Fakhar Zaman opens up on tweet in support of Babar Azam

Pakistan batter Fakhar Zaman has broken his silence on his post in support of Babar Azam when he was dropped from the squad for the England Test series.

Reports said that the left-handed batter was dropped from the squads for the Australia and Zimbabwe tours after he criticised the exclusion of Babar Azam from the Pakistan squad for the last two games against England in the Test home series.

Fakhar Zaman was also left out of the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) central contracts list for the 2024-25 international season.

Several including former Pakistan cricketers slammed the PCB’s decision to exclude the batter from the squad for the South Africa tour as Abdullah Shafique had a poor run in the recently concluded PAK v SA ODI series.

Now, Fakhar Zaman has issued a clarification about his snub from the Pakistan squads for recent tours which was attributed to his fitness.

Read more: Fakhar Zaman responds to PCB’s show-cause notice over Babar Azam remarks

During an interview with a private media outlet, the left-handed batter dispelled the reports about him criticising the PCB over the decision to rest Babar Azam.

“Later on, I did think it would have been better if I didn’t do it [the tweet]. But people misunderstood that I criticised the board’s decision, which is 100% wrong,” he said when asked if he could have avoided such a tweet.

Fakhar Zaman mentioned that his tweet was for journalists and former cricketers who were asking to drop the star batter from the Pakistan squad.

“I did the tweet before the team announcement. Around three days before that, when I watched the news, I would see some of our journalists and some ex-players saying that he [Babar Azam] should be dropped. I felt that these people were disregarding all his services and saying he should be dropped, so I did that tweet. I wasn’t criticising the board,” the Pakistan batter said.

Zaman mentioned that he had requested the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for a two-month rest as he was unwell.

“I had an understanding with the PCB that I would rest for two months and I had no idea about my sickness when the team was departing for Australia. Later, I found out that I was suffering from Hyperthyroidism. Now, I am thankful that I did not go with the team because you cannot perform in such a condition,” Fakhar Zaman said.

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UK reacts to military courts sentences against May 9 rioters

ISLAMABAD: The United Kingdom (UK) government reacted to the sentences handed down by Pakistan’s military courts to May 9 rioters, ARY News reported.

The Military Courts convicted 25 suspects of May 9 violence after examining all the evidence and completing the appropriate legal process, the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) said.

Reacting to the development, Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office spokesperson said that “while the UK respects Pakistan’s sovereignty over its own legal proceedings, trying civilians in military courts lacks transparency, independent scrutiny and undermines the right to a fair trial.”

The UK government called on the Government of Pakistan to uphold its obligations under the “International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.”

The May 9 riots suspects were awarded up to 10 years imprisonment by the military courts in Pakistan.

“Field General Court Martial (FGCM) have in first phase promulgated the punishments to 25 accused,” the ISPR said.

“On 9 May 2023, nation witnessed tragic incidents of politically provoked violence and arson at multiple places, marking a dark chapter in the history of Pakistan. Building on a sustained narrative of hate and lies, politically orchestrated attacks were carried out on the installations of the Armed Forces including desecration of the monuments of Shuhada.”

Terming May 9 as ‘Black Day’, the military’s media wing said that sequel to the events, irrefutable evidences were collected through meticulous investigations to legally prosecute the accused involved. Certain cases were subsequently referred for Field General Court Martial as per law, where they underwent trials following due process.

Read More: Military courts get SC nod to announce verdicts in 85 civilian trials

The verdicts were announced after the Supreme Court’s (SC) Constitutional Bench conditionally allowed military courts to do so in 85 trials.

“These blatant acts of violence not only shocked the nation but also underscored necessity of checking this unacceptable attempt of political terrorism to impose own perverted will through violence and coercion,” the ISPR’s statement read.

According to the ISPR, the promulgation of the sentences of remaining accused is also being done and will be announced shortly as and when the due process is completed.

source https://arynews.tv/uk-reacts-to-military-courts-sentences-against-may-9-rioters/

Turkish foreign minister says no room for Kurdish militants in Syria’s future

ANKARA: Turkey’s foreign minister said after meeting Syria’s de facto leader in Damascus on Sunday that there was no room for Kurdish militants in Syria’s future, calling for the YPG militia to disband.

Turkey regards the YPG as an extension of the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) militants who have fought an insurgency against the Turkish state for 40 years and are deemed terrorists by Ankara, Washington and the European Union.

Sunday’s visit to Damascus by Hakan Fidan, the first foreign minister to visit Damascus since Bashar al-Assad’s overthrow two weeks ago, came amid hostilities in northeast Syria between Turkish-backed Syrian fighters and the YPG, which spearheads the U.S.-allied Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in the northeast.

