Syed Ahmed Raza

ISLAMABAD: A series of anti-Pakistan, pro-separatist and politically motivated X accounts, including ones posing as Afghan, Baloch or Western-based users, appear to be operating from India, according to the platform&rsquo;s automated location tracking and system warnings.&nbsp;Several accounts that frequently post hostile content about Pakistan, or amplify separatist narratives, are now displaying either an Indian location tag or an X-generated alert cautioning that the user may be masking their real location through a proxy or VPN.&nbsp;One striking example is the X account of Abdul Qahar Balkhi, spokesperson for the Afghan interim government&rsquo;s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.&nbsp;The account, created in August 2021, shows its base location as India, despite presenting itself as an official Afghan source.<figure class="fr-media"> </figure><figure class="fr-media"><img src="https://paktv-assets-7d41fab8.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/8782e09b-5048-4a48-b2f4-c8758ae402a3.png" style="width: 1000px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"></figure>A number of Baloch separatist-linked accounts have also been flagged. The handle &ldquo;Free Balochistan,&rdquo; which regularly spreads anti-state propaganda, displays India as its operating location. Another account, @Baluchifghter, which had more than 33,000 followers and was active in pushing separatist content, has recently been suspended after being reported to authorities.<figure class="fr-media"><figure class="fr-media"> </figure></figure><figure class="fr-media"><img src="https://paktv-assets-7d41fab8.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/uploads/3011f20b-b92f-47fd-b453-58fbb9a6fd34-Screenshot 2025-11-24 131048.png" alt="Screenshot 2025-11-24 131048.png" class="fr-dib" style="width: 1000px;"></figure>X&rsquo;s own system is also issuing warnings for several accounts, stating:&nbsp;&ldquo;Country or region may not be accurate&hellip; this account may be connecting via a proxy &mdash; such as a VPN.&rdquo; The platform adds that proxies can mask real locations and that location data &ldquo;may not be accurate.&rdquo;&nbsp;One such flagged profile is @Sajeda_Akhtar, which frequently posts political content linked to Baloch issues. <figure class="fr-media"><img src="https://paktv-assets-7d41fab8.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/uploads/d1bb011e-45f7-4c26-b382-5b9e24095bea-Screenshot 2025-11-24 134851.png" alt="Screenshot 2025-11-24 134851.png" class="fr-dib" style="width: 1000px; height: 1000px;"></figure>Another is @Amir_Baloch18, whose bio lists &ldquo;Balochistan&rdquo; as the location, yet X marks the account as being based in Central Asia, with an additional VPN warning. <figure class="fr-media"><img src="https://paktv-assets-7d41fab8.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/21fc8ddd-5ce5-4044-b0f3-7a8e6b7902ce.png" style="width: 1000px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"></figure><figure class="fr-media"> </figure>In a surprising development, the profile of former Pakistan cricketer Danish Kaneria, with over 165,000 followers, is also showing up as being operated from India, according to the platform&rsquo;s location exposure.<figure class="fr-media"><img src="https://paktv-assets-7d41fab8.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/5d11c425-b3e2-44ee-8c2a-a4653125b728.png" style="width: 1000px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"></figure><figure class="fr-media"> </figure>Alongside Afghan and Baloch-linked accounts, numerous pro-Israel and MAGA-aligned profiles that routinely target Pakistan have also been flagged by X as being based in India or connecting through VPN networks that obscure their origins. <figure class="fr-media"><img src="https://paktv-assets-7d41fab8.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/uploads/4689fe4c-3aef-4a4b-8943-3792ad2036e1-Screenshot 2025-11-24 140355.png" alt="Screenshot 2025-11-24 140355.png" class="fr-dib" style="width: 1000px; height: 1000px;"></figure><figure class="fr-media"> </figure>The pattern suggests a coordinated effort to shape online narratives through accounts that misrepresent their identity, geography or political affiliation.&nbsp; Australian journalist CJ Werleman notes that &ldquo;roughly 90% of online disinformation originates in India, where government cyber units generate bogus content to advance India&rsquo;s strategic objectives.&rdquo;&nbsp; He quoted India-based fact-checking organization BOOM&#39;s report on how Hindu nationalist&ndash;aligned platforms are major sources of pro-Israel, anti-Ukraine and anti-Pakistan propaganda.<div class="fr-embed"><div class="twitter-tweet twitter-tweet-rendered" style="display: flex; max-width: 550px; width: 100%; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><iframe id="twitter-widget-0" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" title="X Post" src="https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=false&embedId=twitter-widget-0&features=e30%3D&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=false&id=1992734207983133096&lang=en&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fmain.d1wrm1qseko1cp.amplifyapp.com%2Farticles%2F&sessionId=1bcbd8a49c25c9b4cbff715a15837e40435e5095&theme=light&widgetsVersion=2615f7e52b7e0%3A1702314776716&width=550px" style="position: static; visibility: visible; width: 550px; height: 673px; display: block; flex-grow: 1;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</iframe></div></div>Werleman quoted another study showing India responsible for 76% of all anti-Islam hate online, as well as the lion&rsquo;s share of global scam texts and calls targeting elderly and vulnerable people.

India

Several accounts that frequently post hostile content about Pakistan, or amplify separatist narratives, are now displaying either an Indian location tag or an X-generated alert cautioning that the user may be masking their real location through a proxy or VPN.

X location data exposes network of anti-Pakistan accounts operating from India

ISLAMABAD: In a strategic move to bolster its self-reliance in space and defense technologies, India on Sunday launched a communications satellite from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in&nbsp;Sriharikota. The CMS-03 communications satellite, also known as GSAT-7R, was launched aboard India&#39;s indigenous Launch Vehicle Mark-3 rocket.&nbsp;According to the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), the satellite will operate in geostationary orbit, providing secure, multi-band communications for the Indian Navy. Indian media described it as a military communications satellite designed to strengthen the Navy&rsquo;s command, control, and surveillance network across the Indian Ocean.&nbsp;The CMS-03 replaces the ageing GSAT-7 and marks a major upgrade in India&rsquo;s military communications capability. ISRO said the launch also tested, for the first time in orbit, an indigenously developed cryogenic upper-stage engine, improving payload precision and fuel efficiency.&nbsp;Expansion of India&rsquo;s orbital ambitionsThe launch continues a series of recent Indian space milestones. In January, ISRO&rsquo;s GSLV-F15 successfully placed the NVS-02 navigation satellite into orbit, while in July, the joint NASA-ISRO radar mission, NISAR, was launched &mdash; a $1.5 billion project aimed at global environmental monitoring.&nbsp;In September, ISRO transferred its Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) technology to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) to enable commercial production by 2027. The agency has also declared 2025 as &ldquo;Gaganyaan Year,&rdquo; with an uncrewed human spaceflight test featuring the humanoid robot Vyommitra scheduled for December.&nbsp;Together, these steps reflect India&rsquo;s push toward self-reliance in strategic space technology and defense applications. Strategic recalibration post-May 2025 air engagementsIndia&rsquo;s latest satellite focus highlights its efforts to restore strategic confidence following its setback in the May 2025 air engagements with Pakistan. During those encounters, the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) had demonstrated superior coordination and situational awareness against advanced Indian aircraft, downing at least six Indian aircraft, including the top-of-the-shelf Rafale. PAF Air Vice Marshal Aurangzeb Ahmed, in a post-engagement briefing earlier this year, credited Pakistan&rsquo;s performance to its multi-domain operational capability and to the integration of real-time intelligence, cyber defense, and space-based data into air operations. That experience underscored a key shift in modern warfare: information dominance &mdash; not firepower alone &mdash; now determines superiority. India&rsquo;s new satellite is therefore widely seen as an attempt to close that gap and strengthen its command-and-control resilience through space-enabled systems. Pakistan&rsquo;s growing space cooperationPakistan has also accelerated its own space program through its space agency, the Space &amp; Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO), in partnership with China. In January this year, SUPARCO launched the Electro-Optical Satellite (EO-1) to support agriculture, resource mapping, and disaster management. In October, it launched its first hyperspectral imaging satellite (HS-1) aboard a Chinese rocket, enhancing capabilities in environmental monitoring and precision agriculture. Pakistan has also joined China&rsquo;s astronaut training program, with two candidates preparing for a future mission aboard the Tiangong space station in 2026. Additionally, the PAKSAT-MM1 communications satellite completed its first operational year, expanding national connectivity, e-learning, and telemedicine networks. Budgetary gap and road to autonomyOfficial documents reveal a stark contrast in space program funding between the two countries. Pakistan&rsquo;s SUPARCO operates on an annual budget of roughly $120 million, while India&rsquo;s ISRO receives around $1.6 billion &mdash; a nearly 14-fold difference that highlights the scale of Pakistan&rsquo;s resource constraints. This financial disparity largely explains Pakistan&rsquo;s reliance on external partnerships, particularly with China, to advance its space capabilities. While such collaborations provide access to cutting-edge technology and help bridge immediate gaps, they also highlight the challenges Pakistan faces in achieving long-term self-reliance and fostering indigenous innovation in its space sector. Under the National Space Policy 2024 and Space Vision 2047, Pakistan aims to build self-reliant capacity by developing domestic satellites, indigenous launch vehicles, and a sovereign data network. Experts say achieving that goal will require greater investment, local manufacturing, and a skilled technical workforce. Space: the new strategic frontierThe growing focus on orbital infrastructure reflects the changing nature of South Asia&rsquo;s defense landscape. As India expands its military communications network through space, Pakistan is deepening cooperative development to ensure access and capability. Both countries now view the space domain not merely as a scientific frontier but as a core element of national security, a shift that places information dominance and satellite communications at the center of regional deterrence and defense planning.

