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  • ‘They have Salman Ali Agha’: Ashwin backs Pakistan in T20 World Cup

    ‘They have Salman Ali Agha’: Ashwin backs Pakistan in T20 World Cup

    Former Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has backed Pakistan as strong contenders for the upcoming T20 World Cup, saying that the team has enough quality and balance to challenge any side despite a few clear weaknesses.

    Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ashwin said he would focus purely on cricket while assessing Pakistan’s chances. “I know some might not agree, but I will focus on cricket. Pakistan really have a strong chance in this World Cup,” he said.

    Ashwin highlighted Pakistan’s opening combination as one of their biggest strengths. “Their strength is their opening pair. Sahibzada Farhan and Saim Ayub are opening, and Saim has been bowling well in the powerplay,” he said.

    He also praised Pakistan’s new-ball attack, pointing to Shaheen Shah Afridi’s impact. “Shaheen Shah Afridi’s economy rate in the powerplay has been excellent at 6.5,” Ashwin noted.

    “Then they have Abrar Ahmed and Mohammad Nawaz. Nawaz brings control, while Abrar adds the novelty factor,” he said.

    Ashwin identified Babar Azam’s position in the middle order as a possible concern. “One of their weaknesses is Babar Azam coming in the middle order,” he said.

    However, he felt Pakistan’s bowling depth compensates for that. “At the death overs, they have Naseem Shah and Shaheen Shah Afridi. Usman Tariq is also a novelty factor, with an impressive economy rate of 5.63,” Ashwin added.

    He also highlighted the potential of Pakistan’s new star batter. “Khawaja Nafay is striking at 174, and there is a definite upside there,” he pointed out. 

    Summing up Pakistan’s overall balance, Ashwin said that the side still has a key advantage. “All in all, Pakistan have strengths and they have weaknesses, but they also have Salman Ali Agha,” he said.

    Pakistan have named its 15-member squad for the T20 World Cup, with Salman Ali Agha leading the side. The squad includes Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Khawaja Mohammad Nafay, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shadab Khan, Usman Khan and Usman Tariq.

    The T20 World Cup begins on February 7, with Pakistan set to face the Netherlands in the opening match.

    However, Pakistan will not play against India on February 15. Pakistan has announced a boycott of the match following the ICC’s bias over Bangladesh’s security concerns during the tournament.

  • Nasser Hussain slams India, ICC’s double standards; voices support for Pak, Bangladesh

    Nasser Hussain slams India, ICC’s double standards; voices support for Pak, Bangladesh

    Former England captain Nasser Hussain has criticised the International Cricket Council (ICC) over what he called the double standards in its handling of Pakistan and Bangladesh’s concerns ahead of the T20 World Cup in India.

    Speaking about the controversy, he questioned how the ICC would have reacted if India had taken the same stance as Bangladesh.

    “If Bangladesh can be pushed or threatened, I ask a simple question… if India had asked for a venue change, what would the ICC have done? Would they have pushed India out of the event as well?”

    He stressed that the ICC must treat all member nations equally and not apply different rules based on influence or power. “The ICC has to deal with Bangladesh and Pakistan the same way it deals with India. Equality matters in international cricket.”

    Hussain praised Bangladesh for standing firm on its position, saying the team showed unity and courage.

    “Bangladesh stood their ground. They stood up for their players, and that deserves respect,” he said, and that Pakistan also did the right thing by supporting Bangladesh.

    “At some point, someone has to stand up and say enough politics, let us play some cricket,” Hussain remarked.

    The former England captain went on to criticise the growing political influence in the sport. He said India removed Mustafizur Rahman from the situation due to political pressure, calling it another example of politics entering cricket.

    “Cricket is now full of politics. Sometimes you do not shake hands, sometimes you do not take trophies. This is not what the game is about,” Hussain said.

    He warned that pressuring teams like Pakistan and Bangladesh could harm the future of the sport. “If you keep pushing Pakistan and Bangladesh, cricket will suffer. I am amazed at how Pakistan continues to perform when everything seems to be working against them.”

    The comments come as Pakistan announces to boycott the clash against India at the T20 World Cup on Feb 15.

  • President, PM reaffirm support for Kashmiris on Solidarity Day

    President, PM reaffirm support for Kashmiris on Solidarity Day

    Pakistan is observing Kashmir Solidarity Day today, renewing its pledge to support the Kashmiri people’s just struggle for their inalienable right to self-determination.


