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Author: News Desk

  • PCB names squads for Sri Lanka ODIs and tri-nation series

    PCB names squads for Sri Lanka ODIs and tri-nation series

    Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced the names included in the national squads for the upcoming ODI series against Sri Lanka and the Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe tri-nation T20 event. 

    Selectors did not include Hassan Nawaz in either squad.

    According to the PCB, Hassan Nawaz will not feature in the ODI series and the T20 event. The board released him so he can take part in the ongoing Quaid e Azam Trophy, where the seventh round begins on November 11. 

    Pakistan will host Sri Lanka for three ODIs from November 11 to 15 at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. The tri-nation T20 event will run from 17 to 29 November in Rawalpindi and Lahore.

    The selectors added experienced batter Fakhar Zaman to the T20 squad in place of Hassan Nawaz. They did not name a replacement for him in the ODI squad.

    Pakistan ODI squad for series against Sri Lanka:

    Shaheen Shah Afridi (captain), Babar Azam, Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Haseebullah, Hussain Talat, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Rizwan (wicketkeeper), Mohammad Wasim Jr, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha.

    Pakistan squad for tri nation T20 event:

    Salman Ali Agha (captain), Babar Azam, Abrar Ahmed, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sahibzada Farhan (wicketkeeper), Usman Khan (wicketkeeper), Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Rizwan (wicketkeeper), Mohammad Wasim Jr, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Abdul Samad, Usman Tariq.

    ODI series schedule:

    11 November: First ODI in Rawalpindi
    13 November: Second ODI in Rawalpindi
    15 November: Third ODI in Rawalpindi

    Tri nation T20 schedule:

    17 November: Pakistan vs Zimbabwe in Rawalpindi
    19 November: Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe in Rawalpindi
    22 November: Pakistan vs Sri Lanka in Lahore
    23 November: Pakistan vs Zimbabwe in Lahore
    25 November: Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe in Lahore
    27 November: Pakistan vs Sri Lanka in Lahore
    29 November: Final in Lahore

    The announcement came soon after Pakistan claimed a convincing 2-1 series win over South Africa. Pakistan defeated South Africa by seven wickets in the third and final ODI at Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad.

    South Africa won the toss and chose to bat but failed to build a strong total. The visitors scored 143 runs and lost all wickets in the 37th over. 

    Pakistan comfortably chased the 144 run target in the 26th over for the loss of three wickets. 

    Pakistan won the first match of the series by two wickets. South Africa levelled the series in the second ODI with an eight wicket win, but Pakistan finished strongly and secured the series in style.

  • Pakistan’s 27th Amendment: The Big Changes You Need to Know

    Pakistan’s 27th Amendment: The Big Changes You Need to Know

    The 27th Constitutional Amendment Bill, signals that there are big changes coming and on Saturday, the standing committees of both houses of parliament on law and justice in a joint session went through 80 percent of it. A second session is planned for today in which the rest of the bill will be debated in the committees. But what is the bill and what does it mean. The Current has simplified the key features of the bill and what it means for you.

    THE 27th CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT BILL

    The bill, presented in the Senate by the law minister, Azam Nazeer Tarar, suggests creating a Federal Constitutional Court, change how high court judges are appointed, adjusting the size limits for provincial cabinets, and altering the structure of military leadership.

    “CHIEF OF DEFENCE FORCES”

    You must’ve heard about the changes to Article 243 this week.

    Currently, Article 243, states that “The Federal Government shall have control and command of the Armed Forces” and “the Supreme Command of the Armed Forces shall vest in the President”.

    THE CHANGES

    The position “Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee” (CJCSC) is going to be abolished. This position is currently in seniority to all other military titles, as it is the head of all the wings of the military: Army, Naval, Air. The position currently is not held by anyone who is chief of the other departments.

    The bill proposes to introduce a new title, “Chief of Defence Forces” and the Chief of Army Staff will also be the Chief of Defense Forces.

    The bill also proposes that honorary titles such as Field Marshal, Marshal of the Air Force, and Admiral of the Fleet awarded to senior military officers in recognition of their services will carry a lifetime status.

    Lifetime status means that the Field Marshal shall remain in uniform for life and can only be removed through impeachment. The government will determine the duties of a Field Marshal and he/she will also have legal immunity. The legal immunity will be for life since the position has a lifetime status.

    A NEW ‘BIGGER THAN SUPREME COURT’ COURT?

    The bill includes the formation of a federal constitutional court (FCC) which will be a court that includes senior judges from all provinces.

