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  • Record sales for Sunday’s Pak-India clash tickets despite Indian propaganda

    Record sales for Sunday’s Pak-India clash tickets despite Indian propaganda

    Ticket demand has soared for the high-voltage Pakistan-India clash in the 2025 Asia Cup at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

    According to reports, organisers have said 90 percent of tickets have already been sold, with most seats in the general enclosure snapped up by eager fans.

    Interestingly, this comes after earlier claims in the Indian media that nearly half of the tickets were still unsold. The latest update from the organisers directly contradicts those reports, confirming that demand has remained sky-high from the start.

    As of Thursday evening, the cheapest ticket cost AED 750 (about PKR 57,000), while premium tickets were going for AED 3,500 (around PKR 270,000). Only a handful of premium seats remain available. Long queues continue to form at ticket counters near the stadium, while online sales are also moving fast.

    To give fans one last chance, organisers opened a fresh online sales window on Thursday evening.

    On the field, India heads into Sunday’s game after thrashing the UAE by nine wickets in their opening match. The Men in Blue bowled out the hosts for just 57 runs and chased the target inside 4.3 overs. Pakistan will begin their campaign on Friday against Oman at the same venue.

    India and Pakistan have faced each other 13 times in T20 internationals, with India leading the head-to-head 10–3. Their last meeting came on February 23 during the ICC Champions Trophy in Dubai, where India won by six wickets.

  • Police arrest Karachi child abuse ring suspect targeting minors for a decade

    Police arrest Karachi child abuse ring suspect targeting minors for a decade

    A suspected member of a child abuse ring, accused of targeting minors for nearly a decade, has been arrested in Karachi.

    According to police, the suspect, a fruit vendor, was arrested from Karachi’s Qayyumabad with the help of locals.

    DIG South Syed Asad Raza told a private news channel that the man was in custody while an accomplice of his had been identified and efforts for his arrest were underway.

    Investigators revealed that they had obtained video evidence against the suspect, which showed multiple assaults involving young boys and girls. Although the exact number of victims is undetermined, authorities fear that it could exceed 100.

    “Police have recovered a mobile phone from his custody with hundreds of videos filmed in his room,” DIG Raza confirmed, adding that the suspect was being interrogated.

    The accused first moved to Qayyumabad in 2016 and began to lure children in 2019. At first, he ran a grocery store, and then a juice cart.  The case surfaced when one of his alleged victims managed to secure a USB drive from him.

    According to DIG Raza, the matter reached authorities after the child took the USB to a video shop to download music.

    The shop owner discovered explicit footage on the device and informed locals, who apprehended and assaulted the suspect before handing him over to police. “A USB and the mobile phone are in police custody, and contain many such videos,” the DIG said.

    Police also contacted the victims’ parents after the revelations were made. The father of two girls, ages ten and twelve, who had been complaining of body pain prior to reporting the abuse, filed one of the three formal complaints against the suspect.

    According to another FIR, which was submitted by a labourer, on September 4, his 10-year-old sister was beaten inside the suspect’s house, and the incident was captured on camera.

    A third complainant reported a seven-year-old daughter had remained silent for a week while suffering from pain.

    A special investigation team led by Defence DSP Dr Saifullah has been constituted to probe the case. It includes the SHO and SIO concerned as well as the SIO of the Women Police Station. 

    Police are using all available resources and submitting daily progress reports.

  • Is the Rizq-e-Halal inscription missing from new banknotes?

    Is the Rizq-e-Halal inscription missing from new banknotes?

    Rumors have been spreading across social media suggesting that the State Bank of Pakistan has removed the well-known phrase “Husool-e-Rizq-e-Halal Aeen Ibadat Hai” (Earning a lawful livelihood is an act of worship) from new currency notes.

    Many users claimed that the absence of this line blurs the distinction between halal and haram income. These claims, however, are entirely misleading.

     An independent check, along with official confirmation, shows that the phrase still exists on all denominations ranging from Rs10 to Rs5,000.

     It continues to appear on the back of every note as part of the design and security features.

