Author: Our Correspondent

By our correspondent LAHORE: Pakistan fast bowler Naseem Shah has issued a public apology following a controversial social media post that sparked concern. He clarified that the content was shared by his management team and did not reflect his personal views. Despite this, Naseem Shah accepted full responsibility for everything posted on his account and acknowledged the importance of accountability. He confirmed that steps have been taken to prevent similar incidents in the future, including tighter control and oversight of his official accounts. Naseem Shah expressed sincere regret over the misuse of his platform and reiterated his commitment to maintaining…

By our correspondent LAHORE: Lahore Qalandars have fined captain Shaheen Shah Afridi Rs1 million following a security breach at the team hotel. The franchise said the incident stemmed from a misunderstanding but stressed accountability and discipline. According to the team, a comprehensive internal investigation was conducted into the incident on March 28. The review found that an unusual situation occurred involving a violation of security protocol. Shaheen Afridi reportedly allowed guests of teammate Sikandar Raza into the players’ area despite security staff denying permission. As a result, the captain was fined Rs1 million as part of disciplinary action. The Qalandars…

By our correspondent ISLAMABAD: Gold prices continued their upward trend in markets across Pakistan, hitting new highs and raising concerns for investors and consumers alike. The All Pakistan Jewellers & Gems Association reported that the price of gold per tola rose by Rs 3,900, bringing it to Rs 475,962. Similarly, the price of 10 grams of gold increased by Rs 3,343, reaching Rs 408,060. Analysts say the rise is driven not only by domestic demand but also by international market trends. On the global stage, gold prices climbed by $39, reaching $4,533 per ounce, influenced by factors such as currency…

By Asghar Ali Mubarak ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari has called an important meeting today to discuss the evolving situation in the Middle East and Pakistan’s mediation efforts. Sources said the meeting, chaired by President Zardari, is expected to be attended by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, key federal ministers, top military leadership, and provincial chief ministers. The agenda will focus on the current situation in the Middle East, including the ongoing conflict between Iran, the United States, and Israel, as well as developments to date. The impact of attacks on Gulf countries will also be discussed. Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar…

By our correspondent ISLAMABAD: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar held a telephonic conversation with his Iranian counterpart, Abbas Araghchi, late on Sunday night, as tensions in the Middle East continued to simmer. The discussion came at a time when the region appeared to teeter on the edge of further instability, with airstrikes, proxy clashes, and diplomatic friction raising fears of wider conflict. During the conversation, Dar emphasized the urgent need for de-escalation, arguing that dialogue and diplomacy remained the only viable path to lasting peace. Deputy Prime Minister painted a stark picture of the potential consequences…

By our correspondent ISLAMABAD: The Pakistani government imposed a nationwide “smart lockdown” over weekends to combat a deepening energy crisis exacerbated by regional tensions disrupting fuel supplies, sources confirmed on Sunday. The measure, targeting Saturdays and Sundays, came into force after Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif approved finalized proposals, according to government insiders. It ran from noon on Saturday until 11:59pm on Sunday night, suspending all business activities in a bid to curb soaring electricity demand and preserve dwindling fuel stocks. Markets shuttered, commercial operations ground to a halt, and wedding ceremonies – often lavish affairs in the country – faced…

By our correspondent ISLAMABAD: Foreign Ministers of Turkey and Egypt called on Pakistan’s Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif at his official residence in Islamabad on Sunday evening, while Saudi Arabia Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan also paid a call-on amid mounting regional tensions in the Middle East. Hakan Fidan, Turkey’s foreign minister, and Badr Abdelatty, his Egyptian counterpart, held warm discussions with Sharif at the Prime Minister House. Sharif extended greetings to the leaders of both nations, passing on his best wishes to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi. He recalled recent telephone conversations with…

By our correspondent BHAAG: A major power disruption hit Bhaag after thieves stole electricity wires from 26 poles of the 33kV Gandawah feeder, leaving the entire area without electricity, officials said. The incident, reported by the Quetta Electric Supply Company (QESCO), also damaged five PCC poles, compounding the problem and delaying restoration efforts. All neighborhoods dependent on the Gandawah feeder remain without power, causing significant disruptions to daily life for residents. QESCO confirmed that restoration work is scheduled to begin on Monday, and a formal complaint has been lodged with the local police to investigate the theft and hold those…

By our corrspondent WASHINGTON: A fresh wave of nationwide protests has erupted across the United States against Donald Trump, under the banner of the “No King” movement. Organizers said the No King protests include rallies against the Trump administration across the country, with 3,200 demonstrations planned in all 50 states. The protests are expected to draw the largest number of participants in US history for this movement. Previous No King protests have already attracted millions of participants. The No King movement began in 2025 following Trump’s second election as president, emerging as the most prominent public resistance against his policies.…

By our correspondent TEHRAN: Iran has issued special permission for two Pakistan-bound ships to transit the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, shipping sources confirmed. The vessels include the Pakistan National Shipping Corporation ship Multan and a chartered vessel carrying around 85 million litres of crude oil. Both ships have successfully exited the strait and are on course to arrive in Pakistan by March 31. Officials said the clearance highlights continued cooperation between Iran and Pakistan in maritime trade, particularly for the transport of energy resources through one of the world’s busiest and most geopolitically sensitive shipping lanes. The move also…