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  • India again blocks social media accounts of Pakistani artists, cricketers

    India again blocks social media accounts of Pakistani artists, cricketers

    India has once again blocked the social media accounts of several Pakistani actors and cricketers, reigniting a digital divide amid ongoing political tensions between the two countries.

    According to media reports, the Indian government had quietly lifted restrictions on Tuesday, temporarily restoring access to the Instagram accounts of Pakistani celebrities such as Mawra Hocane, Saba Qamar, Ahad Raza Mir, Yumna Zaidi, and Danish Taimoor, as well as cricketers Shahid Afridi and Shoaib Akhtar.

    The first ban this year was imposed following the April 22 Pahalgam attack in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), which further escalated the Pakistan-India standoff.

    In response, the All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) demanded that the Indian government impose an immediate and permanent ban on the digital presence of Pakistani artists and cricketers.

    Shortly after this demand, access to the social media accounts of many Pakistani celebrities and cricketers was once again restricted in India.

    Now, after a brief unban, the accounts are once again inaccessible to users in India.

  • Naqvi credits Pak army, PM with Iran-Israel ceasefire

    Naqvi credits Pak army, PM with Iran-Israel ceasefire

    Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has revealed that Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif and Pakistan’s military played a role in assisting with brokering a ceasefire between Iran and Israel.

    Speaking to the media following a meeting with religious scholars in Islamabad on Thursday, Naqvi said that the prime minister had played a “big role” in the development in June, adding, “There is also a wardi [uniform] behind the ceasefire,” referring to Pakistan’s military.

    He lauded that “our leader played a big role in convincing world leaders” in the Iran-Israel ceasefire, stressing, “Pakistan should be proud that as Muslims we played our role.”

    On June 13, Israel launched attacks on Iran targeting the country’s nuclear sites to eliminate any possibility of Tehran developing nuclear weapons. Israel is widely believed to possess nuclear weapons, which it neither confirms nor denies.

    Iran claims its nuclear programme is for internal, civilian purposes only, while Iranian officials have repeatedly said they do not plan to develop nuclear weapons but will pursue their right to nuclear energy and research.

    Tensions, however, intensified in the Middle East when the United States (US) became directly involved in the conflict, striking Iran’s nuclear facilities, including Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan.

    In retaliation, Iran launched missiles, targeting US bases in Qatar. Shortly after the attack, the US President, in a post on Truth Social, announced a ceasefire between Israel and Iran, ending the 12-day-long conflict.

    Last week, Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir reportedly received a call from Iran’s top military commander, with Tehran thanking Islamabad for its support during the war with Israel.

    During the conversation, Major General Abdolrahim Mousavi, Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces, praised Islamabad’s “courageous stance” during the crisis, crediting Pakistan for standing by Tehran as Israeli strikes targeted senior military commanders, nuclear scientists, and civilians, including women and children.

    Recounting the conflict between Pakistan and India earlier in May, the interior minister said that one of the missiles was mistakenly fired due to a numerical error; however, Naqvi claimed it ended up hitting an Indian oil depot.

    He said that when the missile was fired, “everyone got worried that it might hit civilian areas; however, divine help came, and that missile hit their [India] biggest oil depot”.

    Naqvi further claimed that India launched around 11 missiles at one of Pakistan’s air bases, revealing, “We were worried that if they fell, it would cause destruction; believe me, not a single missile hit the target. It proves the divine help.”

  • Here is the complete schedule of Big Bash League 2025-26

    Here is the complete schedule of Big Bash League 2025-26

    Cricket Australia has officially released the schedule for the Big Bash League (BBL) 2025-26, with a record number of Pakistani players set to light up the tournament.

    League matches will be held from December 14, 2025, to January 18, 2026, followed by the finals series from January 20 to January 25, 2026.

    Pakistan’s star batter Babar Azam will make his BBL debut for the Sydney Sixers on December 14. Other top Pakistani cricketers including Haris Rauf, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Rizwan, Hasan Ali, and Shaheen Shah Afridi will also feature in the action.

    Fans can look forward to high-voltage clashes such as the Sydney Derby and the Boxing Day double-header, while the traditional New Year’s night game between the Adelaide Strikers and Brisbane Heat remains a major highlight.

