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Pakistan News

PCB revises schedule for Tri-Nation T20 series

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PCB revises

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has revised the schedule for the upcoming Tri-Nation T20 Series following changes to the remaining ODI matches against Sri Lanka.

According to the PCB, all matches of the three-nation tournament, featuring Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Zimbabwe, will now be played in Rawalpindi from 18 to 29 November. Previously, matches were scheduled between 17 and 29 November in Rawalpindi and Lahore.

The board stated that the schedule adjustment was made in consultation with the respective boards and based on operational considerations.

Earlier, the PCB had also rescheduled the remaining two ODIs against Sri Lanka, which will now be played on 14 and 16 November, instead of the original dates of 13 and 15 November, as confirmed by PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi via social media.

Lahore ranks second globally as smog crisis deepens

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Lahore ranks

LAHORE: Air pollution in Punjab has surged to alarming levels, with Lahore emerging as the world’s second most polluted city, posing serious health risks to residents.

According to data from a global environmental monitoring website. The city’s average smog level has surged to an alarming AQI of 437.

In Lahore, the Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 667 in Allama Iqbal Town, 663 on Sanda Road, 649 near Government College University, 605 on Muratib Ali Road, 554 near Punjab University, 503 in Model Town, 498 in Shalimar, and 445 in Cantt.

Environmental experts warn that these readings fall in the “hazardous” category, posing serious health risks to residents, especially children, the elderly, and those with respiratory illnesses.

Meanwhile, New Delhi remains the most polluted city globally, with an AQI of 678. In other Punjab cities, the AQI was measured at 639 in Gujranwala, 460 in Faisalabad, and 429 in Multan.

Medical experts said that the ever-increasing pollution has become a serious threat to citizens, citizens should avoid unnecessary travel, make sure to use masks and avoid outdoor activities in the morning hours.

On the other hand, the weather forecasters say that today the maximum temperature of Lahore city was recorded at 26 while the minimum was recorded at 12 degrees Celsius, the wind is blowing at a speed of 3 km per hour in the city while the humidity ratio in the atmosphere was recorded at 80 percent.

ECP announces schedule for Quetta local bodies’ polls

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ECP

QUETTA: Authorities in Quetta have formally released the schedule for the upcoming local government elections, which will take place in 172 union councils and 641 wards across the city..

The preparations for the December elections are already underway, with public notices displayed outside the offices of returning and district returning officers.

According to the Election Commission, nomination papers will be received and issued from November 13 to 17, while the list of nominated candidates will be published on November 18. The scrutiny of nomination papers is scheduled to take place from November 19 to 24.

The last date for filing appeals against acceptance or rejection of nomination papers is November 28.

The last date for decision on the appeals by the Appellate Tribunal is December 3, the revised list of candidates will be published on December 4 and the revised list after withdrawal of candidates will be published on December 5.

The final list of candidates and election symbols will be allotted on December 6, while polling for the local body elections will take place on Sunday, December 28.

Sri Lankan squad stays in Pakistan after PCB’s security assurance

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Sri Lankan

KARACHI: The Sri Lankan cricket team’s manager has confirmed that no player will be returning home and that all members of the squad will remain in Pakistan for the ongoing series.

The team manager clarified that “all Sri Lankan players are staying in Pakistan, and no one is leaving the tour.”

Earlier, reports had suggested that some Sri Lankan players were considering returning home, prompting the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to take urgent measures to ensure the continuation of the ODI and Tri-Nation series.

PCB Chairman and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi met with the Sri Lankan players and assured them of enhanced security arrangements. Following these assurances, the Sri Lankan team decided to continue the tour.

The Sri Lanka Cricket Board (SLC) also confirmed that Chairman Mohsin Naqvi had personally briefed the players regarding security protocols. The board stated that if any player opted out of the remaining matches, suitable replacements would be arranged.

Sri Lanka is scheduled to play the remaining two ODIs against Pakistan before participating in the Tri-Nation Series, also to be held in Pakistan.

TikTok introduces new features for Pakistani users

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TikTok introduces

ISLAMABAD: TikTok has announced the rollout of new features for Pakistani users aimed at improving user safety, content management, and engagement with followers.

One of the key additions is the Creator Care Mode, which allows users to better manage their comment sections. When enabled, the mode automatically hides comments that are abusive, harassing, or inappropriate.

It also filters comments from users whose previous comments have been reported, disliked, or deleted. This feature leverages artificial intelligence (AI) to ensure more effective moderation.

Another feature, Content Check Lite, is currently available on the TikTok Studio web version. It helps users determine whether their videos will reach the “For You” feed and allows them to make adjustments to maximize reach while staying compliant with community guidelines.

