Wasim Akram Backs Pakistan’s Squad Amid Allegations of Favouritism After New Zealand Loss in Champions Trophy

Wasim Akram

Legendary former pacer Wasim Akram has strongly defended Pakistan’s squad, dismissing accusations of favouritism in team selection after their loss to New Zealand in the Champions Trophy opener on Wednesday at Karachi’s National Bank Stadium.

Speaking on a sports show alongside Cheteshwar Pujara and Nikhil Chopra, Akram affirmed that Pakistan’s current squad includes the country’s top players, refuting suggestions that selections were influenced by personal connections. “If I’m being honest, I’ll say this—these are our best players. If someone was better, they would’ve been selected. There’s no place for ‘parchi’ (favouritism) at this level,” Akram stated confidently.

Pakistan’s campaign has been dealt a blow with the injury of opening batter Fakhar Zaman, who has been ruled out of the tournament. Imam-ul-Haq has been called up to replace him for the remaining matches of the Champions Trophy.

Fakhar’s injury occurred while fielding against New Zealand when he fell awkwardly during the opening over. After a medical evaluation, it was confirmed that he would not be fit to continue, and the Event Technical Committee of the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 approved Imam-ul-Haq’s inclusion as a replacement.

Imam, who has been part of the Pakistan Shaheens squad, displayed good form recently with a stunning 98-run performance in a warm-up match against South Africa.

Pakistan’s tournament opener against New Zealand ended in a 60-run defeat, with Pakistan chasing a target of 321. Despite a valiant effort from Khushdil Shah (69 off 49) and Babar Azam (64 off 90), Pakistan were bowled out for 260. New Zealand’s century makers, Will Young and Tom Latham, along with a rapid 61 from Glenn Phillips, powered their team to a commanding win.

Now, Pakistan’s hopes of defending their title rest on their upcoming match against arch-rivals India, with the team needing a victory to stay alive in the tournament.

Updated Pakistan Squad for Champions Trophy:
Mohammad Rizwan (c), Babar Azam, Imam-ul-Haq, Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Tayyab Tahir, Faheem Ashraf, Khushdil Shah, Salman Ali Agha, Usman Khan, Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi.

iPhone 16 Lineup, Including iPhone 16e, Assembled in India for Domestic and Export Markets

iPhone 16 Lineup,

In a further push to the local manufacturing, the entire iPhone 16 lineup, including the newly-launched iPhone 16e, is now being assembled in India for domestic market as well as for exports, as industry experts on Thursday cleared the air around the new device being compared to now-retired iPhone SE.

The new Apple device, with A18 chip, breakthrough battery life, Apple Intelligence, and a 48MP 2-in-1 camera system, is being manufactured/assembled for local consumption as well as for export to select countries.

According to experts, iPhone 16e is not iPhone SE4 and the whole “comparison is futile”.When iPhone SE was launched, it was another masterstroke at that time. However, times have changed since then.

“Essentially, Apple retired the SE lineup and extended the iPhone 16 lineup with a new entry point. iPhone SE was no longer adding any value to consumers, developers or Apple,” said Neil Shah, Partner and Co-Founder at Counterpoint Research.The iPhone SE which was positioned as a “Special Edition,” which brought nostalgia of older and smaller design, was priced around $400.

However, the iPhone SE lost its value and popularity, which used to be once 16 per cent of the total iPhone sales volumes, dropped to 1 per cent last year.

According to Shah, consumers now prefer better cameras, bigger displays and faster processors.“With all this background, what Apple did was to extend the 16 series with a newer ‘base version’ of iPhone 16 and now retired SE,” Shah explained.

According to industry experts, the company has done well with streamlining the series, reducing fragmentation in design and experience and able to charge $599 (US)/Rs 59,999 (India) with the newest entry point for the best Apple experiences.

Meghan Markle Shares Heartwarming Photo with Daughter Lilibet as She Unveils New Venture

Meghan Markle

Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, has once again captured the public’s heart with a touching new photograph of her and daughter Princess Lilibet. The image, shared recently, shows the pair walking hand-in-hand across a grassy field, both barefoot and dressed in white dresses. The serene moment was shared by Meghan alongside an exciting announcement about her latest business venture, As Ever.

