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Author: News Desk

  • Global condemnations pour in as Israel recognises Somaliland as independent state

    Global condemnations pour in as Israel recognises Somaliland as independent state

    The Arab League, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), the African Union (AU) and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) have all criticised Israel’s formal recognition of Somaliland as an independent state. 

    Somaliland, a breakaway region in the Horn of Africa, declared its independence from Somalia in 1991. Despite decades of functional autonomy and relative security, no country recognised Somaliland until Friday when Israel declared it a “independent and sovereign state”.

    Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi praised the decision, describing it a “historic moment” and the beginning of a “strategic partnership”.

    The announcement sparked immediate backlash. Somalia described Israel’s recognition as a “deliberate attack” on its sovereignty, threatening regional peace. The AU cautioned that the move risked “setting a dangerous precedent with far-reaching implications for peace and stability across the continent”. 

    The AU Commission chair, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, stated that the bloc “firmly rejects any initiative or action aimed at recognising Somaliland as an independent entity, recalling that Somaliland remains an integral part of the Federal Republic of Somalia”.

    Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit described Israel’s action as “a clear violation of international law and a flagrant infringement of the principle of the unity and sovereignty of states”. 

    The GCC issued a statement describing the recognition as “a grave violation of the principles of international law and a blatant infringement” on Somali sovereignty. According to Secretary-General Jasem Albudaiwi, the decision “represents a dangerous precedent that will undermine the foundations of stability in the Horn of Africa region and open the door to further tensions and conflicts”.

    The OIC, along with foreign ministers from Pakistan, Jordan, Egypt, Algeria, Comoros, Djibouti, Gambia, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Libya, Maldives, Nigeria, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, Turkey and Yemen also issued a joint statement condemning Israel’s recognition. 


    They said that the action had “serious repercussions on peace and security in the Horn of Africa, the Red Sea and international peace and security as a whole” in addition to “Israel’s full and blatant disregard for international law”. 

    The statement also disregarded “any potential link between such measure and any attempts to forcibly expel the Palestinian people out of their land”.

    Meanwhile, Pakistan’s deputy prime minister (PM), who is also the foreign minister (FM), Ishaq Dar reaffirmed Islamabad’s support for Somalia in calls with Somali and Egyptian officials, promising to raise Somalia’s concerns at the United Nations (UN) and other multilateral forums.

    The Palestinian Foreign Ministry warned that Israel had previously identified Somaliland “as a destination for the forced displacement of our Palestinian people, particularly from the Gaza Strip” and urged the international community to prevent any complicity with such plans.

    Somalia’s al-Qaeda-linked armed group al-Shabab also condemned the recognition, pledging to fight any attempt by Israel “to claim or use parts of Somaliland”.

    While Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu, on the other hand, framed the decision as part of the “spirit of the Abraham Accords”, the United States (US) distanced itself from the move.

    Asked whether Washington planned to recognise Somaliland, President Donald Trump said, “No. Does anyone know what Somaliland is, really?”

  • Internet loses it as Ronaldo says ‘Insha’Allah’ for 1,000 goals target

    Internet loses it as Ronaldo says ‘Insha’Allah’ for 1,000 goals target

    Portuguese football legend Cristiano Ronaldo won the Middle East Player of the Year award for the third consecutive time at the Globe Soccer Awards in Dubai, declaring his ambition to reach 1,000 career goals.

    The 40-year-old star beat prominent players including Karim Benzema, Salem Al-Dawsari and Riyad Mahrez to claim the honor. Ronaldo scored 40 goals across all competitions during 2025, showcasing his remarkable form and consistent performance.

    The Al-Nassr forward, whose contract runs until mid-2027, delivered an emotional speech after receiving the award.

    “It’s very hard to play more, but my passion is high and I’m ready to play more,” Ronaldo said. “Regardless of whether I play in the Middle East or in Europe, I love playing football, scoring goals and winning trophies,” he added.

    He then revealed his ultimate target. “You all know what my goal is. I want to win more trophies and I want to score a thousand goals,” Ronaldo said. “If I don’t get injured, I will definitely score a thousand goals, Inshallah.”

    Football fans across social media celebrated the Portuguese icon’s achievement and determination.

    Inshallah? He’s a Muslim now?” one user questioned.


    “Every time he says inshallah publicly he gets a €1M bonus from Saudi,” another user joked.


    “Inshallah indeed,” a user wrote with the clapping emoji.


    “His name is literally Cristiano lol,” one person pointed out.