TikTok has also introduced Creator Inbox, a messaging hub designed to make interaction with followers faster and more organized. It includes instant reply templates, unread messages, and separate folders for starred messages, helping creators maintain better communication with their audience.

These updates aim to give Pakistani users more control over their content and interactions on the platform while enhancing overall safety and reach.

FBR transfers top officers across major tax centers

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FBR transfers

ISLAMABAD: The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has carried out a significant nationwide reshuffle, transferring and posting 80 senior officers to various key positions across Pakistan.

Directors General and Collector Commissioners at major tax centers and customs formations in Karachi, Islamabad, Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Peshawar have been replaced.

According to official notifications, senior officers in BS-19, 20, and 21 grades have been directed to immediately implement the orders.

The sudden nationwide reshuffle was announced on Tuesday, November 11, with all officers instructed to submit their charge-taking reports to FBR headquarters without delay.

National Assembly gears up to approve key Constitutional Amendment today

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National Assembly

ISLAMABAD: The National Assembly is set to resume its session today, where lawmakers are expected to take up the 27th Constitutional Amendment Bill, with its approval considered highly likely.

Debate on the amendment has been underway since yesterday, and the House is expected to pass the bill clause by clause during today’s proceedings. The bill was formally presented in the assembly on Tuesday.

According to sources, the government needs 224 votes to secure the amendment’s passage and currently enjoys the support of 237 members of the ruling coalition.

Former Prime Minister and PML-N leader Nawaz Sharif is also expected to attend the session and cast his vote in favor of the amendment, sources confirmed.

Government insiders stated that the administration intends to expedite the establishment of the Federal Constitutional Court immediately after the President signs the amendment. The process of forming the court will begin as soon as presidential assent is granted.

Sources added that if the bill is passed today, judges of the Federal Constitutional Court could take oath as early as Thursday, marking the court’s formal establishment.

The 27th Amendment empowers the President and Prime Minister—through mutual consultation—to appoint judges to the new court. The bill has already been approved by the Senate.

Meanwhile, opposition parties have submitted their alternative constitutional amendments to the National Assembly Secretariat, which they plan to present separately. However, the government is confident it will defeat the opposition’s proposals with a two-thirds majority and ensure the amendment’s approval in today’s session.

Sindh Govt extends Section 144 for one month

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Sindh Govt

KARACHI: The Sindh government has announced an extension of Section 144 across the province, with the Home Department issuing a formal notification to enforce the order.

The order states that Section 144 will remain in effect throughout the province until December 12, prohibiting gatherings of more than five people.

The notification further adds that protests, sit-ins, and rallies will remain banned across Sindh during this period.

Ruling coalition crosses two-thirds mark in National Assembly

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Ruling coalition

ISLAMABAD: The ruling alliance in the National Assembly has garnered support from 237 members, comfortably exceeding the 224 votes needed for a two-thirds majority.

Among the coalition ranks, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) accounts for 126 members, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) 75, and Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) 22. Further backing comes from Quaid-e-Azam League (5), Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (4), Zia League (1), and Balochistan Awami Party (1), along with support from four independent members.

However, the National Party, part of the coalition, has announced it will abstain from voting on the 27th Amendment.

On the opposition side, 89 members are in favor of opposing the bill, including 74 independents, one member from Sunni Ittehad Council, 10 from Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F), and one each from BNP, MWM, and PKMAP.

Meanwhile, The National Assembly is set to convene shortly, with an 11-point agenda released ahead of the session.

Law Minister Azam Nazir Tarar is scheduled to present the 27th Constitutional Amendment Bill for approval, while attention-drawing notices are also included on the agenda.

Additionally, the government will table bills for the establishment of two new educational institutions for consideration.

It is noteworthy that the 27th Constitutional Amendment Bill was passed in the Senate yesterday with a two-thirds majority, receiving 64 votes in favor and none against.

Meanwhile, the United Opposition has announced a boycott of both the Senate and National Assembly sessions.

Gallup Pakistan survey reveals split opinions on second marriage

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Gallup Pakistan

A new survey released by Gallup Pakistan has revealed that 40% of Pakistanis support second marriage, though only under specific conditions, while 60% oppose it outright.

According to the survey, support for second marriage was notably higher among men than women. Half of all male respondents (50%) backed the idea, compared to only 30% of female respondents. Meanwhile, 72% of Pakistanis believe it is difficult or nearly impossible to maintain fairness between two wives after a second marriage.

Only 26% said fair treatment between both wives is possible, while 59% of men believe such fairness is unrealistic.

When asked under what circumstances a second marriage should be allowed, 39% said it should be permitted if a couple has no children, 15% emphasized the ability to treat both wives equally, and 10% stressed that permission from the first wife is essential for a second marriage.