Current Final

Author: News Desk

  • West Indies defeat Pakistan at home after 35 years

    West Indies defeat Pakistan at home after 35 years

    The West Indies won the second and final Test of the two-match series, defeating Pakistan on their home ground after 35 years by 120 runs on the third day.

    West Indies set a target of 245 runs for Pakistan, but the home team was bowled out for just 133 runs. This victory marks West Indies’Indies’ first Test win in Pakistan since 1990.

    On the third day, Saud Shakeel (13) and night-watchman Kashif Ali (1) were dismissed early. Salman Ali Agha scored 15 runs, while Sajid Khan (7), Nauman Ali (6), and Mohammad Rizwan (25) couldn’t make significant contributions either.

    Earlier, at the end of the second day, Pakistan was struggling at 76-4 while chasing a target of 254 runs. Captain Shan Masood and Mohammad Huraira both got out for two runs, Kamran Ghulam made 19, and Babar Azam managed 31.

    West Indies began their second innings with a 9-run lead. Captain Kraigg Brathwaite and McKenny Clarke put up a 50-run partnership before Clarke was dismissed for seven runs. Ameer Jangu added crucial runs alongside Brathwaite, who scored 52 before being dismissed by Nauman Ali. Runs came steadily, but wickets kept falling, with Emalch scoring 35 and Sinclair adding 28. West Indies were eventually bowled out for 244, leaving Pakistan a target of 254.

    Nauman Ali and Sajid Khan each took four wickets, while Abrar Ahmed and Kashif Ali picked one wicket each.

    In the first innings, West Indies scored 163, which Pakistan replied to with 154 runs. Earlier in the series, Pakistan won the first Test.

  • Six foreign players, including two Pakistanis, refuse to play BPL

    Six foreign players, including two Pakistanis, refuse to play BPL

    Six foreign players, including Pakistan’s Mohammad Haris and Aftab Alam, have refused to play in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) after failing to receive their due salaries.

    According to Bangladeshi media, players from the BPL team Durbar Rajshahi decided to boycott after facing delays in salary payments twice this season.

    Other players who joined the boycott include Lahiru, McCauley Cummins, Mark Deyal, and Ryan Burl.

    With the absence of foreign players, Durbar Rajshahi had to field an all-local team in their match against Rangpur Riders today.

  • Ajrak number plates mandatory as Sindh bans all others

    Ajrak number plates mandatory as Sindh bans all others

    The Sindh government has announced that, from April 3 onwards, only number plates with the Sindhi Ajrak design will be acceptable across the province.

    Sindh Minister for Excise Mukesh Kumar Chawla made this announcement during a meeting on excise and traffic control.

    Chawla was jointly briefed in detail by Secretary Excise Rajput and DIG Traffic Police Karachi Nawaz about the implementation plan for controlling and regularizing traffic in the metropolis.

    He stated that there is a need to immediately prepare a joint action plan for the payment of fines related to motor vehicle taxes and traffic violations.

    He also informed the attendees that counter desks will be provided to the traffic police at the Civic Center and Facilitation Centers of the Excise Department for a one-window operation. Meanwhile, the timely acquisition of new number plates for vehicles from the checkposts of the traffic police will also be ensured to streamline the process.

    The minister also instructed regarding the deployment of traffic police personnel at road checking points and the integration of traffic challans and Motor Vehicle Registration (MVR) taxes. The Excise Department, he assured, will assist the traffic police by providing records of due challans.

    Transfers and tax payments for vehicles with due challans should be made conditional on the payment of those challans, he told the officials.

    He said that with joint measures and further activation of the online system, pending taxes and challans will be immediately identified, and all dues will be paid through a single window.

    The minister also directed the Sindh Excise Secretary to prepare a proposal in this regard immediately.

    Sindh has a persistent issue of number plates and last year in July it launched an operation against motorists using bogus green and blue government license plates. Now the rules are being extended to cars and other vehicles. 

  • Sindh IG dismisses Chinese claims of harassment by Sindh police

    Sindh IG dismisses Chinese claims of harassment by Sindh police

    Sindh Inspector General of Police Ghulam Nabi Memon has dismissed claims made by Chinese investors, alleging harassment by Sindh police, stating that no complaint of extortion has been reported in the entire province.

    Six Chinese investors filed a petition in the Sindh High Court on Friday against alleged extortion and harassment by police in Karachi.

