Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR) announced remarkable growth in both passenger travel and freight transport in 2025, marking a major milestone in the Kingdom’s transport infrastructure development. The state-owned rail network reported carrying over 14 million passengers, a sharp increase from the 11.2 million recorded in 2023. The rise reflects strong public adoption of rail travel for daily transit, longer trips and religious pilgrimages. Freight operations also surged, with 30 million tonnes of cargo moved by rail last year — up from about 24 million tonnes in 2023. This expansion in cargo freight is tied to booming industrial activity and the transport needs of the mining sector. By shifting so much freight from road to rail, SAR estimates that it removed around 2 million truck journeys from the Kingdom’s highways, easing congestion and reducing road maintenance costs. Read More: Why Saudi Arabia Is Issuing Official Passports for Millions of Camels? Officials highlighted the environmental benefits of this modal shift, noting that the rail-centric transport model saved approximately 139 million litres of fuel and cut roughly 364,000 tonnes of carbon emissions. These outcomes align with Saudi Arabia’s broader environmental aspirations under the Saudi Green Initiative, which targets cleaner transportation and reduced pollution. SAR’s success is widely seen as a key element in meeting the goals of the National Transport and Logistics Strategy and Saudi Vision 2030, the overarching development plan that aims to diversify the economy, modernise infrastructure and boost tourism and trade. Vision 2030 emphasises transport sustainability and regional connectivity, with rail networks playing a crucial role in linking cities and industrial hubs across the country. Read More: Saudi Arabia Tightens Travel Sector Rules, Cracks Down on Unlicensed Umrah Agencies A highlight of 2025 was the launch of the “Dream of the Desert,” a luxury rail service described as the first of its kind in the Middle East and North Africa. Developed in partnership with Italy’s Arsenale Group, the service offers a “rail cruise” experience with 40 custom-designed cabins that evoke the glamour of classic train travel. The route runs from Riyadh to Al Qurayyat, with stops at cultural heritage cities like Ha’il and Al-Jouf, turning journeys into immersive travel experiences. In a major strategic move, SAR also launched a SAR6 billion real estate fund aimed at transit-oriented development around key railway stations, particularly the Haramain High Speed Railway Station in Makkah. The fund will support construction of high-capacity hotels, commercial spaces and homes directly linked to the station — a boost for pilgrim logistics and accommodation ahead of projected growth in Umrah visitors. Read More: Saudi Arabia’s 6G Roadmap Is Moving Fast—Pakistan’s 5G Still Isn’t Here International acclaim followed these achievements when SAR became the first company to win the International Union of Railways Award for excellence in long-distance tourist rail, a recognition that places Saudi Arabia firmly on the global map for rail innovation. Saudi Arabia’s rail transformation is now considered a model in the region for sustainable transport, economic diversification and high-end tourism development.
Afghan Star Rahmanullah Gurbaz Withdraws From PSL 11 Days After Signing With Peshawar Zalmi
In a surprising turn of events just days before the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11 auction, Afghanistan’s explosive wicketkeeper-batter Rahmanullah Gurbaz has withdrawn from the tournament, citing personal commitments and a focus on his welfare work in Afghanistan. The announcement came via a video message uploaded by Gurbaz on his official Instagram account, leaving fans and franchises alike stunned. Gurbaz, 24, had been confirmed as a direct signing by Peshawar Zalmi on February 5, expected to form a key part of the franchise’s top-order lineup for the 11th edition of the PSL. His sudden decision to step away from the league was revealed just two days later, forcing Zalmi to rethink their plans ahead of the player auction scheduled for February 11, 2026. Read More: Peshawar Zalmi Shock PSL 11 With Early Signing of Afghan Star Rahmanullah Gurbaz In his Instagram video, Gurbaz spoke in his native Pushto and explained why he would not be available for the PSL this season. “I will not be available for the PSL due to some personal commitments. After the World Cup, I will be returning to Afghanistan,” he said, reiterating his intent to dedicate more time to his foundation work. He added that the decision was not easy, but he felt a strong duty to focus on community and youth projects under the Rahmanullah Gurbaz Welfare Foundation, which he has been developing to provide education, healthcare, and support for underprivileged Afghan families and young cricketers. Read More: Hyderabad Makes Historic PSL 11 Retentions and Signs Marnus Labuschagne Ahead of Auction Gurbaz has been a prominent figure in Afghanistan’s rise in international cricket since his T20 debut in 2019. He has represented Afghanistan across formats, known for his aggressive batting style and quick glovework behind the stumps. He has played in global franchise leagues including the Indian Premier League (IPL), Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), Caribbean Premier League (CPL), SA20, and ILT20. The news of his withdrawal sparked mixed reactions among cricket fans, with many expressing support for his commitment to charitable work, while others raised concerns about the impact on Peshawar Zalmi’s strategic planning. Some social media users also pointed out that Pakistan-Afghanistan cricket relations have faced challenges since national teams’ bilateral ties were suspended in late 2025, though there is no direct confirmation that this influenced Gurbaz’s decision. Read More: Australian Star Steve Smith Becomes Most Paid Player in Pakistan Super League History For Peshawar Zalmi, losing Gurbaz at this stage is a blow, particularly after securing him as a marquee overseas player. The franchise had already spent part of its auction budget on retentions and direct signings and will now need to adjust its approach at the upcoming player draft. As the PSL 11 season approaches, franchises will look to other international and local options to fill the gap left by Gurbaz’s exit, while the wicketkeeper-batter concentrates on making an impact off the field in Afghanistan.
