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  • Govt scrambles response as Islamabad reports 52 dengue cases in a day

    Govt scrambles response as Islamabad reports 52 dengue cases in a day

    Islamabad has reported 52 new cases of dengue in a single day, leading federal health officials to implement emergency protocols. The Federal Minister for Health, Syed Mustafa Kamal, has instructed officials to increase fogging operations throughout the city to curb further transmission.

    The minister has ordered hospitals to establish dedicated wards for dengue patients and ensure a continuous supply of medications, diagnostic kits, and beds. He emphasized the necessity for public health facilities to be well-prepared for a potential rise in patients following the recent increase in cases.

    Kamal mentioned that the government is coordinating measures to control the virus, which has surged after heavy rainfall created favorable conditions for mosquito breeding.

    He pointed out that Bhara Kahu and other areas identified as high-risk are receiving prioritized surveillance, spraying initiatives, and precautionary actions. Public awareness campaigns are also being initiated to promote preventive measures at the community level.

    The health minister urged district administrations to enhance sanitation efforts and eliminate stagnant water, which is a significant source of mosquito breeding for dengue. He encouraged citizens to adhere closely to the Ministry of Health’s preventive guidelines, such as covering containers with water and using mosquito repellents.

    “The safety of public health remains the government’s utmost priority. We will employ all available resources to protect the population from epidemics and diseases,” Kamal stated, while calling on the media and civil society to assist with awareness initiatives.

    The capital has experienced a consistent increase in dengue infections recently, reflecting patterns seen in other regions of the country where heavy rains have contributed to mosquito-borne illnesses. Health officials indicate that the disease presents a seasonal challenge, with cases usually rising during the monsoon season when water collects in urban and semi-urban environments.

  • Economy stable despite supply chain disruption, higher inflation fears: report

    Economy stable despite supply chain disruption, higher inflation fears: report

    The Ministry of Finance has cautioned that the devastating floods of 2025 could disrupt supply chains and push inflation higher, even as the economy shows signs of stability in other areas.

    “Due to ongoing floods in 2025, the agriculture sector is expected to suffer,” the ministry said in its Monthly Economic Update and Outlook for September 2025.

    It went on to say that flood-related disruptions could exert pressure on food supply chains, leading to an uptick in prices with inflation expected to rise but remain contained within the 3.5-4.5 percent range.

    Despite widespread floods since July, inflation decreased, large-scale manufacturing improved and fiscal imbalances were kept in control. While damage assessments of Kharif crops and livestock continue, the government has declared climate and agriculture emergencies across the country.

    It also highlighted that overall economic activity had stayed the stable in spite of these concerns.

    “The rebound in large-scale manufacturing, supported by encouraging trends in cement dispatches, automobile production and allied industries indicates strengthening industrial momentum in the months ahead,” the report said and predicted stability in the external sector.

    With exports showing early signs of recovery and remittances offering strong support, the current account deficit is also expected to remain manageable despite increased import demand. Declining global commodity prices could further ease the import bill.

    According to the report, the economy maintained its stabilisation and growth trajectory during the first two months of the ongoing fiscal year.

    On the fiscal side, the ministry said performance would continue to improve in FY26, following “an eight-year low fiscal deficit and a 24-year high primary surplus”.

    Net federal revenues, however, rose by just 7.7percent in July, driven by 23.9percent growth in non-tax revenues and 14.8percent in tax revenues. Non-tax revenues were mainly supported by petroleum levy, dividends and defence receipts.

    Between July and August, the FBR’s net collection grew by 14.1percent, while expenditures increased by 28.8percent. As a result, the fiscal deficit was contained at 0.2percent of GDP, and the primary surplus improved to Rs228.9 billion (0.2percent of GDP) compared to Rs107.1billion (0.1percent of GDP) in the same period last year.

