Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz removed the Jhelum deputy commissioner (DC) from his post on Sunday, after it emerged that computer science papers for intermediate students in the district had been postponed in the district owing to arrangements for the provincial chief executive’s scheduled visit on Nov 10.
Originally scheduled for Nov 10, the computer science papers for the Intermediate Second Annual Examinations 2026 had been deferred on the recommendation of the now-dismissed Jhelum deputy commissioner, Mir Raza Ozgen.
He wrote in a letter to the Rawalpindi Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education (BISE) that due to the deployment of administrative and security personnel during the scheduled visit, “it is not feasible to ensure the smooth and uninterrupted conduct of the said examination in the district. It is, therefore, requested that the examination be postponed and rescheduled for another suitable date to avoid any inconvenience to students and ensure the smooth conduct of both the examination and the VVIP visit”.
Eventually, Maryam posted on X that the Jhelum DC was being removed from his post with “immediate effect”.
She said she had given “explicit instructions that no inconvenience or disruption whatsoever should be caused to the public during my visits to the districts”.
“This is a clear disregard for my directions,” she added.
In a subsequent post, she also shared a notification that said the DC had been transferred and was instructed to report to the Punjab Services and General Administration Department for further orders.
Maryam also announced that the earlier postponed exams would now be held in line with the original schedule, on Nov 10.
“Notwithstanding any acts of foolishness or misplaced over-smartness on part of the district administration, the examinations shall be held strictly in accordance with the original schedule, i.e. Tuesday, 10th November,” she posted on X.
In another post on X, CM Maryam said she has directed all regional and district police officers as well as commissioners and deputy commissioners to ensure that “no market, shop, business, or any other establishment shall be closed or asked to suspend its operations on account of my visit.”
She added that no residential streets will be blocked or sealed, or any restriction be placed on the movement of residents “under the pretext of security arrangements”.
“Please ensure that all security measures are discreet and do not cause any inconvenience, disruption, or hardship to the general public,” she wrote, adding that the instructions must be “followed in letter and spirit”.
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday extended warm greetings to the Hindu community in Pakistan and around the world on the joyous occasion of Diwali, reaffirming the government’s commitment to protecting minority rights and promoting religious harmony.
In separate messages, the president and prime minister highlighted the festival’s message of the triumph of good over evil, light over darkness and hope over despair, while acknowledging the contributions of Pakistan’s Hindu community to national development.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said Diwali symbolises the triumph of light over the darkness of hatred, intolerance and despair, adding that the festival conveys a profound message of peaceful coexistence in human relations and social life.
He described the Hindu community as a valued and integral part of Pakistan’s national fabric, saying its contributions to the country’s social, cultural and economic development deserved the highest appreciation.
The prime minister said Pakistan took immense pride in its religious and cultural diversity, describing the country’s diverse traditions as a valuable social asset.
He reaffirmed that the Constitution guarantees the religious and civil rights of minorities and said the government remained firmly committed to safeguarding the rights, dignity and religious freedoms of all citizens, irrespective of religion, faith, colour or ethnicity.
“Promoting religious harmony, mutual unity and respect is our shared responsibility,” he said.
Shehbaz Sharif said the collective resolve should be to build a peaceful, inclusive and prosperous nation that embraces diverse cultures and traditions while ensuring equal educational and economic opportunities for all citizens.
He urged people to renew their commitment to interfaith harmony, strengthen bonds of fraternity and brotherhood, and work towards a future based on peace, tolerance and mutual understanding.
The prime minister expressed hope that Pakistani Hindus celebrating Diwali would enjoy the festival’s traditions and share its message of peace, goodwill, happiness, prosperity and hope.
Meanwhile, President Asif Ali Zardari said Diwali’s message of compassion and renewal reminded people that they could bring light into others’ lives through kindness, understanding, compassion and care.
He said Pakistan’s Hindu community was an integral part of national life, with its contributions to education, healthcare, business, public service, social welfare, arts and culture enriching the country.
The president paid tribute to the community’s contributions and reaffirmed that Pakistan belonged equally to all its citizens.