    According to a State Bank spokesperson who talked to the private news channel, each note has a thorough description on the central bank’s website, with the inscription prominently displayed among the features. 

    Contrary claims have been refuted by viral posts on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, and X (previously Twitter).

    The spread of such false information emphasizes how crucial it is to confirm statements before disseminating them. In addition to misleading the public, false narratives raise unnecessary concerns about financial institutions and national symbols.

  • ‘Fitay moun’: Celebs slam egg attack on Chahat Fateh in London

    ‘Fitay moun’: Celebs slam egg attack on Chahat Fateh in London

    A shocking video showing social media personality Chahat Fateh Ali Khan being egged by unidentified individuals in London has sparked outrage across social media and among Pakistani celebrities. The clip, which dates back three months, surfaced online recently, showing two eggs being smashed on Chahat’s head while he was posing with a fan outside a newly opened food outlet.

    In the now-viral video, Chahat appears in a cheerful mood, taking pictures with fans, when suddenly two individuals run up to him, smash eggs on his head, and flee the scene. Their faces remain hidden. The people present at the scene, some of whom were recording the interaction, appear shocked by the incident.

    While the exact date of the incident is unconfirmed, a London-based journalist claims the video was captured during a photo session at a new food outlet, approximately three months ago.

    Several Pakistani celebrities have taken to social media to condemn the disgraceful act, calling it “ghatya harkat” and demanding accountability.

    Actor and writer Yasir Hussain posted on his Instagram story, saying: “Main in k songs nahi sunta. Magar yeh kaafi ghatya harkat hai. Is manchalay ko saza milni chahiye” (I don’t listen to his songs, but this is a disgusting act. The person responsible must be punished).

    TV host and comedian Ahmed Ali Butt also expressed his frustration, stating: “Just saw the disgusting video of egg thrown on Chahat! There is no decency left in people. Like him or not, he never disrespected anyone. Sadly, we live in a dead society where anything and everything goes for views and likes. Sad!”

    Singer Asim Azhar took it a step further by apologising directly to Chahat via his Instagram story: “Nobody deserves this. You are an entertainer, you make people smile, laugh, and you do not deserve this at all.”

    He further slammed the perpetrators, saying: “I am sorry that jaahil (illiterate) individuals like these are on the loose and have the audacity to do sh*t like this. Please keep making everyone smile. We don’t have enough people doing it.”

    “And for these two ill-mannered, disgusting individuals — fitay moun aap ki parwarish aur aap pe.”

    The egging incident has triggered widespread backlash, with social media users demanding the arrest and punishment of the culprits involved in the attack on Chahat Fateh Ali Khan, who is known for his quirky and comedic online persona.

    Chahat himself has issued a formal statement for the growing support from fans and fellow celebrities. “I thank all the fans, fellow celebrities and news outlets for showing their support to me covering the incident which happened with me three months ago on June 19.”

  • Seven FC personnel martyred during operation in Lower Dir

    Seven FC personnel martyred during operation in Lower Dir

    As many as seven Frontier Corps (FC) personnel have been martyred and 13 others wounded during a search and strike operation against militants in Lower Dir’s Sar Banda area of Maidan on Thursday.

    Citing official sources, a leading English daily reports that one FC soldier was also reported missing following a fierce gun battle with militants in the mountainous terrain within the jurisdiction of Lal Qila police station. The militants had taken positions and opened fire on a security convoy.

    The injured were taken to Lal Qila Hospital and later shifted to District Headquarters Hospital (DHQ) Timergara.

    According to police officials, a heavy contingent of police, including the Elite Force and Dir Scouts, remained in the area as the operation continued. Security forces also claimed to have inflicted “significant losses” on the militants, though no details were immediately provided.

    Lal Qila was once a stronghold of the proscribed Tehreek-i-Nifaz-i-Shariat-i-Muhammadi (TNSM), led by Maulana Sufi Muhammad. Sufi Muhammad’s son-in-law, Mullah Fazlullah, became the head of the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and fled to Afghanistan during the 2009 military operation in Malakand and was later killed in an air strike in Afghanistan.

