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  • ‘Some players shouldn’t return to the team for two years’: Shahid Afridi says fines are not enough

    ‘Some players shouldn’t return to the team for two years’: Shahid Afridi says fines are not enough

    Shahid Afridi has shared his views on the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) decision to fine players of the national cricket team after their disappointing campaign at the T20 World Cup, calling the move “small thinking.”

    Speaking to a local TV channel, Afridi said the fines did not address real issues behind the team’s poor performances.

    “This decision is hard to understand. It is small thinking. What will you even do with 50 lakh rupees? This is not a real punishment,” Afridi said.

    He suggested that players should be sent back to domestic cricket.

    “I think the players who did not perform should be sent back to domestic cricket. There are some players who, in my view, should not return to the team for at least two years. These punishments are enough. And those who deserve a raise should be rewarded.”

    The comments came after reports that the PCB fined each player five million rupees following the team’s early exit. According to sources quoted by an English daily, the decision was communicated to the squad immediately after the loss to India. 

    Players were informed that future rewards would depend solely on results, with financial incentives linked to performance rather than reputation.

    Pakistan’s campaign struggled to gain momentum at the tournament. The team narrowly avoided defeat against the Netherlands and beat the United States, but lost a key match against India despite favourable conditions. A win over Namibia helped Pakistan reach the Super 8 stage. 

    However, a rain-hit match against New Zealand and a loss to England left the team relying on other results. A narrow win against Sri Lanka did not improve the net run rate enough, allowing New Zealand to advance to the semifinals and ending Pakistan’s tournament.

    Board officials said the fines reflected the frustration felt by fans and were meant to reinforce accountability within the squad.

    Under the current central contracts running from July 2025 to June 2026, players earn fixed monthly salaries in different categories, ranging from 7.5 lakh to 45 lakh rupees, with match fees paid separately.

  • Women can also fall in love with more than one person at the same time: Ali Ansari

    Women can also fall in love with more than one person at the same time: Ali Ansari

    Ali Ansari recently shared his views on love, relationships and social taboos during a YouTube interview, sparking mixed reactions on social media.

    When asked whether a man can love two women at the same time, the actor said the discussion should not be limited to men alone.

    “I believe not just a man, but a woman can also fall in love with more than one person at the same time,” Ali said during the interview.

    He added that such narratives are rarely shown on television due to fear of public backlash. “We do not show these stories because people react strongly. Most of the time, the story is told only from the man’s point of view,” he explained.

    Instagram Post

    Ali also spoke about audience feedback regarding his current drama Muamma. “I get feedback that people feel uncomfortable watching it with their families,” he said, before adding jokingly, “but I know people are still secretly watching it.”

    Ali’s comments quickly went viral, drawing mixed responses from viewers online. While some expressed shock, others defended his stance, saying he spoke about emotional possibility rather than action.

    One user wrote, “Wth,” while another commented, “Why are people losing their minds? He didn’t say anyone should act on it, he just said it’s possible.”

    Some agreed with the actor’s view, saying, “Yes, it’s true,” while others challenged the idea, arguing, “That’s not love. Call it what it is: infatuation or attraction.”

    On the personal front, Ali is married to actress Saboor Aly. The couple welcomed their first child, a daughter named Serena Ali, earlier this year.

    Ali is currently appearing in Muamma, which stars Saba Qamar as Jahan Ara, also known as Gigi. The story revolves around Jahan Ara, a woman who rents out a portion of her house to married couples. 

    Outwardly helpful and warm, she gradually becomes involved in their personal lives, forming close bonds with both husbands and wives.

    As the drama progresses, Jahan Ara’s actions begin to expose hidden cracks within these marriages. The men lie to their wives to remain close to her, while she carefully manipulates situations to stay central in their lives. 

    The narrative also connects her behavior to her own past, revealing a troubled marriage in which she loved someone else but ended up marrying a harsh and controlling man. Her emotional void drives her to interfere in the lives of others, leading to betrayal, broken trust and collapsing relationships.

  • Pakistan’s combat death toll jumps 30 percent in February, suicide attacks surge: PICSS

    Pakistan’s combat death toll jumps 30 percent in February, suicide attacks surge: PICSS

    Combat-related fatalities across Pakistan rose by 30 percent in February 2026, primarily due to a sharp spike in suicide bombings, according to monthly data released by the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS).

