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  • US invites Pakistan to first Peace Board summit on Gaza

    US invites Pakistan to first Peace Board summit on Gaza

    Pakistan has officially received an invitation to participate in the inaugural meeting of the Gaza Peace Board, scheduled for February 19.

    According to reports, the meeting is expected to be chaired by United States (US) President Donald Trump, with Pakistan confirming its decision to attend.

    Reports quoted sources as saying that the final decision on whether Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif or Deputy PM and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar will attend, is expected in the coming days.

    The White House has confirmed the date, stating that the meeting will bring together key international stakeholders to discuss peace and stability in Gaza.

    According to US officials, the event will also serve as a fundraising conference to support reconstruction in the war-torn Palestinian territory, advancing the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire.

    “It will be the first Board of Peace meeting and a fundraising conference for Gaza reconstruction,” US officials said.

    The Trump administration has reportedly started contacting dozens of countries to coordinate participation and finalise logistics for the meeting expected to be held at the Institute of Peace in Washington.

  • Ducky Bhai, Aroob Jatoi indicted in gambling app promotion case

    Ducky Bhai, Aroob Jatoi indicted in gambling app promotion case

    A judicial magistrate on Monday indicted YouTuber Saadur Rehman, also known as Ducky Bhai, his wife Aroob Jatoi, and other accused individuals in connection with the promotion of gambling applications on social media.

    All accused pleaded not guilty and opted to contest the trial. Magistrate Naeem Wattoo directed the prosecution to present its witnesses during the next hearing. The proceedings are scheduled to continue on February 23.

    The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) had previously registered cases against several YouTubers and TikTokers on charges of promoting gambling applications through their social media accounts. Rehman was arrested by the agency in August last year and was released on bail by the Lahore High Court on November 24.

    According to court records, the case stems from an inquiry dated June 13, 2025, which was initiated after “receipt of information from reliable source(s)” indicating that some social media influencers were promoting gambling and betting applications for monetary gain.

    The case was registered under sections 13 (Electronic forgery), 14 (Electronic fraud), 25 (Spamming), and 26 (Spoofing) of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act, 2016 also includes sections 294 B (Offering prize in connection with trade) and 420 (Cheating and dishonestly inducing delivery of property) of the Pakistan Penal Code.

    In December, Rehman uploaded a video to his YouTube channel, nearly an hour long, in which he claimed he had faced physical and verbal abuse while in NCCIA custody.

    Earlier developments in the case include a complaint filed by Jatoi that led to the arrest of six NCCIA officials in October. The officials were placed on a three-day physical remand over allegations of misusing authority, extorting money, and accepting bribes.

  • Iranian Nobel laureate Narges Mohammadi sentenced to over seven years in prison

    Iranian Nobel laureate Narges Mohammadi sentenced to over seven years in prison

    Iranian human rights activist and 2023 Nobel Peace Prize winner Narges Mohammadi has been sentenced to more than seven years in prison, her lawyers and supporting organizations confirmed.


    Mohammadi, 53, had been on a week-long hunger strike that ended Sunday, according to the Narges Foundation. She informed her lawyer, Mostafa Nili, in a phone call from prison that she received her sentence on Saturday.


    “She has been sentenced to six years in prison for gathering and collusion to commit crimes,” Nili told AFP. In addition, she received a one-and-a-half-year sentence for propaganda activities and will be exiled for two years to Khosf, in the eastern province of South Khorasan. A two-year ban on leaving the country was also imposed.


    Nili noted that the verdict is not final and could be appealed. He expressed hope that Mohammadi could be temporarily released on bail to receive medical treatment due to her health concerns.


    The activist began her hunger strike on February 2 to protest prison conditions and the restrictions preventing her from contacting lawyers and family. “Narges Mohammadi ended her hunger strike today on its 6th day, while reports indicate her physical condition is deeply alarming,” the foundation said.


    Mohammadi was reportedly transferred to a hospital three days ago because of her deteriorating health but was returned to the Ministry of Intelligence’s detention center in Mashhad before completing her treatment.


     “Her continued detention is life threatening and a violation of human rights laws,” the foundation said.


