PSL makes history as first-ever playe
LAHORE : The Pakistan Super League (PSL) has entered a new era as the tournament launched its first-ever players’ auction, marking a historic shift from the traditional draft system. For the first time, players for the eight-team event will be selected through an auction process instead of drafting, introducing a fresh dynamic to team-building strategies ahead of the new season. In another major development, Multan Sultans will compete under new ownership and a new identity, with the franchise set to participate in the tournament as “Rawalpindi.”A total of 880 players have registered for the PSL 11 auction, reflecting significant interest from both local and international cricketers. The eleventh edition of the Pakistan Super League is scheduled to begin on March 26.
Source:The Patriot
February 12, 2026 15:10 UTC
Bearish trend drives PSX delow 181,000 points mark
KARACHI:The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) experienced a bearish trend on Thursday, driven by selling pressure and cautious market sentiment. During intraday trading, the KSE-100 index saw a sharp decline of 2,066.10 points, falling to 180,983.70 points. The benchmark KSE-100 index on Wednesday witnessed bullish trend, gaining 896.25 points, a positive change of 0.49 percent, to close at 183,049.81 points compared to 182,153.55 points on the previous trading day, according to PSX data. Market capitalization increased to Rs 20.710 trillion from Rs 20.634 trillion a day earlier. Out of 477 active companies in the ready market, 208 advanced, 223 declined, while 46 remained unchanged.
Source:The Patriot
February 12, 2026 15:10 UTC
European States Mark Four Years Since Start of Russia–Ukraine Conflict
An event was held by European states to mark four years since the outbreak of the Russia–Ukraine conflict, focusing on its humanitarian consequences and wider international implications. Romanian representatives also referred to the country’s participation in European Union and NATO initiatives aimed at strengthening regional security, particularly in the Black Sea region. Participants also discussed issues related to international law, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, noting differing international responses to the conflict. The event was organized by European Union member states in cooperation with the EU Delegation and was hosted by the Embassy of Poland. The event concluded with an exchange of views on the humanitarian situation and ongoing diplomatic efforts related to the Russia–Ukraine conflict.
Source:The Patriot
February 11, 2026 23:11 UTC
Mehmood Achakzai is the one who is fixing all the issues: SK Niazi
Big names are coming into the market: Syed Zafar Abbas, deposits in banks increased by Rs 9,000 billion: Shahid Hassan SiddiquiBy Staff ReporterISLAMABAD: Editor In Chief Pakistan Group of Newspaper and Chairman Roze News SK Niazi while talking in his renowned talk show Sachi Baat, Shahbaz Sharif will remain Prime Minister for only five years, Maryam Nawaz is doing a lot of work in Punjab, government and opposition will reach an understanding, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is a very hardworking man, Bani has eye, ear and nose problems, I met the founder of PTI after winning the election, PTI founder did not have any personal decisions, the founder of PTI, ministers used to do whatever he told them to do, reconciliation process has begun between the government and the opposition, US President has reduced India’s tariffs, we want reconciliation to happen and this process should continue, Pakistan gave India the worst defeat, everyone knows that there should be peace and security in the country, US President is a businessman, US President has business all over the world, Trump will do anything that benefits America, the US president is no one’s friend, he is no one’s sympathizer, Mehmood Achakzai is the one who is fixing all the issues, people are very fed up with the strikes, that’s why PTI’s call was rejected, people have sympathy for PTI founder, Attack on Imambargah in Islamabad has caused a lot of damage, government should take steps for security of mosques, security issues must be solved by learning lessons from the past, provinces will be formed in any case, no one can stop them, Jawan’s ministers are talking too much, only they will get posts, Maryam Nawaz will not be happy about becoming a province, because Maryam Nawaz has a hold on these provinces, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari likely to become Prime Minister, Bilawal Bhutto is working hard, Sindh has the highest level of corruption, the people will benefit greatly from the formation of the province, people who come from far away will be able to get work done in their own area after the formation of the province, whoever contests elections invests crores of rupees, when he wins the election and is elected, he will withdraw Rs 20 million instead of Rs 10 million, the poor in the country are yearning for two-time bread, poverty is increasing in Pakistan, there is no construction work, the workers are very worried, business is not happening in the country, corruption should be eradicated from the country, the stock exchange was doing well earlier, but now it has stopped, the common man has nothing to do with gold, people are sending their money abroad, If you buy gold, you have to pay tax on it. Economist Syed Zafar Abbas said the stock market is doing well, the stock market has temporarily fallen, it will recover soon, businessmen need not panic, If a businessman wants to invest Rs 10 million, he should invest Rs 5 million, big names are coming into the market, JF and others are doing well in the stock market, good companies are bringing money in the stock market, the stock market went up nine points today, the price of gold is increasing day by day, the stock market is operating without taxes. Economist Shahid Hassan Siddiqui said deposits in banks increased by Rs 9,000 billion, banks are not giving loans to people, gold prices are increasing day by day, people are not investing, the country is running on debt, tell these IPPs that we are making their deposits, they are rewarding the elite, which is why poverty is increasing, don’t reward these elites.