    Marking the occasion, rallies, demonstrations and seminars are being held across the country, while human chains will be formed at all entry points of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK).


    A one-minute silence will also be observed at 10 am nationwide to honour the martyrs of the Kashmir freedom movement, state-run Radio Pakistan reported.


    As messages from the political leadership of the country pour in, President Asif Ali Zardari has reaffirmed Pakistan’s steadfast moral, diplomatic and political support for the Kashmiri people, reiterating their right to self-determination as enshrined in the relevant United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions.


    The president said Pakistanis across the world stand united with their Kashmiri brothers and sisters in their just struggle.


    Recalling the history of the observance, he noted that Kashmir Solidarity Day was launched 36 years ago by the late former prime minister (PM) Benazir Bhutto following the 1989 Kashmiri uprising, a movement that continues to this day.


    Referring to international reports, he highlighted what he described as grave human rights violations by Indian occupation forces, including arbitrary detentions, collective punishment and punitive house demolitions. 


    He also said the suppression of digital freedoms, including the blocking of thousands of social media accounts, reflected attempts to conceal realities on the ground.


    Meanwhile, PM Shehbaz Sharif, in his message, called for the resolution of the dispute in accordance with UNSC resolutions, urging the international community to play an effective role in securing the Kashmiri people’s “inalienable right through a free and impartial plebiscite under the auspices of the UN”.


    The premier also announced that the government had increased the monthly per capita subsistence allowance for Kashmiri refugees to Rs5,000.



    “The government of Pakistan is conducting a pilot project to construct 750 residential houses at a cost of Rs3 billion,” PM Shehbaz said, adding that the AJK government has provided land for the project, which is exclusively meant for Jammu and Kashmir refugees settled in the territory.


    He said the complete rehabilitation of Jammu and Kashmir refugees was a national duty, reaffirming that Pakistan would continue to stand with the Kashmiri people until they achieved their right to self-determination.


    Separately, the armed forces, in a joint message issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), reaffirmed their unwavering support for the “resilient people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK)”.

  • The Government of Punjab brings back Basant with a brand new anthem #PhirAaiBasant

    The Government of Punjab brings back Basant with a brand new anthem #PhirAaiBasant

    The Government of Punjab has released the official Basant anthem #PhirAaiBasant, marking the recognition of Basant as a cultural tradition in the province under the leadership of CM Punjab Maryam Nawaz.

    The initiative reflects a cultural vision long associated with Nawaz Sharif, centered on the preservation of Punjab’s heritage and shared traditions. The release of the anthem places Basant within a structured and regulated framework while acknowledging its historical and cultural presence.

    As part of the approved arrangements, a series of safety and regulatory measures have been put in place to ensure public order and safety during the Basant period. Roof NOCs have been made mandatory for kite flying, and the sale and purchase of kites and string are permitted only through government-authorised dealers.

    For aviation safety, kite flying has been prohibited in areas surrounding Lahore Airport. In addition, motorcycle riders are required to use safety wire to reduce the risk of injury during the festival days.

    To facilitate public movement and reduce traffic congestion, the Punjab government has announced free public transport services for three days, February 6, 7, and 8, encouraging greater use of public transport and reduced reliance on motorcycles and private vehicles.

    The Government of Punjab stated that these arrangements are intended to allow cultural traditions to be observed in a safe, organized, and responsible manner.

    The anthem #PhirAaiBasant is available on official digital platforms of the Government of Punjab.

  • Mark Butcher says Pakistan ‘pulled a blinder’ by refusing to play India

    Mark Butcher says Pakistan ‘pulled a blinder’ by refusing to play India

    Former England cricketer Mark Butcher has said that Pakistan “pulled a blinder” by refusing to play India at the T20 World Cup.

    Speaking on the “Stick to Cricket” podcast featuring David Lloyd, Michael Vaughan, Phil Tufnell and Alastair Cook, Butcher criticised the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) handling of Bangladesh’s security concerns and Pakistan’s response. 

    “Pakistan have basically pulled a blinder. They have said they still want to be involved in the tournament, but they are not going to play India. That is the only lever Pakistan have to pull in this situation.For India, that’s a disaster.”

    He added that the ICC did not give Bangladesh the same options it did to India when they refused to travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy, and highlighted the financial angle of the Pakistan-India fixture.

