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  • Pak-Saudi-Turkiye defence pact in pipeline, confirms minister

    Pak-Saudi-Turkiye defence pact in pipeline, confirms minister

    Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye have prepared a draft defence agreement after nearly a year of discussions, Pakistan’s Minister for Defence Production Raza Hayat Harraj has said, signaling a possible effort to strengthen regional security amid rising tensions over the past two years.


    The minister told Reuters that the potential trilateral deal is separate from the bilateral Saudi-Pakistan agreement announced last year. He added that a final consensus between all three countries would be required to finalise the accord.


    “The Pakistan-Saudi Arabia-Türkiye trilateral agreement is something that is already in the pipeline,” Harraj said in an interview. 


    “The draft agreement is already with us, with Saudi Arabia, and with Türkiye. All three countries are deliberating. This agreement has been under discussion for the last 10 months.”


    Commenting on the matter at a press conference in Istanbul on Thursday, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said talks had taken place but no agreement had yet been signed.


    Fidan emphasised the need for broader regional cooperation and trust to address the “cracks and problems” that have led to external interference, wars, terrorism, and instability in the region.


    “At the end of all of these, we have a proposal like this: all regional nations must come together to create a cooperation platform on the issue of security,” Fidan said. Regional issues could be resolved if relevant countries would “be sure of each other,” he added. 


    “At the moment, there are meetings and talks, but no agreement has been signed. President Tayyip Erdogan envisions an inclusive platform that fosters wider cooperation and stability,” Fidan said, without directly naming Pakistan or Saudi Arabia.

  • ‘No ban on politics, only on abuse’: Rana Sanaullah on Imran Khan’s jail meetings

    ‘No ban on politics, only on abuse’: Rana Sanaullah on Imran Khan’s jail meetings

    Adviser to the Prime Minister on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah on Thursday said there was no ban on political discussion during meetings with PTI founder Imran Khan, but restrictions were imposed due to violations of court undertakings and the use of jail meetings for what he described as political conduct.

    Speaking on a private news channel’s program, Rana Sanaullah said the issue of meetings had been blown out of proportion and could be resolved if High Court orders were implemented “in letter and spirit.”


    Responding to a question about restrictions on political speech, Rana Sanaullah rejected the allegation outright.

    “There is only one restriction,” he said. “No abuse against the country, the state, institutions, or the heads of institutions.”

    He added, “If that is avoided, who can stop anyone from talking about politics?”

    When asked whether Imran Khan had ever spoken against Pakistan, Rana Sanaullah maintained that while the former prime minister may not have directly targeted the country, he had repeatedly crossed lines elsewhere.

    “He abuses everyone, there is less politics and more abuse,” he said.

    However, he acknowledged that criticism related to international lobbying and IMF matters had been directed against political opponents, not the country itself.

    “If the IMF tranche is delayed, the loss is Pakistan’s,” Rana Sanaullah said.


    Rana Sanaullah also claimed that recordings exist of Imran Khan’s statements, though he said they could not be aired during the programme.

    He maintained that institutions had been criticised. 

    At this point, journalist Hamid Mir intervened, asking whether the remarks were of the kind “that you yourself used to make 30 to 35 years ago.” 

    Before the discussion concluded, Hamid Mir also asked Rana Sanaullah to at least let him hear the alleged recording off-air so he could inform viewers whether the remarks in question were objectionable or not.

  • Attaullah Tarar welcomes Ishrat Fatima to PTV after she leaves Radio Pakistan

    Attaullah Tarar welcomes Ishrat Fatima to PTV after she leaves Radio Pakistan

    Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar visited veteran news broadcaster Ishrat Fatima at her residence on Friday and invited her to join Pakistan Television, two days after she announced her departure from Radio Pakistan following 45 years of service.

    Sharing the news on his X account, Tarar wrote that he requested Fatima to play a role in training new generation newscasters at PTV, particularly focusing on pronunciation and professional development.

    “I had the honor of visiting Apa Ishrat Fatima’s home today. I requested her to play a role in training the new generation of newscasters at Pakistan Television, especially regarding their pronunciation, to which she graciously agreed,” Tarar wrote.

    The minister also made a broader commitment to recognise and support senior broadcasting professionals who have served the industry.

    “I have promised that senior personalities who have rendered valuable services in Pakistan Television and broadcasting services overall will not only be properly taken care of, but their experience and services will be truly valued, God willing,” he stated.

    Tarar clarified that Fatima’s decision to leave Radio Pakistan was her own choice, which the ministry respected, adding that PTV welcomes her on board.

    The development comes after Fatima shared an emotional video message on Thursday revealing the circumstances that led to her departure from Radio Pakistan. The veteran broadcaster, who began her journey in 1983 and started reading news in 1984, described facing systematic marginalisation despite maintaining professional excellence.

