RAWALPINDI – Pakistan batter and Test captain Babar Azam has achieved a major milestone in international cricket, surpassing 16,000 career runs across all formats.

Babar reached the landmark during Pakistan’s opening match against Sri Lanka in the tri-nation ODI series at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.

According to the reported statistics, the 32-year-old has scored 16,038 runs in international cricket, becoming the fifth Pakistani batter to cross the 16,000-run mark.

His tally includes 4,771 runs in 66 Test matches, 6,671 runs in 144 One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and 4,596 runs in 145 Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is).

Babar has also registered 32 international centuries and 111 half-centuries across the three formats.

Pakistan’s Leading Run-Scorers in International Cricket

Former Pakistan captain and legendary batter Inzamam-ul-Haq tops the list of Pakistan’s highest run-scorers in international cricket, with 20,541 runs in 495 matches.

Former captain Younis Khan occupies second place, having scored 17,790 runs in 408 international matches.

Babar’s latest achievement further strengthens his standing among Pakistan’s leading batters across all three formats of the game.

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ISLAMABAD –  Maldivian President Dr Mohamed Muizzu will undertake a three-day state visit to Pakistan from October 20 to 22 at the invitation of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the Foreign Office (FO) announced on Sunday.

President Muizzu will be accompanied by First Lady Sajidha Mohamed and a high-level delegation comprising cabinet ministers and senior officials, according to an FO statement.

During his visit, the Maldivian president will meet President Asif Ali Zardari, who will host a state banquet in his honour. Muizzu will also hold restricted and delegation-level talks with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

The discussions will focus on reviewing the full range of bilateral relations and exploring opportunities to expand cooperation in key sectors, including trade, investment, health, education, tourism, agriculture, defence, maritime security, climate change and people-to-people exchanges.

The two leaders will also exchange views on regional and international developments of mutual interest.

As part of the visit, a Pakistan-Maldives Business Forum will be organised to strengthen engagement between the business communities of the two countries and identify new opportunities for trade and investment.

The Foreign Office said several agreements and memorandums of understanding covering different areas of bilateral cooperation are expected to be signed during the visit.

First Visit by a Maldivian President in 11 Years

According to the Foreign Office, Muizzu’s visit will be the first by a Maldivian president to Pakistan in 11 years. It also coincides with the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries, established in 1966.

Pakistan and the Maldives maintain friendly relations based on shared religious and cultural ties, mutual respect and longstanding goodwill. Both countries also cooperate at regional and international forums.

The Foreign Office said the upcoming visit reflected the shared commitment of Pakistan and the Maldives to strengthening their bilateral partnership and opening new avenues for mutually beneficial cooperation.

The visit is expected to provide an opportunity to deepen diplomatic engagement, expand economic ties and strengthen collaboration across a range of sectors.

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An Indian court in Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh, has issued a non-bailable warrant against well-known actress Rakhi Sawant in connection with a 2010 suicide case.

According to Indian media reports, the case relates to alleged derogatory remarks made by Sawant about a man on her television programme, Rakhi Ka Insaaf, who later allegedly died by suicide.

The report stated that an Additional District and Sessions Judge at a fast-track court issued the warrant on October 16 after the actress repeatedly failed to appear before the court. Police have been directed to arrest Sawant and produce her before the court.

According to Indian media, public prosecutor Mridul Kant Srivastava said the next hearing in the case is scheduled for December 1.

The case concerns the death of Laxman Ahirwar, a resident of the Hansari Prem Nagar area of Jhansi, who died on November 10, 2010.

Following his death, his mother, Savitri, filed a complaint alleging that Sawant had used insulting and inappropriate language about her son during an episode of her television programme broadcast in October 2010.

The allegations and the circumstances surrounding the case are subject to judicial proceedings.

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LAHORE – Pakistan international cricketer Imam-ul-Haq has been granted permission to play domestic cricket and will represent Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL) in the Patrons Trophy Grade-I tournament, sources said.

According to sources, Imam-ul-Haq will be available for OGDCL in the final round of the tournament, which begins tomorrow.

Sources further said that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had informed OGDCL about the approval granted to the opening batter, while the department has also confirmed his availability.

Meanwhile, Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan has also been granted permission to play first-class cricket.

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KARACHI – Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari said on Sunday that the governor’s rule and emergency imposed in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) could be lifted if the opposition agreed to work with the government on a joint strategy to combat terrorism.

Speaking to the media during a visit to the Karsaz Monument on the 19th anniversary of the Karsaz bombing, Bilawal called for political unity and consensus to address the country’s worsening security challenges.

“If the opposition is ready to fight terrorism and we agree on a plan, then the emergency and governor’s rule in KP can come to an end,” he said, urging opposition parties to engage with the federal government and other political stakeholders to develop a unified counterterrorism policy.