    Mohammadi is the second Iranian woman to receive the Nobel Peace Prize, following Shirin Ebadi in 2003, recognized for her work promoting democracy and human rights.

    A prolific writer and journalist, Mohammadi serves as deputy director of the Defenders of Human Rights Center (DHRC), an organization dedicated to defending political prisoners and advancing human rights reforms in Iran. 


    She has been a vocal campaigner against the death penalty and corruption and has spent two decades fighting for women’s rights, earning her recognition as a symbol of freedom by the Nobel Committee in 2023.



    Mohammadi was arrested on December 12 after criticizing the suspicious death of lawyer Khosrow Alikordi. Prosecutor Hasan Hematifar stated that Mohammadi made provocative remarks at Alikordi’s memorial in Mashhad, encouraging attendees “to chant norm-breaking slogans” and “disturb the peace.”

  • T20 World Cup: Ponting, Shastri discuss Babar Azam’s inconsistency, role in starring XI

    T20 World Cup: Ponting, Shastri discuss Babar Azam’s inconsistency, role in starring XI

    Former Australian cricket legend Ricky Ponting and renowned Indian commentator Ravi Shastri have voiced concerns over Pakistani star batter Babar Azam’s inconsistency at the T20 World Cup, sharing tips for the former Green Shirts captain to regain his form.

    Babar managed just 15 runs off 18 balls in Pakistan’s tournament opener against the Netherlands, putting the middle order under pressure and raising questions about his ability to provide quick starts at the top of the lineup.

    “If you’re 15 off 18 balls, you’re not just putting pressure on yourself, you’re putting pressure on the guy at the other end. The guy at the other end then knows that he’s got to be the one to take up the boundary scoring. Babar needs to hit boundaries early on. He needs to get off and going, he needs two boundaries in his first six balls, otherwise the whole momentum of the game is going to change every time he goes in,” Ponting said while speaking on The ICC Review with host Sanjana Ganesan.

    Shastri said Babar’s reputation was adding even more pressure to the situation.

    “When you are at that stage of your career, there’s baggage. There’s a weight of expectation. People expect you to go out there and deliver. Get out there [and] in your first five balls, I don’t care if you get out, but I want you to make an effort to hit a couple of boundaries. Choose your spot, get into good positions, anticipate what the bowler is doing. You will feel a lot better and things might change,” he said.

    Ponting also expressed concern about Babar’s No. 4 batting position in the opener, which he believed increased the pressure. “It just to me looks like he’s lost a bit of his power, his ball striking ability, like taking that spinner on the way he did and not being able to even go close to clearing it.”

    “I defended him at the start of the tournament… a big player with big events experience… you need [those players] on your side if you’re going to win. Pakistan need the best version of Babar Azam if they’re going to go further in this tournament,” Shastri added.

    Ponting suggested returning Babar to his preferred No. 3 position to make the most of the powerplay fielding restrictions. 

    “I would even think about batting him at No. 3 I think the earlier he goes in, if he can get some time inside the Powerplay with the field up, I think that’s going to help him because if he has just lost that little bit of power, then you need everything in your favour. So having only two fielders out would help him. The guys that [are] batting after him have got plenty of power anyway. They can take advantage of those middle overs with the spinners on and the fielders out. They’ve got a big decision to make whether he stays in or whether they leave him out.”

    Shastri also spoke of Babar’s role in the team. “There will be questions asked. He’s a quality player… we know he’s got the experience to adjust very quickly, but he has to do it quickly because [the middle overs are] a very crucial period of play. In T20 cricket, you can’t give it that much time unless the conditions are really in favor of the bowlers,” he said.

    Pakistan will face the United States next on February 11 in Colombo. Meanwhile, the February 15 clash against India remains uncertain following recent ICC and PCB discussions. 

    Pakistan will close the group stage with a match against Namibia on February 18.

  • Imran Khan’s jail visitation request rejected by Supreme Court

    Imran Khan’s jail visitation request rejected by Supreme Court

    The Supreme Court of Pakistan on Monday declined a request for an immediate meeting with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan. The request, filed by senior PTI leader Latif Khosa, sought permission for Khan’s jail visitation. Khan has been in custody since August 2023.

