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  • Shaheen Afridi, Sikandar Raza allegedly breach PSL security protocols; inquiry on the cards

    Shaheen Afridi, Sikandar Raza allegedly breach PSL security protocols; inquiry on the cards

    An inquiry has been sought after an alleged breach of security protocols involving Lahore Qalandars players Sikandar Raza and Shaheen Shah Afridi during the ongoing Pakistan Super League Season 11 in Lahore.

    Lahore Deputy Inspector-General of Police (Operations) Muhammad Faisal raised the issue with the PSL chief executive officer and called for action to prevent such incidents in the future.

    In a letter, the DIG referred to a report from the superintendent of police (operations), Civil Lines Division, stating that the incident took place on March 28, 2026, at the team hotel where all PSL sides stay under strict security arrangements.

    According to the report, the Lahore Qalandars liaison officer approached PCB Security and Anti-Corruption Manager Lt Col (retd) Akhtar Hussain at around 10:35pm and requested permission for Raza’s four relatives to visit his room. Officials rejected the request under existing security protocols.

    The letter stated that Lahore Qalandars owner Sameen Rana later put forward the same request, which officials also declined on security grounds.

    Despite the refusal, at around 11:05pm, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Sikandar Raza escorted the four visitors to Raza’s room, overriding  security staff. The visitors stayed there until approximately 1:25am.

    The DIG described the incident as a clear violation of PCB security protocols and the code of conduct, which aim to ensure the safety of players and officials. He urged the PSL management to review the matter at the appropriate forum and take necessary action.

    Meanwhile, Sikandar Raza has clarified his position and accepted responsibility during a post match press conference on Sunday.

    “Shaheen Shah Afridi did not act on his own. He went on my request—I was the one who asked him because my family had arrived. Nothing like this happened in the past four years. If any change has occurred [in SOPs], I am not aware of it. The one responsible for this entire matter is sitting right in front of you: Sikandar Raza,” he said.

    Raza added, “One thing should be remembered that by birth I am a Pakistani and (a) few family members will come to meet me.”

    He further explained the situation, saying, “The (previous) protocols were that I couldn’t go out of the hotel, but I could meet my family members, close cousins and friends in the hotel.”

    “The four friends, who came yesterday, I have known them personally for a long time, so it was nice to see them. I wasn’t aware of this (the security protocols),” he said.

    Raza also said he took the visitors to his room to select cricket bats they had brought with them.

  • PM says fuel stocks sufficient to meet national demand

    PM says fuel stocks sufficient to meet national demand

    Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has said that the country’s petroleum reserves are sufficient enough to meet national demand, while calling on citizens to limit non-essential travel and shift to teleconferencing at workplaces to conserve fuel, while chairing a meeting on the implementation of fuel conservation and austerity measures in the context of the ongoing (United states) US-Israel war on Iran. 

    The prime minister said that fuel stocks remained stable “due to timely government decisions” and stressed continued monitoring of the supply chain.

    The statement comes as global oil markets face pressure following the Middle East conflict, which has disrupted supply routes, including concerns linked to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. The situation has contributed to higher international fuel prices, increasing strain on countries reliant on imports.

    Officials noted that the government had introduced a set of austerity measures in recent weeks. These include cuts in development spending, curbs on non-essential expenditures and steps aimed at managing energy consumption. Petroleum prices were also raised earlier this month, though the government absorbed part of the increase.

    According to the Prime Minister’s Office, the premier said that public relief remained a priority and added that support measures had been extended over the past three weeks. He said that Rs125 billion had been arranged through savings and reductions in development allocations to limit further increases in fuel prices.

    The government is also working on a targeted subsidy mechanism for low-income groups, including motorcycle riders and rickshaw drivers. The prime minister directed provincial authorities to assist owners in registering their vehicles in their own names to improve documentation and allow access to future relief programmes.

    He further instructed officials to strengthen coordination with chief secretaries of all provinces, as well as Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan, to ensure uniform implementation of conservation measures.