His remarks came a week after the federal government imposed governor’s rule and an emergency in KP, citing what it described as the provincial government’s deliberate disengagement from counterterrorism efforts. The decision followed a mobilisation campaign and protest march by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), which governs KP and is in opposition at the federal level, demanding the release of its jailed founder, Imran Khan.

Call for a united front against terrorism

Bilawal warned that Pakistan was facing security challenges across multiple regions, saying terrorist attacks were taking place from Khyber to Khuzdar.

Referring to developments following the change of government in Afghanistan in 2021, he criticised the then Pakistani government’s policy of allowing members of the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) to return from Afghanistan and resettle in areas including Swat, Malakand and the former tribal districts.

He also claimed that TTP members who had been imprisoned in Pakistan were released during that period.

“Today, Pakistan is suffering the losses from these wrong decisions,” Bilawal said, arguing that the consequences of those policies had contributed to the current security challenges.

He added that the country was once again facing threats to its stability, with security personnel, law enforcement officials and civilians being targeted in terrorist attacks.

Bilawal criticises KP government’s counterterrorism approach

The PPP chairman criticised the KP government’s response to terrorism, claiming that the province was experiencing the highest number of terrorist incidents while its chief minister, Sohail Afridi, had indicated that he would not confront the militants.

“If the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chief minister was not ready to defend his homeland and fight those terrorists, then the PPP is ready to fight them,” Bilawal said, defending his party’s support for the federal government’s decision to impose governor’s rule in the province.

He maintained that the PPP was prepared to work with all political forces to combat terrorism and stressed that the fight required collective national commitment rather than the efforts of a single party or institution.

Calls for a new National Action Plan

Bilawal said Pakistan’s experience had demonstrated that counterterrorism efforts were most effective when the government, political parties, security institutions and the public worked together.

He recalled that when the PPP was in government in 2008, it had sought to build public support for counterterrorism operations and pursue institutional reforms to address the threat.

He said national unity remained essential to defeating militant groups and warned that the country would struggle to achieve lasting success without a common strategy.

Referring to his recent address to the National Assembly, Bilawal said he had called for a new National Action Plan and a broader political consensus on combating terrorism. He also invited opposition parties to participate in consultations aimed at developing a joint policy.

“If we can create such an environment, we will be in a better position to fight terrorists,” he said.

Opposition urged to participate in electoral reforms

The PPP chairman also discussed efforts to strengthen the democratic system through electoral reforms. He said the federal government had decided to establish an electoral reforms committee and that the opposition had been invited to participate.

“If they say that democracy is weak in this country, then they should help us to strengthen it,” Bilawal said, urging opposition parties to engage constructively with the government on institutional and democratic reforms.

He reiterated that political engagement and consensus were necessary not only to improve democratic institutions but also to develop a coordinated response to terrorism.

Bilawal said the PPP had yet to achieve the Pakistan envisioned by former prime minister Benazir Bhutto, but the party continued to work towards that goal.

PPP’s position on the creation of new provinces

Responding to a question about the creation of new provinces or administrative units, Bilawal said Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi was aware of the positions held by the PPP and President Asif Ali Zardari on the matter.

He clarified that the issue was not one to be decided solely by the president, stressing that any new province should be created in accordance with the Constitution and the law and with the agreement of the relevant provincial assembly.

Bilawal said the PPP supported the creation of new provinces where there was genuine consensus and the proposal was not being used for political purposes.

Citing Gilgit-Baltistan as an example, he referred to the consensus within its legislative assembly on the demand for constitutional rights.

“If we really want this to be implemented, it must only be implemented where the provinces want this,” he said, emphasising that constitutional procedures and the wishes of the relevant regions should guide any such decision.

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ISLAMABAD – Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar held a telephone conversation with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi to discuss the prevailing situation in the region and matters of mutual interest.

According to Express News, the two leaders exchanged views on regional developments and the upcoming meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).

During the conversation, Ishaq Dar emphasised the importance of dialogue and diplomatic engagement in resolving regional issues. He underscored the need to address challenges through negotiations and peaceful means.

The two leaders also agreed to remain in contact and continue consultations on regional matters.

The telephone conversation reflects ongoing diplomatic engagement between Pakistan and Iran as both countries discuss regional developments and issues of mutual concern.

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ISLAMABAD – World Space Week 2026 was celebrated for the first time in Narowal with the support of the Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO), under the vision of Federal Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal, to promote awareness of space science, scientific research and modern technology among young people.

Addressing the closing ceremony in Narowal, Ahsan Iqbal announced that Pakistan’s first astronaut would depart on a space mission from a Chinese space centre on November 25. He also said Pakistan had set a target of landing on the Moon by 2035, adding that cooperation with China would help the country reach new heights in space exploration.

The federal minister highlighted the growing role of space technology in various sectors, including agriculture, communications, climate change monitoring, education and national security. He said space research was essential for future development, scientific discoveries and the advancement of human knowledge.

