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  • Indian women married to Pakistanis suffer after only their children are allowed to cross border

    Indian women married to Pakistanis suffer after only their children are allowed to cross border

    Indian women married to Pakistani nationals on Sunday created a ruckus at the Attari-Wagah border after being denied entry into Pakistan. However, their children, who hold Pakistani passports, were allowed to cross the border. 

    Speaking to reporters at the Pak-India border, a woman who identified herself as Afsheen Jahangir said that she was refused entry into Pakistan, while her four-year-old child, a Pakistani national, was sent into the country. 

    Afsheen said that she had married a Pakistani national 11 years ago. “I was here (India) to meet my parents on a one-month visa. Within 48 hours, they [the Indian government] issued a directive to leave the country.”

    She lambasted the Indian government for not maintaining a clear policy for those whose children are Pakistani nationals but whose mothers are Indian nationals, saying, “My husband is standing on the other side of the border. I want to go to Pakistan.”

    Waving the paper, Afsheen claimed that she is half Pakistani. “Is it my fault that I was not awarded the full nationality,” she questioned.

    Another mother, who was accompanying her children, said she had been living in Pakistan for the last 20 years. She said, “I have applied for a nationality in Pakistan. My children are Pakistani nationals. I have all the documents of my husband’s nationality. I arrived in India on a one-month visa to meet my parents. After hearing the news, we left the house to enter Pakistan. Why has my entry into Pakistan been barred? What is my fault?”

    When questioned whether she would opt to send her children bearing Pakistani nationality into Pakistan, she  asked, “How can I send my children alone via the border?”

    Another mother said that she belongs to Delhi and was married in Karachi. However, she was also stopped at the border. “I had arrived in India to see my mother, who is a heart patient. I have four children. My husband and father-in-law are standing at the border in Lahore. I am being denied entry into Pakistan. I have an Indian passport. However, my children have Pakistani passports,” she stated. 

    Mothers are being affected as India, following last Tuesday’s attack in Pahalgam in India Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), ordered Pakistani nationals to leave the country within 48 hours.

    In response to India’s decision, Pakistan also issued a directive instructing the Indian nationals to leave the country within 48 hours.

  • Two arrested for selling fake PSL tickets Lahore

    Two arrested for selling fake PSL tickets Lahore

    The Gulberg Police have apprehended two individuals involved in selling counterfeit match tickets during a raid conducted at various gates of the Gaddafi Stadium. 

    According to SHO Gulberg, Taimoor Abbas Khan, Ayaz Ahmed and Abdul Tawab had been posing as employees of TCS to sell fake tickets to unsuspecting citizens.

    The operation was carried out under the supervision of SP Ikhlaq Ullah Tarar, who ensured the successful capture of the suspects. “Abdul Tawab was caught red-handed selling counterfeit tickets at Gate No. 15, while Ayaz Ahmed was arrested at the FIFA Gate, also for selling fake tickets,” police said.

    The police recovered a large number of fake match tickets from the possession of the arrested men, which were being sold to the public. SHO Gulberg Taimoor Abbas Khan confirmed, “Cases have been filed against the suspects, and further investigations are underway.” He assured the public that the police would continue their crackdown on those selling counterfeit tickets to protect citizens from further harm.

    DIG Operations Lahore Muhammad Faisal Kamran praised the operation, emphasizing, “The police are committed to not only ensuring the best security for matches but also to eradicating the business of counterfeit ticket sales.” He reiterated that the police will take all necessary steps to safeguard citizens and maintain match security.

    On the other hand, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced the rescheduling of two matches of the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10.

    According to an official statement, a match initially scheduled to be played in  Multan on May 1 has been shifted to Lahore. The Sultans will face Karachi Kings at Gaddafi Stadium, with the match set to begin at 3 PM. Originally, the match was to be held during the day at Multan Cricket Stadium. Now, Gaddafi Stadium will host a doubleheader on May 1, as Lahore Qalandars and Quetta Gladiators will also play later in the evening.