    During the meeting, officials said that fuel demand and supply were being tracked through a digital dashboard, with the supply chain under continuous observation. They added that import arrangements for April had been finalised to maintain availability.

    A briefing was also given on a proposed mobile application-based fuel support system for two- and three-wheeler users, aimed at digitising subsidy distribution and improving transparency.

  • Fakhar Zaman charged with level 3 offence for ‘ball tampering’ against Karachi

    Fakhar Zaman charged with level 3 offence for ‘ball tampering’ against Karachi

    Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has charged Lahore Qalandars batter Fakhar Zaman with a Level 3 offence during the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 11 over ball tampering charges. 

    In an official statement, the PCB confirmed that Fakhar violated Article 41.3 of the PSL playing conditions, which relates to changing the condition of the ball.

    The board stated that the charge concerns interference with the ball’s condition during the match.

    Match referee Roshan Mahanama conducted the initial disciplinary hearing. Fakhar Zaman denied the charge during the proceedings.

    The PCB said that further hearings will be held within the next 48 hours. The match referee will announce the final decision after completing the process.

    The incident took place during the sixth match of HBL PSL 11 when Karachi Kings were batting. Lahore Qalandars received a five-run penalty after officials found an issue with the ball’s condition.

    In the same match played in Lahore, Karachi Kings defeated Lahore Qalandars by four wickets.

    Lahore Qalandars scored 128 for nine in their 20 overs. Karachi Kings chased the 129-run target in the final over with six wickets down.

  • Unlock your phone or face criminalises jail: New law refusal to share passwords with police

    Unlock your phone or face criminalises jail: New law refusal to share passwords with police

    Authorities in Hong Kong can now require individuals to hand over passwords for electronic devices under changes linked to the national security framework, with penalties for non-compliance and for providing incorrect information.

    Under the updated rules, law enforcement officers in Hong Kong can demand access to phones and computers from individuals suspected of offences under the law. Refusal to provide passwords or decryption assistance can result in up to one year in prison and a fine of up to HK$100,000 (around $12,700). Providing “false or misleading information” can lead to a prison term of up to three years and a fine of up to HK$500,000.

    The changes were introduced through amendments to a bylaw under Hong Kong’s national security law. The law itself was introduced in Hong Kong in 2020 following large-scale protests the previous year.

    Officials in Hong Kong said that the amendmentswould ensure that “activities endangering national security can be effectively prevented, suppressed and punished, and at the same time the lawful rights and interests of individuals and organisations are adequately protected”.

    The updated provisions also allow customs authorities in Hong Kong to seize items they consider to have “seditious intention”.

    The announcement was made by Hong Kong’s leader John Lee, bypassing the legislative council.

    The United States Department of State issued a warning following the changes, stating that the rules apply broadly to anyone present in Hong Kong. “It is now a criminal offense to refuse to give the Hong Kong police the passwords or decryption assistance to access all personal electronic devices including cellphones and laptops. This legal change applies to everyone, including U.S. citizens, in Hong Kong, arriving or just transiting Hong Kong International Airport,” the department said.

    The department also cautioned that even passengers passing through Hong Kong International Airport could be subject to device searches.

    Authorities in Hong Kong have maintained that the national security law targets acts such as terrorism, secession, subversion and collusion with external forces. However, critics have said the provisions cover a wide range of offences that are not clearly defined.

  • Vishal Dadlani faces calls for removal from Indian Idol after meeting Pakistani journalist

    Vishal Dadlani faces calls for removal from Indian Idol after meeting Pakistani journalist

    Indian singer and music composer Vishal Dadlani has come under fire on social media after a video showed him meeting a Pakistani journalist.

    According to reports, the video surfaced online after it was recorded in London, where Dadlani appeared in a casual conversation with Pakistani journalist Safina Khan. The clip quickly went viral, triggering a strong reaction from Indian trolls. 

    Several users criticised the singer and demanded his removal from the popular reality show Indian Idol. Some extremists also called for a boycott of the channel airing the show.