    “What hurts me most today is that my voice is still strong, my eyesight is clear, my pronunciation is good, I reach work on time, and I still love my work deeply,” Fatima said in the video.

    She pointed to unfair treatment that ultimately pushed her out, stating that when people cannot compete professionally, they resort to taking away space and opportunities from others.

    “I was often told that I am a ‘legend’ and a ‘senior,’ but those words were never translated into respect, opportunity, or space. Again and again, I was made to feel that I was no longer needed,” she revealed.

    Despite the painful departure, Fatima expressed no bitterness toward the institutions that shaped her career. “I am not angry with these institutions. They are my first love. But destiny has its own path,” she said.

    She ended her message by requesting prayers from her audience, asking that “this painful time does not turn my love for this art into resentment.”

  • US visa interviews to continue despite immigrant visa freeze

    US visa interviews to continue despite immigrant visa freeze

    The US State Department has clarified that applicants from Pakistan and 74 other countries will be allowed to submit immigrant visa applications and attend scheduled interviews, despite a temporary suspension on visa issuance.



    The United States has paused the issuance of immigrant visas for 75 countries, including Pakistan, as part of a broader policy review ordered by President Donald Trump. The State department stated on Wednesday that the pause will take effect from January 21, 2026.

    “The State Department will pause immigrant visa processing from 75 countries whose migrants take welfare from the American people at unacceptable rates. The freeze will remain active until the US can ensure that new immigrants will not extract wealth from the American people,” the department said in a post on X.


    Further explaining the scope of the decision in a question-and-answer guidance published on its website, the department said applicants may proceed with all steps of the visa process, including attending interviews at US embassies and consulates, but no immigrant visas will be issued while the suspension remains in place.

    The State Department emphasised that the decision does not revoke immigrant visas already issued and does not affect tourist or other non-immigrant visa categories. It added that decisions related to admission into the United States fall under the authority of the Department of Homeland Security.

    Pakistan is among a broad list of affected countries across South Asia, the Middle East, Africa, Latin America and eastern Europe. Other countries on the list include Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Nigeria, Sudan, Syria, Russia and Brazil.


    According to the department, the measure is part of a comprehensive review aimed at ensuring immigrants are financially self-sufficient and do not become a public charge. It said President Trump has made it clear that new immigrants must not place a financial burden on American taxpayers.


    Under the guidance, dual nationals applying with a valid passport from a country not included in the list are exempt from the pause. The department also said immigrant visa cases that have been approved but not yet printed will be refused under the new policy.


    US embassies and consulates have been instructed to continue scheduling immigrant visa interviews for affected nationals, including Pakistanis, although visa issuance will remain suspended during the review period.

  • Internet lashes out at India after England spinners denied visas ahead of T20 World Cup

    Internet lashes out at India after England spinners denied visas ahead of T20 World Cup

    England’s preparations for next month’s T20 World Cup have hit a major snag after the Indian government failed to issue visas to spinners Adil Rashid and Rehan Ahmed, as both have Pakistani heritage.

    The delay means both players will miss traveling with the squad this weekend for six warm-up games against Sri Lanka, while it remains unclear when they will join their teammates.

    The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has said that the visa delays are not a surprise, given India’s increasingly bureaucratic approach toward players of Pakistani origin in recent years amid deteriorating diplomatic relations between India and Pakistan.

    This instance marks the latest in a pattern of similar incidents. Shoaib Bashir missed the first Test of England’s series in India two years ago after having to fly back to London to complete his visa application, while Saqib Mahmood has faced similar issues in the past.

    The development sparked fury on social media, with cricket fans calling out the Indian government’s selective visa policies.

    “Every time, can you imagine the stink the BBCI and Indian government would kick up if we did the same for them,” one user wrote.

    Another demanded stronger action from England’s cricket board: “I think if the Indian government keeps doing this, ECB cricket should grow a spine and just boycott the event.”

    “Every F***ing time. The Indian authorities delay visa issuance to English players with Pakistani heritage. It’s beyond farcical at this point,” a frustrated fan commented.

    Some called for retaliatory measures. “Next time India come to England pick two of their top players to refuse visas,” one user suggested.

    Another went further, stating: “I have said it before and I will say it again, India should not be allowed to host international sporting events.”

    England is not alone in facing visa complications. American fast bowler Ali Khan, who has Pakistani roots, revealed this week that India denied him a visa ahead of the tournament, despite him representing the US national team.

    Reports indicate that Americans Ehsan Adil and Mohammad Mohsin, both of whom are of Pakistani descent, also face visa denials from Indian authorities. 