    The Islamabad-based think tank recorded 470 deaths and 333 injuries during the month. Those killed included 96 civilians, 80 security personnel and 294 militants. Among the injured were 259 civilians, 50 members of the security forces and 24 militants.

    Compared to January, fatalities among security forces personnel increased by 74 percent, civilian deaths rose by 32 percent, and militant deaths climbed by 21 percent, the report said.


    Violence intensified in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and its merged tribal districts (formerly FATA), where 53 security personnel and six civilians were killed. 


    An additional 35 security personnel and 48 civilians were injured in the province. Three suicide bombings in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa alone killed 17 people  including 14 security personnel  and wounded 20 civilians.


    PICSS linked the escalation in attacks in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to subsequent cross-border air strikes by Pakistan and ensuing military clashes with Afghanistan.


    The Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) also witnessed a major attack. A suicide bombing in its suburban area killed at least 34 people and injured 165 others. In Punjab’s Bhakkar district, another suicide attack claimed the lives of two police personnel and left four others injured.


    The eight suicide bombings recorded in the first two months of 2026 account for nearly half of the 17 incidents reported throughout 2025. The report described the pattern as “a dangerous trend of rising suicide bombings.” 

    Security forces also apprehended a would-be suicide attacker during the month.


    In contrast, Balochistan experienced a decline in militant activity following the launch of a retaliatory operation, “Raddul Fitna-1,” earlier in February. According to PICSS data, security operations in the province resulted in the deaths of 176 militants.


    Cumulatively, PICSS statistics for January and February 2026 indicate 831 combat-related deaths nationwide, comprising 536 militants, 169 civilians and 126 security personnel.

  • China confirms one citizen dead in Iran conflict, over 3,000 evacuated

    China confirms one citizen dead in Iran conflict, over 3,000 evacuated

    China on Monday said that at least one Chinese national was killed in Tehran during the ongoing conflict, while more than 3,000 others were evacuated from the region.

    At a regular press briefing, Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Mao Ning said that Chinese embassies and consulates in neighbouring countries had been mobilised to assist those affected, and work groups set up by China would receive and assist those evacuated.

    While she did not provide details on how the evacuees would return to China, Mao added that Beijing was not informed in advance about the US military actions against Iran.

    She also denied reports suggesting that Iran and China were close to a deal to acquire supersonic anti-ship missiles, stating that China, as a major power, always fulfilled its international obligations.

    The escalation follows attacks by the YS and Israel on Saturday that killed Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. The strikes prompted retaliatory actions by Iran against Israel and other countries, including Gulf nations hosting US military bases.

    Mao reiterated condemnation of the attacks and the killing of Khamenei, urging all parties involved to “immediately cease military action to prevent escalation”.

  • Suspects accused of murdering man after inviting him for iftar arrested in Rawalpindi

    Suspects accused of murdering man after inviting him for iftar arrested in Rawalpindi

    Jatli Police in Rawalpindi have arrested a man along with his accomplice in connection with the killing of a friend, which occurred last week. The incident reportedly arose from a past dispute between the victim and the main suspect.

    According to a Rawalpindi Police spokesperson, the suspects called the victim to their house under the pretext of iftar. While at the residence in Rawalpindi, the suspects shot the victim.

    After the murder, the suspects attempted to remove evidence from the scene. They placed the victim’s body in a  van and transported it to the District Headquarters Hospital in Chakwal. Police said the suspects tried to make the incident appear as a suicide before fleeing the area.

    Police registered a case in connection with the killing. The victim’s friend and the van driver have been arrested, while authorities are continuing efforts to apprehend others who helped the suspects.

    SP Saddar Anum Sher of Rawalpindi said, “The arrested individuals will be presented in court with solid evidence to ensure they receive real punishment.”

  • Pakistani celebrities react to assassination of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei

    Pakistani celebrities react to assassination of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei

    Pakistani celebrities have expressed grief on social media following the assassination of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. 

    The posts range from admiration for his leadership and teachings to prayers for peace and justice, highlighting the personal and emotional impact.


    Actress Maya Ali wrote, “Heroes never truly die, they live on in our hearts forever. He was a true leader who stood alone against his enemies with courage and unwavering strength.”