    “Musalmano Ronaldo,” another user wrote with a heart emoji.


    “You can’t hate this man,” one fan commented.

    “Ronaldo rocks,” another user wrote.


    “Classic Ronaldo, aiming for the ultimate goal, let’s go!” a user added.

    Ronaldo currently has 956 career goals across club and international football. His declaration to reach 1,000 goals would require him to score 44 more goals.

  • VIDEO: Two PIA cabin crew suspended after public fight at Jeddah airport

    VIDEO: Two PIA cabin crew suspended after public fight at Jeddah airport

    Two Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) flight attendants have been suspended following a public altercation at the Jeddah International departure lounge. 

    The incident occurred as the flight was preparing to depart for Multan and was captured on video, which quickly circulated on social media and drew widespread attention.

    According to the airline, the scuffle took place on December 23, while an immediate intervention by airport personnel prevented the situation from escalating further. 

    A PIA spokesperson confirmed that both crew members involved have been suspended pending a thorough internal investigation, with disciplinary action to follow once all facts are verified.

    This is not the first time PIA cabin crew have faced disciplinary scrutiny. In a separate incident last year, two male air hosts, Khalid Afridi and Fida Hussain, reportedly failed to report for duty on a flight from Islamabad to Toronto, forcing the airline to operate without them. 

    PIA contacted Canadian authorities at the time, and strict action was promised once the investigation concluded.

    The incident comes at a time of major transition for PIA, which has recently been privatised. Arif Habib Consortium acquired the national carrier after submitting the highest bid of Rs135 billion, narrowly surpassing the Lucky Consortium, which had offered Rs134 billion.

    Under the terms of the deal, the government will receive Rs10.2 billion in cash, while the consortium has acquired a 75 percent majority stake in the airline. Officials note that this marks the first major privatisation in Pakistan in nearly two decades.

  • Adil Raja proscribed under Anti-Terrorism Act

    Adil Raja proscribed under Anti-Terrorism Act

    Adil Farooq Raja, a former army man turned YouTuber, has been placed on the Fourth Schedule of the Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997, by the federal government. 


    The government had “reasonable grounds” to suspect Raja of engaging in actions endangering Pakistan’s security, integrity, and public order, according to a notification released by the interior ministry on December 27.

    “He has consistently misused online platforms to promote, facilitate, and amplify anti-state narratives and propaganda associated with proscribed terrorist organisations, thereby acting in a manner prejudicial to the sovereignty and defence of Pakistan,” the notification said.

    The Anti-Terrorism Act’s Section 11EE, which gives the federal government the authority to put people on the Fourth Schedule as proscribed persons, was cited as the basis for the decision. 


    A summary of Raja’s proscription was authorized by the federal cabinet before the notification was sent out. On December 23, the interior ministry provided the summary.


    Raja is a former Pakistan Army officer and currently resides in the United Kingdom. He runs a YouTube channel and has described himself publicly as a whistleblower.


    About 20 days earlier, UK High Commissioner Jane Marriott received the extradition paperwork for Raja and former prime minister Shahzad Akbar from Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi.


    Before that, Naqvi had said that authorities would seek the repatriation of UK-based YouTubers who were allegedly targeting state institutions and had initiated a crackdown on people spreading what the government referred to as “fake news.”

    Reacting to the developement, Raja wrote in a post on X: “They may call the British High Commissioner to complain, but such a complaint is itself unlawful under UK statutes, as we have committed no wrongdoing.”

    Earlier this month, a London high court ordered Raja to pay £350,000 in damages and legal costs after ruling that he had defamed a former intelligence officer through allegations of corruption and electoral interference.

    In 2023, Raja was sentenced to 14 years in prison following a Field General Court Martial on charges of inciting sedition and was stripped of his military rank.

    After PTI founder Imran Khan was arrested, Islamabad police accused Raja and another YouTuber from the UK, retired Captain Haider Raza Mehdi, of inciting unrest and attacks on military installations. 

    The military’s media affairs wing did not directly connect the court martial proceedings to the events of May 9, 2023.

  • Mother, three children found hanging in Karachi’s Sohrab Goth

    Mother, three children found hanging in Karachi’s Sohrab Goth

    The bodies of a woman and her three children have been found hanging inside a house near Machhar Colony in Karachi’s Sohrab Goth on Sunday, police have confirmed. 


    After the incident was reported, a crime scene unit went to the house, Sohrab Goth police have said. Evidence has been gathered from the scene and investigation is underway.

