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  • Champion Trophy’s likely hybrid model revealed: Report

    Champion Trophy’s likely hybrid model revealed: Report

    A proposed version of the hybrid model of the International Cricket Council (ICC) Champion Trophy has come to light.

    Indian cricket website Cricket Buzz has claimed that 15 matches have been scheduled for the event from February 19 to March 9, out of which Pakistan will host 10 matches and one semi-final. A proposal to shift five games, including the other semi-final and the final, to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is under consideration.

    If Pakistan accepts the hybrid model (which is unlikely), then broadcasters will have to face serious operational and logistical challenges. Meanwhile, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) may be given concessions and additional money if it accepts the proposal. 

    Reports say that bookings for venues, hotels and travel arrangements will also have to be made for a semi-final and a final.

    The ICC is still not able to make a final decision on where India’s matches should be held, while South Africa’s name is also under consideration for hosting the Trophy, but the South African board has clearly refuted the reports. 

    In case the meeting decides on the basis of voting that the matches should be held under the hybrid model, it will be the first time that the tournament has been shifted to another place due to the non-participation of just one team from the event, there is no such example in the past.

    14 members, including board members participating in the board of directors meeting, will be able to cast votes.

    After this decision, Pakistan may withdraw from tournaments to be held in India, which include the Women’s World Cup and Men’s Asia Cup next year, as well as the T20 World Cup in 2026.

  • PTI calls off Islamabad protest

    PTI calls off Islamabad protest

    Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has called off its Islamabad sit-in for the time being following Tuesday night clashes between demonstrators and security forces.

     

    PTI’s official X (formerly Twitter) account issued a press release on Wednesday morning that reads, “In view of the government’s brutality and the government’s plan to turn the capital into a slaughterhouse for unarmed citizens, [we] announce the suspension of the peaceful protest for the time being.” 

     

    On Tuesday night, security forces launched an operation at D Chowk to disperse the protestors.

     

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    Reportedly, prior to the operation, markets in all nearby areas were closed, and streetlights were also turned off; the operation was completed within two and a half hours, leading to the arrest of more than 500 protesters from D-Chowk and its nearby areas.

     

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    In some videos posted on social media, scenes of D-Chowk after the operation are shown, and dozens of broken windows of vehicles can be seen on the federal capital’s Jinnah Avenue. 

     

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    PTI, in its statement shared on X, appealed to the Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP), Yahya Afridi, to take suo motu notice of the alleged “brutal murder of martyred [party] workers” and order legal action against the prime minister and interior minister as well as Islamabad and Punjab police chiefs for “attempt to murder”.

     

    Two demonstrators were killed and over 60 injured in clashes between security forces and protestors on Tuesday night.

     

    The Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) confirmed the civilian death toll.

     

    On the contrary, the PTI, in a statement, claimed that “dozens” of its workers were shot at directly and killed, saying that the party had the details of eight deceased.


    Meanwhile, former First Lady Bushra Bibi, Chief Minister (CM) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Ali Amin Gandapur and National Assembly Opposition Leader Omar Ayub Khan will address an “emergency” press conference today.

  • Ceasefire between Israel, Hezbollah starts now

    Ceasefire between Israel, Hezbollah starts now

    The ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon took effect on Wednesday after more than a year of fighting that has killed thousands of people.

    The truce, which began at 4:00 am (0200 GMT), should bring to a halt a war that has forced tens of thousands of people in Israel and hundreds of thousands more in Lebanon to flee their homes. The war has seen areas of Lebanon pounded by air strikes and Israeli troops deployed across the border to battle Hezbollah militants.

    It began with Hezbollah launching cross-border strikes in support of its Palestinian ally Hamas following its October 7, 2023 attack on Israel.

    US President Joe Biden announced the ceasefire agreement on Tuesday, as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said his ministers had agreed to a halt.

    The United States is Israel’s key ally and military backer, and Biden hailed the deal as “good news” and a “new start” for Lebanon. 

    Netanyahu thanked Biden for his involvement in brokering the deal and said it would allow Israel to focus on Hamas in Gaza and Iran.