    Actor Talha Chahour reflected on media portrayal, posting, “Look at how powerful the media can display someone, and how peaceful and wise he was.”

    Khaqan Shah Nawaz added, “Long live the resistance, history will remember the aggressors! Curse them!”


    Actress Yumna Zaidi shared, “Rest in the most peaceful place in Jannah. Man of great teachings. I often used to listen to his lectures for the peace of my heart.” 


    Samar Jafri posted a reel stating: “Today, the news of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s death answered a question that had lived in my mind for years- where was the Muslim Ummah during the time of Hussain ibn Ali? Why did no one come for help when he needed them the most?”


    Singer Asim Azhar prayed, “May this planet find peace, humanity & righteousness. & may we be blessed with people who stand by justice. Ilahi aamen.”


     Actress Durefishan reflected, “You can see a man’s true faith in how he treats and speaks about women. May sanity prevail in this overwhelming claustrophobic world.” Actress Aimen Khan reshared a post on Instagram acknowledging Khamenei’s influence.


    Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who served as Iran’s Supreme Leader since 1989, was the country’s highest authority, overseeing the military, judiciary, and foreign policy. Born in 1939 in Mashhad, Iran, he rose through the ranks after the 1979 Islamic Revolution and previously served as Iran’s president from 1981 to 1989. His death was reportedly confirmed following a joint US –Israeli military strike on Tehran, marking a significant moment in the region’s political landscape.

  • Pakistan likely to drop Babar, Nawaz, Saim Ayub for Bangladesh ODI tour: reports

    Pakistan likely to drop Babar, Nawaz, Saim Ayub for Bangladesh ODI tour: reports

    Pakistan’s upcoming tour of Bangladesh for a three-match ODI series faces uncertainty with regional military clashes, while major changes are expected in the national squad.

    The Pakistan team is scheduled to arrive in Bangladesh on March 9, with all three ODIs set to take place at Shere Bangla National Stadium on March 11, 13 and 15. 

    According to media reports, the tour will only go ahead if the situation does not worsen and pose security or travel risks.

    At the same time, Pakistan’s selectors are preparing for a squad overhaul. Discussions are expected to begin this week as the team shifts its focus to the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2027, which South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia will co-host.

    According to media reports, sources have revealed that the selection committee plans to introduce young players and move away from several first-choice names who have failed to deliver consistently. Senior players such as Babar Azam, Saim Ayub and Mohammad Nawaz are likely to be dropped for the Bangladesh series.

    Pakistan does not have an immediate T20I assignment, so changes in that format are not expected right away. However, reports said five to six players could be gradually phased out of plans for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.

    Pakistan last played ODIs in November, when they hosted Sri Lanka and completed a clean sweep in the three-match series.

  • Zendaya, Tom Holland are married, stylist reveals

    Zendaya, Tom Holland are married, stylist reveals

    Zendaya and Tom Holland have reportedly tied the knot, the actress’s longtime stylist Law Roach has claimed. 

    Speaking to Access Hollywood at the Actor Awards, Roach revealed, “The wedding has already happened. You missed it.” When asked by the reporter if that was true, Roach laughed and confirmed, “It’s very true.”

    The couple first met on the set of Marvel’s Spider-Man: Homecoming in 2016. They went public with their relationship in 2021, while rumors of their engagement emerged after Zendaya was spotted at the 2025 Golden Globes wearing a diamond ring on her left hand.

    Later that year, Holland confirmed the engagement after correcting a reporter who referred to Zendaya as his girlfriend, clarifying in a video clip, “Fiancée.”

    Despite their high-profile careers, the couple has maintained a private personal life and rarely speaks publicly about their relationship. Zendaya described their working relationship as effortless. She said, “It’s like second nature, if anything. You feel extra safe with the person you’re acting beside. I love working with him. He’s so talented, and so passionate about what he does. He always gives things one thousand percent, even if he’s absolutely worn down. I really appreciate that about him. It feels pretty normal.”

    Holland shared in 2024, “It’s a saving grace. It’s the best thing that’s ever happened to me”. 

