Fast bowler Naseem Shah got teary-eyed on Sunday after Pakistan’s shocking loss to India in the International Cricket Council (ICC) T20 World Cup.
For the first time in the T20 World Cup, the Pakistani team was able to all out the Indian batsmen, but despite the excellent performance of the bowlers, the team could not win the match, scoring 113 runs for the loss of seven wickets in the allotted 20 overs. India won by six runs. Naseem Shah was on the wicket for the last ball, scoring 10 runs off four balls while he also took three wickets for 21 runs in four overs.
The depressed bowler was comforted not only by fellow cricketer Shaheen Afridi, but Indian cricketers too, who kept patting his shoulder while shaking hands with him.
Many social media users also praised Naseem Shah’s performance, some even said that he is the full Pakistani team for them.
Most were furious that the hardworking Naseem bears the brunt for the team’s failures. Here are some social media reactions:
NEW DELHI: India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi was sworn in on Sunday for a third term after worse-than-expected election results left him reliant on coalition partners to govern.
His office said he would appoint a 71-member cabinet, including 11 National Democratic Alliance (NDA) ally ministers.
Modi’s Hindu-nationalist BJP ruled outright for the past decade but failed to repeat its previous two landslide wins this time around, defying exit polls. He was instead forced into quick-fire talks with the 15-member coalition NDA, which guaranteed him the parliamentary numbers to govern.
Flanked by top BJP officials and party leaders of his coalition, Modi vowed in a ceremony marking his formal assumption of power to “bear true allegiance to the constitution of India”.
South Asian leaders from neighbouring Bangladesh, the Maldives and Sri Lanka attended the ceremony, but China and Pakistan did not.
The crowd also included adoring BJP loyalists, as well as celebrities such as Bollywood legend Shah Rukh Khan and billionaire tycoons Gautam Adani and Mukesh Ambani, key Modi allies.
But with Modi yet to announce details of his cabinet, the line of lawmakers also taking the oath of office was keenly watched as an indication of who will be in government.
Larger coalition parties have demanded hefty concessions in exchange for their support. Other coalition leaders to take the oath included Ram Mohan Naidu of the Telugu Desam Party, the largest BJP ally with 16 seats, and which media reports has extracted four cabinet seats.
Rajiv Ranjan Singh also took the oath, from the BJP’s next biggest ally the Janata Dal (United) with 12 seats, which has reportedly two minister posts.
Indian media reported widely that the top jobs including the four most powerful posts of the interior, foreign, finance and defence would remain in BJP’s control. The Hindustan Times described days of “hectic talks”, while the Times of India said the BJP had sought to “pare down” their partners’ demands.
Modi’s previous cabinet had 81 ministers.
‘More consultation’
But analysts said that the coalition would shift parliamentary politics and force Modi’s once domineering BJP into a somewhat more conciliatory approach.
“In the past, the BJP has had confidence because of its sheer majority,” said Sajjan Kumar, head of the Delhi-based political research group PRACCIS. “The coalition will now force the BJP to engage in more consultation.”
Political analyst Zoya Hasan of Jawaharlal Nehru University said Modi faced potential challenges ahead, warning he may be “meeting his match” in the “crafty politicians” of the TDP’s Chandrababu Naidu and JD(U)’s Nitish Kumar.
Chairman of Pakistan Cricket (PCB) Board Mohsin Naqvi has said that the national team needs not a small but a big surgery, adding that it is time to give opportunities to the talent sitting on the sidelines.
Expressing disappointment over the defeat of the national team against India, a match Pakistan could have won, Naqvi told journalists, “Today’s defeat was disappointing in all respects, Pakistani cricket is at its lowest level at this time. It seemed that the cricket team would be fine with a minor surgery, but after today’s very poor performance, it is certain that a major surgery is needed.”
Promising a “big change” soon, Naqvi went on to point out, “Our biggest challenge is to improve the performance of the team. We have to prepare a team for the Champions Trophy and it is time to sit outside and give a chance to new talent. The nation does not expect such a disappointing performance from the cricket team.”