    Below is the full fixture list for the BBL 2025-26 in HTML table format:

    
  
    
    
      Date
      Match
      Venue
      Time
    
    
      
  
    
    Dec 14 (Sun)Perth Scorchers vs Sydney SixersOptus Stadium7:15 pm
    
    
    Dec 15 (Mon)Melbourne Renegades vs Brisbane HeatGMHBA Stadium7:15 pm
    
    
    Dec 16 (Tue)Hobart Hurricanes vs Sydney ThunderNinja Stadium7:15 pm
    
    
    Dec 17 (Wed)Sydney Sixers vs Adelaide StrikersSCG7:15 pm
    
    
    Dec 18 (Thu)Melbourne Stars vs Hobart HurricanesMCG7:15 pm
    
    
    Dec 19 (Fri)Brisbane Heat vs Perth ScorchersGabba7:15 pm
    
    
    Dec 20 (Sat)Sydney Thunder vs Sydney SixersENGIE Stadium7:15 pm
    
    
    Dec 21 (Sun)Melbourne Renegades vs Hobart HurricanesGMHBA Stadium7:15 pm
    
    
    Dec 22 (Mon)Sydney Thunder vs Brisbane HeatManuka Oval7:15 pm
    
    
    Dec 23 (Tue)Adelaide Strikers vs Melbourne StarsAdelaide Oval7:15 pm
    
    
    Dec 26 (Fri)Sydney Sixers vs Melbourne StarsSCG6:05 pm
    
    
    Dec 26 (Fri)Perth Scorchers vs Hobart HurricanesOptus Stadium9:15 pm
    
    
    Dec 27 (Sat)Brisbane Heat vs Adelaide StrikersGabba7:15 pm
    
    
    Dec 28 (Sun)Melbourne Stars vs Sydney ThunderManuka Oval7:15 pm
    
    
    Dec 29 (Mon)Hobart Hurricanes vs Melbourne RenegadesNinja Stadium7:15 pm
    
    
    Dec 30 (Tue)Sydney Thunder vs Perth ScorchersENGIE Stadium7:15 pm
    
    
    Dec 31 (Wed)Adelaide Strikers vs Brisbane HeatAdelaide Oval7:15 pm
    
    
    Jan 1 (Thu)Melbourne Renegades vs Sydney SixersMarvel Stadium4:00 pm
    
    
    Jan 1 (Thu)Hobart Hurricanes vs Perth ScorchersNinja Stadium7:15 pm
    
    
    Jan 2 (Fri)Brisbane Heat vs Melbourne StarsGabba7:15 pm
    
    
    Jan 3 (Sat)Sydney Thunder vs Hobart HurricanesENGIE Stadium7:15 pm
    
    
    Jan 4 (Sun)Melbourne Stars vs Melbourne RenegadesMCG6:05 pm
    
    
    Jan 4 (Sun)Perth Scorchers vs Adelaide StrikersOptus Stadium9:15 pm
    
    
    Jan 5 (Mon)Sydney Sixers vs Brisbane HeatCoffs Harbour7:15 pm
    
    
    Jan 6 (Tue)Adelaide Strikers vs Sydney ThunderAdelaide Oval7:15 pm
    
    
    Jan 7 (Wed)Perth Scorchers vs Melbourne RenegadesOptus Stadium7:15 pm
    
    
    Jan 8 (Thu)Melbourne Stars vs Sydney SixersMCG7:15 pm
    
    
    Jan 9 (Fri)Hobart Hurricanes vs Adelaide StrikersNinja Stadium7:15 pm
    
    
    Jan 10 (Sat)Brisbane Heat vs Sydney ThunderGabba4:00 pm
    
    
    Jan 10 (Sat)Melbourne Renegades vs Melbourne StarsMarvel Stadium7:15 pm
    
    
    Jan 11 (Sun)Sydney Sixers vs Hobart HurricanesSCG2:05 pm
    
    
    Jan 11 (Sun)Adelaide Strikers vs Perth ScorchersAdelaide Oval7:15 pm
    
    
    Jan 12 (Mon)Sydney Thunder vs Melbourne RenegadesENGIE Stadium7:15 pm
    
    
    Jan 13 (Tue)Melbourne Stars vs Adelaide StrikersMCG7:15 pm
    
    
    Jan 14 (Wed)Hobart Hurricanes vs Brisbane HeatNinja Stadium7:15 pm
    
    
    Jan 15 (Thu)Melbourne Renegades vs Perth ScorchersMarvel Stadium7:15 pm
    
    
    Jan 16 (Fri)Sydney Sixers vs Sydney ThunderSCG7:15 pm
    
    
    Jan 17 (Sat)Adelaide Strikers vs Melbourne RenegadesAdelaide Oval5:00 pm
    
    
    Jan 17 (Sat)Perth Scorchers vs Melbourne StarsOptus Stadium8:15 pm
    
    
    Jan 18 (Sun)Brisbane Heat vs Sydney SixersGabba7:15 pm
    
    
    Jan 20 (Tue)The QualifierTBATBA
    
    
    Jan 21 (Wed)The KnockoutTBATBA
    
    
    Jan 23 (Fri)The ChallengerTBATBA
    
    
    Jan 25 (Sun)The FinalTBATBA
  • Liverpool’s star dies in car crash in Spain

    Liverpool’s star dies in car crash in Spain

    Liverpool’s Portuguese forward Diogo Jota has died in a car crash near Zamora in northwestern Spain, according to local firefighters and police reports.

    According to media reports, a vehicle left the road near Zamora, and the incident indicates a tyre burst while overtaking. The car caught fire after the crash, killing both people inside. Pending final forensic tests, one of the deceased has been identified as Liverpool FC player Diogo Jota, along with his brother, Andre Felipe.

