Author: newsdesk

  • Before World Cup, Pakistani team said they will not play in tournament, claims Yahya Husaini

    Before World Cup, Pakistani team said they will not play in tournament, claims Yahya Husaini

    Sports commentator Yahya Hussaini has claimed that before going to India to play in the World Cup, players had told Zaka Ashraf that they will neither participate in the World Cup nor any other ICC event.

    In the Geo News program ‘Aaj Shahzeb Khanzada Saath’, the host asked Hussaini, “After the poor performance of the Pakistan team in the World Cup, the players and the board were being criticized. After Babar Azam’s chat leak, criticism turned towards Pakistan Cricket Board(PCB) and Chairman Zaka Ashraf, what is the matter that instead of waiting until the end of the World Cup or the return of the team these things are coming out?”

    In response, Yahya Hussaini said, “This is a very old story. When Zaka Ashraf became the head of the PCB committee, he was not allowed to work, and a petition was filed against him in the court. In short, this is what I would like to say, that before going to the World Cup, the players had told Zaka Ashraf that they will neither participate in the World Cup nor in any ICC event nor will they use the ICC logo”.

    Senior journalist Yahya Hussaini has revealed that before the World Cup, former chief selector Inzamam-ul-Haq took captain Babar Azam to the house of Chairman PCB Zaka Ashraf to resolve conflicts between the players and the Board.

    “528 million rupees were retained under the PCB central contract and a three-year contract, which was never done before, and 220.3 million rupees in this contract were also added from ICC (International Cricket Council)”.

  • Pakistan on track to secure second IMF tranche successfully: PM Kakar

    Pakistan on track to secure second IMF tranche successfully: PM Kakar

    Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar ul Haq Kakar expressed optimism about Pakistan’s upcoming review with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), set for this month.

    The IMF, led by Nathan Porter, will visit Pakistan from November 2–16 to discuss the first review of the country’s current $3 billion stand-by arrangement (SBA).

    Pakistan is navigating a challenging economic recovery path under a caretaker government following an IMF loan programme approval in July, which prevented a sovereign debt default. The country received the first $1.2 billion tranche from the IMF in July.

    Kakar stated that Pakistan has successfully achieved its targets, including revenue goals, and is confident about the negotiations for the second tranche.

    Regarding inflation, the interim prime minister acknowledged a decrease in inflation rates, attributing it to the Pakistani rupee’s appreciation against the dollar and a drop in petroleum prices. 

    The prime minister also encouraged journalists to analyse the impact of the Pakistani rupee’s strength on circular debt and highlighted that stringent measures against smuggling through Afghan transit trade have boosted local industry productivity.

  • Govt decides not to reduce petrol, diesel prices

    Govt decides not to reduce petrol, diesel prices

    The caretaker government announced on Tuesday that petrol and diesel prices would remain unchanged until November 15. 

    Furthermore, the government reduced the prices of kerosene and light-speed diesel by Rs 3.82 and Rs3.40 per litre. Kerosene and light-speed diesel will now be priced at Rs211.03 and Rs189.46 per litre, respectively.

    In the previous review on October 15, the caretaker government had announced a reduction of Rs 40 and Rs15 in petrol and diesel prices, bringing them to Rs283.38 and Rs303.18 per litre, respectively. 

    This adjustment was made in response to the continuous appreciation of the local currency against the greenback and fluctuations in international petroleum product prices.

  • Markhor hunting permit auctioned for $212,000

    Markhor hunting permit auctioned for $212,000

    Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s departments of Climate Change, Forestry, Environment and Wildlife Department on Monday auctioned four liscences for the hunting of Kashmir Markhor in Chitral and Kohistan districts with the highest ever bid recorded at $212,000. The bids for the second, third and fourth were $185,000, $135,900 and $135,000 respectively.

    A week ago, on October 26, the bid for hunting the prized Astore Markhor was conducted in Gilgit Baltistanunder GB Forest, Park and Wildlife Department, which fetched a record $186,000. This was followed by $181,000 for second, $177,000 for the third and $171,000 for the fourth.

    The national animal of Pakistan, Markhor, found in the Northern Areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit Baltistan, is a species at near risk of extinction. Trophy hunting programs are conducted to help the local communities preserve the species and it’s habitat.

    80 per cent of the proceeds go to the development of local communities, their education and healthcare while the remaining is deposited into government’s treasury.

    However, Wildlife and Climate experts are extremely critical of these trophies for they believe that this is worsening the already dreadful condition of rare species. Even though the Hunting Guidelines specify that only old Markhors are to be hunted to make room for younger ones to procreate, violations of these rules are often observed in the form of killing of young species and the use of inappropriate weaponry.

