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Nauman Ijaz responds to Khalil-ur-Rehman Qamar’s harsh remarks

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Nauman Ijaz responds to Khalil-ur-Rehman Qamar’s harsh remarks

LAHORE: Renowned Pakistani actor Noman Ijaz has responded in a polite and dignified manner to strong and controversial remarks made against him by writer and director Khalil-ur-Rehman Qamar.

Recently, during an appearance on a private television channel, Qamar stated that he personally dislikes Noman Ijaz and harbors hatred toward him. He used harsh language while speaking about the actor, which sparked widespread debate and criticism on social media.

In response, Ijaz addressed the issue during an interview on a private TV program. He said that everyone is entitled to their own opinions, and only Qamar himself can best explain why he made such statements.

Famour actor further clarified that while he is a public figure, he is not public property. He emphasized that people should refrain from making inappropriate comments about his personal life and family.

ICC deputy chief lands in Lahore, set to meet Naqvi today: PCB

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ICC deputy chief lands in Lahore, set to meet Naqvi today: PCB

LAHORE: International Cricket Council (ICC) deputy chairman Imran Khwaja reached Lahore on Sunday for talks with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief, after Pakistan announced it would boycott its T20 World Cup 2026 match against India.

In a post on X, PCB spokesperson Amir Mir said that the ICC deputy chairman is scheduled to meet PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi today.

Earlier, Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) President Aminul Islam arrived in the country.

During his stay in Pakistan, the BCB chief, sources added, will attend the ICC’s emergency meeting later today, with other board members also expected to participate.

Islam will also meet the PCB chairman before departing for Dhaka, the sources said.

Meanwhile, an ICC delegation led by its deputy chairman is also due to reach Pakistan at 4:30pm, to discuss the situation arising after Pakistan’s boycott of India match.

The development comes against the backdrop of Pakistan’s decision to boycott its World Cup match against India, scheduled for February 15, amid what the PCB has described as the ICC’s biased approach, with Bangladesh playing a central role in the dispute.

Tensions flared between the cricket boards of Bangladesh and India after Bangladesh’s star pacer Mustafizur Rahman was dropped from the Indian Premier League (IPL) on the directions of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), sparking outrage in Dhaka.

Later, the BCB requested the ICC to shift its matches outside India, but the international cricket body rejected the plea. Following the BCB’s firm stance, the ICC replaced Bangladesh with Scotland in the tournament, saying it was not feasible to change the schedule so close to the February 7 start of the event.

Furthermore, the PCB has dismissed reports by Indian media claiming that it had offered dialogue to the ICC to resolve the issue surrounding its decision to boycott the India match.

PCB spokesperson Amir Mir issued the rebuttal after Indian journalist Vikrant Gupta claimed that the PCB had reached out to the ICC for dialogue on the India-Pakistan World Cup game.

Any clash between arch-rivals India and Pakistan is one of the most lucrative fixtures in cricket, worth millions of dollars in broadcast, sponsorship and advertising revenue.

In commercial terms, the overall value of a single India-Pakistan T20 match is estimated at around $500 million, or approximately INR45,000 crore, when broadcast rights, advertising premiums, sponsorship activations, ticket sales and downstream commercial activity are taken into account.

According to a report, advertising slots during an India-Pakistan T20 match command between INR25 lakh and INR40 lakh for a 10-second spot, significantly higher than even knockout matches involving India against other top teams.

The most immediate financial impact would be felt by the official broadcast rights holder, as advertising revenue from the India-Pakistan match alone is estimated at around INR300 crore, the Indian publication cited industry projections as suggesting.

The BCB chief’s reported arrival in Pakistan is also being viewed in the context of earlier Indian media reports claiming that the ICC was seeking back-channel talks with the PCB and had tasked its deputy chairman Imran Khwaja, to engage with the Pakistani board on the issue.

FG Polo clinches 49th EcoStar Aibak Polo Cup Title

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FG Polo clinches 49th EcoStar Aibak Polo Cup Title

ANSAR BHATTI

ISLAMABAD, FEB 8 /DNA/ – FG Polo produced a commanding display in the grand final to defeat defending champions Diamond Paints and lift the prestigious 49th EcoStar Aibak Polo Cup at the Lahore Polo Club.

The final was graced by US Chargé d’Affaires Natalie Baker as the chief guest. She witnessed the contest alongside DWP Group Director Taha Muhammad Naseem, Lahore Polo Club Executive Committee members Muhammad Nasir and Raja Aamir, Secretary Major Amjad Ghafoor, DWP EcoStar Marketing Head Shoaib Younis, as well as a large gathering of polo families and enthusiasts.

In a thrilling final, FG Polo outclassed Diamond Paints 7½–4 to register a well-deserved victory. The winners displayed exceptional teamwork, led by a standout performance from Raja Mikayial Sami, who hammered home four crucial goals. Marcos Rivarola complemented the effort with a brilliant hat-trick, contributing three goals, while the team also benefited from a half-goal handicap advantage.

