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  • HEC announces fully-funded US scholarships for Pakistani students

    HEC announces fully-funded US scholarships for Pakistani students

    The Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan has declared fully funded PhD scholarships as part of the US-Pakistan Knowledge Corridor Project, creating chances for Pakistani scholars to undertake doctoral studies at prestigious universities in the United States.

    As per HEC, the initiative is designed to enhance academic collaboration between Pakistan and the United States while aiding in the enhancement of Pakistan’s human resource capacity in advanced sectors.

    The program is available to scholars applying to institutions ranked within the Top 300 according to the QS World Rankings. It comprises two funding categories. 

    Applicants who gain admission to universities within the Top 50 will receive complete tuition fee coverage, a monthly stipend, and health insurance. Meanwhile, those accepted to universities ranked between 51 and 300 will be eligible for financial aid of up to USD 12,000 annually for tuition, alongside a stipend and health insurance.

    HEC noted that these scholarships are part of its continuous endeavors to offer Pakistani students and professionals global research exposure and training in advanced fields, thereby improving their ability to contribute to the nation’s development.

    Currently, applications are open for two admission cycles. The cutoff for Spring and Summer 2026 admissions is November 15, 2025, while the deadline for Fall 2026 admissions is April 30, 2026.

    Qualified candidates can submit their applications via HEC’s online scholarship portal at [scholarship.hec.gov.pk](http://scholarship.hec.gov.pk). 

    Updates and additional information can be found on HEC’s official social media channels, including Facebook, X, LinkedIn, YouTube, and WhatsApp.

  • President Zardari jumps in to ease PML-N-PPP coalition rift: report

    President Zardari jumps in to ease PML-N-PPP coalition rift: report

    President Asif Ali Zardari has reportedly intervened to ease the growing rift between the Sindh and Punjab governments and summoned Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi to Karachi for urgent consultations.

    The development comes as tensions between coalition partners Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) intensify following heated exchanges over Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Maryam Nawaz’s public remarks.

    The two main ruling parties in Centre, have been at odds over flood relief, water resources and the performance of their respective provincial governments. PPP lawmakers have demanded a formal apology by staging walkouts from the Senate and National Assembly, but the demand has been turned down by PML-N ministers as they retaliated by raising questions on Sindh’s governance record.

    Amid a war of words, the president has reportedly held a telephonic conversation with the interior minister to discuss the ongoing tensions.

    On Monday, PPP members boycotted parliamentary proceedings in protest against what they described were “regrettable remarks” made by the Punjab CM against their leadership.

    Former premier and senior PPP leader Raja Pervaiz Ashraf made a point of order, stating that his party would not take part in the proceedings until the government offered a proper explanation for the Punjab chief executive’s remarks.

    “Bilawal Bhutto never criticised any PML-N leader, rather, he appreciated the Punjab CM’s governance. We are part of this government for the sake of Pakistan’s federation, not confrontation,” Raja said.

    He added that PPP’s tolerance should not be mistaken for weakness, reminding the House that the party had faced much tougher times, including military dictatorships.

    Ashraf also criticised the withdrawal of security for the PPP’s parliamentary leader in the Punjab Assembly, calling it a violation of the spirit of the Charter of Democracy.

    “We must not use divisive language or resort to blame games. Respect is more important for us than power,” he added.

    Speaking on the floor of the House, PPP parliamentary leader Senator Sherry Rehman voiced concern over what she described as “divisive rhetoric” coming from Punjab towards Sindh and the PPP leadership at a time when the nation was reeling from devastating floods.

    “Over 6.5 million Pakistanis have been affected by floods — these are not Punjabis or Sindhis, they are Pakistanis. Instead of focusing on their plight, divisive rhetoric is growing. This is no way to manage a crisis or a coalition,” she said.

    Rehman said that the coalition and national unity were being harmed by the ongoing tussle between Punjab and Sindh. She said that the PPP had shown restraint and solidarity, but a red line was crossed when PML-N leaders “played the Punjab card” and criticised Bilawal and Aseefa Bhutto-Zardari.

    She also defended Bilawal’s recent remarks, claiming that he had only recommended that the Punjab government identified and compensate flood victims using data from the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP).

    She cited a World Bank report to back up her claim that BISP was among the most successful social protection programmes in the world.

    “If an apology is not offered, then don’t take our support for granted. The PPP remains the largest party in the Senate,” she warned before leading her party’s walkout.

    Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar responded to her comments in a conciliatory tone, saying that President Zardari has previously acknowledged the matter and taken action to comply with his constitutional obligations.

