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  • ‘I paid for my treatment while another player got full support’: Aamir Jamal reveals PCB’s double standards

    ‘I paid for my treatment while another player got full support’: Aamir Jamal reveals PCB’s double standards

    Pakistani all-rounder Aamir Jamal has slammed the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for its alleged double standards in handling players’ welfare.

    In an interview with a YouTube channel, the 29-year-old revealed shocking details about his injury ordeal in England. Jamal said he had to bear all the expenses for his medical treatment despite holding a central contract, while the board fully covered the rehabilitation costs of another injured player, Saim Ayub.

    “I was in England at the same time as Saim Ayub, but I had to pay for everything myself,” Jamal said. “I spent every single penny from my pocket, whether it was for scans, doctor fees, or training sessions. PCB did not support me financially in any way.”

    Jamal explained that the trouble began after he suffered a back injury during his stint with Warwickshire. “The county wanted me to take an injection to speed up recovery, but I refused without PCB’s approval. I asked PCB for permission because I was a centrally contracted player. They said there was no need for an injection and advised three weeks of rehab. I followed that plan, but the pain returned as soon as I started playing again,” he said.

    According to Jamal, repeated complaints about pain went unanswered. Frustrated, he traveled to England to consult top specialists at his own cost. “I had to see multiple doctors, including a spine specialist and radiologists. They found issues that were missed in Pakistan. I informed the selection committee that I would be unavailable before the PSL because I wanted to return fully fit. The only message I received was ‘Good luck,’” he revealed.

    Despite recovering and featuring in the Pakistan Super League, Jamal admitted he struggled to regain his old rhythm after months of injury. He also expressed disappointment over being left out of the latest central contracts list. “I was surprised because nobody from the selection committee or international department spoke to me about it. But I believe in hard work and whatever is written for me by fate,” he said.

    Jamal, who has played 17 international matches for Pakistan, started his career with promise and was once considered a long-term asset for the national side. However, his recent revelations have reignited concerns about how PCB manages player welfare, even for contracted cricketers.

  • Samiya Hijab case: Accused Hassan Zahid confesses in court

    Samiya Hijab case: Accused Hassan Zahid confesses in court

    In the alleged kidnapping and theft case involving social media influencer Samiya Hijab Jafferi, arrested suspect Hassan Zahid has confessed to his crime before a district and sessions court in Islamabad.

    As per the details, Islamabad police presented the accused before Judicial Magistrate Yasir Mehmood Chaudhry.

    During the hearing, the judge asked Zahid the reason behind the threats and Hijab’s attempted abduction. To which the accused admitted guilt and responded, “Sir, I made a mistake.”

    The police requested an eight-day physical remand of the accused, stating that they needed to recover a vehicle, pistol and cash from the accused. The court, however, granted a five-day physical remand, handing him over to the police.

    On Monday, a case was registered against Zahid at Islamabad’s Shalimar Police Station for allegedly harassing the influencer and hurling death threats while also attempting to abduct her.

    The social media influencer, in the FIR, said that the suspect had been stalking her for several days. “Today’s incident further escalated when he attempted to forcibly abduct me from my house while I was returning his gifts. This amounts to abduction, harassment and assault under the law. For evidence, I have CCTV footage.”

    She also posted on Instagram a video, narrating the incident.

    Shortly after, Islamabad police arrested the man, saying that action was taken after Hjiab’s complaint and video statement wherein she claimed she was attacked by the man who also tried to kidnap her.

    Hijab took to Instagram to thank Islamabad police and mentioned that the suspect had threatened her to take her complaint back. “I am not one of those girls who cannot raise their voices for their rights,” she said.

    The case against Zahid was registered under Sections 354 (assault or criminal force to a woman with intent to outrage her modesty), 365 (Kidnapping or abducting with intent secretly and wrongfully to confine person), 392 (punishment for robbery), 500 (punishment for defamation), 509 and 511 of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC).

    Meanwhile, old videos of both Samiya and Hassan are going viral on social media. The videos suggest the two shared friendship in the past.

  • ‘I don’t have a habit of setting up hookah’; Irfan Pathan’s old jab at MS Dhoni resurfaces online

    ‘I don’t have a habit of setting up hookah’; Irfan Pathan’s old jab at MS Dhoni resurfaces online

    An old interview of Indian bowler Irfan Pathan, where he took a subtle dig at revered captain MS Dhoni saying he doesn’t believe in pleasing anyone, has gone viral on social media.

