Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced the distribution of 100,000 free laptops among talented students across the country on merit, during an International Youth Day event in Islamabad on Tuesday. Premier stated that the distribution of these laptops will cover all four provinces, the federal capital Islamabad, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Azad Kashmir, and will be based purely on merit, without any nepotism. He added that these laptops would be separate from the scheme for laptops through interest-based loans. Referring to Operation Bunyanum Marsoos, the prime minister mentioned that Pakistan’s victory on May 10 against a numerically larger and more boastful enemy had instilled a new vigour in the entire nation. He urged the youth to build on the spirit of this achievement and work hard to bring honour to the country. Earlier, during the ceremony, Chairman of the Prime Minister’s Youth Program, Rana Mashhood, said the government’s merit-based programs for youth had enabled talented and des...
Pakistan has agreed to adopt a hybrid model for hosting the 2024 Asia Cup, marking a significant compromise to ensure the tournament proceeds amid geopolitical tensions. This decision comes after months of deliberations with the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) and key stakeholders, including India, which expressed concerns about traveling to Pakistan for the event. Under the hybrid arrangement, Pakistan will retain hosting rights, but matches involving India and certain other games will be held at neutral venues. This model allows all participating nations to compete while addressing security concerns raised by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). The hybrid solution is being hailed as a diplomatic win for cricket and Pakistan. It not only preserves the country’s right to host a major event but also strengthens regional cooperation in the sport. Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) officials emphasized the importance of this compromise, aiming to focus on the tournament’s succes...