    Earlier, the apex court had scheduled hearings for 13 petitions related to Khan and Bushra Bibi. The memorandum requesting visitation rights was forwarded to the relevant executive authorities for action under the law.

    A two-member bench, including Chief Justice Yahya Afridi and Justice Shahid Bilal Hassan, rejected the request, noting that an order could not be issued without first notifying the government. A notice to the government was issued, with a response expected on Tuesday.

    During the hearing, CJP Afridi addressed Khosa, saying, “We have to overcome the hurdle of the maintainability of the application. Keep in mind that you have cases pending in other courts.” He added, “We believe that the case has become infructuous,” referring to an August 24, 2023, order “against which the case was filed.” The chief justice emphasized, “The court cannot issue any order regarding the meeting without issuing notice.”

    The court also directed the formation of a three-member bench to hear appeals against Khan’s acquittal in the cipher case.

    Speaking to reporters, Khan’s lawyer Salman Safdar described the hearing of 14 petitions at once as “a sign of political victimisation. Chief justice today heard all the petitioners against the PTI founder’s cases.” He added that the government had filed appeals “against every case in which the former premier had received relief.”

    Referring to the cipher case, Safdar said, “It was the most high-stakes trial in Pakistan, and you saw how it ended. All the live cases are still pending.” He noted that the Supreme Court had “always granted us relief” and that he had sought a meeting with the chief justice. “In the past five months, we have only had a five-minute meeting,” he said. He further added that he was representing Khan in “more than 300 cases,” with 58 bails pending before Judge Afzal Majoka.

    Safdar also said a letter had been written to the Islamabad High Court chief justice, but the court “is not ready to fix any case for hearing.” He said, “IHC has no standing at all. In such a case, the issue should be directed to the SC. IHC has been reduced to a palace for show.”

    On Khan’s health, Safdar said, “The defence has not yet even brought up medical ground in the court. This does not mean that we should be kept in the dark about PTI founder’s health.”

    According to a two-page memorandum filed last Friday, Khan has been held in Rawalpindi’s Central Jail since August 5, 2023, and his rights as a prisoner have been repeatedly violated. The PTI memorandum also cited reports of “Imran being subjected to some secretive medical procedure at a hospital in Islamabad and keeping his relatives in the dark in violation of jail rules.”

  • Student escorted out of Asma Jahangir Conference for confronting German ambassador on Gaza

    Student escorted out of Asma Jahangir Conference for confronting German ambassador on Gaza

    Tensions erupted at the Asma Jahangir Conference (AJCONF2026) in Lahore when Ali Abdullah Khan, president of the Progressive Students’ Collective (PSC), confronted German Ambassador Ina Lepel over Germany’s role in Gaza. 


    PSC is a left-wing, independent student organization in Pakistan that brings together students from various institutions to educate and organize around critical social and political issues.



    During a session on disability rights held on 7th and 8th Feburary, Abdullah challenged Lepel: “Genocide is going on in Gaza over 12,000 children have been disabled by your country. You have to answer this before you start speaking.” Lepel dismissed the question, while the moderator suggested he wait until the end. Abdullah refused, chanting: “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free,” before being asked to leave.


    The AJCONF, a two-day forum titled “Erosion of Fundamental Rights and Resistance Across Borders”, organized with the Supreme Court Bar Association and Pakistan Bar Council, aimed to provide an uncensored platform for discussion on critical human rights issues. The event brought together senior high court justices, international jurists, journalists, media experts, and activists.


    The clash ignited a firestorm of reactions online. Many praised Abdullah’s courage: “Her flabbers were gasted, bro! Good job,” wrote one user, while another commented, “We love to see. Well done PSC for raising the question.” 

    Others highlighted the hypocrisy of allowing speakers from countries implicated in human rights abuses: “Shame on the organizers for inviting funders and enablers of genocide to speak on human rights,” and “The audacity of lecturing on rights while funding a genocide hope she carries this message home.”



    Some criticized Abdullah’s approach: “Your method was wrong. Everyone should have a chance to speak after each segment,” and “The German ambassador is just one person; she doesn’t make foreign policy.” Others offered a more realist perspective: “In the world of politics, only self-interest matters. National interest. Purely national interest.”

