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  • FIFA president vows to rebuild all facilities, bring football back to Gaza

    FIFA president vows to rebuild all facilities, bring football back to Gaza

    FIFA president Gianni Infantino has pledged to rebuild every football facility in Gaza, all of which had been destroyed during Israel’s years-long offensive.

    Infantino made the announcement while attending the international summit for Gaza peace in Egypt following last weekend’s ceasefire in the troubled region.

    The summit, co-chaired by United States (US) President Donald Trump and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, aimed to support the newly established ceasefire after the two-year offensive, and lay the groundwork for long-term stability and reconstruction in Gaza.

    The event gathered leaders from around the globe, including Pakistan, the Arab world and Europe, besides United Nations (UN) chief Antonio Guterres among others.

    Infantino’s appearance stood out as one of the most notable moments of the event, marking a rare instance where a sports leader took part in a high-level political summit.

    “Well, football’s role has to be to support, has to be to unite, has to be to give hope in the region,” Infantino said. “In Gaza, in Palestine, we will, of course, help to rebuild all the football facilities.

    “We will help to bring football back together with the Palestinian Football Association in every corner of the country,” he said, adding that FIFA would bring footballs, build pitches, bring instructors and help organise competitions.

    “We will launch a fund to help rebuild football infrastructure in Palestine,” he added.

    Infantino also said that FIFA had already contributed through its mini-pitches and the FIFA Arena programme. “We want the whole world to contribute because football brings hope to children, it’s very, very important,” he noted.

    He also praised what he called the “critical leadership” of President Trump, according to FIFA’s statement.

    It merits a mention that FIFA has been under pressure to take action over the war in Gaza, with Palestinian officials demanding that Israel be suspended from international football.

    Last week, Amnesty International also urged FIFA and UEFA to suspend the Israel Football Association. The issue remains under review with Infantino stressing that such decisions must involve coordination with confederations and be handled carefully.

    A day earlier, FIFA vice president Victor Montagliani said that decisions regarding Israel’s participation in European competitions, including World Cup qualifiers, fall under UEFA’s jurisdiction.

  • Bangladesh’s Marufa Akter says her family couldn’t afford new Eid clothes before cricket fame

    Bangladesh’s Marufa Akter says her family couldn’t afford new Eid clothes before cricket fame

    Bangladesh pacer Marufa Akter broke down in tears as she recalled the hardships her family faced before she became a national star. 

    In a documentary aired by the ICC ahead of Bangladesh’s clash against New Zealand in Guwahati, the 20-year-old shared how her family was once shunned by their village.

    “They wouldn’t invite us to various gatherings, saying we didn’t have proper clothes. If we go there, we’ll lose our respect, that’s what they used to say… there was a time when we couldn’t even afford new clothes for Eid,” she said.

    Marufa, who hails from a farming background, revealed that she used to plough fields alongside her father on leased land during the COVID-19 pandemic. “My father is a farmer. We didn’t have much money, and even the people in the village where I grew up weren’t very supportive,” she said.

    Despite the struggles, Marufa’s rise has been remarkable. She has emerged as Bangladesh’s standout bowler, taking five wickets in three games at an economy rate of 6.15. Her impressive in-swingers that dismissed Omaima Sohail and Sidra Amin made headlines and cemented her position as a key player in the team.

    “Actually, the position we are in now, others aren’t quite there. The way I support my family, perhaps many boys can’t do the same. That gives me a special kind of peace. As a child, I used to wonder when people would look at us with admiration and applaud. Now, when I see myself on TV, I feel shy,” she added.

    Since joining the national side after the U19 Women’s T20 World Cup in 2023, Marufa has made her mark in both formats. 

    In 29 ODIs, she has taken 25 wickets, including a four-wicket haul against India in July 2023. In T20Is, she has claimed 20 wickets in 30 matches, with a standout three-wicket performance against Sri Lanka.

  • South Africa need 277 to win Lahore Test after Pakistan gets dismissed for 167

    South Africa need 277 to win Lahore Test after Pakistan gets dismissed for 167

    Pakistan struggled with the bat on the third day of the Lahore Test, getting bowled out for just 167 runs in their second innings against South Africa.

