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ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) explored opportunities to increase&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pakistantv.com/article/pakistan-finance-minister-highlights-120000-new-investors-boosts-confidence" target="_blank" style="color:#0073e6;" rel="noopener noreferrer">investments</a>&nbsp;in Pakistan and exchanged views on broadening and deepening trade and economic relations to unlock greater mutual prosperity during Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar&#39;s visit to Abu Dhabi, the Foreign Office said on Saturday.&nbsp;The finance minister arrived in the UAE on Friday for an official visit. <div class="fr-embed"><div class="twitter-tweet twitter-tweet-rendered" style="display: flex; max-width: 550px; width: 100%; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><iframe id="twitter-widget-0" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" style="position: static; visibility: visible; width: 550px; height: 720px; display: block; flex-grow: 1;" title="X Post" src="https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=false&embedId=twitter-widget-0&features=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%3D%3D&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=false&id=2014974879645438072&lang=en&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fmain.d1wrm1qseko1cp.amplifyapp.com%2Farticles%2F&sessionId=e50d0b565d4d47c710128af8c4193d6e271a6203&theme=light&widgetsVersion=2615f7e52b7e0%3A1702314776716&width=550px">&nbsp;&nbsp;</iframe></div></div>&nbsp;Dar met Jassem Mohammed Bu Ataba Zaabi, Emirati Chairman of the Department of Finance Abu Dhabi, Secretary General of Abu Dhabi&rsquo;s Supreme Council for Financial and Economic Affairs, Chairman of Etisalat (e&amp;), and Vice Chairman of Abu Dhabi Holding Company (ADQ), in Dubai, as per the statement.&nbsp;During the meeting, the two sides explored opportunities to increase UAE investments in Pakistan and exchanged views on broadening and deepening trade and economic relations to unlock &ldquo;greater mutual prosperity.&rdquo; &ldquo;Discussions also focused on Etisalat&rsquo;s (e&amp;) ongoing investment in Pakistan and its plans to expand its footprint through its flagship stake in the Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL),&rdquo; added the statement. &ldquo;The two sides reaffirmed the directives from the leadership of Pakistan and the UAE to further strengthen economic and trade ties,&rdquo; added the statement.&nbsp;Both sides also discussed the &ldquo;perspectives&rdquo; on resolving the long-standing issues related to the PTCL operations and future&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pakistantv.com/article/pakistan-finance-minister-highlights-120000-new-investors-boosts-confidence" target="_blank" style="color:#0073e6;" rel="noopener noreferrer">growth</a>.&nbsp;Dar emphasized the need to promptly settle remaining issues and to collaborate closely to enhance bilateral economic relations, build on historic goodwill, and open new avenues for investment, trade, and joint ventures, said the statement. Al Zaabi expressed full agreement and reaffirmed his strong commitment to advancing shared objectives, concluded the statement.&nbsp;

Foreign Affairs

Economy

Pakistan and the UAE explore expanded investment and trade opportunities as Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar meets Emirati officials to strengthen economic ties and promote mutual prosperity.

Pakistan, UAE explore investment and trade ties during Dar visit

TEHRAN:&nbsp;Women in Iran can now formally obtain a license to ride a motorcycle, local media reported Wednesday, ending years of legal ambiguity surrounding two-wheelers. The law previously did not explicitly prohibit women from riding motorbikes and scooters, but in practice authorities refused to issue licenses. Due to the legal grey area, women have been held legally responsible for accidents even when victims. <a href="https://www.pakistantv.com/article/iran-president-says-any-attack-on-supreme-leader-would-be-declaration-of-war" target="_blank" style="color:#0073e6;" rel="noopener noreferrer">Iran&#39;s&nbsp;</a>First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref signed a resolution on Tuesday aimed at clarifying the traffic code, which was approved by Iran&#39;s cabinet in late January, the country&#39;s Ilna news agency reported.<div class="fr-embed youtube-embed"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/mUdjvBH8CwI" title="Iranian women bikers push past tradition and take to the streets" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen="" style="width: 100%; height: auto; aspect-ratio: 16 / 9; max-width: 100%; display: block;"></iframe>&nbsp;</div>The resolution obliges traffic police to &ldquo;provide practical training to female applicants, organize an exam under the direct supervision of the police, and issue motorcycle driver&#39;s licenses to women,&rdquo; Ilna said. The change follows a wave of protests across&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pakistantv.com/article/iran-president-warns-tehran-may-face-evacuation-due-to-drought" target="_blank" style="color:#0073e6;" rel="noopener noreferrer">Iran</a>&nbsp;that were initially sparked by economic grievances but which grew last month into nationwide anti-government demonstrations. Tehran has acknowledged that more than 3,000 deaths occurred during the unrest, insisting that most were members of the security forces and bystanders. Since Iran&#39;s 1979 Islamic revolution, women have faced a number of societal restrictions, with dress codes posing a challenge for those riding motorcycles. Women must cover their hair with a headscarf in public and wear modest, loose-fitting clothing, but in recent years, many have defied those rules, with the number of women on motorbikes rising sharply in recent months.

