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  • Triple trouble for India as Pakistan set to receive AIM-120 missiles from US; China to sell 20 new jets to Bangladesh

    Triple trouble for India as Pakistan set to receive AIM-120 missiles from US; China to sell 20 new jets to Bangladesh

    As India struggles to grapple with isolation and the loss of regional stature after the crushing defeat against Pakistan in May’s military clashes, Islamabad is set to receive AIM-120 missiles from a United States (US) based defence firm while Bangladesh is planning to buy 20 new jets from China.

    According to reports, Raytheon will supply Pakistan with advanced medium-range air-to-air missiles (AMRAAM) following a contract modification that added the country to the list of buyers, whereas Bangladesh is preparing to purchase 20 Chinese-made J-10C fighter jets by 2027 to modernise its air force and strengthen national defence.

    The developments, experts say, could spell trouble for India and challenge its approach towards regional relations as the trilateral convergence by Pakistan, China and Bangladesh could have serious implications for New Delhi’s security while disrupting regional balance of power.

    As per the details of the defence deals, the US-made missiles are equipped on F-16 Falcons operated by the Pakistan Air Force (PAF).

    The same missiles were also reportedly used in February 2019 when the PAF conducted Operation Swift Retort and shot down two Indian Air Force (IAF) jets that had intruded into Pakistani airspace over Kashmir.

    While the development comes amid improving ties between Pakistan and the US, Bangladesh’s deal with China, valued at approximately $2.20 billion, is also turning heads. The deal will cover training, maintenance and other related expenses and add to the Bangladesh Air Force’s current strength of 212 aircraft, including 44 fighter jets — 36 of which are Chinese-made F-7s.

    It merits a mention that the deals come months after it was reported that senior officials from Pakistan, Bangladesh and China have vowed to enhance trilateral cooperation in various sectors such as trade, investment, health, education and maritime affairs among others.

    Pakistan and Bangladesh are both part of China’s ambitious Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) which aims to connect Asia, Africa and Europe. China envisions the BRI to be a global network of roads, railways, ports, energy pipelines and trade corridors that strengthens Beijing’s trade ties with other regions for the benefit of its economy. 

    Pakistan and China are historic allies while strained ties between Islamabad and Dhaka have started to improve since the ouster of former Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina last year.

  • Javeria Saud hit obnoxious fan with her handbag

    Javeria Saud hit obnoxious fan with her handbag

    Actress and television host Javeria Saud does not hold back if confronted with bad behaviour, even if the perpetrator is a fan.

    She recently opened up about a disturbing experience with a persistent admirer who showed up at her home every day.

    Speaking on the comedy talk show Mazaaq Raat, Javeria shared a personal incident from the early days of her career, before she got married. She said that since she had already started acting in television dramas by then, many people recognized her.

    “During those days, there was a fan who began coming to my house every single day,” she revealed. “Whenever I returned home, he would be standing at the gate, sometimes with flowers, other times with gifts.”

    Javeria highlighted how, at that time, young women often felt scared by such behavior, although, in her view, it was the stalker who should have been afraid.

    “Girls used to be scared of these things, but in reality, the one doing it should feel fear,” she said. “But due to family pressure and societal norms, girls would stay quiet and try to ignore it.”

    She went on to describe the turning point in the incident, “I didn’t say anything to him as long as he remained silent. But one day, he finally spoke to me and said something like, ‘You act all innocent, as if you don’t know who I’m here for. I’m your biggest fan.’”

    That’s when Javeria decided she had had enough. “I grabbed my handbag, which was full of makeup and other things, and swung it right at his face,” she recalled. “I told him, ‘You’ve made a spectacle out of this! You’ve been coming here every day for three months. Everyone in the neighborhood is watching this nonsense.’”

    She further disclosed that the fan used to sit in an abandoned house right next to hers, which made it difficult for anyone to remove him from the area.

    Eventually, when her family found out about the situation, they took action. “My father and uncle investigated who he was and went to his family to lodge a complaint,” she said.

    She also recalled she had to leave her acting career due workplace mistreatment issues.

