Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah’s omission from Tuesday’s Champions League game at Inter Milan is a consequence of his reaction to being left out of the side, teammate Alisson Becker said on Monday.
Salah, 33, was not included in the 19-man squad for the Inter clash after he said in a hard-hitting interview following Saturday’s match with Leeds United that he had been “thrown under the bus” by the club.
“Salah not being available is just a consequence of what he did and he is smart enough to know that. I didn’t speak to Mo about that,” the Brazilian goalkeeper told reporters.
“We share good moments, happy moments so that creates a bond. We will have a conversation, but that is personal.”
Salah, who has scored 250 goals, won two Premier League titles and a Champions League in eight years with Liverpool, was left on the bench in last month’s 2-0 win at West Ham United.
He came on in the 1-1 home draw with Sunderland but was again an unused substitute at Leeds.
Ahead of the Inter fixture, Liverpool manager Arne Slot said he had no clue whether Salah had played his last game for the club, while Becker expressed hope for the Egyptian forward’s return.
“I hope he plays again for the club. That’s a personal situation between Mo and the club,” he said.
“We, as his teammates and his friends, we hope the best thing happens for him, but as Liverpool FC players we want the best for the club as well. We want a win-win situation for everyone.”
Salah, who has scored just five goals and appeared in 19 games in all competitions this season, had said he felt as if he had been made a scapegoat for Liverpool’s poor start to the season.
The Premier League club is 10th in the current campaign, 10 points behind leaders Arsenal after 15 games.
Salah’s omission from Inter game is a consequence of his actions, says Becker
Pakistan, Indonesia sign seven MoUs to boost bilateral cooperation
Pakistan and Indonesia have signed seven Memorandums of Understanding and Agreements to further enhance bilateral cooperation in diverse fields in Islamabad on Tuesday.
The MoUs and agreements include cooperation in higher education, a grant program for Indonesian state scholarships, facilitation of business development for small and medium enterprises, collaboration between national archives, narcotics control and cooperation in preventing and combating illicit drug trafficking, cooperation in Halal trade and certification, and cooperation in the field of health.
Pakistan and Indonesia have decided to promote their relations in diverse fields, including trade, culture, health, education and vocational training. The understanding to this effect came at a meeting between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto in Islamabad today.
Later, addressing a joint press stakeout, the prime minister assured to work collectively with the Indonesian President to achieve the targets set for collaboration in different fields.
Referring to the bilateral trade of $4.5 billion, which is largely in favour of Indonesia, the prime minister said the two sides have discussed taking collective measures to balance the trade through exports of agricultural products and IT services from Pakistan.
PM Shehbaz has said that Pakistan will also send its doctors, dentists, medical professionals and other related experts to Indonesia to fulfill its requirements in the field of medicine.
The prime minister noted that our relations span over 75 years, with the visit of the Indonesian President coinciding with the anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. He expressed Pakistan’s strong desire to celebrate this occasion in a befitting manner.
The prime minister recalled that Indonesia stood by Pakistan like a rock wall in our 1965 war with a neighbouring country. He said this will be remembered by the people of Pakistan for all time to come.
PM Shehbaz was confident that the visit of the Indonesian President would take the brotherly relations to a much higher level. He emphasised that they would work together to promote progress and peace, not only for their own countries but for the entire region.
Speaking on the occasion, President of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto said both Pakistan and Indonesia agreed to expedite rebalancing of bilateral trade relations in practical terms.
He said we also look forward to further enhancing bilateral cooperation in the fields of education, agriculture, health and other areas of mutual interest.
He thanked PM Shehbaz and the Government of Pakistan for expressing willingness to send doctors, dentists, medical professionals and other related experts to Indonesia to fulfill its requirements in the field of health.
The Indonesian President has said both countries are coordinating in the field of foreign policy as well particularly having a shared stance on Palestine. He expressed support for the two-state solution of the Palestine issue, saying that both Pakistan and Indonesia will always maintain a common stance in this regard.
The President of Indonesia expressed his gratitude to the government and people of Pakistan for extending a warm reception and gracious hospitality during his visit. He said it is an honour for him that PAF fighter jets, including JF-17 Thunder, escorted his plane. The Indonesian President also invited PM Shehbaz to visit Indonesia at mutually convenient dates.