Source:The Patriot
February 11, 2026 23:11 UTC
No Tax Dollars for Terrorists Act
By advancing the “No Tax Dollars for Terrorists Act,” Washington has implicitly acknowledged that the security threats Pakistan has repeatedly highlighted in South Asia are not rhetorical exaggerations but grounded realities. This development sends a clear message to the international community that Pakistan’s concerns deserve serious attention and understanding. Since the Taliban’s return to power in 2021, billions of dollars in international humanitarian and reconstruction assistance have continued to flow into Afghanistan. The December 2025 report of the US Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction documented persistent irregularities, fraud, and misuse within US funded programs. Over the years, watchdog assessments have estimated that tens of billions of dollars allocated for Afghanistan’s reconstruction were lost to corruption and mismanagement.
Source:The Patriot
February 11, 2026 23:11 UTC
When climate meets code
At the heart of Dr Malik’s argument lies a fundamental problem that has long plagued policymaking in Pakistan: fragmented, incomplete and poorly integrated data. The reference to the Pakistan Vulnerability Report which identifies 20 districts as highly exposed to climate risks, including 18 in Balochistan and two in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa underlines the kind of evidence-based policymaking Pakistan urgently needs. Perhaps the most immediate benefit of AI lies in disaster risk management. However, Dr Malik’s caution against overreliance on artificial intelligence is equally important. Algorithms reflect the data they are trained on and in countries like Pakistan, data gaps, biases and inaccuracies remain a serious challenge.
Source:The Patriot
February 11, 2026 23:11 UTC
Khawaja Asif calls Achakzai's remarks on
ISLAMABAD : Defense Minister Khawaja Asif condemned a statement made by Opposition Leader Mahmood Khan Achakzai regarding the security forces, calling it ‘irresponsible.’Speaking in the National Assembly, Khawaja Asif said that Achakzai had claimed the Pakistan Army is “an army of four districts,” which he described as an extremely irresponsible remark. “This is not something one would expect from Mahmood Khan Achakzai, and his statement has caused distress,” he added. “The Pakistan Army does not belong to any single province or district. Khawaja Asif further stated, “Islam does not permit bloodshed. This is a war for the entire nation, not for any single district,” Asif added.
Source:The Patriot
February 11, 2026 15:12 UTC
Parliamentary Secretary Barrister Da
ISLAMABAD, Pakistan – In a keynote address focused on securing children’s digital futures, Federal Parliamentary Secretary Barrister Danyal Chaudhry highlighted the government’s integrated approach, connecting immediate online protection measures with the Prime Minister’s long-term vision for a $1 billion investment in a national Artificial Intelligence (AI) ecosystem by 2030. Speaking at the National child Convention organized by the Pakistan Institute for Parliamentary Services (PIPS), Barrister Danyal detailed plans for a safe, informed, and empowering digital environment for the youth; a stated national priority. Barrister Danyal framed digital safety not as a constraint but as an essential foundation for growth. Parliamentary Secretary affirmed that the government will strengthen legal frameworks to address emerging AI risks and ensure digital platform accountability. Crucially, he committed to including children’s perspectives in the policy-making process to ensure the digital environment is built with them, not just for them.
Source:The Patriot
February 11, 2026 15:12 UTC
Aafia Siddiqui case: FCC stops IHC fr
ISLAMABAD : The Federal Constitutional Court (FCC) on Wednesday stopped the Islamabad High Court from initiating contempt of court proceedings against the prime minister and federal ministers in the Dr. Aafia Siddiqui case. The federation had challenged the May 16, 2025, order, seeking to nullify the permission granted for amendments in the petition. The Islamabad High Court had asked the prime minister and the cabinet to clarify why they did not support legal efforts in the United States. The amended petition sought to declare the government’s steps toward the release and repatriation of Dr. Aafia Siddiqui as a constitutional obligation. The FCC issued notices to all the parties in the case, and adjourned the hearing.
