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Author: News Desk

  • Barrister Gohar refutes Aleema’s claim that govt offered Imran Khan’s release to PTI

    Barrister Gohar refutes Aleema’s claim that govt offered Imran Khan’s release to PTI

    Chairman Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Barrister Gohar Ali Khan on Sunday refuted Aleema Khan’s recent claim that her brother, party founder Imran Khan, was to be released within 20 days by the government as part of a deal in exchange for ending the recent sit-in at the federal capital.

    “I had neither mentioned anything about the release nor did the government promise to release Imran Khan within 20 days,” Barrister Gohar Ali Khan told Geo News.

    The PTI chairman clarified that he had not been in contact with anyone in this regard on November 24 or before, and no discussion was held with the government about meeting Imran. 

    Former premier Imran Khan’s sister, Aleema Khanum, on Saturday (November 7), claimed that the government offered to release the incarcerated former prime minister (PM) if the party shifted its Islamabad protest from D-Chowk to Sangjani, outskirts of Islamabad.

    “They [the government] panicked after seeing so many protesters in Islamabad and sent [PTI chief] Barrister Gohar and [KP govt adviser] Barrister Saif to meet Khan in jail,” Aleema said while speaking to reporters outside an anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Lahore.

    PTI’s “decisive” march on the federal capital last month ended inconclusively after a massive crackdown by law enforcement at D-Chowk. The grand clearance operation had come as PTI leaders and workers continued with their protests amid deadly clashes with police and Rangers, rejecting the government’s offer to shift the demonstration to Sangjani.

    During the former ruling party’s three-day-long protest march, demonstrators and security officials had clashed, leading to three Rangers personnel, one police cop death and multiple wounded.

    According to PTI, 12 party followers were dead. Meanwhile, the Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) government denied that there were casualties.

    Opposition biggest party, on the “final call” of party founder Imran Khan, initiated the protest march on November 24, which was led by CM Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Ali Amin Gandapur and former First Lady Bushra Bibi, demanding the repeal of the recently passed 26th Constitutional Amendment, release of the political prisoners, including Imran Khan, and return of the “stolen mandate” believing that the February 8 General election was unfair and rigged.


    Weeks after PTI led an apparently failed protest march to the federal capital, founder PTI Imran Khan, on Thursday (November 5), warned the federal government on X (formerly Twitter) that his party would begin a civil disobedience movement if two demands—the formation of a judicial commission for a transparent investigation of May 9, 2023, and November 26, 2024, and the release of under-trial political prisoners are not met.

    “If these two demands are not accepted, a civil disobedience movement will be launched from December 14,” the founder of the former ruling party warned, adding that the government would be responsible for the results of the movement.

  • Syrian Football Federation changes kit, logo colours

    Syrian Football Federation changes kit, logo colours

    The Syrian Football Federation has announced a change to the national team’s kit and logo to reflect political changes. 

    The national team’s traditional red colour has been replaced by green, a symbol of renewal and progress.

    The decision was made after recent major political developments in Syria, when rebels captured the capital, Damascus, while President Bashar al-Assad was forced to flee to Russia at the end of a 13-year civil war.

    The Syrian Football Federation shared photos of the national team players wearing the new green kit on Facebook, calling the change “historic.”

    The federation said in a statement, “This is the first major change in Syrian sports, free from nepotism, favouritism and corruption.”

    Although political instability and a lack of resources have been major challenges for the team, Syrian football achieved several regional successes in the 1980s and 1990s.

    Syria is undergoing significant changes as of December 2024. President Bashar al-Assad, who ruled for nearly 25 years, has fled to Russia after rebel forces took control of the capital, Damascus. This marks the end of over 50 years of Assad family rule in Syria.

    The rebel group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), once linked to al-Qaeda, led the offensive that forced Assad to leave. Following his exit, Syrians celebrated by looting his palace, storming foreign embassies, and freeing prisoners from military jails. The rebels also paraded captured government soldiers through the streets.

    The international community has shown mixed reactions to these developments. U.S. President Joe Biden welcomed the end of Assad’s autocratic rule but cautioned about potential instability. The U.S. has conducted airstrikes to target ISIS factions and prevent them from exploiting the power vacuum. Russia, which has given Assad asylum, has called for an emergency United Nations Security Council meeting to address the situation.

