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  • Rain, snowfall expected as westerly winds enter the country

    Rain, snowfall expected as westerly winds enter the country

    A strong westerly weather system is expected to enter Pakistan from today, bringing widespread rain, snowfall, dense fog and extremely cold conditions to several regions, the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) said.

    According to the Met Office, the system will first affect Balochistan from December 29 to 31, where rain and snowfall over mountainous areas are expected.

    Rain is expected in Quetta, Ziarat, Kalat, Chaman, Pishin, Qila Abdullah, Qila Saifullah, Nushki, Harnai, Zhob, Barkhan, Sibi, Loralai, Musakhel, Kech, Gwadar, Lasbela, Awaran, Chagai, Panjgur, Khuzdar, Washuk and Kharan, while snowfall is expected in the province’s northern districts.


    Meanwhile, from December 30 to January 1, rain accompanied by strong winds is expected in Chitral, Dir, Swat, Shangla, Kohistan, Battagram, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Haripur, Buner, Bajaur, Mohmand, Swabi and Kohat, while moderate to heavy snowfall is also expected in the upper areas.

    From December 30 to January 2, rain and snowfall may occur in Gilgit-Baltistan’s Diamer, Astore, Ghizer, Skardu, Hunza, Gilgit and Shigar districts. Rain and moderate snowfall have also been forecast for Kashmir.

  • Internet reacts to Shadab Khan, Usman Khan’s return to squad while ‘ignoring domestic performers’

    Internet reacts to Shadab Khan, Usman Khan’s return to squad while ‘ignoring domestic performers’

    Social media erupted with criticism after Shadab Khan’s return and Usman Khan’s inclusion in Pakistan’s T20 squad, with users questioning why domestic performers like Maaz Sadaqat, Hassan Nawaz and Sufyan Muqeem face exclusion.

    Shadab Khan’s comeback after recovering from injury dominated social media trends as Pakistan announced its T20 squad for the Sri Lanka series on Sunday. The all-rounder’s sudden inclusion sparked surprise and criticism across platforms.

    Former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif took to X (formerly Twitter) to voice his concerns. “Shadab Khan returns as Pakistan name T20I squad for Sri Lanka series but Domestic performers Maaz Sadaqat and Sufyan Muqeem missing,” he wrote.

    The selectors included the bowling all-rounder in the squad despite several young players delivering strong domestic performances. 

    Shadab currently plays in the Big Bash League, where he receives limited batting opportunities. The selectors picked him after he recovered from shoulder surgery.

    The squad also includes aggressive young wicketkeeper-batsman Khawaja Nafay, who earned his first national T20 call-up. 

    The selectors also picked Usman Khan, who has scored 335 runs in 27 T20I matches with a strike rate of just 120. 

    With Khawaja Nafay also keeping wickets, Usman Khan’s inclusion as a second wicketkeeper raises questions since he does not offer extraordinary batting ability to justify the spot.

    Social media users expressed strong reactions to the selection decisions.

    “Maaz Sadaqat ko khilana chahiye tha (They should have played Maaz Sadaqat),” one user wrote.

    Another user questioned multiple omissions: “Abbas Afridi, Sufyan Muqeem, Hassan Nawaz???”

    “Sufyan hogya sideline great bro great,” a frustrated user commented, highlighting Muqeem’s sidelining.

    One user drew comparisons between established and emerging players: “Naseem and Shadab getting chances without any performance meanwhile talent like Sufyan Muqeem getting ignored.”

    Several users questioned the selection outright. “Why Shadab?” one person asked.

    “Where is Babar?” another user wondered, noting other prominent absences.

    The three-match series begins on January 7 with the first T20I, followed by the second match on January 9 and the final T20I on January 11.

  • Ali Tareen did a lot of work for Multan Sultans, will welcome him for new franchise: Mohsin Naqvi

    Ali Tareen did a lot of work for Multan Sultans, will welcome him for new franchise: Mohsin Naqvi

    Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has praised Ali Tareen’s contributions to Multan Sultans during a press conference in Lahore on Sunday, saying the board will welcome him if he wants to bid for one of the two new Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchises.

