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  • Carlos Brathwaite debunks Indian propaganda about Usman Tariq, asks Elon Musk to demonetise X accounts

    Carlos Brathwaite debunks Indian propaganda about Usman Tariq, asks Elon Musk to demonetise X accounts

    Former West Indies all-rounder Carlos Brathwaite has condemned false statements attributed to him regarding Pakistan spinner Usman Tariq’s bowling action, which circulated widely on social media through Indian-origin accounts.

    A fabricated quote linked to Brathwaite’s name spread across social media platforms, claiming the former cricketer passed the controversial statement while commentating during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 match between England and West Indies. 

    The fake statement suggested Brathwaite advised India to bat first in their upcoming fixture against Pakistan on February 15 and instructed them to retaliate if Tariq “chucks.”

    “India should bat first on 15th and see what Usman Tariq does. If he chucks, don’t step back. Tell your guns to chuck too. Give what you get. As simple as that,” an account with the username RCB_HIvv3 quoted Brathwaite as saying.

    The post caught Brathwaite’s attention, prompting an immediate response from the commentator who firmly denied making any such statement.

    “I’ll be reporting this. Where are the quotes? When did you say this?” Brathwaite questioned in his reply.

    The former West Indies captain, clearly frustrated by the orchestrated misinformation campaign, issued a stern warning to the user against deleting the false post. The post has since been removed from the platform.

    “This is disingenuous, false and nasty of you,” Brathwaite wrote, calling out the user directly.

    Taking the matter further, Brathwaite tagged Twitter owner Elon Musk, demanding action against accounts spreading fabricated quotes. 

    “Your platform needs to start demonetizing people that post fake quotes and attribute them to public figures. They can post what they want, get called out and take down the post. 296k people have seen this and formed an opinion of a baseless claim,” he stated.

    Many Indians including some so-called cricket analysts, have been spreading propaganda targeting Usman Tariq, who has represented Pakistan in four T20 Internationals. The spinner has faced persistent scrutiny over his bowling action despite repeatedly clearing official assessments and explainations about his rare medical condition.

    Tariq has been reported for a suspect bowling action twice during his early career but received clearance on both occasions. Last year, an ICC-accredited biomechanics lab gave him approval after examining 24 deliveries.

    According to cricket’s laws, a bowler’s arm can bend up to a maximum of 15 degrees while bowling. Tariq, known for his slingy action, maintains his delivery falls well within these limits due to the unique structure of his elbow.

    “There are two corners on my elbow which make it hard for me to straighten fully,” Tariq explained previously.

    “As you can see from history, whenever spinners faced allegations of chucking, they went to the lab, tried to modify their action, and worked on the correct degree of flexion. That sometimes confuses spectators. I have undergone two official tests in Pakistan, and my action was cleared. Unlike others, I didn’t have to change anything. I was confident because I know I am not throwing,” the spinner stated.

    The false narrative surrounding Tariq’s bowling action appears to intensify ahead of major Pakistan-India encounter on February 15, with coordinated social media campaigns attempting to undermine his legitimacy as a bowler.

  • Check your CNIC or risk losing your mobile service, PTA warns

    Check your CNIC or risk losing your mobile service, PTA warns

    Mobile phone users across Pakistan have been advised to verify their identity records to avoid suspension of services, following an advisory issued by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA).

    According to the PTA, mobile services can be blocked if SIM cards are registered against national identity cards that have expired, cancelled, or belong to deceased individuals. The regulator said the measure is aimed at addressing misuse linked to unverified or outdated registration records.

    The National Database and Registration Authority has also urged citizens to review the status of their Computerised National Identity Cards (CNICs). 

    In its advisory, the PTA said citizens should ensure that their identity documents remain valid and correctly linked to their mobile numbers to prevent service disruption. It added that SIMs registered under the identity of a deceased person must either be transferred or deactivated in line with existing procedures.

    To avoid suspension, citizens have been advised to renew expired CNICs through the PakID mobile application, NADRA Registration Centres, or designated eSahulat franchises. 

    In cases where a CNIC holder has passed away, family members have been instructed to initiate cancellation of the identity card through the same channels. 


