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  • Australia names 15-member squad for England Test

    Australia names 15-member squad for England Test

    Australia has announced a 15-member squad for the first Test against England in Perth later this month, with Steve Smith set to captain the side in the absence of injured Pat Cummins.

    According to reports, Travis Head has been named vice-captain for the side with chairman of selectors George Bailey saying the squad provides a good balance.

    The final playing XI will be confirmed closer to the match, he added.

    While three players, namely Jake Weatherald, Brendan Doggett and Sean Abbott, have earned their first Test call-ups, Weatherald is being considered to open alongside Usman Khawaja.

    Marnus Labuschagne is also an option at the top.

    All-rounders Cameron Green and Beau Webster have returned to the side while Alex Carey will take charge behind the stumps with Josh Inglis as backup. Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc, Scott Boland and Nathan Lyon make up the bowling attack.

    Bailey said Cummins is recovering from a back injury and could return later in the series. He praised Weatherald’s consistent domestic performances and his fit within the team’s batting lineup.

    Sam Konstas, who opened for Australia in the West Indies earlier this year, missed selection after struggling in domestic cricket this season.

    The first Test will be played at Optus Stadium from November 21 to 25, followed by matches in Brisbane, Adelaide, Melbourne and Sydney.

    England will arrive with Ben Stokes leading a 16-man squad, featuring Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley as openers.

  • Fact check: Meteor, missile or cloud? Truth behind mysterious glow in Quetta sky

    Fact check: Meteor, missile or cloud? Truth behind mysterious glow in Quetta sky

    Early on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, Quetta and several other parts of Balochistan witnessed the rare phenomenon of glowing lights above the Koh-e-Murdar mountain range.

    The “lenticular cloud formation,” observed around 6:20 a.m., appeared briefly before sunrise and lasted for nearly 20–25 minutes, leaving people across the province puzzled about its origins. 

    Widespread curiosity was sparked by the spectacle. Social media was swamped with images and videos, and citizens shared their theories as to why the sky glowed. 

    Some claimed the phenomenon was a UFO sighting, comparing its saucer-like shape to flying spacecraft. Others suggested it might be a secret hypersonic missile test or even an ICBM (intercontinental ballistic missile) experiment.

    Later that day, the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to clear the confusion. Their official statement identified the sight as a “rare lenticular cloud formation” observed early morning over the Koh-e-Murdar region of Quetta. 

    PMD spokesperson Anjum Nazir further explained that the spectacle occurred when moist, stable air flowed over the eastern mountain range, forming a stationary, lens-shaped cloud.

    He added, “These cloud formations are stationary, lens-shaped structures that typically form on the downwind side of mountains. Their flying-saucer-like shape sometimes leads people to mistake them for UFOs.”

    What are Lenticular clouds? 

    Lenticular clouds, also known as altocumulus lenticularis, are lens-shaped orographic wave clouds created as air travels across hills or mountains at different altitudes in a stable environment, according to the UK Met Office.

    When moist air flows over a mountain range, it creates standing waves in the atmosphere. At the crests of these waves, air cools to its dew point, causing moisture to condense into cloud droplets. As the air descends again, it warms and evaporates, giving the cloud its distinct, smooth, layered appearance.

    “These strange, unnatural-looking clouds sometimes form downwind of hills or mountains,” the Met Office notes.

    “They look a lot like the traditional shape of flying saucers in science fiction, and real lenticular clouds are believed to be one of the most common explanations for UFO sightings across the world.”

  • Pakistan finalises squad for first Test against South Africa

    Pakistan finalises squad for first Test against South Africa

    Pakistan is set to begin their World Test Championship 2025–27 campaign under the captaincy of Shan Masood with a two-match Test series against defending champions South Africa.

    The first Test begins on Sunday at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium where Pakistan plans to field a balanced lineup with seven batters, two fast bowlers and two spinners.

    According to media reports, right-arm spinner Sajid Khan will miss the match due to viral fever, and left-arm spinner Asif Afridi will replace him in the playing XI. 38-year-old Asif has claimed 198 wickets in 57 first-class matches at an average of 25.49. He will partner with experienced left-arm spinner Nauman Ali, who has claimed 83 wickets in 19 Tests at an average of 24.75.

    Pace spearhead Shaheen Shah Afridi will make his Test comeback after a year. The left-arm pacer, who has 116 wickets in 31 Tests, will share the new ball with Hasan Ali. Hasan has 80 wickets from 24 Tests and last featured in the format against Australia in Sydney in January 2024.

    Imam Ul Haq and Abdullah Shafique will open the innings for Pakistan, followed by captain Shan Masood, Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel and Mohammad Rizwan.

    Pakistan playing XI for first Test vs South Africa:
    Imam Ul Haq, Abdullah Shafique, Shan Masood (captain), Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Salman Ali Agha, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Hasan Ali, Nauman Ali, Asif Afridi

  • Man accused of molesting child injured after accidentally shooting himself during arrest

    Man accused of molesting child injured after accidentally shooting himself during arrest

    A man accused of sexually abusing multiple children was injured when a pistol tucked in his waistband accidentally went off as police tried to arrest him in Jahanian.