    Neighboring countries like Jordan and Lebanon have closed their borders amid the turmoil, further complicating the region’s stability. Meanwhile, HTS leader Abu Mohammed al-Golani has expressed optimism for Syria’s future, aiming for international cooperation despite the group’s controversial past.

    Syria now faces the enormous task of rebuilding a nation devastated by over a decade of civil war. The new leadership must work towards reconciliation and reconstruction to bring lasting peace and stability. The road ahead is uncertain, but this transition could mark the beginning of a new chapter for Syria.

  • Champions Trophy should not be held in Pakistan: Rashid Latif

    Champions Trophy should not be held in Pakistan: Rashid Latif

    Former captain of the national cricket team Rashid Latif has said, “The Champions Trophy should not be held in Pakistan now. Before the International Cricket Council (ICC) forbids it, you should refuse it yourself.”

    Speaking at an Urdu conference in Karachi on Monday, the former captain said, “The ICC and Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) are merged; they got the opportunity to play with Pakistan, we should not go so low and host the Champions Trophy now. It is good for us that we are fighting our case, but I am not sure where we will stand if India boycotts the mega event.”

    “Stadiums are being built with billions of rupees, billions of rupees need to be spent at the grassroots level, attention also needs to be paid to women’s cricket, it is our tragedy that there is no women’s cricket stadium in Pakistan,” he said.

    He further added, “Mushtaq Muhammad was the greatest captain of the Pakistan cricket team; he made captains and players; Javed Miandad is a shadow of Mushtaq Muhammad.”

    Rashid Latif stressed the importance of focusing on club cricket. He said, “A player with good experience in club cricket can be a good captain. If you do not invest in grassroots cricket, there will be no benefit. If you do not focus on grassroots cricket, you will not get talent like Wasim Akram and Javed Miandad.”

    Earlier,  the overdue International Cricket Council (ICC) meeting regarding the hosting of the Champions Trophy was postponed once again.

    The meeting, which was scheduled for today, was to be held between the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), the ICC, and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to decide on matters concerning the hosting of the upcoming tournament and its schedule.

    Geo, however, reported that the ICC meeting on the Champions Trophy has been deferred yet again.

    The Indian Cricket Board was expected to respond to the ICC after consulting with its government regarding Pakistan’s demands, which included playing in the rival’s country. However, there has been no response from the BCCI.

    Pakistan’s conditions concern the Indian board, with Pakistan sticking to its firm stance on hosting all matches in their country, which has left the final plans undecided while the tournament is only two months away. The matters are in the final stages, but the meeting would be pointless without a response to Pakistan’s demands.

    The ICC meetings related to the Champions Trophy have now been postponed twice, mainly due to Pakistan’s strong stance on hosting and India’s traditional stubbornness.

  • Mahira Khan praises Imran Khan at event as crowd bursts into applause

    Mahira Khan praises Imran Khan at event as crowd bursts into applause

    Pakistani actress Mahira Khan has long admired Imran Khan’s leadership. She has been vocal about her support for him.

    During the Aalmi Urdu Conference in Karachi, Mahira praised Imran Khan, calling him “very brave.” Her remarks were met with loud chants and applause from the audience.

    In a fun rapid-fire game hosted by Waseem Badami, Mahira had to respond with one word to various prompts. When Badami said “Karachi,” she responded with “home.” For “Lahore,” she said “Maula Jutt.” When asked about herself, Mahira paused, prompting Badami to call her a “superstar.” Finally, when asked about Imran Khan, she responded with “brave.”

    She has actively participated in events organized by Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital, consistently showing her admiration for Imran Khan’s efforts. Mahira paid tribute to designer Khadija Shah by wearing an Elan sari at her wedding function. 

    In an interview with Amna, she talked about Khadija Shah, highlighting her work and influence. Khadija Shah, a staunch PTI supporter, faced jail time for protesting in the violent riots on May 9. Despite these challenges, she remains a leading designer in the Pakistani fashion industry and continues to support PTI.

    Earlier, Mahira Khan has cleared the air regarding claims that she is always spotted talking about Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan.


    Recently, during the Aalami Urdu Conference 2024, she was asked if she ever gets tired of being asked about the ‘King of Bollywood’.