Speaking alongside Syria’s de facto leader Ahmed al-Sharaa, Fidan said he had discussed the YPG presence with the new Syrian administration and believed Damascus would take steps to ensure Syria’s territorial integrity and sovereignty.

“In the coming period, the YPG must come to a point where it is no longer a threat to Syria’s national unity,” Fidan said, adding the YPG should disband.

The SDF played a key role defeating Islamic State militants in 2014-2017 with U.S. air support, and still guards Islamic State fighters in prison camps. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken warned that the Islamist group would try to re-establish capabilities in this period.

Fidan said the international community was “turning a blind eye” to the “illegality” of the SDF and YPG’s actions in Syria, but added that he believed U.S. President-elect Donald Trump would take a different approach.

He said the new Syrian administration had told him during their talks that they could manage the Islamic State prison camps, if needed.

In a Reuters interview on Thursday, SDF commander Mazloum Abdi acknowledged the presence of PKK fighters in Syria for the first time, saying they had helped battle Islamic State and would return home if a total ceasefire was agreed with Turkey. He denied any organisational ties with the PKK.

The SDF has been on the back foot since Assad’s fall, with the threat of advances from Ankara and Turkey-backed groups as it looks to preserve political gains made in the last 13 years, and with Syria’s new rulers being friendly to Ankara.

Earlier, Turkey’s defence minister said Ankara believed Syria’s new leadership, including the Syrian National Army (SNA) armed group which Ankara backs, will drive YPG fighters from all of the territory they occupy in the northeast.

Ankara, alongside Syrian allies, has mounted several cross-border offensives against the Kurdish faction in northern Syria and controls swathes of Syrian territory along the border, while repeatedly demanding that its NATO ally Washington halt support for the Kurdish fighters.

Ankara had for years backed rebels looking to oust Assad and welcomed the end of his family’s brutal five-decade rule after a 13-year civil war. Turkey also hosts millions of Syrian migrants it hopes will start returning home after Assad’s fall, and has vowed to help rebuild Syria.

Fidan said all international sanctions imposed against Assad must be lifted as soon as possible to help Syria start rebuilding, offering Ankara’s assistance on matters such as infrastructure development.

Sharaa told Sunday’s press conference his administration would announce the new structure of the defence ministry and military within days.

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Karachi van fire leaves 10 injured

KARACHI: A devastating fire engulfed a passenger van at Bhains Colony turn in Karachi, leaving ten people injured, ARY News reported.

According to reports, the fire originated from a gas cylinder within the vehicle. Among the injured, five are in critical condition and are currently receiving medical treatment at a local hospital.

The passengers were part of a family from Tando Muhammad Khan who had recently arrived in Karachi.

Emergency responders quickly arrived at the scene and managed to extinguish the blaze. The cause of the fire is being investigated, but initial reports suggest a malfunctioning gas cylinder may have ignited the flames.

Earlier today, a fire broke out on the fourth floor of the National Institute of Child Health (NICH) in Karachi due to a short circuit, hospital authorities confirmed.

As per details, NICH authorities stated that the fire was caused by a short circuit on fourth floor of the building, spreading smoke to the fifth floor.

Read More: Fire erupts at NICH Karachi

The fire damaged some of the equipment at the hospital, but no casualties were reported. Children undergoing treatment were safely relocated to other wards as a precautionary measure, the authorities of the medical facility said.

Rescue teams reached the spot promptly after being informed and extinguished the flames successfully to avert further damage.

Similarly, on December 21, a major fire engulfed a clothing warehouse near Jamshed Road in Karachi, causing significant damage.

According to reports, the fire spread to the ground and first floors of the building, and tin sheets from the first floor had also collapsed.

Six fire tenders and water bowsers were dispatched to the scene to battle the blaze. However, due to the intensity of the fire, it took time to bring it under control.

Initial reports indicated that no one was present inside the building at the time of the fire.

Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah had directed concerned authorities to submit a report on the incident. He also instructed them to take immediate action to contain the fire and prevent further damage.

source https://arynews.tv/karachi-van-blaze-leaves-10-hurt/

When Anushka saw Kohli crying, Varun Dhawan reveals heart-breaking story

NEW DEHLI: Bollywood actor Varun Dhawan revealed a heart-breaking story of Indian batter Virat Kohli crying over the defeat of his team.

Virat Kohli nowadays going through difficult times in his career with an average of only 25.06 in red-ball cricket this season.

In an appearance on a podcast, actor Varun Dhawan revealed how sensitive and responsible Virat Kohli is.