Middle East

Iran's First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref signs a resolution aimed at clarifying the traffic code, which was approved by Iran's cabinet in late January, the country's Ilna news agency reported.

Iran formally allows women to ride motorcycles

DUBAI: The Ukrainian delegation, set for a second round of talks with Russian officials, has arrived in the United Arab Emirates, the lead negotiator&#39;s spokesperson told AFP on Wednesday. &quot;Yes,&quot; said Diana Davtyan, a spokeswoman for Rustem Umerov, in response to a question on whether the delegation had arrived for the two-day talks in Abu Dhabi. More to follow.

Emirati, US, Ukrainian, and Russian officials attend UAE-hosted trilateral talks at Al Shati Palace in Abu Dhabi on January 23, 2026. (File photo: Handout/UAE Presidential Court)

Europe

Ukraine delegation has arrived in Abu Dhabi to hold talks with its Russian counterparts to end the four-year-old war.

Ukraine delegation arrives in UAE for Russia talks

ISLAMABAD: Bangladesh Army Chief Gen. Waker-Uz-Zaman urged security forces and civil officials to maintain professionalism and neutrality as the country prepares for national elections, according to state media reports Tuesday. According to the Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the army chief made the remarks at a meeting in Shariatpur, a town 86 kilometers from the capital, Dhaka.&nbsp; He addressed senior military officers, law enforcement officials and civil administrators. Officials from three districts in central Bangladesh attended the meeting. The country&rsquo;s Inter Services Public Relations Directorate said the meeting was part of the army chief&#39;s nationwide visits. The visits come ahead of the 2026 general election on Feb. 12. They coincide with a national referendum in which citizens will vote on major constitutional changes, including a two-term limit for the prime minister. During the meeting, participants discussed coordination among government agencies and security planning. The focus is on a peaceful, impartial and fair vote. Senior commanders attended, including the head of the Army Training and Doctrine Command. The head of the 9 Infantry Division and Savar Area Commander was also present. Senior officers from the army headquarters and the Savar area attended. Senior civil officials, law enforcement representatives and media representatives were also present.

Bangladesh

Gen. Waker-Uz-Zaman told authorities to act professionally and neutrally ahead of the Feb. 12 general election and a national referendum.

Bangladesh army chief calls for neutrality ahead of 2026 general election

ISLAMABAD: Srinagar&rsquo;s historic Jama Masjid in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) was closed on Tuesday evening, preventing congregational prayers on Shab‑e‑Barat, a night of deep spiritual significance for Muslims, according to Indian media.&nbsp;The decision by Indian&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pakistantv.com/article/closure-of-medical-college-has-affected-students-future-iiojk-cm" target="_blank" style="color:#0073e6;" rel="noopener noreferrer">authorities</a>&nbsp;left worshippers dismayed and the mosque&rsquo;s custodians frustrated, as the Night of Forgiveness marks the 15th night of Sha&rsquo;ban and is traditionally observed with night‑long prayers. According to the Anjuman Auqaf Jama Masjid, officials accompanied by police arrived earlier in the day to announce that congregational Isha prayers and the special night vigil would not be permitted.&nbsp; The managing body was instructed to lock the mosque&rsquo;s gates immediately, and armed police were deployed around the mosque to prevent people from gathering.&nbsp;Interference in religious rights&nbsp;The Auqaf said the directive came shortly after Asr prayers, with police insisting the mosque remain closed throughout the night despite preparations for the observance.&nbsp; The organization expressed regret over the disruption of another major religious occasion and noted that its head, Mirwaiz Muhammad Umar Farooq, was under house arrest.&nbsp; The statement said repeated restrictions since 2019 amount to interference in the community&rsquo;s religious rights. Mirwaiz Farooq,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pakistantv.com/article/the-indian-peace-bond-gag-order-how-kashmiri-reporters-are-being-silenced-without-an-fir" target="_blank" style="color:#0073e6;" rel="noopener noreferrer">Kashmir&rsquo;s</a>&nbsp;chief Muslim cleric, posted on social media that while mosques across Kashmir were illuminated for Shab‑e‑Barat, Jama Masjid remained closed under surveillance.&nbsp;Preventing peaceful religious assemblies&nbsp;He described the closure as part of a long pattern of curbs on religious gatherings and questioned the official narrative of &ldquo;normalcy.&rdquo; The Anjuman Auqaf condemned the authorities&rsquo; approach and urged reconsideration of policies that prevent peaceful religious assemblies.&nbsp; Officials provided no specific explanation for the closure, describing it only as a &ldquo;preventive&rdquo; or &ldquo;precautionary&rdquo; measure.&nbsp; An anonymous police officer said it was intended to avert potential law‑and‑order issues, but did not clarify how prayers inside the mosque could pose a risk, Indian media reported.