Recalling the vision of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, Zardari said the founder of Pakistan had envisioned a country where faith, caste or creed would not become barriers to equal citizenship and rights.
He stressed the need to ensure that every citizen could practise their faith freely, live with dignity and enjoy equal protection under the law.
“For me, Quaid-e-Azam’s promise of equal citizenship is a sacred national commitment,” he said, adding that the Pakistan Peoples Party’s tradition, carried forward by former prime ministers Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Benazir Bhutto, also called for defending that promise without fear or favour.
“No Pakistani should ever have to prove their belonging because of their faith. This country is their home, its freedoms are their right, and its future is theirs to shape,” the president said.
Zardari said Diwali also provided an opportunity to strengthen the bonds uniting Pakistanis, adding that sharing one another’s celebrations, supporting each other during difficult times and rejecting prejudice and discrimination could help build a more just and compassionate society.
He described diversity as a national strength and said protecting the rights of religious minorities was a shared responsibility.
Concluding his message, the president extended his good wishes to families celebrating the festival, expressing hope that the light of Diwali would bring joy to their homes, comfort to those facing difficulties and renewed hope for the year ahead.
Wheeling its way between dining booths at a neon-lit restaurant in Karachi, a robot waitress drops off a fresh pizza to an awaiting family.
While global buzz is growing around agile humanoids made in the United States, China and elsewhere, robotic staff are a rare sight in the South Asian country.
“Welcome to Sicilian. My name is Robia,” the waitress says in an electronic voice, looking down at diners through blinking red LED eyes.
This photograph taken on October 2, 2026 shows Robia (R) and Jojo (2R), humanoid robot waitresses serving customers at The Sicilian restaurant in Karachi. — AFP
Robia and her colleague Jojo are the DIY creations of Pakistani engineer Syed Osama Aziz, who is bringing a sci-fi reboot to Karachi’s storied dining scene.
They have spherical white heads and dark visors, similar to a motorcycle helmet, and sport black shawls around their neck in the style of a dupatta.
Aziz, who also established The Sicilian restaurant, developed the machines using mostly locally manufactured parts, designing their circuit boards and programming them in his own lab.
“The equipment, the things needed to make robots, are not so easily available here, so we had to arrange them,” he told AFP.
This photograph taken on September 30, 2026 shows a robotics software engineer Syed Osama Aziz working on robot components at his workshop in Multan. — AFP
The duo were developed through his robotics company, Cobot, with help from friends and some electronic components imported from abroad.
In China and other East Asian countries especially, robots are an increasingly common sight, shuttling food to customers in chain restaurants and taking on other jobs from cleaning to greeting hotel guests.
But they remain a novelty in Pakistan, where Aziz’s home-grown creations are attracting curious diners.
When they arrive at a table, the customers must either take the food off their serving tray themselves or wait for a human member of staff to assist them.
This photograph taken on October 2, 2026 shows a staff passing food orders to Robia, a humanoid robot waitress at The Sicilian restaurant in Karachi. — AFP
Excited customers
Aziz, whose workshop manufacturing the robots is located in Multan, hopes to make his creations more sophisticated in the future.
“Our plans are to add camera-based processing and image-processing features,” he said.
“That means the robot will also recognise you by looking at you, and it will remember what you ordered last time, and accordingly it will be able to give you better suggestions.”
For now, the robots are proving a hit with families, who flock to the restaurant to watch the machines in action.
This photograph taken on October 2, 2026 shows children playing around Robia, a humanoid robot waitress at The Sicilian restaurant in Karachi. — AFP
“The best thing about it is that it introduces itself,” excited customer Ahmer Zameer told AFP, explaining the robot also “tells you what things you can order”.
Children reach out to touch the robots while their parents snap photographs and selfies.
Young customer Sonia Dilosker said she was impressed by the androids’ appearance and preferred their approach to serving customers, “because it is a machine and without any emotions”.
Restaurant staff say the novelty has brought a surge in customers — some travelling from across the sprawling port city to meet the robots.
This photograph taken on October 2, 2026 shows Robia, a humanoid robot waitress serving customers at The Sicilian restaurant in Karachi. — AFP
“Our business has grown. People are coming from far away for this. They have seen a robot for the first time here,” staff member Hellen told AFP.
