Author: Sophia Siddiqui

Taiwanese boxer Lin Yu-ting, whose inclusion at the Paris Olympics has sparked controversy after she was reported to have failed a gender test last year, won her first bout of the Games in the women’s division. Lin – like Algerian Imane Khelif, who progressed on Thursday – was banned by the International Boxing Association (IBA) but has been allowed to compete at the Olympics, which are run by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). The 28-year-old entered the arena to cheers, which were followed by some boos, before beating Sitora Turdibekova in the 57kg category. The pair shook hands briefly after…

Egyptian fencer Nada Hafez made headlines at the Paris 2024 Olympics with a remarkable personal achievement: competing in the women’s individual sabre competition while seven months pregnant. Hafez triumphed over the USA’s Elizabeth Tartakovsky in the first round before being eliminated by Jeon Hayoung of South Korea. In a touching Instagram post, the 26-year-old athlete revealed her pregnancy, declaring: “7 MONTHS PREGNANT OLYMPIAN!” She shared that the experience of competing while pregnant presented both physical and emotional challenges. Despite the difficulties, Hafez expressed immense pride in reaching the round of 16. She reflected on the unique experience, saying, “What appears…

The Pakistan U18 volleyball team continued their impressive run at the Asia U18 Volleyball Championship 2024, securing their fourth consecutive win with a 3-1 triumph over Chinese Taipei in their first Super Eight match on Thursday. This victory significantly enhances Pakistan’s chances of reaching the semifinals. Having dominated the group stage with three straight wins, Pakistan was drawn into a challenging Super Eight group featuring Japan, Chinese Taipei, and Korea. In a captivating match to start the Super Eight stage, Pakistan displayed remarkable skill and composure, winning with set scores of 25-20, 24-26, 25-18, and 25-23. Key performances from Mehd…

In a significant blow to Inter Miami and Major League Soccer (MLS) fans, Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez will not participate in the upcoming MLS match due to injuries. This announcement was confirmed by both the league and Inter Miami in a recent statement. This is very disheartening news for the followers and fans of Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez  According to a new MLS roster for the game against the Mexican Football All-Stars in Columbus, Ohio, notably excluded Messi and Suarez. Messi is still recovering from a right ankle injury sustained during the Copa America final against Colombia, which kept…

Australia’s recently retired opener, David Warner, expressed his eagerness to play in the Champions Trophy in Pakistan through an Instagram post. However, selector George Bailey dismissed Warner’s hint at coming out of retirement, stating that Warner is not in their future plans. Bailey acknowledged Warner’s illustrious career but confirmed his absence from upcoming tours, including the Champions Trophy. Bailey also addressed Matthew Wade’s status, stating his absence is not permanent and expressed excitement about giving Josh Inglis a chance. Mitchell Starc and Glenn Maxwell will feature in the ODI series against England, with the Champions Trophy being a significant tournament…

General Syed Asim Munir, NI (M), Chief of Army Staff, (COAS), highlighted that Armed Forces of Pakistan are modernising their systems in line with our requirements to deter and be able to respond to any threat emanating against Pakistan. He said this after meeting witnessing  firing of different Air Defence weapon systems during Exercise Al-Bayza-III, 2024 at Sonmiani. According to ISPR, COAS viewed integrated fire and battle maneuvers of Army Air Defence systems which includes High to Medium Air Defence Weapons System (HIMADS), Low to Medium Air Defence System (LOMAD), Short Range Air Defence system (SHORADs) and Extended Short Range Air…

President Dr Arif Alvi on Thursday stressed the need for making all possible efforts in collaboration with the mosques to educate around 28 million out-of-school children in the country. The president, chairing a meeting to discuss the role of mosques in promotion of education, said the religious platform could be used for promotion of literacy in the country. Caretaker Minister for Religious Affairs, education ministers of Sindh and Azad Jammu & Kashmir, provincial education secretaries, and representatives of Auqaf and Religious Affairs departments attended the meeting. The president was briefed about the Accelerated Learning Programme. It was told that over…

The Sino-Pak joint annual air exercise Shaheen-X has commenced in the Jiuquan and Yinchuan cities of Northwest China. PAF’s lead fighter aircraft J-10 C and JF-17 are participating in the exercise along with air and ground crew. People’s Liberation Army Air Force and Pakistan Air Force have been conducting Shaheen joint exercises since 2011 which are being hosted by both countries on an alternate basis. Shaheen exercise aims to enhance the aerial combat practices, operational readiness, promoting interoperability and creating synergy amongst the participating strategic & time-tested allies in the region. Moreover, incorporation of features like hybrid warfare, cyberspace and…

Voluntary Service Overseas (VSO) celebrated ‘International Youth Day’ on 5th September 2023 in Islamabad. The event marked the role of youth in addressing challenges faced by Pakistan today through their involvement. Government representatives, international donors, and civil society members attend the event.  Ms. Seher Afsheen, the Country Representative of VSO, spoke about the organization’s objectives to formalize and improve existing Volunteer Policy. Ms. Afsheen underscored the invaluable support provided by the UK. She said “Education is vital for empowering youth for contributing to the nation’s development prospects”. Closing the session, the British High Commissioner to Pakistan, Ms. Jane Marriott CMG…

Breaking Barriers Four Pakistani women have won third Academy of Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) seeding funding competition. The U.S Embassy in Islamabad wishes to congratulate the the winners of the third AWE seeding funding competition. According to the Press Release, these women stood out among over 70 talented graduates, securing seed funding of $5500, $4500, $3500, and $2500 for their startups. The competition was fierce, with emerging female entrepreneurs presenting ambitious plans they worked on during a 13-week course for start-ups. The winners impressed the judges with their knowledge of the market, ability to communicate their vision and the clear benefit…