    Holland and Zendaya have reprised their roles as Peter Parker and Michelle Jones Watson in Spider-Man: Far From Home (2019) and Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021). The duo is set to appear together in two films in 2026: Spider-Man: Brand New Day, releasing in June, and The Odyssey, directed by Christopher Nolan, which will arrive in July.

  • Saudi Arabia breaks silence on reports that crown prince pushed Trump for attack on Iran

    Saudi Arabia breaks silence on reports that crown prince pushed Trump for attack on Iran

    Riyadh has finally broken silence on reports that United States (US) President Donald Trump ordered sweeping attacks on Iran after weeks of lobbying by two key allies in the Middle East — Israel and Saudi Arabia.

    On Sunday, it was reported by The Washington Post that strikes on Iran came despite US intelligence assessments maintaining Tehran was unlikely to pose a direct threat to US mainland within the next decade.

    Citing four people familiar with the matter, the report claimed that Israeli Prime Minister (PM) Benjamin Netanyahu continued his longstanding push for US strikes against Iran, while Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman made multiple private calls to Trump over the past month advocating military action, despite publicly supporting diplomacy.

    “The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has been consistent in supporting diplomatic efforts to reach a credible deal with Iran,” Fahad Nazer, the spokesperson for the Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Washington DC, said in a statement on X.

    He added that at no point in all of the Kingdom’s communication with the Trump administration had they lobbied the president to adopt a different policy.

    Saudi political researcher and foreign affairs expert Salman Al-Ansari also said that the report by The Washington Post was “categorically false”.

    “Some Western journalists have been asking me about this as if it were factual, so here is my response: This Washington Post report is categorically false. Riyadh did not lobby Trump to declare war on Iran in any way,” he wrote on X.

    Ansari went on to state that Saudi Arabia, on the contrary, had been working to prevent escalation.

    “Reporting like this appears designed to divert attention from those who actually advocated for conflict, as scrutiny of their role intensifies. The goal seems twofold: to drag Saudi Arabia into the war politically and to redistribute blame as public opinion turns against those who pushed for it,” he added.

    Meanwhile, Trump administration officials have also acknowledged in closed-door briefings with congressional staff that there was no intelligence suggesting Iran planned to attack US forces first.

    Reuters, quoting two people familiar with the matter, reported that Pentagon officials briefed Democratic and Republican staff of several national security committees in both the Senate and the House of Representatives for more than 90 minutes on the unfolding US attack in Iran.

    In the briefings, administration officials emphasised that Iran’s ballistic missiles and proxy forces in the region posed an imminent threat to US interests, but there was no intelligence about Tehran attacking US forces first, the two sources told Reuters.

    Earlier, it was also reported that Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) assessments presented to the White House in the weeks before the attack concluded that if Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei was killed, he could be replaced by hardline figures from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) or equally hardline clerics.

  • UAE says govt will pay for hotels of travellers affected by Middle East tensions

    UAE says govt will pay for hotels of travellers affected by Middle East tensions

    Authorities in Dubai and Abu Dhabi have instructed hotels to allow guests to extend their stays if they are unable to leave due to ongoing travel disruptions, aiming to ensure international visitors are accommodated during the Middle East crisis.

    As per the details, Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism issued a directive to hotel managers requiring them to permit affected guests to extend their stays under the same terms as their original bookings. 

    The department said the measure “aligns with government directives to provide full support and assistance to international visitors during the ongoing situation”.

    Hotels were asked to fully cooperate to ensure that travellers unable to depart are accommodated without disruption. Officials also emphasised that guests should not be required to vacate rooms if they cannot immediately cover the cost of an extension, reflecting a focus on visitor welfare.

    Hotel operators were instructed to notify the department in such cases, providing information on the original booking duration, the extension period, and any operational challenges encountered.

    Abu Dhabi authorities issued a parallel directive with additional provisions. The Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi confirmed that the government will cover accommodation costs for stranded guests. 

    “In light of the current circumstances and given that some guests have reached their check-out date but are unable to travel for reasons beyond their control, you are kindly requested to extend their stay until they are able to depart,” read a circular sent to hotels.

    It added that “the cost of the extended stay will be covered by DCT Abu Dhabi” and instructed hotels to submit invoices directly to the department.

    Authorities described the measures as part of broader government efforts to maintain stability in the tourism sector while prioritising the welfare of travellers despite bombings since the US-Israeli strikes on Iran.