri-Nation T20 Tournament involving Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe.

The board named a 15-member T20 International squad and a 16-member One Day International squad. Former captain Babar Azam and fast bowler Naseem Shah have returned to the T20 setup, while Usman Tariq earned his maiden call-up to the national T20 squad.

Pakistan T20I Squad

Salman Ali Agha (captain), Abdul Samad, Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Hasan Nawaz, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Wasim Jr., Mohammad Salman Mirza, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Shaheen Afridi, Usman Khan, and Usman Tariq.

Reserves: Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, and Sufiyan Muqeem.

Pakistan ODI Squad

Shaheen Afridi (captain), Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Faisal Akram, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Haseebullah, Hasan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Rizwan, Mohammad Wasim Jr., Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, and Salman Ali Agha.

The T20I series between Pakistan and South Africa will be played from October 28 to November 1, while the Tri-Nation T20 series featuring Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe will be held from November 17 to 29 in Rawalpindi and Lahore.