    The remains were taken to Abbasi Shaheed Hospital for a post-mortem examination, according to police surgeon Dr. Summaiya Syed. The children were 10, three, and two years old, while their mother’s age was determined to be around 35.

     
    “We have collected all samples for chemical analysis,” Dr Syed said, adding that the cause of death has been reserved until laboratory reports are received.

    There were no indications of a conflict within the home, Zubair Nazir Shaikh, East Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), has states. Neighbors did not report hearing any arguments or disturbances during the incident, he continued.

    “The husband told police that he works at the New Subzi Mandi and had left for work around 4am,” SSP Shaikh said. “When he returned several hours later, he found his wife and three children dead.”

    The SSP said police were waiting for autopsy reports before drawing any conclusions. “It would be premature at this stage to reach any final conclusion,” he said.

    According to Sohrab Goth Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Aurangzeb Khattak, preliminary findings indicated that the woman killed the children before taking her own life. He claimed that the issue seemed to be related to domestic problems.

    “The woman was an Afghan national, while her husband originally belonged to Punjab,” DSP Khattak said. He added that the woman was reportedly emotionally disturbed and allegedly used to beat the children.

    The husband had admitted to authorities that there had previously been disagreements between the couple. “Her husband sometimes, in a fit of anger, used to threaten her that he would marry another woman if she did not stop beating the children,” the DSP narrated. 

    The officer clarified that the husband has not been taken into custody but is being questioned as part of the investigation. “The man told police that when he returned from his job and knocked on the door, there was no response,” DSP Khattak said. “He then climbed the wall and saw the bodies hanging inside the room.”

    Meanwhile, Sindh Home Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar took notice of the event and requested a report from the East SSP, according to a statement released by his office. He asked police authorities to look into the situation from all sides.

    “The reasons behind the incident should be identified, and suspects should be dealt with in accordance with the law,” Lanjar was quoted as saying. 

    He also instructed officials to ensure a transparent investigation and identify those responsible.

  • Rain, snowfall expected as westerly winds enter the country

    Rain, snowfall expected as westerly winds enter the country

    A strong westerly weather system is expected to enter Pakistan from today, bringing widespread rain, snowfall, dense fog and extremely cold conditions to several regions, the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) said.

    According to the Met Office, the system will first affect Balochistan from December 29 to 31, where rain and snowfall over mountainous areas are expected.

    Rain is expected in Quetta, Ziarat, Kalat, Chaman, Pishin, Qila Abdullah, Qila Saifullah, Nushki, Harnai, Zhob, Barkhan, Sibi, Loralai, Musakhel, Kech, Gwadar, Lasbela, Awaran, Chagai, Panjgur, Khuzdar, Washuk and Kharan, while snowfall is expected in the province’s northern districts.


    Meanwhile, from December 30 to January 1, rain accompanied by strong winds is expected in Chitral, Dir, Swat, Shangla, Kohistan, Battagram, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Haripur, Buner, Bajaur, Mohmand, Swabi and Kohat, while moderate to heavy snowfall is also expected in the upper areas.

    From December 30 to January 2, rain and snowfall may occur in Gilgit-Baltistan’s Diamer, Astore, Ghizer, Skardu, Hunza, Gilgit and Shigar districts. Rain and moderate snowfall have also been forecast for Kashmir.

  • Internet reacts to Shadab Khan, Usman Khan’s return to squad while ‘ignoring domestic performers’

    Internet reacts to Shadab Khan, Usman Khan’s return to squad while ‘ignoring domestic performers’

    Social media erupted with criticism after Shadab Khan’s return and Usman Khan’s inclusion in Pakistan’s T20 squad, with users questioning why domestic performers like Maaz Sadaqat, Hassan Nawaz and Sufyan Muqeem face exclusion.

    Shadab Khan’s comeback after recovering from injury dominated social media trends as Pakistan announced its T20 squad for the Sri Lanka series on Sunday. The all-rounder’s sudden inclusion sparked surprise and criticism across platforms.

    Former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif took to X (formerly Twitter) to voice his concerns. “Shadab Khan returns as Pakistan name T20I squad for Sri Lanka series but Domestic performers Maaz Sadaqat and Sufyan Muqeem missing,” he wrote.

    The selectors included the bowling all-rounder in the squad despite several young players delivering strong domestic performances. 

    Shadab currently plays in the Big Bash League, where he receives limited batting opportunities. The selectors picked him after he recovered from shoulder surgery.

