Update Pakistan

23/07/2025

21/07/2025

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01/01/2024

In compliance with directives from the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), cellular mobile operators have initiated the implementation of a SIM disowning charge, effective today, amounting to up to Rs. 200.

The PTA has chosen not to extend the previously provided grace period for the disowning or return of unnecessary SIM cards.

The decision to impose the SIM disowning fee is attributed to the PTA’s effort to address the misuse of free SIM cards and combat the involvement of mobile services in illicit activities. This fee will be applicable across all provinces of Pakistan, including Azad Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan.

Earlier, the PTA had urged consumers to voluntarily disown or return unnecessary SIM cards without incurring any charges by December 31, 2023.

The PTA clarifies that the disowning fee applies to SIM cards with a retention period of less than six months. However, customers will be eligible for a one-time waiver if a SIM card is issued in their name illegally and without their consent.

The decision to implement this fee stems from reports received by the PTA indicating that certain users were exploiting the free disowning facility. They were allegedly handing over SIM cards to unauthorized individuals for use in illegal activities, subsequently disowning the SIM cards once identified, and then obtaining a new SIM card from another provider.

The move by the PTA aims to strike a balance between providing consumers with a fair opportunity to disown unnecessary SIM cards and preventing the misuse of this facility for illegal purposes.

01/01/2024

Australian opener David Warner brought the curtain down on his one-day international career on Monday ahead of his farewell Test against Pakistan this week.

However, Warner hinted that he could feature in the 2025 Champions Trophy if needed.

The 37-year-old will step out on the field for his 112th and final Test in his home city Sydney on Wednesday, having accumulated 8,695 runs at an average of 44.58, with 26 hundreds and 36 fifties.

Warner played ODI cricket since his debut in 2009, helping the team clinch the World Cup in 2015 and 2023.

"I´ve got to give back to the family and also on the back of that I´m definitely retiring from one-day cricket as well," Warner said in a press conference.

"That was something that I had said through the (2023) World Cup, get through that, and winning it in India, I think that´s a massive achievement.

"So I´ll make that decision today, to retire from those forms, which does allow me to go and play some other (Twenty20) leagues around the world and sort of get the one-day team moving forward a little bit.

"I know there´s a Champions Trophy coming up," he added. "If I´m playing decent cricket in two years´ time and I´m around and they need someone, I´m going to be available."

The Champions Trophy will be played for the first time since 2017 in 2025 in Pakistan.

Warner exits ODI cricket after 161 matches, scoring 6,932 runs at an average of 45.30, with 22 hundreds. Among Australians, only Ricky Ponting with 30 has scored more one-day tons.

Warne will continue playing T20 cricket, with the 2024 World Cup in the Caribbean and United States on his radar.

Ahead of his ODI announcement, Cricket Australia chief Nick Hockley also lauded Warner.

"We are all extremely grateful for his immense contribution to this form of the game," he said in a statement.

"David´s wonderful attacking style not only played a vital role in many Australian victories, it also enthralled and entertained fans across the world and drew many to Test cricket."

Reflecting on his Test career, Warner said it was a "fairytale ending" to hang up his gloves in Sydney.

"I would have never imagined opening the batting for New South Wales or anyone to be honest when I first started but to be here, 112 Tests I think, I still pinch myself," he said.

He added that he would like to be remembered as someone "authentic and honest" who has "gone out there and given it his all".

01/01/2024

Pakistan’s white-ball opener Fakhar Zaman backed Babar Azam to score big in the last Test of the three-match series against Australia which will be played at Sydney Cricket Ground from January 3 to 7.

Babar had his fair share of struggles in 2023 as the 29-year-old failed to score a half-century in red-ball cricket all year.

However, Fakhar believed that Babar is still playing well but the nation is used to seeing him score centuries in every match.

“Babar Azam has given us a bad habit by scoring centuries in every other match. He is currently scoring 40's in every match but not meeting his class. I'm hopeful for Babar to score a big innings in the Sydney Test,” Fakhar said.

The 33-year-old then addressed the upcoming T20I series against New Zealand where six openers have been selected. Fakhar believed having the competition within the squad was healthy.

"It is good to have six openers in Pakistan because healthy competition is good. I'm a specialist opener but the team management has given me a message to bat as one or two down on New Zealand tour,” he added.

The left-handed batter also praised Shaheen Shah Afridi who will lead the Green Shirts in the T20I series against New Zealand saying that he has leadership qualities.

"Shaheen Afridi did great captaincy of Lahore Qalandars. There is a big difference between captaincy in PSL and Pakistan Cricket Team but Shaheen does have capabilities of a good captain,” he said.

Remember, the Pakistan cricket team is currently in Australia to play a three-match Test series in the ongoing World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 cycle which will conclude on January 7.