    Opener Imam-ul-Haq, who scored 93 in the first innings, fell early this time. He tried to step out and defend Simon Harmer but missed the ball and was bowled. Captain Shan Masood, who made 76 in the first innings, could only add 7 runs before being dismissed.

    Pakistan lost their third wicket at 64 when Abdullah Shafique departed for 41. Babar Azam followed soon after, scoring 42 before being caught. Saud Shakeel, who looked steady, also fell for 38 after playing a mis-timed shot that was caught near the boundary with the team total at 150.

    After his dismissal, Pakistan’s batting collapsed at a fast pace. Mohammad Rizwan was bowled for 14, while Shaheen Afridi went for a duck at 151. Agha Salman made 4, Noman Ali scored 11, and Sajid Khan managed just 1 run as the hosts were bundled out for 167.

    Pakistan lost the last six wickets for just 17 runs.

    South Africa now need 277 runs to win the Lahore Test and take the lead in the series.

  • You won’t believe how much Nita Ambani’s ‘rarest Hermes bag at Diwali party’ is worth

    You won’t believe how much Nita Ambani’s ‘rarest Hermes bag at Diwali party’ is worth

    Indian billionaire Nita Ambani, wife of India’s richest man Mukesh Ambani, never misses a chance to make a refined statement, and her appearance at Manish Malhotra’s annual pre-Diwali party was no exception.

    At the fashion designer’s star-studded party held this week, all eyes were on Nita as she arrived in a breathtaking ensemble, paired with a rare Hermès Birkin bag that is said to be worth over PKR 53.8 crores.

    Crafted from white gold and adorned with 2,712 meticulously set diamonds, the opulent handbag is a collector’s dream and a symbol of ultra-luxury.

    This exceptional accessory isn’t just a fashion statement — it’s a piece of wearable art. The classic Birkin silhouette has been elevated with precious materials and unmatched craftsmanship, making it one of the most exclusive bags in the world.

    Taking to Instagram, Malhotra also shared that Nita was wearing his brand’s saree.

    “Having begun our signature sequin saree years ago, it feels special having the ever-graceful Mrs Nita Ambani add her timeless poise to it tonight at #MMDiwali at my humble home… in a luminous silver sequin #MyMMSaree now synonymous with our style. Showcasing chevron detailing and an intricately structured drape, the saree celebrates modern sophistication through the lens of heritage couture,” he wrote.

    Malhotra went on to share details of the accessories she was carrying.

    “Mrs Nita Ambani styled the saree with exquisite pieces from her own personal collection: rare heart-shaped Colombian emerald earrings and a stunning emerald and diamond bracelet. She completed the look with a special edition miniature Birkin from the exclusive High Jewelry collection by Hermès.”

    As of 2025, Nita Ambani, often referred to as one of India’s most influential women, has an estimated net worth of over $3 billion. She is known for her philanthropic work, particularly in education, healthcare and arts.

    Ambani family events, especially their weddings, are known worldwide for their grandeur and extravagance. From international performances by stars like Beyoncé and Rihanna to elaborate decor and multi-day celebrations held at palaces and global venues, they set a benchmark for opulence.

    These events attract global celebrities, business magnates and political figures, becoming spectacles of culture, tradition and luxury.

    Nita is very much fond of wildly expensive jewelry and unimaginable expensive items. Some of these include a diamond-encrusted sari, a custom-made Hermès Himalayan Birkin bag valued at over INR2 crore, a luxury yacht, a collection of high-end cars, including a Rolls-Royce Phantom VIII Extended Wheelbase, private jets and an exclusive collection of watches.

  • Trauma bonding: Shahzeb Khanzada, Tabish Hasmi recall being thrashed by schoolteachers

    Trauma bonding: Shahzeb Khanzada, Tabish Hasmi recall being thrashed by schoolteachers

    Top TV hosts Shahzeb Khanzada and Tabish Hashmi seem to have bonded over their respective traumas of being thrashed by their teachers, with Shahzeb going on to recall how he was once saved by his mother in the 6th grade.

    The rather relatable school-era stories surfaced when Tabish, on his show ‘Hasna Mana hai’, asked Shahzeb how he managed to make it big.

    Shahzeb said that even though he was from a small village in Sindh, his parents were the ones who always made him ask questions, recalling being slapped really hard by his teacher in the 6th grade for asking too many questions.

    The journalist said he was extremely embarrassed and went home. There, he added, his mother asked him why he was upset, over which he started crying and told her about what had happened at school. Also noticing the fingermarks on his face, his mother got up and said she was going to go to his school to talk to the headmaster.

    Shahzeb recalled that he told his mother that she shouldn’t because, at that time, women would not go outside as much, especially to their children’s schools. But his mother was determined to go with him and “wore her black burka”, taking him to school with her. 

    His mother then met the headmaster and told him that her son had been slapped and she was angry about it not because he was slapped but because he was slapped for asking too many questions.

    He recalled how embarrassed he was that his “mother had to come to school to save him” and how other kids made fun of him because of it. But, Shahzeb added, while every other child would get beaten, teachers stopped beating him.

    This prompted Tabish to share a similar story of his own, recalling how he would be beaten by his teachers for no reason. He said that once he dropped something from his small table and his teacher hit him upon reaching down to pick it up. “You dirty boy,” the comedian and host recalled the teacher as calling him.

    During the show, the two also discussed how bad the situation was in their youth and how it was actually part of the law of Pakistan that children could be beaten by teachers. The law, however, was later changed to ban corporal punishment, with several legal cases being reported over violations in recent years.

  • Erin Holland turns heads in Lahore with stunning desi looks during mystery shoot

    Erin Holland turns heads in Lahore with stunning desi looks during mystery shoot

    Australian cricket presenter and fan-favourite host of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) Erin Holland is currently in Lahore and something exciting seems to be in the works as PSL matches are too far for her to be in Pakistan.

    The beloved Aussie personality, known for her lively presence and deep appreciation of Pakistani culture, teased fans with a surprise visit to Lahore, sharing stunning images from a mystery shoot. “Quick stop in Lahore on my way home for a little hosting & a shoot… stay tuned. How beautiful is #desi fashion, seriously,” she wrote in the caption of her Instagram post.

    Erin dazzles in a variety of Pakistani outfits in the post, including a black chiffon saree paired with a multi-coloured embroidered blouse, a sleek black beaded gown, and a celadon green ensemble adorned with silver sequins, a look that radiates traditional Pakistani glamour. One of the slides also shows her in the makeup chair, preparing for the shoot.

    Erin’s visit sparked excitement across social media, with Pakistani actress Mariyam Nafees commenting, “You gorgeous in everything,” to which Erin warmly replied, “You too kind babe.”

    Adding more fuel to the intrigue, Erin shared a candid picture with fellow cricket presenter Zainab Abbas, captioned, “Been a hot second @zabbasofficial,” taken outside a café in Lahore.

    Famous for seamlessly blending into Pakistan’s cricketing culture, Erin has consistently won hearts during her multiple stints hosting the PSL, often donning traditional attire with effortless grace. Earlier this year, she joined the trending #Farshi fashion wave, posting a photo in a farshi shalwar by brand Haseens, saying, “A lil late to #farshi club, but thanks to @haseensofficial for my farshi shalwar look for tonight!!”

    Details of her latest project remain under wraps.

    Erin is also a model who won the prestigious Miss World Australia Competition in 2013. While she later started hosting and now she is a permanent part of Pakistani cricket every year.

  • In historic first, Cape Verde qualifies for 2026 FIFA World Cup

    In historic first, Cape Verde qualifies for 2026 FIFA World Cup

    Cape Verde has made history by qualifying for the FIFA World Cup, sparking massive celebrations across the island nation.

    The streets of the capital city, Praia, turned into a carnival after the Blue Sharks defeated Eswatini 3-0 at the Cape Verde National Stadium to secure their spot in the 2026 World Cup, which will be hosted by the United States (US), Canada and Mexico.

    Fans poured out of the stadium, waving flags, honking car horns and setting off fireworks as reggae and local funana music filled the streets. “It’s an incredible moment,” said 37-year-old fan Jorge Junior Livramento.

    “I don’t have words. I was at the stadium and supported our team unconditionally.”

    FIFA President Gianni Infantino congratulated Cape Verde on what he called a “historic moment”, saying the team’s success would inspire a new generation of football fans across the nation.

    With a population of just 550,000, Cape Verde is the smallest African country ever to qualify for the World Cup. It also becomes the second-least populous nation in history to reach the tournament after following Iceland, which qualified for the 2018 World Cup with a population of just over 350,000.

  • Drop in petrol prices likely: reports

    Drop in petrol prices likely: reports

    Petroleum prices in the country are likely to drop from October 16, media reports have quoted sources as saying.

    According to reports, the price of petrol is likely to decrease by Rs6.10 per litre whereas the price of high-speed diesel could drop by 97 paisas.

    The price of kerosene is expected to drop by Rs2.75 per litre, reports said, adding that the price of light diesel oil could be reduced by Rs1.64 per litre.

    The petroleum industry has completed its calculations and submitted them to the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA), reports said, adding that the authority would send its summary for said price changes to the Petroleum Division.

    The Petroleum Division would then forward it to the Ministry of Finance, which, after consultation with the prime minister, would give final approval for it.

    It merits a mention that the report comes two weeks after the federal government announced an increase in the prices of petroleum products, with the new rates taking effect from October 1.

    According to a notification issued by the Ministry of Finance, the price of petrol was raised by Rs4.07 per litre while high-speed diesel prices were increased by Rs4.04 per litre.

    Following the price hike, petrol currently costs Rs268.68 per litre – up from Rs264.61 – and high-speed diesel is priced at Rs276.81 per litre – up from a previous rate of Rs272.77.

    These revised prices were to remain in effect for the next 15 days. The hike was part of the government’s routine review of petroleum prices, which are influenced by fluctuations in international markets and exchange rate changes.

    Earlier, on September 16, the federal government had announced new petroleum prices for the next 15 days, keeping petrol unchanged while increasing the price of high-speed diesel.

  • US, China in tit-for-tat port fee battle amid rising trade tensions

    US, China in tit-for-tat port fee battle amid rising trade tensions

    The United States of America and China have began imposing additional port fees on shipping companies on Tuesday, escalating trade tensions between the world’s two largest economies, Reuters has reported. 

    The new fees targets vessels that transport goods ranging from crude oil to holiday toys, turning maritime trade into a new front in the ongoing economic rivalry.

    According to Chinese state broadcaster CCTV, Beijing has started collecting special charges on U.S.-owned, operated, built, or flagged vessels. However, ships built in China will not face these levies. Exemptions also cover empty vessels entering Chinese shipyards for repair. The new Chinese fees will apply either at the first port of entry on a voyage or for the first five voyages within a year, following an annual billing cycle that starts on April 17.

    Earlier this year, U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration announced similar port fees on China-linked vessels to reduce China’s dominance in global shipping and strengthen American shipbuilding. The U.S. decision followed an investigation during former President Joe Biden’s term that accused China of using unfair trade practices to control the maritime and logistics sectors.

    China responded by introducing its own port fees on U.S.-linked ships, effective the same day as the American charges. Analysts expect Chinese shipping giant COSCO to be the most affected, likely bearing nearly half of an estimated $3.2 billion in related costs by 2026.

    Beijing also imposed sanctions on five U.S.-linked subsidiaries of South Korean shipbuilder Hanwha Ocean, accusing them of assisting a U.S. investigation into Chinese trade practices. Additionally, China launched an internal probe into how the U.S. measures have impacted its shipping and shipbuilding industries.

    “This tit-for-tat symmetry locks both economies into a spiral of maritime taxation that risks distorting global freight flows,” Athens-based Xclusiv Shipbrokers Inc said in a research note cited by Reuters.

    A Shanghai-based trade consultant said the new charges may not heavily disrupt the industry and that any increased costs would likely be passed on through higher prices. “What are we going to do? Stop shipping? Trade is already disrupted, but companies are finding a way,” the consultant said.

    The U.S. later announced a temporary exemption for long-term charterers of China-operated vessels carrying U.S. ethane and LPG, delaying the fees until December 10. Still, ship-tracking firm Vortexa said 45 large gas carriers—about 11% of the global fleet—remain subject to China’s new port fees.

    Clarksons Research estimated that the measures could affect oil tankers covering 15% of global capacity, while Jefferies analyst Omar Nokta said 13% of crude tankers and 11% of container ships worldwide could be impacted.

    In a separate move, President Trump threatened to impose 100% tariffs on Chinese goods and new export controls on critical software by November 1 in retaliation for China’s restrictions on mineral exports. U.S. officials also warned that countries supporting a United Nations plan to cut shipping emissions could face sanctions or port restrictions.

    Xclusiv noted that these moves show how global shipping has shifted from a neutral part of trade to a tool of political power.

    Meanwhile, shares of Shanghai-listed COSCO rose more than 2 percent on Tuesday. The company said its board had approved a plan to repurchase up to 1.5 billion yuan ($210 million) of its shares within three months to protect shareholder interests. COSCO did not respond to Reuters’ request for comment on the new fees.

  • Ducky Bhai’s wife Aroob Jatoi removes most Instagram posts, sparking speculation

    Ducky Bhai’s wife Aroob Jatoi removes most Instagram posts, sparking speculation

    Aroob Jatoi, the wife of popular Pakistani YouTuber Saad ur Rehman, widely known as Ducky Bhai, has deleted nearly all her Instagram posts, sparking widespread speculation on social media.

    As per the details, only two posts now remain on her profile, both featuring her husband who is currently under arrest in a gambling-related case.

    One of the remaining posts shows the couple standing before the Holy Kaaba in Makkah. The caption, which was edited three days ago, reads, “We stood before Allah in Makkah with hearts full of dreams. Now I stand alone, but I know He’s still writing our story. I’m waiting, with sabr and du’a.”

    The second post features images from the couple’s nikkah and engagement ceremony. In an emotional caption, Jatoi wrote, “The world keeps moving, but my heart is stuck in this moment. I miss you more than words can ever say. Come home soon.”

    While fans and followers have flooded the comment section with prayers and messages of support, calling for Ducky Bhai’s immediate release and an end to his legal troubles, her sudden deletion of most posts has also stirred speculation – with some social media users suggesting that the move may have been prompted by broader concerns facing social media influencers in Pakistan.

    In recent months, Pakistan’s Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has launched a crackdown on social media personalities and celebrities who flaunt lavish lifestyles online. As part of this initiative, the FBR has established a “Lifestyle Monitoring Cell” tasked with comparing public social media posts to declared income and tax filings. The initiative aims to uncover potential cases of tax evasion and financial misrepresentation.

    The monitoring cell has reportedly identified over 100,000 individuals whose online presence suggests a lifestyle inconsistent with their declared earnings. While tax audits and legal notices have been issued to several influencers and business figures in the past, there is currently no public evidence that Aroob Jatoi or Ducky Bhai have been directly targeted in this probe.

    Nevertheless, the timing of Jatoi’s Instagram purge has led many to question whether the move was a precautionary measure amid rising scrutiny of influencers and celebrities across Pakistan.

    Her actions also appear to be a response to the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency’s (NCCIA) case against Ducky for promoting gambling applications on his social media platforms. The NCCIA filed charges against him under various sections of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act, 2016 — including Section 13 (Electronic Forgery), Section 14 (Electronic Fraud), Section 25 (Spamming), and Section 26 (Spoofing). Additionally, he was charged under Sections 294-B (Offering prize in connection with trade) and 420 (Cheating and dishonestly inducing delivery of property) of the Pakistan Penal Code for endorsing banned gambling apps.