Pakistan

Shahid Afridi and Matthew Breetzke's heated exchange escalated as the on-field umpire had to intervene to separate them during the ODI tri-series between Pakistan and South Africa in Karachi.

While political and administrative tensions between India and Pakistan have long impacted bilateral cricket, Shikhar Dhawan emphasised that such decisions are made at the highest levels of governance and are beyond the control of players.

Protests have erupted across Balochistan, with demonstrators and Baloch students in Islamabad and Uthal demanding an end to enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and abductions, led by the Baloch Yakjehti Committee.

Karachi has witnessed a sharp rise in traffic accidents, with 92 fatalities and over 900 injuries reported between January 1 and February 8, 2025, according to rescue authorities cited by Ary News.

Badal Babu, a 20-year-old from Aligarh, illegally crossed into Pakistan for love, changed his name to Rehan, and converted to Islam. However, his online crush rejected him, leaving him stranded. Arrested on December 27, he now faces legal trouble and an uncertain future.

Pakistan's government has scrapped the policy granting government jobs to the families of deceased civil servants, following a Supreme Court ruling deeming it unconstitutional. Existing appointments remain unaffected, but future hires must follow merit-based selection. Law enforcement personnel's families remain eligible under specific provisions.

New Zealand's Rachin Ravindra suffered a forehead injury during an ODI against Pakistan due to misjudging a catch under poor lighting at Gaddafi Stadium. Fans criticized PCB over inadequate floodlights. Despite the controversy, New Zealand won by 78 runs, posting 330/6 in 50 overs.

The Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC), a leading human rights body in Pakistan, expressed anguish over the rising cases of abductions in the country and called on all sections of society to raise their voices against the increasing atrocities committed against the Baloch people.

A Balochistan fisherman accused the Pakistan Coast Guard of destroying his boat, his only livelihood. Locals condemned the ongoing harassment of fishermen, demanding justice and government intervention. Human rights groups criticized Pakistani forces for oppression, enforced disappearances, and economic neglect in the region.

The Champions Trophy 2025 anthem has been officially released by International Cricket Council (ICC), featuring Pakistan's renowned singer Atif Aslam.