“People are excited to see this.”
Header image: This photograph taken on October 2, 2026 shows Robia, a humanoid robot waitress serving customers at The Sicilian restaurant in Karachi. — AFP
NEW YORK: Inter Miami’s Lionel Messi became the first to win MLS’ Golden Boot in back-to-back seasons, the league said on Saturday, the final day of the regular season.
Messi scored a league-high 26 goals across 31 matches, while FC Dallas forward Petar Musa followed with 22 goals and Nashville SC’s Sam Surridge recorded 21.
He had 29 goals the previous season, becoming the second in league history to score at least 25 times in back-to-back years.
The 39-year-old Argentine retired from international football earlier this year after 21 years but signed a contract extension with the MLS club through 2028 in October.
Pakistan’s bowlers restricted India to 208 runs in 46.3 overs in their Group A match of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) Under-19 Asia Cup at Al Amerat on Sunday.
India, who elected to bat first, were bowled out after a century from Arjun Rajput, who scored 107 off 85 balls, including 11 fours and five sixes.
Pakistan made an early breakthrough as captain Lakshya Raichandani was dismissed for a duck by Ali Raza in the first over.
Aaryavir Sehwag scored 22 off 40 deliveries, while VK Vineeth managed eight as India slipped to 22-3 in 11.4 overs.
Rajput then led India’s recovery, adding crucial runs to keep the innings together. He found support from Anvay Dravid (10) and Manal Chauhan (11), while Kavya Paresh Patel contributed 23 off 45 balls.
Rajput’s dismissal at 170 in the 35.2nd over triggered another collapse, with India losing their remaining five wickets for 38 runs.
Ali Raza, Rizwanullah and Niqab Shafiq claimed three wickets each for Pakistan. Mohammad Sayyam picked up one wicket, while Rizwanullah returned economical figures of 3-24 in seven overs.
Sayyam finished with 1-27 in 8.3 overs, while Ali Raza took 3-37 from his 10 overs.
India posted 208 runs, including 13 extras, setting Pakistan a target of 209 runs to win.
Elena Rybakina’swithdrawal from the WTA Finals on the eve of the season-ending championships is disappointing, but the world number one needs time to recover from the physical toll of a demanding year, tournament director Garbine Muguruza said.
Defending champion Rybakina pulled out of the tournament on Saturday, saying she was not physically ready to compete, leaving Ukraine’s Marta Kostyuk to take her place in the eight-player field at Indian Wells. Tournament organizers later said a viral illness was the official reason for the withdrawal.
Muguruza, the former world number one and two-time Grand Slam champion, said she had spoken with Rybakina and that the Kazakh had been unable to recover in time after struggling with physical problems late in the season.
“We love Elena and we know that she was feeling so-so in Tokyo as well,” Muguruza told Reuters. “I spoke to her today and she really couldn’t recover on time.
“What we want is for her to feel good, to go rest, to recover. We don’t want her to feel like she has to play — only if she’s ready to.”
Rybakina, who won two Grand Slam titles this year, also withdrew from the Tokyo quarter-finals last month because of a neck injury.
‘Amazing field’
Rybakina’s absence deprives the event of some star power, but Muguruza said the round-robin format and depth of the field would ensure a high-quality tournament.
“We have the best players,” said Muguruza, who triumphed at the WTA Finals in Guadalajara in 2021.
“I know our world number one is not going to be able to play, but we have an amazing field, the very best.
“Every match could be a Grand Slam final. You really need to be ready. You cannot give one inch.”
Kostyuk, who is making her WTA Finals debut after a breakthrough season that included the Madrid title and a rise into the top 10, was already in Indian Wells as an alternate and practicing when Rybakina withdrew.
Muguruza said the Ukrainian, known for her signature post-match backflip celebrations, had earned her opportunity.
“Marta is great. She’s had a breakthrough year,” Muguruza said. “With this year, we have many first-time players in the Finals, and that’s very exciting. It’s very hard to qualify.”
Kostyuk has been outspoken about Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and does not shake hands with Russian or Belarusian opponents. Muguruza said the tournament would support players in making their own decisions.