Just five days after the conclusion of the Test series, Pakistan is scheduled to play their first T20I match against New Zealand on January 12.

Pakistan’s squad:
Shaheen Afridi (c), Aamir Jamal, Abbas Afridi, Abrar Ahmed, Azam Khan (wk), Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Haseebullah (wk), Iftikhar Ahmed, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Mojammad Wasim Jnr, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Usama Mir, Zaman Khan.

Schedule of Pakistan’s 2024 tour to New Zealand
First match: New Zealand vs Pakistan, 12 January, Auckland

Second match: New Zealand vs Pakistan, 14 January, Hamilton

Third match: New Zealand vs Pakistan, 17 January, Dunedin

Fourth match: New Zealand vs Pakistan, 19 January, Christchurch

Fifth match: New Zealand vs Pakistan, 21 January, Christchurch.

30/12/2023

In yet another year, Peshawar is set to miss the upcoming thrilling clashes of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) Season 9 slated to begin in February 2024.

Despite a two-year period since the initiation of construction of Hayatabad Cricket Stadium under the former Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) led government, the project remains unfinished, sources told Geo News.

The crucial installation of floodlights has not commenced, resulting in Peshawar's inability to host PSL matches.

As per the sources, the stadium's construction costs have surpassed billions, yet the stadium remains incomplete.

Cricket enthusiasts are eagerly anticipating the chance to witness their favourite national and international cricketers in action in Peshawar.

Remember, PCB is in favour of hosting PSL 9 matches across four venues — Karachi, Lahore, Multan and Rawalpindi.

The teams will start gathering on February 12 where they take part in practice sessions and matches across four days.

The event will start from February 17 in Lahore with defending champions Lahore Qalandars facing Islamabad United in the opening match. Multan Sultans and Karachi Kings will play in Multan on February 18.

Meanwhile, the first game in Karachi is recommended between Karachi Kings and Islamabad United on February 28. Matches in Rawalpindi will start on March 1 with United playing Quetta Gladiators. Six double-headers will also be played during the event.

11 matches will take place in Karachi, nine each in Lahore and Rawalpindi and five in Multan.

Three playoff matches and the final will take place in Karachi, with the final scheduled on March 17.

It must be noted that the teams have completed their squads for the upcoming season nine. The event took place at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Lahore where teams finalised their squads after going through an extensive process of team selection.

PSL Squads
Karachi Kings: Kieron Pollard, Daniel Sams, Mohammad Nawaz, Tim Siefert, James Vince, Hasan Ali, Shan Masood, Shoaib Malik, Tabraiz Shamis, Mohammad Amir Khan, Anwar Ali, Arafat Minhas, Mir Hamza, Muhammad Akhlaq, Muhammad Irfan Niazi, Sirajuddin, Saad Baig, and Jamie Overton.

Lahore Qalandars: Fakhar Zaman, Rassie Van der Dussen, Shaheen Afridi, Sahibzada Farhan, Haris Rauf, David Wiese, Sikandar Raza, Abdullah Shafique, Zaman Khan, Imran Jr, Ahsan Hafeez Bhatti, Dan Lawrence, Mirza Tahir Baig, Rashid Khan, Syed Faridoun Mahmood, Jahandad Khan, Shai Hope, and Kamran Ghulam.

Islamabad United: Jordan Cox, Naseem Shah, Shadab Khan, Tymal Mills, Azam Khan, Imad Wasim, Faheem Ashraf, Alex Hales, Colin Munro, Matthew Forde, Salman Ali Agha, Qasim Akram, Shahab Khan, Rumman Raees, Hunain Shah, Ubaid Shah, Shamyl Hussain, and Tom Curran.

Peshawar Zalmi: Babar Azam, Noor Ahmed, Rovman Powell, Asif Ali, Saim Ayub, Tom Kohler-Cadmore, Naveen-ul-Haq, Aamer Jamal, Mohammad Haris, Salman Irshad, Arif Yaqoob, Umair Afridi, Daniel Mousley, Khurram Shahzad, Haseebullah Khan, Mohammad Zeeshan, Lungi Ngidi, and Mehran Mumtaz.

Multan Sultans: Mohammad Rizwan, David Willey, Iftikhar Ahmed, Dawid Malan, Khushdil Shah, Usama Mir, Reeza Hendricks, Reece Topley, Abbas Afridi, Tayyab Tahir, Shahnawaz Dahani, Mohammad Ali, Usman Khan, Ihsanullah, Faisal Akram, Yasir Khan, Chris Jordan, and Aftab Ibrahim.