    “It is the most lucrative fixture in the world of cricket. That is why Pakistan and India are always placed in the same group. It is not a coincidence. Everything is arranged from the top,” he said.

    Butcher criticised the inconsistency in ICC decisions. “Other teams have to qualify, they get put in groups, it comes out of a hat. But these two teams, it is all about money,” he added.

    Michael Vaughan also weighed in, saying, “Is it one rule for one and another for another? India previously refused to play in Pakistan and got a neutral venue. Bangladesh was denied the same treatment. That is why Pakistan are taking this stance.”

    The podcast comes as reactions flood the internet after the Pakistani government confirmed that the national team would skip the group stage match against India scheduled for February 15, following consultations between PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi and Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif. 

    The move was in reaction to ICC’s “double standards” towards Bangladesh over security concerns ahead of the T20 World Cup in India.

  • Pakistan eyes $1bn trade volume after signing 30 MoUs with Kazakhstan

    Pakistan eyes $1bn trade volume after signing 30 MoUs with Kazakhstan

    Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif is looking to increase the trade volume between Pakistan and Kazakhstan to $1 billion as both countries have signed over 30 memoranda of understanding (MoUs) in several sectors, including petroleum, mining and maritime affairs.

    Addressing a joint press conference with President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev after the signing ceremony, the premier said the existing level of trade between Islamabad and Astana did not reflect the true strength of relations or the economic potential of the two sides.

    “Unfortunately, our trade volume is a meagre $250 million, which does not reflect the strength of our friendship and the potential of both countries. Let us commit to raising our trade volume to $1 billion within the next one year,” he said.

    Earlier, President Tokayev was accorded a warm reception and a guard of honour as he arrived at the PM House to hold a one-on-one meeting with the premier.

    The meeting was a part of the president’s two-day state visit to Islamabad on the invitation of PM Shehbaz. He is accompanied by a high-level delegation, comprising senior cabinet ministers and other high-ranking officials.

    As the visiting dignitary arrived, the premier received him at the entrance of the PM House, where the formal reception took place.

    The national anthems of Pakistan and Kazakhstan were played and a smart contingent of the three services of the Pakistan armed forces presented guard of honour.

    The two leaders introduced their respective delegations to each other before proceeding for a one-on-one meeting, followed by talks at the delegation level.

    During the talks, the two sides reviewed full spectrum of bilateral relations and explored new avenues to further deepen cooperation across diverse sectors.

    The president also planted a commemorative sapling in the lawn of the PM House.

  • Saim Ayub reclaims top spot in ICC men’s T20I all-rounder rankings

    Saim Ayub reclaims top spot in ICC men’s T20I all-rounder rankings

    Pakistan opener Saim Ayub has returned to the number one position in the International Cricket Council (ICC) men’s T20I all-rounder rankings following an impressive performance against Australia.

    According to the latest rankings, the 23 year old overtook Zimbabwe’s experienced all rounder Sikandar Raza to regain the top spot. Ayub scored 119 runs and picked up three wickets during the series against Australia, which played a key role in his rise.

    Several other Pakistan players also made notable gains in the updated rankings. Spinner Abrar Ahmed moved up two places to second in the T20I bowlers list and now sits just 28 rating points behind the top ranked player.

    Mohammad Nawaz climbed eight places to seventh among bowlers after taking five wickets in the series. He also improved his position in the all rounders rankings, moving up one spot to fourth.

    Shaheen Shah Afridi registered a five place jump to reach 19th position in the bowlers rankings.

    In the batting rankings, both Saim Ayub and Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha made strong progress. Ayub moved up eight places to 27th, while Salman Ali Agha climbed 12 spots to 29th.

    However, Sahibzada Farhan failed to deliver strong performances against Australia and dropped two places to seventh in the batting rankings.

  • British tourists asked to leave India over ‘Free Palestine’ stickers

    British tourists asked to leave India over ‘Free Palestine’ stickers

    According to reports, authorities said the action was taken after the couple was found to have violated the conditions of their tourist visas.

    The couple, identified as Lewis Gabriel D. and Anushi Emma Christine, went to India on tourist visas and were staying in Pushkar, a town in western Rajasthan known for its temples and as a popular destination for international visitors.

    Intelligence officials received information indicating their involvement in putting up stickers advocating for Palestinians. The stickers reportedly carried messages including “Free Palestine. Boycott Israel.”