    President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif commended the security forces for the successful operations. In their statements, both leaders lauded the bravery and professionalism of the troops in eliminating 19 militants.

    “Pakistan is determined to eliminate Indian-sponsored terrorism,” President Zardari said, reaffirming the nation’s resolve to completely eradicate terrorism and praying for the safety and success of the security forces. 

    The premier also commended the security forces for successful operations in Mohmand, North Waziristan and Bannu, reiterating that the war against terrorism would continue until its complete elimination from the country.

  • Another left-arm bowler bids farewell to international cricket

    Another left-arm bowler bids farewell to international cricket

    After all-rounder Asif Ali and pacer Usman Shinwari, another Pakistani cricketer has decided to retire from international cricket. 

    Left-arm fast bowler Waqas Maqsood, 37, announced his retirement on Thursday.

    Maqsood made his only international appearance in November 2018, when he played a T20I against New Zealand. He bowled 1.5 overs in that match and took two wickets. Despite a promising debut, he was never called up to the national team again. 

    He became the 80th player to represent Pakistan in T20Is. Outside international cricket, Maqsood had a long domestic career. Between 2011 and 2023, he featured in 81 first-class, 56 List A, and 68 T20 matches.

    During the Pakistan Super League, he represented Karachi Kings and Islamabad United.

  • Israeli team claims Italian players ‘cursed’ them throughout match

    Israeli team claims Italian players ‘cursed’ them throughout match

    A heated argument broke out on the pitch after Italy edged past Israel 5-4 in a 2026 World Cup qualifying match in Debrecen, Hungary.

    Israeli players alleged that the Italian team mocked and insulted them throughout the match, sparking tensions after the final whistle.

    “An argument broke out, they were very, very emotional,” Israel captain Eli Dasa told a foreign media outlet. “They felt they were not in the game, and we deserved to win, and they tried to provoke a bit. It is part of football, so we moved on.”

    Other Israeli players claimed the incident started with Gianluigi Donnarumma, Tay Brivo, and Shagiv Yehezkel, after the Italian goalkeeper allegedly teased them. “They cursed at us the whole game,” several players said. Reports suggested that some members of the Italian delegation later apologized to the Israelis for their behavior.

    However, while Israeli media reported that officials from the Italian Football Association had apologized, Italy denied those claims, describing the clash as an “on-field matter.”

    Off the pitch, Italian fans became immediate social media darlings by turning their backs during Israel’s national anthem and displaying banners that read “Stop”, referring to the genocide in Gaza. 

    The two teams are scheduled to face each other again on October 14 in Udine.

  • ‘Do not twist my words’: Ushna Shah clarifies stance after backlash on Charlie Kirk condolence

    ‘Do not twist my words’: Ushna Shah clarifies stance after backlash on Charlie Kirk condolence

    Pakistani actress Ushna Shah has issued a clarification following backlash over her recent remarks on the death of right-wing hatemonger Charlie Kirk, requesting media outlets to share her statement in full and not out of context

    She also emphasised the gravity of her message and its alignment with her long-standing support for the Palestinian cause.

    “I have been one of the loudest Pro-Palestinian voices in our industry since day one,” Shah wrote in an Instagram post, adding that she did so even at the cost of her reach, work, family’s work and safety.

    “For the sake of clicks, please do not twist my words or silence one of the few voices that has openly called out the perpetrator of this genocide. Keep the context intact: not just for me, but for the cause we all stand by.”

    In her post, Shah explained the strategic importance of engaging with public figures and platforms, even those who may be ideologically opposed.

    “Public voices matter, even when they oppose us. Debate changes minds. When podcasters and commentators give us their platforms and we challenge them with truth, we do more than just shut them down. We reach their followers, and that is how minds are changed. That is why these voices — including Charlie Kirk and Piers Morgan — matter.”

    In the second slide of her post, she directly addressed Kirk’s death, saying, “I disagreed with Charlie Kirk, especially on Palestine. But a young father shot in cold blood is a tragedy. In the days before his death, he had begun mildly criticising Israel. Sources close to him reportedly said he feared Israel would kill him. We had started to see a slight shift in him, and Megyn Kelly as well, as they began questioning Israel more openly. Now he is gone.”