    “Ali Tareen has done a lot of work for Multan Sultans,” Naqvi said. “If Ali Tareen wants to take a new team, we will welcome him.”

    The comments come more than a month after Tareen announced his departure from Multan Sultans on November 25, 2025. His exit followed public disputes with PSL management, during which he criticized the league’s structure through podcasts and social media posts targeting specific officials. When the board sent Sultans a notice, Tareen tore it up on video and posted mocking commentary online.

    Reports indicate the board asked Tareen to offer an unconditional apology and delete his social media posts, but he refused. The board subsequently offered contract renewals with revised fees to all six franchises except Sultans.

    Naqvi announced that PCB will operate Multan Sultans directly for the upcoming season to ensure proper procedures. “We will run Multan Sultans ourselves to follow the proper rules,” he said. “We will auction Multan Sultans after PSL ends.”

    The chairman said PCB will announce the team’s head within the next ten days.

    Multan Sultans currently pays an annual fee of 1.08 billion rupees, the highest in PSL. Foreign company valuations push this figure to 1.35 billion rupees.

    PCB received significant interest in the two new franchises, with ten parties qualifying to bid. “The day we sell PSL’s two new teams, we will succeed,” Naqvi said. “Both teams will go for good numbers.”

    The new franchises reportedly could sell for 1.25 to 1.5 billion rupees each.

    Naqvi also revealed that PCB has proposed moving PSL’s start date from March 26 to March 23, Pakistan’s national day. “If all franchises agree, we will start PSL from March 23,” he said.

    “Wasim Akram will be the auctioneer on the day of the auction,” he said.

    Rahat Fateh Ali Khan will also perform a concert during the tournament.

    The 11th edition of PSL will run until May 3, 2026, featuring eight teams for the first time in the tournament’s history.

    Multan Sultans joined PSL in 2017 as the sixth franchise before the third season. Schon Properties initially bought the team on an eight-year contract, but PCB terminated the agreement the following year over unpaid annual fees. The board temporarily managed all player and coach contracts before issuing tenders for new ownership rights.

    In December 2018, Alamgir Khan Tareen and Ali Khan Tareen acquired ownership. Alamgir became sole owner in 2021. Following his death in 2023, Ali Tareen took over the management and led the franchise until his recent departure.

  • Imad Wasim announces divorce; wife Sannia alleges ‘involvement of third person’

    Imad Wasim announces divorce; wife Sannia alleges ‘involvement of third person’

    Former Pakistan all-rounder Imad Wasim on Sunday announced getting a divorce after more than six years of marriage.

    Taking to Instagram, Imad said, “After much thought, and due to repeated conflicts that could not be resolved over the past few years, I have filed for divorce.”

    “I sincerely request everyone to respect our privacy and avoid using or sharing any old couple photos,” he added.

    The 37-year-old also cautioned against speculation or misinformation surrounding the matter.

    “I request everyone not to engage in or believe any misleading narratives. Any attempt to defame or involve others in this personal matter will be addressed through the proper legal channels if necessary.”

    With reference to his children, Imad said he remained their father and would continue to care for them fully and responsibly.

    Separately, Sania Ashfaq also shared a detailed statement on Instagram, alleging “involvement of a third party”.

    “I am writing this from a place of deep pain. My home has been broken, and my children have been left without their father. I am a mother of three, including a five month old infant who has yet to be held by his father,” she wrote.

    “Like many marriages, ours had difficulties, yet it continued to exist. I remained committed as a wife and mother and made sincere efforts to preserve our family. What ultimately ended this marriage was the involvement of a third party, whose intention was to marry my husband, became the final blow to an already struggling union,” she claimed.

    She also spoke of the hardships she faced during pregnancy.

