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Author: News Desk

  • From Saeed Ajmal to Hafeez: Pycroft’s controversial past with Pakistani cricketers resurfaces

    From Saeed Ajmal to Hafeez: Pycroft’s controversial past with Pakistani cricketers resurfaces

    The recent controversy surrounding International Cricket Council (ICC) match referee Andy Pycroft’s alleged instructions to the Pakistani captain to forgo a handshake with his Indian counterpart at the Asia Cup toss has brought to the surface the rather contentious history between the Zimbabwean official and Pakistan cricket.

    According to reports, Pycroft’s name has long been associated with disciplinary actions against key Pakistani players, particularly concerning suspect bowling actions, igniting questions about a potential pattern of scrutiny.

    Pycroft’s most prominent confrontations with Pakistani cricketers date back to 2014, a year that saw two of Pakistan’s frontline bowlers reported under his watch. The first major incident involved star off-spinner Saeed Ajmal. Following the first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle in August 2014, Pycroft, acting as the match referee, officially reported Ajmal for a suspected illegal bowling action.

    This report initiated a formal ICC review, which ultimately led to Ajmal’s suspension from international cricket, a career-altering blow for the spinner who was at the peak of his powers.

    Just months later, in November 2014, Pycroft was once again at the center of attention involving another Pakistani all-rounder, Mohammad Hafeez. During the first Test against New Zealand in Abu Dhabi, Hafeez’s bowling action was also reported by Pycroft. This report triggered another independent assessment, culminating in Hafeez’s suspension from bowling in international matches.

    While Hafeez would later remodel his action and return to bowling, the incident marked a significant disruption to his career, and it was Pycroft who initiated the official proceedings.

    These past run-ins with Pakistan cricket have resurfaced amid the current handshake controversy, adding more weight to the PCB’s demand for Pycroft’s removal from the Asia Cup.

    The PCB has officially threatened to boycott the tournament if their demand is not met. So far, no official confirmation has come regarding a withdrawal, and the team is scheduled to play its final group stage match against the UAE today.

    All eyes are now on Pakistan to see if they will continue playing or pull out of the tournament. A boycott would automatically eliminate them from the competition and open the door for the UAE to qualify for the Super Four stage.

  • Another all-time high: Gold hits Rs391,000 in Pakistan

    Another all-time high: Gold hits Rs391,000 in Pakistan

    Gold prices reached fresh record highs in global and domestic markets on Tuesday, tracking strong gains in the international bullion trade.


    After international gold rose by $49 per ounce to a new peak of $3,692, the price of gold in Pakistan increased by Rs4,700 per tola to a record Rs391,000. The rate for 10 grams also jumped by Rs4,030 to reach Rs335,219.

    Meanwhile, spot gold rose 0.2 percent to $3,685.02 per ounce, after hitting a record high of $3,689.27 earlier in the session. US gold futures for December delivery rose 0.1 per cent to $3,722.70.

    Spot silver held steady at $42.73 per ounce, while platinum slipped 0.2 percent to $1,398.84 and palladium declined 0.2 percent to $1,182.25.

    Gold prices were steady near record levels on Monday as global investors awaited the US Federal Reserve’s policy decision later this week.

    According to the All Pakistan Sarafa Gems and Jewellers Association (APSGJA), the price of gold per tola stood firm at Rs386,300, while 10 grams held steady at Rs331,189.

    In the international market, gold was quoted at $3,643 per ounce (including a $20 premium). Silver also traded flat, with the per tola rate remaining unchanged at Rs 4,443.

  • Fans name a star ‘Saiyaara’ as unique gift to Ahaan, Anit

    Fans name a star ‘Saiyaara’ as unique gift to Ahaan, Anit

    Bollywood’s 2025 blockbuster Saiyaara has received a unique tribute from fans as they have named a star after the film’s lead pair.

    The film, which struck a chord with the youth and became one of the year’s biggest hits out of Bollywood, marked the debut of actors Ahaan Panday and Anit Pada. Their performances were widely appreciated while videos of fans fainting and crying over the storyline went viral on social media.

    According to Indian media, a fan club of the film recently gifted something truly special to the lead pair by naming a star “Saiyaara”. They shared this gesture on Instagram, writing, “Some love stories deserve to shine forever — not just on screen but in the sky too. We’ve named a star ‘Saiyaara’ so Ahaan and Anit can keep sparkling above us.”

    Fans used an online “Star Naming Service”, a paid platform that issues certificates and coordinates for symbolic star naming. However, such names are not officially recognised by the scientific community and are considered commemorative gifts.