Quetta Gladiators: Sherfane Rutherford, Mohammad Amir, Rilee Rossouw, Mohammad Wasim Junior, Jason Roy, Wanindu Hasaranga, Mohammad Hasnain, Abrar Ahmed, Sarfaraz Ahmed, Saud Shakeel, Sajjad Ali Junior, Usman Qadir, Omair Bin Yousuf, Will Smeed, Khawaja Nafay, Adil Naz, Akeal Hosain, and Sohail Khan.

30/12/2023

The School Education Department has extended the winter holidays due to the severity of the weather in Punjab.

After the notification, the school vacation have been extended to Jan 9 as cold weather coupled with fog has resulted in the inclemency of the weather.

It is pertinent to mention that the winter vacation commenced in Punjab’s schools on Dec 18.

Earlier, it was reported that the provincial government might change the schedule of schools reopening due to the frosty weather.

It was added that the provincial authorities might consider adjustments to the school reopening schedule if the cold weather persists.

Moreover, parents have also urged the officials to extend winter vacation by another week while arguing that some of the private schools in the province have already changed their schedules.

30/12/2023

Pakistan cricket team management is pondering to make two changes in their playing XI for third and final Test in Sydney against Australia.

Cricket Pakistan understands that management is considering dropping opener Imam-ul-Haq and possibly introducing a spinner to tackle the conditions at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG).

Imam-ul-Haq, who has struggled to find his footing in the first two Tests against Australia, might face exclusion from the squad for the upcoming match. Despite a relatively better performance in one innings, scoring 62 in the first Test, his overall contribution has been below par. His slow-paced batting style has seemingly failed to align with the dynamic approach desired by Pakistan's evolving brand of cricket.

The team management is reportedly eyeing Saim Ayub as a potential replacement for Imam-ul-Haq. The young batsman, if selected, will be donning the Test cap for the first time.

Moreover, the pitch conditions at the SCG, known for providing support to spinners, have prompted Pakistan's think tank to contemplate including a spinner in the playing XI. If spinner Abrar Ahmed, who is nursing an injury, regains full fitness, he is likely to be the preferred choice. However, in the event of Abrar Ahmed's unavailability, Sajid Khan stands ready to fill the spin-bowling role.

This strategic shift towards spin could potentially lead to the omission of pacer Hasan Ali from the lineup. The decision to prioritize spin over pace underscores Pakistan's adaptation to the conditions prevalent at the SCG, aiming to maximize their chances of clinching victory in the forthcoming Test.

The Sydney Test will begin on 3rd January, 2024.

29/12/2023

In a notable update for Pakistani passport holders, a recent report from the Passport Index has identified eight countries where Pakistanis can travel without the need for a visa. While Pakistani passport holders generally require a visa for 151 countries, they can secure visas on arrival in 36 nations, and some countries offer an electronic visa facility.

The eight countries allowing visa-free travel for Pakistani passport holders include Barbados, a picturesque Caribbean island, where a visa-free stay of up to 90 days is possible. Dominica, another Caribbean island nation, extends a visa-free stay of up to 180 days, offering an extended and hassle-free experience for Pakistani travelers.

For those seeking exploration in West Africa, The Gambia provides a visa-free stay of up to 90 days. The serene Caribbean island of Haiti also opens its doors with a visa-free stay of up to 90 days for Pakistani visitors.

In the Pacific Ocean, Micronesia, an island country, allows a visa-free stay of up to 30 days, offering a unique destination for those with a Pakistani passport. Meanwhile, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, nestled in the Caribbean Sea, welcomes Pakistani travelers with a visa-free stay of up to 90 days.

Caribbean charm continues with Trinidad and Tobago, where a visa-free stay is possible, although no specific period of stay has been stipulated. Lastly, Vanuatu, an island nation near Australia, permits a visa-free stay of up to 30 days, providing an attractive option for Pakistani passport holders.

This newfound accessibility to diverse and picturesque destinations marks a positive development, offering Pakistani travelers more options for international exploration without the visa-related hurdles often faced.

29/12/2023

An emotionally charged Mohammad Hafeez declared Pakistan were "the better team" shortly after they succumbed to a 79-run defeat in the second Test against Australia at the MCG.

In an enthralling contest, where Australia could never truly put distance between themselves and the visitors until the final half hour, Pakistan edged towards the target of 317 thanks to a partnership between Salman Ali Agha and Mohammad Rizwan. They needed 98 to win with five wickets in hand, but once Rizwan fell, the last five wickets were lost for 18 runs in 40 balls.

"We played better cricket as a team," Hafeez, the Pakistan team director, said. "I'm proud of that. The way the team had the courage to attack this game in the best possible way. If I sum up the game, the Pakistan team played better than the other team in general. Our batting intent was better, and while bowling, we were hitting the right areas. Yes, we made some mistakes that cost us the game but as a team I believe that there were a lot of positives, enough to win the game but unfortunately at the end we didn't win the game."