    Under the terms of the Lebanon truce, Israel will maintain “full” freedom to act against Hezbollah if it pose any new threat, Netanyahu said.

    Lebanon says at least 3,823 people have been killed in the country since exchanges of fire began in October 2023, most of them in the past several weeks when Israel escalated its campaign against Hezbollah.

    On the Israeli side, the hostilities with Hezbollah have killed at least 82 soldiers and 47 civilians, authorities say.

    The hours before the truce took effect were some of the most violent in the war.

    Israel conducted a spate of strikes on the heart of the Lebanese capital on Tuesday, while Hezbollah claimed attacks on northern Israel after the truce was announced. 

    Hezbollah did not participate in any direct talks for the truce, with Lebanese parliamentary speaker Nabih Berri mediating on its behalf. It has yet to formally comment on the truce.

     Focus on Iran and Gaza

    The war in Lebanon has left Hezbollah massively weakened but not crushed. It lost its longtime leader, Hassan Nasrallah, in a massive air strike in September, as well as a string of top commanders in other raids.

    A truce in Lebanon, Netanyahu said, will permit Israel to redirect its focus on Gaza, “When Hezbollah is out of the picture, Hamas is left alone in the fight. Our pressure on it will intensify,” Netanyahu said.

    The agreement will also enable “focusing on the Iranian threat” and give Israel’s military time to resupply, he added. 

    Iran is the main backer of both Hezbollah and Hamas, as well as other anti-Israeli groups.

    Iran itself has fired two barrages of missiles and drones at Israel since the outbreak of Israeli aggression in Gaza, most of which were intercepted by Israel or its allies. 

    ‘Blown away’

    In Lebanon, the war has forced nearly 900,000 people to flee their homes, the UN says.

    Biden said the ceasefire deal was designed to be a “permanent cessation of hostilities” between Israel and Hezbollah.

    Under the agreement, the Lebanese army would take control of the border area on their side and “what is left of Hezbollah and other terrorist organisations will not be allowed… to threaten the security of Israel again”, he said.

    Hezbollah was the only armed group that refused to surrender its weapons after the 1975-1990 Lebanese civil war ended.

    To date, the group has maintained a strong presence in parts of Lebanon and its arsenal is believed to be more powerful than that of the national army.

    Divided Lebanon has been in crisis for years and will struggle to return to a semblance of normalcy even after a truce.

    The United States and France would ensure the deal was fully implemented, Biden said.

    The announcements followed a flurry of strikes on central Beirut as well as on Hezbollah’s bastion in the southern suburbs.

    One strike hit the normally busy Hamra district, home to residential buildings, restaurants, offices, shops, the American University of Beirut and its associated hospital.

    Earlier, Lebanon’s state-run National News Agency reported that three strikes hit the central Nweiri neighbourhood and destroyed a “four-storey building housing displaced people”.

    “We were blown away and the walls fell on top of us,” said Rola Jaafar, who lives in the building opposite.

    Iran’s response

    Iran on Wednesday welcomed the end of Israel’s “aggression” in Lebanon, after a ceasefire deal came into force between Israel and Hezbollah.

    “Welcoming the news” of the end of Israel’s “aggression against Lebanon”, foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said in a statement, stressing Iran’s “firm support for the Lebanese government, nation and resistance”.

    United Nations

    A top UN official welcomed the ceasefire agreement but warned that “considerable work lies ahead” to implement the deal.

    “Nothing less than the full and unwavering commitment of both parties is required,” UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, said in a statement.

  • Cricket Australia remembers Phil Hughes on 10th death anniversary

    Cricket Australia remembers Phil Hughes on 10th death anniversary

    On November 27, 2024, Cricket Australia honoured the memory of Phillip Hughes on the 10th anniversary of his tragic passing.

    10 years ago today (2014) in Sydney, Philip was hit on the head by a ball bowled by Sean Abbott during a Sheffield Shield match, losing his life to the injury.

    Today, the players observed a minute’s silence in the Sheffield Shield match between New South Wales and Tasmania in memory of Philip Hughes.

    Emotional scenes were seen at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

    Sean Abbott was also among those paying tribute at the Sydney Cricket Ground, and he became emotional on this occasion, which was encouraged by his fellow players.