    In response, Ahaan thanked fans, commenting, “You are the real stars.”

    Anit expressed gratitude, saying, “Sometimes I feel the film is over. Then you do something like this and remind me — stories don’t end, they just find new skies. One star may be called Sayara, but the real galaxy is all of you.”

    Sayara, produced under the Yash Raj Films banner, was released on July 18, 2025, and crossed ₹300 crores at the Indian box office.

  • Girl, 10, raped and killed in Karachi

    Girl, 10, raped and killed in Karachi

    Karachi police on Tuesday confirmed that a 10-year-old girl found hanging in her home in Surjani Town on Monday was raped and murdered. 

    The medical report indicates that a staged suicide was used to conceal the crime.

    Dr. Summaiya Syed, the Police Surgeon, stated that the girl, identified as Asiya, was brought to Abbasi Shaheed Hospital on Monday evening. The autopsy revealed that she was a victim of sexual violence and was strangled to death. Samples were taken to check for possible intoxication.

    Residents of Surjani Town’s Sector-5-A initially alerted Madadgar-15 police after finding the girl’s body. Asiya’s father, Abdullah, told police he had left for work, leaving his daughter and son, Raheel, at home. He was later notified of his daughter’s death.

    A spokesperson for the West Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) said that since the family seemed hesitant to pursue the case, police have decided to register a case on behalf of the state through a police officer.

  • ‘They will be kidnapped’: Imran Khan refuses to tell who runs his social media account

    ‘They will be kidnapped’: Imran Khan refuses to tell who runs his social media account

    Incarcerated founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Imran Khan has refused to name those who operate his social media accounts before a special three-member team from the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA), a leading English outlet reported on Tuesday.

    Additional Director Ayaz Khan, along with two Sub-Inspectors (SI), namely Muneeb Zafar and Muhammad Waseem Khan, were among the team which visited Adiala Jail to question Imran Khan about posts and the operation of his X (formerly Twitter) and other social media accounts.

    “If I tell, they [operators] will be kidnapped,” the outlet quoted Khan as saying.

    When investigators pressed the former premier, he became agitated, at one point attempting to leave the room. Accusing the lead investigator of personal bias, he stated that the additional director had filed “cipher” and fake-account cases against him in the past.

    “I don’t even want to see Ayaz Khan, his conscience is dead,” Khan told investigators.


     
    Investigators also asked directly whether foreign nationals, or Jibran Ilyas, were involved or whether agencies such as the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), or Mossad were operating the accounts.

    Citing the transcript, the outlet said that Khan ruled out the allegations, maintaining, “My accounts are not run by Jibran Ilyas. Jibran Ilyas is the most patriotic […] and you know who is with Mossad.”

    Jibran Ilyas was born in Pakistan but shifted to the United States (US), Chicago, in his teens. He is a cybersecurity expert working on data breaches for Google and teaches digital forensics at Northwestern University. 

    Ilyas began volunteering for Khan’s party in 2011 and became its social media lead in 2022, coordinating its digital strategy from Chicago.

    Inquiring about how messages from the jail reach the outside world, the investigators asked, “Who takes your [Imran Khan’s] message out of jail?”

    Khan responded that there is no special courier, adding that he is in long periods of solitary confinement, is not allowed to meet political leadership, and that when someone does meet him, he simply sends the message on to the social-media team.

    The outlet quoted sources as further reporting that when Khan was told his sister Aleema Khan, during the investigation, named Ilyas as his account handler, he said: “Aleema has nothing to do with politics.”

    On being asked whether the social-media output was intended to stir unrest, Khan told investigators he was not spreading unrest, adding his posts criticise the government’s tribal-district operations and that “for 20 years I have warned against becoming part of other powers’ wars.”

    He concluded by saying that party leaders repost his messages out of fear of bearing the consequences themselves.

  • Ayesha Omar’s dating show triggers boycott campaign, PEMRA responds

    Ayesha Omar’s dating show triggers boycott campaign, PEMRA responds

    Actor Ayesha Omar’s dating reality show titled Lazawal Ishq has come under heavy fire on social media following the release of its first teaser. The teaser sparked widespread criticism, with users launching boycott campaigns and urging the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) to impose a ban.

    In response to the public backlash, PEMRA issued a clarification stating that the show is being streamed exclusively on social media platforms and does not fall under PEMRA’s regulatory domain.

    The teaser revealed that Lazawal Ishq will feature four men and four women living together in a luxurious villa, with all their activities being recorded. Ayesha Omar, seen in the teaser enjoying scenic views and entering a lavish bungalow in Turkey, explained that the show revolves around the search for eternal love and the emotional trials that come with it.