    The external sector remained under pressure. The current account deficit widened to $624 million in July-August FY26 from $430million a year ago. Exports rose 10.2pc to $5.3bn, while imports increased 8.8percent to $10.4billion, pushing the trade deficit to $5.1billion. Remittances climbed 7percent to $6.4billion, with Saudi Arabia (24.6percent) and the UAE (20.6percent) remaining top contributors.

    Net FDI inflows, however, fell 22 percent to $364.3 million. Portfolio investments saw outflows of $74.8m (private) and $11.8m (public). By Sept 19, foreign exchange reserves had improved to $19.8 billion with $14.4 billion held by the State Bank as compared to just $9.5 billion at the same time last year.

    According to the ministry, there was significant investor confidence as the stock market maintained its bullish run and monetary conditions remained solid.

  • Yashma Gill says she was judged for praying in western attire on drama set

    Yashma Gill says she was judged for praying in western attire on drama set

    Pakistani actress Yashma Gill recently opened up about a personal experience where she was questioned for offering prayers while dressed in Western-style clothing during a drama shoot.

    Yashma spoke candidly about the misconceptions surrounding people working in the media industry during an appearance on a podcast. She highlighted how individuals in showbiz are often wrongly perceived by the public as being irreligious or morally lacking.

    Gill stated that since entering the acting profession, she feels she has grown as a person and continues to evolve for the better with each passing day.

    “Actors are only glamorous temporarily in front of the camera. In reality, many of them are better human beings and more religious than people think,” she said.

    Sharing insights into the demanding nature of the entertainment industry, Yashma said actors are often made to work like “donkeys” for 12 to 14 hours a day, and the discipline of the profession has helped her become a better person.

    However, she expressed concern over how religious inclinations are viewed with suspicion within the media and entertainment circles. “People here often question or criticize others for their beliefs,” she said.

    Recalling a specific incident, Yashma narrated that during a drama shoot, she requested a break from the director to offer prayers. At the time, she was wearing Western attire as part of her costume. After finishing her prayers and returning to the set, a junior actress commented, “Dear, you were wearing Western clothes, how will your prayer be accepted?”

    Yashma chose not to respond to the remark but reflected on the judgmental attitude shown by some individuals. “People need to understand that it is not their place to decide whether someone’s worship is accepted or not,” she said.

    She added, “Just like a student who attempts an exam is better than the one who doesn’t even try, someone who prays, regardless of attire, is better than someone who chooses not to pray at all.”

    The actress emphasized that the acceptance of any good deed or act of worship is solely in the hands of the Almighty, not fellow human beings.

    Yashma is an established actress and has been working in the Pakistani showbiz industry for many years. She gained significant fame after her role in Pyar Ke Sadqay and has appeared in many projects including Alif, Azmaish, Behkaway and many more.

  • Dar says Trump’s Gaza peace plan did not include all of Pakistan’s proposed amendments

    Dar says Trump’s Gaza peace plan did not include all of Pakistan’s proposed amendments

    Deputy prime minister (PM) and Foreign Minister (FM) Ishaq Dar has said that the Gaza peace proposal unveiled by United States (US) President Donald Trump was not the one that contained all of Pakistan’s suggestions as it did not include in entirety the changes proposed by Islamabad.

    Appearing on Geo News a day after Trump, standing alongside Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu, asserted that PM Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Asim Munir fully backed his Gaza plan, the FM revealed that Islamabad had held detailed discussions with Trump’s team on the proposal and later submitted its amendments to the points shared by Washington.

    However, he said, the draft did not incorporate all of Islamabad’s amendments.

    Just hours before the President Trump’s announcement, the premier had welcomed the plan, saying durable peace between the Palestinian people and Israel was essential for regional stability and economic growth.

    In a post on X, PM Shehbaz said he was “convinced that durable peace between the Palestinian people and Israel would be essential in bringing political stability and economic growth to the region”.


     
    “It is also my firm belief that President Trump is fully prepared to assist in whatever way necessary to make this extremely important and urgent understanding to become a reality,” he wrote and praised Trump’s leadership.