He gave an example of Virat Kohli’s emotional state during India’s 2018 tour of England.

In an appearance on Ranveer Allahbadia’s podcast, “The Ranveer Show”, Dhawan recounted a conversation with Anushka Sharma about Kohli’s mindset during tough times.

Dhawan said that Anushka had shared with him an incident where Kohli cried after India’s loss in the first Test at Edgbaston in Birmingham, feeling responsible for the team’s defeat.

While quoting Anushka’s account of the incident Varun said “Virat, I mean, everything he’s been through, the times he’s not been in good form, some insights that Anushka shared with me, about his mindset. I think it was a Nottingham Test [Birmingham, 2018] where India had lost, and she said she didn’t attend that game that day. She came back, she didn’t know where Virat was, and she came to the room and saw him laid down, literally crying,”

Read more: Virat Kohli, Anushka Sharma face off in gully cricket

“He [Kohli] took the whole thing on himself that I failed when he was still the highest scorer that day, he was the captain of the side that day,” Varun added.

#VarunDhawan talks about #ViratKohli & #AnushkaSharma pic.twitter.com/yLoZNYl1XD

— Rocky. (@KohliInspirer) December 19, 2024

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When Anushka saw Kohli crying, Varun Dhawan reveals heart-breaking story

NEW DEHLI: Bollywood actor Varun Dhawan revealed a heart-breaking story of Indian batter Virat Kohli crying over the defeat of his team.

Virat Kohli nowadays going through difficult times in his career with an average of only 25.06 in red-ball cricket this season.

In an appearance on a podcast, actor Varun Dhawan revealed how sensitive and responsible Virat Kohli is.

He gave an example of Virat Kohli’s emotional state during India’s 2018 tour of England.

In an appearance on Ranveer Allahbadia’s podcast, “The Ranveer Show”, Dhawan recounted a conversation with Anushka Sharma about Kohli’s mindset during tough times.

Dhawan said that Anushka had shared with him an incident where Kohli cried after India’s loss in the first Test at Edgbaston in Birmingham, feeling responsible for the team’s defeat.

While quoting Anushka’s account of the incident Varun said “Virat, I mean, everything he’s been through, the times he’s not been in good form, some insights that Anushka shared with me, about his mindset. I think it was a Nottingham Test [Birmingham, 2018] where India had lost, and she said she didn’t attend that game that day. She came back, she didn’t know where Virat was, and she came to the room and saw him laid down, literally crying,”

Read more: Virat Kohli, Anushka Sharma face off in gully cricket

“He [Kohli] took the whole thing on himself that I failed when he was still the highest scorer that day, he was the captain of the side that day,” Varun added.

#VarunDhawan talks about #ViratKohli & #AnushkaSharma pic.twitter.com/yLoZNYl1XD

— Rocky. (@KohliInspirer) December 19, 2024

source https://arynews.tv/anushka-saw-virat-kohli-crying-varun-dhawan-reveals-heart-breaking-story/

Akeal Hosein goes down memory lane after topping T20I bowling rankings

West Indies spinner Akeal Hosein became the first spinner from his country to top the International Cricket Council (ICC) Men’s T20I bowling rankings.

As per the latest rankings, the left-arm spinner replaced England’s Adil Rashid to top the ranking.

Following the achievement, Akeal Hosein took to Instagram to share a heartfelt post in which he reflected on his journey through the years.

The post included a video comprising photos of him from his childhood and his early days representing the West Indies at the international level.

The viral video also included a compilation of his wickets in the shortest format for West Indies.

“I’m not usually one to post stats, but this one is special. Who would have thought, huh? That the boy from the hood, the boy from Laventille could be number 1 in the world,” Akeal Hosein wrote in the caption of his Instagram post.

Read more: Babar Azam slips out of top 10 ICC Test rankings for first time in five years

“Whatever is or was being said, for however long I may remain at this number, no matter what happens, let this serve as a reminder that I did it.. That I am number 1,” the West Indian spinner added.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Akeal Hosein (@akealhosein)

The left-arm spinner made his debut for the West Windies in 2021 and has since picked up 48 wickets in his 55 T20I outings for the side.

His recent outing for his country was in the three-match T20I series against Bangladesh.

Akeal Hosein returned with the figures of 2/13 in his four overs in the series opener and finished the series with three wickets from two games.

source https://arynews.tv/akeal-hosein-goes-down-memory-lane-after-topping-t20i-bowling-rankings/

Eddie Redmayne confirms return for ‘The Day of the Jackal’ season 2

Hollywood actor Eddie Redmayne has confirmed that he will reprise his role in season two of ‘The Day of the Jackal.’