A New Chapter: As Ever

In a video posted on her Instagram account earlier this week, Meghan introduced her new lifestyle brand, As Ever. The brand is described as a project she has been working on for some time, and one that she has poured her heart into. Meghan revealed that As Ever is not just a business, but a reflection of her personal journey and values.

Meghan explained the meaning behind the name As Ever, stating, “’As ever’ means ‘as it’s always been’ or some even say ‘in the same way as always’.” The brand will focus on lifestyle, wellness, and sustainable living, aligning with many of the causes Meghan has championed over the years, including environmentalism, mental health, and women’s empowerment.

The Sweet Photo of Meghan and Lilibet

The photograph of Meghan and Lilibet, featured on Meghan’s new website for As Ever, showcases a rare, intimate moment between the mother and daughter. The image is both simple and powerful, capturing the bond between the two as they share a peaceful moment outdoors. The sight of the barefoot duo walking hand-in-hand through a picturesque setting adds a personal and family-centered touch to the announcement.

This heartwarming photo comes at a time when Meghan has been making strides in both her professional and personal life, with her Netflix series set to launch in just a few weeks. The candid nature of the image provides a glimpse into her life beyond the public spotlight, offering a personal connection with her fans and followers.

A Vision for the Future

Meghan’s announcement of As Ever marks a significant step in her career after stepping back from royal duties with her husband, Prince Harry. Over the past few years, the couple has focused on various philanthropic initiatives, and Meghan’s new brand is poised to reflect her passion for creating positive change in the world. With the support of her family, including Lilibet, who is seen in the photo with her mother, Meghan’s venture is likely to resonate with many who admire her authenticity and commitment to causes close to her heart.

In addition to the launch of As Ever, Meghan also teased the upcoming release of her Netflix series. This series is expected to further explore themes of personal growth, well-being, and social impact, all of which align with the mission of her new brand.

A Bright Future Ahead

As Meghan embarks on this new chapter with As Ever, it’s clear that her vision extends beyond business. It’s a blend of her lifestyle, her values, and her commitment to making a difference. The heartwarming photo of Meghan and Lilibet serves as a reminder of the importance of family, connection, and the pursuit of passions that can have a meaningful impact on the world.

With a focus on authenticity and sustainability, As Ever seems poised to be a reflection of Meghan’s journey — one filled with love, purpose, and the support of her family. As she continues to grow in her professional and personal endeavors, Meghan’s fans are sure to be excited to see what’s next for her and her brand.

In the meantime, the photo of Meghan and Lilibet serves as a reminder of the simple joys in life and the importance of cherishing those moments with the ones we love.

Elon Musk’s 13th Child? Shocking Claim by Influencer Ashley St Clair Reveals Billionaire’s Secret!

Elon Musk

Elon Musk, the billionaire entrepreneur and CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, is no stranger to headlines. From his ambitious ventures in space exploration to his polarizing presence on social media, Musk has consistently been a figure of global fascination. However, recent claims by conservative US influencer Ashley St Clair have added a deeply personal and controversial dimension to his public persona. St Clair alleges that Musk is the father of her five-month-old child, which, if true, would make this his 13th child. This article delves into the details of the claim, the reactions it has sparked, and the broader implications for Musk’s personal and professional life.

Elon Musk
Elon Musk , Image Source / SONNY TUMBELAKA / Contributor / Getty Images

The Claim: Ashley St Clair’s Bombshell Announcement

On a seemingly ordinary day, Ashley St Clair, a conservative influencer known for her political commentary, sent shockwaves across social media with a post on X (formerly Twitter). In her statement, St Clair revealed that she had given birth to a child five months prior and that Elon Musk was the father. She explained that she had kept this information private to protect her child’s privacy and safety but felt compelled to go public after learning that tabloid media intended to expose the story.

“Five months ago, I welcomed a new baby into the world. Elon Musk is the father. I have not previously disclosed this to protect our child’s privacy and safety, but in recent days, it has become clear that tabloid media intends to do so, regardless of the harm it will cause,” St Clair wrote.