Security

India’s launch of the CMS-03 satellite underscores its push for space-based military dominance, while Pakistan accelerates its own space program through China partnerships, aiming for long-term self-reliance and strategic capability

India shifts focus to space after losing air war to Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: The World Bank estimates an untapped potential of nearly US$60 billion for Pakistan&#39;s exports, according to its latest Pakistan Development Update report released this week. The report stated that some structural constraints obstructed Pakistan&rsquo;s export competitiveness and productivity. &quot;While the country has made progress in recent years, more reforms are needed to support export-led growth and improve resilience,&quot; it said.&nbsp;The World Bank said some tariffs, regulations, and limited access to trade finance and logistics continue to hamper export performance.&nbsp;The report acknowledged recent government initiatives, including the five-year National Tariff Policy (2026-2030), which aims to reduce the average tariff rate from 20.2 percent to 9.7 percent by 2030. However, it said tariff reforms alone would need to be complemented by steps such as a market-determined exchange rate, stronger trade finance systems, and improved digital and energy infrastructure to boost exports.&nbsp;&ldquo;The government has placed export growth at the center of its development agenda and has made important strides in tackling policy and structural barriers,&rdquo; said Anna Twum, co-author of the report. &ldquo;However, tariff reforms alone will not suffice and must be complemented by broader measures to ensure a market-determined exchange rate, strengthen trade finance, enhance trade facilitation, and expand access to export markets,&rdquo; she added. The report also underscored Pakistan&rsquo;s growing potential in digital services, noting that while digitally delivered exports now account for about 10 percent of total exports, Pakistan&rsquo;s global share remains low at just 0.1 percent. It suggested investing in broadband expansion, fiber-optic connectivity, and modern digital regulations to enhance export capacity in the IT and technology sectors.&nbsp;With the World Bank revising Pakistan&rsquo;s growth projection to 2.6 percent, the report said that unlocking export potential will be key to achieving sustainable, debt-free growth and ensuring long-term economic stability.

Economy

The bank highlights that high tariffs, regulatory barriers, and limited access to trade finance and logistics continue to weigh on export performance.

Pakistan has $60bn export potential, says World Bank

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan government has shifted its strategy in Balochistan from a security-centric approach to one focused on development and inclusion, launching a series of major infrastructure, education, and employment projects aimed at addressing the root causes of unrest in the province. In a statement following a meeting of the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC), the government announced approval of several new schemes, including road networks, energy projects, hospital upgrades, and university expansions. Officials said the initiatives are intended to bridge the long-standing economic and infrastructure gap between Balochistan and other regions of the country. The policy shift reflects a growing recognition among policymakers that lasting peace in Balochistan cannot be achieved through force alone. Speaking to Pakistan TV Digital, Balochistan&rsquo;s Planning Minister Zahoor Buledi said the development initiatives would &ldquo;effectively counter the Indian-sponsored terrorists&rsquo; narrative of deprivation&rdquo; and reinforce the government&rsquo;s efforts to restore peace and stability in the province. &ldquo;These projects will help dismantle the false sense of marginalization that external elements have used to mislead our youth,&rdquo; Buledi said, adding that the government&rsquo;s focus on inclusive growth would serve as the most effective response to extremism and separatism. The government has also introduced over 60,000 paid internships nationwide, with 10,000 special placements reserved for Balochistan&rsquo;s youth under the Baikhtiar Naujawan Internship Program. Additionally, it expanded the Uraan Pakistan Scholarship Program to create more higher-education opportunities for Baloch students, particularly women. Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal said the initiatives form part of a broader effort to promote inclusive growth across Balochistan. &ldquo;Our goal is to ensure that every young person in Balochistan has access to education, training, and opportunity,&rdquo; Iqbal said. &ldquo;Peace is not imposed &mdash; it is built through justice, participation, and development.&rdquo; The shift in tone has also been echoed by the security establishment. Earlier this month, Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir described the people of Balochistan as &ldquo;patriotic and resilient contributors to Pakistan&rsquo;s future,&rdquo; emphasizing that development and inclusion are &ldquo;essential pillars of national unity.&rdquo; Analysts say the renewed focus on socioeconomic uplift marks a critical turning point after years of conflict. If sustained, it could lay the groundwork for a new chapter in Balochistan&rsquo;s integration and stability.

Pakistan’s government has approved a new set of development projects in Balochistan, including roads, energy schemes, and youth programs, as part of a strategic shift to address insurgency through empowerment rather than force, with ministers calling development the “strongest weapon against extremism.”