    “Do you ever get annoyed with this topic… that whenever there’s an interview, they always ask how it felt to work with Shah Rukh Khan? Do you think it’s fine? I mean he’s a superstar… so people ask… but do you think it’s too much?” host Waseem Badami asked.


    To which Mahira said she could never have “enough of him”.


    “Well, I will never have enough of him, but I think when someone asks me, I answer. Then people think I’m talking about him, which I never do… what I feel is that they shouldn’t even ask me.”


    Mahira is the only Pakistani actress to work with Shah Rukh. Consequently, The Raees actress is also the only Pakistani star who has repeatedly been asked about her experience of working with him.

  • Non-bailable arrest warrants issued for Rana Sanaullah

    Non-bailable arrest warrants issued for Rana Sanaullah

    Judicial Magistrate Sidra Gul Nawaz has issued non-bailable arrest warrants for the Advisor to the Prime Minister on Political and Public Affairs, Rana Sanaullah, in connection with a case registered at the Satellite Town police station in Punjab’s Gujranwala district.

    The 2020 First Information Report (FIR) in the case stated that four Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) members attending a PDM rally in Gujranwala on October 16, and then attempted to ram their vehicle into law enforcement officers.

    Sanaullah was accused of removing a container and ramming a vehicle into police officers. The case was filed by the police themselves during the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government in 2020.

    The court has ordered his arrest and presentation before the judge on December 12.

    Former minister Khurram Dastgir, city president Salman Khalid, and Member Provincial Assembly (MPA) Imran Khalid Butt had already been acquitted in the case.

    The police had submitted a report under Section 173, declaring Rana Sanaullah innocent. However, the court rejected the report and summoned the Prime Minister’s Advisor on Political and Public Affairs for proceedings.

  • ‘Govt offered Imran Khan’s release for moving protest to Sangjani’

    ‘Govt offered Imran Khan’s release for moving protest to Sangjani’

    Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan’s sister, Aleema Khan, has claimed that the government offered to release the incarcerated former prime minister (PM) if the party shifted its Islamabad protest from D-Chowk to Sangjani.

    PTI’s “decisive” march on the federal capital had last month ended inconclusively after a massive crackdown by law enforcement at D-Chowk. The grand clearance operation had come as PTI leaders and workers continued with their protests amid deadly clashes with police and Rangers, rejecting the government’s offer to shift the demonstration to Sangjani on the outskirts of the capital city. The abrupt end to the protests had also prompted party supporters to train guns at the leadership for “giving into” pressure and “fleeing” Islamabad.

    “They [the government] panicked after seeing so many protesters in Islamabad and sent [PTI chief] Barrister Gohar and [KP govt adviser] Barrister Saif to meet Khan in jail,” Aleema said while speaking to reporters outside an anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Lahore Saturday.

    She added that the government offered to “release Khan in 20 days” if the protest was shifted. However, Aleema clarified, that the offer to release her brother was not part of any “negotiations”.

    Earlier, the former premier’s sister appeared before the court in the case pertaining to attack on Jinnah House on May 9, 2023, securing an extension in bail till January 18.

    During the course of proceedings, Aleema told the court that she, along with other PTI leaders and workers, had been appearing in courts for the past one-and-a-half year in connection with different cases.

    “Earlier, the investigation officers (IOs) did not show up and now judges are being transferred. Due to this, our bails are not confirmed,” she complained.

    Aleema went on to say that she had been nominated even in cases registered on October 4, which was much after her arrest. “Why was I nominated when I was in jail?” she asked.

    “We don’t want bail… we seek a trial on May 9. The prosecution doesn’t have any evidence against us. Even the police don’t know about our role,” she asserted.

    “People are rotting in jails. The truth of the matter is that the prosecutor does not have any evidence of our involvement.”

    Aleema also expressed sorrow over the “destruction of democracy,” emphasising that democracy rested on three pillars, the judiciary, the legislature and media. “All three have been dismantled,” she said.

  • Three Khans, one screen: Aamir Khan reveals exciting film update

    Three Khans, one screen: Aamir Khan reveals exciting film update

    In an exciting update, Bollywood actor Aamir Khan has confirmed that he will share the screen with Bollywood legends Salman Khan and Shah Rukh Khan, as all three are “in agreement” to work on a film together.

