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The ninth match of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 between hosts Pakistan and Bangladesh was called off without a ball being bowled on Thursday due to persistent rain, marking a disappointing end to the tournament for both sides. The fixture, scheduled at the National Bank Cricket Arena, had raised expectations for a competitive contest, but continuous downpours throughout the day left officials with no option but to abandon the match. The weather showed no signs of improvement, preventing even the toss from taking place. As a result, Pakistan and Bangladesh concluded their campaigns winless, languishing at the bottom of the…

ISLAMABAD : Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Barrister Gohar has stated that the public’s voice cannot be silenced and that the opposition’s conference has been a success. Speaking to the media before attending the opposition conference in Islamabad, Barrister Gohar emphasised that the people have risen and their voice cannot be suppressed. He stressed the need for an independent judiciary and the rule of law in the country. He also mentioned that while he had suggested holding the conference at KP House, the opposition’s steering committee decided on the current venue. Omar Ayub: Government lacks mandate Leader of the Opposition in…

In a bid to address growing concerns over the tax burden on the salaried class, President Asif Ali Zardari is expected to announce major incentives for salaried and low-income groups on March 10 during his address to the joint session of Parliament. According to government sources, the relief measures will be incorporated into the second annual budget of the current government. The move comes amid increasing criticism from economic experts and stakeholders over the disproportionate taxation of salaried individuals while other sectors, including retail, wholesale, agriculture, and real estate, contribute significantly less to the national exchequer. Mounting tax burden As…

The Torkham border crossing between Pakistan and Afghanistan remained closed for the sixth consecutive day on Thursday as tensions between security forces of the two countries showed no signs of abating. According to sources, the closure has halted commercial activities and pedestrian movement, causing significant financial losses to traders and transporters. Security has been placed on high alert amid fears of further escalation. The standoff began on February 23 when Pakistani forces halted Afghan authorities from constructing a check post in a disputed area near the border. Following the intervention, Afghan forces reportedly took positions, leading to heightened tensions in…

The United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has accused North Korea of orchestrating a massive cryptocurrency theft amounting to $1.5 billion, marking the largest such heist in history. In a statement issued on Wednesday, the agency claimed that the cybercriminal group known as TraderTraitor, also referred to as the Lazarus Group, was behind the attack on Dubai-based cryptocurrency exchange Bybit. Bybit had earlier reported a loss of 400,000 Ethereum, which was siphoned off after hackers exploited security loopholes during a transaction. The assets were then transferred to an undisclosed address. “The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) was responsible…

Australia’s left-arm pace spearhead Mitchell Starc has revealed that a lingering ankle issue and his “personal views” were behind his decision to withdraw from the Champions Trophy, despite being initially named in the squad. The 35-year-old pacer, who played through discomfort in the recent Test series against Sri Lanka, made the revelation on the Willow Talk podcast, stating that while fitness was a concern, there were other factors influencing his decision. “There are a few different reasons, some personal views,” Starc said. “I had a bit of ankle pain through the Test series, so I just need to get that one right.…

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday paid tribute to the professionalism, courage, and sacrifices of the Pakistan Armed Forces on the 6th anniversary of Operation Swift Retort, reiterating the country’s unwavering resolve to defend its sovereignty. In a statement marking the occasion, the premier recalled the events of February 27, 2019, when the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) delivered a decisive response to Indian aggression, demonstrating the nation’s military preparedness. “Six years ago today, the Pakistan Air Force sent a clear message to the enemy that Pakistan is fully capable of safeguarding its borders,” he said. The Prime Minister lauded the armed…

The Federal Ministry of Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection has announced the Zakat Nisab for the year 2025, setting the threshold at Rs 179,689. According to an official notification issued to banks, Zakat will be deducted from savings, profit and loss-sharing accounts, and similar deposit accounts if the balance equals or exceeds the prescribed Nisab on the first day of Ramadan 1446 AH. However, current accounts will remain exempt from Zakat deductions. As per the letter, Zakat deduction will take place on March 1 or 2, depending on the commencement of Ramadan, which is expected to begin on March 2,…

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is scheduled to meet US President Donald Trump in Washington on Friday to sign a preliminary agreement on Ukraine’s mineral resources. While Zelensky has welcomed the minerals deal, he has also insisted that any economic partnership must be accompanied by US security guarantees to deter renewed Russian aggression. However, Trump has ruled out any commitments “beyond… very much,” stating that Europe should take on greater responsibility for Ukraine’s security. In a meeting with his cabinet on Wednesday, Trump said the presence of American workers extracting rare earth metals in Ukraine would provide “automatic security” to Kyiv.…

On the sixth anniversary of Operation Swift Retort, the Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) and the Services Chiefs paid tribute to the unwavering courage, professionalism, and sacrifices of Pakistan’s Armed Forces. In a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) on Thursday, the military leadership reiterated their firm commitment to safeguarding the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity while continuing efforts to maintain regional stability. Launched on February 27, 2019, Operation Swift Retort was Pakistan’s decisive response to India’s violation of its airspace, following heightened tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbours. The military’s swift retaliation not only reinforced Pakistan’s defensive capabilities but…