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President, PM slam India’s unlawful control over Kashmir

President

ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif have issued special messages on Jammu Martyrs’ Day, reaffirming Pakistan’s unwavering moral, political, and diplomatic support for the Kashmiri people in their struggle for justice and self-determination.

President Zardari described the November 6, 1947 Jammu massacre as one of the “darkest human tragedies in the history of the subcontinent,” stating that over 200,000 Muslims were brutally killed by Dogra forces, RSS militants, and armed mobs.

He said that “millions of Muslims were forced to migrate after the massacre,” terming it as one of the darkest chapters in modern history. The President lamented that the international community failed to give due attention to the genocide of Kashmiri Muslims, adding that their sacrifices remain a painful reminder of the unfinished story of Jammu and Kashmir.

President Zardari said India’s illegal occupation of Jammu and Kashmir continues to deny basic rights to its people, while the revocation of Articles 370 and 35-A was part of a “dangerous demographic engineering plan.”

He called the move a violation of the Geneva Conventions, urging the international community not to remain silent over India’s human rights abuses in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).

He reaffirmed that Pakistan will continue to stand by the Kashmiri people in their just struggle for dignity, justice, and freedom.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in his message, called November 6, 1947, a dark day in the history of Jammu and Kashmir, noting that “even after eight decades, the pain of that tragedy remains etched in the memories of Kashmiris.”

He said the day symbolizes the Kashmiri people’s courage and unyielding resolve in the face of oppression. The Prime Minister stated that Indian forces and extremists had subjected over 237,000 Kashmiris to violence and genocide, attempting to alter the region’s demographic and religious composition.

The Kashmiris on both sides of the Line of Control (LoC) and around the world are observing Jammu Martyrs’ Day today to pay tribute to the hundreds of thousands of Muslims who were massacred in November 1947.

The day commemorates the memory of those who lost their lives when Hindu extremists brutally killed unarmed men, women, and children in Jammu during the first week of November 1947. Kashmiris continue to mark this day each year, reaffirming their resolve for freedom and justice.

For the past 77 years, the people of occupied Jammu and Kashmir have been enduring continuous oppression under India’s illegal occupation. Rights groups and Kashmiri leaders have urged the international community to break its silence and recognize the mass killings in Jammu as an act of genocide.

President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif have issued special messages on Jammu Martyrs’ Day, reaffirming Pakistan’s unwavering moral, political, and diplomatic support for the Kashmiri people in their struggle for justice and self-determination.

President Zardari described the November 6, 1947 Jammu massacre as one of the “darkest human tragedies in the history of the subcontinent,” stating that over 200,000 Muslims were brutally killed by Dogra forces, RSS militants, and armed mobs.

He said that “millions of Muslims were forced to migrate after the massacre,” terming it as one of the darkest chapters in modern history. The President lamented that the international community failed to give due attention to the genocide of Kashmiri Muslims, adding that their sacrifices remain a painful reminder of the unfinished story of Jammu and Kashmir.

President Zardari said India’s illegal occupation of Jammu and Kashmir continues to deny basic rights to its people, while the revocation of Articles 370 and 35-A was part of a “dangerous demographic engineering plan.”

He called the move a violation of the Geneva Conventions, urging the international community not to remain silent over India’s human rights abuses in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).

He reaffirmed that Pakistan will continue to stand by the Kashmiri people in their just struggle for dignity, justice, and freedom.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in his message, called November 6, 1947, a dark day in the history of Jammu and Kashmir, noting that “even after eight decades, the pain of that tragedy remains etched in the memories of Kashmiris.”

He said the day symbolizes the Kashmiri people’s courage and unyielding resolve in the face of oppression. The Prime Minister stated that Indian forces and extremists had subjected over 237,000 Kashmiris to violence and genocide, attempting to alter the region’s demographic and religious composition.

Highlighting India’s ongoing oppressive policies, he said that the August 5, 2019 actions were part of the same strategy to suppress Kashmiris and deny them their right to self-determination, in clear violation of UN Security Council resolutions and international law.

The Prime Minister reiterated Pakistan’s solidarity with the Kashmiri people, vowing continued support for their legitimate struggle for freedom and justice.

Pakistan, Afghan Taliban to resume talks in Istanbul today

Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban are set to resume high-level negotiations in Istanbul on Thursday, aiming to address security concerns and cross-border militant activity.

Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said that talks are pursued only when there is a possibility of progress. “If there is no chance of advancement, it’s merely a waste of time,” he remarked.

He reiterated Pakistan’s consistent stance that attacks on its territory from across the Afghan border must stop, expressing hope that the Taliban leadership would act wisely for the sake of regional peace.