    The tragedy comes just ten days after Jota married his long-term girlfriend, Rute Cardoso. He had three children.

    Jota, 28, joined Liverpool from Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2020 and scored 65 goals in 182 appearances for the club. He played a key role in helping Liverpool win the Premier League, FA Cup, and League Cup, and scored six goals in their recent Premier League-winning season.

    The striker began his career in Portugal and played for Atlético Madrid in Spain before moving to England. He earned 49 caps for Portugal and lifted the UEFA Nations League trophy twice.

    Outside of football, Jota was an avid video gamer, owned an eSports team, and often streamed on Twitch.

    His brother, Andre, 26, also died in the crash. Andre played for Penafiel, a club in Portugal’s second division.

  • Man murders girlfriend’s groom-to-be to stop wedding

    Man murders girlfriend’s groom-to-be to stop wedding

    Two suspects have been arrested in Pattoki for allegedly murdering a groom-to-be in an attempt to stop his wedding, police said on Thursday.

    According to Saddar Police Station officials, the suspects, Azhar Manzoor and Sajid, were captured after a specialized police team used modern technology to track them down and verify their involvement in the crime.

    Investigators revealed that the suspects shot 25-year-old Umar Shehzad dead on the rooftop of his home seven days before his wedding, while he was spending time there ahead of the ceremony.

    Police stated that Azhar, the primary suspect, was reportedly in a relationship with the victim’s fiancée and wanted to prevent the marriage from taking place.

    Investigators believe Azhar planned the attack together with his accomplice Sajid to eliminate the groom-to-be.

    The victim was killed immediately when the suspects reached his home, climbed to the rooftop, and opened fire.

    They fled the area after the shooting, but authorities were able to locate and apprehend them after gathering forensic evidence and examining call logs.

    In a separate incident, police arrested a suspect in the Sundar area of Lahore Division, accused of killing a young woman on her wedding day.

    DIG Investigation Syed Zeeshan Raza stated that the deceased, Ayesha Habiba, was shot dead by the suspect, Ikram, her brother-in-law, after a fight over a marriage proposal.

    Police said the suspect fled immediately after the murder but was tracked and arrested shortly afterward.

    DIG Raza stated that strict action would be taken against those involved in such heinous crimes.

  • Rs860 million withdrawn from Data Darbar’s account; suspicious transactions worth Rs190 million in Pakpattan

    Rs860 million withdrawn from Data Darbar’s account; suspicious transactions worth Rs190 million in Pakpattan

    A special audit report has revealed embezzlement worth billions of rupees in accounts of different shrines in Punjab, which are managed by the provincial Auqaf Department.

    According to a report by HUM News, the audit revealed that Rs860 million (86 crores) was withdrawn from the accounts of Lahore’s Data Darbar during the financial years 2015 to 2018. The funds were a sum of 33 transactions, but there is no record of how the money was spent.

    The report further said that around 48 suspicious transactions amounting to Rs190 million (19 crores) were made from the accounts of Pakpattan Sharif Darbar.

    The audit report pointed to alleged fraud involving rental income from more than 600 commercial shops owned by Auqaf in Jhang and Okara, with an estimated loss of Rs 135 million (13.5 crores). 

    Furthermore, the report uncovered that hundreds of kanals of commercial land had been leased out at a nominal rate of just Rs 1 per year for a 99-year term. According to the report, Rs35 million (3.5 crores) was also withdrawn from the accounts of Baba Farid’s shrine.

