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Author: News Desk

  • ‘Was Multan Sultans rebranded due to issues with Ali Tareen?’ journalist asks PCB chief

    ‘Was Multan Sultans rebranded due to issues with Ali Tareen?’ journalist asks PCB chief

    Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi has addressed questions surrounding the rebranding of Multan Sultans after the franchise was acquired by Walee Technologies in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) auction on Monday.

    Walee Technologies secured the former Multan Sultans franchise for PKR 2.45 billion at an auction held at the Expo Center in Lahore. Five companies took part in the bidding process.

    Following the auction, the new owner confirmed that the team will no longer operate as Multan Sultans. The franchise has been rebranded as Rawalpindi, making it the most expensive team in PSL history.

    After the bidding concluded, Mohsin Naqvi was asked whether the name change was deliberately made due to past issues with former owner Ali Tareen. He was also questioned about whether such decisions could happen in international cricket formats like ODIs.

    Naqvi rejected the idea that the decision was personal or politically motivated.

    “First of all, I personally have a lot of love for Multan. When that team was taken away from me, my heart genuinely became very sad. It was our own brand, and now we will definitely think about what to do with that brand going forward,” he said.

    He clarified that the PCB had no authority to dictate the name or identity of the franchise after the auction.

    “As far as spending 2.45 billion rupees is concerned, I could not dictate whether the team should be called Multan Sultans or not. I had no control over that,” Naqvi explained.

    The PCB chairman also revealed that the board initially planned to auction the franchise for just one year but later changed its decision.

    “Our original plan was to keep it for one year only. Then we reconsidered because we felt the market environment was already active. We already had five or six teams in place, so we decided to link it with them and move forward with the auction plan,” he said.

    It is worth noting that the PCB earlier sold two new PSL teams, Hyderabad for Rs1.75 billion and Sialkot for Rs1.85 billion.

    Naqvi added that their were two viewpoints regarding the brand identity.

    “One was that Multan Sultans is a very old and established brand. The other view was that the brand had been damaged. But for me, Multan remains just as dear, and we will think of something going forward, InshaAllah,” he elaborated. 

    The franchise became available after former owner Ali Tareen decided not to renew his contract in November 2025 due to strained relations with the PCB. His company, Deharki Sugar Mills (DSM), appeared on the list of bidders but did not place any bids during the auction.

    Multan Sultans remain one of the most successful teams in PSL history. They won their maiden title in 2021 under captain Mohammad Rizwan after defeating Peshawar Zalmi in the final. The team then reached the final in the next three seasons, finishing as runners-up each time.

  • Indian media exposed as ICC releases details of talks with PCB, BCB

    Indian media exposed as ICC releases details of talks with PCB, BCB

    The International Cricket Council (ICC) has released details of its talks with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), confirming key decisions linked to the T20 World Cup 2026.

    In a statement released last night, the ICC said it will not impose any fine on Bangladesh for its non-participation in the T20 World Cup 2026.

    The council also confirmed that Bangladesh will host an ICC event prior to the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2031, subject to the usual ICC hosting processes, timelines, and operational requirements.

    Earlier, Indian media outlets and some prominent journalists reported that the PCB had sought a larger share of ICC revenue and bilateral series with India, but the ICC’s press release debunked these claims.

    The ICC shared these details after high-level talks held in Lahore involving the ICC, PCB, and BCB. The discussions focused on the boycott of the Pakistan–India match in the T20 World Cup and related concerns raised by Bangladesh.

    ICC Deputy Chairman Imran Khawaja on Sunday held talks with PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, while BCB President Aminul Islam also attended the meeting. 

    As per details, the talks lasted more than five hours, with Naqvi placing strong emphasis on addressing what he described as unfair treatment of Bangladesh.

    According to reports, the ICC and BCB exchanged proposals during the meeting, while the PCB acted as a facilitator between the two sides. The ICC responded positively to Bangladesh’s demands and prepared a formula to address its concerns.