The announcement immediately sparked a frenzy of speculation and debate. Musk, who is already the father of 12 children from previous relationships, has not publicly acknowledged the child or directly responded to St Clair’s claim. However, his reaction to a five-year-old post from St Clair, in which she joked about seeking his attention for a marriage proposal, added fuel to the fire. Musk simply commented, “Whoa,” leaving many to wonder whether this was an acknowledgment, a dismissal, or merely a reaction to the resurfaced post.

Who Is Ashley St Clair?

Ashley St Clair is a conservative political commentator and influencer with a significant following on social media. Known for her outspoken views and engagement in political discourse, St Clair has built a reputation as a vocal advocate for conservative causes. Her claim about Musk being the father of her child has thrust her into an even brighter spotlight, raising questions about her motivations and the nature of her relationship with the billionaire.

In an interview with the New York Post, St Clair provided additional details about her alleged relationship with Musk. She claimed that Musk had provided her with a luxurious apartment in New York’s Financial District and a security detail but denied any romantic involvement. According to St Clair, she spent her pregnancy alone and was asked to keep the pregnancy private. She also shared text messages exchanged with Jared Birchall, Musk’s money manager, which appear to show her compliance with Musk’s request to keep his name off the birth certificate for privacy and security reasons.

St Clair’s decision to go public, she said, was driven by the actions of a tabloid media outlet that began investigating the story. “I am sad that my hand was forced by the media to do this now. But there is also a sense of relief because I have been forced to live in secrecy for almost a year of my life,” she stated.

Elon Musk’s Reaction: Silence and Speculation

Elon Musk’s response to St Clair’s claim has been notably muted. Beyond his cryptic “Whoa” comment on the resurfaced post, Musk has not publicly addressed the allegation. This silence has led to widespread speculation about his involvement and the validity of St Clair’s claim.

Some observers have interpreted Musk’s lack of response as an indication that the claim may be unfounded or exaggerated. Others have suggested that his silence is a strategic move to avoid fueling further media attention. Musk, who is known for his active and often controversial presence on social media, has previously used the platform to address personal matters, making his silence in this instance particularly noteworthy.

The Social Media Frenzy

St Clair’s announcement has ignited a firestorm of discussion on social media. The claim has been met with a mix of skepticism, curiosity, and outrage. Some users have accused St Clair of orchestrating a calculated attempt to involve Musk, while others have expressed sympathy for her situation and called for respect for her privacy.

One X user, Milo, highlighted a five-year-old post in which St Clair joked about seeking Musk’s attention for a marriage proposal. “Ashley St Clair plotted for HALF A DECADE to ensnare Elon Musk,” Milo wrote, suggesting that the claim may be part of a long-term plan. St Clair responded by pointing out that Musk “goes through women pretty fast,” further fueling the debate.

Musk’s reaction to the resurfaced post—a single-word comment of “Whoa”—has been interpreted in various ways. Some see it as an acknowledgment of the claim, while others view it as a dismissive or sarcastic response. The ambiguity of Musk’s reaction has only added to the intrigue surrounding the story.

Privacy and Media Ethics

One of the central themes of this controversy is the issue of privacy. St Clair has emphasized that her decision to go public was motivated by a desire to protect her child from media scrutiny. “Kids should be off limits for journalists,” she wrote in a post announcing her decision to take a break from X. “Will be spending time with my family & logging off for a while.”

The role of tabloid media in forcing St Clair’s hand has also raised questions about media ethics. St Clair claims that she was compelled to reveal the information after learning that a tabloid outlet was planning to publish the story. This raises important questions about the balance between public interest and individual privacy, particularly when it involves children.

Elon Musk’s Growing Family

If St Clair’s claim is true, this would be Musk’s 13th child. Musk is already the father of 12 children from previous relationships, including his first son, Nevada Alexandar, with Canadian author Justine Wilson, and his son X Æ A-12 with musician Grimes. Musk’s large family has been a topic of public interest, particularly given his outspoken views on population growth and his belief in the importance of having children to ensure the future of humanity.

Musk’s approach to fatherhood has been unconventional, to say the least. He has spoken openly about his desire to have many children and has been involved in various controversies related to his personal life. The addition of a 13th child, if confirmed, would further cement Musk’s status as one of the most prolific fathers among the world’s elite.