“Thank you so much for watching and supporting The Day of the Jackal. If there’s one thing that the Jackal can’t stand, it’s a loose end. So we will see you soon for season two,” Redmayne said according to a Sky Instagram post.

While the makers had confirmed renewing the show for a second season, there were no updates on whether Eddie Redmayne and Lashana Lynch would reprise their roles for the next season as it would have spoiled the ending of the first season, which released its finale on December 12.

‘The Day of the Jackal’ became the most popular series to ever launch on Sky after its first episode reached a UK audience of 4.5 million after 26 days.

The series is based on a 1971 novel by Frederick Forsyth which was adapted into a feature film in 1973.

‘The Day of the Jackal’ tells the story of the titular character Jackal (Eddie Redmayne), a contract killer “who makes his living carrying out hits for the highest fee.”

“But following his latest kill, he meets his match in a tenacious British intelligence officer (Lashana Lynch), who starts to track down the Jackal in a thrilling cat-and-mouse chase across Europe, leaving destruction in its wake,” as per the show’s synopsis.

In an earlier interview, the Hollywood actor revealed that he was initially reluctant to take up the titular role in the series.

“I loved the original movie and the Frederick Forsyth book. So when the first three scripts arrived in my inbox, there was a level of hesitation because you don’t want to butcher something you love” he said.

“I read the first episode or two of this series and I found it so propulsive and compelling and the character so enigmatic, that I just wanted to know what happened next,” Eddie Redmayne added.

source https://arynews.tv/the-day-of-the-jackal-eddie-redmayne-confirms-return-for-season-2/

Eddie Redmayne confirms return for ‘The Day of the Jackal’ season 2

Hollywood actor Eddie Redmayne has confirmed that he will reprise his role in season two of ‘The Day of the Jackal.’

“Thank you so much for watching and supporting The Day of the Jackal. If there’s one thing that the Jackal can’t stand, it’s a loose end. So we will see you soon for season two,” Redmayne said according to a Sky Instagram post.

While the makers had confirmed renewing the show for a second season, there were no updates on whether Eddie Redmayne and Lashana Lynch would reprise their roles for the next season as it would have spoiled the ending of the first season, which released its finale on December 12.

‘The Day of the Jackal’ became the most popular series to ever launch on Sky after its first episode reached a UK audience of 4.5 million after 26 days.

The series is based on a 1971 novel by Frederick Forsyth which was adapted into a feature film in 1973.

‘The Day of the Jackal’ tells the story of the titular character Jackal (Eddie Redmayne), a contract killer “who makes his living carrying out hits for the highest fee.”

“But following his latest kill, he meets his match in a tenacious British intelligence officer (Lashana Lynch), who starts to track down the Jackal in a thrilling cat-and-mouse chase across Europe, leaving destruction in its wake,” as per the show’s synopsis.

In an earlier interview, the Hollywood actor revealed that he was initially reluctant to take up the titular role in the series.

“I loved the original movie and the Frederick Forsyth book. So when the first three scripts arrived in my inbox, there was a level of hesitation because you don’t want to butcher something you love” he said.

“I read the first episode or two of this series and I found it so propulsive and compelling and the character so enigmatic, that I just wanted to know what happened next,” Eddie Redmayne added.

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Saudi Arabia launches medical malpractice judicial panels at Riyadh General Court

RIYADH: The Saudi Arabia Ministry of Justice (MoJ) has inaugurated the main office for medical malpractice claims judicial panels at the Riyadh General Court.

This initiative includes eight first-instance panels and two appellate panels, all operating under a unified identity and a new operational model as part of a nationwide rollout for court modernization.

The panels aim to expedite the resolution of medical disputes, minimizing time and effort for litigants.

Operating entirely electronically, they feature a dedicated section for medical experts who provide specialized input to judicial departments in collaboration with the Ministry of Health.

As part of this transition, jurisdiction over medical malpractice cases has been transferred from the Ministry of Health to the judiciary.

Judges overseeing these cases were trained and qualified based on judicial competence, scientific credentials, and practical experience.

The MoJ has also introduced simultaneous translation services for non-Arabic speakers through its Unified Translation Center, enabling remote participation in in-person sessions.

Additionally, the Ministry collaborates with the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties via the Expertise Platform to enlist experts for malpractice lawsuits.

The initiative also includes activating a reconciliation center for health professional malpractice lawsuits and enabling the Ministry of Health and its branches to file public right cases through the “Najiz Government” platform.