    One user wrote, “Remove Vishal Dadlani From Indian Idol @SonyTV.”

    Other reactions included, “How can someone be so shameless ” and “the biggest anti-Indian I have ever seen.”

    Calls for a broader boycott also surfaced online, with one user writing, “Boycott Sony TV, for their anti-national agenda.”

    Dadlani, however, has not issued any detailed response so fa.

  • Terror attacks in KP decline 65 percent as cross-border operation continues

    Terror attacks in KP decline 65 percent as cross-border operation continues

    Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) has seen terrorism incidents fall by 65 percent since the launch of Operation Ghazab-lil-Haq, an official document has revealed.

    Data showed that 240 incidents were reported in the province before the operation, while only 80 have been recorded since its launch.

    According to the document, the highest number of incidents, 48, this year was reported in the ninth week. After the launch of the operation, the number dropped to 12 in the twelfth week.

    It added that 42 incidents were reported in the tenth week and 29 in the eleventh week, bringing the total number of terrorism incidents in the province this year to 323.

    Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry said that targeting militants and their hideouts in Afghanistan led to the reduction in attacks, adding that terrorism would be eliminated from the country at all costs.

    He stated that masterminds behind attacks in Islamabad and Bannu were also killed during Operation Ghazab-lil-Haq.

    KP Chief Secretary Shahab Ali Shah said the operation had an impact on the law and order situation in the province, adding that actions against militants would continue.

    He noted that the reduction in incidents was due to the performance of the Pakistan Army, police and other law enforcement agencies.

  • Tiger Woods released on bail after DUI charge in Florida car crash

    Tiger Woods released on bail after DUI charge in Florida car crash

    Golf superstar Tiger Woods was released on bail on Friday after being charged with driving under the influence following a car crash in Florida, local police have said.

    The 15-time major winner got arrested after his Land Rover rolled over in a collision with a pick-up truck towing a trailer while he attempted to overtake it on Jupiter Island. Authorities said Woods walked away from the accident unhurt.

    Arresting officers described the 50-year-old as “lethargic” during questioning at the scene. He later refused to submit to a urine test, according to police.

    The driver of the other vehicle, who had been slowing down to turn into a driveway off the two-lane road, also escaped without injury.

    Officials said Woods also faced charges of property damage and refusal to submit to a lawful test.

    Woods has faced several driving-related incidents in the past. In 2021, he suffered multiple leg injuries after a serious car crash in California and underwent emergency surgery. He remained sidelined for 15 months and has since dealt with recurring injury setbacks.

    In 2017, he was arrested on suspicion of DUI offences in Florida and later pleaded guilty to reckless driving after prescription drugs were found in his system.

    In 2009, he crashed his car into a fire hydrant and a tree outside his home, an incident that triggered major public attention.

    The latest incident comes after Woods returned to competitive action for the first time in over a year during the indoor TGL competition earlier this week. He had also expressed hope of being fit enough to play at the Masters next month.

  • ‘Don’t force me to speak about…’: Umar Akmal expresses frustration over PSL auction exclusion

    ‘Don’t force me to speak about…’: Umar Akmal expresses frustration over PSL auction exclusion

    Former Pakistani middle-order batter Umar Akmal has expressed frustration after his name did not appear in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2026 auction list, saying he even reached out to franchises and league officials for clarification.

    Speaking during a recent podcast, Akmal said he made direct efforts to ensure his inclusion in the draft and even contacted key officials regarding the issue.

    “This is my phone. I can even open WhatsApp and show you which franchises I was in contact with. They were saying that my name was not showing on the screen, so how could they pick me in the auction? This is what I am talking about,” he said, further claiming that he personally registered ahead of the auction but still found his name missing from the final list.

    “I personally went and got my name registered. There were around 850 players in total, but my name was not included. My wife even told me that my name was not showing. I had an argument with her about it,” he added.