    On the completion of 10 years after the death of the former cricketer, a loving message was also issued by the family of Philip Hughes.

    He represented Australia in 26 Tests, 25 ODIs and one T20I match.

  • Nadaan ends on a high note: Intense action and a powerful social message

    Nadaan ends on a high note: Intense action and a powerful social message

     HUM TV’s miniseries drama serial Nadaan concluded its impactful journey with an emotionally charged and thought provoking final episode.  


     Directed by Mehreen Jabbar and written by seasoned writer Saji Gul, the series tackled religious exploitation (Peeri – Mureedi), mob violence and intolerance and metal health, corruption in police and politics, drug addiction and trafficking.  

      The last episode showcased Dr. Tabeer as Ramsha Khan, escaping a life threatening situation.

    After being falsely accused and targeted by a mob, she is rescued by the police, ensuring a safe return to her job. 

    This particular scene not only brought relief to viewers but also highlighted the triumph of justice in the face of chaos.

    SHO Haider, portrayed by Ahmed Ali Akbar, emerged as a symbol of integrity, as he was promoted for his unwavering dedication to upholding the law.


    What made Nadaan truly stand out was its ability to address multiple issues without overwhelming the audience. 

    The drama boldly portrayed the harsh realities of politics, corruption in the police force, and the challenges faced by girls in accessing education.

    Despite its serious and sensitive themes, Nadaan also offered moments of hope and redemption. 

    A standout moment was when Tayyab, played by Kashif Hussain, responsible for much of the chaos in Jam Nagar, was saved, rescued from a mob’s anger due to Safiya Subhan’ s calm intervention at the hospital.

    The scene powerfully showed how lies and hatred can be countered by rational voices, sending a strong and meaningful message.


    The final scenes, where Tayyab faces the mob and the police intervene just in time to save Dr. Tabeer, were among the most powerful moments of the drama.

    The performances in Nadaan were nothing short of remarkable. 

     Ramsha Khan, Ahmed Ali Akbar delivered compelling portrayals of their characters.

    The stellar and brilliant performance by both of them brought the story to life.


     
    A special shout out to Bakhtawar Mazhar for her standout role as Safiya Subhan.

    Her character’s strength and determination were key to some of the drama’s most impactful moments.   

    Equally impressive was Kashif Hussain, whose nuanced performance added depth to his role, making each of his appearances memorable.   

    His character was as powerful as the antagonist, who is always spelling trouble around Jam Nagar Karachi.  


    Hammad Shoiab also left a mark as Dr Usama, and his character was well defined. 


    Overall Nadaan was a well-crafted drama by Saji Gul not only reflecting the issues troubling society but also a call for change.  


    With its strong performance, sharp writing and direction, it has left an indelible mark. Kudos to the entire team of Nadaan for bringing relevant story to life.

    Nadaan is a reminder of the power of storytelling to address the most important issues we face, and it has set the bar high for future dramas. Saji Gul deserves credit for bringing this amazing story to life, always comes different and write about the societal issues.  


    Special credit goes to producer Sultana Siddiqui for selecting this script and to Mehreen Jabbar who brilliant direction created magic brought this project life in such an impactful way.

  • ICC calls board meeting on Champions Trophy hosting issue

    ICC calls board meeting on Champions Trophy hosting issue

    The International Cricket Council (ICC) has called a board meeting on November 29 to consider the future of Champions Trophy 2025 due in Pakistan next February.

    According to reports, the meeting will be held online, and the agenda will be sent to all board members.

    The scheduling and future of the Champions Trophy will be considered during the meeting, reports said, adding that various options will be discussed during the meeting. These options include a hybrid model, a complete transfer from Pakistan or the postponement of the tournament.

    The board’s preference is to adopt a hybrid model; however, the PCB has already opposed the same.

    The ICC will take a final decision on the Champions Trophy after considering all opinions and suggestions by the board members.

    India has refused to come to Pakistan and participate in the tournament whereas Pakistan is adamant on its stance of not accepting any hybrid model.