    Several T20 World Cup teams, including the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Canada, Italy, the US and the Netherlands, have reportedly approached the ICC to discuss visa issues for players born in Pakistan or of Pakistani descent.

    Pakistan’s own squad will not face any visa concerns as Pakistan and India have already agreed upon a hybrid model for ICC events, under which both teams play their matches at neutral venues when one of them hosts the tournament.

    Sri Lanka will host all group-stage games and any knockout matches involving Pakistan.

  • ‘He’s paid a lot more than I am’: Mitchell Starc on Babar Azam wearing his jersey number

    ‘He’s paid a lot more than I am’: Mitchell Starc on Babar Azam wearing his jersey number

    Australian pace spearhead Mitchell Starc has indicated he would willingly give up his number 56 jersey to Pakistan star Babar Azam at the Sydney Sixers, citing the Pakistani captain’s higher pay grade as reason enough to do so.

    The comment came during a Big Bash League (BBL) “60 Second Slog” video segment featuring Starc and Australian white-ball captain Mitchell Marsh, where the pair discussed cricket and traded jokes.

    Both Starc and Babar wear number 56 for their respective international teams, but at the Sixers, Starc currently holds the 56 jersey while Babar wears 056. When Marsh brought up Babar’s well-known preference for the number and asked, “What are your thoughts there?”

    “I think he’s paid a lot more than I am, so he probably gets it,” Starc said.

    Marsh also asked Starc what swings more: the ball when he bowls or his mood after a poor over.

    “Younger Starkey, definitely my mood. Nowadays, probably the ball,” Starc replied.

    Marsh also took a playful dig at Starc’s status as a number one ticket holder at the Greater Western Sydney (GWS) Giants AFL club alongside wife Alyssa Healy.

    “What’s it like having this status with a club of ten fans?” Marsh asked.

    Starc fired back quickly saying, “What’s it like playing finals? Oh, sorry, you wouldn’t know.”

    When asked about Marsh becoming the first “Mitch” to captain an Australian national side, Starc dismissed any notion of wounded ego.

    “Not one bit. I was so happy for you,” Starc said.

    Starc has recently returned from international duties with Australia to feature for the Sixers in the final stages of the BBL season. The 34-year-old paceman is expected to make his first appearance today against Sydney Thunder.

    On the other hand, Babar joined the Sydney Sixers for the ongoing season. The former Pakistani captain has accumulated 154 runs in eight matches with two fifties, maintaining a strike rate of 104.05 and an average of 25.66.

    Babar is also expected to return to Pakistan’s national T20 side for the 2026 World Cup next month.

  • Woman assaults traffic warden after helmet fine in Chiniot

    Woman assaults traffic warden after helmet fine in Chiniot

    Viral footage circulating online shows a woman and her associates assaulting a traffic official after a motorcycle was fined on Sargodha Road, a private media outlet reported.


    According to authorities, a traffic officer issued a challan to a motorcyclist for riding without a helmet. The rider reportedly left the scene without paying the fine but later returned on a rickshaw accompanied by a woman. 


    The video shows the woman slapping traffic official Safdar and hurling verbal abuse, police said.



    Despite the confrontation, the footage shows the officer and his colleagues remaining composed and refraining from retaliating.


    District Police Officer (DPO) Dr Naveed Atif has directed SP Investigation to carry out a comprehensive inquiry into the incident.


    Responding to the allegations, the woman claimed the officer struck her first and said she did not react initially. She also alleged that her son was subjected to violence during the altercation and that her mobile phone was damaged.


    In a separate incident in Karachi, a traffic police officer was assaulted in Saddar by members of a stone vendor group, police said. One suspect has been arrested, while another remains at large.


    According to police, the incident occurred on Sunday at the Tanga Stand on Mubarak Shaheed Road, where traffic congestion developed due to stones scattered across the road. Traffic officer Hafeez was present to clear the obstruction when two men attacked him.


    The officer was reportedly pushed to the ground and beaten in public. Police said a case has been registered at Saddar police station and efforts are underway to arrest the remaining suspect.

  • ‘A broken home is not a joke’: Javed Sheikh hits back at Bushra Ansari’s comment on his divorce

    ‘A broken home is not a joke’: Javed Sheikh hits back at Bushra Ansari’s comment on his divorce

    Veteran actor Javed Sheikh snapped back at longtime friend Bushra Ansari after she made what many perceived as an insensitive comment about his divorce during a recent press event.

    The incident unfolded at a gathering that included several senior artists such as Behroze Sabzwari, Rubina Ashraf, and Shabbir Jan. What started as casual conversation took an uncomfortable turn when Ansari made a remark that clearly struck a nerve with Sheikh.