    Separately, Pakistan also decided to play India on February 15 in the T20 World Cup as per the schedule after a request from the President of Sri Lanka. The Bangladesh Cricket Board also urged Pakistan to play the match against India.

    In a statement, the BCB thanked the PCB chairman for his support and requested Pakistan to go ahead with the India fixture.

    Pakistan had earlier announced it would not play India in solidarity with Bangladesh. Bangladesh had requested the ICC to move its World Cup matches out of India due to security concerns. The ICC rejected the request and replaced Bangladesh with Scotland in the event, prompting Pakistan to refuse the scheduled match against India.

    Reports indicate that the cancellation of a Pakistan–India match could have caused a $250 million loss to broadcasters.

  • Pakistan to invest $1bn in AI by 2030: PM

    Pakistan to invest $1bn in AI by 2030: PM

    Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday announced that the government plans to invest $1 billion in Pakistan’s Artificial Intelligence (AI) sector by 2030, outlining a set of measures aimed at building a digital economy and expanding access to AI education and training.

    Speaking at the inaugural session of Indus AI Week, the prime minister said that the investment will be used to develop an AI ecosystem in the country and prepare the workforce for technological change.

    “Pakistan is absolutely ready to accept the challenge and work with our global partners, with great commitment and dedication,” he said.

    As part of the plan, the prime minister announced the introduction of an AI curriculum in all federally administered schools. He also said the government will provide 1,000 fully funded PhD scholarships in artificial intelligence by 2030 to students from across the country. In addition, a nationwide programme will be launched to train one million non-IT professionals in AI-related skills.

    The prime minister said AI applications will be prioritised in agriculture, mines and minerals, industry, commerce, trade and youth development. Referring to Pakistan’s population of about 240 million, with nearly 60 percent under the age of 30, he said there was a need to equip young people with modern skills.

    Addressing concerns among IT professionals about technological change, he said government initiatives would support the transition from traditional IT roles to AI-based expertise. He said AI could lead to gains in agricultural output and efficiency, industrial activity and employment opportunities for women.

    The prime minister cited ongoing digital reforms as evidence of institutional readiness, referring to the digitisation of the Federal Board of Revenue, the use of data-based systems to improve revenue collection and the installation of scanners and digital tools at ports to control smuggling.

    “We are recovering lost revenues through technology and offering quality training to our young men and women in agriculture, commerce and trade,” he said.

    Referring to earlier technology-related initiatives, the prime minister said current AI plans were a continuation of reforms introduced during previous governments led by former prime minister Nawaz Sharif. He mentioned laptop distribution schemes for high-performing students in Punjab, the establishment of e-libraries in remote areas, e-stamp papers and the digitisation of land records with World Bank support.

    He also referred to the launch of the country’s first Safe City project and the establishment of Pakistan’s first IT university in Lahore.

    Minister for Information Technology Shaza Fatima Khawaja said Indus AI Week was intended to improve coordination between universities, government institutions and international companies. She said the Pakistan Digital Authority was drafting a nationwide digital master plan.

  • World Bank reiterates support for $20bn Pakistan development plan

    World Bank reiterates support for $20bn Pakistan development plan

    The World Bank on Sunday reaffirmed its commitment to Pakistan’s $20 billion development programme, signalling continued backing for the country’s reform and development agenda.

    The assurance was conveyed during a meeting between Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb and World Bank Group Managing Director Anna Bjerde on the sidelines of the AlUla Conference for Emerging Market Economies in Saudi Arabia.

    According to officials, the meeting included a review of progress under Pakistan’s Country Partnership Framework (CPF) and followed up on the recent visit of the World Bank president to Pakistan. The discussions covered a range of priority areas identified under the framework, including energy, education, health, climate resilience, infrastructure, fiscal reforms and debt-for-development swaps.

    Both sides highlighted the importance of adopting a more focused approach to programme execution, stressing the need for clear performance benchmarks and strong implementation mechanisms to ensure timely and measurable outcomes.