Pakistan turns to development to secure lasting peace in Balochistan

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan football team captain Abdullah Iqbal has made history after helping Swedish club Mj&auml;llby AIF win their first-ever Allsvenskan title, completing one of European football&rsquo;s most remarkable underdog stories.&nbsp;The small club from H&auml;llevik, a fishing town of just 1,485 residents, clinched the Swedish championship with a 2-0 win over IFK G&ouml;teborg, finishing 11 points clear of second-placed Hammarby. The triumph also secured Mj&auml;llby a spot in the 2026-27 UEFA Champions League qualifying rounds, marking their debut on the European stage.<div class="fr-embed"><div class="twitter-tweet twitter-tweet-rendered" style="display: flex; max-width: 550px; width: 100%; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><iframe id="twitter-widget-1" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" title="X Post" src="https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=false&embedId=twitter-widget-1&features=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%3D%3D&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=false&id=1980337166673932288&lang=en&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fmain.d1wrm1qseko1cp.amplifyapp.com%2Farticles%2F1595%2F&sessionId=2da540749153ee2e00a3972b36aebaab94b84613&theme=light&widgetsVersion=2615f7e52b7e0%3A1702314776716&width=550px" style="position: static; visibility: visible; width: 550px; height: 578px; display: block; flex-grow: 1;"></iframe></div></div>The 22-year-old center-back, who grew up in Denmark and has roots in Kharian, Punjab, has been an integral part of Mj&auml;llby&rsquo;s defense this season. Iqbal featured in 22 league matches, playing the second-most minutes among defenders and contributing two assists. Swedish media and fans have hailed Iqbal on social media as one of Mj&auml;llby&rsquo;s standout performers of the season. His consistency and leadership have earned praise for elevating the team&rsquo;s defensive discipline and helping turn a small-town club into national champions. <div class="fr-embed"><div class="twitter-tweet twitter-tweet-rendered" style="display: flex; max-width: 550px; width: 100%; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><iframe id="twitter-widget-1" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" title="X Post" src="https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=false&embedId=twitter-widget-1&features=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%3D%3D&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=false&id=1980399567695921177&lang=en&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fmain.d1wrm1qseko1cp.amplifyapp.com%2Farticles%2F&sessionId=e81047ebe1425aa34b39905fd30ae8d5e4228e0b&theme=light&widgetsVersion=2615f7e52b7e0%3A1702314776716&width=550px" style="position: static; visibility: visible; width: 550px; height: 748px; display: block; flex-grow: 1;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</iframe></div></div>European interest in Iqbal is also growing. According to FootballDirekt, one of Sweden&rsquo;s biggest football sites, several clubs from Italy and England are preparing offers for the young defender following his impressive debut season in Sweden.<div class="fr-embed"><div class="twitter-tweet twitter-tweet-rendered" style="display: flex; max-width: 550px; width: 100%; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><iframe id="twitter-widget-2" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" title="X Post" src="https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=false&embedId=twitter-widget-2&features=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%3D%3D&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=false&id=1980250178171928944&lang=en&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fmain.d1wrm1qseko1cp.amplifyapp.com%2Farticles%2F&sessionId=e81047ebe1425aa34b39905fd30ae8d5e4228e0b&theme=light&widgetsVersion=2615f7e52b7e0%3A1702314776716&width=550px" style="position: static; visibility: visible; width: 550px; height: 713px; display: block; flex-grow: 1;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</iframe></div></div>Mj&auml;llby&rsquo;s rise from the third division in 2016 to national champions in 2025 has been described as the most unlikely title win in Sweden since Leicester City&rsquo;s Premier League triumph in 2016. Built on smart recruitment and tight defense, the club operated on a budget nearly one-sixth that of serial champions Malm&ouml; FF.

Football

The small club from Hällevik, a fishing town of just 1,485 residents, clinch the Swedish championship with a 2-0 win over IFK Göteborg, finishing 11 points clear of second-placed Hammarby.

Pakistani football star helps underdog Mjällby win historic Swedish league title

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed on Saturday that Zimbabwe will replace Afghanistan in the upcoming T20 International tri-series to be held next month. PCB spokesperson Amir Mir told Pakistan TV Digital that the series, featuring Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Zimbabwe, will be played from November 17 to 29 across Rawalpindi and Lahore. This will mark the first-ever T20 tri-series hosted on Pakistani soil. &ldquo;The event aims to help all participating teams prepare for the ICC Men&rsquo;s T20 World Cup scheduled in India and Sri Lanka next year,&rdquo; Mir said. The tri-series will open with Pakistan facing Zimbabwe at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on November 17, followed by Sri Lanka taking on Zimbabwe on November 19. The remaining matches &mdash; including the final on November 29 &mdash; will be played at Lahore&rsquo;s Gaddafi Stadium. Afghanistan had earlier informed the PCB of its inability to participate, but the board confirmed the series would proceed as planned with Zimbabwe stepping in.&nbsp;Tri-Series Schedule:Nov 17: Pakistan vs Zimbabwe &ndash; RawalpindiNov 19: Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe &ndash; RawalpindiNov 22: Pakistan vs Sri Lanka &ndash; LahoreNov 23: Pakistan vs Zimbabwe &ndash; LahoreNov 25: Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe &ndash; LahoreNov 27: Pakistan vs Sri Lanka &ndash; LahoreNov 29: Final &ndash; Lahore

Cricket

Zimbabwe will replace Afghanistan in a T20 tri-series with Pakistan and Sri Lanka from November 17–29 in Rawalpindi and Lahore, marking Pakistan’s first home T20 tri-series ahead of next year’s ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.

Zimbabwe join Pakistan, Sri Lanka in T20 tri-series next month

ISLAMABAD: At an age when most cricketers start contemplating retirement, Pakistan&rsquo;s Noman Ali continues to redefine persistence and performance. Affectionately known as &lsquo;Chachu&rsquo; in the dressing room, Noman has quietly evolved into Pakistan&rsquo;s most dependable force in Test cricket. His relentless accuracy, unwavering fitness, and mastery of spin have not only earned him admiration but also reshaped Pakistan&rsquo;s Test fortunes in recent years. Yet, it remains baffling that a player with such influence still languishes in Category C of the Pakistan Cricket Board&rsquo;s central contracts. Why is Pakistan&rsquo;s most consistent match-winner not valued accordingly? Let&rsquo;s dig in.&nbsp;Breaking records, defying ageIn Pakistan&rsquo;s historic 93-run victory over defending World Test Champions South Africa in Lahore this week, Noman once again rose to the occasion. His 10-wicket haul (10/191) was his third in just 20 Tests, an extraordinary feat achieved by only 11 other players in cricket history within a few matches.<div class="fr-embed"><div class="twitter-tweet twitter-tweet-rendered" style="display: flex; max-width: 550px; width: 100%; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><iframe id="twitter-widget-0" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="true" title="X Post" src="https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=false&embedId=twitter-widget-0&features=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%3D%3D&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=false&id=1978352490656526759&lang=en&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fmain.d1wrm1qseko1cp.amplifyapp.com%2Farticles%2F1422%2F&sessionId=d92f6f8f14ec3f8a18ae56bfb1be02fbb9a7f668&theme=light&widgetsVersion=2615f7e52b7e0%3A1702314776716&width=550px" style="position: absolute; visibility: hidden; width: 0px; height: 0px; display: block; flex-grow: 1;"></iframe></div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-twitter-extracted-i1760601469914208806="true">Noman Ali grabs his career&#39;s 3rd 1️⃣0️⃣-wicket haul vs South Africa in the first Test at Gaddafi Stadium Lahore🔥<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PAKvSA?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PAKvSA</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GreenPeYaqeen?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GreenPeYaqeen</a> <a href="https://t.co/aNS5J4Lq9m">pic.twitter.com/aNS5J4Lq9m</a>&mdash; Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheRealPCB/status/1978352490656526759?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 15, 2025</a></blockquote></div>He now joins an elite club alongside Fazal Mahmood, Sydney Barnes, and Australia&rsquo;s C.V. Grimmett &mdash; bowlers who defined their eras. Even legends like Muttiah Muralidaran, Shane Warne, and Ravichandran Ashwin didn&rsquo;t reach this milestone so early in their careers. Noman&rsquo;s match-turning spells against England, West Indies, and now South Africa highlight his reliability. Eleven and nine wickets against England, six and ten versus West Indies, and another ten against South Africa, these numbers speak of a spinner at the peak of his craft.&nbsp;Dominance backed by numbersSince making a late Test debut in 2021 at 35, Noman has become Pakistan&rsquo;s most trusted match-winner in the longer format, a bowler capable of altering the course of a game on his own. Over 20 Tests, he has taken 93 wickets at an impressive average of 24.15, including nine five-fors and three ten-wicket match hauls. No Pakistani bowler has claimed more wickets during this period. He leads the pack ahead of Shaheen Shah Afridi (81), Sajid Khan (64), Hasan Ali (49), and Abrar Ahmed (46). In the past year alone, Noman&rsquo;s form has been sensational, 52 wickets at a remarkable average of 15.21 since July 2023, the best by any bowler in the world over that span.&nbsp;A tireless workhorseBeyond the stats, it&rsquo;s Noman&rsquo;s work ethic that truly defines him. In the recent Lahore Test, Pakistan bowled 144.5 overs, and Noman shouldered 63 of them, a testament to his stamina and commitment. His ability to maintain accuracy, extract turn, and sustain pressure makes him indispensable in the red-ball format. At 39, his endurance and discipline remain unmatched, setting a benchmark for the next generation of Pakistani spinners.&nbsp;Recognition overdueDespite his remarkable consistency, it&rsquo;s disappointing that Noman remains in Category C of the PCB&rsquo;s central contracts, a slot that hardly does justice to his impact. For a player who has carried Pakistan&rsquo;s spin attack for nearly four years, higher recognition is long overdue.&nbsp;A case for T20 inclusionWith the T20 World Cup 2026 set to be played in spin-friendly conditions across India and Sri Lanka, Pakistan&rsquo;s lack of experienced spinners could once again be exposed. Given Noman&rsquo;s control, temperament, and ability to deceive with flight and drift, he could be a surprise yet valuable addition to Pakistan&rsquo;s T20 setup. In a format dominated by mystery and wrist-spinners, his classical left-arm orthodox style could bring control and stability, especially on turning tracks.&nbsp;An underrated legend in the makingFrom being a late bloomer to becoming Pakistan&rsquo;s most consistent Test bowler, Noman Ali&rsquo;s journey embodies resilience, patience, and quiet excellence. He may not command the spotlight like Shaheen or Naseem, but his numbers tell a story of dominance and reliability few can match. At 39, Noman continues to prove that age is just a number, not a limitation, in the story of a spinner who refuses to stop rewriting Pakistan&rsquo;s Test history.