“They’re free to do whatever they feel,” she said. “We are open and supporting them.”
Opportunity for sabalenka
Rybakina’s withdrawal could create an opening for world number two Aryna Sabalenka to make inroads in the rankings.
Sabalenka, who won the Indian Wells title earlier this year, has the chance to reduce the gap with Rybakina at the top of the rankings, Muguruza said, while also highlighting Russian teenager Mirra Andreeva as a player comfortable in the California desert.
“Of course, Aryna might be thinking that this can be a good opportunity,” Muguruza said.
The WTA moved the Finals to Indian Wells from Riyadh, with Muguruza saying player safety had been the decisive consideration amid conflict in the region.
“It clearly felt no longer safe to be in a region where there is conflict,” she said. “Taking care of the players and looking ahead to what could be safe, comfortable and secure, relocating felt the best decision.”
Muguruza said players had responded positively to the switch to Indian Wells, where she competed regularly during her career.
“When we knew that Indian Wells could be the next venue, it was just a joy,” she said, adding that ticket sales have been strong. “The whole thing is just perfect.”
Pakistan captain Babar Azam says team selection is the responsibility of the selectors and coach, adding that his role is to get the best out of the players available to him as a youthful Pakistan side prepares to face Sri Lanka in the opening Test of a two-match series on Monday.
Responding to questions about the omission of certain players despite their not having featured in recent matches, Babar said the squad had been selected after consultations between the selectors and team management.
“When we came back from England the scenario was in front of everyone. After that, when we sat down for this team, the selectors and the coach selected the side. I have been given 15 players. My job is to field them, get performances out of them and make them compete,” he said at his pre-series press conference on Sunday.
“The other things are not in my hands. Selection is their job. Wherever my input is required I give it, and we sit together with the selectors and coach to decide what is best possible. But not everything needs to be explained here about where my job begins and ends,” he added.
Babar’s remarks come as Pakistan prepare to field a considerably revamped side following their disappointing performance in the previous phase of the World Test Championship (WTC).
The captain said the team had decided to shift its focus towards the next cycle after the recent tour of England.
“We are almost out of this year’s Test Championship, so we are looking forward to the next one and preparing for it. We have taken a different step and injected different players.
“We are trying to apply a combination of seniors and juniors so that we get a good mix and give the youngsters the opportunity to express themselves and perform well. InshaAllah, you will see a different team,” he said.
Pakistan are ninth and last in the 2025-27 WTC standings, with a points percentage of 4.63 after nine matches, having won two and lost seven.
Deductions of 19 points for slow over-rates have further compounded their difficulties.
Even a 2-0 series victory against Sri Lanka would do little to revive their chances of reaching the final, although the remaining matches provide an opportunity to build a combination for the future.
Sri Lanka are seventh with a points percentage of 33.33 from six Tests, having won one, lost two and drawn three.
They include Sameer Minhas, Mohammad Taha, Mohammad Suleman, Azan Awais and Arafat Minhas, while recent additions Aamir Jamal, Ali Shabbir, Saqib Khan and Mohammad Tayyab Arif have further strengthened the youthful contingent.
Experienced players Saud Shakeel, Salman Ali Agha and Mohammad Abbas are expected to provide guidance to the newcomers.
The changes follow Pakistan’s 3-0 defeat in England, a result that left their WTC campaign in serious difficulty. Babar, however, said the team would take lessons from the tour rather than dwell on the outcome.
“What has gone is gone. We will learn from it and inject those lessons into the message we give the players about how we need to move forward. Our plan is positive,” he said.
Pakistan’s recent success in white-ball cricket has also provided encouragement ahead of the Test series.
The hosts defeated Sri Lanka in the final of the ODI tri-series towards the end of October, and Babar believes the result has helped lift the team’s confidence.
“Any series or match you win gives you confidence, and we have brought that vibe into the Test matches. When young blood comes into a team it gives a different energy, and I think that is present in this side,” he said.
The captain will also be looking to rediscover his form in the longer format. His last Test century came against New Zealand in Karachi in December 2022, and his prolonged wait for another three-figure score has attracted considerable attention.