    Inspired by the popular Turkish reality series Aşk Adası (Love Island), Lazawal Ishq aims to introduce the dating competition genre to Urdu-speaking audiences for the first time. The format is reminiscent of Western shows like Love Island and Too Hot to Handle.

    The show, which will air exclusively on YouTube, is expected to run for approximately 100 episodes. Contestants will face a variety of games, challenges, alliances, and conflicts, culminating in the selection of a “winning couple.”

    However, the format has stirred intense debate online. Some social media users have labeled the show as “immoral” and have demanded a boycott, while others have appealed to PEMRA to take action against it. But there are a few who are also rooting for the show.

    Internet personality Qaiser Ahmed Raja had also taken to his X account to ask for a boycott of the show, calling it “immoral online content”. He has also written an application to the chairman Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to stop the show from getting aired.

    Addressing the controversy on its official X (formerly Twitter) account, PEMRA clarified that despite receiving public complaints, the show does not fall within its scope of authority as it is not broadcast on any licensed television channel, but only on digital platforms. Therefore, PEMRA regulations do not apply.

  • Lewis Hamilton donates to Gaza, calls for action against Israeli genocide

    Lewis Hamilton donates to Gaza, calls for action against Israeli genocide

    Lewis Hamilton, the biggest star of the F1, has announced that he has donated to three organisations helping people in Gaza as the Israeli genocide worsens.

    The seven-time Formula One world champion shared a Save the Children UK reel on Instagram before posting his own statement about the genocide in Gaza.

    “The situation in Gaza is getting worse by the day,” Hamilton wrote. “In the past two years, more than 10% of the population has been killed or wounded, including tens of thousands of children, and that number only continues to rise.

    “The latest incursion on Gaza City has forced hundreds of thousands of people from their homes, with hospitals across the strip already overwhelmed with those suffering from famine, and casualties of the bombing that never seems to end.

    “Today, a UN commission of enquiry described what is happening in Gaza as a genocide. As human beings, we cannot stand by and let this continue to happen.”

    Hamilton thanked those who could support the cause and revealed he donated to three charities: Palestine Red Crescent, Doctors Without Borders, and Save the Children UK.

    “It’s hard not to feel powerless in the face of so much tragedy, but we can’t stand by and do nothing,” he added. “There are some incredible organisations doing great work to help the people of Palestine, and they need funds to be able to do so.

    “I have donated to three organisations that are working tirelessly to help those who need it,” he stated before listing the three groups. “If you feel you have anything to spare, I would be grateful if you could join me.”

    The Israeli genocide in Gaza continues to escalate as Zionist forces intensify their attacks. More than 64,000 innocent Palestinians have been killed so far, while children are dying due to devastation.

  • ‘We are ready’: Dar reminds world of response to India if ‘Israel attacks Pakistan next’

    ‘We are ready’: Dar reminds world of response to India if ‘Israel attacks Pakistan next’

    Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister (FM) Ishaq Dar has said that Pakistan is ready for any possible Israeli misadventure, stating that the country wanted peace but the response it gave to Indian aggression should not be forgotten.

    As per the details, Dar, during an interview with Al Jazeera ahead of the emergency Arab-Islamic summit in the aftermath of Israeli strikes in Doha, was asked whether Israel could attack Pakistan next, to which he reminded that India had tried the same and that too with Israeli support.

    “We are ready. But again, we want peace. The nuclear-armed state does not want any destabilisation in the region because that will have consequences beyond [the region],” he said, stressing the need for collective efforts for reforms in United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions.

    Saying that Israel and India were the only countries that did not abide by UNSC resolutions, he emphasised evolving a mechanism in the council for taking practical measures to “control the situation” if its resolutions were not acted upon and implemented.

    He also spoke about the possible formation of a united body in the Middle East – apart from the United Nations (UN) structure – to intervene in Gaza.

    Responding to a question, the foreign minister said a mechanism could be chalked out per the UNSC. “For example, they have [imposed] very serious sanctions on countries that don’t listen to them. And that is a very severe economic dent or pain they can cause to any country.”

    He added that there had been talk along the lines of “some sort of combined security force” during recent interactions among Arab nations. “Why not? What’s wrong with that? They should have a combined force. And according to their own capacity, own strength, they should create some mechanism.”

    But it would be for peaceful purposes, Dar said, explaining that its mandate would be to stop the occupier. For “stopping someone who just doesn’t listen”, he added.