At 39, Noman Ali defies age and odds to become Pakistan’s most reliable Test match-winner yet remains undervalued.

Noman Ali: Pakistan’s unsung hero rewriting Test cricket history

ISLAMABAD: Tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan have escalated following a recent surge in cross-border terrorist attacks from Afghanistan.&nbsp;Islamabad accuses the Taliban-led government in Kabul of sheltering banned Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) terrorists and allowing them to operate freely in Afghanistan &mdash; a charge Afghan authorities deny.&nbsp;During a recent official visit to India, Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi reiterated Kabul&#39;s denial of TTP presence in the country. His statement came just days after TTP terrorists ambushed a Pakistani military convoy in the northwestern Orakzai District, killing 11 soldiers, including a lieutenant colonel and a major.&nbsp;Soon after, the TTP launched coordinated cross-border assaults on Pakistani military posts, exposing what security analysts describe as a growing nexus between the Afghan Taliban and the TTP.&nbsp;In response, Pakistani forces carried out precision strikes targeting TTP and Daesh hideouts inside Afghanistan, reportedly eliminating more than 200 terrorists.&nbsp;Pakistan&rsquo;s consistent goodwill toward KabulPakistan has long supported the Taliban-led government in Kabul. Islamabad was one of the few countries to keep its embassy open after the Taliban&rsquo;s takeover in August 2021 and has consistently advocated for unfreezing Afghanistan&rsquo;s $9 billion in foreign assets.&nbsp;Through regional forums such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO), Pakistan repeatedly urged the international community to extend humanitarian and economic support to Afghanistan.&nbsp;Islamabad&rsquo;s approach has long been guided by the belief that a stable and friendly government in Kabul is essential for regional peace and the security of Pakistan&rsquo;s western borders.&nbsp;In this spirit, Pakistan even extended an invitation to Afghanistan to join the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), envisioning trilateral cooperation with China to bring investment, energy connectivity, and infrastructure development to the war-torn country.&nbsp;Goodwill met with denial and hostilityHowever, officials and observers say this goodwill has largely been met with mistrust and denial from the Afghan side.&nbsp;&ldquo;All Pakistan expected in return was for the Afghan Taliban to take concrete action against TTP terrorists using Afghan territory to attack Pakistan,&rdquo; said retired Air Commodore Khalid Chishti. &ldquo;But instead of cooperation, we are witnessing denial, deflection, and, increasingly, alignment with India.&rdquo;&nbsp;Chishti said the Afghan Taliban&rsquo;s outright denial of TTP&#39;s presence &ldquo;amounts to making fun of themselves.&rdquo;&nbsp;&ldquo;The whole world knows the TTP is operating from Afghanistan,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;Either the Taliban are part of it or they are helpless. When they claim control over all of Afghanistan yet deny cross-border attacks, it shows either a lack of capacity or will.&rdquo;&nbsp;He added that Afghan Foreign Minister Muttaqi &ldquo;spent much of his youth in Pakistan and served as the Taliban&rsquo;s information minister during their first regime from 1996 to 2001,&rdquo; describing him as &ldquo;someone for whom Pakistan was like a second home.&rdquo;&nbsp;&ldquo;This is the same individual once listed as a terrorist&mdash;whom India accused of hijacking its plane&mdash;but now welcomed in New Delhi simply because he shares an anti-Pakistan stance,&rdquo; Chishti noted.&nbsp;India&rsquo;s expanding footprint in AfghanistanThe retired air commodore said India has long used Afghanistan as a strategic pressure point against Pakistan, pouring billions into infrastructure, education, and development projects to gain political leverage.&nbsp;&ldquo;India cannot compete with Pakistan on the eastern border,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;So, it funds proxies across the western border&mdash;buying loyalty, outsourcing terrorism, and using the TTP as a rented force.&rdquo;&nbsp;Chishti also cited a 2016 statement attributed to India&rsquo;s current National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, in which he reportedly said India would use the Taliban &ldquo;the way we want,&rdquo; adding, &ldquo;They are mercenaries. India is a much bigger economy. We will inject more funds, and they will be on our side.&rdquo;&nbsp;He said the statement reflects India&rsquo;s long-standing intent to exploit instability in Afghanistan to its advantage.&nbsp;During the US presence in Afghanistan, Chishti noted, &ldquo;around 2,700 contractors were told to pay protection money to the Taliban&mdash;nearly $47 million per week&mdash;which shows how the group learned to monetize conflict and power.&rdquo;&nbsp;Terrorism data paints grim pictureAccording to data from the Islamabad-based Pakistan Institute for Peace Studies (PIPS), terrorist attacks in Pakistan surged from 89 in 2021 to 262 in 2022, 306 in 2023, and 521 in 2024. In the first 10 months of 2025 alone, 585 attacks have been recorded&mdash;the highest escalation in recent years.&nbsp;The situation worsened during Pakistan&rsquo;s brief conflict with India in May 2025, when a 40-member TTP group&mdash;including the son of a Taliban official&mdash;reportedly attempted to open a western front against Pakistan. Analysts say this highlights a dangerous convergence between anti-Pakistan groups operating from Afghan territory and external actors seeking to destabilize the region.&nbsp;The latest escalation came after the October 8 attacks in Orakzai and Dera Ismail Khan, which killed 18 security personnel. Pakistan&rsquo;s retaliatory strikes were followed by a terrorist assault on the DI Khan Police Training School by a group linked to the Taliban, killing seven policemen and injuring several others.&nbsp;According to the Islamabad-based Center for Research and Security Studies (CRSS), Pakistan witnessed a 46% rise in violence in the third quarter of 2025, with at least 901 fatalities and 599 injuries in 329 incidents of terrorism and counterterror operations.&nbsp;A looming questionChishti said the growing threat underscores the need for a &ldquo;clearer regional strategy.&rdquo;&nbsp;&ldquo;We must protect our borders and people,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;But continued tolerance for terrorist sanctuaries in Afghanistan endangers not just Pakistan&rsquo;s security&mdash;it threatens regional peace and stability as a whole.&rdquo;&nbsp;As Pakistan re-evaluates its policy toward Kabul, one question looms large: Are the Afghan Taliban truly living up to India&rsquo;s expectations&mdash;or merely playing into a dangerous regional game that could consume them next?

Pakistan’s goodwill toward the Afghan Taliban government is straining as TTP attacks surge, fueling suspicions of Indian influence.