    The FCC will handle cases of constitutional importance and the Supreme Court (SC) will be handling cases of ordinary civil, criminal and statutory appeals. The first appointees for the FCC will be decided by the president and prime minister and parliament can determine the number of judges serving in the FCC.

    THE PROS

    According to lawyers and analysts, the pros for the FCC are that it will ‘modernise the judiciary,’ because it will reduce backlogs for the SC, many of which have been pending for years, and will also separate constitutional issues from other issues that will make the judicial system more clear and in turn, efficient.

    Law Minister Tarar explained that SC judges spent most of their time listening to other cases, even though constitutional case benches were present in the SC. “The fact of the matter is that five to six per cent of cases take 40pc of the court’s time and the rest of the cases remain as is,” he said.

    THE CONS

    The selection of the FCC chief justice will be done by the president and the prime minister and he or she will be chosen from the top three senior most judges of the Supreme Court. If the nominee declines, and the other two judges do as well, all three will have to retire from service.

    Currently, the Supreme Court works in a ‘seniority cycle’. The senior most judge is made the chief justice and they have to retire at the age of 65. So you know years in advance who the next chief justice will be. With the FCC, the president and prime minister will be selecting the top judge of the top Pakistani court, and parliament will decide who the other judges serving in the FCC will be. The chief justice of the FCC will serve three years or until he turns 68 years old.

    OPPOSITION

    PTI’s Senator Ali Zafar said that, the proposed 27th Amendment is “nothing short of a conspiracy against the Constitution. The entire process is being carried out in haste, without consultation or deliberation, in complete disregard of democratic norms and parliamentary traditions.”

    He also added that the opposition had been given very little time to examine the bill since they had received it yesterday.

    WHAT NEXT?

    PMLN and PPP are working on gathering the numbers to pass the bill, as JUI-F Maulana Fazalur Rehman is set to meet Bilawal and Zardari. Meanwhile, committees that are finalising the bill are also likely to change the mechanism for the transfer of high court judges — a process which may not require the consent of the judges being transferred.

    JUI-F had earlier boycotted the meeting of the joint committees yesterday (which were discussing the bill) and PPP Senator Farooq Naek said that the meeting continued after the JUI-F left and 80 percent of the amendments were discussed.

    The committees will meet again today to discuss the ‘chief of defense’ clauses since they have not been examined yet.

    You can download the bill here.

  • Experts urge swift regulation as estimates put Pakistanis’ crypto investments at $30 billion

    Experts urge swift regulation as estimates put Pakistanis’ crypto investments at $30 billion

    Experts have urged the government for swift but careful regulation of cryptocurrencies and virtual assets in the country as Pakistanis are estimated to have invested between $20 billion and $30 billion in asset-backed crypto instruments.

    According to reports, experts at the Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI) Conference warned that Pakistan could lose out on $25 billion in economic opportunities if it delays regulation of the same amid a global financial shift toward digital currencies.

    They projected that crypto trading by Pakistanis could reach a staggering $300 billion, nearly equal to the country’s current GDP of around $400 billion. However, they cautioned that these figures are based on estimates since Pakistan lacks a legal framework to regulate or document crypto activities, leaving the true scale of investment unverified.

    Experts at the conference also raised concerns over weak regulations and cybersecurity risks that could hinder progress. They recommended that Pakistan adopt a cautious, phased approach to legalising cryptocurrency and introduce a Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) as a first step. The CBDC could significantly reduce the costs associated with remittances from overseas, they said.

    They agreed that digital finance has the potential to lower remittance costs, expand financial inclusion and align Pakistan with global fintech trends. However, they stressed that delaying regulation could result in Pakistan missing a transformative economic opportunity.

    Meanwhile, Federal Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb has said that Pakistan aims to advance the Pakistan Crypto Council (PCC) from a business perspective.

    At the same conference, the finance minister indicated that legislation for a Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority, established through an ordinance, will be enacted soon.

    It may be noted that reports in September claimed that Pakistan has formally launched the licencing process for cryptocurrency exchanges, marking a key milestone for the country’s digital finance sector.

    The Pakistan Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority has invited global crypto service providers to apply for licences to operate in the country, they said.

    Under the new framework, companies seeking licences must hold permits from global regulators, comply with strict “Know Your Customer” (KYC) requirements, and provide detailed corporate disclosures.

    In March, the government established the Pakistan Crypto Council (PCC) to regulate and integrate blockchain technology and digital assets into the national financial system. The council’s formation followed the appointment of Bilal bin Saqib as Chief Advisor to the Finance Minister for crypto affairs.

    The PCC was tasked with promoting and incorporating blockchain and cryptocurrency innovations into Pakistan’s economic framework.