India

The managing body was instructed to lock the mosque’s gates, and armed police were deployed around the mosque to prevent people from gathering.

Closure of Srinagar’s Jama Masjid on Shab‑e‑Barat draws criticism

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Kazakhstan on Wednesday agreed to significantly enhance trade, investment, and regional connectivity, committing to raising the bilateral trade volume to $1 billion within the next year and to promote a multi-country transport corridor linking Central and South Asia, state-run APP reported. &ldquo;We have agreed to the Belarus- Russia- Kazakhstan- Uzbekistan, Afghanistan- Pakistan transport corridor to enhance our regional connectivity,&rdquo; Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said during a joint press stakeout along with <a href="https://www.pakistantv.com/article/kazakh-president-begins-pakistan-visit-to-advance-bilateral-cooperation" target="_blank" style="color:#0073e6;" rel="noopener noreferrer">President of the Republic of Kazakhstan</a> Kassym-Jomart Tokayev here.<div class="fr-embed"><div class="twitter-tweet twitter-tweet-rendered" style="display: flex; max-width: 550px; width: 100%; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; line-height: 2;"><iframe id="twitter-widget-5" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" style="position: static; visibility: visible; width: 550px; height: 638px; display: block; flex-grow: 1;" title="X Post" src="https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=false&embedId=twitter-widget-5&features=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%3D%3D&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=false&id=2018936301643600280&lang=en&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fmain.d1wrm1qseko1cp.amplifyapp.com%2F&sessionId=2c33c371487d07e8c8e629e0532d2a728993df1e&theme=light&widgetsVersion=2615f7e52b7e0%3A1702314776716&width=550px">&nbsp;&nbsp;</iframe></div></div>The prime minister said both countries would encourage their respective business communities to invest in joint ventures, noting that despite strong political relations and shared goodwill, the existing investment portfolio remained negligible. &ldquo;Unfortunately, our trade volume was just a meager $250 million last year. And this does not reflect not only the strength of our friendship, but also the potential of the two countries,&rdquo; he said, adding that there was great potential on both sides, and with the joint efforts, both sides could make significant progress. Earlier, the two leaders witnessed the exchange of 37 memorandums of understanding (MoUs) and agreements across a wide range of sectors. These included finance, trade, industry, transport, energy, health, culture, security, education, media, science, technology, climate change, agriculture, and other areas of mutual interest. He hoped that <a href="https://www.pakistantv.com/article/kazakhstan-ready-to-deepen-cooperation-with-pakistan-in-science-and-higher-education" target="_blank" style="color:#0073e6;" rel="noopener noreferrer">economic cooperation</a> between the countries would now move toward practical, results-oriented outcomes. He also emphasized the importance of the timely implementation of the signed agreements. He said the MoUs should be converted into actionable projects at the earliest to deliver tangible benefits to both countries. The prime minister reiterated Pakistan&rsquo;s strong interest in expanding cooperation with Kazakhstan in energy, mining, transport, culture, and information sectors, noting that both countries were endowed with natural resources and human capital. He also congratulated the President of Kazakhstan on accepting the invitation, noting that the president is a member of the Board of Peace under President Trump&rsquo;s leadership.&nbsp; &ldquo;Let us hope and pray to Allah Almighty that through our joint efforts, we will be successful in bringing long-lasting peace to Gaza. It&rsquo;s a reconstruction. And of course, make the two-state solution a reality as soon as possible.&rdquo; President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev described Pakistan as a reliable and important partner of Kazakhstan in South Asia and beyond. He said the elevation of bilateral relations to a strategic partnership opened new opportunities for cooperation across the full spectrum of bilateral and multilateral engagement. &ldquo;By elevating our relations to a new level, we open up immense opportunities to engage across a full spectrum of bilateral and multilateral agendas,&rdquo; President Tokayev said. He noted that bilateral trade had already shown positive momentum, doubling in the previous year, and said both sides had agreed on concrete measures to further expand trade with an ambitious but achievable target of $1 billion in the near future. <a href="https://www.pakistantv.com/article/kazakhstan-presidents-upcoming-pakistan-visit-to-spotlight-trade-regional-connectivity" target="_blank" style="color:#0073e6;" rel="noopener noreferrer">President Tokayev</a> highlighted cooperation in transport and logistics as a priority area, particularly projects to expand trade flows and improve connectivity. He said discussions also covered Pakistan&rsquo;s growing role in regional transit and logistics, including the use of Karachi and Gwadar ports as potential gateways for Central Asian trade. The Kazakh president said both sides agreed to explore resuming direct air connections to promote business, tourism, and people-to-people contact. President Tokayev also invited Pakistani companies to establish production facilities in Kazakhstan, particularly in agricultural processing, pharmaceuticals, and construction materials, and assured favorable conditions for Pakistani investors.