    Separately, the PTA has reiterated its policy regarding inactive SIM cards. The regulator earlier warned that SIMs which remain unused for a period of six months are liable to be blocked. Under existing regulations, telecom operators are authorised to deactivate SIMs that show no record of calls, text messages, or internet usage for 180 consecutive days.

  • Two Pakistanis charged in $10m US healthcare fraud case

    Two Pakistanis charged in $10m US healthcare fraud case

    Two Pakistani nationals have been indicted in the United States of America on charges of being involved in a health care fraud scheme that prosecutors say caused losses of about $10 million to Medicare and private insurance programmes.

    The indictment was announced by the US Department of Justice on Thursday and was returned by a federal grand jury in Chicago. The accused were identified as Burhan Mirza, 31, and Kashif Iqbal, 48.

    According to the indictment, the case relates to fraudulent billing for medical services and equipment that were never provided. Prosecutors said the alleged scheme was operated during 2023 and 2024 and relied on nominee-owned laboratories and durable medical equipment providers to submit claims to insurers.

    Court documents state that Mirza, who is a resident of Pakistan, obtained identifying information of individuals and health care providers without their knowledge. This information was then used to support false insurance claims submitted to Medicare and private insurance programmes.

    Iqbal, who lived in Lavon, is accused of laundering proceeds generated through the scheme and coordinating the transfer of funds from the United States to Pakistan. The indictment further alleges that he was linked to several durable medical equipment companies that submitted fraudulent claims to insurance providers.

    Prosecutors said the individuals affected by the scheme were often US citizens of Pakistani origin. The indictment describes these victims as people whose identities were used without consent to facilitate the submission of false claims.

    The case also names three other individuals who have already pleaded guilty in connection with the same scheme. They were identified as Mir Akbar Khan, 57, of West Chicago; Fasiur Rahman Syed, 47, of Chicago; and Navaid Rasheed, 43, of Plano, Texas. All three are currently awaiting sentencing in federal court. 

    Commenting on the case, Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche said in a statement: “Rooting out fraud is a priority for this Justice Department.”

    US Attorney Andrew S. Boutros, whose office is handling the prosecution in the Northern District of Illinois, said: “The defendants didn’t just steal from a government programme; they stole from taxpayers who fund the promise of healthcare in this country.”

    According to the charges outlined in the indictment, Mirza faces 12 counts of health care fraud and five counts of money laundering. Iqbal has been charged with 12 counts of health care fraud, six counts of money laundering and one count of making a false statement to law enforcement.

  • Food influencer dies after eating poisonous ‘devil crab’ in viral video

    Food influencer dies after eating poisonous ‘devil crab’ in viral video

    A Filipino social media food influencer lost her life after consuming a poisonous devil crab while filming content for her online audience.

    Emma Amit, 51, created food videos by visiting different locations and showcasing various cuisines on platforms like Facebook and TikTok. 

    According to reports, on February 4, she went with friends to collect seafood from a mangrove forest near her home, bringing back shellfish to prepare content for her followers.

    After boiling and cooking the seafood, Amit picked up a devil crab and ate it on camera to show her viewers. The decision proved fatal.

    The following day, neighbors reported that Amit had fallen critically ill. They rushed her to a local clinic where she began experiencing seizures and her lips turned deep blue. Medical staff immediately transferred her to a hospital for emergency treatment.

    Despite medical intervention, Amit fought on for two more days before passing away on February 6.

    According to the Smithsonian Institution, devil crabs inhabit coral reefs throughout the Indo-Pacific region. The species contains powerful neurotoxins similar to those found in pufferfish, making them extremely dangerous for human consumption.

    Devil crabs get their name from their toxic nature rather than their appearance. The neurotoxins they carry can cause severe neurological symptoms including seizures, respiratory failure, and cardiac arrest. 

    Local authorities have not commented on whether warnings about devil crabs exist in the area where Amit collected the seafood.

  • ‘Extremely difficult for a parent’: Misbah ul Haq on watching son Faham go unsold in PSL auction

    ‘Extremely difficult for a parent’: Misbah ul Haq on watching son Faham go unsold in PSL auction

    Former Pakistan captain Misbah ul Haq faced an emotionally challenging situation during the Pakistan Super League (PSL) player auction when his son Faham ul Haq went unsold while he sat on the Peshawar Zalmi selection panel.