  • Doctor Nabiha reveals wedding outfit, jewelry cost more than Rs2 crore

    Doctor Nabiha reveals wedding outfit, jewelry cost more than Rs2 crore

    Clinical psychologist and and social media influencer Nabiha Ali Khan recently married her close friend Haris Khokhar in a private ceremony at the residence of Maulana Tariq Jameel, who personally conducted the Nikah. 

    Photos and videos from the event have gone viral on social media.

    Nabiha Ali Khan shared details of her wedding look, revealing that her off-white outfit, designed by well-known designer Hina Salman, cost around Rs1 crore, while her jewelry was valued at approximately Rs1.5 crore, making her total bridal look worth over Rs2 crore.

    Haris Khokhar complemented her by wearing an off-white sherwani, creating a coordinated and elegant appearance.

    She expressed excitement that Maulana Tariq Jameel personally officiated the Nikah, a decision the religious scholar came to just two days before the wedding. The ceremony included a small number of guests, including prominent personalities like Farah Iqrar.

    While many congratulated the couple, others debated the extravagance, posting comments such as: “FBR will check her tax,” “MashaAllah,” and “Jewelry looks artificial, one crore dress heard for the first time.”

  • Pak-Afghan talks suspended with no breakthrough: Kh Asif

    Pak-Afghan talks suspended with no breakthrough: Kh Asif

    Weeks into Islamabad-Kabul negotiations with the help of mutual friends, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has said that the same have been suspended with “no plans for the fourth round of talks”.

    Appearing on Geo News’ ‘Aaj Shahzeb Khanzada Kay Sath’, the defence minister said there was “a complete deadlock” as negotiations had entered an “indefinite phase”.

    He thanked Turkiye and Qatar for their “sincere efforts” to mediate tensions between the two neighbouring countries, and revealed that the mediators had supported Pakistan’s stance.

    “They support our stance. Even the Afghan delegation agreed with us… however, they were not ready to sign a written agreement,” Asif said, adding that Pakistan would only accept a formal and written accord.

    He said the Afghan delegation wanted verbal assurances to be accepted, which is not possible in international negotiations.

    The defence minister further revealed that the mediators had done their best but eventually lost hope.

    “If they had even a little optimism, they would have asked us to stay. Our return empty-handed shows that even they have given up on Kabul,” he said, reiterating that Pakistan’s position remained firm and clear.

    “Our only demand is that Afghanistan must ensure its soil is not used for attacks on Pakistan,” he said and went on to warn that Pakistan would respond if provoked.

    “If there is any attack from Afghan soil, we will respond accordingly,” he said. The defence minister, however, maintained that ceasefire would remain intact for as long as there was no aggression.

    Earlier, Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban regime continued negotiating in Istanbul following an extension of ceasefire that came after deadly cross-border clashes last month.

    The talks collapsed after Pakistan refused to accept the Taliban delegation’s “illogical” arguments and refusal to address Islamabad’s concerns regarding cross-border terrorism.

    With mediators persuading Pakistan to give the talks another chance, the third round of talks had started Thursday, in an effort to ease escalating tensions.

    The Istanbul meetings followed the earlier five-day talks that resulted in a last-minute interim agreement.

    It merits a mention that Khawaja Asif had also in last week of October warned of an all-out war with Afghanistan if negotiations between Islamabad and Kabul failed to resolve the issues.


     
    Speaking to journalists in Sialkot, the defence minister said that the country’s armed forces and police were sacrificing their lives to safeguard the nation, and the reason we sleep peacefully is because our protectors remain vigilant.


     
    “Pakistan hosted Afghans for 40 years, and those we are negotiating with in Doha all grew up in Pakistan,” he had said in reference to the negotiations.

  • US official claims ‘containing’ Iranian plot to kill Israel’s Mexico ambassador

    US official claims ‘containing’ Iranian plot to kill Israel’s Mexico ambassador

    Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps plotted to assassinate Israel’s ambassador to Mexico but the bid was foiled and there is no current threat, Reuters quoted a United States (US) official as claiming.

    While the Iranian embassy in Mexico called the accusations “entirely false”, Mexico’s government also said that it had “no information regarding an alleged attack plan”.

    Earlier, the US official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the plot against Ambassador Einat Kranz Neiger had been active through the first half of 2025.

    “The plot was contained and does not pose a current threat,” the official was quoted as saying, adding that it was just the latest in a long history of “Iran’s global lethal targeting of diplomats, journalists, dissidents and anyone who disagrees with them”.

    This, the official said, was something that should “deeply worry every country where there is an Iranian presence”.