Heading a high-level delegation, Kazakhstan president Kassym-Jomart Tokayev is in the capital for his first two-day state visit to Pakistan, at the invitation of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

Pakistan, Kazakhstan set $1B trade target, agree on transport corridor

ISLAMABAD: Three sisters aged 12, 14, and 16 died after jumping from their apartment balcony in Ghaziabad district of India&#39;s&nbsp;Uttar Pradesh state in the early hours of Wednesday, in what police say is likely linked to an online Korean task-based game, Indian media reported.&nbsp;The girls, Pakhi (12), Prachi (14), and Vishika (16), had locked themselves inside their room at Bharat City, a residential township in Loni city, before jumping one by one from the balcony around 2:15 a.m., police said.&nbsp; The loud thud alerted residents and security staff, who rushed to the spot. By the time family members broke into the room, all three had already jumped, according to NDTV.&nbsp;They were rushed to a nearby hospital, where doctors declared them dead. According to the report, police recovered a handwritten note and a diary from the room. In a message, the girls urged their parents to read the diary fully, stressing that it contained the truth. &nbsp;&ldquo;I&rsquo;m really sorry. Sorry, Papa,&rdquo; the note read, followed by a crying emoji. Investigators also found a message written on the wall of the room stating, &ldquo;I am very, very alone, my life is very very alone.&rdquo; According to the police and the girls&rsquo; father, the siblings were reportedly addicted to an online Korean task-based game, an obsession that began during the COVID-19 pandemic. They had allegedly adopted Korean names for themselves and followed tasks assigned through the game. The note also reportedly mentioned: &ldquo;We can&rsquo;t leave Korea. Korea is our life. You can&rsquo;t free us. We are ending our lives.&rdquo; Police say they are examining the&nbsp;girls&#39; diaries, digital devices, and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pakistantv.com/article/indian-state-mulls-social-media-ban-for-children" target="_blank">online activity</a>&nbsp;to determine the exact nature of the game and whether any external involvement was involved. Further investigation is ongoing.

Police recover a handwritten note and a diary from the room. In a message, the girls urged their parents to read the diary fully, stressing that it contained the truth.

Three Indian sisters die after roof jump following online gaming restrictions

ISLAMABAD: The Taliban in Afghanistan increased repression of women and girls in 2025 and imposed new restrictions limiting media freedom, Human Rights Watch said in its World Report 2026 released on Tuesday. &ldquo;Governments need to press the Taliban to end their&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pakistantv.com/article/afghanistan-bans-women-from-heavy-labour-in-nuristan-province" target="_blank" style="color:#0073e6;" rel="noopener noreferrer">horrific abuses</a>,&rdquo; said Fereshta Abbasi, an Afghanistan researcher at HRW.&nbsp; &ldquo;The Taliban&rsquo;s unrelenting repression should push governments to support efforts to hold all those responsible for serious crimes in Afghanistan to account.&rdquo; In its 36th edition, the 529-page World Report 2026 reviewed human rights practices in more than 100 countries.&nbsp; Executive Director Philippe Bolopion wrote in the report&rsquo;s introductory essay that breaking the global wave of authoritarianism is &ldquo;the challenge of a generation.&rdquo;&nbsp;&lsquo;Gender apartheid&rsquo;HRW said the Taliban issued new laws restricting women&rsquo;s freedom of movement and access to public spaces, while enforcing existing bans on post-primary education and limitations on employment, abuses United Nations experts have called &ldquo;gender apartheid.&rdquo;&nbsp; In July, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for senior Taliban leaders for the crime against humanity of gender persecution.&nbsp; On Oct. 6, the UN Human Rights Council adopted a resolution creating an independent mechanism to investigate past and ongoing human rights abuses in Afghanistan.&nbsp;&lsquo;Morality&rsquo; lawsThe report also detailed new restrictions on media freedom, arbitrary detentions of critics, and arrests for alleged violations of &ldquo;morality&rdquo; laws, including improper hijab use or failing to maintain separate workplace facilities for men and women.&nbsp; HRW noted that fewer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pakistantv.com/article/afghanistan-revokes-licenses-of-media-journalists-due-to-unprofessionalism" target="_blank" style="color:#0073e6;" rel="noopener noreferrer">journalists</a>&nbsp;were working due to foreign aid cuts and Taliban policies. The organization urged governments to continue pressuring the Taliban to end human rights violations.

Afghanistan

Human Rights Watch says the Taliban issued new laws restricting women’s freedom of movement and access to public spaces, while enforcing existing bans on post-primary education and limitations on employment, abuses United Nations experts have called ‘gender apartheid.’