    Additionally, the match between Multan Sultans and Quetta Gladiators, initially planned for May 10 in Multan, has been rescheduled to May 11 at the same venue. PCB stated that these changes were made after several rounds of consultations, keeping operational ease and the ongoing heatwave in mind.

    As part of the adjustments, tickets for the May 1 match in Multan will be refunded. Ticket holders in Lahore will now get to enjoy two matches on the same day. Tickets purchased for the May 10 match in Multan will be valid for the rescheduled fixture on May 11.

  • Collecting money at wedding costs man his life

    Collecting money at wedding costs man his life

    A young man was shot dead during a wedding ceremony in Wazirabad, Punjab, while collecting money thrown by guests.

    Rescue officials said that as part of the celebrations, guests were throwing money on to the wedding venue. A number of people, including adults and children, rushed to the area to collect the money. A young man tried climbing a roof next to the wedding hall during the commotion in order to gather more notes.

    Eyewitnesses stated that security guards at the venue warned him against climbing to the roof. However, when he did not comply, one of the guards opened fire. The young man was hit by a bullet and died on the spot.

    Rescue moved the body to a local hospital. The dead boy was identified as Farrukh Zaib.

    Police officials confirmed that security guard Alam Zaib who fired the shot has fled from the site of the incident. In an attempt to apprehend the culprit, law enforcement started a search operation. 

    Authorities are investigating the incident further. The wedding event continued under police presence, wgile security arrangements at similar events are being reviewed to avoid such incidents in the future.

  • Multan Sultans unhappy with rescheduling of two PSL matches

    Multan Sultans unhappy with rescheduling of two PSL matches

    The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced the rescheduling of two matches of the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10.

    According to an official statement, a match initially scheduled to be played in  Multan on May 1 has been shifted to Lahore. The Sultans will face Karachi Kings at Gaddafi Stadium, with the match set to begin at 3 PM. Originally, the match was to be held during the day at Multan Cricket Stadium. Now, Gaddafi Stadium will host a doubleheader on May 1, as Lahore Qalandars and Quetta Gladiators will also play later in the evening.

    Additionally, the match between Multan Sultans and Quetta Gladiators, initially planned for May 10 in Multan, has been rescheduled to May 11 at the same venue. PCB stated that these changes were made after several rounds of consultations, keeping operational ease and the ongoing heatwave in mind.

    As part of the adjustments, tickets for the May 1 match in Multan will be refunded. Ticket holders in Lahore will now get to enjoy two matches on the same day. Tickets purchased for the May 10 match in Multan will be valid for the rescheduled fixture on May 11.

    However, the rescheduling decision has not gone down well with the Multan Sultans management. Reports claim that PCB decided to move the May 1 home game against Karachi Kings without consulting the franchise.

    Franchise sources expressed disappointment, noting that while Multan was set to host three home matches (on May 1, 5, and 6), moving one to Lahore is unfair. 

    They further stated that the change could negatively impact the team’s push to secure a playoff spot.

  • Liverpool crush Tottenham to clinch Premier League title

    Liverpool crush Tottenham to clinch Premier League title

    Liverpool secured the Premier League title in style, thrashing Tottenham Hotspur 5-1 in their 34th match of the season.

    The Reds dominated from the very beginning, scoring three goals in the first half through Luis Díaz, Alexis Mac Allister, and Cody Gakpo. Tottenham managed to pull one back, with Dejan Kulusevski scoring their only goal of the match in the first half.

    The team continued dominating the game in the second half as Mohamed Salah added the fourth goal, and the fifth came via an own goal from Tottenham defender Udogie, who accidentally sent the ball into his own net.

    With this emphatic win, Liverpool’s points tally reached 82, while second-placed Arsenal remained on 67 points. Although both teams have four matches left to play, Liverpool have already secured the title.