    With the audit report recommending a thorough investigation into the financial activities of the Auqaf Department, an official statement from the department remains pending.

  • Pakistan Railways eyes fare hike amid rising fuel costs, mounting losses

    Pakistan Railways eyes fare hike amid rising fuel costs, mounting losses

    Pakistan Railways (PR) is considering increasing customer fares amid large operational losses. According to reports, the losses resulted from an uptick in diesel prices, a primary fuel used to transport customers and cargo.

    Data from reports indicates that PR has to cover an average financial burden of Rs3.6 million per day as the railway network consumes approximately 350,000 litres of diesel every day. 

    Reports reveal that PR now faces a staggering monthly deficit of Rs109 million. To reduce operational losses, a committee is reportedly considering the extent of the upcoming hike in train ticket prices.

    It merits a mention that PR increased fares as recently as June 18 2025. The aforementioned hike in fares resulted in passengers facing a three percent increase in ticket prices. Rates for freight increased by four percent in the previous price revisions as well.

    However, reports suggest that the incoming increase in fares may result in a disproportionate increase in freight rates. According to PR officials, the new hike will serve to protect passengers from a large increase in ticket prices.

    Reports indicate that passing the majority of the financial burden onto freight operations is unlikely to cause public resentment. As such, officials have outlined that passengers will face only a minor increase in prices.

    As per the details, officials have not yet decided on the exact increase in fares. However, it will have to increase revenues to break even as fuel costs continue to balloon. 

    Data from the New York Mercantile Exchange reveals that Brent crude oil futures have shot up by 2.43 percent and 7.2 percent in the past five days and the past month, respectively. With the overall trend indicating that fuel prices will continue to climb, PR may continue to suffer staggering losses.

    According to reports, Iran’s refusal to cooperate with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) caused Brent crude oil futures to rise. Iran is the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries’ (OPEC) third-largest crude oil producer, and any developments suggesting a possible drop in oil supply, such as a tightening of sanctions on Iran for not cooperating with the IAEA, cause fuel prices and ultimately train ticket prices to rise.

  • Govt slashes rate of return on national savings schemes

    Govt slashes rate of return on national savings schemes

    The federal government has slashed the rate of return on most national savings schemes, including profit rates from Sharia-compliant financial instruments. According to reports, however, regular savings accounts are excluded from the rate cut, with the profit rate sitting at 9.5 percent.

    Details from reports suggest that Islamabad’s decision to cut profit rates on other instruments is in line with a general reduction in the rate of interest in the recent past. Previously, the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) had hiked up interest rates to combat rampant inflation. This caused interest rates to surge to a staggering 22 percent, attracting many to park their funds in banks. 

    However, interest rates have remained locked in a freefall since June 2024, when interest rates sat at 22 percent, dropping by 1,100 basis points (bps). This caused Islamabad to revise rates on national savings schemes.

    It merits a mention that details of the new rates were passed out via agents and internal channels instead of an official notification. Reports suggest that the Central Directorate of National Savings is the entity responsible for publishing and announcing new rates.

    The rate of return on Regular Income Certificates has fallen to just 11.16 percent after falling by 36bps. Previously, the return on these certificates stood at a respectable 11.52 percent.

    Shuhada Family Welfare and Pensioners Benefit Accounts each witnessed a 24bps cut, with the rate of return declining to 13.2 percent. Behbood Savings Certificates also underwent the same cut in their yield rate.

    Data from reports suggests that the rate of return on Defence Savings Certifi­cates also recorded a decline, falling from 11.91 percent to 11.76 percent. Special Savings Certificates and accounts will now yield the holder a return of only 10.6 percent after logging a decline of 30bps in their rate of return.

    Individuals holding Sharia-compliant instruments will witness the largest drop in their income inflows as the rate of return on Sarwa Islamic Saving Account (SISA) and Sarwa Islamic Term Account (SITA) fell from 10.34 percent to just 9.75 percent.

    The revised rates of return took effect on June 27 2025, before fiscal year (FY) 2025-26 started. Analysts believe that with a decline in returns from national savings schemes, investors might seek other opportunities with a higher rate of return. This could result in a large inflow of funds into the domestic capital market, the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX).

  • Ryanair Cabin Baggage Allowance Changes in 2025: Key Facts

    Ryanair Cabin Baggage Allowance Changes in 2025: Key Facts

    Budget travel across Europe has always been tightly connected to Ryanair, known for its ultra-low fares and strict baggage policies. But in 2025, one of the most significant updates yet is coming to passengers, and it affects anyone planning a trip to Europe, including travelers from the United States.