Taliban tighten restrictions on women, media in Afghanistan: Human rights report

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Super League franchises have locked in their retained players and released several big names ahead of the league&rsquo;s first-ever players&rsquo; auction, scheduled for Feb. 11, marking a major shift in how squads are built. <div class="fr-embed"><div class="twitter-tweet twitter-tweet-rendered" style="display: flex; max-width: 550px; width: 100%; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><iframe id="twitter-widget-2" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" style="position: static; visibility: visible; width: 550px; height: 922px; display: block; flex-grow: 1;" title="X Post" src="https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=false&embedId=twitter-widget-2&features=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%3D%3D&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=false&id=2018771511897911472&lang=en&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fmain.d1wrm1qseko1cp.amplifyapp.com%2F&sessionId=2c33c371487d07e8c8e629e0532d2a728993df1e&theme=light&widgetsVersion=2615f7e52b7e0%3A1702314776716&width=550px"></iframe></div></div>Under the revised rules for PSL 11, teams were allowed to retain only four players, compared to up to eight in previous seasons, forcing franchises to make tough calls and release several established stars into the auction pool. Entering the auction pool is a high-risk, high-reward situation for players. While strong demand can lead to higher prices, shifting team needs and limited budgets can result in a player going unsold.&nbsp;Lahore Qalandars, the defending champions, retained skipper Shaheen Shah Afridi (Platinum), Abdullah Shafique (Diamond), Sikandar Raza (Gold), and Mohammad Naeem (Silver). Big names such as Fakhar Zaman and Haris Rauf were released and will be available in the auction.&nbsp;Peshawar Zalmi held on to their core by retaining captain Babar Azam (Platinum), spinner Sufiyan Muqeem (Diamond), Abdul Samad (Gold), and young pacer Ali Raza (Emerging). Players like Mohammad Haris, Hussain Talat, and Saim Ayub were released.&nbsp;Quetta Gladiators opted for a balanced mix, keeping Abrar Ahmed (Platinum), Usman Tariq (Diamond), Hassan Nawaz (Gold), and Shamyl Hussain (Emerging). Notably, experienced campaigners Mohammad Amir, Faheem Ashraf, and Saud Shakeel, the skipper in PSL 10, were released.&nbsp;Karachi Kings retained Hasan Ali (Platinum), Abbas Afridi (Diamond), Khushdil Shah (Gold), and wicketkeeper Saad Baig (Emerging). Former captain Shan Masood, star bowler Mir Hamza, and overseas star David Warner were among the high-profile names heading to the auction.&nbsp;Islamabad United kept captain Shadab Khan (Platinum), pacer Salman Irshad (Gold), and USA batter Andries Gous (Silver). Senior players, including Naseem Shah, Imad Wasim, and Mohammad Nawaz, were released.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pakistantv.com/article/pcb-invites-bids-for-multan-sultans-franchise-ahead-of-psl-11" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" rel="noopener noreferrer">Multan Sultans</a>&nbsp;took the boldest route, opting for zero retentions. As a result, marquee players such as Mohammad Rizwan, Usama Mir, Iftikhar Ahmed, and Mohammad Hasnain will all enter the auction, with the franchise heading in with a full purse of $1.6 million.&nbsp;PSL 11 auction The <a href="https://www.pakistantv.com/article/psl-governing-council-approves-sweeping-player-auction-model-for-season-11" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" rel="noopener noreferrer">PSL&rsquo;s first-ever auction</a> will be held on Feb. 11 and comes ahead of a historic expansion of the league from six to eight teams. Hyderabad and Sialkot Stallionz will make their debut in PSL 11. <div class="fr-embed"><div class="twitter-tweet twitter-tweet-rendered" style="display: flex; max-width: 550px; width: 100%; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><iframe id="twitter-widget-3" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" style="position: static; visibility: visible; width: 550px; height: 947px; display: block; flex-grow: 1;" title="X Post" src="https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=false&embedId=twitter-widget-3&features=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%3D%3D&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=false&id=2015403911864303842&lang=en&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fmain.d1wrm1qseko1cp.amplifyapp.com%2F&sessionId=2c33c371487d07e8c8e629e0532d2a728993df1e&theme=light&widgetsVersion=2615f7e52b7e0%3A1702314776716&width=550px"></iframe></div></div>The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pakistantv.com/article/psl-auction-hyderabad-franchise-sells-for-a-record-61-million" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" rel="noopener noreferrer">Hyderabad franchise</a>&nbsp;was acquired by Fawad Sarwar for approximately $6.25 million, while Hamza Majeed secured ownership of Sialkot Stallionz with a winning bid of around $6.6 million.&nbsp;The 11th edition of the Pakistan Super League is set to begin on March 26 and will run until May 3, with the auction expected to reshape team combinations ahead of the expanded season.