  • World Cup 2023: Pakistan defeats Bangladesh by seven wickets, semi-final hopes still alive

    World Cup 2023: Pakistan defeats Bangladesh by seven wickets, semi-final hopes still alive

    In the 31st match of the ICC ODI World Cup, Pakistan defeated Bangladesh easily by seven wickets and entered the race to reach the semi-finals.

    In the match played at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan won the toss and decided to bat first. Opener Tanzid Hasan was promptly dismissed by Shaheen Afraid for zero in the first over, later Najamul Hussain Shanto was also dismissed by Shaheen after scoring only four runs.

    Haris Rauf sent Mushfiqur Rahim back to the pavilion, while Iftikhar Ahmed guided Latin Das to the pavilion after he scored 45 runs. Mahmudullah, who scored 56 runs for Bangladesh, was also dismissed by Shaheen. Captain Shakib Al Hasan scored 43, Tawheed seven, Mehidi Hasan 25, Taskin Ahmed six, and Mustafizur Rahman three. The entire Bangladesh team was bowled out for 204 runs in 45.1 overs.

    On behalf of Pakistan, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Mohammad Wasim took three wickets each, while Haris Rauf took two wickets, and Iftikhar Ahmed and Usama Mir took one wicket each.

    Chasing Bangladesh’s target of 205 runs, Pakistan got off to a good start, with openers Abdullah Shafiq and Fakhar Zaman putting on a brilliant 128-run partnership. However, Abdullah then got out after scoring 68 runs off 69 balls. Fakhar Zaman got out with after putting up a brilliant 81 runs off 74 balls, his innings included 7 sixes and 3 fours.

    Mohammad Rizwan and Iftikhar Ahmed remained unbeaten by scoring 26 runs and 17 runs on behalf of Pakistan, the green shirts easily achieving the required target in 32.3 overs.

    Bangladesh’s Mehdi Hasan dismissed three players. Pakistan’s Fakhar Zaman was named player of the match for his brilliant batting.

    Cricket World Cup standings after Tuesday’s match (played, won, lost, tied, no result, points, net run rate):

    India 6 6 0 0 0 12 1.405

    South Africa 6 5 1 0 0 10 2.032

    New Zealand 6 4 2 0 0 8 1.232

    Australia 6 4 2 0 0 8 0.970

    Pakistan 7 3 4 0 0 6 -0.024

    Afghanistan 6 3 3 0 0 6 -0.718

    Sri Lanka 6 2 4 0 0 4 -0.275

    Netherlands 6 2 4 0 0 4 -1.277

    Bangladesh 7 1 6 0 0 2 -1.446

    England 6 1 5 0 0 2 -1.652

    Note: Top four teams qualify for the semi-finals

  • Afghan kids’ sentimental reactions on leaving Pakistan

    Amidst the deportation of Afghan refugees from Pakistan, a large number of children born and raised in Pakistan, not ready to leave their friends and schools, are being forced to leave too. Videos featuring the children bidding farewells are going viral on the internet.

    In one, a young Afghani boy can be seen saying goodbye to his classmates.

    In another one, little Afghan girls can be seen singing the National Anthem and expressing their disappointment on leaving since all they know is that Pakistan is their home.

    Worrisome pictures have also emerged on X (formerly Twitter) with claims that some of the Afghan children are being presented in court after being arrested from their madrassahs and schools in Karachi. Afghan refugee advocate Moniza Kakkar has said, “This raises serious concerns about their legal rights as refugees”.

  • Imran Khan’s lawyer retracts from ‘slow poisoning’ statement

    Imran Khan’s lawyer retracts from ‘slow poisoning’ statement

    In the latest development, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan’s lawyer, Aftab Bajwa, said that he misunderstood what Imran Khan said. According to him, Khan feared that he might be slow poisoned.

    Earlier, Aftab Bajwa, said while talking to media that Imran Khan told lawyers that he is being slow-poisoned by toxic substances in his shoes.

    The lawyer also said that the PTI chairman could be a victim of slow-poisoning via the food in Adiala jail because Khan informed his council that home-cooked food is not allowed.

    Bajwa also stated in a media talk that Imran Khan told him that the secret agencies of Pakistan are doing all this.

    PTI’s core committee is holding an urgent meeting about the information that Khan shared with his lawyers during a recent meeting.

    Earlier, Khan was also worried about his health, and in a message through his family on October 28, he stated, “At the moment, I am physically fit. I would know if my body was experiencing changes from weakness. But they have already made two public attempts to take my life. Since I won’t agree to leave my country, there is, of course, a danger that they will try to make another attempt on my life while I am in jail. Such an attempt could also be through slow poisoning.”

  • Nawaz Sharif to chair in-person party meeting after almost four years

    Nawaz Sharif to chair in-person party meeting after almost four years

    Former prime minister and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo Nawaz Sharif is going to chair an in-person party meeting after a gap of almost four years, to formulate a campaign as general elections loom nearer, Geo News has reported on Tuesday.