    The Ryanair cabin baggage allowance changes have sparked global attention because the airline is adjusting its free carry-on size. These changes are linked to a European Union-wide push to standardize cabin bag sizes across airlines, making travel simpler for consumers, but potentially more restrictive.

    Whether planning a backpacking trip through Europe or a weekend city break, understanding Ryanair cabin bag size rules is crucial to avoid surprise fees and hassles at the gate.

     

    What Are the New Ryanair Cabin Bag Sizes?

    Currently, Ryanair passengers can bring one free cabin bag measuring 40 x 25 x 20cm, which holds up to 20 liters. This small, compact bag fits under the seat and is the only free luggage option unless a priority boarding upgrade is purchased.

    But starting late October 2025, this will change to 40 x 30 x 15cm, reducing the volume to 18 liters. While the new bag will be wider, it will also be flatter, potentially affecting how efficiently you pack.

    These new dimensions reflect a broader move by the European Commission, which has pushed all major airlines to adopt consistent carry-on size standards. The idea is to remove confusion for passengers switching between airlines across Europe.

    However, travelers must now rethink their Ryanair cabin bag packing strategy to accommodate the new format.

     

    Why the EU Is Involved in Ryanair’s Luggage Policies

    The upcoming Ryanair cabin baggage allowance changes aren’t random. They’re part of a European Union-wide effort to improve transparency and fairness for travelers. Under pressure from passenger rights groups and regulators, the EU wants to simplify cabin baggage rules.

    By ensuring all airlines, including Ryanair, easyJet, and Wizz Air, offer a uniform free cabin bag size, passengers will know exactly what to expect. That means fewer last-minute fees, less gate drama, and a smoother travel experience.

    But the flip side is that Ryanair is reducing its total cabin bag volume, giving travelers slightly less space than before. Critics argue it’s a hidden way to encourage passengers to upgrade to priority boarding or check-in bags, driving Ryanair baggage prices higher for those needing more space.

     

    Can You Change Your Luggage Allowance on Ryanair?

    Yes, and many travelers do. If the upcoming size feels too limiting, passengers can upgrade their luggage allowance through Ryanair’s website or app. This includes:

    • Priority & 2 Cabin Bags: Allows one underseat bag + a larger cabin bag (55 x 40 x 20cm, up to 10kg).

    • 10kg Check-In Bag: For those needing more room without a full 20kg hold bag.

    • 20kg Check-In Bag: The standard option for extended travel.

    So if you’re wondering, “Can you change your luggage allowance on Ryanair?”, the answer is absolutely, but it comes at a cost. Booking in advance online is always cheaper than waiting until check-in or the airport gate.

     

    Ryanair Baggage Prices: A Closer Look

    Ryanair’s business model thrives on optional extras, and baggage fees are a major part. Here’s what you can expect in 2025:

    • Small bag (underseat): Free (new size 40 x 30 x 15cm from October 2025)

    • Priority with 2 bags: $10–$20 per flight (varies by route and demand)

    • 10kg check-in bag: $15–$30 if booked early; much higher at the airport

    • 20kg check-in bag: $25–$40 depending on route and season

    The upcoming Ryanair cabin baggage allowance changes may lead to more travelers choosing paid options, especially for longer trips. Always compare total costs before assuming a budget fare saves you money.

     

    Ryanair Cabin Bag Packing Tips for the New Size

    Downsizing to a flatter 18-liter bag? These Ryanair cabin bag packing tips will help you make the most of limited space:

    • Roll, don’t fold: Rolled clothes save space and reduce wrinkles.

    • Use compression bags: These flatten clothing to fit into thinner bags.

    • Wear bulky items: Jackets, boots, and sweaters should be worn onboard.

    • Minimalist toiletries: Opt for solids (like shampoo bars) and travel-sized liquids.

    Planning ahead and packing smart will help avoid last-minute repacking at the gate, a common issue among Ryanair passengers.

     

    When Will the Ryanair Cabin Baggage Allowance Changes Happen?

    The official date for the new allowance is October 27, 2025, at the start of the winter aviation season. This gives travelers several months to adjust, especially those booking late-year holidays.

    Importantly, Ryanair is not alone. As a member of Airlines for Europe (A4E), the airline is part of a broader coalition aligning baggage policies across the continent. By the end of summer 2025, nearly every major European budget airline is expected to follow suit.