TTP resurgence strains Pakistan-Afghanistan ties, fuels suspicions of Indian hand

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan will begin its 2025-27 World Test Championship (WTC) journey on Sunday when they take on defending champions South Africa in the first of two Test matches at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore. This will also be the first occasion since the inception of the ICC World Test Championship in 2019 that Pakistan will be playing their opening series of a WTC cycle at home. In the 2019-21 WTC, they began the cycle with a tour to Australia, while in 2021-23, with a championship tour of the West Indies. In the previous 2023-25 cycle, Pakistan started their campaign with a tour of Sri Lanka. Golden opportunityIn earlier WTC cycles, Pakistan finished fifth, seventh, and ninth, failing to win more than five matches in a single campaign. The team never came close to qualifying for the final. However, the upcoming cycle offers a favorable mix of opponents and venues, presenting a realistic chance for Pakistan to turn the tide.&nbsp;One of Pakistan&rsquo;s biggest advantages is the fixture list. Under the WTC format, each team plays six series, three at home and three away, while missing two opponents. For Pakistan, those two are India and Australia, two of the strongest sides in WTC history.&nbsp;Australia, the 2023 champions and 2025 runners-up, hold the best win/loss ratio at 2.750, followed by India at 1.631. Avoiding both significantly boosts Pakistan&rsquo;s chances of staying competitive on the points table.&nbsp;Home advantageAt home, Pakistan will host South Africa, Sri Lanka, and New Zealand &mdash; six Tests in total. The series against South Africa marks a tough opening challenge, but also a golden opportunity to build early momentum. Pakistan&rsquo;s record against both South Africa and New Zealand is stronger on home soil, and victories here could set the tone for the entire cycle.&nbsp;Away fixturesTheir away fixtures, against England, Bangladesh, and West Indies, pose varying levels of difficulty.&nbsp;The three-Test series in England is expected to be the toughest, but Pakistan have historically performed well there, with five Test wins since 2010, their best record among SENA countries.&nbsp;Bangladesh remains a favorable venue, with Pakistan having won eight of the nine Tests, while the West Indies could offer a balanced contest.&nbsp;Masood for maximizing home advantagePakistan captain Shan Masood, speaking to the PCB Digital, ahead of the South Africa series, emphasized a strong start to the new WTC cycle.&nbsp;&ldquo;The main goal is always to win the championship, but for us, it&rsquo;s about starting well &mdash; and facing the defending champions at home is a great opportunity,&rdquo; he said.&nbsp;Masood noted that the WTC serves as a true test of progress. &ldquo;It allows us to measure ourselves against the best. If we perform well, we&rsquo;ll know we&rsquo;re right up there.&rdquo;&nbsp;Highlighting the value of home advantage, he added, &ldquo;Teams that reach the final have always dominated at home. For us, it&rsquo;s about finding that blueprint and beginning strongly.&rdquo;&nbsp;Final wordWith a relatively shorter schedule of 13 Tests, the second lowest after Sri Lanka, Pakistan&rsquo;s unpredictability could turn into an asset. Fewer games mean less room for prolonged slumps, provided the team maintains consistency.

This is the first occasion since the inception of the ICC World Test Championship in 2019 that Pakistan will be playing their opening series of a WTC cycle at home.

Pakistan eye final as WTC 2025-27 campaign begins against South Africa

COLOMBO: Pakistan will face traditional rivals India in their ICC Women&rsquo;s World Cup 2025 fixture at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Sunday, in what promises to be one of the tournament&rsquo;s most anticipated encounters. The match will start at 2:30 PM.&nbsp;Pakistan are seeking a strong comeback after their opening match defeat to Bangladesh, while India began their campaign with a win over Sri Lanka.&nbsp;For Pakistan, the contest provides an opportunity to register a historic first victory over India in the 50-over format and boost their hopes of progressing further in the tournament.&nbsp;The match comes amid heightened political tensions between the two countries. Officials indicated that, as seen during the men&rsquo;s Asia Cup last month, players may not exchange customary handshakes before or after the game.&nbsp;Both sides are under pressure, with India aiming to move closer to a semifinal spot and Pakistan determined to turn the tide against their arch-rivals in Colombo.&nbsp;Likely XIs&nbsp;Pakistan: Muneeba Ali, Omaima Sohail, Sidra Amin, Rameen Shamim, Aliya Riaz, Sidra Nawaz, Fatima Sana (C), Natalia Pervaiz, Diana Baig, Nashra Sandhu and Sadia Iqbal.&nbsp;India: Pratika Rawal, Smriti Mandhana, Harleen Deol, Harmanpreet Kaur (C), Jemimah Rodrigues, Deepti Sharma, Richa Ghosh, Amanjot Kaur, Sneh Rana, Kranti Goud and Shree Charani.

Pakistan eye breakthrough against India in Women’s World Cup clash

Hong Kong: A huge fire engulfed a crowded Hong Kong high-rise complex, killing at least 36 people and leaving more than 200 unaccounted for in the city&#39;s worst blaze in decades. The fire, which started on Wednesday afternoon and was still burning in the early hours of Thursday, shocked the Chinese financial hub, which has some of the world&#39;s most densely populated and tallest apartment blocks. Huge flames first took hold on bamboo scaffolding on several apartment blocks of Wang Fuk Court, which contains nearly 2,000 flats in eight towers in the northern district of Tai Po and was reportedly undergoing estate-wide maintenance. City leader John Lee early on Thursday gave the death toll as 36, including a firefighter, with 279 people unaccounted for. Twenty-nine people were hospitalized, with seven in critical condition. Lee said the fire was &quot;gradually getting under control,&quot; with flames still spotted at four out of the eight buildings in the complex. He was speaking almost 12 hours after the fire broke out. The cause was still not known. At the scene of the fire, an AFP reporter heard loud cracking sounds, possibly from the burning bamboo, and saw thick plumes of smoke billowing from the buildings as flames and ash reached high into the sky. A 65-year-old resident surnamed Yuen said he had lived in the complex for more than four decades and that many of his neighbors were elderly and might not be mobile. &quot;The windows were closed because of the maintenance, (some people) didn&#39;t know there was a fire and had to be told to evacuate via phone calls by neighbors,&quot; Yuen told AFP. &quot;I&#39;m devastated. There is loss of property and loss of life, and even a firefighter has died.&quot; More than 900 people sought refuge at temporary shelters, Lee said. &#39;Unable to reach people who requested help&#39;&nbsp;Authorities said they will launch a probe into the fire as well as into the materials on the buildings&#39; exterior that may have caused the blaze to spread faster than usual. A police officer at a temporary shelter told AFP it was unclear how many people were unaccounted for because residents were still trickling in late into the night to report missing family members. Sections of charred scaffolding fell from the burning blocks, and flames could be seen inside apartments, sometimes belching out through windows into the night sky, casting an eerie orange glow on surrounding buildings. &quot;The temperature at the scene is very high, and there are some floors where we have been unable to reach people who requested help, but we will keep trying,&quot; said Derek Armstrong Chan, the deputy director of fire service operations. He said the fire likely spread from one building to another due to the wind and drifting debris, although he added that authorities are investigating the cause of the blaze. Chinese President Xi Jinping expressed condolences to the victims, including &quot;the firefighter who died in the line of duty,&quot; according to state media. &quot;He offered sympathies to the families of the victims and those affected by the disaster, and called for making every effort to extinguish the fire and minimize casualties and losses,&quot; state broadcaster CCTV said. Lee, the city leader, said he was &quot;deeply saddened&quot; and that all government departments were assisting residents affected by the fire. &#39;Dare not leave&#39;&nbsp;A Tai Po resident surnamed So, 57, said the fire was &quot;heartbreaking.&quot; &quot;There&#39;s nothing that can be done about the property. We can only hope that everyone, no matter old or young, can return safely,&quot; So told AFP. An apartment owner in his 40s who did not want to give his name told AFP that the government needed to help those made homeless by the blaze. &quot;The fire is not yet under control, and I dare not leave, and I don&#39;t know what I can do,&quot; he said. Residents were seen being evacuated via large coaches, with local media reporting that adjacent blocks were also being cleared. Sections of a nearby highway were also closed by the firefighting operation. Deadly fires were once a regular scourge in densely populated Hong Kong, especially in poorer neighborhoods. However, safety measures have been ramped up in recent decades, and such fires have become much less commonplace.