Leaked Epstein Files Show He Offered ‘Tall Swedish Blonde’ to Anil Ambani
Newly released Jeffrey Epstein files have revealed an unexpected and controversial connection between the disgraced American financier and Indian tycoon Anil Ambani, raising eyebrows around the globe. According to leaked messages from 2017–2019 obtained from the US Justice Department, Epstein and Ambani discussed business, world affairs — and a “tall Swedish blonde” to “make it fun to visit.” The messages, exchanged by text between the two men — long before Epstein’s 2019 arrest and death — show that their correspondence ranged from strategic meetings to personal requests. In one March 2017 exchange, Ambani asked Epstein who he recommended for an unspecified meeting. Epstein replied, “a tall Swedish blonde woman, to make it fun to visit,” to which Ambani responded almost immediately: “Arrange that.” Read More: Epstein Email Mentions Modi ‘Danced and Sang’ in Israel, Prompting Backlash in India The Epstein files — a massive trove of documents released following the Epstein Files Transparency Act — include text messages, emails and court records detailing Epstein’s communications with business leaders, political insiders and influential figures worldwide. While inclusion in the files does not imply wrongdoing, the contents have triggered intense scrutiny across political and business circles. Bloomberg’s review of the messages shows that Epstein and Ambani communicated regularly over several years, planning in-person meetings in cities like Paris and New York and discussing topics far beyond simple business. In May 2019, Ambani traveled to New York, where Epstein invited him to his Manhattan townhouse and suggested, “if there are some people you would like to meet quietly, let me know.” Read More: Inside the Epstein Files: Key Disclosures, Unanswered Questions, and Global Impact The documents also reveal Epstein’s interest in understanding the Ambani family’s business legacy — including orders for books on the family’s history — and probing Hollywood connections. In one exchange, Epstein quipped about actresses, writing: “I hope not Meryl Streep. I will be of no help,” to which Ambani responded about a movie project with Scarlett Johansson. Anil Ambani, once among the world’s wealthiest men, chairs the Reliance Group, while his elder brother, Mukesh Ambani, leads Reliance Industries, one of Asia’s richest conglomerates. Over the past decade, Anil’s fortunes have diverged sharply, with significant financial struggles and legal challenges including investigations linked to alleged loan fraud. Read More: AI Creates Fake Epstein Images With World Leaders in Seconds The fact that a convicted sex offender like Epstein was strategically communicating with a prominent global businessman has drawn widespread media attention. Critics argue the messages highlight the reach Epstein maintained into elite global networks — even as he faced serious criminal allegations. Supporters of Ambani have not publicly commented on the leaked messages, and neither party has confirmed the full context of their interactions. As more of the Epstein files are released, similar revelations are expected to emerge, shedding further light on the extent of Epstein’s influence among international elites.
