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  • Saudi Arabia welcomes Pakistan-Afghanistan ceasefire, terms it crucial for regional peace

    Saudi Arabia welcomes Pakistan-Afghanistan ceasefire, terms it crucial for regional peace

    The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) on Monday praised the ceasefire agreement between Pakistan and Afghanistan, describing it as an important step toward lasting peace and stability in the region.

    In a statement, the Saudi foreign ministry said the historic deal was achieved during negotiations held in Doha.

    “Saudi Arabia welcomes the signing by the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and Afghanistan of an immediate ceasefire and the establishment of mechanisms to consolidate lasting peace and stability between the two countries, during the round of negotiations held in Doha,” the KSA’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said. 

    “The Kingdom affirms its support for all regional and international efforts aimed at promoting peace and stability, and its continued commitment to ensuring security that achieves stability and prosperity for the brotherly peoples of Pakistan and Afghanistan.”

    The statement went on to say that it was hoped that the development would reduce tensions along the two countries’ shared border.

    “The ministry also appreciates the diplomatic efforts and constructive role played by the State of Qatar and the Republic of Türkiye in this regard.” 

    After a week of fierce border fighting, the deadliest since the Taliban took over Kabul in 2021, Pakistan and Afghanistan said Sunday that they had negotiated an immediate ceasefire during negotiations in Doha.

    The ceasefire “has been finalised”, Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif posted on X on Sunday, adding that both sides would meet again on October 25 in Istanbul to discuss “detailed matters”.

    The parties agreed on a comprehensive and significant ceasefire, Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid stated in a statement.

    Qatar’s foreign ministry, which mediated the talks alongside Turkey, stated that the upcoming meetings aim “to ensure the sustainability of the ceasefire and verify its implementation reliably and sustainably”.

    Asif and Mullah Muhammad Yaqoob, his Afghan counterpart, led the negotiations.

    The recent escalation involved ground battles and Pakistani airstrikes along the contested 2,600-kilometre border. It began after Islamabad accused Kabul of failing to curb militants launching attacks from safe havens in Afghanistan.

    More than 200 Afghan Taliban members and allied militants were killed by Pakistani forces in a fierce retaliation that officials called  a self-defense operation. Inter-Services Public Relations reports that 23 Pakistani soldiers were martyred in the clashes.

    The Taliban, however, denies harbouring militants attacking Pakistan and has accused the Pakistani military of spreading misinformation about Afghanistan and providing refuge to Daesh-linked fighters to undermine its stability and sovereignty. Islamabad has rejected these claims. Militants have long waged an insurgency in Pakistan, seeking to overthrow the state and impose their rigid interpretation of Islamic law.

    The Afghan regime must rein in the proxies who have sanctuaries in Afghanistan and are using Afghan soil to perpetrate heinous attacks inside Pakistan,” the Pakistan Army chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, said on Saturday, addressing a graduation ceremony of cadets.

    The Taliban spokesperson said that at the Doha talks, “It was decided that neither country will take hostile actions against the other, and support will not be provided to groups operating against the government of Pakistan.”

    In a follow-up post on X, he said it reflected the Taliban’s longstanding position that Afghanistan’s territory will not be used against any other country.

    The spokesperson also clarified that the statements issued regarding the agreement did not amount to a joint declaration.

  • 20 European countries urge EU Commission to repatriate illegal Afghan migrants

    20 European countries urge EU Commission to repatriate illegal Afghan migrants

    20 European countries have urged the European Commission to take immediate steps for the return of Afghan nationals living illegally across Europe.

    According to media reports, Belgium’s Minister for Asylum and Migration, Annelies Verlinden, said the countries made the demand in a joint letter to the European Commission, calling for swift action to repatriate Afghan migrants.

    The letter stated that the repatriation process could be voluntary or forced and might require negotiations with the Taliban government.

    The countries that signed the letter include Austria, Bulgaria, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Poland, Slovakia, Sweden, and Norway.

    They noted that since the Taliban took control of Afghanistan in 2021, the absence of a formal agreement has prevented European nations from deporting Afghan nationals, even those involved in criminal activities. The countries said this situation poses a security risk and undermines public confidence in asylum policies.

    The countries urged the European Commission to prioritize the issue of Afghan repatriation on its agenda and consider holding talks with the Taliban to facilitate the process.

    The joint letter also proposed giving priority to the return of individuals considered criminals or security threats and suggested that the European Commission, the European External Action Service, and partner countries send a joint mission to Afghanistan to address the matter.

  • Lahore tops global pollution rankings as AQI hits alarming levels

    Lahore tops global pollution rankings as AQI hits alarming levels

    Lahore was ranked as the world’s most polluted major city on Monday morning as dipping temperatures worsened air quality to “very unhealthy” levels, fata from IQAir has shown. 

    The city’s Air Quality Index (AQI⁺) was 297 at around 8 a.m., and PM2.5 levels were 222.5 micrograms per cubic meter, which is almost 44.5 times higher than the WHO’s recommended annual limit. Children, the elderly, and those with respiratory diseases are especially at risk from fine particulate matter, which is tiny enough to reach the bloodstream.