    During the meeting, Bjerde reaffirmed the World Bank Group’s commitment to Pakistan’s 10-year development programme valued at $20 billion. Aurangzeb reiterated Pakistan’s resolve to work closely with the World Bank, including through engagement with provincial governments to improve coordination and delivery under the framework.

    The World Bank Board approved the $20 billion financing package for Pakistan last year, covering the period from 2025 to 2035. The Country Partnership Framework was formally released following approval by the World Bank Group’s Board of Executive Directors.

    The programme aims to address learning poverty, improve health outcomes for disadvantaged populations and strengthen protection against climate-related risks. The framework outlines investments and reforms across multiple sectors identified as critical to Pakistan’s development objectives.

    Ahead of the plan’s approval, the World Bank projected Pakistan’s economic growth at 3.8 percent by 2029. It also projected a fiscal deficit equivalent to six percent of gross domestic product and a debt-to-GDP ratio of 73 percent which were cited as benchmarks for assessing economic performance during the programme period.

  • FIA foils human trafficking attempt, rescues woman at Karachi airport

    FIA foils human trafficking attempt, rescues woman at Karachi airport

    The immigration wing of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has offloaded three passengers from a United Arab Emirates (UAE)-bound flight at the Jinnah International Airport, preventing an attempt to traffic a woman for sexual exploitation.

    According to an FIA spokesperson, the operation uncovered an organised network involved in human smuggling and sexual exploitation. The passengers included the victim, identified as Sumaira, and two suspected traffickers, namely Nosheen Ishaq and her husband Jamshed Iqbal, who were attempting to take the victim to the UAE. 

    Following the victim’s identification, two additional facilitators, Asim and Noman, were also taken into custody.

    The FIA said the victim had been recruited by a woman named Shamila through Facebook and WhatsApp, where she was lured with the promise of a monthly salary of Rs150,000.

    Shamila, along with Nosheen and Jamshed, allegedly arranged the victim’s travel to the UAE and had previously sent several women abroad under similar circumstances.

    During a raid at Shamila’s flat in Karachi’s Azam, officials recovered mobile phones containing WhatsApp conversations, photographs and records of financial transactions.

    Investigators said Asim and Noman provided logistical assistance, including travel arrangements and transportation.

    All suspects have been handed over to the FIA Anti-Human Trafficking Circle in Karachi for further probe.

  • ‘Humein move on karnay nahi diya aur khud shaadi kar li’: Internet reacts to Talha Anjum’s engagement

    ‘Humein move on karnay nahi diya aur khud shaadi kar li’: Internet reacts to Talha Anjum’s engagement

    Internet has a lot to say as Rapper Talha Anjum announces his engagement to influencer Zoeia Karim.

    As per the details, the couple got engaged in an intimate ceremony featuring traditional rituals and celebrations, surrounded by relatives and close friends. 

    Pictures of the event quickly spread across social media, prompting a wave of reactions from fans and fellow celebrities.

    While congratulatory messages poured in, social media users reacted with a mix of surprise, heartbreak, humour and memes.

    “Pury Pakistan ko move on krne nai diya aur khud shadi kar li [He kept entire Pakistan from moving on and got married himself],” wrote one user.

    Another commented, “Areee Talha bhai yaaaar [Oh Talha brother] .”

     “Insan bhi kiya cheez hai [Humans are such strange beings] ,” wrote a fan while one joked about how “the sky changes colours”.

    Another fan said, “Talha bhai bhi dhoka de gye [Even Talha brother betrayed us].”

    The reactions were not limited to Pakistan, as one user commented, “India bhi hai bro [India is also here, bro], highlighting his cross-border fan following.


    Talha Anjum stands among the most influential artists of Pakistan’s younger generation and forms one half of the hugely popular rap duo Young Stunners. His sharp lyricism and distinctive rap style have built him a loyal fan base across Pakistan and beyond.