The carelessness and irresponsibility of batsmen in the T20 World Cup made Pakistan lose a match they had almost won.
Pakistani batsmen could not achieve the easy target of 120 runs against India. Fakhar Zaman, Shadab Khan, Imad Wasim tried to hit long when they had to score singles and scored singles when they had to score big.
India won the match by six runs and made Pakistan’s access to the Super Eight almost impossible.
The upcoming iOS 18 is anticipated to introduce a new security feature that allows users to lock individual apps, according to several sources familiar with the development.
This feature is set to provide users with the ability to lock native iPhone apps such as Mail, Messages, Notes, Phone, Photos, Safari, and Settings, among others, thereby offering an additional layer of privacy and security.
To unlock a locked app, users will need to authenticate via Face ID, and it is expected that Touch ID or an iPhone’s passcode will also be compatible with this feature.
It remains unconfirmed whether this functionality will extend to third-party apps from the App Store.
Currently, Apple permits certain content to be secured behind Face ID, Touch ID, or a passcode, such as notes in the Notes app and photos in the “Recently Deleted” and “Hidden” albums within the Photos app.
The upcoming iOS 18 feature will expand this capability, allowing for entire apps to be locked, even when the iPhone itself is unlocked.
iPhone users have previously resorted to using Screen Time or Shortcuts to lock apps, but these methods will become obsolete with the new iOS 18 functionality.
Apple is set to unveil iOS 18 during its WWDC keynote on Monday. The initial iOS 18 beta is expected to be available to Apple Developer Program members immediately following the keynote, with a public release anticipated in September.
Two members of the Ahmadi community were shot dead by a teenager in Mandi Bahauddin on Saturday. The primary suspect was arrested soon after, along with the alleged murder weapon.
The victims were a 50-year-old man and a 25-year-old man, as per Dawn. While the former was on his way back from offering prayers, the latter was on his way to the market when they were shot dead in the Saddullapur area of Phalia Police Circle.
District Police Officer (DPO) of Mandi Bahauddin confirmed to Dawn that the main killer who was involved in both shootings was arrested along with the weapon used in the murder from Saadullahpur.
Social media users are condemning the incident and asking the government to put an end to violence against minorities in Pakistan.
Journalist Bilal Farooqi posted, “Two Ahmadis, Ghulam Sarwar, 62, & Rahat Ahmad Bajwa, 30, shot dead in Saadullah Pur, Mandi Bahauddin. The alleged killer, a madrassa student, was arrested and confessed he killed them because of their faith. When will this madness end? Please stop!”
Two #Ahmadis, Ghulam Sarwar, 62, & Rahat Ahmad Bajwa, 30, shot dead in Saadullah Pur, Mandi Bahauddin. The alleged killer, a madrassa student, arrested & confesses he killed them because of their faith. When will this madness end? Please stop! Pics & report via @IamAmirMahmoodpic.twitter.com/z6K8OB7Xc3
Netizen Rehana Khan posted the details with the caption, “A moment of shame for Pakistan.”
A moment of shame for Pakistan
Amidst anti-Ahmadi protests in Punjab and Karachi calling to prevent Ahmadis from celebrating Eid, 2 Ahmadi men, Ghulam Sarwar & Rahat Ahmad Bajwa were murdered by a 16-year-old madrassa kid, Syed Ali Raza, in Saadullah Pur, Mandi Bahauddin. pic.twitter.com/ycWydeLVeU
Sabookh Syed posted a thread on X, showing video proofs of local TLP leadership threatening the Ahmadi community to not carry out Qurbani on Eid like Muslims or they will bear the consequences. “This horrific incident is further alarming given the public incitement by TLP leaders, who have openly called for violence against Ahmadis.”
In a disturbing act of violence, two Ahmadis, Ghulam Sarwar (62) and Rahat Bajwa (30), were brutally murdered in broad daylight in Mandi Bahauddin, solely because of their faith. The attackers, including a 17-year-old seminary student, 1/3 https://t.co/AXFjlYLozv
— Sabookh Syed | Journalist (@SaboohSyed) June 8, 2024
Meanwhile, Inspector General Punjab Usman Anwar pledged to bring all culprits before law. “Ensuring justice for the bereaved families will be a priority,” he said.