Referring to the teachings of the Holy Quran, Iqbal said Islam encourages people to reflect on the creation of the universe. He stressed the need to foster scientific curiosity, research and a passion for knowledge among young people.

He also noted that Muslim scientists had historically made significant contributions to astronomy and scientific research, saying Pakistan needed to regain a leading position in knowledge and research.

Highlighting the achievements of the University of Narowal, Iqbal cited its first-place finish at the Islamabad Science Festival as evidence of the potential of Pakistan’s youth. He said young Pakistanis were achieving distinction through education and research, including students who had previously faced financial barriers to higher education.

To further encourage interest in space science, the minister announced plans to establish Pakistan’s first space museum at the University of Narowal. The initiative aims to promote scientific awareness and inspire young people to explore emerging fields of technology.

Iqbal said the government was working to provide young people with greater opportunities in advanced technology and emerging scientific disciplines, enabling them to contribute to Pakistan’s progress through knowledge, innovation and research.

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The Bank of Punjab (BOP) marked the financial close of a PKR 17 billion Syndicated Islamic Project Finance Facility for Novacare Hospitals (Private) Limited at a signing ceremony bringing together the project’s sponsors, management and participating financial institutions.

The facility will support the development of a 250-bed tertiary care hospital and a feeder clinic in Islamabad. Novacare Hospitals (Private) Limited is Pakistan’s first and only hospital to be affiliated with Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust. With sponsors contributing PKR 11.5 billion in equity, the total project cost is approximately PKR 28.5 billion.

The transaction represents Pakistan’s first greenfield hospital financed under a Syndicated Islamic Project Finance Facility, establishing a precedent for mobilising long-term financing for healthcare infrastructure.

BOP arranged and structured the facility as Intercreditor Agent and acted as Joint Mandated Lead Advisor & Arranger alongside United Bank Limited and Habib Bank Limited, with Pak China Investment Company Limited as Co-Arranger., PAIR Investment Company Limited and Pak Libya Holding Company Limited participated as syndicate financiers. BOP’s financing commitment of PKR 5.8 billion reflects its confidence in the project and its importance to Pakistan’s healthcare sector.

Mr. Hans Kedzierski, CEO of Novacare Hospitals (Private) Limited, thanked the participating institutions for their support and shared Novacare’s vision of delivering international standards of healthcare in Pakistan, with patient care and empathy at the heart of its mission.

Speaking at the ceremony, Mr. Zafar Masud, President & CEO of The Bank of Punjab, said: “Healthcare touches every one of us. At some point, we have needed care for ourselves or someone we love, and we understand the difference that a good hospital and a skilled doctor can make. That is why Novacare has always meant more to us than a financing transaction. It is an investment in the care, dignity and wellbeing of the people this hospital will serve.”

Commenting on the financing, he added: “Bringing this project to financial close required conviction from the sponsors and close collaboration among all six participating institutions. Together, we have established a financing framework that we hope will make it easier for future healthcare projects in Pakistan to access long-term capital. If the next hospital finds its path to financing easier because of what we have achieved here, that will be a lasting contribution.”

Mr. Masud congratulated Novacare’s sponsors, Board and management, and acknowledged the contribution of the participating institutions, advisers, legal counsel and BOP’s Investment Banking and Project Finance teams.

“Financial close is an important milestone, but the real achievement will be the day the hospital opens its doors to patients. We look forward to supporting Novacare through construction and commissioning, and to seeing this vision become a place of healing and hope,” he said.

The transaction underscores BOP’s commitment to financing projects that strengthen essential infrastructure and deliver lasting economic and social benefits.

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ISLAMABAD – TTP-linked and Afghan-based media accounts are circulating old videos with misleading captions to portray past incidents as current developments in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), raising concerns about the spread of misinformation and attempts to create fear and confusion among the public.

The circulation of recycled footage comes amid reports of a decline in terrorist activity across KP over the past week. The new administration has signalled renewed resolve to combat terrorist networks, creating a more conducive environment for counterterrorism efforts. Against this backdrop, the resurfacing of old videos appears aimed at portraying a misleading picture of the current security situation.

Claims circulating on social media that Pakistani soldiers are surrendering in groups have been described as baseless. Reposting old footage alongside sensational captions does not establish that the alleged incidents are taking place at present. The date, location and original context of such videos must be verified before they can be treated as evidence of current events.

Meanwhile, TTP-linked, PTI-associated and Afghan-based accounts have been accused of amplifying these narratives through the repeated circulation of old or misleading footage. Critics argue that such content can distort public understanding, undermine confidence in security institutions and create an exaggerated impression of instability.

The issue highlights the importance of verifying videos through reliable sources before sharing them, particularly during sensitive security developments. Establishing the original date and location of footage is essential to distinguishing genuine reporting from recycled material intended to influence public perception.

As counterterrorism efforts continue in KP, claims circulating online should be assessed against independently verified information rather than sensational captions or unsubstantiated allegations.

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