Babar said he remained focused on improving his game through hard work and learning from his mistakes.
“My thinking is always positive. As a player and senior player you try to give your best in every match. The more I play and stay on the ground, the more I try to improve. You learn from mistakes; no one is perfect. I figure out where I am going wrong and work on it with the coaches,” he said.
The right-handed batter has enjoyed success against Sri Lanka in the past, scoring two centuries in Pakistan’s 2019 home series against them and another hundred in Galle in 2022.
The upcoming series will provide him with an opportunity to regain his touch while leading Pakistan in home Tests.
Pakistan hold a 23-17 advantage over Sri Lanka in 59 previous Test meetings, with 19 matches ending in draws.
Sri Lanka’s last series victory against Pakistan came in the UAE in 2017, while Pakistan won their most recent encounter 2-0 in Sri Lanka in 2023.
The opening Test will be played at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium from November 9 to 13, with the second scheduled at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium from November 17 to 21.
Babar said the senior members of the squad would have an important role in helping the younger players handle pressure and adjust to international cricket.
“All the youngsters have a spark and confidence. We seniors try to guide them and share our experience, especially in pressure situations. They believe in themselves because of their performances coming into the side,” he said.
For Pakistan, the series represents an opportunity to rebuild after a difficult WTC campaign while assessing the potential of a new generation of players.
Babar, meanwhile, will be expected to translate the team’s fresh approach into performances on the field, beginning with the opening Test in Rawalpindi.
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday extended greetings to the Hindu community in Pakistan and worldwide on the occasion of Diwali, reaffirming their commitment to minority rights.
They underscored the government’s commitment to “safeguarding the rights, dignity and religious freedoms of all citizens, irrespective of religion, faith, colour or ethnicity”.
Diwali is a colourful festival involving lighting candles, worship, celebrations and prayers. It is celebrated to mark the day when Lord Rama returned home after his 14-year exile. It is a five-day festival and during this time, houses are cleaned and windows are opened to welcome Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth.
’Pakistan belongs equally to all its citizens’
In his message, President Zardari said, “The festival of lights celebrates the symbolism of triumph of good over evil, light over darkness and hope over despair. Its message of compassion and renewal reminds us that each of us can bring light into the lives of others through kindness, understanding, compassion and care.”
He added that Pakistan’s Hindu community is “an integral part of our national life”, highlighting its contributions to education, healthcare, business, public service, social welfare, arts and culture.
He reaffirmed that “Pakistan belongs equally to all its citizens”.
The president added that “Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah envisioned a country where faith, caste or creed would be no barrier to equal citizenship and equal rights”.
“We must honour that vision by ensuring that every citizen can practise their faith freely, live in dignity and enjoy equal protection under the law.
“For me, Quaid-i-Azam’s promise of equal citizenship is a sacred national commitment.”
President Zardari further said that his political party PPP’s tradition was in line with Jinnah’s vision.
He reiterated, “No Pakistani should ever have to prove their belonging because of their faith. This country is their home, its freedoms are their right, and its future is theirs to shape.”
He called on the nation to reject prejudice and discrimination by sharing in each other’s celebrations. “Our diversity is not our weakness but a great strength.”
“It should be clear to all of us that protecting the rights of religious minorities is our shared responsibility.”
PM Shehbaz calls for interfaith harmony
In his message, PM Shehbaz said, “The festival of lights conveys a profound message of promoting peaceful coexistence in human relations and social life.
“The enduring belief in a bright, prosperous and hopeful future is one of the most cherished attributes of Diwali.”
Similar to President Zardari, PM Shehbaz reiterated that the Hindu community is “a valued and integral part of our national fabric”.
“The diverse cultural and religious traditions within our society constitute a valuable social asset. Pakistan takes immense pride in its religious and cultural diversity,” he added.
The premier reiterated the government’s commitment to protecting the religious and civil rights of minorities, as guaranteed by the Constitution of Pakistan.
“Promoting religious harmony, mutual unity and respect is our shared responsibility,” he said.
“A society that embraces diverse cultures and traditions and upholds the principles of peaceful coexistence is one that ensures equal educational and economic opportunities for all its citizens.”