A formal welcome ceremony in honour of the President of Indonesia, Prabowo Subianto, was held at the prime minister’s House in Islamabad today morning.
On the occasion, anthems of both countries were played. A contingent of armed forces presented a guard of honour to the visiting dignitary.
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto arrived at the prime minister’s House in Islamabad, where PM Shehbaz gave him a warm welcome. He also planted a commemorative tree at the prime minister’s House. After inspecting the guard of honour, he was introduced to federal ministers.
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto arrived on Monday to a red-carpet welcome for a two-day official visit, at the invitation of PM Shehbaz.
Upon his arrival at Nur Khan Airbase, the Indonesian president was warmly received by President Asif Ali Zardari and PM Shehbaz, along with the cabinet members and senior officials.
A smartly turned-out contingent of the Presidential Bodyguard presented a static salute to the visiting dignitary, who was accompanied by a high-level delegation comprising key ministers and senior officials.
This is President Prabowo’s first visit to Pakistan since assuming office, as the last presidential visit from Indonesia was undertaken by the then-President Joko Widodo in 2018.
During his stay, President Prabowo will hold delegation-level talks with PM Shehbaz and meet President Zardari. The Chief of Army Staff and the Chief of Defence Forces, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, will also call on President Prabowo.
Several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) are expected to be signed during the visit.
The visit carries added significance as it coincides with the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and Indonesia.
The two sides will discuss a wide-ranging agenda aimed at further strengthening Pakistan-Indonesia relations and exploring new avenues of cooperation, including trade, investment, defence, health, IT, climate, education and culture, as well as enhancing collaboration at regional and global levels.
CDF Field Marshal Asim Munir warns India of stronger response in future conflicts
Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces, Field Marshal Asim Munir, issued a stern warning to India, stating that the country should not be under any illusion about Pakistan’s response in future conflicts.
“Next time, Pakistan’s reply will be even faster and more intense,” remarked Field Marshal Asim Munir during a guard of honour ceremony held at the General Headquarters (GHQ) on Monday in Rawalpindi to honour him on his appointment as Pakistan’s first chief of defence forces.
While addressing officers of the armed forces, Field Marshal Munir highlighted the historic significance of the newly established Defence Forces Headquarters, which he described as a crucial step in the evolving military landscape. “Given the increasing and shifting threats, it is imperative that we enhance our multi-domain operations under a unified system of the three armed forces,” he said.
He further elaborated that each service would maintain its operational individuality, but the Defence Forces Headquarters would streamline and synchronise operations across the military branches. “With unified top command, the three armed forces will maintain their internal autonomy and organisational structures,” he added.
CDF also commented on Pakistan’s strategic stance regarding the Taliban regime, declaring that a clear message had been sent: “They have no option but to choose between the Khawarjis or Pakistan.”
Reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to peace, CDF added, “I want to emphasise that Pakistan is a peace-loving country. However, no one will be allowed to undermine our sovereignty, territorial integrity, or challenge our resolve.”
In closing, the CDF underscored Pakistan’s indomitable spirit: “Let it be known that the concept of Pakistan is invincible, protected by brave soldiers and a united nation with unwavering resolve. Long live Pakistan.”
During the ceremony, contingents from the three armed forces presented the COAS and the newly appointed chief of defence forces with a formal guard of honour. Field Marshal Munir was also presented with a general salute and inspected the guard of honour, the state broadcaster reported.
The event was attended by senior military officers, including the Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Naveed Ashraf and the Chief of the Air Staff of Pakistan Air Force, Zaheer Ahmad Babar, paying tribute to the newly appointed defence chief.
Gold prices climb again in local, international markets
Gold prices have once again begun to climb in both international and local markets.
In the international bullion market, the price of gold increased by $16 per ounce, reaching $4,214. Spot gold rose 0.3% to $4,209.43 per ounce by 0851 GMT, while US gold futures for December delivery slipped 0.1% to $4,239.40 per ounce.
Silver was up 0.3% at $58.43 per ounce, after hitting a record high of $59.32 on Friday.
Following the global uptick, the price of 24-karat gold in the local market on Monday rose by Rs1,600 per tola, hitting Rs443,762.
The price of 10 grams of gold increased by Rs1,372 to Rs380,454.