    The squad also includes aggressive young wicketkeeper-batsman Khawaja Nafay, who earned his first national T20 call-up. 

    The selectors also picked Usman Khan, who has scored 335 runs in 27 T20I matches with a strike rate of just 120. 

    With Khawaja Nafay also keeping wickets, Usman Khan’s inclusion as a second wicketkeeper raises questions since he does not offer extraordinary batting ability to justify the spot.

    Social media users expressed strong reactions to the selection decisions.

    “Maaz Sadaqat ko khilana chahiye tha (They should have played Maaz Sadaqat),” one user wrote.

    Another user questioned multiple omissions: “Abbas Afridi, Sufyan Muqeem, Hassan Nawaz???”

    “Sufyan hogya sideline great bro great,” a frustrated user commented, highlighting Muqeem’s sidelining.

    One user drew comparisons between established and emerging players: “Naseem and Shadab getting chances without any performance meanwhile talent like Sufyan Muqeem getting ignored.”

    Several users questioned the selection outright. “Why Shadab?” one person asked.

    “Where is Babar?” another user wondered, noting other prominent absences.

    The three-match series begins on January 7 with the first T20I, followed by the second match on January 9 and the final T20I on January 11.

  • Ali Tareen did a lot of work for Multan Sultans, will welcome him for new franchise: Mohsin Naqvi

    Ali Tareen did a lot of work for Multan Sultans, will welcome him for new franchise: Mohsin Naqvi

    Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has praised Ali Tareen’s contributions to Multan Sultans during a press conference in Lahore on Sunday, saying the board will welcome him if he wants to bid for one of the two new Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchises.

    “Ali Tareen has done a lot of work for Multan Sultans,” Naqvi said. “If Ali Tareen wants to take a new team, we will welcome him.”

    The comments come more than a month after Tareen announced his departure from Multan Sultans on November 25, 2025. His exit followed public disputes with PSL management, during which he criticized the league’s structure through podcasts and social media posts targeting specific officials. When the board sent Sultans a notice, Tareen tore it up on video and posted mocking commentary online.

    Reports indicate the board asked Tareen to offer an unconditional apology and delete his social media posts, but he refused. The board subsequently offered contract renewals with revised fees to all six franchises except Sultans.

    Naqvi announced that PCB will operate Multan Sultans directly for the upcoming season to ensure proper procedures. “We will run Multan Sultans ourselves to follow the proper rules,” he said. “We will auction Multan Sultans after PSL ends.”

    The chairman said PCB will announce the team’s head within the next ten days.

    Multan Sultans currently pays an annual fee of 1.08 billion rupees, the highest in PSL. Foreign company valuations push this figure to 1.35 billion rupees.

    PCB received significant interest in the two new franchises, with ten parties qualifying to bid. “The day we sell PSL’s two new teams, we will succeed,” Naqvi said. “Both teams will go for good numbers.”

    The new franchises reportedly could sell for 1.25 to 1.5 billion rupees each.

    Naqvi also revealed that PCB has proposed moving PSL’s start date from March 26 to March 23, Pakistan’s national day. “If all franchises agree, we will start PSL from March 23,” he said.

    “Wasim Akram will be the auctioneer on the day of the auction,” he said.

    Rahat Fateh Ali Khan will also perform a concert during the tournament.

    The 11th edition of PSL will run until May 3, 2026, featuring eight teams for the first time in the tournament’s history.

    Multan Sultans joined PSL in 2017 as the sixth franchise before the third season. Schon Properties initially bought the team on an eight-year contract, but PCB terminated the agreement the following year over unpaid annual fees. The board temporarily managed all player and coach contracts before issuing tenders for new ownership rights.

    In December 2018, Alamgir Khan Tareen and Ali Khan Tareen acquired ownership. Alamgir became sole owner in 2021. Following his death in 2023, Ali Tareen took over the management and led the franchise until his recent departure.

  • Imad Wasim announces divorce; wife Sannia alleges ‘involvement of third person’

    Imad Wasim announces divorce; wife Sannia alleges ‘involvement of third person’

    Former Pakistan all-rounder Imad Wasim on Sunday announced getting a divorce after more than six years of marriage.

    Taking to Instagram, Imad said, “After much thought, and due to repeated conflicts that could not be resolved over the past few years, I have filed for divorce.”

    “I sincerely request everyone to respect our privacy and avoid using or sharing any old couple photos,” he added.

    The 37-year-old also cautioned against speculation or misinformation surrounding the matter.