    Meanwhile, due to Indian stubbornness, the ICC has not yet been able to announce the schedule.

    The ICC is facing pressure from broadcasters to announce the schedule at the earliest and as per broadcast rights. The ICC may also face legal action if Pakistan-India match is not held.

  • One woman killed by partner, relative every 10 minutes worldwide: UN

    One woman killed by partner, relative every 10 minutes worldwide: UN

    One woman was killed by a partner or relative every 10 minutes worldwide in 2023, the United Nations warned Monday, stressing that femicides remained at “alarmingly high levels”.

    Almost 85,000 women and girls were murdered by people last year, according to a joint report by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the UN Women agency published Monday.

    About 60 percent-or more than 51,000 women and girls-died at the hands of their partner or relative, the report found.

    This equates to 140 women killed per day or one every 10 minutes by those closest to them.

    “The home remains the most dangerous place for women and girls in terms of the risk of lethal victimisation,” the report said.

    While men were four times more likely than women to fall victim to homicide — forming 80 percent of all murder victims last year — they more often than not died at the hands of a stranger.

    Africa had the most severe toll with 21,700 women killed by someone close to them in 2023.

    The lowest femicide rates were in Europe (2,300 murders in absolute numbers) and Asia.

    Despite efforts in some countries to prevent femicides, they remain “at alarmingly high levels” due to deep-rooted gender inequality and damaging stereotypes.

    “We must confront and dismantle the gender biases, power imbalances, and harmful norms that perpetuate violence against women,” UNODC Executive Director Ghada Waly said in a statement accompanying the report.

    Data from countries including France indicated that femicides are often the “culmination” of repeated episodes of violence and can be prevented by measures such as restraining orders.

    UN Women Executive Director Sima Bahous said robust legislation, greater government accountability, and increased funding for women’s rights organisations and institutional bodies are needed to stem violence against women.

    Furthermore, improved data collection from different antional sources — including media reports — and a “zero-tolerance culture” are essential in tackling femicides, she said.

    The report is based on available data from 107 countries or territories, and information the UNODC has collected from responses submitted by member states.

    Its release coincides with the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.

  • What was said in ‘strict message’ sent to Imran Khan? Muneeb Farooq has the details

    What was said in ‘strict message’ sent to Imran Khan? Muneeb Farooq has the details

    Senior journalist Muneeb Farooq on Monday revealed that a strict message was sent through Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leadership to incarcerated party founder Imran Khan regarding the party’s ongoing violent protest.

    Muneeb Farooq, on his YouTube channel, stated that the party founder had been told to behave or face repercussions for altercations with law enforcement. 

    On Monday night, Chairman PTI Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, along with former speaker of the  National Assembly Asad Qaiser and Shibli Faraz, met the party founder in Adiala Jail Rawalpindi to discuss the next strategy as the protest goes on. 


    “Don’t listen to Bushra Bibi’s directions [on protest],” the journalist quoted the strict message that had also been conveyed to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf leaders on November 25.

    The political analyst further stated that both the establishment and the federal government had refused to accept PTI’s three demands.

    PTI demanded the revocation of the recently passed 26th Constitutional Amendment and the release of political prisoners, including Imran Khan, and the restoration of PTI’s electoral mandate.

    Last night, Naqvi seemed to confirm talks with the protesting opposition party, saying that the government had offered the Sangjani area for protest; however, reportedly, consensus was not reached between the government and Pakistan’s biggest opposition party.

    The Sangjani was the same venue on the outskirts of the federal capital where the PTI held its Sept 8 rally.

    Meanwhile, multiple PTI demonstrators have reached Islamabad’s roundabout D Chowk, and it can be seen that party followers are embracing security officials at the top containers of D Chowk in social media posts.

    However, the PTI convoy led by Chief Minister (CM) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Ali Amin Gandapur and Imran Khan’s spouse Bushra Bibi crossed the federal capital Blue Area and was only a few Kilometers (KM) short of reaching D Chowk.

    Speaking to the media in Islamabad, Information and Broadcasting Minister Attaullah Tarar has said that former First Lady Bushra Bibi was dead set on getting people killed.