Asia

City leader John says 279 people are unaccounted for; 29 people are hospitalized, seven in critical condition.

Hong Kong high-rise fire kills at least 36, 200-plus missing

BERLIN: NASA has confirmed that it will contribute to Europe&#39;s Martian rover Rosalind Franklin, which is scheduled to launch in 2028 after repeated delays, the European Space Agency said on Wednesday.&nbsp;The rover aims to be the first on the red planet capable of drilling up to two metres (6.5 feet) below the surface to search for extraterrestrial life.&nbsp;However, the mission relies on several elements from NASA, which US President Donald Trump has targeted with steep budget cuts since returning to the White House in January.&nbsp;ESA director general Josef Aschbacher said he had received &quot;a letter from the NASA administration to confirm the contributions&quot; of the US space agency to the mission.&nbsp;&quot;That is good news,&quot; Aschbacher said on the sidelines of the ESA&#39;s ministerial council meeting being held this week in the German city of Bremen.&nbsp;The mission was originally intended to launch in 2020, but suffered several setbacks.&nbsp;In 2022, it was suspended after the ESA ended cooperation with Russia -- the agency&#39;s main partner for the mission -- following Moscow&#39;s invasion of Ukraine.&nbsp;The ESA then turned to the United States for help.&nbsp;Aschbacher said NASA was contributing to three of the mission&#39;s elements: the launcher, radioisotope heater unit and braking engine.&nbsp;The braking engine had been confirmed some time ago, but the other two elements will be a relief for the ESA.&nbsp;NASA is also providing &quot;one instrument to analyse traces of possible life on Mars,&quot; Aschbacher added.&nbsp;The rover, which is named after British scientist Rosalind Franklin, is planned to touch down on the Martian surface in 2030.

Artificial Intelligence

NASA will contribute key elements to Europe's Martian rover, Rosalind Franklin, launching in 2028. The rover aims to search for life by drilling 2 meters below Mars' surface. It suffered delays, including suspension in 2022 due to the war in Ukraine.

NASA confirms support for delayed European Mars rover: ESA

Pakistan TV Satellite

ISLAMABAD: Iran has expressed its readiness to play a supportive role in addressing ongoing tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan, offering a &ldquo;blank cheque&rdquo; to help resolve these issues, while also emphasizing the strengthening of trade and economic relations between Tehran and Islamabad. In an exclusive interview with Pakistan TV, Ali Ardeshir Larijani, Secretary of Iran&rsquo;s Supreme National Security Council, highlighted Tehran&rsquo;s willingness to assist if Pakistan seeks Iran&rsquo;s involvement in resolving regional issues. &ldquo;Pakistan is very dear and honourable to the Iranian people,&quot; Larijani said, adding we can help ease regional tensions. Earlier, addressing a press conference, the senior Iranian official said: &ldquo;We are prepared to give the Pakistanis a &lsquo;blank cheque&rsquo; to help resolve the regional issues, to be used whenever they deem necessary.&rdquo; <div class="fr-embed youtube-embed"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/4FfT1CCdgvQ?si=_GiRA_uvmnUEmz-l" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen="" style="width: 100%; height: auto; aspect-ratio: 16 / 9; max-width: 100%; display: block;"></iframe>&nbsp;</div> He said this is the blank cheque for peace, and Pakistan can encash it whenever it wants. In the interview with Pakistan TV, Ali Larijani said: &ldquo;We have left this matter to our Pakistani brothers and are ready to move forward if they see a role for us. Our goal is to support the solution for the people of Pakistan.&rdquo; Larijani also noted that Iran has shown &ldquo;expressive readiness&rdquo; to help facilitate dialogue and cooperation between Pakistan and Afghanistan, following discussions with Pakistani leadership. Pakistan and Iran share historically friendly ties, with cooperation spanning trade, energy and regional security. Over the past decade, both countries have worked on multiple initiatives, including energy pipelines, cross-border trade agreements and joint efforts to maintain stability in Afghanistan. Iran has previously too shown its interest in fostering peace and stability in the region. Pakistan also emphasised the importance of regional collaboration in trade, transport and energy infrastructure, seeking to strengthen bilateral ties through tangible projects. Larijani also touched upon bilateral trade and investment initiatives. He noted that following the recent visit of Iran&rsquo;s president, both countries have intensified efforts to enhance economic cooperation, particularly in agriculture, railway networks and pipeline projects. &ldquo;Work has begun on promoting trade and economic ties between our countries, especially in agriculture, as per the directives of our leaders. We are exploring various avenues to elevate trade volume,&rdquo; Larijani stated. He added that both sides have discussed multiple strategies to expand and strengthen these relations, with optimism for tangible outcomes in the near future.

The Newsroom

Iran offers a “blank cheque” to help Pakistan ease tensions with Afghanistan, while urging stronger trade, energy and investment cooperation following recent high-level engagements and economic discussions.

Iran offers ‘blank cheque’ to support Pakistan-Afghanistan peace, eyes stronger bilateral ties

Web Desk

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Wednesday unveiled a proposal for a Regional Maritime Dialogue, a multicontinental framework aimed at bringing together countries from the Gulf Cooperation Council, Central Asia and Africa to address shared maritime challenges and strengthen cooperation, according to an official statement.&nbsp;The initiative was introduced by Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry during a breakfast reception hosted by Pakistan at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) headquarters in London.&nbsp;Delegations from more than 173 countries, including over 100 maritime ministers, attended what officials described as one of the most widely participated events of the IMO Assembly week.&nbsp;Calling the IMO &ldquo;the pinnacle of maritime diplomacy,&rdquo; Junaid told delegates that Pakistan was &ldquo;ready to play a proactive role in shaping regulations that reflect the needs of our region.&rdquo;&nbsp;Junaid and IMO Secretary General Arsenio Dominguez also jointly inaugurated a model of the PNSC ship Karachi, one of three new vessels the Pakistan National Shipping Corporation intends to acquire.&nbsp;The minister said the rapidly evolving maritime environment required new regional mechanisms capable of addressing &ldquo;operational, environmental, regulatory and technological needs.&rdquo;&nbsp;He added, &ldquo;Our maritime policies must reflect our vulnerabilities and our priorities.&rdquo;&nbsp;According to the proposal, the Regional Maritime Dialogue would prioritize emissions reduction, maritime safety, coordinated search-and-rescue operations and navigational safety.&nbsp;Junaid highlighted Pakistan&rsquo;s current role as coordinator of NAVAREA IX, one of 21 global navigational zones under the World-Wide Navigational Warning Service, responsible for ensuring ships receive timely and reliable safety alerts.&nbsp;To support long-term capacity building, the minister also proposed the establishment of a Regional Maritime University and a Regional Maritime Training Institute, arguing that new IMO regulations, autonomous shipping and digitalization demand updated skills.&nbsp;&ldquo;We want to prepare our workforce for the future of shipping, where technology, environmental compliance and digital skills will be essential,&rdquo; he said.&nbsp;Reaffirming Pakistan&rsquo;s ambition to emerge as a regional maritime leader, Junaid said the country remained committed to working closely with Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar and partners across Central Asia and Africa to shape global maritime policy and advance shared development priorities.

Climate & Environment

At IMO headquarters in London, Islamabad proposes a multicontinental maritime dialogue linking Gulf, Central Asian and African states to strengthen cooperation on safety, emissions, regulation and future shipping technologies.