    According to the complaint, the Chinese businessmen sought protection from the court over the “culture of bribe” in the Sindh police, asserting they may need to move to Lahore or return to their homeland if the situation persists.

    Expressing their grievances, the Chinese complainants told the court that they, along with thousands of other fellow citizens, came to Pakistan after fulfilling all the legal requirements and investing a significant amount of money in various local business ventures.

    They also expressed disappointment over the restrictions they faced in the name of security.

    The details of repeated harassment over the last six to seven months were outlined. Among the concerns were unjustifiable restrictions on their movements, being detained, or “literally being locked” in their homes on the pretext of security without any clear legal reason.

    In one incident, the Chinese nationals were released after paying bribes of Rs 30,000 to Rs 50,000. The petitioners also recounted that the Sindh police had sealed the industrial units of other Chinese investors in the Sukhan area of Sindh for the same security reasons.

    They accused the police of targeting their cars with stones, smashing the rear windows, and claimed they had to pay large sums for repairs. They also asserted that the deployed police officials were highly unprofessional and disturbed their privacy, demanding tips ranging from Rs 15,000 to Rs 50,000.

    The Chinese petitioners also revealed that they were not allowed to lodge FIRs against these offences. One petitioner mentioned that his translator was detained when he attempted to report a theft of two million rupees at his residence, and the police refused to register the FIR.

    They requested the court to address their grievances and declare the alleged detention and movement restrictions illegal.

    The two-judge bench of SHC, comprising Justice Mohammad Karim Khan Agha and Justice Adnan-ul-Karim Memon, has put the Chinese Embassy in Pakistan, its consulate in Karachi, and federal and provincial law officers on notice.

    Speaking to a private news outlet, IG Sindh police asserted that the movement of Chinese nationals has been significantly restricted due to security concerns. “We cannot compromise on the safety of our Chinese brothers,” he said, reiterating that the steps taken are necessary to ensure their protection.

    The police, however, are investigating the claims made by the Chinese nationals and are determined to address the related issues.

  • ‘US lawmaker tweeted ‘Free Imran Khan’ after fundraising assurance’

    ‘US lawmaker tweeted ‘Free Imran Khan’ after fundraising assurance’

    Senior journalist and analyst Najam Sethi has claimed that Republican Joe Wilson posted in favour of jailed Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan, particularly “Free Imran Khan”, after being assured of fundraising from Pakistani diaspora.

    Sethi said that following Wilson’s social media post about the jailed former premier, he asked someone about the sudden shift in behaviour of the American lawmaker who had recently met with Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi on the latter’s visit to attend President Donald Trump’s inauguration.

    He quoted sources as saying that the post came after Pakistani community in the US assured Wilson of raising funds. “Fundraising is very important for politics there [in the US]. On the basis of fundraising, they [politicians] take a turn and change their policies entirely,” Sethi explained.

    Earlier, the series of social media posts in jailed Khan’s favour saw Wilson taking to X (formerly Twitter) to post, “Free Imran Khan”. He was followed by Jack Bergman, another Republican congressman, who also called for the release of Khan.

    “The facts are straightforward, it’s no time to mince words. Free Imran Khan,” Bergman also wrote on X.

    The posts once again sparked speculation, with analysts drawing connections to “successful lobbying by PTI” in the US, United Kingdom (UK) and other countries. It also once again led to discussions on President Trump’s alleged support for Khan.

    It merits a mention that the Republican representative, a day after tweeting about Khan, also wrote, “The Iranian regime is weaker than ever before with few friends left. Few expected Assad would fall and the same will happen in Iran. The people will overthrow the regime soon. Free Iran [sic].”

    “Free Iraq from Iran,” he wrote in another post. “Free Yemen from Iran,” read another statement.

    Earlier, the presidential envoy for special missions, Richard Grenell, following the crackdown of security forces on PTI demonstrators in November in Islamabad, had posted on his account on X in favour of Imran Khan, writing, “Free Imran Khan!”. However, he did not receive much attention at that time.

    Grenell was discussed in Pakistan politics on December 15, 2024, when Trump appointed him as his Special Envoy for Global Missions in his administration. His social media posts then were amplified by PTI supporters.

  • PCB to hold PSL matches in the US: report

    PCB to hold PSL matches in the US: report

    The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is planning to host some future Pakistan Super League (PSL) games in the United States (US) to attract potential foreign franchise owners.