     
    The premier reiterated his support for a two-state solution and said he also strongly believed that the implementation of the two-state proposal was essential to ensure lasting peace in the region.

    Later, White House released Trump’s 20-point plan that calls for a ceasefire, a swap of hostages held by Hamas for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel, a staged Israeli withdrawal from the territory, disarmament of Hamas, and a transitional government led by an international body.

    Meanwhile, Pakistan also pledged support for the peace plan at the United Nations (UN). 

     Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad told the UN Security Council (UNSC) members that Islamabad, in coordination with eight OIC and Arab states, would actively participate in the consultative process to support a sustainable resolution.

    “We value the initiative of President Donald Trump, working with eight OIC and Arab countries to advance peace through concrete measures,” the envoy said while addressing a briefing on the Middle East.

    “As a participant in this consultative process, Pakistan will closely engage and play a constructive role in promoting consensus,” he added, stressing that the goal was to alleviate the suffering of Palestinians and achieve just, comprehensive and lasting peace consistent with UN resolutions.

  • Quaid-e-Azam Trophy is coming back in October

    Quaid-e-Azam Trophy is coming back in October

    The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has released the complete schedule for the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy 2025–26 season, bringing long-awaited clarity to the country’s premier red-ball competition.

    The tournament was originally planned to begin in September but faced delays as the Hanif Mohammad Trophy was played out. It will now begin on Monday, October 6, and will be staged across four cities: Abbottabad, Islamabad, Peshawar, and Rawalpindi.

    The Quaid-e-Azam Trophy will follow a single-league round-robin format with nine rounds and 46 matches from October 6 to November 26. The five-day final will take place from November 29 to December 3. 

    Ten regional teams will compete this year: Abbottabad, Bahawalpur, FATA, Faisalabad, Islamabad, Karachi Blues, Lahore Whites, Multan, Peshawar, and Sialkot. FATA, Faisalabad, Karachi Blues, and Multan earned promotion after topping the Hanif Mohammad Trophy points table.

    Squads for all ten sides will be revealed in the coming days.

    Full Schedule

    October 6 – 9

    Abbottabad Region vs Bahawalpur Region – Abbottabad Cricket Stadium, Abbottabad

    Lahore Region Whites vs Islamabad Region – Shoaib Akhtar Stadium (KRL), Rawalpindi

    Peshawar Region vs Sialkot Region – Imran Khan Cricket Stadium, Peshawar

    FATA Region vs Multan Region – Diamond Cricket Ground, Islamabad

    Faisalabad Region vs Karachi Region Blues – Marghzar Cricket Ground, Islamabad

    October 12-15 

    Lahore Region Whites vs Abbottabad Region – Diamond Cricket Ground, Islamabad

    Bahawalpur Region vs Islamabad Region – Shoaib Akhtar Stadium (KRL), Rawalpindi

    Peshawar Region vs FATA Region – Abbottabad Cricket Stadium, Abbottabad

    Sialkot Region vs Faisalabad Region – Imran Khan Cricket Stadium, Peshawar

    Karachi Region Blues vs Multan Region – Marghzar Cricket Ground, Islamabad

    October 18 – 21

    Abbottabad Region vs Islamabad Region – Marghzar Cricket Ground, Islamabad

    Bahawalpur Region vs Peshawar Region – Shoaib Akhtar Stadium (KRL), Rawalpindi

    Lahore Region Whites vs Sialkot Region – Diamond Cricket Ground, Islamabad

    Karachi Region Blues vs FATA Region – Imran Khan Cricket Stadium, Peshawar

    Multan Region vs Faisalabad Region – Abbottabad Cricket Stadium, Abbottabad

    0ctober 24 – 27

    Peshawar Region vs Abbottabad Region – Imran Khan Cricket Stadium, Peshawar

    Sialkot Region vs Islamabad Region – Shoaib Akhtar Stadium (KRL), Rawalpindi

    Multan Region vs Bahawalpur Region – Diamond Cricket Ground, Islamabad

    Lahore Region Whites vs Karachi Region Blues – Abbottabad Cricket Stadium, Abbottabad