He called on the nation to foster interfaith harmony, strengthen bonds of fraternity and brotherhood and work together towards a future founded on peace, tolerance and mutual understanding.
President Donald Trump ordered the US Justice Department on Saturday to look into Democrats for “threatening a lot of people” with impeachment and other forms of punishment, saying in a social media post that their actions amount to a “criminal act”, without providing evidence.
Democratic candidates routed Trump’s Republicans in midterm elections on Tuesday, giving them control of Congress starting in January. Party leaders have promised to reassert Congress’ oversight of the executive branch once they are in power by holding hearings and conducting investigations into Trump administration actions.
In his post, Trump accused Democrats of sending “threatening letters to many people, all innocent”.
Members of Congress have released copies of letters seeking documents on matters such as tech company donations for the large ballroom Trump is building at the White House.
Trump’s post also referred to Democratic Senator Elissa Slotkin of Michigan, who suggested in remarks last month at the University of Chicago that Congress should investigate people who have enabled Trump’s policies.
“I want young people coming out of school to say, ‘Should I go work for the Trump administration?’… I want them to be like, ‘Lord, that might be buying myself a ton of problems that I don’t want. And so I might avoid participating in that,’” Slotkin said. “I want that deterrence message sent.”
Her comments, within weeks of the midterm elections, were criticised by some Republicans. Republican Senator Mike Lee of Utah wrote on social media that Slotkin was threatening young people who wanted to go into politics. Slotkin responded that Lee had lied about her comments and wrote, “Spare us the manufactured outrage”.
Trump’s Justice Department has investigated Slotkin before. A former CIA analyst, she was among a group of Democratic lawmakers with national security backgrounds whom the department investigated after they posted a video urging service members and intelligence officials to disobey illegal orders from the administration.
A grand jury rejected the attempt to indict them.
Slotkin said in a social media post on Saturday that the issue should not be controversial. “If you break the law or use taxpayer dollars to enrich yourself, you should be held accountable. If you didn’t break the law, then it’s all good,” she said.
The Justice Department did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
PERTH: England white-ball coach Brendon McCullum is confident his batsmen will negate any short-ball challenge Australia present in the first one-dayer at Perth Stadium, having acclimatised to conditions with a warm-up game at the WACA Ground on Saturday.
England defeated Western Australia by 92 runs in their only hit-out before the three-match one-day international series begins on Friday.
“When you come here with the bigger boundaries, the short ball is always a weapon for a bowler. You’ve still got to find ways to score off it, you can’t just keep going under it,” McCullum told reporters.
“Our boys are all very good players of the short ball.”
England had been criticised last year for playing an intra-club practice match at the slow-and-low Lilac Hill, a suburban ground which bore no resemblance to the fast-and-bouncy Perth Stadium where they lost the Ashes opener inside two days.
The WACA Ground – now a boutique venue with grassy banks, community pools and gymnasiums – has retained its traditional seam-friendly characteristics though, and paceman Jofra Archer looked particularly menacing for the tourists with 3-34.
“He looked like he was charging in nicely… he’s got skills at the top, in the middle and at the death so it was nice for him to get through some overs,” said McCullum, who has lost seamer Josh Tongue to a left big toe injury.
“We love coming out here and playing against Australia. It’s always a great contest, albeit their side looks slightly different than it normally does, there’s never a weak Australian side.”
Australia are looking to bounce back from a multiformat drubbing in South Africa, while fresh debate over “Sandpapergate” comes as an unwelcome distraction after former opener Usman Khawaja claimed that knowledge of the 2018 ball-tampering incident extended beyond those sanctioned.
The hosts are resting veteran pace trio Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc.
ODI squad member Mahli Beardman went wicketless in the tour match while fellow seamer Lance Morris marked his return from a 20-month back injury with 3-29, at times hitting 145 kph.
Opener Ben Duckett top-scored with 59 for England, who were bowled out for 251, but the match highlight belonged to captain Harry Brook who landed a six in the WACA swimming pool. Spinner Adil Rashid took 4-35 as WA collapsed to 159 all out in reply.
The ODI series will be followed by five Twenty20 internationals.