    This marks Liverpool’s first Premier League title in five years and their 20th English top-flight title overall.

    Meanwhile, in the FA Cup, Manchester City booked their place in the final for the third consecutive year after defeating Nottingham Forest 2-0. 

    The FA Cup final is scheduled for May 17, where Manchester City will face Crystal Palace.

  • Barca edge Real Madrid in extra-time to win wild Copa final

    Barca edge Real Madrid in extra-time to win wild Copa final

    Barcelona defender Jules Kounde struck deep in extra-time to decide a gripping Copa del Rey Clasico final on Saturday in Seville, earning his side a 3-2 win over rivals Real Madrid.

    The Catalans, aiming for a quadruple this season, won the first major trophy of Hansi Flick’s reign as coach and a record-extending 32nd Spanish cup in dramatic fashion.

    Three Real Madrid players were sent off during and after a fiery conclusion to the game, including England international Jude Bellingham.

    Pedri sent Barcelona ahead at La Cartuja but two Real Madrid goals in seven second-half minutes, from Kylian Mbappe and Aurelien Tchouameni, pulled the Spanish and European champions level.

    However, Ferran Torres struck in the 84th minute to take the game to extra-time and Kounde drilled home to win it for the La Liga leaders.

    “Madrid pushed us to our limits but we showed great character and pride,” said Kounde.

    Barca host Inter Milan in the Champions League semi-finals on Wednesday.

    “They can make a party — for today, it’s OK,” a delighted Flick, who has won all seven finals he has coached in his career, told Movistar.

    Substituted Madrid defender Antonio Rudiger was sent off in the final seconds for “throwing an object” onto the pitch towards referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea, according to the official’s report, and Lucas Vazquez, also replaced, was dismissed for further protest as Madrid unravelled.

    Bellingham was sent off after the final whistle for showing an “aggressive attitude” towards the referee, who wrote that the midfielder “had to be restrained by his team-mates”.

    “I don’t want to talk about the referee,” said stone-faced Madrid coach Ancelotti.

    “I don’t know what happened at the end.”

    Madrid had issued furious statements about the refereeing team on Friday after they criticised the club’s television channel for attacking Spanish officials this season, casting a shadow over the game.

    Controversy aside, the football was enthralling.

    Madrid started with top scorer Mbappe on the bench after an ankle injury and lost Ferland Mendy early on with a thigh issue.

    Barcelona dazzling winger Lamine Yamal, 17, dyed his hair blond for the game and led the assault on Thibaut Courtois’ goal.

    The Catalans, who also won the first two Clasicos this season in La Liga and the Spanish Super Cup, scoring nine goals in the process, controlled the ball.

    They took the lead after 28 minutes, Pedri placing the ball into the top corner with precision and power from the edge of the box, a sensational goal set up by Yamal.

    Barcelona’s opener brought Madrid out of their shell — and also Mbappe off the bench to warm up.

    Bellingham netted but was offside. Vinicius Junior would have won a penalty when hacked down but had also strayed off in the build-up.

    Barcelona could have doubled their lead, with Dani Olmo’s corner hitting the post and Cubarsi unable to turn home as Dani Ceballos held him back.

    The referee was lenient with some heated Madrid tackles, perhaps cowed by Friday’s drama as the Spanish champions seethed at his pre-match comments.

    Madrid sent Mbappe on for Rodrygo Goes at half-time and soon he and Vinicius began to work Barcelona goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny.

    End to end 


    Mbappe pulled Madrid level almost on his own in the 70th minute, brought down after surging forward and firing home the free-kick off the post.

    Seven minutes later Madrid took the lead, Tchouameni heading in Arda Guler’s corner.

    Barcelona responded when Yamal played a delicious pass over the top for Torres, which drew both Rudiger and Courtois, but the Spaniard beat both and rolled home.

    Controversy unsurprisingly reared its head before the match headed to extra-time.