    Aamir Khan revealed during his recent appearance at the Red Sea Film Festival in Jeddah that both Shah Rukh and Salman agreed with him on a potential film when they last discussed it six months ago. He shared that the superstars are now waiting for the “right script.”

    Recalling their discussion, Aamir said, “About six months back, Shah Rukh, Salman, and I were together, and we spoke about this. I was the person who brought this up. I told Shah Rukh and Salman that it would be sad if the three of us don’t do a film together.”

    “Salman and Shah Rukh were equally in agreement, and they said, ‘We must do a film together, the three of us…’ So hopefully it will happen soon,” Aamir continued.

    “But it will need the right kind of story, so we will have to wait for the right script, but all three of us are looking forward to it,” he added.

    The three Khans of Bollywood surprised their millions of fans in March by coming together in one frame to perform at the pre-wedding bash of Anant Ambani, son of Indian billionaire Mukesh Ambani, with Radhika Merchant in Jamnagar.

    During an Instagram live session later, the ‘3 Idiots’ star talked about the possibility of them starring in a film together.

    “It’s been quite a while now. We should do it. This is the right time,” Aamir Khan said.

  • Two arrested for student’s murder at Punjab University

    Two arrested for student’s murder at Punjab University

    Police in Lahore have arrested two Punjab University (PU) students for the alleged murder of a fellow student earlier this week.


    It was on Dec 4, reported that Rana Ammar, a Gender Studies student from PU, was shot dead on campus. He was immediately rushed to the Shaikh Zayed Hospital but succumbed to his injuries. 


    The death triggered protests for the safety of students, especially on campuses.


    An investigation by Muslim Town police revealed that Ammar was accidentally shot and injured by fellow students Huzaifa and Dilawar while the three of them were in a car.


    Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Operations Faisal Kamran told media that the three students, who were also friends, were sitting in a car outside a cafeteria of the varsity’s New Campus when the gun went off, killing Ammar.


    It was first claimed that one of the two accused fled while the other took Ammar to the hospital, DIG Kamran clarified that both the students had been arrested.


    Earlier, Islami Jamiat Talaba (IJT) led protests against the murder amid the varsity administration’s claims of a “mysterious death” with no such incident taking place. 


    However, a case was registered on the plaint of Rana Akhtar, the father of the deceased, who alleged that Huzaifa and Dilawar had developed a grudge against Ammar after an altercation some days ago.


    The complaint stated that Ammar’s friends called him for lunch at the cafeteria, where they opened fire after the meal.


    Meanwhile, PU administration has initiated disciplinary action against student protesters of the IJT for damages to varsity property.


    The administration has reportedly identified 11 IJT protestors involved in the attacks at various locations with the help of eyewitnesses and CCTV footage. The process of identifying 30 others is ongoing.


    A letter has also been sent to the disciplinary committee for legal action against those involved in propaganda and vandalism.


    A varsity spokesperson said that the mention of the cafeteria in the FIR was based on “hearsay” and yet to be investigated. He also rejected IJT’s claims that motorcyclists opened fire on the student and accused them of spreading rumours about the circumstances surrounding Ammar’s death.


    This is not the first time that unconfirmed reports led to violent protests on campus.
    In October, protests broke out at different campuses of the Punjab Group of Colleges (PGC) over fake reports of sexual assault against a female student.


    The claims by protesting students were rubbished by college administration and government officials alike.

  • England players threaten to boycott ‘The Hundred’ 2025 after ECB’s ban on playing in PSL

    England players threaten to boycott ‘The Hundred’ 2025 after ECB’s ban on playing in PSL

    About 50 English cricket players have threatened to boycott The Hundred 2025 in protest against the England and Wales Cricket Board’s (ECB) new policy of banning them from playing in overseas franchise leagues, including the Pakistan Super League (PSL), Sports Inside reported.

    The ECB has officially banned English players from participating in franchise tournaments worldwide, with the exception of the Indian Premier League (IPL).

    Last month, the ECB decided not to issue No Objection Letters (NOCs) to national cricketers to participate in overseas franchise leagues that clash with the domestic season in order to maintain the quality and competitiveness of England’s domestic cricket.

    A large number of England’s players, however, did not agree with the ECB’s new policy and expressed their disappointment over it.