    According to reports, the PCB, ahead of the upcoming 10th edition of the league, has already started working towards expanding it by adding two new teams to the 2026 season.

    Two Pakistani individuals active in American cricket have shown interest in buying the new franchises, and discussions in this regard are ongoing.

    While PSL head Salman Naseer is also currently on a trip to the US, among those rumoured to buy the new teams is a key cricket stakeholder in Pakistan, reports said.

    Earlier, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, while attending the inauguration ceremony of US President Donald Trump, met with two Pakistani officials involved in American cricket.

    Most team owners and cricket officials in US cricket are Indians, making it challenging for Pakistan to establish a foothold. However, the PCB believes they cannot leave such a big market solely to India and so they are exploring various opportunities.

    Two new teams to join PSL

    Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has revealed exciting news about the Pakistan Super League (PSL), saying, “We will auction two new teams for the next PSL season.”

    During a ceremony in Sialkot on Sunday, Naqvi said, “We have decided to introduce two new teams in the next PSL season, and we think that one team will belong to Sialkot. The auction process will be transparent, and we are confident this will make the league more competitive and entertaining.”

    “We are committed to upgrading cricket venues across the country to ensure they meet international standards,” Naqvi added.

    The current PSL format features six teams, including Islamabad United, Karachi Kings, Lahore Qalandars, Multan Sultans, Peshawar Zalmi, and Quetta Gladiators. 

    With the addition of new teams next season, the league is set to grow, promising even more excitement and opportunities for players and fans alike.

  • Karachi star shines bright in Toronto as Asim Azhar kicks off Canada tour

    Karachi star shines bright in Toronto as Asim Azhar kicks off Canada tour

    Singer Asim Azhar has shared a series of photos capturing moments from his Toronto show, expressing his gratitude and enthusiasm as he kicked off his concert tour.

    The caption of his Instagram post read, “Just a kid from Karachi selling out shows in the world. Thank you so much for everything. What a night. What a way to start the tour. TORONTO YOU HAVE MY HEART Sambhaal ke rakhna waapis aanay tak “

    His post featured several shots from the city. The first image showed Asim posing with the band AUR on the streets of Toronto, radiating energy and excitement.

    In other photos, the Teriyaan singer beamed with delight, looking all charged up for the big show planned. Alongside the photo carousel, Asim shared a heartfelt note detailing his upcoming tour, “TORONTO WE ARE OFFICIALLY SOLD OUT.”

    He continued, “Kicking off the tour by selling out the legendary @thedanforthmusichall is a dream come true. My first time in this beautiful country & this city. We have an amazing show planned for you. Can’t wait to see you all on stage and make history. Bohat bohat shukriya aapke iss pyaar ka milne se bhi pehle.”

    Asim signed off his note with, “Toronto, in return I do have something v v v special planned for you @aurmusic__ kya khayal hai? @livenationon let’s gooooo.”

    Recently, Asim Azhar left millions grooving to his soulful hits on the third day of the Karachi Eat Festival. Now, he’s ready to take his music to fans around the world, starting with an unforgettable night in Toronto.

  • Bowlers rule Multan pitch as Pakistan is bowled out for 154

    Bowlers rule Multan pitch as Pakistan is bowled out for 154

    The second Test match between Pakistan and West Indies in Multan has turned into a feast of wickets for bowlers. West Indies batted first but got all out for 163 runs. In response, the Pakistani batting lineup crumbled at 154 at the end of day one.

    West Indies struggled in their first innings, losing wickets quickly. Spinner Nauman Ali was the star for Pakistan, taking six wickets, including a brilliant hat-trick. Sajid Khan took two wickets, while Kashif Ali and Abrar Ahmed got one wicket each.

    For West Indies, Gudakesh Motie scored 55 runs, Jomel Warrican made 36, and Kemar Roach added 25 runs.

    West Indies lost their first wicket at a score of 8 when opener McKenny Lewis was out for 0. Soon after, Ameer Jango was also dismissed, making just four runs.

    Nauman Ali completed a hat-trick by dismissing Justin Greaves, Tevin Imlach, and Kevin Sinclair.


    Partnerships: Captain Kraigg Brathwaite and Keacy Carty tried to stabilize the innings, but their partnership ended quickly as Brathwaite was out for nine runs.