    Mumbai (182) and New Delhi (287) were also in the top three on the worldwide pollution table. Three Indian cities were in the top five, while other cities in the top 10 were Kolkata (158), Tashkent (158), Jakarta (154), Dhaka (152), and Dubai (152).

    The average AQI in Lahore on Sunday was 160, which is considered “unhealthy.” The most common pollutant, according to IQAir, was PM2.5, which was 13.7 times higher than the WHO guideline value.

     The Lahore Development Authority and Metropolitan Corporation Lahore, among other civic organizations, failed to enforce effective anti-smog measures amid continuous development and construction activities, according to environmental experts, which is why PM2.5 levels remained high.

    They called on Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz to immediately halt major construction and infrastructure projects in Lahore and other cities, warning that without urgent steps, “the situation will continue to worsen.”


    Meanwhile, Punjab Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb said nine provincial departments had launched a “grand operation” to tackle smog. She claimed that coordinated government efforts and public cooperation had helped bring AQI levels “under control.” 

    According to Aurangzeb, environmental protection teams were
    working in the field, drones were monitoring brick kilns, and daily reports were being released.

     She added that smog guns and air quality monitors had been deployed, and for the first time, a unified government strategy was being implemented to manage pollution levels in line with forecasts.

    She further said a modern meteorological data centre was identifying high-pollution areas in advance, allowing targeted action in “smog hotspots.” Construction material was being covered, traffic police were restricting heavy vehicles during the day, and multiple agencies including WASA Lahore, LDA, PHA, C&W, and the Agriculture Department  had begun enforcement operations and a crackdown on crop residue burning across Punjab.

    Lahore’s air quality has been steadily declining every winter in the period between October and February, making it one of the most polluted cities in the world. Burning crop residue, sluggish weather, and emissions from automobiles, factories, brick kilns, and construction projects are all contributing factors to this seasonal surge. 

    Air quality has also gotten worse as a result of trees being cut down for new infrastructure projects.

    Temperature inversion is a climatic phenomena that intensifies smog during the winter by trapping pollutants close to the ground.

    Lahore’s AQI peaked at a dangerous 1,110 on November 14 of last year, according to IQAir, with PM2.5 levels hitting 632 micrograms per cubic meter. The alarming figures led the provincial government to declare a health emergency, close schools, shift university classes online, and impose a construction ban to ease the crisis.

    Experts have warned that this year’s PM2.5 concentrations have already surpassed hazardous levels, marking some of the city’s worst readings in five years.

  • PM Shehbaz Sharif extends Diwali greetings, calls for unity, shared prosperity

    PM Shehbaz Sharif extends Diwali greetings, calls for unity, shared prosperity

    Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif extended warm greetings to the Hindu community in Pakistan and around the world on the occasion of Diwali.

    Sharing his message on X, the prime minister said, “On the auspicious occasion of Diwali, I extend my heartfelt greetings to our Hindu community in Pakistan and around the world.”

    He added, “As homes and hearts are illuminated with the light of Diwali, may this festival dispel darkness, foster harmony, and guide us all toward a future of peace, compassion, and shared prosperity.”

    Highlighting the festival’s deeper meaning, Shehbaz Sharif said, “The spirit of Diwali that embodies light over darkness, good over evil, and hope over despair inspires our collective resolve to overcome the challenges confronting our societies, from intolerance to inequality.”

    The prime minister urged unity among all citizens, saying, “Let us work together to ensure that every citizen, regardless of faith or background, can live in peace and contribute to progress.”

    He concluded his message with warm wishes, saying, “Happy Diwali .”

  • Pakistan’s Ashab Irfan wins first PSA World Tour title in Vancouver

    Pakistan’s Ashab Irfan wins first PSA World Tour title in Vancouver

    Pakistan’s squash player Ashab Irfan claimed his first PSA World Tour title after defeating England’s Sam Todd in the final of the Richardson Wealth Men’s Open 2025 in Vancouver, Canada.

    The 21-year-old won the final in straight sets, 11–9, 11–1, 11–5, finishing the $31,250 event in just 43 minutes. Irfan showed complete control throughout the match, using pace and precision to dominate Todd.

    Earlier, Irfan edged past second-seeded Adrian Waller 3–2 in the semifinals, while Todd had beaten top-seeded Yahya Elnawasany.

    This victory adds to Irfan’s six Challenger titles and is expected to improve his current world ranking of 59.

    The win is a major boost for Pakistan squash, which has long been searching for players to follow in the footsteps of Jahangir Khan and Jansher Khan.

  • Babar, Shaheen and Salman among top contenders for ODI captaincy: reports

    Babar, Shaheen and Salman among top contenders for ODI captaincy: reports

    Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Salman Ali Agha have emerged as the main contenders for Pakistan’s ODI captaincy as discussions continue among members of the team management.

    According to reports, head coach Mike Hesson has raised the issue of a possible change in the one-day leadership with the PCB think-tank. 

    Initial consultations have already taken place and one of the leading candidates has reportedly demanded full assurance of captaincy until the 2027 World Cup. He has also asked for complete freedom in decision-making. 