    The intelligence department reviewed CCTV footage and local inputs to identify the suspects, and the district police were alerted after the matter was deemed serious.

    With a team led by Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Rajesh Meena interrogating the tourists, the couple reportedly admitted to engaging in political activities while on tourist visas, which authorities said violated the terms of their stay.

    “Engaging in activities that disrespect other nations while on Indian soil is a clear violation of visa rules,” Meena told Indian media.

    He said that action against the couple was taken under the Immigration and Foreigners Act, with their visas revoked and a “Leave India Notice” issued.

    The ASP added that if any foreign national was found violating the conditions of a tourist visa in the future, they too would be identified and strict action will be taken, including deportation and blacklisting.

    Indian authorities also said the incident highlights the monitoring of foreign nationals’ activities in the country, and the enforcement of visa regulations for visitors engaging in political acts.

  • Gold jumps Rs14,800 per tola as prices rise globally

    Gold jumps Rs14,800 per tola as prices rise globally

    Gold and silver prices went up again on Wednesday, continuing an upward trend seen in both international and local markets.


    In the international market, gold rose sharply by $148 per ounce, reaching $5,064.


    The increase was reflected in the Pakistani market where the price of gold per tola went up by Rs14,800 to Rs529,162. Similarly, the price of 10 grams of gold increased by Rs12,689 to Rs453,671.


    Silver also gained in value. In the local market, silver per tola rose by Rs109 to Rs9,255, and per 10 grams increased by Rs93 to Rs7,934.


    Spot gold also jumped 2.8% to $5,076.01 per ounce, following a 5.9% surge on Tuesday, which was its biggest daily gain since November 2008. Gold also touched a record high of $5,594.82 last Thursday.


    Meanwhile, US gold futures for April delivery climbed 3.3% to $5,097.20 per ounce. Spot silver also rose 5% to $89.38 per ounce, after reaching a record high of $121.64 last Thursday and dropping to a month-low of $71.33 on Monday.


    On Tuesday, gold prices rebounded sharply, tracking a strong recovery in the international bullion market after several sessions of steep losses that had rattled investors and traders.


    Locally, gold per tola jumped Rs24,000 to Rs 514,362, and 10 grams of gold rose Rs20,576 to Rs 440,982, according to the All-Pakistan Gems and Jewellers Sarafa Association (APGJSA).


    The rise came after a steep decline on Monday, when gold per tola had dropped Rs21,500 to Rs490,362. Over the previous three sessions, gold also lost Rs85,500 per tola, reflecting high volatility in global markets.

  • US downs Iranian drone near naval carrier

    US downs Iranian drone near naval carrier

    The United States (US) military has shot down an Iranian drone that allegedly approached the Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier in the Arabian Sea, the US military said.

    As per the details, the incident occurred amid ongoing diplomatic efforts to arrange nuclear talks between the US and Iran.

    “No American service members were harmed during the incident and no US equipment was damaged,” a military official said, describing that the drone had “aggressively” approached the carrier.

    The Lincoln carrier strike group is part of US military presence in the Middle East following violent domestic unrest in Iran last month, which marked the deadliest anti-government demonstrations in the country since the 1979 Islamic revolution.

    US President Donald Trump has warned that with US warships approaching Iran, “bad things” would probably happen if a nuclear deal could not be reached. He has also demanded that Tehran make nuclear concessions. 

    Meanwhile, the Foreign Office (FO) has confirmed an invitation to Pakistan for participation in the Iran-US talks amid record high tensions between Tehran and Washington.
     

    “Pakistan has received the invitation for the upcoming talks between Iran and the United States,” FO Spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said while responding to a query Tuesday.
     

    Reports quoted sources as saying that Pakistan’s participation was seen as crucial to defusing tensions as Islamabad had been quietly working to facilitate the talks.
     

    It was also reported that Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar is expected to participate in the meeting likely to take place in Turkiye on Friday.
     

    The priority of the talks is to avoid any conflict and de-escalate tensions between the two sides, a regional official told Reuters, adding that some regional powers were also invited.
     

    The official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said some of the countries invited to the talks at the foreign ministers’ level included Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Egypt, Oman and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
     

    Earlier, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian confirmed that he has instructed FM Araghchi to pursue “fair and equitable negotiations” provided that an environment “free from threats and unreasonable expectations”.
     

    The talks will be held “within the framework of our national interests”, he said in a series of posts on X.