    “Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Nawaz Sharif are both proponents of reconciliation. The political temperature will come down soon,” Tarar said, adding humorously that the opposition should not celebrate these “ups and downs” in coalition politics.

  • Day one of Israel-Hamas negotiations in Egypt shows signs of progress

    Day one of Israel-Hamas negotiations in Egypt shows signs of progress

    The first day of indirect discussions between Israel and Hamas wrapped up positively on Monday in Egypt, with further negotiations anticipated for Tuesday. The meetings, taking place in the coastal city of Sharm el-Sheikh, were centered around the 20-point plan proposed by United States President Donald Trump, which aims to conclude the conflict in Gaza.

    Sources close to the talks revealed that a framework was established for the upcoming rounds of discussions. The Hamas team, led by Khalil al-Hayya and Zaher Jabarin, expressed apprehension regarding Israel’s continued airstrikes in Gaza, labeling it a significant barrier to negotiations concerning the liberation of hostages. Both representatives had narrowly escaped an assassination attempt by Israel in Doha last month that resulted in the deaths of five others.

    Monday’s discussions addressed several crucial issues, such as a potential prisoner and captive swap, a ceasefire, and the facilitation of humanitarian assistance into Gaza.

    White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that President Trump was advocating for an expedited swap of Israeli captives for Palestinian prisoners to gain momentum for the larger peace effort. “The technical teams are currently in discussions to ensure the conditions are ideal for releasing those hostages,” Leavitt mentioned, noting that both parties were examining the lists of individuals expected to be freed.

    In remarks from the Oval Office, Trump indicated there was “a really good chance of reaching an agreement,” while also emphasizing his own “red lines.” He acknowledged that Hamas had accepted critical points, commending the collaborative Arab-Turkish initiatives to keep the group engaged in negotiations, as well as his envoy Steve Witkoff, who is heading the US delegation. Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner is also reportedly involved in the team.

    The following round of discussions is set to occur on Tuesday, coinciding with the second anniversary of Hamas’s attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, which resulted in 1,139 fatalities and around 200 individuals being taken captive. Israel then unleashed a genocide in Gazsairstrikes killing at least 67,160 Palestinians and injuring 169,679, as reported by local health officials.

    Despite the ongoing negotiations on Monday, Israeli forces allegedly killed at least 10 Palestinians in the genocide, including three individuals who were waiting for humanitarian assistance.

    UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also acknowledged the anniversary, referring to Trump’s recent proposal as “an opportunity that must be seized” in order to resolve the conflict. 


    He stated that achieving a permanent ceasefire and establishing a credible political process are vital to avert further violence.

  • Barca, Milan to play matches abroad after UEFA approval

    Barca, Milan to play matches abroad after UEFA approval

    UEFA has approved two league matches to be played outside Europe, marking a rare decision that the governing body described as an exception rather than a precedent.

    The LaLiga match between Barcelona and Villarreal will take place in Miami in late December, while AC Milan’s Serie A clash with Como will be held in Perth, Australia, in early February.

    Milan chose the overseas venue because San Siro Stadium will be unavailable during preparations for the Winter Olympics opening ceremony scheduled to take place on February 6.

    LaLiga has been working for nearly a decade to host games abroad, following the model of American leagues like the NFL and NBA, which regularly stage fixtures in other countries to expand their fan base.

    UEFA said its Executive Committee reluctantly approved both matches, citing the lack of clear regulations from FIFA but reaffirmed its opposition to the idea.

    “League matches should be played on home soil,” said UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin. “Anything else risks alienating loyal fans and disrupting competition integrity. This decision is exceptional and should not set a precedent.”

    Serie A president Ezio Simonelli welcomed the approval, calling it an opportunity to engage Italian football fans abroad.

    “The unavailability of San Siro has turned into a chance to bring Italian football to Perth,” Simonelli said. “It will help increase international visibility and expand the fan base.”

    Simonelli acknowledged the challenges for local supporters, with the match being played 13,800 kilometers away and six hours ahead in time. “I believe Milan and Como fans will understand this sacrifice, which will ultimately benefit their teams,” he added.

  • Australian cricketers fall sick after eating hotel food in India

    Australian cricketers fall sick after eating hotel food in India

    Several cricketers from Australia A have fallen sick due to suspected food poisoning after eating at a hotel in Kanpur, Indian media reported.

    According to reports, some players from the team, which is currently touring India for a series against India A, became unwell after consuming food served at their hotel.

    Fast bowler Henry Thornton was reportedly hospitalised for two days while three other players also suffered from food poisoning. The team management later lodged a complaint with the hotel regarding the poor quality of food.

    The incident raised concerns about the quality of meals and accommodation provided to visiting teams.

