karachi

Six members of the Ahmadi community in karachi were arrested by police on Saturday after Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan activists gathered outside their place of worship to prevent Friday prayers. The arrests followed threats and demands from the activists, highlighting ongoing religious persecution and human rights violations against Ahmadis in Pakistan.

Pakistani prodigy Bilal Asher, the world under-14 Scrabble champion, exemplifies the rising popularity of the game among Pakistani youth. With English rooted in the colonial past, schools and parents in karachi promote Scrabble as a tool for language development and future opportunities, fostering a new generation of champions.

Amnesty International has urged Pakistan to release Ahmadis detained in recent weeks and safeguard their worship places. Over 60 Ahmadis, including children, have been jailed and their sites attacked, with police often failing to intervene. Ahmadis face escalating threats from the far-right Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan, prompting calls for justice against perpetrators.

In recent years, the Jaffar Express has faced multiple attacks by Baloch rebels and TTP, causing numerous casualties. These attacks highlight the ongoing insurgency in Balochistan and the rising use of suicide bombings by BLA, particularly targeting Chinese nationals and Pakistani forces. The increased frequency and intensity of these attacks pose significant challenges for the Pakistani government.

South Africa aim to secure a semifinal berth in the Champions Trophy against an already eliminated England. Key players like Ryan Rickelton and Temba Bavuma are in form, bolstering the Proteas' chances. Despite their inconsistency, they hold a strong position. Meanwhile, England look to finish their campaign positively despite recent struggles.

The ICC praised the Pakistan Cricket Board for successfully hosting the ICC Men's Champions Trophy 2025, marking Pakistan's first ICC event since 1996. India won the tournament, which saw 15 matches played across karachi, Lahore, Rawalpindi and Dubai. The event showcased Pakistan's passion for cricket and ability to host global events, drawing fans worldwide.

Pakistan is ranked as the third most polluted country in 2024 due to severe smog, with nearly two million people needing medical care for pollution-related health issues. The nation's PM2.5 levels are 15 times the WHO's safe limit, driven by various sources including biomass burning and industrial emissions.

India lost the toss for the 15th consecutive time in ODIs, this time in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy final against New Zealand. Despite this streak, India remains unbeaten in the tournament and will play the final with an unchanged team, while New Zealand faces a setback with pacer Matt Henry's injury.

Explore Delhi's traditional Holi delights, featuring sweets like gujiya and malpua, and savoury treats like dahi vada.

PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi thanked his team for successfully hosting the ICC Champions Trophy in Pakistan, despite India's refusal to play there. The event was held at multiple venues, including Lahore, karachi, Rawalpindi, and Dubai. However, former players criticized PCB's absence during the presentation ceremony, despite being the host of the tournament.

Pakistan will host the Women's 50-overs World Cup qualifiers this month, featuring six teams: Pakistan, Scotland, Ireland, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and the West Indies. The PCB is finalizing dates and venues, with karachi, Multan, and Faisalabad under consideration. This marks Pakistan's first time hosting a multi-team women's ICC event, crucial for World Cup qualification.

Consensual conversions among Scheduled Caste Hindus to Islam in Pakistan stem from the inability to afford cremation costs and the marginalization by Muslims and upper-caste Hindus. Community activities indicate hundreds of these conversions annually, driven by the hope for better socioeconomic conditions.

South Africa's David Miller criticised the logistical disruptions that required his team to make a quick round-trip to Dubai before their Champions Trophy semi-final defeat against New Zealand. The scheduling issue arose due to India's refusal to play in Pakistan, resulting in South Africa and Australia having to travel to Dubai. New Zealand will face India in the final.

The PCB faced criticism from former players for its absence during the Champions Trophy final closing ceremony, where India defeated New Zealand. Despite the presence of PCB officials at the venue, protocol dictated only the heads of cricket boards were allowed on stage, leaving Pakistan unrepresented. ICC have now issued a statement after reports of PCB lodging an official protest.

New Zealand has secured a spot in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final after defeating South Africa by 50 runs in the semifinals. The Black Caps will face India, who remained unbeaten in the tournament, at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday. New Zealand now stand on the brink of history as they aim to secure their second Champions Trophy title, having last won the prestigious tournament in 2000 in Kenya—their only major ICC white-ball triumph.

Persistent rain in Lahore ended the Australia vs Afghanistan match without result, advancing Australia to the semi-finals. Afghanistan's semi-final hopes hinge on England defeating South Africa decisively. South Africa aim to secure their spot with a win over England, while India and New Zealand will compete in Dubai to determine Group A seeding.

India and New Zealand have secured their spots in the Champions Trophy semifinals from Group A, while South Africa and Australia advanced from Group B. The final group match between India and New Zealand will determine the semifinal match-ups. A win for India means they face Australia, while New Zealand will play South Africa.

New Zealand and India prepare for the Champions Trophy final in Dubai. New Zealand's journey saw them adapt to multiple venues, while India played all fixtures in Dubai. Despite a previous loss to India, New Zealand pose a significant threat with their recent experience of Dubai's conditions. Both teams have similar strengths, making an exciting final anticipated.