Similarly, silver prices climbed in the local market, with per tola rates rising by Rs30 to Rs6,102, and 10 grams going up by Rs26 to Rs5,231.
On Dec 5, the increase in global rates translated directly into the domestic market. In local bullion markets, the price of gold per tola climbed by Rs3000, reaching Rs444,462.
Similarly, the price of 10 grams of gold rose by Rs2572, settling at Rs 381,064.
BRT bus crashes between University of Peshawar, Islamia College stations
A BRT bus accident occurred between the University of Peshawar and Islamia College stations after the driver fell ill suddenly, according to Trans Peshawar officials.
The bus went off the track and collided with safety barriers, breaking several windows. Eyewitnesses reported that the driver also fell from the vehicle during the incident. Several passengers sustained minor injuries, but all were reported safe, the spokesperson added.
Rescue and medical teams immediately reached the scene and provided assistance to the driver, who was transferred to the hospital for medical examination. The BRT bus was rendered inoperative and will be moved to the terminal, while machinery has been requested to clear the route.
Transport Peshawar emphasised that passenger safety remains a top priority and that all necessary measures are continuously monitored to prevent such incidents. The spokesperson noted that the accident occurred due to the driver’s sudden illness, compounded by insufficient rest.
LDA seals 53 properties in crackdown on illegal commercial buildings
Lahore Development Authority has launched operations against illegal commercial buildings in LDA-controlled areas.
Under the instructions of Tahir Farooq, the civic agency’s Town Planning Wing conducted operations in various areas, sealing 53 properties in total. The operations were carried out in New Garden Town, Faisal Town, Gulshan Ravi, Samanabad, and Allama Iqbal Town.
In New Garden Town and Faisal Town, 18 properties were sealed due to illegal commercial use and non-payment of commercial fees. In Gulshan Ravi and Samanabad, 15 properties were sealed for illegal commercial use. During a recovery operation in Allama Iqbal Town, 20 properties were sealed.
The sealed properties include a wide variety of establishments, such as private schools, food points, pharmacies, clinics, showrooms, grocery stores, workshops, shops, offices, and others.
The operation was carried out under the supervision of Chief Town Planner Asad Uz Zaman, ensuring proper coordination and effective enforcement.
DG LDA stated that operations against illegal commercial buildings and defaulters of commercial fees are ongoing without discrimination, highlighting the administration’s commitment to enforcing regulations uniformly across all areas.
DG LDA and the Town Planning Wing have pledged to continue these operations across all regions under LDA jurisdiction. Property owners and commercial operators are being urged to comply with legal requirements to avoid enforcement action. The administration has emphasized that all enforcement actions are carried out impartially, targeting both large and small violators alike.
Through these efforts, authorities are sending a clear message that illegal commercial operations will not be tolerated, and adherence to rules and regulations is mandatory for all property owners. The ongoing operations are part of a broader initiative to regularize commercial activities and address non-compliance in Lahore’s urban areas.
The LDA confirmed that monitoring and follow-up measures will continue to ensure compliance and prevent any recurrence of illegal commercial activity in the city.
Indonesian President Subianto lands in Islamabad for his first two-day official visit
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto landed in Islamabad on Monday for a two-day official visit on the invitation of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
The Indonesian president is accompanied by a delegation comprising key ministers and senior officials. His visit carries added significance as it coincides with the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and Indonesia.
State broadcaster PTV News reported that PM Shehbaz and President Asif Ali Zardari welcomed the Indonesian leader at the Nur Khan airbase.
Earlier, in a post on X, the Foreign Office of Pakistan detailed that President Prabowo is set to hold meetings with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, President Asif Ali Zardari, Chief of Army Staff and the Chief of Defence Forces, Field Marshal Asim Munir.
The two sides will address an extensive agenda focused on deepening Pakistan-Indonesia ties and identifying fresh opportunities for cooperation across trade, investment, defence, health, IT, climate, education and culture, while also working to strengthen collaboration on regional and global platforms.
“Several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) are expected to be signed during the visit,” the FO post states.
The post details the close relationship shared between Pakistan and Indonesia, reinforced by “shared values and mutual interests.”
“The visit of President Prabowo will provide an important opportunity to deepen bilateral ties and expand mutually beneficial cooperation, contributing to the continued growth and diversification of the partnership between the two countries”.