    However, Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Vice President Rajeev Shukla dismissed the claims that hotel food caused the players to fall sick. He argued that if food had been bad, players from both teams would have fallen sick.

    Meanwhile, under Shreyas Iyer’s captaincy, India A defeated Australia A by two wickets in the third and final one-day match at Green Park Stadium in Kanpur on Sunday, winning the three-match series 2-1.

  • Imran Khan’s nephew Shahrez Khan qualifies for Ironman World Championship

    Imran Khan’s nephew Shahrez Khan qualifies for Ironman World Championship

    Pakistan’s talented triathlete Shahrez Khan, nephew of former prime minister Imran Khan, has achieved a major milestone by qualifying for the prestigious Ironman 70.3 World Championship, set to take place on November 9, 2025, in Marbella, Spain.

    Shahrez will represent Pakistan among the world’s top endurance athletes, becoming only the second Pakistani ever to qualify for the global event, the first being Khurram Khan.

    The Lahore-born athlete secured his qualification after finishing seventh at the Ironman 70.3 race in Puerto Princesa, Philippines, which included 1.9 km swimming, 90 km cycling, and 21.1 km running.

    Speaking about his achievement, Shahrez said crossing the finish line and learning that he had qualified was “a moment beyond words.”

    Remarkably, Shahrez currently ranks among the top 5 percent of athletes worldwide in the All-World Athlete category. 

    A former Aitchison College student, he has showcased his athletic talent in athletics, football, and swimming before pursuing higher education at the University of Western Ontario and Oxford University, where he was part of the Said Business School’s cross-country team.

    He now serves as the Head of the Middle East and North Africa region for Samba Global.

    Shahrez’s Ironman journey began in 2022 with a half marathon in Islamabad. Although swimming and running came naturally to him, cycling was a new challenge. He trained rigorously in Lahore, setting up an indoor training zone at home and practicing at Bagh-e-Jinnah and DHA Phase 7.

    He credits his training partner RD Rizwan Aftab Ahmed for playing a crucial role in his journey. Together, they have been guiding young Pakistani athletes and organizing cross-country camps at Aitchison College to promote endurance sports.

    Shahrez said, “We want to inspire a generation stuck in a sedentary lifestyle. Sports teach not just physical fitness but also mental strength and discipline.” Despite the lack of infrastructure for triathlon in Pakistan, he dreams of hosting international-level endurance races in the country one day.

    In December 2024, Shahrez made headlines for his impressive performances in Ironman races held in Luxembourg, Turkey, New Zealand, and South Africa.

  • Selectors, coach back Agha as T20 captain, oppose Babar’s return

    Selectors, coach back Agha as T20 captain, oppose Babar’s return

    Pakistan’s T20 captain Salman Ali Agha continues to receive strong backing from selectors and head coach Mike Hesson, even as the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) remains concerned about his form and leadership, media reports have stated. 

    According to reports, discussions are taking place within the board regarding Agha’s future as captain. The selectors and Hesson believe in maintaining continuity, arguing that another change so close to the T20 World Cup would not be wise.

    However, Agha’s personal form has raised serious questions. He scored just 72 runs in seven Asia Cup matches at an average of 12 and a strike rate of 80.89. PCB officials are also unhappy with several of his decisions during the Asia Cup, including those made in the final against India.

    Under Agha’s captaincy, Pakistan have played 30 T20 internationals, winning 17 and losing 13. During this period, he has scored 557 runs, including four half-centuries.

    Reports revealed that during a recent meeting, selectors defended Agha’s performance by citing India’s captain Suryakumar Yadav, who also scored 72 runs in the Asia Cup with an average of 18. Coach Hesson insisted that consistency in decision-making and leadership would eventually bring positive results.

    The board has also considered handing back the T20 captaincy to Shaheen Afridi, but both the selectors and Hesson opposed the idea. Surprisingly, they also objected to Babar Azam’s return to the T20 squad, suggesting that young players should continue to get opportunities.

    During the Asia Cup, the PCB had planned to send a senior batter to strengthen the lineup, but injury-related restrictions prevented any changes to the squad.

    Despite his struggles with the bat, the selectors and coach still view Salman Ali Agha as a smart and developing captain. 

    Pakistan’s next T20 assignment will be a three-match series against South Africa on October 28, 30, and November 1. The T20 World Cup is scheduled to begin on February 7 in India and Sri Lanka.

  • Jenna Ortega calls Palestinians her ‘heroes’

    Jenna Ortega calls Palestinians her ‘heroes’

    Wednesday star Jenna Ortega is just as fearless as the iconic character she portrays on Netflix’s mega smash series.