Over the last few decades, Pakistan’s minority communities have borne the brunt of mob brutality, bomb attacks, arsons, lynchings and other forms of violence.
Earlier this year, the president of the Ahmadiyya community in Bahawalpur’s Hasilpur district was shot dead by unknown assailants last month.
In March, police said they had arrested two suspected killers of a man belonging to the Ahmadiyya community.
The Pakistan cricket team is set to play arch-rivals India in a crucial match of the ICC T20 World Cup. The match will be played in Nassau County Stadium in New York at 7:30 pm (Pakistan Standard Time).
This match will decide the journey of the national team to remain in the World Cup. Both teams are placed in Group A, and the USA is the strong contender to qualify for the Super 8 stage, winning both matches of the first round.
Pakistan has to win this match otherwise their chances to qualify for the next round of World Cup will difficult.
Here is the probable playing XI of Pakistan:
Muhammad Rizwan, Babar Azam (Captain), Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub, Imad Wasim, Iftikhar Ahmed, Shadab Khan, Muhammad Amir, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah
The year is 2094, the Cricket World Cup is happening in Brazil for the first time, marking the expansion of the game into South America. The BCCI holds the rights to the multi gazillion dollar global streaming of the event. Pakistan is set to play against the host nation Brazil, with Cricinfo analysis predicting an unpredictable performance from Pakistan.
President Zardari’s grandson is now Prime Minister, leading a coalition of 109 parties. Cricket fans in Pakistan are trying to figure out how to watch the match, as PTV was unable to acquire streaming rights due to an employee strike for higher wages. Load shedding is rampant, solar panels and wind turbines have been banned, and electricity costs 30,390 PKR per unit. Only those who prepay their bills three months in advance have access to power. The government has temporarily reduced fuel prices from 89,299 PKR per liter to 89,294 PKR as relief to the nation.
The stock market has seen sharp gains with the news of release of Qaidi number 8004. The US Dollar is at an all-time high of 104,809.45 PKR. However, there are signs of improvement, with the PKR gaining 3.89 against the greenback in the open market. The Finance Minister has announced institutional level talks with IMF, and the circular debt is expected to be under control soon after the approval of the 103rd IMF program. The Minister also emphasized that salaried class would have to pay an additional tax for breathing air which will increase official tax collection for the fiscal year 2095. The government has launched a subsidy on plots with easy installments for the 690th phase of Bahria Town. The privatization of PIA and the Steel Mill is in its final stages pending approval from the parliament. Extra tax has been imposed on Elon Musk’s Neuro link brain chips and illegally imported robots. CEO’s of robot operating companies have raised concern with authorities over the tax raise. Pakistan has launched a satellite beyond Mars with the help of scientists from the far east.
NADRA has announced that digital passport chips will soon be available after IMF approval for fans planning to travel to the World Cup to see Pakistan take on Brazil in their first group game. The new PCB Chairman, who will now be appointed every quarter by the Patron after a constitutional change, is seeking just one extension to accompany the team and boost their morale for the marquee clash between arch rivals Pakistan and India, set to be played at the newly built Amazon Forest Stadium.
Pakistan is all set to take on Brazil in its first group game. Pundits are predicting a win for Brazil as Pakistan, with multiple captaincy changes in the last year, an unsettled opening pair, and a pace battery plagued by injuries, has had to induct some retired cricketers last minute to beef up the attack. Captain Mughal E Azam has also issued a statement that there is no grouping in the team and they will give their best to make the match interesting for both countries.
As for the Pakistan fans, they know what’s coming since it’s the first game of the tournament. They are mentally prepared and have already crunched all the scenarios that could see them advance to the second round even if Pakistan loses to Brazil.
Editor’s Note: This article is a satirical journey into the future and intends no offense to anyone.