    Javeria Saud’s story sheds light on the uncomfortable and often unspoken challenges female celebrities can face, even in their personal spaces. In a recent interview, actor Faysal Quraishi also shed light on workplace harassment, saying: “If a girl faces harassment at work, like being called into an office unnecessarily, many stay silent out of fear. They’re worried they’ll lose their job, which they may have gotten after great difficulty. But these small incidents can snowball into bigger issues later,” he emphasized.

    He went on to say: “Families must support their daughters. If they face such situations, it’s critical they speak up. Either leave the job or take a stand against the harasser. But they should not suffer in silence.” He stressed the need for awareness and communication at home, stating, “Nothing helps more than knowing your family stands with you.”

  • NBA returns to China with pre-season games after six-year break

    NBA returns to China with pre-season games after six-year break

    The NBA is returning to China after six years with Brooklyn Nets and Phoenix Suns set to play two sold-out pre-season games in Macau on Friday and Sunday.

    The league had been absent from China since 2019 when a tweet by then-Houston Rockets general manager Daryl Morey supporting pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong led Beijing to suspend ties with the NBA.

    The fallout caused major financial losses with commissioner Adam Silver saying the league lost “hundreds of millions of dollars.”

    China remains one of the NBA’s biggest markets with over 125 million basketball players in the country. Fans continued to follow the league through unofficial channels even when broadcasts were banned.

    NBA’s Deputy Commissioner Mark Tatum said the league still supports its community’s right to express opinions, including on China, and said it worked closely with the US State Department for international guidance.

    The two matches in Macau will take place at the Venetian Arena, part of the Las Vegas Sands group.

    Sports industry analyst Mark Dreyer said the NBA’s decision to return to China through Macau was a “smart move” and a “soft landing”, noting that the league has a contract to host two games annually in the region.

    Many fans in China said they are eager to watch basketball without politics. “Politics should not be a part of basketball,” said He Xixuan, a 26-year-old construction worker.

    “If everyone focuses on sports, it can be good for both sides.”

  • Punjabi singer Rajvir Jawanda dies days after motorcycle crash

    Punjabi singer Rajvir Jawanda dies days after motorcycle crash

    Punjabi singer Rajvir Jawanda, aged 35, died on Wednesday after sustaining severe head and spinal injuries in a motorcycle accident on September 27 near Baddi in Himachal Pradesh’s Solan district in India.

    According to Indian media outlets, the crash occurred when stray bulls forced him to swerve while riding toward Chandigarh, leading to the severely injured Rabbit being airlifted to Fortis Hospital in Mohali, where he remained on a ventilator for 11 days.

    Fortis Hospital has said in a statement, “Punjabi singer Rajvir Jawanda passed away at 10:55 AM on October 8, 2025, at Fortis Hospital, Mohali. He was admitted on September 27, 2025, in an extremely critical condition following a road accident that caused severe spinal injuries and brain damage. Despite extensive medical support and continuous monitoring by the Critical Care and Neurosurgery teams, he succumbed to multiple organ failure this morning. Our deepest condolences to his family and fans.”

    Tributes from celebrities like Harbhajan Singh, actor B N Sharma and politicians including Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann poured in. The incident underscores ongoing road safety challenges from stray animals and poor infrastructure in India.

    Hailing from Pona village in Ludhiana’s Jagraon, Rajvir Jawanda was a celebrated Punjabi singer known for hits such as Tu Dis Penda, Khush Reha Kar, Sardari, Surname, Afreen, Landlord, Down to Earth, and Kangani.

    Jawanda was also active in Punjabi cinema, appearing in films like Subedar Joginder Singh (2018), Jind Jaan (2019), and Mindo Taseeldarni (2019). His performances were often praised for a natural charm and authenticity.

  • Court issues bailable arrest warrants for Aleema Khan

    Court issues bailable arrest warrants for Aleema Khan

    An anti-terrorism court in Rawalpindi has issued bailable arrest warrants for Aleema Khan in a case related to the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) November 26 protest.

    According to reports, judge Amjad Ali Shah heard the case registered at Sadiqabad Police Station against Aleema and ten others on Wednseday. While other accused appeared in court, Aleema Khan did not.