    According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), Germany supplied around 30 percent of Israel’s arms between 2019 and 2023, approving €326.5 million in military exports in 2023 alone a tenfold increase from 2022. Since 2003, Germany has exported over €3.3 billion worth of military equipment, including naval vessels used in attacks and blockades in Gaza.

  • Dale Steyn offers his services to Nepal after thrilling T20 World Cup performance

    Dale Steyn offers his services to Nepal after thrilling T20 World Cup performance

    Former South African fast bowler Dale Steyn offered his support to underdogs Nepal after their impressive performance against England in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 opener at the Wankhede Stadium on Sunday.

    Nepal came close to chasing 185, falling just five runs short, challenging England with a fiery display. Steyn, impressed by their effort, wrote on X (formerly Twitter), “Nepal, I offer my services to you if you ever need ’em! Up, up and UP.”

    Chasing 185, Nepal started aggressively. Openers Kushal Bhurtel and wicketkeeper Aasif Sheikh put on a 37-run opening stand. Liam Dawson dismissed Sheikh for seven off nine balls.

    In the final over of the powerplay, Bhurtel scored 29 off 17 deliveries, hitting four boundaries and a six, before losing his wicket. Nepal reached 42 for 2 in 5.2 overs. Rohit Paudel scored 39 off 34 balls, including two fours and two sixes, before getting out. Nepal stood at 126 for 4 in 15.3 overs.

    Aarif Sheikh fell to Jofra Archer for 10 off eight balls, leaving Nepal five wickets down. Lokesh Bam struck consecutive sixes off Archer, bringing Nepal within reach with 24 runs needed from the last two overs.

    Mark Wood gave away 14 runs in the 19th over but removed Gulsan Jha for one, leaving Nepal needing 10 runs from the final over. Sam Curran bowled the last over and conceded five runs. Nepal fell just short of the target.

    Lokesh Bam shone for Nepal, scoring 39 off 20 balls with four boundaries and two sixes, showing the team’s fighting spirit and potential in the tournament.

    In the first two days, three associate teams challenged major sides. Netherlands almost defeated Pakistan before Faheem Ashraf scored 24 runs in 19th over to secure the win. The USA challenged India, restricting them to 161. 

    The USA had India struggling at 70 for 6, but Suryakumar Yadav scored 84 off 49 balls to help India post a competitive total. India won by 29 runs as the USA finished with 132.

  • UAE cricketer Zohaib claims he was sent home from India for being Pakistani-born

    UAE cricketer Zohaib claims he was sent home from India for being Pakistani-born

    The Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) sent Pakistani-born cricketer Mohammad Zohaib back to Dubai, citing violations of team discipline.

    The board added that further details would be released at an appropriate time and said it did not wish to comment further at this stage.

    However, Zohaib claimed that team management sent him home during the T20 World Cup because of his nationality.

    He alleged that the entire UAE team management had links to India and that he was removed from the team for being Pakistani. He has demanded an inquiry into the matter.

    In a video statement, Zohaib said, “I was called and told to declare myself unfit so I could be sent back to Dubai. When I refused, I was threatened that it would become difficult for me, just like what happened with players from Oman.”

    He added, “Later, they told me to use my mother’s health as an excuse to go back. When I asked for a reason, they did not provide any and forcibly sent me back. These people want to bring their own players into the team.”

    Zohaib also claimed that he was removed from the ground during practice and told, “You have a flight, go back to Dubai. If you do not go, we will cancel your hotel booking and you will have to stay at your own expense. This is India, anything can happen to you here.”

    Filming from the airport, Zohaib appealed to the ECB and ICC, saying, “I have been treated unfairly. The team management sent me back without any reason. Our entire management is Indian. We represent UAE here. Pakistani or Indian nationality should not matter. This video might harm me, but I will speak out.”

    The UAE team is currently in Chennai, India, for the T20 World Cup. Earlier, visas of several Pakistani-born cricketers from different countries were denied, and this latest incident has raised serious concerns about the integrity of sports.

  • Elon Musk offers to cover legal costs for Epstein victims who come forward

    Elon Musk offers to cover legal costs for Epstein victims who come forward

    Elon Musk has said that he will pay legal fees for any victims of sex offender Jeffrey Epstein who are willing to name their alleged abusers but fear being sued.