    When asked where would “nuclear-powered Pakistan” stand with that, Dar said that the country, as a member of the Muslim Ummah, “would discharge its duty”. With the interviewer asking the FM to elaborate, he clarified that Pakistan saw nuclear weapons only for deterrence and didn’t intend to use them.

    “We have no intention of using it; it is only a deterrence […] but Pakistan has a very large, known, very effective army, very effective air force, very effective navy… we have proven that we can beat our opponent even conventionally, if challenged.”

    Speaking of the strikes in Qatar, Dar said Israel’s reasons to attack a sovereign country were “totally baseless”. He pointed out that Qatar was mediating talks, along with the US and Egypt, for peace in Gaza when that attack happened.

    He reiterated that Israel’s actions were rogue, and highlighted that Israel had attacked multiple countries in the Middle East with no regard to resolutions of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation and the UN Security Council.

    “That means [the] multilateral system needs very serious reforms right now… this is the need of the hour. I think the UN Security Council, as well as the UN system itself needs very serious reforms.”

    “The UN Security Council is meant to maintain peace in the world. And if its resolutions are just put in the bin, as it is happening since so many years — [by] Israel in Gaza and Palestine and by India in Kashmir… what do we expect from the multilateral system?”

    When asked if all Muslim countries in the world were carrying equal weight and “doing the jobs they should be doing”, Dar said Pakistan believed that no matter how big or small a state was, their “dignity and respect should be equal”.

    In this connection, he also gave the example of India, mentioning that “some country had claimed to have hegemony, to be the net security provider, to be the captain of the entire region”.

    “But you saw what happened between May 7 and 10. It’s all settled. The hegemony is buried,” he added, clarifying that military action by Pakistan at the time was in self-defence.

  • Fake football team from Sialkot makes it to Japan, gets deported

    Fake football team from Sialkot makes it to Japan, gets deported

    A fake football team from Sialkot tried to make it all the way to Japan, but the journey ended with everyone getting deported.

    According to the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), a fake football team of 22 people managed to travel to Japan from the Sialkot Airport. However, once the documents were found to be fake, Japanese authorities deported all of them.

    The main suspect, identified as Malik Waqas, has been arrested and a case has been registered against him at FIA Gujranwala police station.

    Investigators said the accused registered a football club under the name “Golden Football Trial”. He trained the group to act like players and collected Rs4 million from each member to take them to Japan.

    Further investigation is underway.

  • VIDEO: Samiya Hijab breaks silence on ‘accepting money’, forgiving Hassan Zahid

    VIDEO: Samiya Hijab breaks silence on ‘accepting money’, forgiving Hassan Zahid

    Pakistani TikToker and social media influencer Samiya Hijab has withdrawn all legal complaints against her ex-fiancé Hassan Zahid, stating she has forgiven him “for the sake of Allah”.

    The case had stirred significant controversy on social media, with many accusing her of accepting money in exchange for dropping the charges, an allegation she has firmly denied.

    In a video, Samiya addressed these claims, saying, “I would have been very happy if I had taken money from Hassan’s family. I have forgiven him for Allah’s sake.”

    She clarified that Zahid’s father personally came to apologize to her, and his entire family had repeatedly pleaded for forgiveness. Moved by their requests, particularly from Zahid’s mother, Samiya said she decided to withdraw the case, stating she did not want his family to suffer for his wrongdoing.

    The influencer added that she has paid a personal price for speaking out, including a notable decline in her social media following. “I think of this reconciliation as a win for every girl,” she said, adding that she, however, won’t be able to trust anyone for at least three to four years.

    She also shared that Zahid apologised while offering assurances that he will not harass, defame or harm her again, and pledged to move forward responsibly.

    Samiya had previously filed two separate FIRs against Zahid at Islamabad’s Shalimar Police Station, accusing him of kidnapping, harassment and issuing threats. However, in a recent court appearance, she told the judge she no longer had any objection to Zahid being granted bail or even being acquitted. The court subsequently granted him bail against a surety bond worth Rs20,000.

    Despite the emotional and social toll, in her new video, Samiya said the experience helped her understand why many women choose not to speak out against injustices. “The trolling and judgment I faced made me realise how hard it is for women to come forward,” she said.

    Nonetheless, she urged girls and women to continue standing up for their rights and not be silenced by fear or criticism.

    In her caption, she also thanked the police and media for their help. “All thanks to @islamabadpolice, IG Islamabad, SHO Ishaq Sir and SHO Shafqat Sir — and also to all the good media channels that show the truth instead of lies just for TRP [sic].”

    The incident has sparked mixed reactions online, with some praising Samiya for forgiving the aggressor while others criticise the justice system for its handling of the case