    Her lawyers, Faisal Malik and Hasnain Sanbal, submitted a request seeking exemption from appearance, but the court rejected the plea.

    During the hearing, prosecutor Zaheer Shah argued that the lawyers had not submitted Aleema’s power of attorney and therefore could not file the exemption request on her behalf.

    The court then issued bailable arrest warrants for Aleema and adjourned the hearing till October 11.

  • ‘Girls need financial independence’; Faysal Quraishi on women taking breaks from work

    ‘Girls need financial independence’; Faysal Quraishi on women taking breaks from work

    It’s no secret that the entertainment industry is a cutthroat place, especially for women. In a recent interview, veteran Pakistani actor Faysal Quraishi shed light on why many female actors in the entertainment industry take extended breaks from their careers. He pointed to the disproportionate burden of family responsibilities and societal expectations as key reasons behind the pauses.

    Addressing a commonly asked question about why men tend to work longer in the industry than women, Quraishi said: “Women usually take on more household and childcare responsibilities. Girls need security and, of course, financial independence too,” he explained. “Look at Sunita Marshall and her husband Hassan, they are working as equals while raising their children well. Javeria Saud took a break to focus on her family and later returned to acting. Savera Nadeem also stepped away from the screen for some time before making a comeback. Many actresses take such breaks due to the responsibilities placed on them after marriage.”

    When asked if he would be supportive of his wife choosing to work, Quraishi responded candidly: “I don’t stop anyone from working. It’s their choice and they are the decision-makers of their own lives. If someone comes to me for advice, I can present two options, but if they’ve already made a decision, I respect that. I never pressure my wife about anything, and I don’t think anyone should. A healthy relationship is built on mutual respect and freedom.”

    Speaking about his latest drama Case No. 9, the actor praised writer and journalist Shahzeb Khanzada for crafting a bold and meaningful story.

    “Shahzeb has written a brilliant script and worked very hard. He even underwent neck treatment during the process but completed the script. A good drama or film is shaped by the producer, who brings the right team together,” he said.

    Quraishi also addressed the often-taboo topic of workplace harassment faced by women, especially in conservative households where simply getting permission to work can be challenging.

    “If a girl faces harassment at work, like being called into an office unnecessarily, many stay silent out of fear. They’re worried they’ll lose their job, which they may have gotten after great difficulty. But these small incidents can snowball into bigger issues later,” he emphasized.

    He went on to say: “Families must support their daughters. If they face such situations, it’s critical they speak up. Either leave the job or take a stand against the harasser. But they should not suffer in silence.”

    He stressed the need for awareness and communication at home, stating, “Nothing helps more than knowing your family stands with you.”

    Ending on a note of optimism about his upcoming drama, Quraishi said, “Audiences will be surprised by plot developments. There are characters and themes in Case No. 9 that have never been explored in the Pakistani industry before and they are necessary.”

  • Cummins, Head reject IPL millions to stay loyal to their country

    Cummins, Head reject IPL millions to stay loyal to their country

    Indian Premier League (IPL) franchises reportedly approached Australia’s Test captain Pat Cummins and vice-captain Travis Head with lucrative full-time T20 league contracts worth around USD 10 million annually, but both players turned down the offers to remain committed to their country, Australian media has reported.

    An IPL team group reportedly invited the two stars to quit national duties and play full-time in overseas T20 leagues. However, Cummins and Head declined, saying their priority was to serve Australia.

    Australian media revealed that the offer came to light during a recent meeting about the possible privatization of the Big Bash League, where Cricket Australia’s financial challenges were discussed. 

    The rejected offers were cited as an example of the strong international competition for top Australian talent.

    Reports also noted that top Australian cricketers earn around USD 1.5 million annually under national contracts, with Cummins receiving up to USD 3 million including captaincy allowances.

    This is not the first time such offers have surfaced. In 2023, England pacer Jofra Archer was also offered USD 7.5 million by an IPL team for a one-year contract, which he declined.

  • No Babar, Rizwan; Selection committee backs Agha Salman for South Africa T20 series

    No Babar, Rizwan; Selection committee backs Agha Salman for South Africa T20 series

    Pakistan’s T20 captain Agha Salman is set to continue leading the side in the upcoming home series against South Africa, with Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and head coach Mike Hesson showing full confidence in his leadership, according to media reports.