Haris Rauf celebrates after taking Babar Azam's wicket in a PSL 10 encounter.

Cricket

Entering the auction pool is a high-risk, high-reward situation for players. While strong demand can lead to higher prices, shifting team needs and limited budgets can result in a player going unsold. 

Big retentions, high-profile releases ahead of PSL 11 auction

ISLAMABAD: Indian External Affairs Minister Dr Subrahmanyam Jaishankar met United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Washington on Tuesday, with both sides highlighting efforts to deepen India-US strategic cooperation.&nbsp;According to the US State Department, Rubio and Jaishankar discussed formalizing bilateral cooperation on critical minerals, including exploration, mining, and processing.&nbsp;The State Department readout said the two leaders welcomed the trade deal reached between US President Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, stressing that closer economic ties could unlock new opportunities and strengthen shared energy security goals.&nbsp;Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to expanding bilateral and multilateral cooperation through the Quad, emphasizing that a stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific region remains vital to advancing shared interests.&nbsp;In a post on social media platform X, Jaishankar said the meeting involved a wide-ranging exchange covering bilateral cooperation as well as regional and global issues.<div class="fr-embed"><div class="twitter-tweet twitter-tweet-rendered" style="display: flex; max-width: 550px; width: 100%; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; line-height: 2;"><iframe id="twitter-widget-0" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" style="position: static; visibility: visible; width: 550px; height: 815px; display: block; flex-grow: 1;" title="X Post" src="https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=false&embedId=twitter-widget-0&features=eyJ0ZndfdGltZWxpbmVfbGlzdCI6eyJidWNrZXQiOltdLCJ2ZXJzaW9uIjpudWxsfSwidGZ3X2ZvbGxvd2VyX2NvdW50X3N1bnNldCI6eyJidWNrZXQiOnRydWUsInZlcnNpb24iOm51bGx9LCJ0ZndfdHdlZXRfZWRpdF9iYWNrZW5kIjp7ImJ1Y2tldCI6Im9uIiwidmVyc2lvbiI6bnVsbH0sInRmd19yZWZzcmNfc2Vzc2lvbiI6eyJidWNrZXQiOiJvbiIsInZlcnNpb24iOm51bGx9LCJ0ZndfZm9zbnJfc29mdF9pbnRlcnZlbnRpb25zX2VuYWJsZWQiOnsiYnVja2V0Ijoib24iLCJ2ZXJzaW9uIjpudWxsfSwidGZ3X21peGVkX21lZGlhXzE1ODk3Ijp7ImJ1Y2tldCI6InRyZWF0bWVudCIsInZlcnNpb24iOm51bGx9LCJ0ZndfZXhwZXJpbWVudHNfY29va2llX2V4cGlyYXRpb24iOnsiYnVja2V0IjoxMjA5NjAwLCJ2ZXJzaW9uIjpudWxsfSwidGZ3X3Nob3dfYmlyZHdhdGNoX3Bpdm90c19lbmFibGVkIjp7ImJ1Y2tldCI6Im9uIiwidmVyc2lvbiI6bnVsbH0sInRmd19kdXBsaWNhdGVfc2NyaWJlc190b19zZXR0aW5ncyI6eyJidWNrZXQiOiJvbiIsInZlcnNpb24iOm51bGx9LCJ0ZndfdXNlX3Byb2ZpbGVfaW1hZ2Vfc2hhcGVfZW5hYmxlZCI6eyJidWNrZXQiOiJvbiIsInZlcnNpb24iOm51bGx9LCJ0ZndfdmlkZW9faGxzX2R5bmFtaWNfbWFuaWZlc3RzXzE1MDgyIjp7ImJ1Y2tldCI6InRydWVfYml0cmF0ZSIsInZlcnNpb24iOm51bGx9LCJ0ZndfbGVnYWN5X3RpbWVsaW5lX3N1bnNldCI6eyJidWNrZXQiOnRydWUsInZlcnNpb24iOm51bGx9LCJ0ZndfdHdlZXRfZWRpdF9mcm9udGVuZCI6eyJidWNrZXQiOiJvbiIsInZlcnNpb24iOm51bGx9fQ%3D%3D&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=false&id=2018811808220582060&lang=en&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fmain.d1wrm1qseko1cp.amplifyapp.com%2F&sessionId=2c33c371487d07e8c8e629e0532d2a728993df1e&theme=light&widgetsVersion=2615f7e52b7e0%3A1702314776716&width=550px"></iframe></div></div>He said discussions on the India-US strategic partnership included trade, energy, nuclear cooperation, defense, critical minerals, and technology.