The previous round of Pakistan-Afghan talks was held on October 25 in Istanbul. The lengthy and tense negotiations failed to yield results on Pakistan’s key demand — an end to terrorism originating from Afghan territory.

During the earlier session, the Afghan delegation reportedly kept seeking instructions from Kabul and Kandahar, delaying the process and causing frustration among participants. After the talks collapsed, the Pakistani delegation had departed for home but returned to Istanbul at Turkey’s request to give the dialogue one final chance.

According to a statement issued by Turkey’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, both sides have agreed to maintain a ceasefire, establish a monitoring and verification mechanism for peace implementation, and introduce penalties for violations. The two parties will resume high-level discussions today, November 6, in Istanbul.

201 Afghan nationals pursued higher education in Balochistan Institutions

201 Afghan

QUETTA: In the wake of Pakistan’s repatriation policy for Afghan nationals, official data shows that 201 Afghan students had been enrolled in universities across Balochistan.

According to statistics, 84 Afghan students were studying at the University of Balochistan, 59 at Balochistan University of Information Technology, Engineering and Management Sciences (BUITEMS), 22 at the University of Loralai, and 36 female students at Sardar Bahadur Khan Women’s University in Quetta.

Following the federal government’s decision to repatriate Afghan nationals residing in Pakistan, most Afghan students have discontinued their studies and returned to Afghanistan.

University administrations have instructed the remaining students to return to their country and re-enter Pakistan after obtaining valid visas to continue their education.

Additionally, universities in Balochistan have abolished the special quota previously allocated for Afghan students for the current academic year.

Zardari, Guterres stress need for peace in South Asia and justice for Palestine

Zardari

DOHA: President Asif Ali Zardari met with UN Secretary-General António Guterres in Doha to discuss pressing global challenges, regional peace initiatives, and strategies for sustainable development.

President Zardari praised Guterres for his global leadership and for the UN’s continued support to Pakistan.

He stressed the need for a just resolution of the Kashmir dispute, emphasizing that sustainable peace in South Asia is only possible when the Kashmiri people are granted their right to self-determination.

Referring to the Doha Declaration, the President described it as a positive step toward global commitment to poverty alleviation and social development.

He also highlighted the success of the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) as a model for promoting social inclusion and economic empowerment.

President Zardari reaffirmed Pakistan’s full support for the UN’s central role in advancing global peace, justice, and prosperity, and underlined Pakistan’s active participation in UN peacekeeping missions around the world.

Secretary-General Guterres commended Pakistan’s contributions to international peace and expressed solidarity with Pakistan in its fight against terrorism. He also reiterated his support for the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination and called for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state based on the pre-1967 borders.

Javeria Saud says ‘perfect-looking’ couples often face hidden marital issues

Javeria Saud

KARACHI: Renowned Pakistani actress and television host Javeria Saud has said that couples who appear to have “perfect” marriages are often the ones struggling with hidden relationship issues.

Speaking on a morning show recently, Javeria Saud discussed the topic of husbands’ infidelity and the misconceptions people have about ideal relationships.

She said that in real life — unlike in dramas — if a couple seems flawless and a husband appears to be overly caring and attentive, it can sometimes indicate that “he is involved in an extramarital relationship.”

Explaining her point, the actress added, “Such men tend to overcompensate to avoid suspicion. They buy gifts, act extra sweet, and try to make their wives feel secure.”

Sharing a lighthearted personal example, Javeria remarked, “If my husband Saud suddenly becomes too nice to me, I immediately ask him if he needs something or if there’s something going on. Later, I find out it’s usually about the kids or some small favor.”

Aurangzeb highlights Google’s interest in turning Pakistan into export hub

Aurangzeb

KARACHI: Federal Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb announced that Google intends to develop Pakistan as an export hub, a move that underscores increasing global confidence in the country’s economic potential and digital growth prospects..

Speaking at the Future Summit in Karachi, the finance minister said Pakistan’s economy is moving in the right direction, with a renewed focus on production-led and sustainable growth. “The private sector plays a crucial role in driving economic progress. Our goal is to make Pakistan an export-oriented economy, with particular focus on the IT and maritime sectors,” he added.

Aurangzeb noted that international rating agencies have acknowledged Pakistan’s improving economic indicators, highlighting macroeconomic stability and a 9 percent rise in corporate profits.

He further said that efforts to broaden the tax base have resulted in an increase of 900,000 new filers. “Digitization will bring transparency to the economy, and countries like Egypt have expressed interest in learning from Pakistan’s FBR reforms,” he remarked.

The finance minister emphasized that structural reforms are essential for sustainable economic growth. He added that Pakistan will continue to build an ecosystem to leverage global diplomatic successes, promote AI-driven development, and tap into the vast potential of the blue economy.