Source:The Patriot
February 11, 2026 15:12 UTC
President pays tribute to women scientists on
ISLAMABAD :President Asif Ali Zardari has paid tribute to the talent, determination and resilience of Pakistani women on the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, acknowledging their vital role in national development. In his message, President Zardari praised women for demonstrating outstanding performance in science and technology, emphasizing that they are playing a key role in driving Pakistan’s progress. He noted that Pakistani women are leading research initiatives in engineering, medicine, computing and biotechnology. President Zardari made special mention of distinguished scientists including Nergis Mavalvala, Tasneem Zehra Hussain and Mahira Abdul Ghani, saying the nation takes pride in their achievements. He expressed confidence that women will continue to strengthen and brighten Pakistan’s scientific future.
Source:The Patriot
February 11, 2026 07:14 UTC
Pakistan urges South Sudan parties to
NEW YORK : Amid political deadlock among signatories to the 2018 South Sudan peace agreement and a dangerous escalation in armed confrontations, Pakistan has called on all stakeholders to recommit to the agreement in good faith and to address differences through inclusive dialogue. “It is time for renewal of national consensus,”Ambassador Asim Ahmad, permanent representative of Pakistan to the United Nations, told the UN Security Council which on Tuesday debated the deteriorating situation in South Sudan, an African country that gained independence from the Republic of Sudan in 2011. The United Nations established the peacekeeping mission to help South Sudan stabilize. Although leaders signed a peace agreement in 2015, it quickly collapsed. A renewed peace deal — the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan — was signed in 2018, leading to the formation of a transitional Government.
Source:The Patriot
February 11, 2026 07:14 UTC
Everyone in PTI considers himself a leader after
ISLAMABAD : Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) president of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Junaid Akbar, on Tuesday said that in PTI everyone considers himself a leader after the party’s founder. Talking to media, Junaid Akbar said that Mehmood Khan Achakzai will need some time to adjust, adding that their party has its own culture. Responding to a question, he said, “Ask the one who celebrated Basant; we were protesting all day.”Rejecting reports about an audio leak, Junaid Akbar said that he did not say that he was resigning. “I said that if I am not given time to speak, I will ask the Speaker to allot me a separate seat,” he said.
Source:The Patriot
February 11, 2026 07:14 UTC
British Council honours alumni at Study UK Alum
Lahore, British Council, the UK’s international organisation for cultural relations and educational opportunities, recently hosted the prestigious Study UK Alumni Awards 2026 in Lahore, held at the Avari Hotel. The awards recognised the remarkable work and achievements of alumni of UK higher education institutions across various sectors. Pakistan is among the select countries hosting a national-level Study UK Alumni Awards ceremony, a testament to the significant impact UK alumni has in the region. The Social Action Award honours alumni who have made an exceptional contribution to positive social change and the improvement of lives in their communities. The winners of the Study UK Alumni Awards in Pakistan will gain enhanced visibility, networking opportunities, and avenues for professional growth.
Source:The Patriot
February 11, 2026 07:14 UTC
Trump claims he prevented India-Pakistan war using tariff pressure
WASHINGTON : US President Donald Trump has once again claimed that he played a decisive role in preventing a major conflict between India and Pakistan in May 2025. In an interview with an American news channel, Trump said he used tariffs as a strategic tool to de-escalate tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbors. He asserted that he had ended eight wars, at least six of which were halted due to tariff threats. “I told them if you don’t stop the war, I will impose tariffs,” Trump said, adding that he did not want to see people dying. Meanwhile, Trump issued another warning to Iran, saying strict measures would follow if ongoing negotiations fail.
Source:The Patriot
February 11, 2026 07:14 UTC
PSL to hold first-ever players auction today ahead of season 11
LAHORE :The Pakistan Super League (PSL) is set to hold its first-ever players’ auction today, marking a historic shift in the league’s player recruitment system. At the auction, they must build a squad of 16 to 20 players, with at least five and a maximum of seven overseas players allowed. The PSL 2026 auction is set to start at 11.30am local time (12pm IST, 6.30am GMT).. The PSL 2026 auction will be streamed live on the tournament’s YouTube channel. All the teams, except Multan Sultans, have made retentions ahead of the PSL 2026 auction.
Source:The Patriot
February 11, 2026 07:14 UTC