ISLAMABAD, Oct 30 Pakistan’s Mikaeel Ali Baig has qualified for the final of the ITF Pakistan Ali Embroidery World Junior Tennis Championship J-30 (Leg-2)-2025 here at the PTF-SDA Tennis Complex on Thursday.

Mikaeel will face Kristijonas Milasausks of Lithuania in the final of the Championship. A large number of junior tennis players from around the world, including China, Japan, Kazakhstan, Korea, Lithuania, Russia, Thailand, Turkey, the United Kingdom, and the host nation, Pakistan, are participating in the tournament.

In Boys Singles semifinals, Mikaeel beat Ahtesham Humayun (PAK) and 6-3,6-4; Kristijonas Milasausks (LTU) beat Amir Mazari(PAK) 6-2,6-1.

In Girls Singles semifinals, Ecrin Lal Yavuz (TUR) beat Karolina Ligai (KAZ) 6-0,6-4; Serife Pelin Sari (TUR) beat Deniz Cakil (TUR) 6-3,7-5.

In Boys Doubles semifinals, Ahtesham Humayun, Hamza Roman (PAK) bt Mikaeel Ali Baig (PAK), Timur Gordeev (RUS) 6-3,6-3; Abubakar Talha, Zohaib Afzal Malik (PAK) bt M.Hazia Asim, M. Hassan Usmani(PAK) 6-2,7-5.

In Girls Doubles semifinals, Polina (KAZ), Karolina Ligai (KAZ) beat Zihan Feng(CHN), Serife Pelin Sari (TUR) 6-3,6-4; Deniz Cakil (TUR), Ecrin Lal (TUR) beat Daria Bogacheva (RUS), Varvara Rubtsova (RUS) 6-3,6-3. The Boys and Girls Doubles finals will be played on Friday.

FAISALABAD, Oct 30 The Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education (BISE) Faisalabad has clinched the All Pakistan Inter-Board Football Championship title held under the aegis of Inter Board Committee of Chairmen (IBCC) at Multan.
A BISE spokesman said here on Thursday that 16 educational boards participated in the tournament while Faisalabad Board emerged as victorious after defeating Lahore Board with 1-0 goals in a thrilling final encounter.
He said that both teams played an intense and competitive match in the final show and presented exceptional skill and sportsmanship.
However, Faisalabad’s decisive goal sealed the win, securing first position while Lahore Board claimed the second and Bannu Board stood third in the national tournament, he added.
He said that Secretary Multan Board Khurram Qureshi distributed prizes among the winning teams and appreciated the performances of all participants.
BISE spokesman said that such tournaments not only promote sports among youth but also cultivate harmony and friendship among educational boards across the country.
Meanwhile, Director Sports BISE Faisalabad Madam Nighat Noreen expressed gratitude to Multan Board for the successful organization of the event and said that such competitions strengthen inter-board relations and provide young athletes with valuable opportunities to showcase their talent.
Faisalabad Board’s victory reflected the dedication and discipline of its players and management team; she said and expressed hope that similar events would continue with the same enthusiasm and standard in the future.
Following the team’s return, Director Sports Madam Nighat Noreen accompanied by Chaudhary Naseem Ahmad Gujjar and Muhammad Usman called on Secretary BISE Faisalabad Dr. Habib-ur-Rehman and presented him with the winning trophy and shield.
PA to Secretary BISE Rana Jamshed Ali was also present on the occasion.
Secretary BISE Faisalabad Dr. Habib-ur-Rehman congratulated the Faisalabad team and lauded efforts of Director Sports, BISE officials and players. Merit-based team selection leads to success that is “as clear as daylight”, he added.
He expressed confidence that the young players, with their continued commitment and performance, would soon represent Pakistan at the national level and bring pride to the country.

DERA ISMAIL KHAN, Oct 30 The DINAR Cancer Hospital, operating under the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission, held an impressive closing ceremony to mark the end of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

The event was attended by a large number of participants from the medical field and other walks of life while the wife of former Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister, Mrs. Ali Amin Khan Gandapur, was the chief guest. The ceremony began with a welcome address by the hospital’s Director, Dr. Nabeela Javed, who shared the institution’s achievements in breast cancer treatment and awareness initiatives. She also highlighted the hospital’s ongoing commitment to early detection and patient care.
Speakers on the occasion underscored the importance of raising awareness about breast cancer and lauded DINAR Cancer Hospital for its vital role in serving patients across multiple regions.
She described the hospital as a blessing not only for Dera Ismail Khan but also for nearby districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab, and Balochistan, due to its central and accessible location.
She appreciated the vision of the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission for establishing such a state-of-the-art cancer treatment facility in this strategically important region, which now serves as a lifeline for patients from underprivileged areas.
In her address, Mrs. Ali Amin Khan Gandapur praised the dedication and professionalism of the hospital’s team, particularly acknowledging Dr. Nabeela Javed’s leadership.
She said that a motivated and compassionate team can transform the patient care experience, turning anxiety into comfort and confidence.
Mrs. Gandapur assured her continued support and expressed her family’s commitment to contributing to the hospital’s growth and services.
Throughout October, the hospital organized a series of awareness programs and community outreach activities as part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, culminating in this inspiring and well-attended closing ceremony.