    “Following this, I endured emotional torment, mistreatment, abortion and abandonment while pregnant and vulnerable, choosing patience for the sake of my children and the dignity of my home,” Sania wrote.

    She also disputed the legal validity of the divorce proceedings.

    “The divorce process itself is legally disputed and remains under scrutiny. The truth will emerge through proper channels,” she said.

    “It is crucial to mention that there is documented evidence available for each and every culprit in this matter but I’m being threatened to not post it publicly. For every individual who attempts to threaten me shall be dealt with by the law,” she wrote.

    Sania concluded her statement by saying, “I speak today not out of vengeance, but out of truth for myself, for my children, and for every woman who was told to endure in silence.”

    Imad Wasim and Sania Ashfaq got married in 2019 and have three children together.

  • Cricket Australia CEO says he couldn’t sleep after watching 20 wickets fall on Boxing Day

    Cricket Australia CEO says he couldn’t sleep after watching 20 wickets fall on Boxing Day

    Cricket Australia Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Todd Greenberg has admitted that he couldn’t sleep after watching 20 wickets tumble on day one of the Boxing Day Test, knowing the quick finish would cost the organisation millions.

    “I didn’t sleep well last night, put it that way,” Greenberg told a media outlet before day two.

    “It was an amazing day of Test cricket, so for that record number of people who were hee, boy, they’ve had an experience. But our challenge is to make sure we can continue those experiences day after day.”

    The organisation had high hopes for the Melbourne Test between Australia and England. Record crowds seemed guaranteed after tickets for the first three days sold out with unprecedented demand throughout the series.

    More than 94,000 spectators packed the stadium on day one. However, the match finished on day two, triggering serious financial losses.

    Cricket Australia already lost around AUD 5 million ($3.3 million) from the two-day Perth Test after 19 wickets fell on the opening day. 

    The abbreviated Boxing Day Test threatens similar damage despite record attendance.

    When asked whether 20 wickets in a day was too many, Greenberg didn’t hold back. “The short answer for that in my opinion is yes,” he said.

    “As mesmerising and fascinating and enjoyable as it was to watch as a fan, we want Test cricket clearly to go for longer. A simple phrase I’d use is short Tests are bad for business.”

    He stressed the need for better balance between bat and ball, noting the Melbourne pitch clearly favoured bowlers on day one.

    “I would like to see a slightly broader balance between the bat and the ball. I thought yesterday slightly favoured the ball,” Greenberg said. “The batters have some ownership in some of that, it’s not all around the pitch, but we’ve got some challenges.”

    Greenberg hinted that Cricket Australia might take a more active role in pitch preparation going forward.

    “Historically we have taken a hands-off approach in all of our wicket preparation and allowed the staff and the conditions and those characteristics to be presented,” he explained. “But it’s hard not to get more involved when you see the impact on the sport, particularly commercially.”

    Cricket Australia already faces financial pressure after making several staff redundant this year while seeking cost savings in high performance and other areas. Greenberg currently works on bringing private investment into the Big Bash League (BBL) within the next 12 months.

    Another large financial loss from this Test would prove untimely.

    On the field, England secured their first Test victory in Australia since 2010 on Saturday, defeating the hosts by four wickets at Melbourne Cricket Ground. The visitors chased down 175 runs in 33 overs, with Jacob Bethell scoring 40, Zak Crawley 37 and Ben Duckett 34.

    Australia collapsed for just 132 in their second innings despite Travis Head’s 46. Brydon Carse took four wickets while Ben Stokes claimed three.

    Australia have already won the five-match series with three victories, but the financial toll of shortened Tests has dampened celebrations for Cricket Australia’s management.

  • FBR exempts Chinese imports to Gilgit-Baltistan from sales, income taxes

    FBR exempts Chinese imports to Gilgit-Baltistan from sales, income taxes

    The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has granted a tax exemption for Chinese products imported for use in Gilgit-Baltistan through the Customs Dry Port in Sost, eliminating the need for sales or income taxes as well as federal excise duty.