    When Irfan Pathan made his international debut in 2003, he was considered one of India’s most promising fast bowlers because of his ability to swing the ball both ways. The left-arm pacer impressed early in his career with some outstanding spells including a hat-trick against Pakistan.

    However, his rise was short-lived, and his international career ended abruptly despite taking a five-wicket haul in his last ODI against Sri Lanka in 2012. Many believe former India captain MS Dhoni played a role in his exit. Pathan himself revealed details of candid conversations he had with Dhoni about his place in the team.

    An old interview of Pathan’s, recorded five years ago with Sports journalist Vikrant Gupta for SportsTak has resurfaced on social media and sparked fresh debate.

    “During the 2008 Australia series, Mahi bhai’s statement came out in the media that Irfan wasn’t bowling well. So I thought I had bowled well throughout the series, I went and asked Mahi bhai about this. Sometimes, statements get twisted by the media, so I also wanted to clarify it. So Mahi bhai said, ‘No Irfan, there is nothing like this, everything’s going as per plan.’ When you get a reply like this, then you believe that okay, you do what you can. Also if you keep asking for explanations again and again after that, you hurt your self-respect,” Pathan said in the interview.

    Pathan also took a subtle dig at Dhoni, saying he never believed in pleasing anyone.

    “I don’t have a habit of setting up hookah in someone’s room or talking about it. Everyone knows. Sometimes if you don’t speak about it, it’s better. A cricketer’s job is to perform on the field and that is what I used to focus on,” he added.

    Pathan played 29 Tests, 120 ODIs, and 24 T20Is for India. He scored 2,821 runs across formats, including one century and eleven fifties, and picked up 301 wickets.

  • Pakistan, China reaffirm strong resolve to strengthen bilateral partnership

    Pakistan, China reaffirm strong resolve to strengthen bilateral partnership

    Prime Minister (PM) of Pakistan Shehbaz Sharif and Chinese President Xi Jinping have reaffirmed their strong resolve to further deepen and strengthen the bilateral partnership between the two countries founded on strategic cooperation. 

    During their meeting on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit on Tuesday, PM Shehbaz congratulated President Xi on successfully hosting the SCO Heads of State Summit, praising the Chinese leader’s vision and leadership.

    PM Shehbaz said, “Pakistan is very proud of China’s achievements,” noting that Islamabad will always be ready to work with Beijing on the great journey.

    Deputy PM and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal General Asim Munir and other delegates attended the high-level meeting, during which the PM and President Xi reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthen the bilateral strategic cooperative partnership.

    Lauding President Xi for his vision and leadership, PM Shehbaz felicitated him on the 80th anniversary of the “World Anti-Fascist War”.

    Underscoring the significance of the Chinese president’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) as a major project, the premier reiterated his desire to continue working with China for the next phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

    “Pakistan fully supports President Xi’s historic initiatives [which] include global governance, global development, global security and global solarisation initiatives,” he said, adding, “These initiatives will contribute to regional and global peace, stability and development.”

    Meanwhile, the Chinese president reaffirmed Beijing’s commitment to stand by Pakistan in all areas of economic growth. “Focus is being placed on Pakistan’s most important economic sectors,” President Xi told the premier while saying that the CPEC had entered its second phase. PM Shehbaz reiterated the invitation to President Xi to visit Pakistan next year.

    Founded in 2001, the SCO is an intergovernmental organisation with the main objectives is to strengthen relations among member states and safeguard regional peace, security, and stability.

  • Did your non-PTA device start working? Here’s why…

    Did your non-PTA device start working? Here’s why…

    Hundreds of users of non-registered mobile phones have reported sudden network activation of devices over the past one week.

    As they celebrate what was deemed a bug in the Device Identification, Registration, and Blocking System (DIRBS) of the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), reports have quoted the telecom watchdog as outlining the changes that have resulted in the activation.

    According to reports, the PTA has offloaded old IMEI records of mobile devices to streamline overall system performance.

    As a result, any mobile phone that is not registered will remain active on the network for 60 days only. In case of non-payment of applicable FBR customs duties/taxes within this period, the device will be re-blocked, in accordance with DIRBS regulations.

    While said activity will assist both PTA and Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) in improving DIRBS operations and ensuring more effective system management, it aims to encourage users to register their mobile devices by paying the applicable FBR duties/taxes, thereby contributing to a compliant and sustainable digital environment.

    First introduced under the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government, PTA tax guarantees that every mobile device user in Pakistan, whether local or foreign, makes a fair contribution to the national budget.