    “I will pay for the defense of anyone who speaks the truth about this and is sued for doing so,” Musk said.

    The offer came in response to a post on X by conservative commentator Matt Walsh, who shared a public service announcement from women claiming they were abused by Epstein and his associates. The PSA called on Attorney General Pam Bondi to support Epstein’s victims.

    “After years of being kept apart, we’re standing together,” the women said in the video. “Because this girl deserves the truth,” they said while showing photographs of themselves from the time of the alleged abuse. “Because we all deserve the truth,” they repeated.

    Walsh said he supported releasing all Department of Justice files related to Epstein but questioned why the women in the PSA have not publicly named the individuals they accuse.

    “These women could also just name their abusers at any time,” Walsh wrote. “Instead they’ve embarked on a months-long publicity campaign which curiously didn’t start until the exact moment [Joe] Biden left office. They profess to know the names of child rapists in the most powerful positions in society yet they won’t tell us.”

    He later addressed concerns from users that the women might face legal consequences if they spoke out. “They could simply give the names to any of their many (and mostly very recent) advocates in Congress, who could read the names out loud from the floor insulating themselves and these women from any litigation,” Walsh posted. “But they refuse to do that. Why?”

    Musk responded directly to Walsh, reiterating his offer to cover any legal fees the women might face.

    The Tesla and SpaceX CEO’s name appeared in documents related to Epstein that were released at the end of January. Musk criticized the media and others for focusing on his connections to Epstein, calling them “far-left propagandists” and saying the attention came from people “who are actually guilty.” He added that he expected to be “smeared relentlessly” after the documents became public.

  • From newcomer to top 8 in just 17 months: OMODA & JAECOO’s breakthrough moment in the UK

    From newcomer to top 8 in just 17 months: OMODA & JAECOO’s breakthrough moment in the UK

    In one of the world’s most demanding automotive markets, OMODA & JAECOO has achieved a milestone few new brands manage—let alone in record time.

    In January 2026, the brand delivered a standout performance in the United Kingdom, with the JAECOO 7 recording 3,842 unit sales in a single month, securing second place in overall UK vehicle sales. The model outpaced long-established names such as the Ford Puma, Nissan Qashqai, Volkswagen Tiguan, and newer challengers including the BYD Seal U, a rare achievement in a market dominated by decades-old automotive players.

    Across its portfolio, OMODA & JAECOO registered 6,550 total monthly sales, placing the brand 8th overall in the UK’s monthly brand rankings, closely behind premium stalwarts like Mercedes-Benz. It also emerged as the top-selling Chinese automotive brand in the UK, surpassing MG and BYD, while outperforming several Japanese and South Korean manufacturers.

    A Record-Breaking Rise in One of the World’s Toughest Markets

    Since its UK debut in September 2024, OMODA & JAECOO has shown exceptional momentum. In just 17 months, the brand progressed from market entry to mainstream contender, one of the fastest ascents in UK automotive history.

    By September 2025, monthly sales crossed the 10,000-unit mark, followed by another milestone in October, when OMODA & JAECOO overtook MG to become the leading Chinese brand in the UK for the first time. Full-year 2025 sales reached 48,087 units, delivering a 2.38% market share ahead of several globally recognised names including Tesla and MINI.

    According to industry publication Car Dealer, this achievement places OMODA & JAECOO in rare company: brands like Kia and MG took decades to reach similar penetration levels in the UK, while OMODA & JAECOO accomplished it in under a year.

    Built for Global Standards

    Behind this performance lies a clear, differentiated strategy. OMODA is shaping its identity as “The World’s Leading Crossover Brand,” blending progressive design with smart technology. JAECOO, rooted in classic off-road heritage, follows the philosophy “From Classic Beyond Classic,” with a strong focus on advanced hybrid solutions and all-terrain capability.

    Their success in a market known for strict regulations, informed buyers, and intense competition reflects a brand built not for shortcuts but for global standards.

     

    In an era where consumers increasingly look beyond badges to real-world performance, the UK has become a proving ground. OMODA & JAECOO’s rapid rise there is not just a sales story, it is a clear signal of trust earned in one of the automotive world’s most discerning environments.