    Reports added that Agha Salman and coach Mike Hesson have already discussed plans for the South Africa series and the ICC T20 World Cup. Both are focused on building a stable and well-balanced squad for the mega event.

    Reports suggest that team management’s think tank is likely to meet the selection committee soon. A white-ball training camp could begin during the Test series against South Africa, with a list of potential players expected to be announced in the coming days.

    Early indications suggest that former captains Babar Azam and wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan are unlikely to make a return to the T20 squad. The management reportedly has no concerns about Agha Salman’s captaincy, and he is expected to bat at No. 3 in the upcoming series.

    Agha Salman, who has scored 561 runs in 32 T20Is at a strike rate of 110.21, faced criticism for his poor performance in the recent Asia Cup, where he managed just 72 runs in seven matches. 

    Despite the criticism, both the PCB and Hesson are not considering any captaincy change before the T20 World Cup.

    Meanwhile, reports add that opener Saim Ayub, who was dropped from the Test squad after scoring four ducks in seven Asia Cup matches, will retain his place in white-ball cricket. 

    Wicketkeeper Mohammad Haris also remains safe, while selectors are considering giving new pacers a chance in place of Haris Rauf.

    Reports added that Agha Salman and Hesson were disappointed with the Asia Cup final defeat but believe in giving the current squad consistent opportunities, making a recall for Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan highly unlikely for the South Africa T20 series.

  • Wasim Akram slams Indian media for using his photo with arrested ‘spy’

    Wasim Akram slams Indian media for using his photo with arrested ‘spy’

    Former Pakistan captain and Sultan of Swing Wasim Akram has taken a strong swipe at Indian media after it used his picture in reports about a man named Wasim Akram who was recently arrested in Haryana on charges of espionage.

    Sharing a video message on Instagram, the legendary cricketer criticized Indian outlets for their carelessness in reporting and not verifying facts. “If you’re that clever, at least verify the news before posting it,” Akram said, calling out journalists who used his image to represent the arrested individual.

    Akram also appealed to social media users to avoid spreading misinformation without confirmation. “I would advise everyone who uses social media to always check before commenting. Not every Wasim Akram on social media is me. There are fake or parody accounts, so please verify first,” he requested. 

    The former Pakistan captain expressed disbelief over how Indian media could make such an error. “A man named Wasim Akram has been caught in India, and their media is using my photo. Don’t make your life miserable, stay calm and check first,” he remarked with sarcasm.

    According to reports, Indian media last week claimed that a YouTuber named Wasim Akram had been arrested in Haryana on spying charges. However, instead of using the actual YouTuber’s image, several outlets used photos of Pakistan’s former cricket legend, apparently in a bid to get clicks.

  • Pakistan may get walkover as Afghan team fails to secure visas

    Pakistan may get walkover as Afghan team fails to secure visas

    Pakistan’s upcoming AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifier match against Afghanistan, scheduled for Thursday in Islamabad, is unlikely to take place.

    According to media reports, the Afghan team failed to secure visas for all players and officials due to technical errors in their applications. 

    While Pakistan had completed all necessary preparations for the match at Islamabad’s Jinnah Stadium, the visiting side’s visa issues have put the fixture in jeopardy.

    Reports indicate that only three Afghan players and ten officials have received Pakistani visas so far, while several players residing abroad are still awaiting approval. 

    The delay reportedly occurred because foreign-based Afghan footballers listed Afghanistan as their place of residence on visa forms, creating technical discrepancies.

    Under tournament regulations, teams are required to obtain visas at least 30 days before participation in an international event.

    The Pakistan Football Federation has informed the government and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) about the latest situation. 

    According to the rules, Pakistan could be awarded a walkover if the match is not held due to Afghanistan’s administrative mistakes.

    However, later in the day, after PCB Chairman and Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi took notice of the issue, visas were issued to the Afghanistan football team. In a post on social media platform X, Naqvi confirmed that the visas for the Afghan team had been released, clearing the way for the match to take place.