Saturday, December 20th, 2025
Rubio’s Gaza Signal and Pakistan’s Strategic Crossroads
Qamar Bashir When US Secretary of State Marco Rubio publicly acknowledged Pakistan’s willingness to “consider being part” of the proposed International Stabilisation Force (ISF) for Gaza, he did more than offer diplomatic gratitude. He placed Pakistan—quietly but unmistakably—at the center of the most sensitive post-war experiment in the Middle East. Rubio’s words, carefully hedged yet pointed, signaled that Washington sees Pakistan not as a peripheral participant, but as a key pillar of a force designed to oversee Gaza’s transition from devastation to an uncertain peace. For Islamabad, this moment marksRead More
PSL 11 bidding deadline shifted to Dec 24
ISLAMABAD, DEC 20: The new deadline for submission of bids for the two new teams in the 11th edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) has been set for December 24. Sources divulged on Saturday that the deadline for submitting bids for the two new PSL teams has once again been changed. The first deadline for bid submission had earlier been fixed for December 15, while the second date was set for December 22. However, franchises have now been given additional time. The sources pertaining to the development said thatRead More
Yasmin Rashid, Ijaz Chaudhry, other PTI leaders sentenced to 10 years in May 9 cases
LAHORE: An anti-terrorism court (ATC) on Saturday sentenced four Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders — Dr Yasmin Rashid, Omer Sarfraz Cheema, Mian Mehmoodur Rashid, Ejaz Chaudhry and three others to 10 years in prison in cases related to the May 9 riots. ATC Judge Arshad Javed announced the verdict inside Kot Lakhpat Jail.
EU greets Pakistan on its UN human rights council seat
BRUSSELS, DEC 20 /DNA/ – The 15th session of the European Union-Pakistan Joint Commission concluded in Brussels on Wednesday, marking a significant step in reaffirming and advancing the multifaceted strategic partnership between the two sides. The high-level meeting provided a comprehensive platform to review the broad spectrum of bilateral cooperation under the 2019 Strategic Engagement Plan (SEP), spanning political dialogue, trade, human rights, development, and regional security. Co-chaired by Muhammad Humair Karim, Secretary of Pakistan’s Ministry of Economic Affairs, and Ms. Paola Pampaloni, Acting Managing Director for Asia and theRead More
Police arrest 12 in border district drug crackdown
Qazi Shoaib Khan ATTOCK, DEC 20: /DNA/ – Attock Police arrested 12 drug pushers along with recovery of narcotics worth rupees million from their possession during a crack down launched through out the bordering district ATTOCK. According to details, on the instructions of District Police Officer Attock, Sardar Mowaran Khan, a strict crackdown against drug dealers is underway across the district. Continuing this campaign, Assistant Sub-Inspector Wahid Khan of Police Station Hazro, during patrolling, recovered 1,400 grams of hashish from Aurangzeb son of Qalandar Khan, a resident of Hameed, TehsilRead More
Asia Cup U19 final: Pakistan to face India on Sunday
DUBAI, DEC 20: Pakistan Under-19 booked their place in the final of the ACC Men’s U19 Asia Cup 2025 with a commanding eight-wicket win over Bangladesh U19 at the Sevens Stadium on Friday. The semi-final was reduced to 27 overs per side due to overnight rain and a wet outfield, leading to a delayed start. Pakistan captain Farhan Yousaf won the toss and elected to field, a decision that proved decisive as his bowlers dominated proceedings. Bangladesh U19 were bundled out for 121 runs in 26.3 overs, struggling against disciplinedRead More