The Broader Implications

The controversy surrounding St Clair’s claim has broader implications for Musk’s personal and professional life. As one of the most high-profile figures in the world, Musk’s actions and decisions are subject to intense scrutiny. A claim of this nature has the potential to impact his public image, particularly if it leads to legal or financial repercussions.

For St Clair, the announcement represents a significant moment in her life and career. While it has brought her increased attention, it has also exposed her to criticism and skepticism. Her decision to go public with the claim reflects the challenges faced by individuals navigating the intersection of personal privacy and public interest.

Conclusion

The claim that Elon Musk may have welcomed his 13th child with Ashley St Clair is a story that encapsulates the complexities of modern celebrity culture. It raises important questions about privacy, media ethics, and the responsibilities that come with immense wealth and influence. As the situation continues to unfold, it serves as a reminder of the human stories that often lie behind the headlines.

Whether or not the claim is ultimately proven true, it has already left an indelible mark on the public discourse surrounding Elon Musk. For now, the world watches and waits for further developments, as one of the most enigmatic figures of our time navigates yet another chapter in his extraordinary life.


Amir of Qatar Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani to Visit India for Bilateral Talks on February 17-18

Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani

Amir of Qatar, Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani, will pay a state visit to India on February 17-18 at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced on Saturday.

The statement noted that the Amir will be accompanied by a high-level delegation, including Ministers, senior officials, and a business delegation. This will be his second visit to India, the first being in March 2015.

The Amir will be accorded a ceremonial welcome at Rashtrapati Bhawan on February 18. During his visit, he will hold discussions with President Droupadi Murmu, who will also host a banquet in his honour. He will also hold talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, covering bilateral relations, trade, investment, energy, and regional issues, the MEA mentioned.

India and Qatar have deep-rooted historical ties of friendship, trust and mutual respect.

Earlier this year, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar visited Doha for his first diplomatic engagement of 2025, where he met Qatar’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani

Following the meeting in a post on X, Jaishankar said, “I am Delighted to meet PM and FM Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani in Doha today. This is my first diplomatic engagement in 2025. We will have a productive review of our bilateral cooperation and a wide-ranging discussion on recent regional and global developments.”

In recent years, the ties between the two countries including in the areas of trade, investment, energy, technology, culture and people-to-people ties have continued to strengthen, the MEA noted.

Further, the MEA in its statement added that the Indian community residing in Qatar forms the largest expatriate community of Qatar, and is appreciated for its positive contribution in the progress and development of Qatar. The visit of the Amir will provide further momentum to our growing multifaceted partnership. (ANI)

Humza Yousaf Condemns Trump’s Gaza Plan as “Ethnic Cleansing” and Criticizes Elon Musk’s Influence

Humza Yousaf

Humza Yousaf, the former Scottish First Minister, has been a vocal critic of both US political decisions and influential figures, including former President Donald Trump and billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk. In a revealing interview with Al Arabiya News, Yousaf addressed two key topics: the controversial proposal by Trump to relocate Palestinians from Gaza and the growing influence of Musk on Western politics. His strong statements on these issues underline his concerns about racial injustice, the fragility of the Gaza ceasefire, and the impact of concentrated wealth on democratic systems.

Trump’s Gaza Plan and “Ethnic Cleansing”

One of the most significant comments made by Yousaf during his interview was his condemnation of Donald Trump’s proposal to relocate Palestinians from Gaza, labeling it as the “textbook definition of ethnic cleansing.” This remark came in response to a question about whether he believed Trump’s plan met the criteria for ethnic cleansing, given its aim to forcibly move Palestinians out of their homeland.

Trump’s proposal, which suggested relocating Palestinians from Gaza to other Arab countries, sparked global outrage and controversy. Yousaf was unequivocal in his criticism, emphasizing that such a move would forcefully displace an entire population, leading to an erasure of their history, identity, and cultural ties to the region.

“It’s the very textbook definition of ethnic cleansing,” Yousaf said, stressing the dire implications for the Palestinian people. He further expressed concerns about the international community’s failure to confront the issue head-on, particularly Western governments’ reluctance to label Trump’s plan as such.