    While the official declined to say how the plot was foiled and did not offer further details about the operation, Israel’s Foreign Ministry thanked the security and law enforcement services in Mexico for “thwarting a terrorist network directed by Iran that sought to attack Israel’s ambassador in Mexico”.

    The Iranian Embassy in Mexico, on the other hand, said the accusation was “entirely false”.

    “We will never tarnish the good reputation of Mexicans, our friends. We consider betrayal of Mexico’s interests as betrayal of our own interests, and respecting Mexico’s laws is our highest priority,” a news agency quoted cited the embassy as saying.

    According to Reuters, the US and its allies have frequently alleged that Iran and its proxies have sought to launch violent attacks against Tehran’s opponents. Iranian officials have rejected the allegations, saying they are politically motivated.

    A dozen other countries have condemned what they called a surge in assassination, kidnapping and harassment plots by Iranian intelligence services.

    Britain’s domestic spy chief, MI5 Director General Ken McCallum, last month said that Iran was “frantically” trying to silence its critics around the world.

    He went on to cite how Australia had exposed Iranian involvement in antisemitic plots and Dutch authorities had revealed a failed assassination attempt.

    It merits a mention that the report comes months after deadly clashes between Iran and Israel.

    The clashes, dubbed the “Twelve-Day War”, continued from June 13 to June 25, starting when Israel bombed military and nuclear facilities in Iran in a surprise attack, assassinating prominent military leaders, nuclear scientists, and politicians. Dozens of civilians were also killed.

    Iran retaliated with over 550 ballistic missiles and over 1,000 suicide drones. At least twelve military, energy, and government sites were targeted. The US intercepted Iranian attacks and bombed three Iranian nuclear sites on June 22. While Iran retaliated by firing missiles at a US base in Qatar, the conflict ended with Iran and Israel agreeing to a ceasefire under US pressure.

  • Arusha Saeed wins bronze at Islamic Solidarity Games

    Arusha Saeed wins bronze at Islamic Solidarity Games

    Pakistani wrestler Arusha Saeed has brought pride to the country by winning bronze in Kurash – a kind of folk wrestling – at the 6th Islamic Solidarity Games being held in Riyadh. 

    As per the details, Arusha competed in the women’s 57-kilogram category and delivered an outstanding performance to secure Pakistan’s first medal at the games.

    She showcased exceptional skill, talent and determination as she faced some of the world’s top Kurash athletes, proving that Pakistani women can compete at the highest international level.

    The Pakistan Kurash team was led by head coach Muhammad Saad while Muhammad Rafiq and Shahzeeb Nawaz played key roles in preparing and training the athletes. Their tireless efforts and professional guidance were instrumental in achieving the success.

    Nawab Furqan Khan, Pakistan’s representative at the International Kurash Association (IKA), congratulated Arusha, the coaches and the entire team. He said the achievement was a source of pride for Pakistan and demonstrated that Pakistani athletes were earning recognition in both traditional and martial sports on the global stage.

    He added that Arusha’s remarkable performance served as an inspiring example for young Pakistani women, encouraging them to participate in international competitions with confidence and enthusiasm.

  • Lahore police arrest suspect in Ghaziabad shop attack case

    Lahore police arrest suspect in Ghaziabad shop attack case

    Lahore police have arrested Chand Arabi and his accomplice in connection with the attack on a cosmetics shop in Jhelum Market, Ghaziabad Road, on the night of October 20. 

    Police shared the update on their social media accounts, highlighting swift action.

    The suspect harassed a woman and violently attacked shopkeeper Manzoor Ahsan a resident of Bagh Hakeem. 

    A video of the incident had gone viral on social media, showing the culprits physically assaulting Ahsan while using vulgar language. The footage sparked outrage among users, who condemned the attackers and demanded strict action.

    Ahsan was arranging items in his shop with his associates Asad and Saleem when Chand Arabi pointed a pistol at him and struck him on the head and face with the weapon’s butt. Two other suspects also beat Ahsan and threatened to kill him before fleeing the scene while brandishing their weapons.

    Ahsan contacted the police helpline immediately after the attack and later received treatment at Services Hospital Lahore, where doctors issued a medical slip. Assistant Sub-Inspector Sadaqat Ali registered the FIR under Section 506-B of the Pakistan Penal Code and referred the case to the Investigation Wing.

    DIG Operations Faisal Kamran confirmed the arrests and warned that authorities will show no leniency for anyone taking the law into their own hands. 

    Social media users praised Lahore police for their quick response and successful operation.