Nail-Biting Finish as Pakistan Defeat Netherlands by 3 Wickets in First T20 World Cup Match
The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 began with drama, tension and late-over heroics as Pakistan scraped past the Netherlands in a nail-biting Group A opener after opting to bowl first in Colombo. What looked like a routine chase turned into a heart-stopping finish that tested Pakistan’s composure on the opening night of the tournament. After winning the toss at the Sinhalese Sports Club Ground, Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha elected to field, citing early assistance for bowlers. His decision initially paid dividends as Pakistan’s attack kept the Netherlands under pressure, refusing to allow sustained partnerships. The Dutch side was eventually bowled out for 147 in 19.5 overs, a total that appeared competitive but chaseable. Read More: Pakistan Stands Firm on India Match Decision as Team Leaves for T20 World Cup Pakistan’s bowlers shared the workload effectively. Shaheen Shah Afridi provided early breakthroughs, while spinners Shadab Khan and Abrar Ahmed controlled the middle overs. The Netherlands fought back through captain Scott Edwards and Max O’Dowd, but timely wickets in the death overs ensured the total remained within reach. Faheem Ashraf's sensational cameo guides Pakistan to a win in the #T20WorldCup 2026 opener 👊He wins the @aramco POTM award 🥇 pic.twitter.com/BeTMbzOgJk— ICC (@ICC) February 7, 2026 Chasing 148, Pakistan began confidently. Openers Saim Ayub and Sahibzada Farhan put on a brisk stand, with Farhan leading the charge through crisp stroke play. However, the momentum shifted dramatically once the openers departed. A cluster of wickets followed, including the prized scalp of Babar Azam, and suddenly Pakistan found itself under severe pressure. The required run rate climbed, nerves spread across the ground, and Pakistan slipped to 119 for 7 with the match hanging in the balance. What once seemed a comfortable chase had turned into a potential upset, as the Netherlands sensed history. With calm under fire, all-rounder Faheem Ashraf launched a breathtaking counterattack. Facing just 11 balls, Ashraf smashed 29 unbeaten runs, including towering sixes that swung the momentum back in Pakistan’s favor. Each strike reduced the equation, but the tension peaked in the final over. Read More: One Walkover, Many Matches: India Match Boycott Won’t Stop Pakistan’s T20 World Cup Run With three runs needed and wickets still at risk, Pakistan finally crossed the line with three balls to spare, sealing a dramatic three-wicket victory that left fans breathless and players visibly relieved. The win gives Pakistan vital early points in a tough group and highlights both their depth and vulnerability. While the bowling unit delivered as expected, the batting collapse raised questions that will need addressing quickly. For the Netherlands, the performance earned respect despite the defeat. They pushed one of the tournament favorites to the limit and proved once again that no team can afford complacency at a T20 World Cup. Pakistan may have won, but the opening night served as a reminder: in T20 cricket, nothing is guaranteed until the final ball.
Hyderabad Makes Historic PSL 11 Retentions and Signs Marnus Labuschagne Ahead of Auction
Pakistan Super League newcomers Hyderabad have announced their first player retentions and direct signing ahead of the PSL 11 player auction on February 11, 2026, marking a major step in building their franchise squad for the upcoming season. Hyderabad’s retention list reveals a clear strategy: balance young talent with experienced performers and inject international star power. The franchise retained Saim Ayub in the Platinum category for PKR 126 million, making him the most expensive player retained in the league’s history. Ayub’s aggressive batting and consistency in domestic and franchise cricket made him a marquee choice for the new side. Read More: Peshawar Zalmi Shock PSL 11 With Early Signing of Afghan Star Rahmanullah Gurbaz In the Diamond category, the team secured Usman Khan for PKR 46.2 million, adding a strong middle-order presence. Emerging players Maaz Sadaqat and Akif Javed were retained in the Emerging and Gold categories for PKR 35 million and PKR 19.6 million respectively. These selections reflect Hyderabad’s focus on both batting depth and bowling variety ahead of the auction. Final reveal💥Team Hyderabad retentions confirmed for HBL PSL 11 #HBLPSL | #NewEra pic.twitter.com/aIr2FAZX8z— PakistanSuperLeague (@thePSLt20) February 6, 2026 Adding to this core group, Hyderabad secured Australia’s Marnus Labuschagne as a direct international signing — a surprising move that has already sparked conversation among fans and analysts. While Labuschagne is best known for his Test and ODI credentials, his T20 experience is limited, with just one international appearance for Australia. Despite this, the franchise sees value in his batting technique, temperament and part-time spin bowling skills. This season is unique for the PSL as it introduces a full player auction system for the first time, replacing the traditional draft model while also expanding the league to eight teams with the inclusion of Hyderabad and Sialkot Stallionz. These new franchises were granted extended deadlines to finalize retentions, giving them an edge in selecting players before the auction. Read More: Mustafizur Returns to Lahore: Qalandars Secure Bangladeshi Pacer Ahead of PSL Auction Hyderabad’s leadership has also invested in strong coaching staff, appointing former Australia fast bowler Jason Gillespie as head coach, with international experts Grant Bradburn, Craig White, Hanif Malik and Zac Martin in supporting roles. This combination of coaching talent aims to build a competitive culture and effective player development. The franchise is set to reveal its official team name and logo at a grand event at Niaz Stadium, scheduled for February 7, adding to fan anticipation. The early retention moves and high-profile signing suggest Hyderabad will be active in the auction and looking to build a balanced squad capable of competing in their inaugural PSL season. Read More: Game-Changer for PSL 11: Steve Smith Joins Sialkot Stallionz in Landmark Deal With the auction just days away and excitement building across Pakistan and the cricket world, Hyderabad’s early moves position them as one of the most talked-about teams heading into PSL 11.