Pakistan seeks multicontinental alliance to shape future of global shipping

ISLAMABAD: Bahrain has conferred its highest state award on Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif as both countries move to deepen political, economic and defense cooperation, according to the Prime Minister&rsquo;s Office (PMO).&nbsp;In a meeting in Manama, King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa presented Pakistani PM with the Order of Bahrain (First Class), described by the PMO as &ldquo;the highest award Bahrain confers on heads of state and government.&rdquo;&nbsp;The PMO said PM Sharif thanked the King for the warm reception and for what he called Bahrain&rsquo;s &ldquo;longstanding goodwill and friendship toward Pakistan.&rdquo; He also commended &ldquo;His Majesty&rsquo;s leadership in promoting peace, tolerance and coexistence.&rdquo;&nbsp;According to the PMO, King Hamad told Sharif that Bahrain had &ldquo;the privilege of being represented at a legal forum by none other than Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah,&rdquo; adding that Pakistan&rsquo;s founding father &ldquo;remained Bahrain&rsquo;s lawyer for a long time.&rdquo;&nbsp;Both sides reviewed the &ldquo;encouraging momentum&rdquo; in bilateral ties and agreed to strengthen cooperation in political, economic, defense and cultural fields.&nbsp;The PMO quoted PM Sharif as reaffirming Pakistan&rsquo;s commitment to deepening relations &ldquo;based on shared faith and mutual respect.&rdquo;&nbsp;The prime minister thanked the King for Bahrain&rsquo;s continued support, including the establishment of the King Hamad University for Nursing and Allied Medical Sciences in Islamabad, inaugurated in September 2025.&nbsp;He also expressed gratitude for Bahrain&rsquo;s solidarity following recent terrorist incidents in Pakistan.&nbsp;On economic ties, the PMO said the prime minister highlighted Pakistan&rsquo;s desire to expand trade and investment, noting that bilateral commerce is expected to grow with the upcoming Pakistan&ndash;GCC Free Trade Agreement, now in its final stages.&nbsp;He invited Bahraini investors to explore opportunities through the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), particularly in food security, IT, construction, mining, tourism and healthcare.&nbsp;The PMO added that PM Sharif expressed appreciation for Bahrain&rsquo;s support to the more than 150,000 Pakistanis living in the Kingdom and thanked King Hamad for pardoning Pakistani prisoners.&nbsp;Both leaders reaffirmed the importance of the defense partnership and agreed to continue cooperation in training, logistics, manpower and defense production.&nbsp;They also discussed developments in Gaza, agreeing that peace and stability are &ldquo;long overdue for the people of Gaza,&rdquo; the PMO said.&nbsp;At the end of the meeting, the PMO noted that both sides expressed confidence that the visit would &ldquo;further consolidate the enduring friendship and cooperation between Pakistan and Bahrain.

Foreign Affairs

In Manama, PM Shehbaz Sharif receives Bahrain’s highest honor, strengthens Pakistan-Bahrain ties, discusses trade, defence, regional issues, and affirms commitment to deepening bilateral cooperation, says PMO.

 Bahrain awards top honor as leaders deepen strategic Pakistan ties

GAZA CITY: The health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza said Israel returned the bodies of 15 Palestinian prisoners on Wednesday under the US-brokered ceasefire exchange deal.&nbsp;&quot;The Ministry of Health announces the receipt of 15 bodies of martyrs released today by the Israeli occupation via the International Committee of the Red Cross, bringing the total number of bodies received to 345,&quot; the ministry said in a statement.&nbsp;A medical source at Gaza&#39;s Nasser Hospital in the southern city of Khan Yunis confirmed it had received 15 bodies via the Red Cross.&nbsp;Under the ceasefire deal, which came into effect on October 10, Israel was required to turn over the bodies of 15 Palestinians for every deceased Israeli returned.&nbsp;The 15 bodies returned on Wednesday were in exchange for the remains of Dror Or, one of the last three deceased hostages held in the Palestinian territory, whose body was handed over to Israel on Tuesday by militants, via the ICRC.&nbsp;Hamas spokesman Hazem Qassem said in a statement that the handover &quot;reflects Hamas&#39;s steadfast commitment to fully complete the exchange process and its ongoing efforts to finalize it despite significant difficulties.&quot;&nbsp;The last two hostages&#39; bodies still in Gaza are those of Israeli Ran Gvili and Thai national Sudthisak Rinthalak.&nbsp;At the start of the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, militants were holding 20 living hostages and 28 bodies of deceased captives.&nbsp;Hamas has since released all the living hostages and returned the remains of 26 dead hostages.&nbsp;In exchange, Israel has released nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners in its custody and returned the bodies of hundreds of dead Palestinians

Middle East

Israel returned 15 Palestinian bodies to Gaza under a US-brokered ceasefire deal, exchanging them for the remains of Israeli hostage Dror Or, Hamas says it remains committed to completing the process, with two hostage bodies still in Gaza.

Israel returns 15 Palestinian bodies to Gaza under US-brokered ceasefire deal

ISLAMABAD: In a significant endorsement of its role in global arms control, Pakistan has been re-elected to the Executive Council of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) for the term 2026-28. The vote was held during the 30th Session of the Conference of States Parties in The Hague, Netherlands, from Nov. 24 to 28. The 41-member Executive Council serves as the organization&#39;s principal policy-making body, overseeing implementation of the Chemical Weapons Convention and ensuring member-state compliance. It also advances scientific and economic cooperation for peaceful chemical use. With 193 states as parties, the convention is widely regarded as one of the most successful international disarmament treaties, having verified the destruction of an entire category of weapons of mass destruction. Pakistan, which ratified the Chemical Weapons Convention&nbsp;in 1997, has remained an active contributor to the OPCW mandate and has been part of the executive council multiple times.&nbsp; The Pakistan Foreign Office said the country continues to host routine OPCW inspections at relevant national facilities and participates in capacity-building and technical cooperation initiatives.<div class="fr-embed"><div class="twitter-tweet twitter-tweet-rendered" style="display: flex; max-width: 550px; width: 100%; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><iframe id="twitter-widget-0" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" title="X Post" src="https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=false&embedId=twitter-widget-0&features=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%3D%3D&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=false&id=1993554767017353469&lang=en&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fmain.d1wrm1qseko1cp.amplifyapp.com%2Farticles%2Fnew%2F&sessionId=3ba96c4b85199724f9f942c96144bb1d2a408154&theme=light&widgetsVersion=2615f7e52b7e0%3A1702314776716&width=550px" style="position: static; visibility: visible; width: 550px; height: 922px; display: block; flex-grow: 1;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</iframe></div></div>The foreign office described the re-election as an endorsement of Pakistan&rsquo;s &ldquo;constructive contributions&rdquo; and a reflection of member states&rsquo; confidence in Islamabad&rsquo;s commitment to strengthening global chemical security. &ldquo;Pakistan will continue to provide effective leadership and support to the work of the OPCW,&rdquo; the statement added. According to its website, the OPCW oversees the global endeavor to permanently and verifiably eliminate the use of chemical weapons.

File: Entrance of the OPCW headquarters in The Hague - Wikimedia Commons 

Pakistan was re-elected to the 41-member Executive Council of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons for 2026-28. Islamabad’s active participation and hosting of routine inspections highlight its ongoing role in promoting chemical weapons disarmament and compliance.