Pakistan were left to rue plenty of their own mistakes, as Hafeez alluded to. Most notable of those were two easy dropped catches - one in each innings - by Abdullah Shafique at first slip. Each of those mistakes were punished heavily, with David Warner adding 84 with Usman Khawaja for the opening partnership in the first session after he was dropped on 2.

In the second innings, Shafique dropped Mitchell Marsh off Aamer Jamal when Pakistan had Australia on the ropes at 46 for 4. Marsh scored 76 more, and his partnership with Steve Smith grew by another 123 runs, before he fell for 96.

"We saw Abdullah wasn't feeling comfortable out there," Hafeez said. "As a team, you always back your team-mates if something is not going well for them. But we made this decision thinking if he's not feeling comfortable, Babar is a better slip fielder, so why not make the change? He should take the lead and go to first slip. I think that also worked out very well for me as a director because I could see the right person was doing that job. Obviously, Abdullah is also a good fielder, but he wasn't feeling confident in the slips.

"These guys have been training together for the last year. [Abdullah] did a very good job as a slip fielder. Fielding here in different conditions might have disturbed him but I still believe that he's a good fielder. Maybe the confidence went away which, as a slip fielder, can happen. Once that confidence goes away from you, you need a little bit of time away from the role."

28/12/2023

Turkey announced visa-free access for nationals of six countries—the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, the United States, Canada, Bahrain, and Oman—in a major move expected to boost tourism and deepen international connections.

Due to this historic decision, visitors from these nations may now enjoy Turkey's stunning scenery and rich cultural legacy without having to worry about obtaining a visa.

With a 90-day visa-free stay, the order signed by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan heralds a new age of accessibility for tourists. This project is in line with Turkey's mission to promote international ties and establish itself as a premier travel destination.

Turkey—also known as Türkiye—is renowned for its rich cultural legacy and breathtaking scenery. It offers a wide range of attractions, including the immersive Ephesus Experience Museum and famous historical sites like the Hagia Sophia History Museum and İstanbul Archaeological Museums.

The purpose of this calculated action is to encourage tourists to visit Turkey and enjoy its delicious food, beautiful beaches, and cultural immersion. With a thriving tourist season, reasonably priced trip packages, and an abundance of activities for everyone to enjoy, Turkey is ready for a spike in tourism as new visa regulations take effect and travel restrictions loosen.

28/12/2023

Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar announced Thursday that all celebrations related to the New Year are banned across the country as the South Asian nation stands in solidarity with Palestinians who have been facing the worst Israeli brutality since October 7.

Pakistan has time and again raised its voice for the oppressed Palestinians at international forums and condemned Israel's genocide, that's cost thousands of lives.

In a televised address, Kakar said: “Pakistani nation is in a sad state [...] so keeping in mind the situation, the Government of Pakistan has decided to ban all celebrations related to New Year’s.”

Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar addressing the nation during a televised address from Islamabad, on December 28, 2023, in this still taken from a video. — Geo News
Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar addressing the nation during a televised address from Islamabad, on December 28, 2023, in this still taken from a video. — Geo News
“I appeal to all Pakistanis: show solidarity with the oppressed Palestinians and observe simplicity with the dawn of the new year,” Kakar said, noting that the situation war was catastrophic.

Israel, determined to destroy Hamas, has launched a relentless air and ground offensive that has left vast areas of Gaza in ruins and killed at least 21,320 people, mostly women and children.

The situation in Gaza is terrible as the war has dragged on for more than 12 weeks, with Israeli officials vowing to continue pummeling the Hamas-run territory for several more months.

The head of the World Health Organisation, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, said the population of Gaza is in "grave peril", citing "terrible injuries, acute hunger and [...] severe risk of disease".

In his address, Kakar noted that Pakistan has sent two consignments of aid to Gaza and will send a third soon to help alleviate their plight in light of Israel’s deadly bombardment.

He noted that Pakistani authorities were also in contact with Egyptian and Jordanian counterparts to make sure that the efforts were directed for the betterment of Palestinians.

Several New Year’s functions — private and government-led — are held across Pakistan, with youth and families alike also enjoying the night out. However, celebratory firing and rash driving also lead to injuries and deaths on the occasion.

Meanwhile, Sharjah, an emirate of the United Arab Emirates, one of few Arab states that has official ties with Israel, also banned New Year's Eve fireworks this year as an expression of solidarity with the people of Gaza.

The ban is "a sincere expression of solidarity and humanitarian cooperation with our siblings in the Gaza Strip," Sharjah police said in a post on Facebook.