The last presidential visit from Indonesia to Pakistan was undertaken by President Joko Widodo in 2018.
In July this year, Indonesia’s Defence Minister Lt Gen (retired) Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin called on PM Shehbaz at the PM Office, where he reiterated Indonesia’s desire to “further strengthen defence ties with Pakistan and to explore possible areas for cooperation, especially in defence production”, according to a statement from government-run PID.
Defence Minister Sjamsoeddin also met with Field Marshal Munir at the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi to discuss strengthening military ties, the military’s media wing reported.
According to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the Indonesian defence minister, who is leading a delegation of senior representatives from various military and intelligence agencies, held wide-ranging talks with Pakistan’s top military leadership.
Previously, Indonesian Consul General Mudzakir MA has said that trade with Pakistan has continued to grow steadily, reaching $4.2 billion in 2024. From January to September 2025, bilateral trade stood at $2.92 billion, compared to $2.69 billion during the same period of 2024, reflecting a strong and encouraging increase in economic engagements.
Transporters standstill in Rawalpindi as unions rally against heavy fines
The strike by transporters against heavy fines and the registration of cases under the Motor Vehicle (Amendment) Ordinance continues in Rawalpindi. Public and goods transport operators have suspended services across the city.
Office-bearers of the United Transport Federation and representatives of public and goods transport bodies are currently in Lahore. Talks held late last night ended without progress, and a second round of negotiations is scheduled for 2pm today.
Transport services running from Peshawar Road and IJP Road towards Islamabad have been partially restored. Inter-city transport is also present on the IJP Road from Mandi Mor.
On Chakri Road, members of the Suzuki Union have forcibly disrupted the transport system at several points. The Suzuki Union has been removing passengers from pick-and-drop vans and other transport vehicles.
Raja Khaqan Jameel, President of the Transport Welfare Owners Association at the Pirwadhai General Bus Stand, said the strike had been “fully successful”, with not a single vehicle departing from the terminal. He said it was unclear how long the strike would last, adding that it would continue until their demands were accepted.
“We hope the government will take notice,” Jameel said, describing fines of Rs15,000, Rs20,000 and Rs50,000, along with the registration of cases against transporters and drivers, as “unjust”. “No transporter will bring their vehicle onto the road until our demands are met,” he added.
Passengers arriving at bus stands have been left stranded and distressed due to the lack of available transport.
All transport organisations — including the Transport Federation, United Transport Union, Inter-City Transport, Goods Transport and all inter-district transport unions — announced a complete wheel-jam strike of public and goods transport today against heavy traffic fines, penalties and vehicle impoundment.
They warned that if heavy fines and vehicle impoundment were not stopped, a second wheel-jam strike this week would be held at the national level, and transport operations from Khyber to Karachi would come to a halt. Today, no vehicle will depart from the General Bus Stand Pirwadhai, 44 small and large transport terminals across the district, and three goods transport terminals.
“Send us to jail if you want, register cases if you like — but the strike will be complete,” the leaders said, adding that the current government was “squeezing the blood of the public”.
They have said the protest would remain peaceful, but no transport would run. “The government has made transporters a scapegoat — it takes loans itself but forces transporters to pay through heavy fines,” said Transport Federation Vice President Asif Khan and Chairperson United Transport Association, Islamabad-Rawalpindi Muhammad Irfan Niazi.
They said the Punjab government had implemented the amended Transport Ordinance 2025, under which all transport-related sectors were being fined hundreds of thousands of rupees.
“Employees earning Rs25,000 are being humiliated publicly with fines worth millions,” they said. “From transporters to common citizens — everyone is suffering due to fines and harsh laws. Until the common man is safe, the transporter cannot be safe.” They questioned how imposing an Rs2,000 fine on a motorcycle could be justified.
They warned that if the government failed to implement their charter of demands, they would be forced to halt their vehicles. “On 8 December, all A, B, C, and D category bus terminals will remain closed,” they said.
They further stated that they had transported people out of Afghanistan for the government at a mutually agreed rate of Rs25,000 per vehicle, but payment had still not been made.
“The government tests us and then tries to shut down our own households. We will defend the lawful livelihood of our children,” they said.