Yousaf also expressed his unease regarding the fragility of the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas that had taken effect on January 19, noting that it was at significant risk of collapse. He warned that if the truce failed, innocent civilians would be the ones to suffer, rather than militants or terrorists. His remarks reflected a deep concern for the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the ongoing conflict that continues to devastate the region.

Systemic Racism and Western Inaction

A major theme in Yousaf’s interview was the criticism of Western leaders for their failure to call out Trump’s Gaza plan as ethnic cleansing, something he attributed to entrenched racism. Yousaf argued that the global response would have been vastly different if Russian President Vladimir Putin had proposed a similar plan for Ukrainians, highlighting what he sees as a stark double standard.

“If the last 16 months have taught us anything, the stark reality is that Palestinian lives, Arab lives are not equal to the lives of Europeans and those in the West,” Yousaf stated. “And that is entrenched in systemic, institutionalized racism.”

This statement underscores Yousaf’s belief that the international community, particularly Western governments, fails to treat Palestinian lives with the same value and urgency as lives in Europe or the West. He pointed out that racism continues to shape political discourse and global policies, which leads to disproportionate reactions to crises involving marginalized communities.

Furthermore, Yousaf criticized the British government’s stance on the Israel-Palestine conflict. He accused London of being “complicit” in Israel’s military actions against Gaza through its continued arms sales to Israel. Yousaf’s remarks reflected growing frustration with what he perceives as a lack of accountability and moral leadership in addressing the situation.

Support for Palestinian Statehood

In addition to his condemnation of Trump’s Gaza plan, Yousaf also voiced his support for the recognition of Palestine as a sovereign state. He expressed frustration with countries that have not yet recognized Palestine as a state, arguing that this refusal undermines the legitimacy of any proposed two-state solution. He emphasized that the two-state solution cannot be a meaningful path forward if one of the states—the Palestinian state—is not even recognized by the international community.

Yousaf asserted that if Scotland had the legal authority to do so, it would recognize Palestine as an independent state. “You can’t say that you agree with a two-state solution but only choose to recognize one state,” he said, further highlighting the hypocrisy he perceives in international politics.

Elon Musk: The Most Dangerous Man on the Planet

While Yousaf’s comments on the Israel-Palestine conflict were significant, his remarks on Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, were perhaps even more provocative. Yousaf previously referred to Musk as “the most dangerous man on the planet,” and in his recent interview, he explained the reasoning behind this statement.

Yousaf’s criticism of Musk centers around the billionaire’s immense wealth and influence, particularly how it enables him to gain access to political leaders and sway public opinion. “I called him the most dangerous man on the planet given he was using his billions to buy unfettered access to arguably the most powerful man in the world—the president of the United States,” Yousaf explained.

Yousaf’s concern lies in the way Musk has leveraged his wealth and platforms to amplify far-right ideologies and influence political decisions. He accused Musk of aligning with far-right groups and holding White supremacist sympathies. This is particularly troubling for Yousaf, who sees Musk’s influence as a threat to the values of democracy and equality.

“Not only is Elon Musk Islamophobic, I think he is somebody who clearly has White supremacist, far-right sympathies,” Yousaf stated, further intensifying the critique. He also criticized Musk for his public attacks on British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and warned that the rise of far-right ideologies poses a significant threat to Western democracy.

The Rise of the Far-Right and the Threat to Democracy

Yousaf’s critique of Musk goes beyond personal attacks. He sees Musk’s influence as part of a broader, dangerous trend—the rise of far-right ideologies and anti-Muslim hatred. Yousaf believes that if this trend continues unchecked, Western democracy could face a serious collapse.

“The rise of the far-right, which is driven by predominantly anti-Muslim hatred, if we continue to allow this rising tide of the far-right to continue, if we don’t confront it, if we don’t confront those who support it, influence it and amplify it like Elon Musk, then I think western democracy is under threat of complete collapse,” Yousaf warned.

His concerns about Musk’s influence extend to the way billionaires can manipulate political systems. Yousaf questioned how true democracy can exist when wealthy individuals like Musk have the power to sway elections and political outcomes.