  • US invites Pakistan to first Peace Board summit on Gaza

    US invites Pakistan to first Peace Board summit on Gaza

    Pakistan has officially received an invitation to participate in the inaugural meeting of the Gaza Peace Board, scheduled for February 19.

    According to reports, the meeting is expected to be chaired by United States (US) President Donald Trump, with Pakistan confirming its decision to attend.

    Reports quoted sources as saying that the final decision on whether Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif or Deputy PM and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar will attend, is expected in the coming days.

    The White House has confirmed the date, stating that the meeting will bring together key international stakeholders to discuss peace and stability in Gaza.

    According to US officials, the event will also serve as a fundraising conference to support reconstruction in the war-torn Palestinian territory, advancing the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire.

    “It will be the first Board of Peace meeting and a fundraising conference for Gaza reconstruction,” US officials said.

    The Trump administration has reportedly started contacting dozens of countries to coordinate participation and finalise logistics for the meeting expected to be held at the Institute of Peace in Washington.

  • Ducky Bhai, Aroob Jatoi indicted in gambling app promotion case

    Ducky Bhai, Aroob Jatoi indicted in gambling app promotion case

    A judicial magistrate on Monday indicted YouTuber Saadur Rehman, also known as Ducky Bhai, his wife Aroob Jatoi, and other accused individuals in connection with the promotion of gambling applications on social media.

    All accused pleaded not guilty and opted to contest the trial. Magistrate Naeem Wattoo directed the prosecution to present its witnesses during the next hearing. The proceedings are scheduled to continue on February 23.

    The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) had previously registered cases against several YouTubers and TikTokers on charges of promoting gambling applications through their social media accounts. Rehman was arrested by the agency in August last year and was released on bail by the Lahore High Court on November 24.

    According to court records, the case stems from an inquiry dated June 13, 2025, which was initiated after “receipt of information from reliable source(s)” indicating that some social media influencers were promoting gambling and betting applications for monetary gain.

    The case was registered under sections 13 (Electronic forgery), 14 (Electronic fraud), 25 (Spamming), and 26 (Spoofing) of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act, 2016 also includes sections 294 B (Offering prize in connection with trade) and 420 (Cheating and dishonestly inducing delivery of property) of the Pakistan Penal Code.

    In December, Rehman uploaded a video to his YouTube channel, nearly an hour long, in which he claimed he had faced physical and verbal abuse while in NCCIA custody.

    Earlier developments in the case include a complaint filed by Jatoi that led to the arrest of six NCCIA officials in October. The officials were placed on a three-day physical remand over allegations of misusing authority, extorting money, and accepting bribes.

  • Iranian Nobel laureate Narges Mohammadi sentenced to over seven years in prison

    Iranian Nobel laureate Narges Mohammadi sentenced to over seven years in prison

    Iranian human rights activist and 2023 Nobel Peace Prize winner Narges Mohammadi has been sentenced to more than seven years in prison, her lawyers and supporting organizations confirmed.


    Mohammadi, 53, had been on a week-long hunger strike that ended Sunday, according to the Narges Foundation. She informed her lawyer, Mostafa Nili, in a phone call from prison that she received her sentence on Saturday.


    “She has been sentenced to six years in prison for gathering and collusion to commit crimes,” Nili told AFP. In addition, she received a one-and-a-half-year sentence for propaganda activities and will be exiled for two years to Khosf, in the eastern province of South Khorasan. A two-year ban on leaving the country was also imposed.


    Nili noted that the verdict is not final and could be appealed. He expressed hope that Mohammadi could be temporarily released on bail to receive medical treatment due to her health concerns.


    The activist began her hunger strike on February 2 to protest prison conditions and the restrictions preventing her from contacting lawyers and family. “Narges Mohammadi ended her hunger strike today on its 6th day, while reports indicate her physical condition is deeply alarming,” the foundation said.


    Mohammadi was reportedly transferred to a hospital three days ago because of her deteriorating health but was returned to the Ministry of Intelligence’s detention center in Mashhad before completing her treatment.