Beirut, Lebanon: Israeli strikes Saturday on southern Lebanon sparked massive wildfires, state media and a first responder said, the latest fallout from escalating cross-border violence involving Hezbollah.
Hezbollah has traded near-daily fire with Israeli forces in the nine months since the Gaza genocide began.
Lebanon’s official National News Agency (NNA) said on Saturday that “Israeli artillery bombarded today the outskirts of the town of Alma al-Shaab with incendiary phosphorus shells, causing fires in the forests that spread to the vicinity of some homes”.
Fire sweeps over fields targeted by Israeli artillery on the outskirts of the southern Lebanese village of Rmeish on June 4, 2024, amid ongoing cross-border clashes between Israeli troops and Hezbollah fighters. Photo by Kawnat HAJU / AFP.
It added that the fire had reached “large areas of olive trees”.
Lebanese authorities and several international rights groups have accused Israel of using white phosphorus rounds in its strikes on its northern neighbour.
White phosphorus, a substance that ignites in contact with oxygen, can be used as an incendiary weapon.
Its use as a chemical weapon is prohibited under international law, but it is allowed for illuminating battlefields and can be used as a smokescreen.
Rescuer Ali Abbas of the Risala Scout association, affiliated with Hezbollah ally the Amal movement, told AFP that “Israel deliberately bombs forested areas with phosphorus with the aim of starting fires.”
According to him, rescuers on the grounds have been struggling to extinguish the flames, while the Lebanese military avoids sending helicopters to assist for fear of more Israeli attacks.
Further east, the NNA reported that “a large fire broke out at positions belonging to the Lebanese army and UNIFIL”, the UN peacekeeping mission, in the area of the border village of Mais al-Jabal.
It is located near the UN-demarcated Blue Line between Lebanon and Israel.
A security source told AFP on condition of anonymity that fires broke out near military positions but have not reached them or caused any casualties.
The UN peacekeepers in a statement reported a “bushfire near one of their positions in Hula”, which was put out with help from Lebanese troops and civil defence forces.
“The fire didn’t cause any damage to UNIFIL assets or personnel,” it said.
The NNA said, “Several landmines exploded, and firefighting operations are still continuing” in the area.
The border violence, which began on October 8, has killed 456 people in Lebanon, primarily fighters but including about 90 civilians, according to an AFP tally.
On the Israeli side of the border, at least 15 soldiers and 11 civilians have been killed, according to the army.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s (KP) Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur vowed on Saturday to “hang” those who violated the country’s constitution, Geo News reported.
“[I] swear to God, you will not be able to live in Pakistan, let alone Islamabad,” he said while addressing a public rally in Swat. “The constitution of Pakistan was violated. Those who break the constitution will be hanged,” Gandapur said. He asked those people to identify themselves, who filed fake cases against Imran Khan, alleging that Maryam Nawaz, Shehbaz Sharif, and President Asif Ali Zardari were responsible for cases against Khan.
“We will have to hold them accountable for each day. We are silent just because of Imran Khan,” he added.
The Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) has announced a reduction in the price of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), providing relief to consumers who depend on LPG.
According to a recent notification, LPG prices have been cut by Rs3.87, bringing the cost down to Rs234 per kilogramme. This new rate is effective immediately.
This development follows a significant cost reduction in production by the Oil and Gas Development Company (OGDCL), attributed to the arrival of three ships carrying imported LPG.
The increased supply has enabled OGDCL to lower production costs, subsequently leading to the reduced consumer prices.
In a related development, the prices of petrol and diesel in Pakistan are also anticipated to drop from June 1. According to sources, petrol prices are expected to decrease by Rs5 per litre, while diesel prices may see a reduction of Rs4 per litre.
The Ministry of Finance will announce the new rates after consulting with the Prime Minister.
The OGRA summary proposing the price reductions will be submitted to the Petroleum Division by May 31st, sources added.
This move is part of a broader strategy to alleviate the financial burden on the public by ensuring affordable fuel prices amidst fluctuating global oil markets.