“How on earth can we have a true democracy when oligarchs like Elon Musk can buy elections?” Yousaf asked. “How can we have a democracy when the world’s richest man – through his money, wealth, platforms, influence – can overthrow or attempt to overthrow democratically elected heads of government?”

Conclusion

Humza Yousaf’s interview highlighted two of the most pressing issues of our time: the plight of the Palestinian people and the rising influence of powerful billionaires like Elon Musk. His condemnation of Trump’s Gaza plan as ethnic cleansing and his warning about the dangers of far-right ideologies and the manipulation of democracy by wealthy elites provide a powerful commentary on the state of global politics.

Yousaf’s call for greater recognition of Palestinian statehood, his criticism of Western leaders’ inaction, and his concerns about the future of democracy in the face of powerful corporate interests are reminders of the ongoing struggles for justice, equality, and political accountability in today’s world. His words are a call to action, urging both governments and individuals to confront these issues head-on and work toward a more equitable and just future for all.

Afghan Asylum Seeker Drives Into Munich Germany Crowd Ahead of Security Conference, 28 Injured

Afghan Asylum Seeker Drives Into Munich Germany Crowd Ahead of Security Conference, 28 Injured

Some 28 people were injured when a 24-year-old Afghan asylum seeker drove a car into a crowd of people in Munich in what the state premier said was probably an attack on Thursday, as the German city prepared to host a top-level security conference.

Police in the southern city said a car approached police vehicles stopped by a demonstration held by the Verdi union before speeding up and hitting people.The suspected attack throws security back into the spotlight before a federal election next week following several other violent attacks.

It also came hours before leading international figures, including US Vice President JD Vance and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, were in the city for the high-profile Munich Security Conference, which starts on Friday.

“It was probably an attack,” Bavaria state premier Markus Soeder told reporters.Bavaria’s interior minister said he did not suspect there was a connection to the conference.Police said they had detained the driver and did not consider him to pose any further threat.

A passer-by said he witnessed the incident from a window of a neighbouring office building. The car, a Mini Cooper, had threaded its way between the police vehicles and then accelerated, he said.Another witness said she had seen part of the incident from a building. The car had accelerated and hit several people in the crowd, she said.

People in the crowd were taking part in a strike held by the Verdi public sector workers’ union whose leader, Frank Werneke, expressed shock but said he had no further details.Police set up a gathering point for witnesses in the Loewenbraeukeller, one of Munich’s oldest beer halls.The incident occurred around 1.5 kilometres (1 mile) from the security conference venue.

Turkish President Erdogan Arrives in Islamabad for Official Visit to Strengthen Pakistan-Turkey Relations

Turkiye President Erdogan

Turkish President Erdogan has landed in Islamabad on a two-day official visit at the invitation of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.The Turkish president was warmly welcomed by top Pakistani officials at the Nur Khan Airbase in Rawalpindi in the wee hours of Thursday.

Upon his arrival, President Erdogan was greeted by Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, First Lady Aseefa Bhutto, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, and other senior government figures.

A ceremonial 21-gun salute marked the Turkish leader’s arrival. Earlier, the Pakistan Air Force jets escorted his aircraft into the country’s airspace.President Erdogan, who was accompanied by a high-level delegation, was also joined by his wife, the First Lady of Turkiye.

Two children, attired in traditional dresses presented bouquet to the Turkish President and the First Lady.The airport reception also featured a performance by a military band, while children waved the flags of Pakistan and Turkiye, symbolising the strong ties between the two nations. 

His visit includes high-level engagements aimed at strengthening bilateral relations and economic cooperation between Pakistan and Türkiye.

President Erdogan arrived in the Pakistani capital accompanied by a high-level delegation comprising ministers, senior officials, and corporate leaders. He will be accorded a warm welcome upon arrival.

The visit comes days after President Asif Ali Zardari met President Erdogan during a brief stop at Istanbul Airport in Turkiye.In their meeting, the two leaders exchanged cordial remarks and discussed bilateral relations and matters of mutual interest.

During his visit, the Turkish president will co-chair the seventh meeting of the Pakistan-Turkiye High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council (HLSCC) alongside PM Shehbaz.