    “I request everyone not to engage in or believe any misleading narratives. Any attempt to defame or involve others in this personal matter will be addressed through the proper legal channels if necessary.”

    With reference to his children, Imad said he remained their father and would continue to care for them fully and responsibly.

    Separately, Sania Ashfaq also shared a detailed statement on Instagram, alleging “involvement of a third party”.

    “I am writing this from a place of deep pain. My home has been broken, and my children have been left without their father. I am a mother of three, including a five month old infant who has yet to be held by his father,” she wrote.

    “Like many marriages, ours had difficulties, yet it continued to exist. I remained committed as a wife and mother and made sincere efforts to preserve our family. What ultimately ended this marriage was the involvement of a third party, whose intention was to marry my husband, became the final blow to an already struggling union,” she claimed.

    She also spoke of the hardships she faced during pregnancy.

    “Following this, I endured emotional torment, mistreatment, abortion and abandonment while pregnant and vulnerable, choosing patience for the sake of my children and the dignity of my home,” Sania wrote.

    She also disputed the legal validity of the divorce proceedings.

    “The divorce process itself is legally disputed and remains under scrutiny. The truth will emerge through proper channels,” she said.

    “It is crucial to mention that there is documented evidence available for each and every culprit in this matter but I’m being threatened to not post it publicly. For every individual who attempts to threaten me shall be dealt with by the law,” she wrote.

    Sania concluded her statement by saying, “I speak today not out of vengeance, but out of truth for myself, for my children, and for every woman who was told to endure in silence.”

    Imad Wasim and Sania Ashfaq got married in 2019 and have three children together.

  • Cricket Australia CEO says he couldn’t sleep after watching 20 wickets fall on Boxing Day

    Cricket Australia CEO says he couldn’t sleep after watching 20 wickets fall on Boxing Day

    Cricket Australia Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Todd Greenberg has admitted that he couldn’t sleep after watching 20 wickets tumble on day one of the Boxing Day Test, knowing the quick finish would cost the organisation millions.

    “I didn’t sleep well last night, put it that way,” Greenberg told a media outlet before day two.

    “It was an amazing day of Test cricket, so for that record number of people who were hee, boy, they’ve had an experience. But our challenge is to make sure we can continue those experiences day after day.”

    The organisation had high hopes for the Melbourne Test between Australia and England. Record crowds seemed guaranteed after tickets for the first three days sold out with unprecedented demand throughout the series.

    More than 94,000 spectators packed the stadium on day one. However, the match finished on day two, triggering serious financial losses.

    Cricket Australia already lost around AUD 5 million ($3.3 million) from the two-day Perth Test after 19 wickets fell on the opening day. 

    The abbreviated Boxing Day Test threatens similar damage despite record attendance.

    When asked whether 20 wickets in a day was too many, Greenberg didn’t hold back. “The short answer for that in my opinion is yes,” he said.

    “As mesmerising and fascinating and enjoyable as it was to watch as a fan, we want Test cricket clearly to go for longer. A simple phrase I’d use is short Tests are bad for business.”

    He stressed the need for better balance between bat and ball, noting the Melbourne pitch clearly favoured bowlers on day one.

    “I would like to see a slightly broader balance between the bat and the ball. I thought yesterday slightly favoured the ball,” Greenberg said. “The batters have some ownership in some of that, it’s not all around the pitch, but we’ve got some challenges.”

    Greenberg hinted that Cricket Australia might take a more active role in pitch preparation going forward.

    “Historically we have taken a hands-off approach in all of our wicket preparation and allowed the staff and the conditions and those characteristics to be presented,” he explained. “But it’s hard not to get more involved when you see the impact on the sport, particularly commercially.”

    Cricket Australia already faces financial pressure after making several staff redundant this year while seeking cost savings in high performance and other areas. Greenberg currently works on bringing private investment into the Big Bash League (BBL) within the next 12 months.

    Another large financial loss from this Test would prove untimely.

    On the field, England secured their first Test victory in Australia since 2010 on Saturday, defeating the hosts by four wickets at Melbourne Cricket Ground. The visitors chased down 175 runs in 33 overs, with Jacob Bethell scoring 40, Zak Crawley 37 and Ben Duckett 34.

    Australia collapsed for just 132 in their second innings despite Travis Head’s 46. Brydon Carse took four wickets while Ben Stokes claimed three.

    Australia have already won the five-match series with three victories, but the financial toll of shortened Tests has dampened celebrations for Cricket Australia’s management.