    Barcelona clamoured for a penalty when Rudiger tripped Torres, and then were awarded one deep in stoppage time as Raphinha tumbled under pressure — but the decision was overturned after a VAR review.

    In extra-time Barcelona were ascendent.

    They found their winner when Kounde intercepted an uncharacteristically loose Luka Modric pass and beat Courtois from range, sparking wild celebrations.

    The trio of dismissals and Madrid’s pre-match histrionics regarding the officials will ensure the repercussions run on.

    The teams meet again in La Liga in May in a potential title decider.

  • Businesses request creation of bankruptcy laws, protection from FBR

    Businesses request creation of bankruptcy laws, protection from FBR

    Businesspersons in Pakistan have requested the government to shield them from the Federal Board of Revenue’s (FBR) excesses. According to reports, the tax watchdog has allegedly perpetrated instances of harassment against investors, sparking concerns.

    Business leaders and investors have outlined how the FBR has “become a symbol of fear”. Moreover, investors have called for the federal government to streamline the board’s policies, claiming that its policies are riddled with inconsistencies. 

    According to reports, businesspeople have requested that Islamabad enact laws pertaining to bankruptcy. Analysts believe that reforming bankruptcy laws can boost domestic investment levels, leading to economic growth.

    While many developed countries have long-standing bankruptcy laws, Pakistan has reportedly not introduced any such laws. This has caused business owners to refrain from raising funds from investors because if a business fails, the owner can face personal legal trouble.

    A bankruptcy law would decriminalise honest business failure, letting genuine entrepreneurs restart without lifelong penalties. Knowing that bankruptcy laws will protect entrepreneurs from personal financial ruin in the event of a business failure could encourage greater business activity in the economy.

    The federal government has responded to calls for bankruptcy laws, as Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Industries and Production Haroon Akhtar Khan declared that a subcommittee has been created to work on drafting bankruptcy laws.

    According to reports, Haroon Akhtar chaired the meeting of the PM committee regarding bankruptcy legislation. Authorities present at the meeting highlighted the need to create a business-friendly atmosphere in Pakistan. 

    Reports indicate that creating a business-friendly environment aligns with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s vision.  However, the committee reportedly conceded that the country suffers from the lack of a bankruptcy framework and that steps needed to be taken to create legislation to protect businesses. 

    Haroon Akhtar announced the government’s aim to regain the confidence of foreign investors. The formulation of bankruptcy laws would send a positive signal to foreign investors regarding the country’s willingness to align Pakistan’s investment climate with the world’s.

    Data from recent reports have suggested that foreign direct investment (FDI) levels fell by a staggering 91 percent on a year-on-year basis in March 2025. With FDI inflows under jeopardy, many believe that cash-strapped Pakistan must alleviate fears that foreign investors have by introducing business-friendly laws and frameworks.

  • Shubman Gill opens up about his relationship status

    Shubman Gill opens up about his relationship status

    Indian star batter Shubman Gill has finally opened up about his relationship status, clearing all the rumours that have been circulating for a long time.

    Known for his calm and composed style both on and off the field, Gill shared that he has been single for over three years.

    “I’ve been single for over three years. There have been so many speculations and rumours linking me with different people. And sometimes, it’s so ridiculous that I would have never even seen or met that person ever in my life. And I would be hearing rumours that I’m with this person and this person where else I’d be like,” Gill said in an interview.

    “I know I’m so focused on what I need to do in my professional career. There is no space in my life to be with someone like 300 days a year. We are on the road travelling somewhere. So there is hardly any time to be able to be with someone or invest, you know, the time to be with someone in a relationship,” he said.

    Gill also talked about how he comes into a zone while playing a match for India or GT.

    He further said, “I’ve told you this many times, but I don’t know. It’s like an automatic switch. I don’t think any batter can hear those chants. It’s hard for me to explain. But when you’re in the zone, you can’t hear people chanting or anything. You are so focused on the job that is there for you to finish. You’re so focused on, okay, this bowler is bowling at me. This is how much we need to score, or these are the things that I need to do”.