    This system ensures that all users, regardless of the source of their mobile devices, pay their share, promoting an equitable tax structure.

    By imposing taxes on imported mobile phones, PTA maintains a healthy balance between local and foreign devices in the market. This regulation prevents market saturation, encourages fair competition and supports the growth of domestic mobile manufacturers.

    The revenue collected from PTA taxes is a significant source of national income. These funds are channeled into various sectors of the economy, supporting development projects, infrastructure improvements and other government initiatives that drive economic progress.

    The PTA tax revenues also contribute to maintaining and expanding the country’s mobile communication infrastructure, supporting networks to maintain reliable and efficient services for millions of users.

  • First Pakistan-India collab since May conflict is breathtakingly beautiful

    First Pakistan-India collab since May conflict is breathtakingly beautiful

    In a landmark moment for cross-border cultural exchange, Pakistani singer Zeeshan Ali has released his latest track Ishqa Ve, marking the first Indo-Pak collaborative music video since the armed conflict between the two nuclear-armed nations in May 2025.

    The video, which beautifully bridges the emotional and cultural landscapes of India and Pakistan, was shot across Amritsar and Lahore, two cities steeped in history and shared heritage. The Amritsar segment was directed by renowned Indian filmmaker Gurpal Singh, while the Lahore portion was helmed by acclaimed Pakistani director Abu Aleeha.

    Zeeshan Ali, known for his soulful voice and versatile singing style, has once again delivered a bewitching song. With a background in classical music, Zeeshan has made a name for himself by fusing traditional South Asian melodies with contemporary sounds. Ishqa Ve continues this trend, blending rich vocals with poignant storytelling and visuals that symbolise love beyond borders.

    The release of Ishqa Ve is being hailed as a cultural breakthrough, with fans and critics alike praising the message of peace and harmony. In a time of heightened political tensions, this musical effort shines as a beacon of hope, proving once again that art knows no boundaries.

  • Adeel Husain, Syra Yousuf’s selfie sparks intense speculation on social media

    Adeel Husain, Syra Yousuf’s selfie sparks intense speculation on social media

    A selfie of actors Adeel Husain and Syra Yousuf has gone viral on social media, generating buzz that the actors are in a relationship.

    Sharing a selfie with Syra and his niece, Adeel wrote, “Lucky that I get to call you my life (18.8.25)”. 

    They duo can be seen having a good time in the photo. Some netizens believe that the caption of the post is for Syra but others say its not. 

    It has not been confirmed by both the actors whether they are seeing each other or not.

    The two were seen together at a clothing brand launch event in and at the wedding of their mutual friend.


    Syra Yousuf was previously married to Shahroz Sabzwari, thing the knot with him in October 2012. However, the couple got divorced in February 2020. Syra and Shahroz have a daughter named Nooreh.

    The Sinf-e-Ahan actress has a very healthy relationship with her ex-husband and his family.

    In a recent podcast, Syra got candid about what it’s like to co-parent her daughter Nooreh with her ex-husband, Shahroz and how therapy helped her learn to separate her personal feelings as an ex from her responsibilities as a mother.

    “I had to really work on it,” she shared. “Because when something goes against your nature, but it’s necessary to do it, you end up growing as a person. Co-parenting has taught me how to kill my ego. So now I know that when it comes to Nooreh, I shouldn’t think of myself.”

    On the other hand, Adeel shared his thoughts on marriage and personal life in Ushna Shah’s show last year. Ushna asked Adeel about his Irish girlfriend and his views on marriage. The actor responded by emphasising that he has never been one to hide the details of his personal life.

    He mentioned that he believes in being transparent about his relationships and that all his personal photos are publicly shared on his social media accounts, making it clear that there is nothing to conceal from his fans.

  • Mohsin Naqvi urges fans to support, not troll, Salman Ali Agha, Mohammad Haris

    Mohsin Naqvi urges fans to support, not troll, Salman Ali Agha, Mohammad Haris

    Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has called on cricketing fans to stop trolling national team players Salman Ali Agha and Mohammad Haris, who have faced heavy criticism on social media in recent days.

    Naqvi posted his remarks on X, formerly Twitter, emphasising the need for unity and support for the players during the ongoing T20I tri-series against Afghanistan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

    “Salman and Haris deserve support, not social media trolling,” Naqvi wrote after a viral video of Haris during a rapid-fire interview sparked backlash from fans.

    In the video, Haris was asked if Babar Azam should change his T20 batting style. “Yes,” he said in response. When asked whether it should be faster or slower, Haris replied, “Faster.”