The meeting will conclude with a joint declaration, and several key agreements and Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) are expected to be signed. The two leaders will also address a joint press conference.Additionally, President Erdogan will hold separate meetings with the prime minister and President Zardari.

He is also set to speak at the Pakistan-Turkiye Business and Investment Forum, which will be attended by leading investors, companies, and business figures from both countries.

The HLSCC is the highest decision-making platform between Pakistan and Türkiye, providing strategic direction to bilateral relations. It oversees multiple joint standing committees focused on trade, investment, banking, finance, culture, tourism, energy, defence, agriculture, transport, communications, IT, health, science and technology, and education.

Six HLSCC meetings have been held so far, with the last one taking place in Islamabad on 13-14 February 2020.Pakistan and Turkiye share historic and brotherly ties. President Erdogan’s visit and the seventh HLSCC session will further deepen these relations and enhance multi-dimensional cooperation between the two nations.

DeepSeek AI Models Offer Hope for Chinese Chipmakers to Compete with US Processors

Chinese deepseek

The rise of DeepSeek’s artificial intelligence (AI) models is seen providing some Chinese chipmakers such as Huawei a better chance to compete in the domestic market against more powerful US processors.

Huawei and its Chinese peers have for years struggled to match Nvidia in building top-end chips that could compete with the US firm’s products for training models, a process where data is fed to algorithms to help them learn to make accurate decisions.

However, DeepSeek’s models, which focus on “inference,” or when an AI model produces conclusions, optimise computational efficiency rather than relying solely on raw processing power.

That is one reason why the model is expected to partly close the gap between what Chinese-made AI processors and their more powerful US counterparts can do, analysts say.

Huawei, and other Chinese AI chipmakers such as Hygon, Tencent-backed EnFlame, Tsingmicro and Moore Threads have in recent weeks issued statements claiming products will support DeepSeek models, although few details have been released.

Huawei declined to comment. Moore Threads, Hygon EnFlame and Tsingmicro did not respond to Reuters queries seeking further comment.

Industry executives are now predicting that DeepSeek’s open-source nature and its low fees could boost adoption of AI and the development of real-life applications for the technology, helping Chinese firms overcome US export curbs on their most powerful chips.

Even before DeepSeek made headlines this year, products such as Huawei’s Ascend 910B were seen by customers such as ByteDance as better suited for less computationally intensive “inference” tasks, the stage after training that involves trained AI models making predictions or performing tasks, such as through chatbots.

In China, dozens of companies from automakers to telecoms providers have announced plans to integrate DeepSeek’s models with their products and operations.

“This development is very much aligned with the capability of Chinese AI chipset vendors,” said Lian Jye Su, a chief analyst at tech research firm Omdia.

“Chinese AI chipsets struggle to compete with Nvidia’s GPU (graphics processing unit) in AI training, but AI inference workloads are much more forgiving and require a lot more local and industry-specific understanding,” he said.

Nvidia still dominates

However, Bernstein analyst Lin Qingyuan said while Chinese AI chips were cost-competitive for inferencing, this was limited to the Chinese market as Nvidia chips were still better even for inference tasks.

While US export restrictions ban Nvidia’s most advanced AI training chips from entering China, the company is still allowed to sell less powerful training chips that Chinese customers can use for inference tasks.

Nvidia published a blog post on Thursday about how inference time was rising as a new scaling law and argued that its chips will be necessary to make DeepSeek and other “reasoning” models more useful.

In addition to computing power, Nvidia’s CUDA, a parallel computing platform that allows software developers to use Nvidia GPUs for general-purpose computing, not just AI or graphics, has become a crucial component of its dominance.

Previously, many Chinese AI chip companies did not directly challenge Nvidia by asking users to abandon CUDA but instead, claimed their chips were compatible with CUDA.

Huawei has been the most aggressive in its efforts to break away from Nvidia by offering a CUDA equivalent called Compute Architecture for Neural Networks (CANN), but experts said it faced obstacles in persuading developers to abandon CUDA.

“Software performance of Chinese AI chip firms is also lacking at this stage. CUDA has a rich library and a diverse range of software capability, which requires significant long-term investment,” said Omdia’s Su.