    Akmal said he contacted Pakistan Super League officials, including Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Salman Naseer, to resolve the issue. “During the auction… I am ready to say it… I was in contact with several franchises through WhatsApp messages and calls. I even contacted Salman Naseer, the PSL CEO, via calls and messages. ‘For God’s sake, just include my name. If no team wants to pick me, that’s fine but at least let my name appear’.”

    “Don’t force me to speak about things that could hurt the little cricket remaining in our system because fans are already a bit disappointed,” he added.

    The cricketer also spoke about his family’s support during difficult phases of his career, saying his wife and children continued to encourage him despite setbacks.

    Umar Akmal has recently been active on social media, posting training clips, but he has not featured in any major domestic competitions in recent years.

    During his international career, Akmal represented Pakistan across all formats. 

    He played 16 Test matches and scored 1,003 runs, including three centuries. In One Day Internationals, he featured in 121 matches and scored 3,194 runs with two centuries. In T20 Internationals, he played 84 matches and scored 1,690 runs.

  • Hamza Ali Abbasi denies involvement in sister Fazeela Abbasi’s money laundering case

    Hamza Ali Abbasi denies involvement in sister Fazeela Abbasi’s money laundering case

    Actor Hamza Ali Abbasi has issued a statement after his name was linked to a money laundering case involving his sister Dr Fazeela Abbasi.

    “I am not under any investigation by any agency, nor am I part of this case in any capacity, and I would like to clarify this briefly,” Hamza Ali Abbasi wrote in an Instagram post.

    He added that recent media coverage had created the impression that he was connected to the matter, which he described as incorrect.

    “My sister is a highly accomplished professional with her own extremely successful career. She is my family, and I stand by her with love and support during this time. I have full confidence in her integrity, and I believe her side of the story deserves to be heard. I am also confident that our institutions will ensure justice is done and that the truth will prevail. At the same time, her professional and legal matters are entirely separate from me.”

    He also requested that his name not be associated with the case in future media coverage, warning that continued linkage could result in legal action.

    Dr Fazeela Abbasi faces two separate cases filed by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) related to alleged money laundering and the operation of an unregistered clinic. One case has been lodged with the Commercial Banking Circle, while the other has been initiated by the Anti-Corruption Wing. 

    According to FIA documents, large sums, including foreign currency, were transferred abroad through accounts not fully declared in tax records. Authorities also noted discrepancies in financial documentation and said explanations provided were not deemed satisfactory. The cases remain sub judice.

    Earlier, a special central court in Islamabad rejected the interim bail application of Fazeela Abbasi in connection with money laundering, hawala/hundi and suspicious financial transactions.

  • ‘Nasli dalali’: Khawaja Asif responds to Jaishankar’s remarks

    ‘Nasli dalali’: Khawaja Asif responds to Jaishankar’s remarks

    Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has responded to Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar’s remarks about Pakistan, calling him a “nasli dalali” while addressing criticism over Islamabad’s reported diplomatic role.

    His comments came after Jaishankar, during an all-party meeting on the West Asia crisis, said, “We are not a dalaal (broker) nation,” while referring to Pakistan’s reported involvement in potential United States (US)–Iran talks.

    Reacting to the statement, Asif questioned India’s diplomatic record, saying that Jaishankar comes from a family of diplomats and that “dalali (brokerage) is in their blood.”

    He said that Pakistan’s role has been to facilitate dialogue and bring parties to the table, adding that such efforts should not be misrepresented.

    Referring to India’s past attempts to position itself as a mediator during the Ukraine–Russia war, Asif said those efforts did not produce results and the claims made at the time did not match the ground reality.

    He further stated that India’s leadership, including Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi and senior ministers, had failed on both diplomatic and military fronts in relation to Pakistan.

    Asif added that the image built around India’s leadership had gradually weakened.

    Jaishankar had also said there was “nothing new” about Pakistan’s role, adding that the country had been “used” by the United States since 1981.

    The remarks came amid reports that Pakistan could host talks between the United States and Iran, with US President Donald Trump indicating support for Islamabad’s involvement.