    Misbah served as part of the Zalmi auction team responsible for selecting players. His son Faham, a talented cricketer, entered the auction pool with a base price of 60 lakhs but failed to attract any bids from the franchises.

    Reporters questioned Misbah about the difficulty of witnessing his son’s name pass without selection while sitting among the decision-makers.

    “This is one of those questions where you have to pause and stay quiet. Obviously, if someone is talented and performing, whichever team it is will notice. When his time comes, he will play. It is very difficult for a parent, extremely difficult, to reach a stage like this and watch everything unfold. At that moment, you try to stay neutral and avoid making decisions based on emotions,” Misbah responded.

    The former Test captain emphasized his belief in merit-based selection and earning opportunities through performance rather than relationships. “But I believe that when you perform, your time comes. You earn things through your performances, and that is when it truly feels rewarding,” he added.

    Many observers questioned why Misbah did not use his position with Zalmi to secure his son’s selection at the modest base price. 

    The auction, held on Wednesday in Lahore, marked the first of its kind for the PSL as the league expanded to eight teams with the addition of Hyderabad Houston Kingsman and Sialkot Stallionz.

  • Security guard arrested after woman killed in ATM shooting

    Security guard arrested after woman killed in ATM shooting

    The fatal shooting of a woman inside an ATM booth in Karachi’s Paposh Nagar area has been captured on CCTV cameras, a private media outlet reported. 


    According to investigators, the suspect, a security guard, allegedly lured the woman to the ATM on the pretext of handing her money. The footage shows the woman walking towards the booth, where the suspect was already present.


    Police said the guard had asked her to meet him there, claiming he would give her cash. As soon as she entered the ATM enclosure, he allegedly opened fire, injuring her.

    Despite being wounded, the woman tried to run for her life. However, the suspect fired two additional shots at her from behind, investigators said.

    The guard was later arrested. In his preliminary statement to police, he claimed that he had been in a relationship with the woman and alleged that she was blackmailing him over a video. He also told investigators that she had previously borrowed Rs50,000 from him and was demanding more money.

    After the shooting, the injured woman was rushed to Abbasi Shaheed Hospital and later shifted to Civil Hospital Karachi, where she succumbed to her injuries during treatment.

  • Shahid Afridi says Ahmed Shehzad, Umar Akmal deserve to play PSL

    Shahid Afridi says Ahmed Shehzad, Umar Akmal deserve to play PSL

    Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has strongly criticised the exclusion of Ahmed Shehzad and Umar Akmal from the Pakistan Super League (PSL), stating that both players deserve opportunities in franchise cricket.

    Speaking on a television show, Afridi expressed disappointment over how domestic cricketers with proven track records continue to face neglect despite their continued involvement in the game.

    “I think and I believe that when we completely ignore certain players, it becomes an issue. I was hoping that after two new teams came in, some of our domestic cricketers would get a chance. I think it’s important to mention this here. I’ve said it before and I’m saying it again, whether it’s Umar Akmal or Ahmed Shehzad,” Afridi said.

    He emphasised that both cricketers remain active in training and practice sessions, maintaining their fitness and skills.

    “They are still playing continuously. They are visible in practice sessions. They are seen in training. These boys deserve respect. Both of them have delivered outstanding performances in the past. They are quality players, quality cricketers. I don’t think they should be ignored this much. They should have been given a chance,” the former all-rounder stated, adding that the two must, however, play domestic cricket first.

    Afridi went further, declaring that he would personally pick both players if he led a team. 

    “If I were leading a team, I would definitely take these two players with me. The thing is, senior players sometimes need to be handled differently. If there are attitude issues, you have to understand that not every child in a household is the same. You deal with everyone differently. In my opinion, it’s about knowing how to manage them,” he explained.

    The 44-year-old drew from his own experience as captain, highlighting the importance of man-management in dealing with talented but temperamental players. “When I was captain and handling players like this, I knew exactly how to manage them and how to deal with others. This is what man-management is at this level. When people talk about coaching, this is real coaching. Knowing a player’s strengths, knowing his weaknesses, and then coordinating with him accordingly. You manage him and bring the best performance out of him,” Afridi said.

    He reinforced his belief in tailored management approaches for different personalities. “That is the core of it, how to get performances from such players. I have always strongly believed in player-management. Everyone has a different method, but you must know how to get work done from which player and in what way. That’s why I believe Umar Akmal and Ahmed Shehzad should have been part of at least one franchise team,” he concluded.