&nbsp;&nbsp;He also said both sides agreed on holding early meetings of various bilateral mechanisms to advance shared objectives.&nbsp;The talks were held against the backdrop of a recently finalized bilateral trade deal between India and the United States, which has drawn attention across the region. US President Donald Trump on Monday said he had agreed&nbsp;to a trade deal with India that would slash US tariffs on Indian goods to 18% from 50% in exchange for India lowering trade barriers, stopping its&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pakistantv.com/article/russia-says-india-has-not-said-it-will-halt-oil-purchases" target="_blank">purchases of Russian oil</a>, and buying oil instead from the US and potentially from&nbsp;Venezuela.&nbsp;Following that, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a post on his X account, thanked the US president for the &ldquo;wonderful announcement&rdquo;, saying that&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pakistantv.com/article/modi-wants-to-please-me-trump" target="_blank" style="color:#0073e6;" rel="noopener noreferrer">&ldquo;President Trump&rsquo;s leadership</a>&nbsp;is vital for global peace, stability, and prosperity. India fully supports his efforts for peace.&rdquo; <div class="fr-embed"><div class="twitter-tweet twitter-tweet-rendered" style="display: flex; max-width: 550px; width: 100%; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><iframe id="twitter-widget-1" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" style="position: static; visibility: visible; width: 550px; height: 369px; display: block; flex-grow: 1;" title="X Post" src="https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=false&embedId=twitter-widget-1&features=eyJ0ZndfdGltZWxpbmVfbGlzdCI6eyJidWNrZXQiOltdLCJ2ZXJzaW9uIjpudWxsfSwidGZ3X2ZvbGxvd2VyX2NvdW50X3N1bnNldCI6eyJidWNrZXQiOnRydWUsInZlcnNpb24iOm51bGx9LCJ0ZndfdHdlZXRfZWRpdF9iYWNrZW5kIjp7ImJ1Y2tldCI6Im9uIiwidmVyc2lvbiI6bnVsbH0sInRmd19yZWZzcmNfc2Vzc2lvbiI6eyJidWNrZXQiOiJvbiIsInZlcnNpb24iOm51bGx9LCJ0ZndfZm9zbnJfc29mdF9pbnRlcnZlbnRpb25zX2VuYWJsZWQiOnsiYnVja2V0Ijoib24iLCJ2ZXJzaW9uIjpudWxsfSwidGZ3X21peGVkX21lZGlhXzE1ODk3Ijp7ImJ1Y2tldCI6InRyZWF0bWVudCIsInZlcnNpb24iOm51bGx9LCJ0ZndfZXhwZXJpbWVudHNfY29va2llX2V4cGlyYXRpb24iOnsiYnVja2V0IjoxMjA5NjAwLCJ2ZXJzaW9uIjpudWxsfSwidGZ3X3Nob3dfYmlyZHdhdGNoX3Bpdm90c19lbmFibGVkIjp7ImJ1Y2tldCI6Im9uIiwidmVyc2lvbiI6bnVsbH0sInRmd19kdXBsaWNhdGVfc2NyaWJlc190b19zZXR0aW5ncyI6eyJidWNrZXQiOiJvbiIsInZlcnNpb24iOm51bGx9LCJ0ZndfdXNlX3Byb2ZpbGVfaW1hZ2Vfc2hhcGVfZW5hYmxlZCI6eyJidWNrZXQiOiJvbiIsInZlcnNpb24iOm51bGx9LCJ0ZndfdmlkZW9faGxzX2R5bmFtaWNfbWFuaWZlc3RzXzE1MDgyIjp7ImJ1Y2tldCI6InRydWVfYml0cmF0ZSIsInZlcnNpb24iOm51bGx9LCJ0ZndfbGVnYWN5X3RpbWVsaW5lX3N1bnNldCI6eyJidWNrZXQiOnRydWUsInZlcnNpb24iOm51bGx9LCJ0ZndfdHdlZXRfZWRpdF9mcm9udGVuZCI6eyJidWNrZXQiOiJvbiIsInZlcnNpb24iOm51bGx9fQ%3D%3D&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=false&id=2018377090840830101&lang=en&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fmain.d1wrm1qseko1cp.amplifyapp.com%2F&sessionId=2c33c371487d07e8c8e629e0532d2a728993df1e&theme=light&widgetsVersion=2615f7e52b7e0%3A1702314776716&width=550px"></iframe></div></div>&nbsp;He added: &ldquo;I look forward to working closely with him to take our partnership to unprecedented heights.&rdquo; Russia, on the other hand, said it has not received any indication from India that it would stop buying Russian oil following the announcement of a trade deal with US President Donald Trump.

