Former Pakistan all-rounder Shahid Khan Afridi stated on Thursday that if he had the authority, he would have appointed Saim Ayub as the Pakistan T20 International captain. Expressing his thoughts on the Samaa TV program “Zor Ka Jor,” Afridi said, “There is a need for a captain who has a selfless approach to the game.” Afridi raised objections over the selection of Shadab Khan in the Pakistan squad for the New Zealand series. He lamented the selection committee’s choice of only one spinner for the Champions Trophy 2025. “Now that there is a need for one spinner, the selection committee…
Author: Raja Zahid Khanzada
England’s cricket supremo Rob Key stated on Thursday that it would be “stupid” to rule out Test captain Ben Stokes as a contender for the captaincy of the struggling white-ball team. The move came after Jos Buttler stepped down following a dismal performance at the ongoing 50-over Champions Trophy tournament, where England lost all three of their group matches in Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates. England’s white-ball team had suffered 10 defeats in 11 fixtures that year, further intensifying the need for a change in leadership. Harry Brook, the vice-captain, had seemed poised to take over from Buttler, but…
New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner has predicted a tight contest in the Champions Trophy final on Thursday, stating that a slower pitch in Dubai would create challenges for both teams. The final, scheduled for Sunday, will see New Zealand face off against India, with the winner set to be crowned in the prestigious eight-nation tournament held across Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates. Santner, speaking on his arrival in Dubai, acknowledged the team’s preparation but noted the distinct advantage India possessed, having played all their matches at the Dubai International Stadium. “I guess finals cricket is different, but for us…
The federal government has amended the Civil Servants Rules, 1973, introducing new promotion policies for senior bureaucrats, following directives from the Prime Minister. According to the official notification, new Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) have been formulated for Grade-21 officers seeking promotion to Grade-22. These policy changes aim to streamline promotions within the bureaucracy and ensure a more structured and transparent process for senior civil servants. A Grade-21 officer’s case for promotion to Grade-22 can only be presented twice before the High-Powered Selection Board. If an officer is considered twice and not promoted, their case will not be sent for a…
The Supreme Court of Pakistan resumed the suo motu hearing of the Arshad Sharif murder case, during which the federal government requested additional time to finalize the Mutual Legal Assistance (MLA) agreement with Kenya. However, the court expressed dissatisfaction over the delays and adjourned the hearing for one month. During the proceedings, Justice Aminuddin Khan remarked that Joint Investigation Teams (JITs) are ineffective and do not yield beneficial results. The Additional Attorney General (AAG) informed the court that the agreement with Kenya was signed on December 10 but has yet to be ratified by the President of Pakistan. Justice Hassan…
The Pakistani government has embarked on a significant strategic shift, committing to substantially increase the use of indigenous Thar coal for power generation, a move projected to slash the country’s annual import expenditure by $2 billion. Government officials have outlined that the initial phase of this energy transition will center on converting the 600-megawatt Lucky Power Plant to operate on locally sourced coal. Officials also confirmed that a 120-kilometer railway line, linking Thar to Chor, will be finalized by December to streamline coal transportation. The transition will progress into a second phase, encompassing plans to adapt both the Sahiwal and…
The Islamabad High Court has encountered a fresh development in the ongoing case concerning the repatriation and welfare of Dr. Aafia Siddiqui. The government has submitted a miscellaneous application, seeking the immediate dismissal of the petition for her release. During the court proceedings, a notice was issued to the government, demanding a response on the matter. Justice Sardar Ejaz Ishaq Khan engaged in a critical dialogue with the Additional Attorney General, challenging the government’s stance on prisoner exchanges with the United States. “You assert that there is no agreement with the U.S. on prisoner exchanges, yet just yesterday, you transferred…
Whether I Remain or Not, the Caravan Must Go On… Aah, Siraj Butt By: Raja Zahid Akhtar Khanzada His determination was stronger than mountains, and his depth was like the ocean. Ten months ago, the deadly disease of cancer had taken hold of him, gradually diminishing his body’s strength and vitality. He was a man of firm resolve, but the visible and invisible forces of illness steadily took control over his weakening body and limbs. Yet, even then, his determination remained as steadfast as the mountains. Over the past ten months, his body melted away like a wax statue. My…
Trump’s Address in 2025: Truth or Deceptive Illusion? A New Era or Renewal of Old Lies? Analysis: Raja Zahid Akhtar Khanzada In the world of politics, shrouded in the mists of time, there are certain figures whose presence leaves indelible marks on history. Donald Trump is one such figure, who is not just a politician but has become a symbol of an ideology, a mindset, and a psychological struggle. His address at the joint session of the U.S. Congress in 2025 was not merely a collection of words, but a narrative that raised deep questions not only about America’s internal…
https://youtu.be/P-RfiXVRTIo?si=nAioJ8jW-H6DkgSz By: Raja Zahid Akhtar Khanzada Dallas: South Asia Democracy Watch (SDW) organized a memorial event in Dallas to honor the late Dr. Qaiser Abbas. The event was attended by a large number of social activists, community leaders, and prominent figures from the Pakistani and South Asian communities. Dr. Abbas’s wife, Dr. Saleha Suleman, along with their two sons, Shehryar Ali Rizvi and Sheherzad Ali Rizvi, were present to pay tribute to his legacy. The event served as a heartfelt homage to Dr. Abbas’s academic, journalistic, and social contributions. On this occasion, the Texas State Assembly, through State Representative Terry…