    Shaheen Afridi is said to be the frontrunner for the role.

    The discussions come as the PCB considers replacing incumbent skipper Mohammad Rizwan ahead of the team’s next ODI assignment.

  • ‘A real man’; Yasir Hussain says changing his son’s diaper is part of the job

    ‘A real man’; Yasir Hussain says changing his son’s diaper is part of the job

    Actor Yasir Hussain has proudly admitted that he has changed his son Kabir’s diapers and believes there is no shame in performing such parental duties.

    In a recent Interview with Zara Noor Abbas, the Karachi Se Lahore star talked about his duties as a father.

    On being asked if he has changed his son’s diapers, he said:  “Yes, I have — and I should. There’s nothing wrong with it,” adding that he has even changed diapers of other children in the past.

    Hussain emphasized that, in his view, a real man is one who shoulders the responsibilities of his wife and child. “A real man is someone who carries the weight of his wife and child — that’s what makes a man,” he stated.

    He went on to say that he deeply respects fathers who are hands-on in parenting. “Whenever I see a father carrying his child’s bag or taking an active role in their upbringing, I really admire those men,” he added.

    Hussain was asked whether his son Kabir knows that his father is famous. With a smile, he shared a humorous anecdote: “He knows he’s famous. Once, Kabir came and said, ‘When I go outside now, everyone will say Kabir has arrived.’ We all looked at each other wondering what was going on.” His nanny, Asha, later explained that when Kabir visits the park, other children recognize him from social media or because their families follow the actor online — and that’s how Kabir got the idea that he’s known wherever he goes.

    In a lighthearted moment, when asked if he has spanked Kabir, Hussain laughed and admitted, “Yes, I give him one or two when the family isn’t around.”

    Yasir Hussain married fellow actor Iqra Aziz on December 28, 2019, and the couple welcomed their first child, Kabir Hussain, on July 23, 2021.

  • Mawra Hocane enjoys her ‘Canadian honeymoon with Canadian boy’

    Mawra Hocane enjoys her ‘Canadian honeymoon with Canadian boy’

    Pakistani actress Mawra Hocane and her actor‑husband Ameer Gilani are currently enjoying what the former has affectionately described on Instagram as a “Canadian honeymoon with my Canadian boy”.

    The couple shared a series of elegant pictures from their trip, enjoying the crisp autumn air with the urban backdrop of downtown Toronto, including the iconic CN Tower.

    In her post, Mawra was seen in a brown long coat and stylish hat, accessorised with an eye‑catching orange woolen muffler, giving her ensemble a chic cold‑weather vibe. Ameer complemented her look with blue jeans, a blue shirt and a cream‑coloured jacket, projecting a relaxed yet dapper charm. The couple appeared relaxed and affectionate, strolling the city streets and clearly embracing their holiday together.

    Ameer also shared a post of his own, showing further glimpses of their time in Toronto and captioning them, “Meri kahaani with my raani [My story with my queen].”

    The honeymoon comes after the pair’s intimate wedding, which took place on February 5 in Lahore. The ceremony, held at the historic Badshahi Mosque, marked the beginning of their married life together.

    Social media comments on the honeymoon post have been flooded with messages from fans, family and colleagues. Friends from the entertainment industry joined in the celebration while followers expressed delight seeing the newlyweds so happy and relaxed on their getaway.

    Earlier, Mawra attended the 10th HUM Awards in Houston. She appeared at the event and turned heads in a stunning red gown by Gemmy Maalouf, featuring a dramatic draped skirt.

  • Cybercrime deputy director kidnapped by armed men in Islamabad

    Cybercrime deputy director kidnapped by armed men in Islamabad

    Law enforcement officers in Islamabad are facing growing security concerns after armed men kidnapped a senior official of the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA), news reports have stated. 

    According to reports, Deputy Director of Cybercrime Muhammad Usman was abducted by unidentified gunmen in the parking basement of Zara Heights between 7 and 8 p.m. on October 14.

    Police said four armed men stopped the officer’s car and forced him into their vehicle before fleeing the scene.

    Sources said CCTV footage shows a white Corolla and captures the moments of the abduction.

    Police have registered a case at Shams Colony Police Station on the complaint if the officer’s wife. 

    However, no progress has been made in the investigation so far, the reports said.

  • This country is likely to join tri-series after Afghanistan’s withdrawal from tri-series

    This country is likely to join tri-series after Afghanistan’s withdrawal from tri-series

    Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has reached out to another team to join the upcoming T20 tri-series after Afghanistan announced its withdrawal, media reports have stated. 

    According to reports, PCB has contacted the Zimbabwe Cricket Board as a potential replacement. The tri-series is now likely to feature Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Zimbabwe.

    The tournament is scheduled to take place in Pakistan in November 2025, while the new schedule is expected to be announced soon.

    Earlier, the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) said its team would not participate in the series in Pakistan. 

    Following that announcement, a PCB spokesperson confirmed that the tri-series would go ahead as planned with Pakistan and Sri Lanka, while efforts were underway to find a third team.