Indian External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar meets US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Washington on February 3, 2026. (Photo: X/@DrSJaishankar)

US State Department says both leaders discussed formalizing bilateral cooperation on critical minerals, including exploration, mining, and processing.

Jaishankar, Rubio discuss critical minerals, strategic partnership in Washington

KYIV: Russia launched the &quot;most powerful&quot; attack this year on Ukraine&#39;s battered energy facilities overnight, Kyiv said on Tuesday, leaving hundreds of thousands without heating in frigid temperatures ahead of talks to end the four-year <a href="https://www.pakistantv.com/article/russian-strikes-in-ukraine-kill-12-target-passenger-train" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">war</a>. Russia&#39;s strikes hit as temperatures dropped to their lowest since the start of the war in February 2022, killing two teenagers in the southern city of Zaporizhzhia and damaging a&nbsp;Soviet-era&nbsp;World War II monument. The attack came a day before Ukrainian and Russian negotiators were due to meet for a second round of US-brokered talks in Abu Dhabi. &quot;Taking advantage of the coldest days of winter to terrorize people is more important to Russia than turning to diplomacy,&quot; Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said, denouncing the attack. He said Russia had &quot;once again disregarded the efforts of the American side.&quot; US President Donald Trump urged Vladimir Putin to &quot;end the war,&quot; adding that he &quot;would like&quot; his Russian counterpart to extend a brief halt in attacks due to the frigid temperatures. NATO chief Mark Rutte, who visited Kyiv on Tuesday, said &quot;Russian attacks like those last night do not signal seriousness about peace.&quot; An air alert blared out across Kyiv during Rutte&#39;s visit. AFP journalists heard explosions across the capital overnight, and residents in hundreds of buildings woke to find their heating cut off as temperatures dipped toward minus 20 Celsius. More than 1,100 residential buildings remained without heat as of late Tuesday, Restoration Minister Oleksiy Kuleba said. Some residents gathered around a damaged building, stepping over creaking debris and a thick layer of ice coating the ground. &quot;Our windows are broken, and we have no heating,&quot; Anastasia Grytsenko told AFP. &quot;We don&#39;t know what to do.&quot; Russia&#39;s defense ministry confirmed it had launched &quot;a massive strike&quot; against &quot;Ukrainian military-industrial complex enterprises and energy facilities.&quot; The Kremlin had last week said it agreed to a US request not to strike Kyiv for seven days, ending Sunday. Ukraine had not reported large-scale Russian attacks on the capital last week, while denouncing continued attacks in other parts of the country. &quot;Several types of ballistic and cruise missiles, as well as drones, were used to strike high-rise buildings and thermal power plants,&quot; Energy Minister Denys Shmygal said. &quot;Hundreds of thousands of families, including children, were deliberately left without heat in the harshest winter frosts,&quot; he added. Tuesday&#39;s strike on energy facilities was &quot;the most powerful&quot; since the start of 2026, Ukraine&#39;s largest private energy provider confirmed. Ukraine&#39;s air force said Russia had attacked with 71 missiles and 450 attack drones. Six people were wounded in the capital, officials said. A drone strike on the southern city of Zaporizhzhia also killed two teenagers and wounded at least 11 people, officials said. &#39;Symbolic and cynical&#39;&nbsp;The base of Kyiv&#39;s towering Soviet-era Motherland statue was damaged. &quot;It is both symbolic and cynical: the aggressor state strikes at a place of remembrance of the struggle against aggression in the 20th century, repeating its crimes in the 21st century,&quot; Culture Minister Tetyana Berezhna wrote on social media. Recent Russian strikes have repeatedly cut power and heating to tens of thousands of homes. Strikes also hit Ukraine&#39;s second-largest city, Kharkiv, temporarily cutting heating to around 100,000 subscribers. Authorities had to cut heating to more than 800 homes to prevent the wider network from freezing, the regional governor said. Overnight temperatures had plunged to minus 19 Celsius in Kyiv and minus 23 Celsius in Kharkiv. US pushes for deal&nbsp;Russian occupation authorities in southern Ukraine said Ukrainian shelling had killed three people in the town of Nova Kakhovka. Kremlin-installed authorities said the shelling hit a municipal building and a fruit shop. &quot;There are dead: three people, including an employee of the administration,&quot; said Vladimir Saldo, the Moscow-backed head of the Russian-controlled part of the Kherson region. Nova Kakhovka fell to Russian forces in the first days of their 2022 invasion. The United States has sought to craft a settlement between the two sides, but a first round of <a href="https://www.pakistantv.com/article/first-round-of-usrussiaukraine-talks-ends-in-abu-dhabi" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">trilateral</a> talks held in Abu Dhabi last month failed to yield a breakthrough. A second round is due to <a href="https://www.pakistantv.com/article/kremlin-confirms-ukraine-war-talks-this-week-in-abu-dhabi" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">begin</a> on Wednesday in the Emirati capital, and is expected to focus on the crucial issue of territory. Russia has demanded Kyiv withdraw from the Donetsk region and has repeatedly said it is ready to seize the rest of eastern Ukraine by force if diplomacy fails.

The US has sought to craft a settlement between the two sides, but a first round of trilateral talks failed to yield a breakthrough. A second round is due to begin on Wednesday in the Emirati capital.