    As per the details, the exemption, effective immediately, has been formalised through a notification, which details a unique procedure for clearing goods imported from China.

    The notification includes over 2,403 Chinese products identified by particular Pakistan Customs Tariff (PCT) codes as eligible for this exemption.

    According to the outlined procedure, eligible imports will not incur taxes, provided that an online consignment-wise authorisation is obtained through the Customs Computerized Clearance System. This authorisation must be issued by an authorised representative of the Government of Gilgit-Baltistan using the designated format in the system.

    The notification states that the non-levy of taxes will be granted by the collector of Customs on a first-come, first-served basis within the specified quota. Any goods brought in for use in Gilgit-Baltistan that exceed the allocated quota will be liable for the applicable sales tax, income tax and federal excise duty.

    The Government of Gilgit-Baltistan is responsible for ensuring that all goods imported under this notification are exclusively used within the region’s boundaries.

    Additionally, the notification includes measures to prevent tax-exempt goods from being transported outside of Gilgit-Baltistan.

    In situations where Customs operations are hindered by protests or road blockages, the collector of Customs, may, in collaboration with the Government of Gilgit-Baltistan, suspend the exemption from sales tax, income tax and federal excise duty as stated in the notification.

    The collector of Customs also has the authority to deny tax exemptions in individual instances where there is significant misdeclaration that necessitates legal action under the Customs Act, 1969, or if goods cleared under this exemption are taken outside the jurisdiction of Gilgit-Baltistan.

    The board will also establish a special procedure to differentiate, monitor and clear goods imported via Sost intended for consumption in other regions of the country from those cleared under the exemption for Gilgit-Baltistan.

    All relevant laws and regulations under the Imports and Exports (Control) Act, 1950, the Import Policy Order and the Customs Act, 1969, will still apply to all goods imported through the Sost Dry Port, regardless of whether they are meant for use in Gilgit-Baltistan or other areas of the country.

  • Italy offers 10,500 jobs for Pakistani workers

    Italy offers 10,500 jobs for Pakistani workers

    Italy has allocated 10,500 jobs for Pakistani workers over the next three years, creating a structured legal pathway to enter Europe.

    According to the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development, the arrangement will allow 3,500 Pakistanis to work in Italy annually, split between 1,500 seasonal positions and 2,000 non-seasonal roles.

    With the initiative, Italy has become the first European country to formally open its labour market to Pakistan through a quota-based system. Officials believe the model could encourage similar agreements across Europe.

    The development comes as outward migration from Pakistan accelerates sharply.

    According to reports, nearly 2.9 million Pakistanis left the country over the past three years due to low wages, high inflation, unemployment and rising education costs.

    The Economic Survey 2024-25 showed more than one million Pakistanis went abroad for work in a single fiscal year.

    Officials view the Italian quota as a legal alternative to irregular migration, which reportedly surged 280% in 2022. 

    Thousands of Pakistanis attempt dangerous journeys through Libya, Egypt and other transit routes, often falling victim to smugglers or facing detention, deportation or death while crossing the Mediterranean.

    The state-backed European access aims to reduce desperation-driven migration and direct workers into regulated channels.

    The positions in Italy have been allocated across shipbreaking, hospitality, healthcare and agriculture. Available roles include welders, technicians, chefs, waiters, housekeeping staff, nurses, medical technicians, farm workers and agricultural laborers. The scheme targets skilled and semi-skilled labor to address Italy’s workforce shortages.

    Punjab, Pakistan’s largest source of overseas labor, stands to gain most from the arrangement. Official records show the province has sent more than 7.2 million emigrants since 1981, followed by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Sindh and Azad Jammu and Kashmir.

    Reports indicate around 40% of Pakistanis, particularly in urban areas, want to leave the country, creating urgent demand for safe and legal migration options.

