PESHAWAR: More than 465,000 Afghan nationals voluntarily returned to Afghanistan via the Torkham border in 2025, while thousands were denied entry or deported due to illegal stay and documentation issues, according to official figures released by the FIA Immigration. The report states that a total of 1,007,530 passengers crossed the Torkham border during 2025. Of these, 547,727 Afghan and other foreign nationals entered Pakistan on valid visas and passports, while 459,803 passengers exited the country through the same route. According to the data, 465,121 Afghan citizens returned to their homeland voluntarily, whereas 51,736 undocumented Afghans were detained and deported as…
Author: Web Desk2
Reports circulating on social media claiming the death of legendary Sufi singer Abida Parveen are false and baseless, her family has confirmed. Putting an end to the widespread speculation, Abida Parveen’s daughter clarified that the iconic vocalist is alive, healthy, and in good spirits, dismissing the rumours as completely untrue. Speaking to the media, she said that misleading reports about her mother’s death caused unnecessary panic among fans in Pakistan and abroad. “These claims are entirely false. My mother is absolutely fine,” she stated. She further explained that the confusion arose after the death of another woman named Abida Parveen…
Islamabad: Pakistan has emerged as the country most affected by terrorism following the Taliban’s return to power in Afghanistan in 2021, according to a new report by the International Crisis Group (ICG). The Brussels-based independent and non-profit think tank stated that while a fragile ceasefire currently exists, continued militant attacks could prompt Islamabad to launch renewed military action. The report notes that relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan have deteriorated sharply, primarily due to the Afghan Taliban’s refusal to take action against the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). According to the ICG, violence inside Pakistan has increased significantly since 2022. In 2025 alone,…
Islamabad: Pakistan has emerged as a key diplomatic focal point in the region due to its effective and consistent foreign policy, according to a report published by the international journal The Diplomat. The report states that China has openly acknowledged and praised Pakistan’s growing regional influence and mature diplomatic approach. It highlights that Pakistan’s government, state institutions, and public have maintained a unified and firm stance on national issues, a factor that has significantly enhanced the country’s credibility on the global stage. According to The Diplomat, Pakistan’s balanced diplomacy has positioned it at the center of regional attention. China views…
MELBOURNE: Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell has announced that he will not register for the auction of the 19th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). The 37-year-old, however, did not specify a clear reason for his decision. In a statement shared on social media, Maxwell said that after several unforgettable IPL seasons, he had decided to withdraw from this year’s auction. He described the move as a significant personal decision, taken with gratitude for the opportunities and experiences the league has provided over the years. “The IPL has played a major role in shaping me both as a cricketer and…
ISLAMABAD: The auction process for two new teams in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) has been successfully concluded, with the seventh franchise sold for Rs1.75 billion and the eighth franchise fetching Rs1.85 billion, marking a major expansion of the league. The bidding ceremony was held at the Jinnah Convention Centre, Islamabad, and was attended by Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, federal ministers, former cricketers, and senior officials. During the opening session, nine bidders and six potential host cities were introduced. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi formally inaugurated the auction by ringing the bell, while legendary former fast bowler Wasim…
KARACHI: The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has warned of a further intensification of cold weather across the country, with Karachi’s temperature expected to fall to single digits by the weekend. Deputy Director Met Anjum Nazir said that cold conditions will intensify in Karachi on Saturday and Sunday, primarily due to freezing temperatures in Quetta, where the mercury has dropped below zero. He explained that cold winds from Quetta have already caused a two-degree Celsius decline in Karachi’s temperature. “There is a strong possibility that the temperature may drop to 10°C, and by Saturday or Sunday, it could fall into single…
PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has decided to recruit 10,000 teachers on a temporary basis in public schools across the province, with salaries of up to Rs25,000 per month, according to a decision approved by the provincial cabinet. As per official details, 5,845 teachers will be hired for the settled districts, while 4,229 teachers will be recruited for the merged tribal districts. The recruitment period for teachers in plain districts will run from January 16 to May 31, whereas in hilly areas, temporary teachers will be appointed from March 1 to June 30. Under the approved framework, the authority to…
KUWAIT / MUSCAT: Kuwait and Oman have announced a public holiday on the occasion of Shab-e-Miraj, which will be observed on the night of 27th Rajab 1447 AH. According to official announcements, January 18 has been declared a public holiday in both countries, during which all government and private institutions will remain closed. Educational institutions, including schools and colleges, will also observe the holiday. In Kuwait, the government has announced an extended holiday schedule in connection with Shab-e-Miraj. As the official holiday falls on Friday, January 16, which is already a weekly off, holidays will continue from January 16 to…
Australia wrapped up a dominant Ashes campaign by defeating England in the fifth and final Test at Sydney, securing a comprehensive 4–1 series victory. Chasing a modest target of 160 runs in the fourth innings, the hosts completed the task with five wickets in hand, underlining their control throughout the series. With this win, Australia capped off an impressive home Ashes performance, having already clinched the series by winning the first three matches. England posted 384 runs in their first innings and followed it up with 342 in the second. However, Australia’s commanding first-innings total of 567 runs put the…