    FATA Region vs Faisalabad Region – Marghzar Cricket Ground, Islamabad

    October 30 – November 2

    Faisalabad Region vs Peshawar Region – Shoaib Akhtar Stadium (KRL), Rawalpindi

    Islamabad Region vs FATA Region – Abbottabad Cricket Stadium, Abbottabad

    Abbottabad Region vs Sialkot Region – Diamond Cricket Ground, Islamabad

    Karachi Region Blues vs Bahawalpur Region – Imran Khan Cricket Stadium, Peshawar

    Lahore Region Whites vs Multan Region – Marghzar Cricket Ground, Islamabad

    November 5 – 8

    Abbottabad Region vs FATA Region – Shoaib Akhtar Stadium (KRL), Rawalpindi

    Bahawalpur Region vs Sialkot Region – Abbottabad Cricket Stadium, Abbottabad

    Lahore Region Whites vs Faisalabad Region – Diamond Cricket Ground, Islamabad

    Islamabad Region vs Multan Region – Imran Khan Cricket Stadium, Peshawar

    Karachi Region Blues vs Peshawar Region – Marghzar Cricket Ground, Islamabad

    November 11 – 14 

    Faisalabad Region vs Islamabad Region – Abbottabad Cricket Stadium, Abbottabad

    Karachi Region Blues vs Abbottabad Region – Shoaib Akhtar Stadium (KRL), Rawalpindi

    Multan Region vs Sialkot Region – Marghzar Cricket Ground, Islamabad

    FATA Region vs Bahawalpur Region – Imran Khan Cricket Stadium, Peshawar

    Peshawar Region vs Lahore Region Whites – Diamond Cricket Ground, Islamabad

    November 17 – 20 

    Abbottabad Region vs Faisalabad Region – Marghzar Cricket Ground, Islamabad

    Bahawalpur Region vs Lahore Region Whites – Shoaib Akhtar Stadium (KRL), Rawalpindi

    Islamabad Region vs Karachi Region Blues – Diamond Cricket Ground, Islamabad

    Peshawar Region vs Multan Region – Imran Khan Cricket Stadium, Peshawar

    Sialkot Region vs FATA Region – Abbottabad Cricket Stadium, Abbottabad

    November 23 -26 

    Multan Region vs Abbottabad Region – Abbottabad Cricket Stadium, Abbottabad

    Faisalabad Region vs Bahawalpur Region – Marghzar Cricket Ground, Islamabad

    Lahore Region Whites vs FATA Region – Imran Khan Cricket Stadium, Peshawar

    Islamabad Region vs Peshawar Region – Diamond Cricket Ground, Islamabad

    Sialkot Region vs Karachi Region Blues – Shoaib Akhtar Stadium (KRL), Rawalpindi

    November 29 – December 3

    Quaid-e-Azam Trophy Final – Venue to be announced

  • Shakib Al Hasan may be banned from playing for Bangladesh

    Shakib Al Hasan may be banned from playing for Bangladesh

    The future of Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan with the national team has come under serious doubt after Sports Advisor Asif Mahmud declared that he will not allow him to play for the country again.

    Controversy erupted on Sunday when Shakib, currently in self-imposed exile, shared an old photo with former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on social media and wished her a happy birthday.

    Shortly after, Bangladesh’s young sports advisor Asif Mahmud posted a message on social media without naming Shakib. He wrote that people had criticized him for not reinstating a certain individual, but he was right in his decision.

    Responding to the post, Shakib wrote, “Finally someone admitted that I cannot wear the Bangladesh jersey again because of him. Maybe one day I will return to my homeland. I love Bangladesh.”