    The comments come amid vocal frustration from the supporters of both players. Kamran Akmal recently voiced his anger after his brother Umar’s name did not appear in the PSL player auction despite registering for the event.

    The situation took an emotional turn when Ahmed Shehzad broke down in tears during a live television show while discussing his PSL snub. Speaking on a private channel, Shehzad admitted that watching his former teammates take the field while he remained unpicked left him deeply hurt.

    PSL 11 will feature eight teams for the first time, with new franchises Hyderabad Houston Kingsman and Sialkot Stallionz joining the competition. Multan Sultans, sold for Rs 2.45 billion after previous owner Ali Tareen left the team, have been renamed Rawalpindi.

    The tournament will run from March 26 to May 3, 2026.

  • PMDC draws line on private medical fees, excess amounts to be refunded

    PMDC draws line on private medical fees, excess amounts to be refunded

    The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) on Thursday said any fee charged by private medical and dental colleges beyond the approved cap would be refunded to students or adjusted in the following academic year, reiterating that enforcement of the fee policy would continue across the country.

    Speaking to reporters, PMDC President Prof Dr Rizwan Taj said that the regulator remained committed to ensuring compliance with the recently agreed fee structure. PMDC Registrar Dr Rehan Asghar Naqvi was also present during the media interaction.

    The clarification follows an agreement between the PMDC and the Pakistan Association of Private Medical and Dental Institutions (PAMI) to cap annual tuition fees for private medical and dental colleges at Rs1.8 million. Under the agreement, institutions will be allowed a maximum increase of 5 percent for the 2025–26 academic session, while future adjustments will be linked to the Consumer Price Index.

    According to the framework shared by the PMDC, the maximum profit margin permissible for private institutions will be 20 percent of revenue. Colleges will not be allowed to charge tuition fees exceeding the approved cap. Any amount charged beyond the limit without prior approval will invite regulatory action.

    Dr Taj said the PMDC was monitoring private medical and dental colleges to ensure full implementation of the fee policy. Responding to concerns that some institutions were still charging fees above the cap, he said the regulator had taken notice of the issue. “Every aspiring student deserves access to medical and dental education,” he said.

    He added that the council had repeatedly issued public notices and awareness messages advising students and parents not to pay any amount beyond the approved fee. Dr Taj said strict action had already been taken against institutions found in violation of the policy, including the issuance of show-cause notices to 12 medical and dental colleges.

    He noted that some of the institutions had approached courts, making the matter sub judice. Despite the legal proceedings, he said an agreement had been reached with PAMI under which the institutions would withdraw litigation and provide relief to students.

    Dr Taj said a follow-up meeting with PAMI was scheduled for later this month to review implementation of the agreement. During the meeting, a mechanism would be discussed for institutions seeking an enhanced fee cap of up to Rs2.5 million. He said any such request would require submission of detailed financial justifications to the PMDC.

  • BNP wins big in first post-uprising election in Bangladesh; Pakistani leadership congratulates

    BNP wins big in first post-uprising election in Bangladesh; Pakistani leadership congratulates

    The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) secured a sweeping victory in parliamentary elections, local television channels reported on Friday, handing the party a decisive mandate in what many view as a critical moment for restoring political stability in the South Asian country.

    Thursday’s vote marked Bangladesh’s first national election since the 2024 Gen Z-led uprising that brought an end to long-time premier Sheikh Hasina’s rule.


     A clear result was widely seen as essential for stability in the Muslim-majority nation of 175 million, after months of violent anti-Hasina protests disrupted daily life and affected key sectors, including the apparel industry in the world’s second-largest garment exporter.

    It was also the first national poll in the region following youth-driven revolts led by under-30s, with neighbouring Nepal set to go to the polls next month.

    Pre-election surveys had indicated an advantage for the BNP, and the results appeared to reflect those projections. According to Jamuna TV, the BNP-led alliance won 209 seats, securing a two-thirds majority in the 300-member Jatiya Sangsad, or House of the Nation.

    Soon after gaining a majority in the overnight count, the party thanked voters and called for special prayers for the country’s welfare. 