     “Her continued detention is life threatening and a violation of human rights laws,” the foundation said.


    Mohammadi is the second Iranian woman to receive the Nobel Peace Prize, following Shirin Ebadi in 2003, recognized for her work promoting democracy and human rights.

    A prolific writer and journalist, Mohammadi serves as deputy director of the Defenders of Human Rights Center (DHRC), an organization dedicated to defending political prisoners and advancing human rights reforms in Iran. 


    She has been a vocal campaigner against the death penalty and corruption and has spent two decades fighting for women’s rights, earning her recognition as a symbol of freedom by the Nobel Committee in 2023.



    Mohammadi was arrested on December 12 after criticizing the suspicious death of lawyer Khosrow Alikordi. Prosecutor Hasan Hematifar stated that Mohammadi made provocative remarks at Alikordi’s memorial in Mashhad, encouraging attendees “to chant norm-breaking slogans” and “disturb the peace.”

  • T20 World Cup: Ponting, Shastri discuss Babar Azam’s inconsistency, role in starring XI

    T20 World Cup: Ponting, Shastri discuss Babar Azam’s inconsistency, role in starring XI

    Former Australian cricket legend Ricky Ponting and renowned Indian commentator Ravi Shastri have voiced concerns over Pakistani star batter Babar Azam’s inconsistency at the T20 World Cup, sharing tips for the former Green Shirts captain to regain his form.

    Babar managed just 15 runs off 18 balls in Pakistan’s tournament opener against the Netherlands, putting the middle order under pressure and raising questions about his ability to provide quick starts at the top of the lineup.

    “If you’re 15 off 18 balls, you’re not just putting pressure on yourself, you’re putting pressure on the guy at the other end. The guy at the other end then knows that he’s got to be the one to take up the boundary scoring. Babar needs to hit boundaries early on. He needs to get off and going, he needs two boundaries in his first six balls, otherwise the whole momentum of the game is going to change every time he goes in,” Ponting said while speaking on The ICC Review with host Sanjana Ganesan.

    Shastri said Babar’s reputation was adding even more pressure to the situation.

    “When you are at that stage of your career, there’s baggage. There’s a weight of expectation. People expect you to go out there and deliver. Get out there [and] in your first five balls, I don’t care if you get out, but I want you to make an effort to hit a couple of boundaries. Choose your spot, get into good positions, anticipate what the bowler is doing. You will feel a lot better and things might change,” he said.

    Ponting also expressed concern about Babar’s No. 4 batting position in the opener, which he believed increased the pressure. “It just to me looks like he’s lost a bit of his power, his ball striking ability, like taking that spinner on the way he did and not being able to even go close to clearing it.”

    “I defended him at the start of the tournament… a big player with big events experience… you need [those players] on your side if you’re going to win. Pakistan need the best version of Babar Azam if they’re going to go further in this tournament,” Shastri added.

    Ponting suggested returning Babar to his preferred No. 3 position to make the most of the powerplay fielding restrictions. 

    “I would even think about batting him at No. 3 I think the earlier he goes in, if he can get some time inside the Powerplay with the field up, I think that’s going to help him because if he has just lost that little bit of power, then you need everything in your favour. So having only two fielders out would help him. The guys that [are] batting after him have got plenty of power anyway. They can take advantage of those middle overs with the spinners on and the fielders out. They’ve got a big decision to make whether he stays in or whether they leave him out.”

    Shastri also spoke of Babar’s role in the team. “There will be questions asked. He’s a quality player… we know he’s got the experience to adjust very quickly, but he has to do it quickly because [the middle overs are] a very crucial period of play. In T20 cricket, you can’t give it that much time unless the conditions are really in favor of the bowlers,” he said.

    Pakistan will face the United States next on February 11 in Colombo. Meanwhile, the February 15 clash against India remains uncertain following recent ICC and PCB discussions. 

    Pakistan will close the group stage with a match against Namibia on February 18.