    Speaking to a private TV channel, Mahmud made his stance clear. “We cannot allow him to hold the Bangladesh flag. It is impossible for me to let him wear the Bangladesh jersey. My directive to the Bangladesh Cricket Board is clear. Shakib Al Hasan will never play for Bangladesh again,” he said.

    Mahmud added that Shakib had strong ties with the Awami League.

    Shakib, however, defended himself, saying his post had no political motives. “She was deeply connected with cricket. I wished her a happy birthday only for that reason,” he said.

    Shakib remains one of Bangladesh’s most successful cricketers. He last represented the national team in the October 2024 Test series against India.

    He also served as a member of parliament for the Awami League but has not returned to the country since the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government. 

    His name also appeared in a case related to the killing of a protester during anti-government demonstrations last year.

  • ‘If India want Asia Cup trophy, their captain must collect it from ACC office,’ reports quote Naqvi as saying

    ‘If India want Asia Cup trophy, their captain must collect it from ACC office,’ reports quote Naqvi as saying

    Asian Cricket Council (ACC) President Mohsin Naqvi has said that if the Indian team wants the Asia Cup trophy, their captain will have to personally collect it from the ACC office.

    According to media reports quoting sources, Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Vice President Rajeev Shukla, during a meeting of the council on Tuesday, repeatedly asked for the trophy.

    Naqvi responded that the matter was not on the meeting’s agenda, insisting the Indian captain visited the ACC headquarters to collect it.

    Reports also confirmed that no decision was taken during the meeting on handing the trophy to India.

    The controversy surrounding the trophy erupted after India defeated Pakistan in the Asia Cup final but refused to accept the trophy from Naqvi, who also serves as chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). 

    With India refusing to accept it, Naqvi stood firm and the presentation ended without the trophy being handed over.

    The council administration left with the trophy while the Indian players continued waiting on the field.

  • Spanish goalkeeper Raul Ramirez dies after on-field collision

    Spanish goalkeeper Raul Ramirez dies after on-field collision

    The Royal Cantabrian Football Federation (RFCF) confirmed the death of teenage goalkeeper Raul Ramirez after a tragic accident during a fifth-division match.

    Spanish media reported that the 19-year-old Collindres shot-stopper suffered a severe head injury during Saturday’s game against Revilla, which triggered cardiac arrest. Medical staff rushed him off the field by ambulance to a hospital, where doctors later declared him brain dead.

    Ramirez had expressed his wish to donate his organs, according to RFCF.

    In a statement, the federation said, “We regret to announce that Collindres Sports Club goalkeeper Raul Ramirez was left brain dead following an accidental collision during last week’s match.”

    RFCF announced three days of mourning and confirmed that a minute of silence will be observed in upcoming fixtures.

    “Cantabrian football mourns the sudden loss of a young man who left us at just 19,” the statement added. The federation also extended condolences to his family, friends, and Collindres Sports Club.

  • Best Places to Buy Cheap Pakistani Designer Bridal Dresses in Pakistan

    Best Places to Buy Cheap Pakistani Designer Bridal Dresses in Pakistan

    An intricately hand embellished bridal dress is always expensive in Pakistan. The reason is simple. The fabric, material is costly. The work is heavy. Zardozi, dabka, resham, and crystal embellishments add value. Famous bridal dress brands in Pakistan like HSY, Maria B, Mohsin Naveed Ranjha, HarisShakeel, ZuriaDor, and FaizaSaqlain also charge high prices because of their name. Still, every Lahore and Pindi bride wants ethereal beauty within their low budget. Many local markets in Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Karachi sell affordable Pakistani bridal dresses and they also try to copy all top Pakistani fashion labels. Brides also buy from Pakistani bridal dresses online stores where prices are clear and styles are wide.