    The star has once again voiced her support for the Palestinian people, calling them her “heroes” in a recent interview with French magazine Gala.

    Speaking at a Dior-hosted party in Paris, the outspoken actress praised the resilience and courage of Palestinians amid the indifference of world leaders.

    “I see the people of Palestine as my heroes,” Ortega said. “They are continuously using their voices despite the world ignoring their pleas.”

    She added that she hopes to amplify their struggle. “I wish to lift and raise their voices as well,” Ortega continued, calling their efforts “important and commendable.”

    This is not the first time the 21-year-old actor has taken a public stance on the issue. In June, she shared a series of Instagram posts referencing attacks in Iran and Palestine, writing: “My thoughts are heavy” and that “Palestinian cries are being buried in everyday media.”

    In 2023, Ortega also made headlines after leaving the Scream VII just one day after her co-star Melissa Barrera was fired over pro-Palestine social media posts. While many speculated her departure was an act of solidarity, the studio denied any connection, attributing Ortega’s exit to scheduling conflicts.

    Jenna Ortega’s continued vocal support for Palestine has drawn praise from her fans.

    Several Hollywood celebrities are raising their voices against the genocide being carried out in Gaza.

    As per the Palestinian Health Ministry, at least 67,160 people have been killed so far and 169,679 wounded by Israeli attacks across Gaza since October 2023.

  • Zoheb Hassan makes emotional decision following his mother’s passing

    Zoheb Hassan makes emotional decision following his mother’s passing

    Pakistani pop icon Zoheb Hassan has made an emotional announcement following the death of his beloved mother, expressing deep gratitude to those who supported him and revealing a heartfelt decision regarding those who did not.

    The singer described his mother as the most important person in his life and shared his grief publicly on social media.

    In an Instagram post, the singer made a deeply personal decision regarding his social connections, stating, “My mother was the single most important person in my life. Any person on my friend list in Pakistan who didn’t condole on her passing. I as of now will not consider a ‘friend’ and shall remove them from my friend list.”

    While he expressed disappointment over the lack of condolences from some, Zoheb was also full of gratitude for those who stood by him during this difficult time. “As for the hundreds of friends who did and made the effort to attend the funeral and the prayers, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. Love you back,” he wrote.

    He also shared some glimpses of his mother’s funeral in a previous Instagram post. In the pictures, he was visibly in grief pain.

    Announcing her death on September 26, he posted a touching tribute, saying, “Even though it is difficult to accept your physical absence, your memory shall always stay embedded deep in my heart and mind. Maybe this is the only way I can hold on to you. I will miss our long conversations, your advice and our shared laughter.”

    The loss has clearly left a deep void in Zoheb Hassan’s life, and his messages have resonated with fans who offered him their condolences and support.

    Zoheb and Nazia Hassan rose to fame in the 1980s with their chart-topping hits, revolutionizing the pop music scene in Pakistan and India.

  • PCB slammed for not wishing Imran Khan on his birthday

    PCB slammed for not wishing Imran Khan on his birthday

    The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is facing strong criticism from fans after it did not extend birthday wishes to former captain and cricket legend Imran Khan.

    Fans took to social media to express anger and disappointment, accusing the board of mixing politics with sports. Many pointed out that while PCB wished other former cricketers on their birthdays, it completely ignored the country’s only World Cup-winning captain.

    One user wrote, “Shame on you. Others remember Imran Khan, but you were supposed to be the first one to tweet.”

    Another commented, “So graceful of you to say so. Pity that the PCB chooses instead to celebrate Aamir Hanif on his birthday, but not Imran Khan, Pakistan’s greatest all-rounder and the only ODI World Cup-winning captain. Pity, and petty too.”

    A fan even called out the board for hypocrisy, saying, “PCB has absolutely no right to point fingers at India for bringing politics into the game when it’s doing the same by not wishing Imran Khan.”

    Others reminded the board of Khan’s unmatched legacy, saying, “Shame on PCB for dragging politics into sports. You can skip wishing him, but you can’t erase his legacy.”

    Over his international career, Imran Khan played 88 Test matches, scoring 3,807 runs at an average of 37.69 with six centuries and 18 fifties, while taking 362 wickets at an exceptional average of 22.81. In 175 One Day Internationals, he amassed 3,709 runs at 33.41 and claimed 182 wickets, with a career-best figure of 6 for 14.

    Imran, who turned 73 this year, remains one of the most iconic figures in Pakistan’s cricket history, the man who led the country to its first and only ODI World Cup title in 1992.

    While the PCB has not issued any statement on the matter, the silence continues to spark debate online, with fans calling for respect and recognition for one of Pakistan’s greatest cricketing heroes.