    Shubman, who is currently leading Gujarat Titans in the IPL 2025, has often been linked with a Bollywood actress and the daughter of a famous cricketer.

  • Adnan Sami vs Fawad Chaudhry: War of words erupts after India orders Pakistanis to leave

    Adnan Sami vs Fawad Chaudhry: War of words erupts after India orders Pakistanis to leave

    Pakistani-origin Indian singer Adnan Sami Khan is once again in focus following the attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, on April 22. Since the attack, India has taken diplomatic steps by cancelling visas issued to Pakistani citizens under the SAARC visa agreement and issuing an ultimatum for them to immediately leave the country.

    A heated exchange erupted between Adnan Sami and former Pakistani federal minister Fawad Chaudhry on social media.

    The clash began when Fawad Chaudhry commented on an Indian journalist’s post about the deadline for Pakistanis to leave India, asking, “What will happen to Pakistani-origin singer Adnan Sami?”

    Adnan Sami fired back, saying, “Who will tell this ignorant fool?”

    Fawad Chaudhry then reminded Adnan Sami of his roots, stating, “Our own Lahoreite Adnan Sami looks like the air has been let out of a balloon, get well soon.”

    This comment further fuelled Sami’s anger. In his response, Adnan wrote, “It is surprising to know that you have been the Minister of (mis)information but you do not even know that I belong to Peshawar, not Lahore.”

    He also added, “My air has run out, you are still a balloon. And you were the Minister of Science? You don’t even know basic facts, what nonsense is science.”

    The fiery exchange quickly caught the attention of social media users. Many joined the debate, with some supporting Adnan Sami and others siding with Fawad Chaudhry.

  • Lowari Tunnel project cost overruns by 362 percent

    Lowari Tunnel project cost overruns by 362 percent

    Following a series of infrastructure projects that exceeded their allocated budgets, the Lowari Tunnel project has now joined the list, currently under review after overrunning its planned cost. According to reports, project costs are now projected to be 362 percent higher than initially anticipated.

    Project details reveal that development works on the infrastructure project were authorised over 20 years ago. If completed, the tunnel could provide a safe passage to the northern parts of Pakistan that border Afghanistan. 

    According to reports, the Central Development Working Party (CDWP) has reviewed a proposal that, if accepted, would allow project costs to reach up to Rs 37 billion. However, authorities have not been able to reach an agreement as project documents reveal government instructions to set a price ceiling at Rs28 billion to avoid cost overruns.

    Reports indicate that the Ministry of Communications (MoCom) was granted only Rs4 billion by the Planning Commission to cover immediate liabilities. Initially, MoCom had asked for an additional Rs10 billion to finance the project, but this request was not accepted.

    Reports suggest that the meteoric rise in cost could be associated with the federal government’s directives to expand the projects’ scope. The aforementioned expansion orders caused the project price to gradually increase from Rs8 billion in 2004 to its current projection of Rs37 billion.

    However, some believe that it may not be a fair comparison to compare costs over more than two decades, as inflation rates have remained persistently high, causing the prices of inputs to soar. According to data from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the average inflation rate over the project’s lifetime sits at approximately 10.5 percent. However, many believe that it is unlikely that the rate of inflation caused the cost to balloon by a whopping 362 percent. 

    Authorities believe that construction work on the tunnel is vital, as it opens up road access to the Chitral district during the winter months. Without the tunnel, the flow of traffic would remain limited because of heavy snowfall.

    Reports have highlighted that the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) ordered the project to be ‘formally closed’; however, the Ministry of Communications did not abide by the ECNEC’s instructions. 

    Rising project costs hurt the national exchequer, and with international creditors pressuring Pakistan to consolidate its fiscal position and implement austerity measures, many believe that overlooking cost overruns may hurt Pakistan’s macroeconomic indicators.