    Senior party leaders have started reaching the PML-N supremo’s residence, Jati Umra, for the important huddle.

    A discussion on the political situation of the country is also on the meeting’s agenda.

    The party’s leadership will also discuss plans for the resumption of Nawaz’s political activities in Pakistan, and finalizing a schedule for the PML-N head’s countrywide tours will also be discussed in the meeting.

    Party members will discuss and plan the launch of election campaign.

  • Al-Quds hospital under threat, thousands of people in danger: What we know about day 25

    Continuous attacks near Al-Quds Hospital

    The Palestine Red Crescent Society has been updating about the incessant artillery and air strikes in the Tal al-Hawa area in northern Gaza in the area where Al-Quds Hospital is situated.

    “The building is trembling and the displaced civilians and the working crews are experiencing fear and panic,” they reported on social media.

    Hundreds of patients and more than 12,000 displaced Gazans are being sheltered in Al-Quds.

    Israel has called for the evacuation of the hospital as they are likely to attack it — which human rights experts deem as a blatant war crime.

    Israel using white phosphorus in attacks in South Lebanon: Amnesty

    Rights group, Amnesty International has confirmed that “the Israeli army indiscriminately, and therefore unlawfully, used white phosphorous in an attack on Dhayra, in south Lebanon, on October 16.”

    “The attack must be investigated as a war crime,” Amnesty International posted on X.

    Countries in conversation

    Saudi defence minister Khalid bin Salman Al Saud stressed the need for “an immediate ceasefire in Gaza” as he met with US National Security adviser Jake Sullivan in Washington on Monday.

    The White House, on the other hand, reportedly said Sullivan “confirmed President [Joe] Biden’s commitment to support the defence of US partners against threats from state and non-state actors, including those backed by Iran”.

    US Secretary of State Antony Blinken also spoke with Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani about increasing humanitarian aid to Gaza on an emergency basis.

    So far, at least four captives have been released from Gaza through Qatari mediation.

    According to the Axios news, the head of Israel’s foreign intelligence agency, Mossad, visited Doha, to discuss the possible release of more hostages.

    31 journalists killed

    The Committee to Protect Journalists reports that 31 journalists have been killed in Israel-Palestine escalation.

    Among the killed are 26 Palestinians, four Israelis and one Lebanese.

    Eight journalists have been said to be injured, nine journalists are reported missing or detained.

    As per the report, more journalists have died in the current escalation than in any other conflict since 1992.

    300 targets attacked in Gaza

    About 300 targets have been attacked overnight in Gaza, Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have reportedly claimed.

    60 Palestinians arrested in occupied West Bank

    At least 60 Palestinians have been arrested across the occupied West Bank, according to the Commission of Detainees’ Affairs and the Palestinian Society Prisoner’s Club.

    Al Jazeera quotes that they have claimed “Arrests are accompanied with torture and abusive attacks against detainees and their families, as well as the policy of collective punishment, destroying property,”

    Since October 7, 1,740 arrest cases have been documented in the occupied West Bank.

  • ‘We are a family’: Friends costars release statement in wake of Matthew Perry’s death

    ‘We are a family’: Friends costars release statement in wake of Matthew Perry’s death

    Since Matthew Perry’s demise on Saturday in his Los Angeles home, social media and media organisations have waited with baited breath for his Friends’ costars to publicly address the tragedy.

    Now Courtney Cox, David Schwimmer, Lisa Kudrow, Jennifer Aniston and Matt Le Blanc have released a statement expressing their grief over the loss of their friend.

    In an exclusive statement issued to People Magazine, the five actors who starred alongside Matthew in ‘Friends’, wrote that they were devastated over the death of Matthew.

    “We are all so utterly devastated by the loss of Matthew. We were more than just cast mates. We are a family. There is so much to say, but right now we’re going to take a moment to grieve and process this unfathomable loss.”

    “In time we will say more, as and when we are able,” the statement further stated. “For now, our thoughts and our love are with Matty’s family, his friends, and everyone who loved him around the world.”

    Since the announcement of Matthew’s death, previous ‘Friends’ actors have spoken about their joy of working with him. Hank Azaria, who guest-starred as Phoebe’s boyfriend in Season 1, posted a four minute video remembering his ‘first friend I made in Los Angeles’.

    “Matthew was the first friend I made in Los Angeles. When I moved there, I was 21. He was 16,” Azaria stated. “We did a pilot together called ‘Morning Maggie’ that never saw the light of day. But Matthew and I became really good friends. And we were really more like brothers for a long time. We drank a lot together. We laughed a lot together. We were there for each other in the early days of our career.”

    Paul Rudd, who starred as Phoebe’s boyfriend and later husband from Season 8 to 10 on Friends, shared a picture of Matthew on his Instagram account and wrote in the caption: “Words can’t express how saddened I am to hear of Matthew’s passing. You will be missed so so so dearly ”