    Tarar alleged that Bushra Bibi used others’ children as pawns, noting, “There is still time to stop and go back.”

  • CCTV footage debunks claims of Rangers’ vehicle crushing security personnel

    CCTV footage debunks claims of Rangers’ vehicle crushing security personnel

    The release of a CCTV footage on social media has rubbished earlier claims that four Rangers personnel were crushed by security vehicles amid violent protests by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) in and around Islamabad.

     

    The PTI, on founder Imran Khan’s call, has marched on the federal capital in protests that went violent with clashes between party workers and law enforcement personnel. The law and order situation took a turn for the worse as at least four Rangers personnel and two cops were martyred on Tuesday morning at around 3 am.

     

    With law enforcement claiming that the Rangers personnel were crushed by a fast-moving vehicle from one of PTI’s convoys, the party claimed that the vehicle belonged to paramilitary personnel themselves.

     

    Safeer Ali, an eyewitness of the incident and brother of the civilian who was also killed in the incident near Islamabad’s Chongi Number 26, claimed that he looked on as “fleeing police and Rangers deliberately ran people over as they sped away”.

     

     


    The claim, which went viral after Ali’s interview to senior journalist Matiullah Jan outside Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), was, however, debunked after the release of CCTV footage of the incident.

    The CCTV footage showed a Rangers check-post with a group of paramilitary troops standing at ease. In the background, a private vehicle can be seen crushing a separate group of Rangers personnel as it speeds away.

     

     

    “The video clearly shows that the witness lied about the details of the incident in his interview. He had said that, ‘I was standing there with my brother and PTI supporter who was a former FC [Frontier Constabulary] soldier. Rangers crushed him while fleeing. [The video shows] no witnesses or Rangers fleeing. They are standing at ease,” journalist Waseem Abbasi wrote while sharing the CCTV on his X (formerly Twitter) account.

     

    Meanwhile, the federal government, in wake of violent protests and deaths of security personnel, has deployed army in Islamabad by invoking Article 245 of the Constitution. 

     

    A notification issued by the Interior Ministry said that army has been authorised to impose a curfew in any locality deemed necessary to maintain law and order.

     

    Security forces have also reportedly been authorised to shoot miscreants and rioters on sight.

     

    By the time this report was filed, PTI demonstrators had reached their destination, D-Chowk, amid intense tear-gas shelling.

     

  • Malaika Arora spotted with mystery man amidst separation from Arjun Kapoor

    Malaika Arora spotted with mystery man amidst separation from Arjun Kapoor

    A video of Bollywood actress Malaika Arora holding hands with an unidentified man outside a local hotel has gone viral on social media.

    The footage, which shows Malaika along with her sister Amrita Arora also present, has sparked curiosity among fans about the identity of the mystery man.


    The clip comes to light at a time when Malaika Arora and actor Arjun Kapoor have publicly confirmed their separation. 


    The couple, who started dating in 2018 and made their relationship official in 2019, recently announced their split during the promotions for Arjun Kapoor’s latest film, ‘Singham Again’.


    Malaika Arora, who divorced Arbaaz Khan in 2017, was seen in a stylish white top and olive green pants, while the mystery man wore a pink shirt and blue jeans.


     Fans have been speculating about the nature of their relationship and the identity of the man.


    The video has intensified the buzz around Malaika’s personal life, especially following the news of her separation from Arjun Kapoor.

    Earlier, his father Anil Arora committed suicide by jumping from the terrace of the sixth floor of the building. The incident occurred at around 10:30 am on 11 September, Wednesday at his home in Bandra.

    According to media reports, police reached the spot and recovered the body, initiating an investigation into the suicide.

    DCP Crime Branch Raj Tilak Roshan shared the latest update, saying, “We are conducting a thorough investigation and our team, along with forensic experts, is actively involved in the process.”

    After the news of Malaika Arora’s father’s demise, her close friends and other Bollywood celebrities have gathered to offer their support and condolence to her.

    Arbaaz Khan, Malaika’s ex-husband, also arrived at the Arora parents’ home. His father Salim Khan, his wife, and his son Sohail Khan also arrived to offer condolences.