    Ansari talked about a recent visit to Sheikh’s home. “I visited Javed Sheikh, and he didn’t even serve me any food,” she said. “His house was built in front of my eyes and was also broken in front of my eyes [referring to divorce], not because of me, but in front of me.”

    Sheikh responded with visible anger to what he saw as a tasteless joke about his failed marriage.

    “Bushra taunted about my broken marriage as a joke, but a broken home is not a joke,” he said.

    “I never commented on her broken home or questioned why her marriage ended,” he continued, referencing Ansari’s 2014 divorce from her ex-husband Iqbal Ansari.

    “Next time, whenever you share my story, mention your own too,” he added. “Your marriage did not work out either.” 

    The exchange quickly spread across social media, where users rallied behind Sheikh and criticized Ansari’s comment as unnecessary and insensitive.

    “They are very good friends apparently but…” one user wrote, expressing surprise at the public confrontation.

    “Well said… Javed sb,” another commented in support of the actor.

    “He is right,” one user agreed, while another observed, “In ki larhai ho gai hy,” suggesting the friends had gotten into a fight.

    “Baat tou ghlt ki hai Javed sir ke bary mai,” wrote another user, calling out the inappropriate nature of the original remark about Sheikh.

    Sheikh and Ansari share a friendship that stretches back nearly five decades to their early days in the entertainment industry. Both have spoken warmly about their bond over the years, which made the public spat all the more shocking for fans.

  • Historic milestone: Sarmad Khoosat’s Lali announced as official selection at 76th Berlinale

    Historic milestone: Sarmad Khoosat’s Lali announced as official selection at 76th Berlinale

    Pakistani cinema marks a significant moment on the global stage as Lali, the latest feature by acclaimed filmmaker Sarmad Sultan Khoosat, produced by Khoosat Films in collaboration with Enso Films, is set to have its world premiere in the Panorama programme at the 76th Berlin International Film Festival (Berlinale), one of the world’s most prestigious and influential film festivals.

     

    The Berlinale, renowned for championing bold, socially resonant, and artistically ambitious cinema, stands among the top-tier global film festivals alongside Cannes and Venice. Lali’s selection marks a powerful moment for Pakistan’s creative industry, reaffirming the country’s growing presence on the international cinematic stage.

     

    Produced by Khoosat Films, one of Pakistan’s leading independent film companies behind internationally celebrated titles such as Zindagi Tamasha, Joyland, and Kamli, Lali continues the studio’s legacy of presenting authentic, daring Pakistani stories to the world.

     

    At its core, Lali is a darkly comic story of love, paranoia, and the ghosts that inhabit marriage itself. Blending superstition, desire, and violence, the film unfolds as a genre defying fever dream rooted in a distinctly Pakistani social and emotional landscape.

     

    The film features a talented ensemble cast, delivering layered performances that bring depth and emotional complexity to this bold narrative.

     

    Being showcased at the 76th edition of the Berlinale is a landmark achievement not only for the film and its creators, but for Pakistani cinema as a whole. The selection highlights the growing global appetite for stories emerging from Pakistan, narratives that are deeply rooted in local realities yet resonate universally.

     

    With its official presence at Berlinale, Lali stands as a powerful representation of Pakistan’s evolving cinematic voice, affirming the strength of independent filmmaking and the country’s ability to contribute meaningfully to global cultural conversations.

  • Bangladesh Cricket sacks finance chairman for calling Tamim Iqbal an ‘Indian agent’

    Bangladesh Cricket sacks finance chairman for calling Tamim Iqbal an ‘Indian agent’

    The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has removed Najmul Islam as the chairman of the finance committee following controversy over his remarks about senior cricketer Tamim Iqbal.

    BCB President Md Aminul Islam, who will now also serve as the acting chairman of the committee, made the decision under Article 31 of the BCB Constitution to ensure the smooth and effective functioning of the board.

    In a statement, the board said protecting players’ interests remained its highest priority.

    The BCB reaffirmed its commitment to upholding the honour and dignity of all cricketers under its jurisdiction and urged players to remain professional and committed to the development of Bangladesh cricket.

    It also called on players to continue their participation in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL).

    The decision followed a strong protest by Bangladeshi cricketers earlier in the day when no teams arrived at the venue for a scheduled BPL match.

    Players staged the protest in response to “humiliating” remarks by Islam wherein he had called Tamim Iqbal an “Indian agent”.

    Widely shared screenshots of Islam’s Facebook post read, “This time, the people of Bangladesh witnessed, with their own eyes, the emergence of yet another proven Indian agent.”

    He had made the comment after Tamim urged the BCB to prioritise cricketing interests ahead of Bangladesh’s participation in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026.

    Tamim’s remarks followed the BCB’s decision to not travel to India for the tournament after the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) requested the release of Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman from the IPL, citing security concerns.