US President Donald Trump Says He Didn’t See Racist Obama Clip Before It Was Posted, Refuses to Apologize
U.S. President Donald Trump is facing fierce criticism from across the political spectrum after a racist video showing former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama was briefly posted on his social media platform and later deleted. Trump admitted he didn’t watch the full clip before it was shared and refused to apologize for the incident. The video was posted Thursday on Truth Social, a platform closely associated with Trump, and included a segment comparing the Obamas to apes — a long-standing racist trope that immediately drew widespread condemnation. The post was removed about 12 hours later after intense backlash. Read More: US President Donald Trump Talks Missiles, Vigilance and Why He Refuses to Sleep on Flights Speaking with reporters on Friday, Trump claimed he had only seen the beginning of the video, which focused on baseless claims of voter fraud in the 2020 election, and had asked unnamed staffers to post it. “I looked at it … I saw it — and I just looked at the first part,” Trump said, adding that he did not catch the offensive imagery. BREAKING: Trump just posted a video on Truth Social that includes a racist image of Barack and Michelle Obama as monkeys.There’s no bottom pic.twitter.com/zPEGa94dYO— Republicans against Trump (@RpsAgainstTrump) February 6, 2026 Despite the uproar, Trump maintained he “didn’t make a mistake” and refused to offer an apology for the post. The White House initially dismissed criticism as “fake outrage” through Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, who described the video as a harmless internet meme. However, the White House later acknowledged that the video should not have gone out and attributed the post to a staffer error. The racist imagery was widely criticized as offensive and dehumanizing. Republican Senator Tim Scott, one of the few Black lawmakers in his party, called the video “the most racist thing I’ve seen” from the White House and urged its removal. Other Republican voices, including Senator Roger Wicker, described the clip as unacceptable and called for accountability. Democratic lawmakers and civil rights groups likewise condemned the video, saying it reflected a toxic climate at the White House. Read More: Inside the Epstein Files: Key Disclosures, Unanswered Questions, and Global Impact The controversy adds to growing scrutiny over Trump’s use of social media to disseminate controversial content. In past cases, Trump posted or shared AI-generated or manipulated videos of political rivals, including one depicting Obama being arrested in the Oval Office — footage widely debunked as fake and misleading. Critics argue that posting racially charged imagery — even unintentionally — has serious implications in a country still grappling with racial tensions. Some analysts believe this episode will intensify the debate over social media use by public officials and the responsibilities of political leaders in shaping national discourse.
Waiting Ends as T20 World Cup Begins; Pakistan Opt to Field After Winning Toss Against Netherlands
The wait is finally over as the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 gets underway, with Pakistan taking on Netherlands in the opening Group A fixture. Pakistan won the toss and elected to field first, backing their bowling attack to make early inroads. The match is being played at the Sinhalese Sports Club Ground in Colombo, where conditions are expected to assist bowlers early on. Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha explained that there was some moisture in the pitch and the team wanted to take advantage of the new ball. He added that Pakistan were confident in their batting depth while chasing. Read More: Salman Agha Clarifies Pakistan’s Stand on Potential India Match in T20 World Cup Knockouts Pakistan enter the tournament in strong form and are keen to make a solid start to their campaign. With a balanced combination of pace, spin, and power-hitting, the Men in Green will look to assert early dominance in a group that also includes the USA, Namibia and India. The Netherlands, meanwhile, will begin their World Cup journey with the bat. The Dutch side has a reputation for springing surprises in ICC events and will aim to post a competitive total. Captain Scott Edwards will rely on experienced players like Max O’Dowd and Colin Ackermann to anchor the innings, while all-rounders Logan van Beek and Roelof van der Merwe add depth. Pakistan’s bowling attack features proven match-winners. Shaheen Shah Afridi will lead the pace unit, supported by Faheem Ashraf and Salman Mirza, while spinners Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz and Abrar Ahmed provide control and variety in the middle overs. With conditions expected to aid spin later in the innings, Pakistan will look to restrict the Netherlands to a manageable score. Read More: The Match That Pays the Bills: Why ICC Can’t Ignore Pakistan’s True Value A strong start is crucial for Pakistan as they aim to build momentum early in the tournament. For the Netherlands, this opening game presents an opportunity to challenge one of the tournament favourites and set the tone for their campaign. Pakistan Playing XI Saim Ayub,Sahibzada Farhan,Salman Ali Agha (c),Babar Azam,Usman Khan †,Shadab Khan,Mohammad Nawaz,Faheem Ashraf,Shaheen Shah Afridi,Salman Mirza,Abrar Ahmed Netherlands Playing XI Michael Levitt,Max O’Dowd,Colin Ackermann,Scott Edwards † (c),Zach Lion-Cachet,Logan van Beek,Roelof van der Merwe,Aryan Dutt,Kyle Klein,Paul van Meekeren