    Saleem Iqbal is currently being treated at the nearby Civil Hospital while being held by the police.

    According to officials, three separate cases had already been registered against Iqbal at the Jahanian Police Station before his arrest attempt turned chaotic.

    The first incident happened on August 20, when Iqbal was accused of abducting 11-year-old Junaid, the son of a man named Safdar. 

    He allegedly tried to attack the child after luring him onto his motorcycle while posing as the boy’s father’s friend, and took him to a desolate area. The boy managed to escape after screaming for help, and Iqbal fled the scene.

    The suspect allegedly targeted another 11-year-old child from Ghareeb Abad in another case that was reported on September 15.

    Just weeks later, on September 29, Iqbal allegedly tried to abduct a seven-year-old girl named Sabiha Noor, as she was heading to a nearby grocery store. Using the same trick, he convinced her to accompany him on his motorcycle before attempting to assault her.

  • Did your non-PTA device start working? Here’s why…

    Did your non-PTA device start working? Here’s why…

    Hundreds of users of non-registered mobile phones have reported sudden network activation of devices over the past one week.

    As they celebrate what was deemed a bug in the Device Identification, Registration, and Blocking System (DIRBS) of the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), reports have quoted the telecom watchdog as outlining the changes that have resulted in the activation.

    According to reports, the PTA has offloaded old IMEI records of mobile devices to streamline overall system performance.

    As a result, any mobile phone that is not registered will remain active on the network for 60 days only. In case of non-payment of applicable FBR customs duties/taxes within this period, the device will be re-blocked, in accordance with DIRBS regulations.

    While said activity will assist both PTA and Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) in improving DIRBS operations and ensuring more effective system management, it aims to encourage users to register their mobile devices by paying the applicable FBR duties/taxes, thereby contributing to a compliant and sustainable digital environment.

    First introduced under the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government, PTA tax guarantees that every mobile device user in Pakistan, whether local or foreign, makes a fair contribution to the national budget.

    This system ensures that all users, regardless of the source of their mobile devices, pay their share, promoting an equitable tax structure.

    By imposing taxes on imported mobile phones, PTA maintains a healthy balance between local and foreign devices in the market. This regulation prevents market saturation, encourages fair competition and supports the growth of domestic mobile manufacturers.

    The revenue collected from PTA taxes is a significant source of national income. These funds are channeled into various sectors of the economy, supporting development projects, infrastructure improvements and other government initiatives that drive economic progress.

    The PTA tax revenues also contribute to maintaining and expanding the country’s mobile communication infrastructure, supporting networks to maintain reliable and efficient services for millions of users.

  • Famous brand deletes ad after showing Quaid eating ketchup

    Famous brand deletes ad after showing Quaid eating ketchup

    A screenshot of a now-deleted Dipitt ad, generated using artificial intelligence (AI), has been circulating on social media. The ad, allegedly shared from the sauce brand’s official accounts, featured Pakistan’s founder, Quaid-i-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah, appearing to eat food with a bottle of Dipitt’s chilli garlic sauce on the table.

    According to the claims, the ad was removed following criticism from social media users, who condemned the use of the country’s founder for commercial marketing purposes.

    A user on Facebook opined that the marketing approach was “edgy [and] it wasn’t smart”. “It was ignorant, tone-deaf, and downright shameful,” another added.

    “For the first time, I don’t want to be sarcastic, funny, or anything else … You don’t mess with Quaid-e-Azam,” wrote another user.

    One user stated, “This is what happens when brands forcefully and desperately want their products to be integrated into any occasion! Hate this thing. Every brand manager and owner need to learn that not every product needs to be integrated forcefully in any occasion (sic).”

    “This is what needs to be understood: everything isn’t funny.  He is a respectable man; HE SHOULD BE RESPECTED. He was not an entertainer. He is a man of honour,” maintained one.

    The brand’s Instagram page has over 22,000 followers. Posts on the official account are often humorous, edgy, and inspired by pop culture, frequently using AI tools to create ads linked to major events in Pakistan.

    As of now, the brand has not issued a statement on the matter.

  • Imran Khan advises his sons against visiting Pakistan

    Imran Khan advises his sons against visiting Pakistan

    Amid claims that Sulaiman Khan and Kasim Khan, sons of the incarcerated founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Imran Khan, will join the party’s upcoming August 5 protest movement in Pakistan, Imran Khan has instructed them against visiting the country.

    Speaking to journalists at Adiala Jail Rawalpindi, the former premier said that Sulaiman Khan and Kasim Khan, “will not be coming to Pakistan”, adding his sons will neither participate in any protest movement, nor lead any protest.