They added that the wheel-jam strike would take place across Punjab, along with Rawalpindi and Islamabad and could continue indefinitely.
Punjab traffic police authorities on Tuesday defended the recent amendments to the Motor Vehicle Ordinance 1965, asserting that the revised penalties are not meant to burden citizens but to ensure long-ignored traffic laws are finally enforced.
Secretary of the Regional Transport Authority (RTA), Asad Abbas Shirazi, said electric buses on urban routes and the metro service were providing regular travel facilities to passengers. He added that all D-Class transport stands were operating intercity services as usual.
Shirazi warned that legal action would be taken against any individuals attempting to use force or disrupt operations. He said vehicles offering pick-and-drop services were required to follow the passenger limits already defined in their route permits.
He emphasised that the safety of citizens’ lives and property could not be compromised. A detailed report on ongoing transport operations across urban and intercity routes has been submitted to the provincial government.
D-Class stands had assured authorities a day earlier that they would not participate in the strike.
Mawra Hocane chooses scripts that give women a voice
Mawra Hocane says the roles she takes on are guided by a simple principle: the stories should say something meaningful, particularly about women’s lives. Speaking recently about her approach to work, she explained that women’s rights have long shaped the kind of scripts she accepts.
“I’m a big advocate for women’s rights and I try to somehow incorporate that in the scripts I choose,” she said. She added that the impact of her work often becomes clear through the women who approach her with their own stories. “I felt the most gratitude in so many moments when women have come up to me and they’ve told me that somehow watching my dramas has shown them some direction in life and has helped them solve some problems in their life.”
Her drama Jafaa, which centres on domestic abuse, is one example she points to when discussing the responsibility that comes with such roles. Hocane recalled being stopped at an airport by a woman who said that after 23 years in an abusive marriage, it was watching Jafaa that finally pushed her to leave. Reflecting on that moment, Hocane said, “One can imagine the impact of a drama that it can have on people, the kind of strength it can give to women.”
Her emphasis on women’s agency extends beyond her onscreen work. Earlier this year, in an Instagram video, Hocane spoke about the importance of financial independence for young women — a lesson she said she grew up with. “I was taught at a very young age that for girls, financial independence is very important,” she said, addressing younger followers directly. “To all the girls watching, I would say there is nothing better than financial independence.”
For her, earning one’s own money is tied to confidence and self-reliance. “No matter how good your family is. How rich your family is. Or your in-laws or your husband. I think the money you earn with your hard work gives you a different kind of confidence,” she said.
Together, her comments outline an approach to work and public voice that is rooted in intention – choosing projects that speak to women’s realities and using her platform to underline the issues shes considers essential.
Man kills wife, daughter over domestic dispute in Karachi’s Gizri area
KARACHI:
A man stabbed his wife and young daughter to death during a domestic dispute in Karachi’s Gizri neighbourhood.
The incident occurred near Noorani Mosque in Upper Gizri’s Baloch Para, where the accused, identified as Samiullah, is alleged to have attacked his family with a sharp weapon.
Police have registered a murder case under Section 302 of the Pakistan Penal Code at Clifton police station on the complaint of Faisal Khan, son of Naik Muhammad, the brother of the deceased woman. According to the FIR, the victims were identified as 43-year-old Kulsoom, wife of the accused, and their 11-year-old daughter, Maryam.
In his statement to the police, Faisal Khan, a resident of Gulshan-e-Nabeel, Hub Chowk, said his sister was living with her family near Noorani Mosque in Upper Gizri. He received information that his brother-in-law had stabbed Kulsoom and Maryam at their residence. On reaching Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre, he learnt that both victims had been brought to the hospital after the attack.
The complainant further stated that the incident took place at around 9:30pm on December 5, when the accused allegedly attacked his wife and daughter with a knife. He urged the police to initiate legal proceedings against the suspect.
Police officials said the accused allegedly killed his wife on the spot and critically injured his daughter. Both were shifted to Jinnah Hospital in a Chhipa ambulance.
SHO Clifton Imran Saad reached the crime scene, arrested the accused, and recovered the alleged murder weapon. Police later confirmed the identities of the deceased and shifted the suspect to the police station for further investigation.
Police said preliminary investigations suggest that the double murder was the result of a domestic dispute.