     

    Why U.S. Travelers Should Care

    For Americans flying into Europe and planning to hop between cities using Ryanair or other low-cost carriers, these baggage policies matter a lot.

    Even if the flight costs just $20, baggage fees can easily double that fare if travelers are unaware of the limits. That’s why knowing the Ryanair cabin bag size and upcoming changes is essential before booking.

    Savvy U.S. travelers often pack ultra-light or prepay for larger allowances, avoiding costly last-minute upgrades at the gate.

     

    Final Thoughts: Stay Ahead of Ryanair’s Rules

    The Ryanair cabin baggage allowance changes in 2025 reflect a shift toward standardization in European travel, but also present new challenges for budget-savvy flyers.

    Whether you’re asking “Can you change your luggage allowance on Ryanair?” or just curious about how strict the rules are, one thing’s clear: planning is key. Stay informed, pack strategically, and always check the latest policies directly on Ryanair’s website before flying.

    This small bit of research can save time, money, and frustration, especially when navigating Europe’s busy skies from the U.S. For more details on the controversy, check out the full story on the Indian TV host accusing Trump of accepting a crypto bribe from Pakistan.

  • British travel vlogger compares Pakistan with India and his conclusion is heartwarming

    British travel vlogger compares Pakistan with India and his conclusion is heartwarming

    British travel vlogger Isaac Elam recently shared what he really thinks about travelling in Pakistan and India while answering questions from his Instagram followers in a special YouTube Q&A video. 

    Isaac admitted that before visiting Pakistan he was nervous because of what he had always heard about the country. 

    “I think that’s mostly because of the news and the western media,” he said. “A lot of friends and family were actually worried and nervous about me coming over. When you’re shown things like terrorism and danger, of course they say don’t go.”

    Isaac did not let the fear stop him. He explored Islamabad, Lahore and the breathtaking northern areas, calling it one of the best trips of his life.

    “Pakistan is actually one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been to,” he said. “I can now quite easily say I’ve recommended Pakistan to every single one of my friends and family. Even family that were scared and nervous about me going now want to visit.”

    “I have never experienced hospitality like Pakistan. The taxi drivers refused my money. Restaurants did not want to take money from me. People were so kind, so gentle and generous. That’s something we don’t have back home,” Isaac shared.

    One of the questions he was asked was about comparing  Pakistan to India. Isaac spent six weeks in India before his Pakistan trip and did not hold back his thoughts.

    “Before I visited, I thought India and Pakistan were very similar. But they are not. They are absolutely nothing alike,” he stated firmly. 

    He described landing in Delhi as an intense and overwhelming experience. Emphasising that he meant no disrespect, he said, “Delhi is very dirty, smells a lot and everyone’s trying to rip you off. It’s quite a busy place to land for the first time and you really need to be prepared.”

    On the other hand, Islamabad left him shocked.

    “Islamabad is so clean, so quiet and everybody is very gentle. No one’s trying to get money off you. It is peaceful and a really nice introduction to the country,” he said.

    Talking about scams, he shared a brutal truth about India. “In India there are a lot of scams. It just seems part of the culture that people are trying to take your money. In Pakistan, maybe a shopkeeper hikes the price a bit but people try to give you things for free. You won’t ever get a free taxi in India. But in Pakistan, it happens.”

    Isaac praised both countries for their natural beauty but said Pakistan’s north took the top spot for him.

    “The flight into Skardu is unbelievable. You can see K2 out your window. There is a cold desert, rivers, mountains and Fairy Meadows is truly heaven on earth,” he stated with a smile. 

    He did face one cultural reality check when he wore shorts and a t-shirt in a small northern village and locals reminded him to respect the local customs. Isaac said it was a good lesson in being mindful as a traveler.

    In his Q&A, Isaac also spoke about using his voice when he and his friends discovered that a hotel (Lexus Hunza) was allegedly dumping sewage into Lake Attabad.

    “This has not changed my opinion on Pakistan at all. Pakistan is an incredible place. Some things just need to be fixed. I am glad we could use our platform in a positive way to speak up,” he said.

    Western media tried to keep him away but now Isaac says Pakistan is on top of his list for travelers in 2025.

    “If I could, I would take a flight tomorrow,” he said. “Pakistan is one of the best countries I have ever traveled to, potentially number one. The people, the places, the hospitality, it is unmatched. I want to show the world how incredible the Pakistani people are.”