Notably, the medical malpractice panels at the Riyadh General Court have processed over 10,000 cases since the transition of jurisdiction from health authorities to the judiciary.

source https://arynews.tv/saudi-arabia-launches-medical-malpractice-judicial-panels-at-riyadh-general-court/

Pakistan reports another polio case, tally reaches 64

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has reported another polio case, bringing the total number of cases to 64 in 2024, ARY News reported.

According to the National Emergency Operations Center (NEOC) for Polio Eradication, the newly reported case emerged from Jacobabad Sindh.

The NEOC confirmed that four cases have been reported form Jacobabad so far in 2024.

It’s worth mentioning here that the recent rise in polio cases in Pakistan has sparked concerns for international organizations.

Also read: Two arrested for ‘refusing’ anti-polio drops in Karachi

According to sources, the international organization has called on Pakistan to implement emergency measures.

Sources revealed that Pakistan has assured the international organizations of taking swift action to control polio.

Anti-polio drive 

Earlier, PM Shehbaz Sharif launched the anti-polio drive by administering polio drops to children under five years of age, emphasizing the government’s commitment to completely eradicate polio virus from Pakistan.

During the inauguration, the prime minister highlighted the growing concern of rising polio cases, with around 60 new reported cases, but assured that with the combined efforts of the federal and provincial governments, the country would overcome this challenge.

Speaking on the occasion, Prime Minister Shehbaz expressed his gratitude to the international partners who had supported Pakistan in the fight against polio, including the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the World Health Organization (WHO), and the government of Saudi Arabia.

Symptoms and risk

Polio is a highly infectious disease caused by a virus. It invades the nervous system and can cause total paralysis in a matter of hours.

The virus is transmitted by person-to-person spread mainly through the faecal-oral route or, less frequently, by a common vehicle (for example, contaminated water or food) and multiplies in the intestine. Initial symptoms are fever, fatigue, headache, vomiting, stiffness of the neck and pain in the limbs.

One in 200 infections leads to irreversible paralysis (usually in the legs). Among those paralysed, 5–10% die when their breathing muscles become immobilized.

The disease mainly affects children under 5 years of age. However, anyone of any age who is unvaccinated can contract the disease.

There is no cure for the crippling disease, it can only be prevented. Polio vaccine, given multiple times, can protect a child for life.

There are two vaccines available: oral polio vaccine and inactivated polio vaccine. Both are effective and safe, and both are used in different combinations worldwide, depending on local epidemiological and programmatic circumstances, to ensure the best possible protection to populations can be provided.

source https://arynews.tv/pakistan-reports-another-polio-case-tally-reaches-64/

PTI founder may call to halt remittances if demands not met: Aleema Khan

RAWALPINDI: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan has threatened to call for halting remittances if his demands remain unmet, according to a statement by his sister, Aleema Khan, ARY News reported.

According to reports, Imran Khan’s sister spoke to the media outside Adiala Jail, stating that the founder reiterated his stance three times: a judicial commission comprising three Supreme Court judges must be formed, and innocent prisoners should be released.

Aleema Khan quoted Imran Khan, saying that if these two demands were not met, he would soon call for stopping remittances to Pakistan.

She claimed that millions of people fell below the poverty line after the PTI government was ousted, and citizens are grappling with economic hardships.

Aleema Khan said that overseas Pakistanis are willing to stop sending their remittances to the country, as the elites take their dollars abroad while poor labourers work hard overseas to send dollars back to Pakistan.

She further alleged that the Imran Khan believes there was a “London Plan” to systematically crush PTI, stripping the party of its election symbol as part of a phased agenda.

Read More: PTI founder warns of ‘civil disobedience’, if demands not met: Aleema Khan

This is not the first time that Aleema Khan has conveyed a message from the incarcerated PTI founder Imran Khan. Back on December 6, she warned the government of launching a civil disobedience movement if Imran Khan’s demands were not met.

Addressing media persons outside jail, Imran Khan’s sister Aleema said that former prime minister, who is currently incarcerated, has announced two key demands: the release of “political prisoners” facing trial and the constitution of a judicial commission to probe the events of May 9, 2023, and the November 26 crackdown on PTI protesters.

Earlier, PTI founder, through his sister Aleema Khan, sent a significant message, revealing that he has “one final card” left.

Speaking to journalists outside Adiala Jail, Aleema Khan disclosed that Imran Khan hinted at having “one final card up his sleeve” but chose not to reveal further details.

Addressing rumours about the former prime minister’s health, Aleema dismissed them as baseless. She shared that Imran Khan laughed upon hearing the fake reports and assured everyone of his good health, adding that he maintains his fitness through regular exercise.

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