  • Pakistan down South Africa to reach semi‑final of Hong Kong Sixes

    Pakistan down South Africa to reach semi‑final of Hong Kong Sixes

    Pakistan defeated South Africa by five wickets in the second quarter-final of the Hong Kong Sixes 2025 to secure a place in the semi-finals.

    Pakistan captain Abbas Afridi won the toss and chose to bowl first. 

    South Africa responded with 102 for 3 in their six overs. Jorich van Schalkwyk top‑scored with 40, while Abdullah Bayoumy and captain Jordan Morris managed only 1 run each. Blake Simpson and Ethan John Cunningham remained unbeaten on 26 and 29 respectively. 

    Pakistan’s Muhammad Shahzad took three wickets to restrict South Africa.

    Chasing the modest target, Pakistan wrapped up the game in 3.5 overs for the loss of one wicket with a total of 105. 

    Opening batter Abdul Samad played a blistering innings, smashing six sixes in just ten balls to score 50. Wicket‑keeper batter Khawaja Nafay added 36, while Abbas Afridi chipped in with 12 off 2 balls including two sixes.

    Earlier, Pakistan faced India in their second group-stage match. Rain interrupted the match, with India scoring 86 for 4 in six overs and setting a target of 87. Pakistan managed 41 for 1 in three overs when rain stopped play. Using the DLS method, India won by 2 runs. 

    Despite the loss, Pakistan finished second in Pool C and advanced to the quarter-finals.

    In their opening match, Pakistan played against Kuwait and delivered a dominant performance. Abbas Afridi again won the toss and chose to bowl. Kuwait scored 123 for 2 in six overs, with Adnan Idrees making 17 and Bilal Tahir 24, while Meet Bhavsar remained unbeaten on 40 and Usman Patel on 31. 

    Abbas Afridi and Maaz Sadaqat took one wicket each. Pakistan chased the target comfortably with one wicket down. Khawaja Nafay remained not out on 25, Shahid Aziz on 23, while Muhammad Shahzad retired hurt on 14. Abdul Samad scored no runs, but captain Abbas Afridi smashed 55 off 12 balls, hitting one four and eight sixes to claim the player of the match award.

    Pakistan squad for Hong Kong Sixes 2025 includes Abbas Afridi (c), Khawaja Nafay (wk), Abdul Samad, Maaz Sadaqat, Saad Masood, Muhammad Shahzad and Shahid Aziz.

  • Case No.9: The ego will get him

    Case No.9: The ego will get him

    Case No.9 is a drama in which we know the ending. We know that Sehar (Saba Qamar) will get justice and win the case but the suspense is in how.

    Even if the way she gets it wasn’t suspenseful enough, it is her family’s raw emotion on the witness stand in episode 13 this week and the hateful policeman (Gohar Rasheed) in episode 14 that will keep you thinking about the drama long after you saw it.


    The feeling of helplessness, when someone does not fight for justice tears through the family on the witness stand in episode 13. Kamran (Faysal Quraishi)’s lawyer Bokhari (Noorul Hassan) gives the performance of a lifetime. His biting lies and brilliant acting are so intensely portrayed, you can’t help but hate him and feel helpless along with Sehar’s family. The episode is a must watch because you really feel what the family feels when they realise perhaps it would’ve been much, much better if they had just reported the rape on time instead of wanting to hide it because of ‘log kya kahein gay’. 


    But episode 14 also shows that log bohat kuch kehte hain. Sehar’s brother could not help himself on the stand, attacking Bokhari when he’s being questioned. Things come to a head in episode 15 when he engages in a physical fight with men who live in the apartment building they reside in and comment on his sister.

    He is a crucial piece in the story because he shows that our society has a disturbingly deep sense of ‘manhood’ and the ‘protection of the women’ that can only be done by a male family member. God forbid, Sehar had a sister rather than a brother who could ‘protect her’ and show his anger by attacking others. That is what unfortunately the drama shows – that we, as a society, are ready to take justice into our own hands, the hands of men, but are not willing to trust the system.


    But Shahzeb Khanzada isn’t done yet. Clearly he has written the drama invoking all of the characters that reflect society and then you get an inkling that the hero(ine) is yet to emerge. It is Beenish (Amina Shaikh), Sehar’s lawyer, who is going to fight the fight – the right way, but investigating facts and ultimately, as seen in the teaser for the next episode, convince Kamran to answer her questions by doing exactly what we saw with Sehar’s brother – playing to his emotions and pushing his ego.

    It is clear that Kamran, the loaded businessman, will fall because of his own bloated ego and conviction that money will get him anywhere – and in many ways it has. But Beenish isn’t finished yet and we can’t wait to find out what happens next.