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Pope Leo XIV will visit Istanbul’s historic Blue Mosque on Saturday, in what Geo TV describes as a highly symbolic gesture of interfaith dialogue. It marks the first time the newly elected American pontiff, chosen in May, will enter a Muslim place of worship. Unlike his predecessors Benedict XVI and Francis, Leo will not visit the nearby Hagia Sophia, which was controversially reconverted into a mosque in 2020.

Cyclone Ditwah has left Sri Lanka reeling, with 132 confirmed deaths and 176 people still missing. Torrential rains and floods destroyed more than 15,000 homes, forcing 78,000 residents into temporary shelters. President Anura Kumara Dissanayake imposed emergency laws to speed up relief efforts, while the military, navy, and air force carried out dramatic rescues, including saving 69 bus passengers trapped in Anuradhapura.

Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar said he made it clear during his Kabul visit that Afghanistan must not allow its soil to be used against Pakistan. Speaking at a press conference, he urged Afghan leadership to either hand over the TTP to Pakistan or relocate them far away.

Finland’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced plans to shut down its embassies in Islamabad, Kabul, and Yangon during 2026. The closures are part of reforms in Finland’s overseas mission network, citing operational and strategic reasons such as political changes and limited trade ties with these countries.

DG ISPR Lt. Gen. Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry warned that the Afghan Taliban regime poses a threat to Pakistan, the region, and the world. He revealed that $7.2 billion worth of U.S. military equipment was left in Afghanistan, and said Pakistan has conducted over 67,000 intelligence‑based operations this year, eliminating 1,873 terrorists.

Supreme Court has scheduled a hearing on December 5 to review a petition declaring Pakistan’s electoral system “un‑Islamic.” The case, originally filed 36 years ago, will be heard by a five‑member Shariat Appellate Bench headed by Justice Shahid Waheed.

The New York Times reported that U.S. President Donald Trump spoke by phone with Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, discussing a possible meeting in the United States. While no plans are confirmed, the report comes amid Trump’s tough stance on Venezuela, including renewed threats of military action.

Classical dancer Donna Ganguly, wife of former Indian cricket captain Sourav Ganguly, has filed a police complaint after facing online harassment and body shaming following her performance at the Kolkata Film Festival. Authorities have registered a case and begun investigating, with Donna providing screenshots and a mobile number as evidence.

Saudi Arabia has eased its decades‑long alcohol ban, allowing select non‑Muslim foreigners with premium residency permits to purchase alcohol in Riyadh. Supporters view the move as part of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Vision 2030 reforms aimed at modernizing society and curbing illegal trade, while critics warn it could challenge long‑standing cultural norms.

President Donald Trump lashed out at The New York Times after it published an article questioning his energy and age. Trump dismissed the report as false and accused the paper of bias, while NYT defended its coverage as accurate and reliable.