Pakistan retains seat at chemical weapons elimination body

ISLAMABAD: Information Minister Attaullah Tarar has said a truly futuristic approach is essential to move forward. Speaking at PTV Home&rsquo;s programme &lsquo;Rising Pakistan&rsquo; on the occasion of the channel&rsquo;s 61st anniversary, Attaullah Tarar said new platforms are being created to connect Gen Z with PTV. The minister said during Pakistan-India war, it was realized that there was a need to start channels as a stratcom tool. &ldquo;We are encouraging private sector channels as well,&rdquo; he said. Attaullah Tarar said Pakistan TV Satellite has a fresh and new look and &ldquo;our stories are being quoted by international media outlets like BBC and Reuters&rdquo;. He said our strategic and geopolitical situation is such that exclusive stories from here have international significance.&ldquo;We brought new vigour in English media, whether it be digital or satellite,&rdquo; he said. Attaullah Tarar said very capable women were heading most departments in PTV, adding that it is a women-led initiative in the information domain.He said in sports, we got exclusive rights of many series through which we generated revenue. The minister said a sustainable model is needed.&nbsp; He went on to say that we are trying to do collaboration with the private sector for PTV Home. &ldquo;We can make good dramas and do collaborations with the private sector under profit-cost sharing basis,&rdquo; he said, adding that public-private partnership is a way forward. He said those who are leaders in entertainment in private sector should be invited to collaborate with PTV. The minister said today all those who are leading the entertainment industry say they started from PTV. He added that PTV has given birth to the entertainment, sports and news industries. Attaullah Tarar said he does not believe in criticism for the sake of criticism, adding that there should be constructive criticism to bring reforms. He said the private sector will be strongly encouraged in media projects, adding that Pakistan Idol was launched as private sector collaboration at a minimum cost. The information minister said the government aims to expand youth involvement through private sector programmes.

Speaking at PTV Home’s programme ‘Rising Pakistan’ on the occasion of the channel’s 61st anniversary, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said new platforms are being created to connect Gen Z with PTV. (Photo: Pakistan TV Satellite)

SAT News Desk

Speaking at an event marking PTV's 61st anniversary, the information minister said new platforms are being created to connect Gen Z with PTV.

Moving forward with futuristic approach is essential: Tarar

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir praised the &ldquo;professionalism, resolve and commitment&rdquo; demonstrated by Pakistan&rsquo;s Armed Forces during Marka-e-Haq, stating that it had &ldquo;enhanced the global stature of Pakistan.&quot;&nbsp; He was addressing participants of the National Security Workshop&ndash;27 at GHQ, Rawalpindi, according to a press release by Inter-Services Public Relations, the military&#39;s media wing. The Pakistan Army defines the period of conflict with India, starting from the April 22 Pahalgam attack to the May 10 conclusion of Operation Bunyanum Marsoos, as Marka-i-Haq in May. The army chief said Pakistan was a &ldquo;country of consequence and is destined to reach its rightful place in the comity of nations,&rdquo; ISPR said.&nbsp; The army chief highlighted the &ldquo;fluid regional environment shaped by heightened geopolitical competition, cross-border terrorism, and hybrid threats.&rdquo; Despite complex challenges including &ldquo;externally supported militancy and information-centric warfare,&rdquo; Pakistan&rsquo;s armed forces, intelligence agencies, and law-enforcement institutions continue to demonstrate unwavering professionalism and resolve to safeguard national security,&rdquo; the ISPR quoted him as saying. Participants were also briefed on ongoing &ldquo;national efforts against illegal activities, including the crackdown on smuggling, narcotics trafficking, and organized criminal networks that adversely impact security.&rdquo; Updates were shared on enhanced border controls and the repatriation of illegal foreigners to maintain internal order and protect national interests. Field Marshal Munir reiterated that the &ldquo;territorial integrity, security and protection of every Pakistani citizen is paramount for the Pakistan Army and will not be compromised under any circumstances.&rdquo; He reaffirmed the army&rsquo;s commitment to supporting federal and provincial governments. &ldquo;Coordinated national efforts and institutional synergy are vital for lasting peace, stability and prosperity,&rdquo; ISPR quoted him as saying. The National Security Workshop, run by the National Defence University, brings together parliamentarians, senior civil and military officials, academics, and representatives from civil society.

Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir addresses participants of National Security Workshop–27 (NSW–27) at the General Headquarters (GHQ) on November 26. — (ISPR)

Says success earned during Marka-e-Haq 'enhanced the global stature of Pakistan; crackdown on smuggling, narcotics trafficking, and organized criminal networks that adversely impact security continuing.

Field Marshal Munir hails armed forces for defeating India

LONDON:&nbsp;The co-founder of activist group Palestine Action will on Wednesday challenge a UK government ban under anti-terror laws that has led to mass arrests, sparking free speech and civil liberties concerns. United Nations human rights chief Volker Turk has said the ban &ldquo;appears disproportionate and unnecessary,&rdquo; while Europe&rsquo;s human rights watchdog, the Council of Europe, criticised &ldquo;excessive limits&rdquo; on the right to protest. The UK government proscribed the pro-Palestinian group in July, days after activists protesting the war in Gaza broke into an air force base in southern England. Prosecutors have said they caused an estimated &pound;7 million ($9.3 million) of damage to two aircraft at the base. The legal action brought by the group&rsquo;s co-founder, Huda Ammori, at London&rsquo;s High Court is expected to last from Wednesday to Thursday, with a third day to be set at a later stage. The ban &mdash; which makes being a member of the group or inviting support for it a serious criminal offence punishable by up to 14 years in prison &mdash; has resulted in at least 2,300 arrests, according to protest organizers Defend Our Juries. Those arrested include students, teachers, pensioners, and even an 83-year-old retired vicar, with many carried away from the protests by police. According to London&rsquo;s Met Police, so far 254 people have been charged with a lesser offence that carries a sentence of up to six months. The proscription under the Terrorism Act 2000 means the group has been added to a list that also includes al-Qaida and Hezbollah. The interior ministry, or Home Office, has accused Palestine Action of conducting an &ldquo;escalating campaign&rdquo; involving &ldquo;sustained criminal damage,&rdquo; including to Britain&rsquo;s national security infrastructure. It also accuses the group of &ldquo;intimidation, alleged violence, and serious injuries.&rdquo; &#39;Not non-violent&#39;At a court hearing on Thursday, prosecutors alleged a Palestine Action activist struck a police officer with a sledgehammer at an Israel-based defence firm&rsquo;s UK site after breaking into the factory in western Bristol in August. Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper, defending the ban in August, said some supporters of the group &ldquo;don&rsquo;t know the full nature of this organisation because of court restrictions on reporting while serious prosecutions are underway.&rdquo; &ldquo;But it&rsquo;s really important that no one is in any doubt that this is not a non-violent organisation,&rdquo; she said, adding the government had received &ldquo;clear security assessments and advice&rdquo; before opting for a ban. Set up in 2020, the group&rsquo;s stated goal on its now-blocked website is to end &ldquo;global participation in Israel&rsquo;s genocidal and apartheid regime.&rdquo; It has mainly targeted weapons factories, especially those belonging to the Israeli defence group Elbit. Since the ban came into force on July 5, protesters have held a string of rallies at which they have held up signs saying: &ldquo;I oppose genocide, I support Palestine Action.&rdquo; Award-winning British film director Ken Loach has called the ban on Palestine Action &ldquo;absurd&rdquo; and accused the government of being complicit in Israel&rsquo;s &ldquo;incredible crimes&rdquo; in Gaza. &ldquo;This level of political repression is not what we expect in a democracy &mdash; it&rsquo;s the kind of tactic typically associated with authoritarian regimes around the world,&rdquo; a spokesperson for Defend Our Juries said. Areeba Hamid, co-executive director of Greenpeace UK, said the government had broken past pledges that the Terrorism Act would not be used to prosecute people taking direct action. &ldquo;Classifying a protest group as a &lsquo;terrorist organisation&rsquo; should send a chill down your spine,&rdquo; Hamid said. &ldquo;Progressive change is rarely made by any government without pressure from the public, and removing our right to protest is an erosion of democracy,&rdquo; she said.

A protester is escorted away by police officers for taking part in a demonstration in support of "Defend Our Juries" and their campaign against the ban on Palestine Action, outside Britain's Ministry of Justice in London on November 20, 2025. (Photo by Ch

United Kingdom

The co-founder of activist group Palestine Action will on Wednesday challenge a UK government ban under anti-terror laws that has led to mass arrests, sparking free speech and civil liberties concerns.

Articles by Syed Ahmed Raza