Despite a spirited fightback, Diamond Paints were unable to bridge the gap. Lao Abelenda emerged as the main scorer for the runners-up with three goals, while Mohammad Ali Malik added one goal.

Speaking at the closing ceremony, US Chargé d’Affaires Natalie Baker expressed her delight, saying, “It is wonderful to be here at the Lahore Polo Club. Watching such high-quality polo amidst the vibrant Basant festivities and beautiful Lahore weather has been a truly exhilarating experience.”=DNA

Seifert, Phillips Guide NZ to Victory Over AFG in T20 WC Thriller

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T20 World Cup: Seifert, Phillips shine as New Zealand beat Afghanistan by 5 wickets

CHENNAI, FEB 8 /DNA/ – Tim Seifert’s fifty and Glenn Phillips’s 42 off 25 balls propelled New Zealand to a five-wicket win over Afghanistan in the fourth match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 at MA Chidambaram Stadium on Sunday.

Set to chase a daunting 183-run target, the Blackcaps struck the winning runs for the loss of five wickets and 13 balls to spare, courtesy of the third-wicket partnership between Seifert and Glenn Phillips.

New Zealand had a contrasting start to the pursuit as Mujeeb Ur Rahman dismissed Finn Allen (one) and Rachin Ravindra (zero) on successive deliveries in the second over.

With the scoreboard reading 14/2 in 1.4 overs, Phillips joined Seifert in the middle, and the duo raised an emphatic recovery by putting together 74 runs for the third wicket at a brisk pace.

Afghanistan captain Rashid Khan eventually broke the threatening partnership in the 10th over by dismissing Phillips, who made 42 off 25 deliveries with the help of seven fours and a six.

Seifert was then involved in a 36-run partnership for the fourth wicket with Mark Chapman until eventually walking back after top-scoring with a 42-ball 65, studded with 10 boundaries, including three sixes.

New Zealand then suffered another setback in the 16th over, with 28 runs still required, as Chapman perished after scoring a 17-ball 28, featuring two fours and a six.

But Daryl Mitchell and captain Mitchell Santner ensured there were no further hiccups in New Zealand’s pursuit and steered them over the line with an unbeaten 33-run partnership off 13 deliveries.

Mitchell made an unbeaten 25 off 14 deliveries, while Santner remained not out with an eight-ball 17.

For Afghanistan, Mujeeb bagged two wickets, while Azmatullah Omarzai, Rashid and Mohammad Nabi could claim one apiece.

Afghanistan captain Rashid Khan’s decision to bat first paid dividends as the Asian side racked up 182/6 in their 20 overs.

Afghanistan got off to a steady start to their innings, with Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran putting together 35 runs in the first five overs before Lockie Ferguson forced New Zealand’s comeback by dismissing both their openers.

Zadran made a cautious 12-ball 10, while Gurbaz scored 27 off 22 deliveries with the help of two fours and a six.

Balochistan to set up dedicated Frontier Corps

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Balochistan to set up dedicated Frontier Corps

Provincial govt redesigning entire security architecture, says CM Bugti’s aide Shahid Rind

Bureau Report

KARACHI: Pakistan has decided to boost its intelligence network and raise a special force to guard the mineral-rich Balochistan province and its borders with Iran and Afghanistan, a provincial government official said.

The development, comes days after Canadian giant Barrick Mining Corporation said it planned to “immediately” begin a comprehensive review of all aspects of the multibillion-dollar Reko Diq copper-gold project in Balochistan.

Barrick’s decision followed coordinated attacks by the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) terrorist group in several districts across Balochistan last Saturday that killed 36 civilians and 22 security personnel. Authorities said they had killed 216 militants in follow-up operations.

“In light of the terrorists events, the provincial government in tandem with security forces is redesigning the entire security architecture,” Shahid Rind, an aide to Chief Minister of Balochistan Sarfraz Bugti for media and political affairs, told the Arab News.

“This includes raising a dedicated Frontier Corps for the mineral-bearing area, securing both borders, i.e., Iran and Afghanistan.”

Arab News reached out to Pakistan’s information minister, Attaullah Tarar, but he did not respond to questions seeking comment on the matter.

The Balochistan government will also beef up its intelligence network and work closely with mining companies in the region.

“The Balochistan government is extremely serious about foreign investment in the province and considers Reko Diq as the flag-bearer of foreign investment,” Rind said.“The provincial government will do whatever is necessary to maintain that.”

The recent attacks have apparently alarmed international investors, especially Barrick, which is developing one of the world’s largest copper and gold mines in Balochistan.”As we stated in our public documents, Barrick is undertaking a review of all aspects of the Reko Diq project, including with respect to the project’s security arrangements, development timetable and capital budget,” a Barrick spokesperson said in response to an Arab News email.

