Pakistan Seal Tri-Series Glory With Clinical Win Over Sri Lanka

Pakistan clinched the T20I tri‑series title with a six‑wicket win over Sri Lanka, thanks to a disciplined bowling attack and a steady chase led by skipper Babar Azam. Sri Lanka were restricted to just 114 runs after Shaheen Shah Afridi and Mohammad Nawaz shared six wickets, while Kamil Mishara top‑scored with 59.

Pope Leo XIV to Visit Istanbul’s Blue Mosque on Saturday

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.

Thousands Homeless, 78,000 in Shelters After Sri Lanka Floods

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.

Finland to End Diplomatic Operations in Islamabad Next Year

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: Afghan Taliban Regime a Threat to Region and World

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.

Report Suggests Trump, Maduro Discussed U.S. Meeting

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.

Donna Ganguly Files Case Over Online Harassment

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.