ISLAMABAD, Oct 30 In a historic development for regional air travel, Iran Air’s inaugural Flight 826 (A319), operating on the route Mashhad–Zahedan–Quetta, touched down at Quetta International Airport late night on Wednesday to a ceremonial Water Cannon Salute, marking the airline’s first-ever operation to the capital of Balochistan.

The momentous occasion was celebrated with an inaugural ceremony held at the State Lounge, attended by a distinguished gathering.

Governor of Balochistan, Jaffar Khan Mandokhel graced the event as the chief guest. He was accompanied by the Consul General of the Islamic Republic of Iran and other notable dignitaries from the civil aviation, diplomatic and business communities.

The ceremony commenced with the national anthems of Pakistan and Iran, symbolizing the spirit of friendship and cooperation between the two neighbouring countries. In his address, Governor Mandokhel hailed the launch as a “significant milestone” in strengthening bilateral ties, trade, and cultural exchange between Balochistan and Iran.

“This flight not only enhances people-to-people connectivity but also opens new avenues for tourism, pilgrimage, and commerce,” the Governor said, expressing optimism that the initiative would encourage greater regional integration.

The Consul General of Iran, in his remarks, reaffirmed Iran’s commitment to fostering deeper economic and social links with Pakistan, particularly through enhanced transport and communication channels.

According to official details, Iran Air Flight 826 will now operate once weekly, every Wednesday, arriving in Quetta at 9:30 PM. On its maiden journey, the flight carried 30 passengers on arrival and 120 passengers on departure, reflecting keen public interest in the new route.

A Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) spokesperson described the event as “a proud moment for Quetta International Airport,” adding that the new service is expected to facilitate religious pilgrims, business travelers, and families on both sides of the border.

With this addition, Quetta’s air connectivity continues to expand, positioning it as a growing hub for cross-border cooperation and regional development in South and Central Asia.

SUKKUR, Oct 30 Shah Abdul Latif University (SALU) Khairpur, in collaboration with Pak-Turk Maarif International School Khairpur on Thursday organized a vibrant celebration to mark the 102nd anniversary of the founding of the modern Republic of Türkiye.
The event showcased the enduring friendship between Pakistan and Türkiye, with the hoisting of national flags, a photography exhibition, and cultural performances.
The celebration began with the hoisting of the Pakistani and Turkish flags at the Students Societies Center, symbolizing unity and shared ideals.
Vice Chancellor Dr. Muhammad Yousuf Khushk praised the occasion, highlighting the parallels between the Pakistani and Turkish national anthems as “songs of freedom, faith, and people’s power”.
The event featured tableaux, short dramas, and musical performances by Pak-Turk Maarif School Khairpur students, showcasing Türkiye’s century-long struggle for independence.
A documentary on Turkish art, education, and technological advancement was also screened.
Guest speakers, including Professor Dr. Nusrat Shah and Professor Zahid Ali Channar, appreciated the initiative, highlighting the deep-rooted friendship between Pakistan and Türkiye.
The seminar was part of Pakistan-Türkiye Friendship Week, reaffirming SALU’s role as a bridge of learning and culture between the two nations.

RAWALPINDI: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi has said that his government is ready to cooperate with the federal government if decisions are not imposed behind closed doors.

The provincial chief executive was once again denied permission to meet jailed Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan.

It was the fourth time since his October 13 election as Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chief minister that Afridi had been denied a meeting with the jailed PTI founder.

Speaking to Geo News on Thursday, Afridi — who replaced Ali Amin Gandapur as the chief minister earlier this month — said he has started reviewing provincial affairs and has received several briefings, with more scheduled in the coming days.

The chief minister, who is a young PTI leader, added that consultation for a short provincial cabinet has been completed, and it will be formed soon.

Commenting on governance, Afridi said that resolving issues requires sincere intent rather than mere experience. “To run provincial matters, one needs the will to serve the public, not just experience,” he remarked.

He questioned what the experienced rulers in Punjab and the Centre had delivered to the people, noting the decline in economic growth. “What was our GDP growth in 2022, and what is it now?” he asked.

Despite political rivalry, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif congratulated Afridi for being elected as the chief minister and emphasised the centre-province coordination to achieve the national goals. It was the first telephonic conversation between PM Shehbaz and CM Afridi following the latter’s election to the top post.

Speaking to reporters separately, the chief minister said the provincial cabinet had been finalised in line with the PTI founder’s directions, with more than 10 members included in the first phase. He added that the remaining cabinet members were under consideration.

Afridi said complaints from party workers were being addressed and that the provincial government was focusing on performance and accountability.

On the security front, he expressed concern over continued cross-border terrorism, saying that Pakistan was still facing attacks and martyrdoms originating from Afghanistan.

Soon after taking office, CM Afridi announced plans to meet Khan to discuss policy guidelines and the formation of his cabinet.

PTI leaders — including Afridi — then approached the Islamabad High Court (IHC) to ensure his meeting with the PTI founder for the same.

While the IHC directed prison authorities to allow such meetings, CM Afridi was unable to meet Khan when he arrived outside the Adiala jail on October 23.

Following the denial, he staged a short sit-in outside the prison, demanding the implementation of the court’s directives, though without success.

It is worth mentioning here that Khan has been behind bars since August 2023 following his conviction in in the Toshakhana case-I — one of the multiple cases registered against him since his ouster from power via a no-confidence vote in April 2022.