    In her final slide, Shah expressed concern for Candace Owens’ safety due to her outspoken criticism of Israel. “I fear for Candace Owens’s safety, because she has openly criticised Israel not only for the genocide but also for the occupation since day one. Tucker Carlson has also been an imperative right-wing voice for our cause. Celebrating murder for words makes us no different than those we condemn.”

    “My fight is with IOF soldiers and complicit governments, not with public speakers. Charlie did not deserve to die this way,” Shah concluded her message with a firm reiteration of her stance.

    The actress had previously faced criticism for expressing grief over Kirk’s death.

  • FIFA clears Haaland’s Norwegian teammate to represent Pakistan

    FIFA clears Haaland’s Norwegian teammate to represent Pakistan

    Pakistan football has received a major boost as FIFA approves the change of sporting nationality for midfielder Etzaz Hussain. 

    The 32-year-old, who once played alongside Erling Haaland at Molde FK, completed the switch after receiving confirmation from FIFA earlier this week.

    Hussain secured a Pakistani passport earlier this year and had already expressed his dream of representing the Green Shirts. One of the most decorated players in Norwegian football, he has won four Eliteserien league titles and three Norwegian Cups with Molde, making him one of the club’s most successful players with seven trophies.

    Over his career, Hussain has made nearly 300 professional appearances. His journey includes spells in Turkey with Sivasspor, Croatia with NK Rudeš, Cyprus with Apollon Limassol and most recently with Norwegian side Odd.

    Born in Oslo to parents from Kharian, Gujrat, Hussain began his football career at Langhus before joining Manchester United’s youth academy in 2009. Although he never broke into the first team, he called his time at Old Trafford “an experience for life”.

    He made his professional debut with Fredrikstad in 2011 and went on to play a crucial role at Molde under Ole Gunnar Solskjær, scoring in both domestic and European competitions. He also represented Norway at youth levels up to U23 but remained eligible for Pakistan as he never played senior competitive football for Norway.

    With his eligibility now confirmed, Hussain is expected to bring much-needed experience and stability to Pakistan’s midfield ahead of international fixtures.

    “This is a very important development for Pakistan football,” reports quoted an official as saying. “Having a player of Etzaz Hussain’s caliber and experience will inspire the team and fans alike.”

    Hussain has often spoken with pride about his Pakistani heritage and was honoured by the Pakistan Embassy in Oslo during Independence Day celebrations in 2021.

  • Govt lifts ban on new domestic gas connections after four years

    Govt lifts ban on new domestic gas connections after four years

    The government has lifted the four-year ban on new domestic gas connections, announcing that consumers will now be provided with Re-Gasified Liquefied Natural Gas (RLNG) connections in place of local gas across the country.

    Briefing the media on cabinet decisions, Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik, flanked by Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry, on Wednesday said that the decision had been taken by the federal cabinet under the instructions of Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif to ease public hardships.

    Malik noted that the ban, imposed in 2021, had forced residents of new housing societies and apartments to rely on Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG) cylinders and other fuels. 

    “There’s the pain of getting your cylinders filled from the market, and then there’s the issue of sub-standard cylinders that often lead to untoward incidents,” he said.

    Malik further said that the two Sui companies had already completed the prerequisites and would start entertaining pending applications once the official notification was issued.

    “RLNG is definitely expensive compared to local gas; however, it is 30–35 per cent cheaper than LPG,” Malik asserted, adding that applicants already on the waiting list would be asked to convert to RLNG by paying the required fee and installing a new connection.

    Commenting on the monthly billing cycle for RLNG, the minister explained that it would continue in line with the monthly system already in place. 

    Additionally, Malik said efforts were being made to attract international companies, including those from Turkiye, China and the United States (US), for both onshore and offshore exploration.

    “By gradually boosting local production, we aim to reduce reliance on RLNG and provide cheaper, indigenous fuel to the people,” he said.

    Meanwhile, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Tariq Chaudhry said the decision would resolve the longstanding difficulties faced by people due to the unavailability of gas connections.