Trump Announces Peace Talks as Putin and Zelensky Express Desire to End War in Ukraine

Trump

In a significant development, US President Donald Trump announced on Wednesday that Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy both expressed a desire for peace during separate phone calls, leading him to order top US officials to begin negotiations to end the war in Ukraine.

The development comes after Trump’s defence secretary indicated a major shift in Washington’s approach, saying that Kyiv must abandon its long-held goals of joining NATO and regaining territories seized by Russia.

The conversations came after Trump’s defence secretary earlier said Kyiv would have to give up its long-held goals of joining the NATO military alliance and regaining all of its territory seized by Russia, signalling a dramatic shift in Washington’s approach to the conflict.

After speaking with Putin for more than an hour, Trump said the Russian leader, who launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, wants the war to end, and they discussed “getting a ceasefire in the not-too-distant future.”

“He wants it to end. He doesn’t want to end it and then go back to fighting six months later,” Trump told reporters in the Oval Office.

“I think we’re on the way to getting peace. I think President Putin wants peace, President Zelenskyy wants peace, and I want peace. I just want to see people stop getting killed,” he added.

Trump has long said he would quickly end the war in Ukraine, without spelling out exactly how he would accomplish this.

The Kremlin earlier said Putin and Trump had agreed to meet, and Putin had invited Trump to visit Moscow. Trump said their first meeting would “probably” take place soon in Saudi Arabia.

In a post on his social media platform, he said Secretary of State Marco Rubio, CIA Director John Ratcliffe, National Security Adviser Michael Waltz, and Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff would lead negotiations on ending the war.

Trump and Zelenskyy spoke after Trump’s call with Putin, and Zelenskyy’s office said the conversation lasted for about an hour.

“I had a meaningful conversation with @POTUS. We… talked about opportunities to achieve peace, discussed our readiness to work together …and Ukraine’s technological capabilities… including drones and other advanced industries,” Zelenskyy wrote on X.

No Ukraine peace talks have been held since the early months of the conflict, now approaching its third anniversary. Trump’s predecessor, Joe Biden, oversaw billions of dollars of military and other aid to Kyiv and had no direct contact with Putin after Russia’s invasion.

Russia occupies around a fifth of Ukraine and has demanded Kyiv cede more territory and be rendered permanently neutral under any peace deal.

Ukraine demands Russia withdraw from captured territory and says it must receive NATO membership or equivalent security guarantees to prevent Moscow from attacking again.

‘Illusionary Goal’

Earlier on Wednesday, Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth delivered the new administration’s bluntest statement so far on its approach to the war, saying it was unrealistic for Kyiv to hope to recover all of Ukraine’s territory occupied by Russia since 2014, as was securing its membership in NATO.

“We want, like you, a sovereign and prosperous Ukraine. But we must start by recognising that returning to Ukraine’s pre-2014 borders is an unrealistic objective,” Hegseth told a meeting at NATO headquarters in Brussels. “Chasing this illusionary goal will only prolong the war and cause more suffering.”

Russia in 2014 annexed Crimea, which Ukraine and many Western countries consider to be occupied Ukrainian territory.

Hegseth said any durable peace must include “robust security guarantees to ensure that the war will not begin again”. But he said US troops would not be deployed to Ukraine as part of such guarantees.

Germany, France, Poland, Italy, Spain, the UK, and the European Union said in a joint statement Ukraine’s fate must not be decided without Kyiv’s active participation. They said they were ready to enhance support for Ukraine and put it in a position of strength.

Zelenskyy, hoping to keep Trump interested in continuing to support his country, has lately proposed a deal under which the United States would invest in minerals in Ukraine.

Trump’s Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, in Kyiv on Wednesday on the first visit by a member of Trump’s cabinet, said such a mineral deal could serve as a “security shield” for Ukraine after the war.

Trump also said Rubio and Vice President JD Vance will hold talks about the war on Friday in Munich, where Ukrainian officials were expected to attend an annual security conference.

The new diplomacy followed a US-Russia prisoner swap that got under way on Tuesday, which the Kremlin said could help build trust between the two countries.

Russia on Tuesday freed American schoolteacher Marc Fogel, who was serving a 14-year sentence in a Russian prison, in exchange for a Russian cybercrime boss imprisoned in the US, according to an official