    In a statement, the BNP urged supporters not to hold celebratory rallies or processions despite the scale of the victory, instead encouraging prayers at mosques, temples, churches, and pagodas nationwide.

    The party is headed by Tarique Rahman, 60, a leading candidate for prime minister and the son of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia and former President Ziaur Rahman. 


    The BNP’s campaign focused on financial support for low-income families, introducing a 10-year term limit for the prime minister’s office, attracting foreign investment to boost the economy, and strengthening anti-corruption measures.

    President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif congratulated the BNP and its leader on their electoral success. According to the Presidency, President Zardari also congratulated the people of Bangladesh for the peaceful conduct of the polls across 299 constituencies, with more than 127 million registered voters participating.

    Reiterating Pakistan’s support for Bangladesh’s sovereignty and democratic aspirations, the president said Islamabad looked forward to working with the new government to enhance cooperation in trade, defence, cultural exchanges, and regional platforms.


    President Zardari said the elections in Bangladesh mark an opportunity for South Asia to move beyond past phases in which regional cooperation, including within SAARC, was held hostage by India, which continues to paralyse the great forum that was born in Bangladesh in 1985.

    He expressed the hope that the new political environment in Dhaka would contribute to more balanced, independent, and mutually respectful engagement across the region.

    The president conveyed his best wishes for the continued stability, progress, and prosperity of Bangladesh.

    Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in a separate message on X, said: “I extend my warmest felicitations to Mr. Tarique Rahman on leading the BNP to a resounding victory in the Parliamentary elections in Bangladesh. I also congratulate the people of Bangladesh on the successful conduct of the elections.”

    The PM said he looked forward to working closely with the new Bangladesh leadership further to strengthen our historic, brotherly, multifaceted bilateral relations and advance our shared goals of peace, stability, and development in South Asia and beyond.

  • Pakistani fan confronts Australian content creator with sandpaper for trolling Usman Tariq

    Pakistani fan confronts Australian content creator with sandpaper for trolling Usman Tariq

    A Pakistani cricket fan confronted an Australian social media content creator at the T20 World Cup venue after videos emerged of the Australian mocking Pakistan bowler Usman Tariq’s bowling action.

    Saud Zohaib Muhammad approached Jake Jeakings at the ground following Pakistan’s match against USA, where a viral video showed Jeakings and others mimicking Tariq’s bowling style in a mocking manner.

    The encounter, captured on video, began cordially before taking a heated turn. Muhammad introduced himself as a fan from Pakistan and mentioned he had a gift for Jeakings.

    “Oh, what’s the gift? Let me get some sandpaper,” Jeakings responded, referencing the infamous ball-tampering scandal involving the Australian cricket team.

    Muhammad then produced sandpaper, which immediately provoked a physical reaction from Jeakings. The Australian began pushing Muhammad, telling him not to approach him like that. Muhammad responded by asking him to stop pushing and to stop trolling Pakistani players.

    In a follow-up video addressing the incident, Muhammad explained his actions and motivations.

    “So yesterday, the way I caught Jack, that Australian fan, he always talks like this about Pakistani players, especially Usman Tariq. Brother, first learn about his background. Properly research his story first, then make videos. After that, get as many views as you want. But without proof, you cannot troll someone, you cannot mock someone,” Muhammad said.

    He defended his decision to use the sandpaper as a symbolic gesture. “Anyway, I showed him the mirror. Last night, by showing him sandpaper. And now he’ll be calm. Honestly, when I showed him the sandpaper, he completely lost it. I’m telling the truth. He got furious and started arguing, even wanted to fight with me. I don’t care about that at all, because my only purpose was to show him the mirror, and I showed him the mirror.”

    Despite the confrontation, Muhammad struck a conciliatory tone about future interactions. “Let’s see, the guy actually seems good. We’ll meet him again. This time, I’ll explain things to him with love and respect,” he added.

    Tariq’s bowling action is distinctive as he follows a normal run-up with a pause at release, almost coming to a complete stop before delivering side-arm, slinging off-breaks.

    Many cricket analysts, particularly Indian former off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, declared his action legal, saying that while he doesn’t understand the pause, the action itself is entirely legal because it is Tariq’s natural bowling motion.

    Usman has been reported twice before, first during the 2024 PSL and again in the next edition, however, he was cleared both times.