    His sister Aleema Khanum had earlier claimed that Sulaiman Khan and Kasim Khan would take part in the protests.

    Imran Khan reportedly said: “I am telling you, they aren’t coming to Pakistan and they will not take part in any protest.”

    Earlier in July, speaking to reporters outside Adiala Jail Rawalpindi, Aleema Khanum stated that her brother intends to lead a protest movement from jail against the 26th Constitutional Amendment, while his sons will join the campaign after returning from the United States (US).

    “Imran Khan’s sons will first go to the United States to raise awareness about the injustices faced by their father, and then they will take part in the movement being launched in Pakistan. Imran Khan has been informed of this,” she added.

    On July 8, appearing on a private media outlet, Advisor to Prime Minister (PM) on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah cautioned that if Suleman Khan and Qasim Khan come to Pakistan to lead the PTI’s protest, they could be arrested.

    Sanaullah sternly asked why Imran Khan’s sons would not be arrested if they came to join the “violent protest”, warning that they would be in trouble.

  • Two pilots killed after Indian Air Force Jaguar fighter jet crashes in Rajasthan

    Two pilots killed after Indian Air Force Jaguar fighter jet crashes in Rajasthan

    Two Indian Air Force (IAF) pilots were killed after a twin-seater Jaguar fighter jet crashed during a routine training mission near Bhanoda village in Rajasthan’s Churu district on Wednesday afternoon, raising concerns about IAF’s continuous crashes. 

    “An IAF Jaguar Trainer aircraft met with an accident during a routine training mission and crashed near Churu in Rajasthan, today. Both pilots sustained fatal injuries in the accident. No damage to any civil property has been reported,” an Indian media outlet has reported, citing the statement issued by the IAF.

    “IAF deeply regrets the loss of lives and stands firmly with the bereaved families in this time of grief,” the statement said, adding that a court of inquiry has been established to ascertain the cause of the accident.

    The aircraft crashed in an agricultural field in Bhanoda village around 1.25 pm, Station House Officer (SHO) Rajaldesar Kamlessh told Press Trust of India (PTI).

    The Jaguar is a twin-engine fighter-bomber in single-and twin-seat variants. It is widely used by the IAF despite its vintage status. India has an estimated 120 Jaguar fighter jets spread across six squadrons in operation.

    This is the third IAF Jaguar fighter jet to crash this year, An aircraft crashed shortly after taking off from Jamnagar Airfield during a night mission in April. 

    The IAF reported that the pilots experienced a technical malfunction mid-flight and ejected to prevent damage to the airfield and surrounding populated areas.

    One of the pilots, Siddharth Yadav, succumbed to injuries sustained during the ejection, while the other pilot sustained injuries in the incident.

    In March 2025, an IAF fighter jet crashed in the Panchkula district of Haryana during a routine training sortie.

    Citing the IAF, Indian media outlets stated that the pilot experienced a system malfunction and successfully steered the aircraft away from populated areas before ejecting safely.

  • Man who helped save Rishabh Pant in 2022 takes poison with girlfriend

    Man who helped save Rishabh Pant in 2022 takes poison with girlfriend

    Rajat Kumar, the 25-year-old man who saved Indian cricketer Rishabh Pant in a 2022 car accident, has reportedly consumed poison along with his girlfriend.

    According to NDTV, the incident occurred on February 9 in Bochha Basti village, Muzaffarnagar district, Uttar Pradesh.

    Rajat Kumar and his 21-year-old girlfriend Manu Kashyap reportedly took poison as their families were against their relationship. Manu passed away during treatment, while Rajat Kumar remains in critical condition.

    Indian reports suggest that both families had arranged their marriages elsewhere and refused to accept their relationship as they were from different castes, driving them to attempt suicide.

    Following Manu Kashyap’s death, her mother accused Rajat Kumar of kidnapping her daughter and poisoning her.

    Rajat Kumar gained national attention in December 2022 when he, along with another man, Nishu Kumar, saved cricketer Rishabh Pant from a severe car accident.

    Pant was travelling from Delhi to Uttarakhand when his Mercedes crashed and caught fire. 

    Rajat and Nishu Kumar acted swiftly, pulling him out of the burning vehicle and taking him to a nearby hospital for treatment.

  • Mardan man booked under new PECA amendments

    Mardan man booked under new PECA amendments

    A resident of Mardan has been booked under the new PECA 2025 law in the first case of its kind, for allegedly using abusive language against members of the local press club and spreading negative propaganda. 

    Local police have registered  a First Information Report (FIR) against Zahid, resident of Dagai, on the complaint of Mardan Press Club President Riaz Mayar and General Secretary Pervaz Khan Afridi. 

    Both men alleged that Zahid had used derogatory language and spread negative propaganda against members of the press club by using social media and digital tools. 

    Police have confirmed that they are conducting raids to find Zahid. 

    Members of the Press Club thanked the police for quick action and assured them of their full cooperation in the investigation.