    Bridal Dresses Stores in Karachi

    Karachi is the biggest city not only regarding the population but for bridal fashion. Mehboob Market in Saddar offers lavishly decorated bridal outfits in Karachi with low prices, from red Pakistani bridal dresses to purple bridal dress designs. Tariq Road always sells new bridal dress designs in all top colour schemes such as emerald green, yellow, white, silver, gold and yellow. Brides also search for designer-inspired bridal clothes with price on this road. Lucky One Mall features many boutiques that sell Islamic bridal dresses with hijab, bridal maxi walima suits, and modern Pakistani bridal attires. Karachi also gives options like black bridal dress Pakistani, pink bridal dress, or ice blue bridal dress.

    Bridal Dresses Stores in Lahore

    Lahore is another huge fashion hub. Today’s ultra modern brides visit Liberty Market for breathtaking walima bridal dresses and bridal maxi options. Ichra Bazar is also a great option for simple bridal dresses Pakistani and bridal shower dresses at low prices. Auriga Market offers bridal dress rental in Lahore for brides who want a designer look at less cost. MM Alam Road shows luxury shops where brides buy Kashees bridal dresses with price 2021 or Maria B bridal dresses in inspired versions. Lahore gives options for every style: red bridal dress, white bridal dress Pakistani, or mehndi/mayun suits in Pakistan.

    Bridal Dresses Storesin Rawalpindi/Islamabad

    Rawalpindi markets stay busy with brides every day. PuranaQilla Raja Bazar sells heavy maroon bridal dress, velvet bridal dresses, and balochi bridal dress designs. 6th Road Rabi Center is famous for bridal dresses for barat with price and bridal mehndi dresses. Murree Road bridal shops also display many pakistani bridal dresses with prices in Rawalpindi. Here brides find bridal dresses on rent in Rawalpindi and affordable versions of Kashees bridal dresses with price 2020 and 2022.

    Where to buy Pakistani Bridal Dresses Online?

    Many brides now shop online. The biggest hub is www.pakistanibridaldresses.pk. This website sells all kinds of Pakistani designer-inspired bridal dresses. Brides can explore their favorite bridal designers here.

    This brand also runs physical shops:

    • Rawalpindi Store: Shop #F90, First Floor, Rabi Center, Adam Jee Rd, Saddar, Rawalpindi, 46000

    • Lahore Store: Shop #531A, Model Town Link Rd, G.E.C.H.S. Phase 2, Model Town, Lahore, 54000

    The online shop offers bridal dresses for sale, bridal dresses rental in Islamabad, and Pakistani bridal dresses online shopping. Every bride finds something, from bridal nikkah dresses to affordable bridal dresses in Pakistan.

    Clothing Thoughts

    A bride in Pakistan does not need to pay only brand prices. Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Karachi sell stylish bridal dresses Pakistan at every range. Brides also buy from Pakistani bridal dresses online for easy shopping. Choices stay wide: white bridal dress, red Pakistani bridal dress, bridal mehndi dress, or bridal maxi dress. With the right market, every bride looks perfect and spends less.

    Read More:  Alexia Putellas: Career, Awards & Inspiring Journey

  • Islamabad administration seals seven illegal sheesha cafés, arrests six

    Islamabad administration seals seven illegal sheesha cafés, arrests six

    The Islamabad district administration has carried out a late-night crackdown on illegal indoor sheesha cafés, sealing seven establishments, imposing heavy fines and arresting six people.

    Deputy Commissioner Islamabad, Irfan Nawaz Memon, said indoor sheesha cafés are banned under Islamabad High Court orders and warned that strict action will continue against violators.

    “No indoor sheesha café will be allowed to operate. Anyone found inside during raids, including customers, will face legal consequences,” DC Memon said.

    He also shared details of the operation on X (formerly Twitter): “Islamabad district administration sealed seven cafés, imposed heavy fines, and arrested six people last night for running illegal indoor sheesha cafés. Indoor sheesha cafés are illegal, and action against them will continue.”

    The administration has directed assistant commissioners to ensure immediate enforcement in their areas and urged citizens to report illegal activity. Surprise inspections will continue across the city.