    Pakistan and West Indies Playing XIs

    Pakistan XI: 

    Shan Masood (C), Mohammad Huraira, Babar Azam, Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan, Salman Agha, Sajid Khan, Nauman Ali, Kashif Ali, Abrar Ahmed

    West Indies XI: 

    Kraigg Brathwaite (C), McKenny Lewis, Ameer Jango, Keacy Carty, Alec Athanaze, Jomel Warrican, Kevin Sinclair, Gudakesh Motie, Justin Greaves, Tevin Imlach, Kemar Roach

    Pakistan leads the two-match Test series 1-0. In the first Test match, also played in Multan, Pakistan defeated West Indies by 127 runs. Sajid Khan was named Player of the Match for his outstanding performance in that game.

  • VIDEO: Hub rally cancelled after deadly accident kills marshal

    VIDEO: Hub rally cancelled after deadly accident kills marshal

    Hub Auto Cross Rally 2025 was on Saturday cancelled after a tragic accident claimed the life of one of the motorsport marshals.

    According to reports, Danish was severely injured after racer Tariq Khan’s vehicle lost control and hit the former who was standing close to the rally track.

    Danish was rushed to the hospital for treatment but unfortunately passed away during treatment.

    Rally organisers immediately cancelled the event following the tragic incident.

    Meanwhile, drivers and rally management have pledged full support to Danish’s family during this difficult time.

    In recent years, car culture in Pakistan has grown significantly, attracting a passionate community of automobile enthusiasts. 

    One of the most popular aspects of car culture is off-road rallies. Events like the Cholistan Desert Rally, Gwadar Rally, and Jhal Magsi Rally have gained recognition nationally and internationally. 

    Car rallies not only promote motorsports but also boost tourism in the regions where they are held. Thousands of spectators gather to witness these thrilling races, bringing economic activity to remote areas. 

  • ‘Despite travel ban, Khan granted Malik Riaz special permission to exit Pakistan 20 times’

    ‘Despite travel ban, Khan granted Malik Riaz special permission to exit Pakistan 20 times’

    Prominent journalist Fakhar Durrani has claimed that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan, as the country’s prime minister (PM), repeatedly helped Bahria Town owner and property tycoon Malik Riaz travel abroad despite being placed on the exit control list (ECL).

    “Malik Riaz’s name was on the ECL on Supreme Court orders. […] however, from March 2019 to March 2022, Imran Khan facilitated Riaz by granting him special permission [to travel abroad] 20 times,” Durrani said in a video on his YouTube channel.

    According to the journalist, Khan also made sure that the special permission for Riaz to travel abroad was renewed after each expiry, keeping his name off the no-fly list for three years.

    In reference to Riaz’s latest troubles at the hands of the Pakistani government, Durrani said that the PM Shehbaz Sharif-led government and establishment were determined to launch an inquiry against the property tycoon, noting that the government was actively working to get him extradited from the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

    It merits a mention that the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) on Tuesday issued a press release cautioning the public against investing in Bahria Town’s new real estate project in Dubai.

    Following Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi’s conviction in the £190 million Al-Qadir Trust case, the accountability watchdog said that Riaz was an absconder in the same and they had already frozen a number of his assets.

    “Mr Malik Riaz is residing in Dubai, UAE. He has recently launched a project for the construction of luxury apartments in Dubai, UAE. The general public at large is hereby advised and warned to refrain from investing in the stated project. If the general public at large invests in the stated project, their actions would tantamount to money laundering, for which they may face criminal/ legal proceedings,” the press release read.

    The controversial property tycoon, in response to the NAB press release against his Dubai-based project, took to X on Wednesday, warning, “I am holding back, but there is a storm within me. If this dam breaks, then everyone’s façade will shatter. Don’t forget that the secrets of the past 25–30 years are preserved along with evidence.”


     
    “My decision yesterday was the same as it is today: no matter how much oppression you inflict, I (Malik Riaz) will not testify.”


     
    Jailed Khan was quick to react to the development. He asked Riaz on Friday to disclose the names of the politicians, judges and generals who had received benefits from him. 


    Imran Khan’s X (formerly Twitter) handle posted, “I ask Malik Riaz to disclose which judges, generals and politicians received bribes and other benefits from him over the last 30 years so that the nation knows who has been involved in dirty deals. The world should know how clean those who lecture about the bogus Al-Qadir (University) Trust case really are.”