  • 2025: Pakistan’s Spotify scene wrapped

    2025: Pakistan’s Spotify scene wrapped

    As 2025 comes to an end, Pakistani music made its mark on Spotify with several tracks topping playlists and gaining significant streams.

    Among the most listened-to songs were Jhol by Maanu and Annural, Gal Sun by Sabaat Batin and Zeeshan Ali’s romantic track Ishqaya Ve, each drawing attention for their unique styles and engaging performances.

    Pop music also had an impact with Pal Pal, an Afusic and Ali Soomro collaboration that combined modern sounds with relatable lyrics about longing and love. 

    With its unique style, laid-back energy and distinctive sounds, Hassan Raheem’s Obvious captivated listeners and continued to attract a lot of attention on the streaming platform.

    These songs showcase the variety of Pakistani music in 2025, ranging from soulful ballads, experimental sounds and pop to rap.

    Beyond national popularity, Pakistani music in 2025 also increasingly gained recognition on a global scale. International listeners are discovering the country’s unique musical landscape through streaming platforms and social media, praising the fresh sounds, emotive vocals and creative production. 

    Artists like Hassan Raheem, Annural Khalid, Bayaan, Talha Anjum, Abdul Hannan, Natasha Noorani and Zeeshan Ali reached audiences far beyond Pakistan, highlighting the growing global appeal of the country’s music scene.

  • Six arrested as FIA cracks down on human smuggling

    Six arrested as FIA cracks down on human smuggling

    Following successful operations across southern Punjab, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has taken into custody six people linked to migrant smuggling and visa fraud.

    As per the details, the arrests were executed by the FIA’s Anti-Human Trafficking Circles in Multan, Lodhran, Muzaffargarh, Bahawalpur and Dera Ghazi Khan.

    The arrested individuals were identified as Muhammad Qasim, Abdul Manan, Shakeel Ahmed, Ajmal, Sajjad Hussain and Muhammad Irfan.

    Officials reported that Qasim had gathered Rs350,000 by assuring citizens of job opportunities in Iraq, while Abdul Manan allegedly extorted Rs790,000 with a similar promise for employment in Saudi Arabia.

    Shakeel Ahmed amassed Rs1,460,000 by offering positions in Iraq, and Ajmal allegedly took Rs800,000 with similar claims.

    Sajjad Hussain received Rs250,000 for misleading citizens about job opportunities in Saudi Arabia.

    According to the FIA, Irfan was already a suspect in three separate cases and had swindled millions of rupees by claiming he could send numerous individuals overseas.

    Authorities said that none of the arrested individuals had actually facilitated anyone’s travel abroad.

    They are accused of collecting substantial amounts from individuals and later evading arrest.

    Further probe is underway, officials said.

  • Internet divided over Mahira Khan’s Christmas celebration

    Internet divided over Mahira Khan’s Christmas celebration

    Pakistani actress Mahira Khan has shared festive moments from her Christmas celebration on Instagram, sparking a mix of reactions online.

    Some users questioned the trend of Pakistanis celebrating Christmas; however, supportive comments outweighed criticism, highlighting a largely positive response. 

    On Friday, the 41-year-old superstar posted a series of photos and videos showing her enjoying the holiday. The photos show Mahira celebrating around a decorated Christmas tree, with a Christmas-themed dinner completing the festive setting.

    In her caption, she reflected on life and success: “I don’t know what the secret to success is … but I think the secret sauce to life is gratitude. For the big things … but mostly for tender mercies as my Ama says.” She also recommended the film Jay Kelly, saying it made her feel “so seen.”

    The discussion online highlights broader conversations about celebrating minority festivals in Pakistan. After years of limited public observance due to religious extremism, initiatives like the 42-foot Liberty Christmas tree and celebrations in Punjab has created space for inclusive festivities. 

    Mahira’s post underscores that sharing in Christmas celebrations can be a positive, personal experience, centered on gratitude, joy, and holiday spirit.