Barrick’s February 5 statement underscores both the progress and the challenges surrounding the Reko Diq copper-gold project in Balochistan. The company confirmed that site works advanced during the fourth quarter, but rising security incidents in the province have prompted management to launch a comprehensive review of all aspects of the project. Barrick owns 50% of Reko Diq, while three Pakistani federal state-owned enterprises hold 25% and the Balochistan government controls the remaining 25%, making it a joint venture that blends foreign expertise with local ownership. Production is expected to begin in 2028, and the project is seen as central to Pakistan’s ambitions of boosting mineral exports and attracting foreign investment into its underdeveloped mining sector. Despite heightened threats in Balochistan, development linked to Reko Diq continues elsewhere in the country, with Barrick preparing to invest in port infrastructure to support future exports. This combination of progress, risk management, and strategic investment highlights the project’s potential to transform Pakistan’s mining industry while also revealing the delicate balance between opportunity and security.

Rising Stars reach final in Army Chief hockey tournament

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Rising Stars reach final in Army Chief hockey tournament

ISLAMABAD, FEB 8 /DNA/ – Rising Stars Hockey Club secured a spot in the final of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Inter-Club Hockey Tournament after defeating Kuri Hockey Club in a keenly contested semi-final match on Sunday.

The triumphant Rising Stars squad marked their victory by posing for a celebratory group photo following the match, their successful campaign now one step from glory.

Team officials were quick to laud the players for their stellar performance, which proved decisive in overcoming their opponents. “The team management congratulated all players for exhibiting outstanding performance in the match,” said a club spokesperson, highlighting the collective effort that propelled them forward.

The club’s journey now culminates in the tournament’s final showdown, scheduled for Monday. They await the winner of the other semi-final to determine their opponent for the championship clash.

The COAS Inter-Club Hockey Tournament is a prominent fixture in the local sporting calendar, showcasing emerging and established talent from across the region.

A stark reminder of Pakistan’s security lapses

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A stark reminder of Pakistan’s security lapses

On a tragic evening in Islamabad on February 6, 2026, a devastating suicide bombing ripped through an imambargah, claiming the lives of more than 35 innocent worshippers. The incident, described by eyewitnesses as one of the most horrifying attacks in recent memory, has left the nation in shock and mourning. Families were shattered, communities traumatized, and once again, Pakistan’s fragile security apparatus was exposed for its glaring weaknesses.

Initial reports suggested that the suicide bomber may have originated from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), with possible Afghan links. However, these claims remain unverified. Security agencies recovered an identity card from the scene, raising serious questions. Typically, suicide bombers do not carry identification, and even if they did, the sheer force of such an explosion would obliterate personal belongings. How then did an intact ID card survive when the bomber’s body was mutilated beyond recognition?

The timing of the attack could not have been more embarrassing for Pakistan. The blast occurred while the President of Uzbekistan was still in the country on an official visit. Such a high-profile guest should have warranted maximum security measures, yet the attack unfolded in the heart of the capital. The symbolism is damning: if Islamabad itself cannot be secured during a state visit, what hope is there for smaller towns and vulnerable communities across the nation?

This tragedy underscores a recurring theme in Pakistan’s governance—systemic failure of security institutions. Despite decades of counterterrorism operations, loopholes remain wide open. The absence of effective intelligence gathering, poor coordination among agencies, and lack of accountability have created an environment where militants can strike at will. The imambargah blast is not just an isolated incident; it is part of a larger pattern of negligence.

At the heart of these failures lies a deeper malaise: corruption and nepotism. Key appointments in Pakistan’s security and administrative structures are often made not on merit but on personal whims, political loyalty, or family connections. When individuals are placed in critical positions without the necessary competence or dedication, the entire system collapses. A person who owes his position to favoritism rather than merit has little incentive to perform effectively. He lacks both the skill and the motivation to safeguard national interests.

This culture of nepotism is not confined to Islamabad—it permeates every level of governance across Pakistan. From local police stations to federal ministries, appointments are routinely influenced by connections rather than qualifications. The result is a bureaucracy riddled with inefficiency, indifference, and incompetence.

The victims of this blast were ordinary citizens who had gathered for worship. Their lives were cut short not only by the bomber’s brutality but also by the state’s failure to protect them. Each casualty represents a family plunged into grief, children left orphaned, and communities scarred forever. The human cost of corruption and negligence is measured not in statistics but in shattered lives.

The discovery of the ID card raises troubling questions. Was it planted to mislead investigators? Was it a sign of sloppy planning by the attacker? Or does it point to deeper conspiracies within the system? Until these questions are answered transparently, public confidence in the authorities will remain eroded. Unfortunately, Pakistan’s history suggests that such mysteries often fade into obscurity, leaving citizens with more doubts than clarity.