    A group of English players has also decided not to be part of the ongoing negotiations with their respective The Hundred teams about their retention and will refuse to enter the draft until the ECB relaxes its policy on NOCs.

    There are also reports that notable county players are considering retiring from red-ball cricket if a lucrative deal is secured for next year’s Pakistan Super League.

    The ECB’s new policy will not grant NOCs for England’s domestic competitions, but players on white-ball contracts alone may still be eligible to participate in such tournaments. The players will not be able to participate in more than one league during the same timeframe, according to the board’s decision.

    The Hundred is a cricket tournament in the UK, launched in 2021, where each team plays 100 balls. Similar to the PSL and other domestic leagues, it is played between city-based teams with both local and international players. The tournament includes both men’s and women’s competitions, with top players from around the world.

    New ECB rules restrict English players from PSL but allow IPL participation

    The English Cricket Board (ECB) has banned its players from playing in any franchise league during the English domestic season.

    British media say that English cricketers cannot play in several leagues, including PSL, MCL, LPL and CPL. ECB’s decision will also affect the Pakistan Super League (PSL), to be held in April next year. However, ECB has given players an exemption from playing the India Premier League (IPL) in the new policy.

    Due to the Champions Trophy, PSL Season 9 window has been kept in April and May. The English county season also takes place in the same months. The ECB’s decision is likely to cause financial loss to players playing franchise cricket, and there is a fear that this decision may cause some players to leave red-ball cricket.

    ECB Chief Executive Richard Gould said, “We have to protect the dignity of our game and the strength of our cricket competitions. No player will be given a No Objection Letter (NOC) to participate in any other competitions during the English Vitality Blast and The Hundred League.”

    The ECB says that the decision will improve the quality of domestic cricket.

  • ‘Decision on charges against Gen (r) Faiz Hameed likely next week’

    ‘Decision on charges against Gen (r) Faiz Hameed likely next week’

    Decision on charges against ex-spymaster General (r) Faiz Hameed will be announced before December 14, senator and former Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Faisal Vawda has predicted.

    Appearing on ARY News programme ‘Aiteraz Hai’ on Friday, Vawda said that PTI founder Imran Khan had “miscalculated” the date of framing of charges against the former chief of Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). “I’d say big news regarding him will soon be out,” he added.

    Vawda went on to predict that the former ISI chief would be found guilty of mutiny among other charges.

    It merits a mention that ex-director general (DG) of Pakistan’s premier intelligence agency, Faiz Hameed, was taken into military custody on August 12, 2024. Following the arrest of the ex-spymaster, court martial proceedings were initiated against him.

    “Multiple instances of violation of the Pakistan Army Act have been established [against him],” the Inter-Service Public Relations (ISPR) had said in a statement issued after the arrest.

    On Friday, Vawda also responded to question regarding ex-prime minister Imran’s possible military trial along with Faiz. “I won’t be surprised if it happened,” he said.

    Senator Vawda’s remarks come soon after incarcerated PTI founder Imran Khan announced launching a civil disobedience movement if his party’s demands weren’t met by December 14.

    The demands include the formation of a judicial commission for transparent investigation into May 9, 2023, and November 26, 2024 incidents, besides the release of under-trial political prisoners arrested in connection with violent protests by the PTI.

    Advisor to the PM on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah, on the other hand, has ruled out holding “conditional talks” with the PTI.

    “We haven’t shut the door on negotiations,” he said, adding that they were ready for political talks with the opposition party to resolve disputes on contentious matters.

    Meanwhile, political analyst Muneeb Farooq claimed that the establishment had communicated to the Shehbaz Sharif-led government that it would not hold a dialogue with the PTI under any circumstances.

    He explained that if the dialogue ever takes place, it would be between the incumbent government and former premier Imran Khan’s party.

    Citing the official statement of the 84th Formation Commanders Conference issued by the military’s media wing, the political analyst claimed that there was no room left for the PTI, adding, “The best bet is Ali Amin Gandapur because he maintained occasional contact with the establishment at different levels.” 

    During the conference, the attendees expressed concern over the “malicious propaganda” carried out in the aftermath of the lawful deployment of the Pakistan Army in the federal capital to “secure key government buildings and provide a safe environment for the valued visiting delegations,” Inter Service Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement.