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  • FIA launches probe into Pakistan Padel Federation as sports board rejects affiliation claim

    FIA launches probe into Pakistan Padel Federation as sports board rejects affiliation claim

    The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has launched a formal inquiry into alleged financial and administrative irregularities in the Pakistan Padel Federation, according to an official notice issued by its Corporate Crime Circle in Karachi.

    The notice states that one faction’s president, Muhammad Mateen, has been summoned to appear before the agency on April 2, 2026, and has been directed to bring complete relevant records.

    According to the document, the inquiry covers allegations that include organising tournaments without obtaining required no objection certificates, collecting fees unlawfully, misuse of funds, submission of fake documentation, and arranging international tours without approval.

    The notice further directs the submission of detailed records, including documents related to tournaments, financial transactions, sponsorship agreements, bank accounts, and affiliation or authorisation papers.

    Officials said that the inquiry aims to examine alleged irregularities and determine whether any violations of law have taken place.

    Separately, it is noted that Pakistan Sports Board does not recognise any group at present as the national governing body for padel.

    Meanwhile, the Pakistan Padel Federation, associated with the Mateen Group, has filed a contempt of court petition against the Pakistan Sports Board in the Sindh High Court. The court has issued a notice in the case and fixed the hearing for April 13.

  • Prominent Islamabad businessman shot dead at farmhouse

    Prominent Islamabad businessman shot dead at farmhouse

    A top businessman was shot dead by armed intruders during a robbery at his farmhouse in Islamabad’s Orchard Scheme, police said.

    The victim, identified as Amir Awan, was killed in a neighbourhood known to house properties owned by politicians, government advisers and other prominent figures.

    Police officials, speaking to a private media outlet on the condition of anonymity, said that CCTV footage showed five men entering the farmhouse armed with submachine guns and wearing bulletproof jackets.

    They added that the crime scene indicated the deceased tried to resist.

    Awan was first taken to a government hospital and later shifted to a private facility where he died during surgery, police said.

    The incident was reported to Shahzad Town police station, and a First Information Report (FIR) was registered under Section 397 of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC), covering robbery or dacoity with the intent to cause death or serious injury. The complaint was filed by Awan’s wife, Aisha Awan.

    According to the FIR, Aisha said that she woke up around 2:45 am after hearing noise and saw her husband struggling with three armed men while two others remained outside the bedroom window. She said that their two sons were asleep in other rooms at the time.

    Aisha said that she started shouting, prompting the intruders to open fire.

    “My husband received a bullet wound to his abdomen and fell to the floor,” she told police.

    The complainant added that the commotion drew her sons into the room, leading the gunmen to flee through a window.

    She said that two security guards employed by the family told her the attackers had also taken their phones and cash, while a third guard had been locked inside a separate room.

  • New US missile used in strikes on Iran school, civilian infrastructure: report

    New US missile used in strikes on Iran school, civilian infrastructure: report

    A newly inducted American missile was likely used for the first time in a strike on civilian areas in southern Iran last month, according to an analysis by an international media outlet. 

    The strike targeted residential buildings and a sports hall in Lamerd, a town in Fars province, on February 28. Iranian state media, citing officials, reported that at least 21 people were killed in multiple strikes carried out on the same day.

    Footage of the incident, authenticated and geolocated by the international media outlet, shows a projectile in flight moments before it detonates above the target area.

    Analysts said that the projectile is likely a Precision Strike Missile (PrSM), a long-range system that entered service in 2023. Experts pointed to the missile’s shape, size of the blast and absence of visible nose-mounted controls as indicators.

    Three analysts from defence intelligence company Janes and one expert from McKenzie Intelligence assessed the footage and concluded that the characteristics match those of the PrSM.

    Amael Kotlarski, an analyst with Jane stated that based on the missile’s features and the distance from potential US launch sites in the region, the PrSM is likely the only munition in the US arsenal capable of striking Lamerd.

    McKenzie Intelligence noted that the town falls within the extended range of the missile and added that US Central Command had previously acknowledged using the system in strikes from a Gulf location during the early phase of the conflict.


    The intended target of the strike may have been an installation linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) located near the sports hall. Satellite imagery reviewed days after the strike showed the facility remained undamaged.

    United States Central Command declined to comment on the Lamerd strike.

    The attack took place on the opening day of the conflict, hours after a separate strike on a school in Minab that Iranian authorities said killed at least 168 people, including around 110 children.

    US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth stated that the Minab incident was under investigation and maintained that US forces “never target civilian targets”.

    The PrSM, manufactured by Lockheed Martin, is a next-generation surface-to-surface ballistic missile with a reported range of up to 500 kilometres. It replaces the ATACMS, which has a shorter range and has previously been used in other conflicts.

    Videos reviewed of the Lamerd strike also indicate a near-simultaneous hit on a sports hall located around 300 metres from the residential buildings. One clip shows a road with passing vehicles before an explosion engulfs the structure, sending shockwaves across nearby buildings.

  • Shaheen Afridi fined Rs1 million by Lahore Qalandars

    Shaheen Afridi fined Rs1 million by Lahore Qalandars

    Lahore Qalandars has fined captain Shaheen Shah Afridi Rs1 million after a security breach at the team hotel, officials confirmed on Monday.

    The franchise conducted an internal investigation and found that the incident resulted from a misunderstanding, not a deliberate violation.

    In a statement, the Qalandars said, “The action against Shaheen has been taken in the spirit of accountability and discipline.”

    They informed the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) after completing the inquiry and said some earlier accounts had presented the situation inaccurately.

    Officials said Shaheen allowed guests of teammate Sikandar Raza into the players’ room despite security staff refusing permission.

    The franchise stressed that it respected all security protocols and handled the matter internally.

    The incident took place on March 28, 2026, at the team hotel where all PSL sides stay under strict security arrangements.

    According to those reports, a request first came through the Lahore Qalandars liaison officer for permission to allow four relatives of Raza to visit his room, but officials rejected it under security protocols. The same request later reached PCB security through team management, which also received a refusal.

    Despite repeated denial, Shaheen and Raza reportedly escorted the visitors into the room, where they stayed for over two hours, leading to concerns over breach of protocol.

    The franchise stressed that it respected all security protocols and handled the matter internally.

  • Naseem apologises for controversial post, takes responsibility for ‘misuse of account by team’

    Naseem apologises for controversial post, takes responsibility for ‘misuse of account by team’

    Hours after he was fined a whopping Rs20 million, Pakistani fast bowler Naseem Shah has issued a public apology over the controversial post that appeared on his X account, and said the message did not reflect his personal views.

    In a statement shared on his X account, Naseem clarified that the post was shared by his management team.

    “A recent post from my account was made by my management team and does not reflect my views,” he wrote.

    He said he takes full responsibility for everything posted on his page and has made changes to prevent such incidents in the future.

    “I take full responsibility for my platform and have implemented the necessary changes to ensure this does not happen again,” he added.

    The fast bowler also apologised to those affected by the incident.

    “I sincerely apologise to everyone affected by this misuse of my platform,” he stated.

    Following the controversy, Naseem removed his social media advisors from their roles. Reports also said that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has decided to blacklist the advisor involved, preventing them from working with any centrally contracted player in the future.

    The board has already taken disciplinary action against the pacer, fining him Rs 20 million for breaching the terms of his central contract and social media guidelines.

    The controversy began after a now-deleted tweet from Naseem’s account appeared to criticise Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, prompting the PCB to issue a show-cause notice.

    Before releasing this clarification, Naseem had claimed that his account was hacked and later said it had been successfully recovered.

  • Met Office warns of nationwide rains, thunderstorms from April 1

    Met Office warns of nationwide rains, thunderstorms from April 1

    A weather system moving in from the west is expected to bring rains and thunderstorms across Pakistan from April 1 to 4, the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has said.

    In an advisory issued on Monday, the Met Office stated that a westerly wave will enter southwestern Balochistan on April 1 and gradually extend to other parts of the country over the following days.

    “Balochistan will be the first to bear the brunt of the system, with rain, thunderstorms, and isolated hailstorms anticipated from the evening of April 1 across a sweeping stretch of districts from coastal areas including Gwadar, Pasni, and Ormara inland through Quetta, Ziarat, Loralai, Zhob, Khuzdar, and dozens of other regions, continuing through April 4 with occasional breaks,” it said.

    The department noted that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) is likely to experience rain and thunderstorms from the night of April 1, affecting areas from Chitral, Dir and Swat to Bannu, Dera Ismail Khan and Waziristan.

    It added that snowfall is expected over higher elevations, while some areas may also experience hailstorms and heavy downpours.

    Punjab and Islamabad are also expected to come under the influence of the system from the night of April 1, with thunderstorms and hailstorms forecast in areas including Murree, Rawalpindi, Lahore, Multan, Bahawalpur and Rahim Yar Khan. Dera Ghazi Khan and nearby areas may also receive heavy rainfall.

    Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir are likely to receive rain and snowfall over mountainous areas, with districts such as Hunza, Gilgit, Skardu, Muzaffarabad, Neelum Valley and Mirpur expected to be affected.

    Sindh is expected to experience the system later, with rain, thunderstorms and isolated hailstorms forecast in Karachi, Hyderabad, Sukkur and Larkana from April 2 to 4.

    The Met Office warned that flash flooding may occur in northeast Balochistan and in local streams across KP between April 2 and 4, while hill torrents are expected in Dera Ghazi Khan.

    “Windstorms and lightning may damage weak structures, electricity infrastructure, billboards, and solar panels, while standing crops in Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Sindh are at risk from hail and strong winds,” it added.

    Farmers have been advised to take precautionary measures in line with the expected weather conditions.

    The advisory further noted that daytime temperatures are likely to drop across the country during this period.

    The Met Office urged the public, tourists and travellers to exercise caution and avoid unnecessary travel during the forecast window.

    “All concerned authorities have been formally directed to remain vigilant and take all necessary measures to prevent any untoward situation during the forecast period,” the PMD stated.

  • Another war? Indian plan for false flag operation in held Kashmir exposed

    Another war? Indian plan for false flag operation in held Kashmir exposed

    Intelligence agencies have exposed an Indian plan to stage a false flag operation in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), involving Pakistani prisoners, according to a report citing security sources.

    The development follows the decoding of what officials described as secret communications pointing to preparations for a staged incident. Security sources said that the plan involved using Pakistani prisoners to create a situation that could be linked to Pakistan.

    The report quoted sources as saying that the plan included releasing Pakistani prisoners and directing them towards border areas in IIOJK. “The intention was to use them for a staged incident,” they said.

    They further stated that the objective was to attribute the incident to Pakistan and build grounds for escalation along the border, adding that such a move could be used to justify action against Pakistan and engage its armed forces along the eastern border.

    The development comes amid unprecedented tensions between Pakistan and India in recent months ever since cross-border clashes in May 2025 when India launched an attack over the killing of tourists in Pahalgam.

    New Delhi claimed the terrorists who killed 26 tourists were Pakistani nationals, a claim Islamabad rejected while calling for a neutral investigation.

    India followed the accusations with missile strikes inside Pakistan to which Islamabad responded by downing seven Indian fighter jets, including three Rafale aircraft. Hundreds of Indian drones were intercepted and Pakistan also destroyed an S-400 air defence system while targeting more than 20 Indian military sites in retaliatory action.

    The conflict ended on May 10 after a ceasefire agreement brokered by the United States (US).

  • Israel seeks to ‘reshape the map’ by inviting US to relocate military bases

    Israel seeks to ‘reshape the map’ by inviting US to relocate military bases

    Israel is set to invite the United States (US) to relocate existing regional military bases to Israeli territory and establish new installations once the current conflict concludes.

    Citing unnamed security sources, Israel’s Channel 12 reported that the Israeli security establishment views the current presence of US forces as an opportunity to “reshape the map” of American military positioning in the Middle East.

    “We have proved our values of late as a central ally of the US. One that provides not only stability, but also significant operational and intelligence capabilities,” an Israeli source was quoted.

    The source added that “American bases in Israel would create a strategic advantage for both sides”.

    This development follows an escalation in direct hostilities between Israel and Iran. In the northern city of Haifa, Israeli television networks, including Channel 12, broadcast footage of thick black smoke rising from an oil refinery. 

    The impact occurred shortly after the military detected a new salvo of missiles fired from Iran. While the specific cause of the refinery strike was not initially confirmed, search and rescue teams were dispatched to the site.

    The Israeli military has also provided data regarding its personnel, claiming that 261 soldiers have been wounded since the start of the war with Iran. A death toll for soldiers has not been released.

    On the Iranian side, officials confirmed the death of Revolutionary Guards Navy Commander Alireza Tangsiri. According to Reuters, Tangsiri died following injuries sustained in what Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz described as a “precise and lethal operation” conducted on March 26. 

    In response to strikes on residences within Iran, a military spokesperson for Tehran announced that Iran will begin bombing the official residences of US and Israeli military commanders.

  • Ali Sethi crosses genres and geographies in new album ‘Room Jhoom’

    Ali Sethi crosses genres and geographies in new album ‘Room Jhoom’

    Ali Sethi is set to release his second album, Room Jhoom, on May 22, marking a collaboration with American drummer and composer Gregory Rogove. The project, which began as a follow-up to ‘Pasoori’, has developed into a blend shaped by both artists’ approaches, moving between Sethi’s Sufi influences and Rogove’s Caribbean-driven sound.

    In a post shared on Instagram, Sethi outlined how the album took shape over time. He wrote that he had spent much of his past pursuing precision, believing that “truth and beauty were external, somewhere over there and all I had to do was strive hard enough, practice long enough, to get there”. He said this approach led him to overlook his own instincts until he began to listen to what he described as an inner voice.

    Reflecting on that shift, he wrote, “I began to loosen, to journey away from my moorings. I was succumbing to new sounds and sensations, yes, but also surrendering to a long-buried voice within, which asked me to seek freedom, to lay roots in new soil, to pin my hopes on an expansive horizon.”

    Sethi also addressed the response to moving away from established structures, particularly within the traditions he has trained in. He wrote, “In our culture broadly — and in our musical tradition specifically — exiting the agreed-upon framework is a feint most foul. thou shalt not switch sides, and thou certainly shalt not advertise it on Instagram. Besharam behaya!”

    According to Sethi, Rhoom Jhoom emerged from this departure, shaped through collaboration with musicians he worked with during the process. He said these interactions allowed him to move beyond earlier constraints tied to his training in ragas. 

    The album, he noted, reflects an exchange between South Asian and Latin American pop influences.

    Speaking about the making of the record, Sethi wrote, “what we made is music rooted in trust: trust in the process of collaboration, and in the power of intuition.” 

    He added that the project involved working with multiple contributors, including Rogove, and described the process as one that allowed him to “bend the rules of my raags”.

    Room Jhoom follows Sethi’s debut album Love Language, which was released in August last year.

  • Zayn Malik includes song named ‘Nusrat’ in upcoming album

    Zayn Malik includes song named ‘Nusrat’ in upcoming album

    Zayn Malik will release a track titled “Nusrat” in his upcoming album Konnakol, placing a direct reference to qawwali singer Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan at the centre of his latest project, which draws on South Asian musical influences.


    The album, scheduled for release on April 17, features 15 tracks and marks a shift in Malik’s sound, with elements of qawwali and Sufi music shaping the production and vocal style. 


    The title Konnakol refers to a South Indian vocal technique that uses rhythmic syllables to mimic percussion.

    The upcoming project also includes a track titled “Nusrat,” referencing legendary qawwali singer Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, signalling a direct nod to the genre’s influence on the album.

    Listeners can expect a blend of contemporary R&B with traditional sounds, as Malik leans into cultural elements tied to his background. The project reflects a deliberate move towards incorporating familiar influences rather than exploring new ones.

    The album’s visuals follow a similar direction, with cover art depicting Malik alongside a snow leopard, an animal associated with South Asian regions, including Pakistan.

    Malik has previously spoken about his appreciation for South Asian music, including tracks like “Abhi Mujh Mein Kahin,” originally performed by Sonu Nigam, which point towards the melodic direction of the new release.

    The singer, who debuted as a solo artist with Mind of Mine in 2016, has since released Icarus Falls (2018), Nobody Is Listening (2021), and Room Under the Stairs (2024). Konnakol will mark his fifth studio album.

    He first rose to prominence as a member of One Direction after auditioning for The X Factor in 2010, before transitioning to a solo career.