Aurangzeb also disclosed that the government has decided to privatize 24 state-owned enterprises, with the privatization of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) expected to be completed before the end of this year.

Hamza Ali Abbasi opens up about surviving life-threatening illness in childhood

Hamza Ali Abbasi

KARACHI: Pakistani actor Hamza Ali Abbasi has opened up about a serious illness he faced during childhood, revealing that he suffered from a severe kidney condition known as nephritis.

Clips from a recent interview of the actor have gone viral on social media, in which Hamza confirmed that he was diagnosed with the disease as a child. “It was a very strange and painful time,” he recalled. “I was around eight or twelve years old when I went through intense suffering. In this disease, your kidneys start to fail without any clear reason.”

Sharing the emotional experience, Hamza said that his mother prayed fervently for his recovery. “My mother spread out the prayer mat and cried before Allah,” he said. “Alhamdulillah, I was blessed with complete healing.”

During the interview, Hamza also shared that he had once promised his mother that if he passed the CSS exam, he would not pursue a government job. “I passed with good marks,” he said. “I even trained and joined the police department for a while, but my passion was acting, and eventually, I convinced my mother to let me follow my dream.”

Hamza Ali Abbasi, known for his powerful performances and outspoken nature, continues to inspire fans with his honesty and resilience both on and off screen.

Rain and snowfall alert issued for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Rain and snowfall

PESHAWAR: The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has issued a weather alert, warning of rain and snowfall in various parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa starting Tuesday.

According to the PDMA, intermittent rainfall and snowfall are expected across different districts of the province until November 5. Local administrations have been directed to remain vigilant and take precautionary measures in advance.

The PDMA has also warned of landslides in regions such as Abbottabad, Dir, Swat, Chitral, and Kohistan.

Heavy rainfall is anticipated in cities including Peshawar, Mardan, Bannu, and Dera Ismail Khan, which may cause damage to weak structures, power lines, and signboards.

The PDMA has urged citizens to take necessary precautions, while district administrations have been instructed to improve drainage systems.

Actor Zahid Ahmed issues clarification after backlash over podcast remarks

Actor Zahid Ahmed

KARACHI: Pakistani actor Zahid Ahmed has issued a clarification on social media following backlash over his recent controversial remarks, saying that his words were taken out of context.

The controversy began after Zahid’s comments in a podcast went viral, where he appeared to use harsh language about social media and digital creators.

In a clarification video posted on Instagram, Zahid explained that his statement was misunderstood.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Zahid Ahmed (@zahid.ahmed.official)

“I was talking about content makers on social media, not digital creators,” he said. “I wrongly called them people destined for hell — that was my mistake. I spoke in the heat of the moment and regret saying that because it’s not my place to judge anyone’s fate.”

Pakistani actor Zahid Ahmed has said that only Allah has the authority to judge people, adding that he wanted to correct his statement because many young people look up to him and he did not wish to send a wrong message about religion.

“I wanted to clarify my words because many youngsters are influenced by me,” Zahid said in his video message. “It is Allah’s job to decide anyone’s fate, not mine.”

His clarification drew mixed reactions on social media.

Many users praised Zahid for showing humility and courage by admitting his mistake, calling it a sign of maturity.

However, others mocked his change of stance, sarcastically commenting that “Zahid Ahmed’s software has been updated,” implying that he altered his statement in response to public backlash.

PCB summons emergency meeting after PSL franchises’ request

PCB summons

LAHORE: A key meeting between the Pakistan Super League (PSL) management and franchise owners has been scheduled for Tuesday, following a request made by the team owners during their recent discussions with the league administration, sources confirmed.

According to reliable sources, franchise representatives had raised several concerns regarding the PSL 2026 and 2027 editions, prompting the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to convene the session. The meeting will be held at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) and attended by all six franchises, including Multan Sultans.

Franchise owners have sought detailed briefings on commercial affairs, the event window, and the EY (Ernst & Young) evaluation report, sources added. They have also demanded clarification regarding the two-year title sponsorship agreement process, which will be discussed during the session.

PCB officials are expected to present their stance on these matters and share the league’s roadmap for the next phase.

The PCB has already decided to add two new teams to the PSL, expanding the league from six to eight franchises. As the tournament marks its 10-year milestone, new franchise agreements are expected to be finalized later this month.

PSL CEO Salman Naseer said that the league’s matches will soon extend beyond the current venues — Lahore, Karachi, Multan, and Rawalpindi — to include Faisalabad and Peshawar.

He further revealed that tenders for the new franchises will be issued in November, and interested parties will be able to choose from a list of proposed city names for their teams.