If Pakistan is to prevent such tragedies in the future, it must confront the root causes head-on. Cosmetic measures—temporary security cordons, knee-jerk arrests, or hollow condemnations will not suffice. What is needed is a complete overhaul of the system:

Security agencies must be led by competent professionals chosen for their expertise, not their connections. Officials who fail in their duties must face consequences, regardless of their political affiliations.

Investment in modern intelligence tools and training is essential to preempt attacks.Citizens must be empowered to report suspicious activities without fear of reprisal. Above all, leaders must demonstrate genuine commitment to reform, rather than using tragedies as opportunities for rhetoric.

The gruesome blast in Islamabad’s imambargah is more than a terrorist attack it is a mirror reflecting Pakistan’s systemic failures. Until corruption and nepotism are uprooted and meritocracy is established, such tragedies will continue to haunt the nation. The blood of the victims is a stark reminder that governance is not a game of personal favors; it is a sacred responsibility. Pakistan must choose whether to continue down the path of negligence or finally embrace reform. The choice will determine whether future generations inherit a safer homeland or a perpetual cycle of grief.

Condolence Visit: Mohsin Naqvi meets family of Shaheed Capt. Abbas Khan

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Condolence Visit: Mohsin Naqvi meets family of Shaheed Capt. Abbas Khan

‎‎LANDI KOTAL, FEB 8: Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi arrived at the residence of Shaheed Captain Abbas Khan in Landi Kotal, District Khyber. The Inspector General Frontier Corps Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (North) was also accompanying the Interior Minister.
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‎Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi expressed heartfelt condolences and sympathy to the father and family members of Shaheed Captain Abbas and paid rich tribute to Shaheed Captain Abbas in powerful words. On this occasion, Fateha was offered for the eternal peace of Shaheed Captain Abbas.
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‎Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said, “The courage of a resolute father like you strengthens the spirit of the nation,” and “The entire nation salutes your high resolve.” Speaking on the occasion, the father of Shaheed Captain Abbas said, “I am proud of my brave son’s martyrdom,” and “Every son is ready to sacrifice for the motherland.”
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‎Later, Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also met with tribal elders and notables. The tribal elders and notables announced their unconditional support for the armed forces and said, “We will follow in the footsteps of Shaheed Captain Abbas,” “We are ready to make every sacrifice for the defence of the homeland,” and “We will not allow any harm to come to the integrity of the country.”

Turkish FM conveys condolences over loss of lives in mosque bomb blast

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Turkish FM conveys condolences over loss of lives in mosque bomb blast

ISLAMABAD, Feb 8: Deputy Prime Minister / Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Sunday, spoke with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan.

“Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan conveyed heartfelt condolences on behalf of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, himself, and the brotherly people of Turkiye over the tragic loss of precious lives in the mosque bomb blast in Islamabad,” the Foreign Office Spokesperson said in a press release.

The DPM/FM thanked the Turkish leadership for their solidarity and reaffirmed Pakistan’s unshaken resolve to combat terrorism and protect its civilians.

Both leaders also exchanged views on bilateral relations, matters of mutual interest, and key regional and international developments.

Pakistan, World Bank review progress on long-term development partnership

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Pakistan, World Bank review progress on long-term development partnership

ISLAMABAD, FEB 8 /DNA/ – Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue, Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, today held a meeting with Ms. Anna Bjerde, Managing Director of the World Bank Group, on the sidelines of the Annual AlUla Conference for Emerging Market Economies, being held in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

During the meeting, while following up on the President World Bank’s visit to Pakistan last week, both sides reviewed the progress made under the Country Partnership Framework (CPF) and discussed the way forward to further strengthen development cooperation.

The discussions covered a range of priority sectors including energy, education, health, climate resilience, debt-for-development swaps, fiscal reforms, and infrastructure development.

Emphasis was placed on adopting a more focused approach, introducing clear performance trackers, and ensuring more robust and effective implementation mechanisms to translate commitments into tangible outcomes.

Ms. Anna Bjerde reaffirmed the World Bank Group’s strong commitment to Pakistan’s ten-year development program amounting to USD 20 billion, underscoring the Bank’s continued support for Pakistan’s reform and development agenda.

She highlighted the importance of sustained engagement and effective execution to maximize the developmental impact of the program.

Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb reiterated the Government of Pakistan’s commitment to close collaboration with the World Bank Group and assured full cooperation through relevant federal ministries.

He also underscored the role and cooperation of the provincial governments to ensure better coordination, timely execution, and delivery of measurable results under the program.

The AlUla Conference for Emerging Market Economies, launched in 2025, brings together finance ministers, central bank governors, senior policymakers, leaders of international financial institutions, and leading experts from around the world to deliberate on key economic challenges and opportunities facing emerging market economies.

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