The University of Peshawar has officially announced its winter vacation schedule for the 2025–26 academic session. According to the notification, the university will remain closed from December 22, 2025, to January 3, 2026. During this period, all academic and administrative offices will be closed. However, the university has emphasized that all scheduled exams and tests will continue as planned, and students are advised to follow the existing academic timetable. University authorities stated that the winter break is part of the seasonal academic calendar and aims to give students and staff adequate time to rest and prepare for the upcoming term. Regular classes and administrative operations will resume on January 3, 2026.
In a bold move during the first Test against Pakistan, Australian cricketer Usman Khawaja staged a silent protest against the war in Gaza. Despite facing restrictions from the International Cricket Council (ICC) on political, religious, or racial messages, Khawaja had intended to wear shoes with powerful slogans like "Freedom is a human right" and "All lives are equal."
Being of Pakistani descent and a Muslim himself, Khawaja's act aimed to draw attention to the ongoing conflict in Gaza, where thousands have lost their lives in the recent Israeli bombardment. Cricket Australia supported the players adhering to ICC rules, leading Khawaja to cover the slogans with semi-transparent tape, revealing the words in the colors of the Palestinian flag only up close.
Khawaja also wore a black armband as a sign of solidarity, an action Cricket Australia recognized and deemed within the regulations. The cricketer, known for his humanitarian stance, shared a video on social media questioning the indifference towards innocent lives lost in conflict.
Despite the restrictions, Khawaja remains determined to challenge the ban on his footwear, emphasizing the humanitarian aspect of his appeal. Australian captain Pat Cummins expressed pride in Khawaja and other squad members who spoke up for their beliefs.
The silent protest by Usman Khawaja adds a unique layer of activism to the cricket field, sparking discussions about the intersection of sports and sociopolitical issues.

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