    The lighthearted exchange triggered strong reactions from Babar’s supporters online, leading to harsh criticism against Haris. Many accused him of disrespecting a senior player and the backlash reportedly left Haris frustrated. The same was witnessed during the match against UAE when Haris broke his bat in anger, further fueling the debate.

    Salman Ali Agha has also faced scrutiny since being appointed Pakistan’s T20I captain. Critics are comparing his performance and leadership with Babar’s record, questioning his credentials. 

    The timing of Naqvi’s statement coincides with Pakistan’s strong start in the T20I tri-series. The national team has secured back-to-back wins against Afghanistan and the UAE, leading the table with four points. Pakistan will look to continue its winning form in the third match against Afghanistan today.

  • Its official; Israel’s carnage in Gaza termed genocide by world’s biggest scholars association

    Its official; Israel’s carnage in Gaza termed genocide by world’s biggest scholars association

    The world’s biggest academic association of genocide scholars has passed a resolution saying the legal criteria have been met to establish that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza.

    Among the 500-member International Association of Genocide Scholars (IAGS), 86 percent backed the resolution, declaring that Israel’s “policies and actions in Gaza” had met the legal definition set out in Article II of the 1948 UN Convention on genocide.

    The IAGS called upon the government of Israel to “immediately cease” all acts that constitute “genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity against Palestinians in Gaza”.

    The three-page resolution also calls on Israel to cease killing of civilians, including children; starvation; deprivation of humanitarian aid, water, fuel, and other items essential to the survival of the population; sexual and reproductive violence; and forced displacement of the population.

    “This is a definitive statement from experts in the field of genocide studies that what is going on the ground in Gaza is genocide,” the association’s president, Melanie O’Brien, a professor of international law at the University of Western Australia, has said.

    Since October 05, 2023, Israel has been committing genocide in Gaza, as more than 63,000 Palestinians, including children, have been killed. The Israeli Defence Force (IDF) destroyed most buildings in the territory and forced nearly all its residents to flee their homes at least once. 

    A global hunger monitor relied on by the United Nations (UN) warned that parts of the territory are now suffering a man-made famine.

    Founded in 1994, the IAGS has a broad membership that includes academics, historians, political scientists and human rights activists. It has adopted previous resolutions identifying genocide, including historical cases such as the Armenian genocide.

    Previously, the IAGS recognised genocides in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Rwanda, Armenia, and Myanmar.

  • Imran Khan has fallen sick in jail: journalist

    Imran Khan has fallen sick in jail: journalist

    Journalist Matiullah Jan has revealed that incarcerated former prime minister (PM) Imran Khan has fallen sick in jail and is suffering from a hearing condition.

    “Doctors have told me that a patient suffering from said condition should avoid exposure to loud noise and music as it can further damage hearing and worsen the condition,” Jan said in a YouTube video, citing Khan’s medical records.

    He further said that a person diagnosed with the condition same as Khan often struggles with sleep, adding that doctors had also warned the jailed former premier against complete silence as it too could aggravate the condition.

    “Any person diagnosed with this condition cannot be kept in isolation,” the journalist quoted doctors as saying, noting that the same could also impact the patient’s psychological health.

    Further citing Khan’s medical records, Jan revealed that on August 12, an ENT panel had recommended “supportive management” for Khan in jail, underscoring the seriousness of the condition.

    Read More: Imran Khan given these six books to read in jail

    While the journalist didn’t name the condition, it merits a mention that Khan was in February this year reportedly diagnosed with tinnitus – a hearing problem in which the patient feels ringing, buzzing or roaring in the ear despite the absence of any external sound.

    According to reports, Khan had also started to suffer from high blood pressure. 

    Khan was on August 5, 2023, arrested from his residence in Zaman Park Lahore shortly after his conviction in the Toshakhana case and was shifted to Attock jail.

    Following an Islamabad High Court (IHC) order, Khan was shifted to Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi on September 27, 2023. Currently, he is held in jail under high security and with B-class facilities due to his status as a former premier. 

    While courts provided him relief in several cases against him, the former PM remains in jail due to his January conviction in the £190 million case commonly known as the Al Qadir Trust case.

    Accountability Court Judge Nasir Javed Rana sentenced Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi to 14 years and seven years imprisonment, respectively.

    As per the verdict, Khan was convicted for “corrupt practices” and “misuse of authority”, while the ex-first lady was convicted for “involvement in illegal activities”.