Saudi-backed fitness and wellness brand TriFit has expanded into Pakistan’s federal capital with the launch of TriFit Plus in Islamabad, marking a significant step in the company’s nationwide growth strategy as demand for fitness and preventive healthcare services continues to rise. The new facility, located at AJ Towers, represents TriFit’s first club in Islamabad and builds on the company’s growing presence in Pakistan’s urban fitness market. TriFit currently operates six fitness clubs and plans to launch eight more facilities this year. The company says its centres focus on modern fitness training, wellness services and preventive healthcare through internationally aligned standards and qualified trainers. The launch event attracted a large gathering of business leaders, policymakers, media professionals, fitness enthusiasts and social media influencers. Mrs. Huma Mohsin inaugurated the facility alongside her son Afan Aziz, owner of AJ Towers, AJ Towers Chairman Zahid Arif and Director Operations Irfan ul Haque. Prominent Figures Attend Launch Event Several high-profile personalities attended the event, underscoring growing interest in Pakistan’s expanding wellness industry. Among the guests were former Supreme Court judge Justice (R) Athar Minallah, Senator Sarmad Ali, President of the All Pakistan Newspapers Society (APNS), veteran actress Laila Zuberi, senior journalist and anchorperson Fahd Hussain and Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Usman Shaukat. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Leyla Zuberi (@leylazuberi) The gathering also included Maj Gen Najam-us-Saqib, Commodore Nasir Mehmood, TriFit board members Shafqat Khan and Zafarullah Khan representing Saudi investors, businessmen Zia Ansari, Jamal Ansari, Amer Hashmi and Nadeem Ansari, as well as Director General President House Zia-ul-Rasheed. Corporate executives, media professionals, students and members of the business community also participated in the event. The expansion comes as Pakistan’s fitness and wellness sector experiences steady growth. Health experts increasingly stress the importance of physical activity in reducing the risk of chronic diseases, improving mental health and promoting overall wellbeing. According to the World Health Organization, regular exercise can help prevent cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, obesity and several mental health disorders. Focus on Mental and Physical Wellbeing Speaking at the launch, TriFit Founder and CEO Ahmar Azam said the company’s expansion reflects its commitment to building healthier communities and promoting long-term wellness. “Mental wellbeing is one of the top challenges facing young people today. The pressures of a fast-paced, constantly evolving world can often take a toll on emotional and psychological health,” Azam said. “Regular physical activity is not only one of the most effective ways to manage stress, but also a powerful tool for building resilience, confidence, and a positive mindset.” He added: “I believe our presence will now encourage more people to embrace fitness as a lifestyle choice and recognize the profound impact it can have on both mental and physical wellbeing.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by TriFit (@trifit.pk) TriFit Plus offers modern training equipment, group exercise programmes, recovery facilities and wellness services. The club also features dedicated workout areas for men and women in a segregated environment. Company officials say the Islamabad facility reflects TriFit’s vision of making premium fitness and wellness services more accessible while supporting healthier lifestyles across Pakistan.
Surya Dropped, Shreyas Appointed: India Begins New T20 Era
India has ushered in a new era in T20 international cricket by appointing Shreyas Iyer as captain for the upcoming tours of Ireland and England, while handing a maiden national call-up to 15-year-old batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. The selectors announced the squad as they begin planning for the 2028 T20 World Cup and cricket’s return to the Olympic Games at the Los Angeles Olympics. The biggest surprise was the omission of former captain Suryakumar Yadav, who led India to a successful defence of the T20 World Cup title in March. The 35-year-old has lost his place following a difficult period in international and franchise cricket. Suryakumar scored 242 runs in nine innings during the 2026 T20 World Cup at a strike rate of 136.72. He then struggled in IPL 2026, managing only 270 runs in 13 innings at an average of 20.76 and a strike rate of 147.54. India also rested senior stars Hardik Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah for the tour. Shreyas Returns to Lead New-Look Side The appointment marks a remarkable comeback for Shreyas Iyer, who has not played a T20 international since December 2023. India struggled to find a place for him in the shortest format because Suryakumar Yadav and Tilak Varma occupied key middle-order positions. Although selectors picked him as an injury replacement during the home T20I series against New Zealand in January, he did not feature in a match. However, Shreyas strengthened his case with consistent performances and impressive leadership in the IPL. The 31-year-old guided Kolkata Knight Riders to the IPL title in 2024. He also led Delhi Capitals to the final in 2020 and Punjab Kings to the title match in 2025. His batting numbers have remained equally impressive. Shreyas scored 604 runs at a strike rate of 175.07 in IPL 2025. He followed that with 498 runs at a strike rate of 168.81 during IPL 2026. Selectors rewarded that consistency by handing him the captaincy for India’s next phase in T20 cricket. Sooryavanshi Continues Meteoric Rise The selection of Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has generated enormous excitement across Indian cricket. At 15, he becomes the youngest player named in an India men’s squad since Sachin Tendulkar made his international breakthrough in the late 1980s. The teenager forced his way into contention after a remarkable IPL season. He amassed 776 runs at a staggering strike rate of 237.30 and emerged as one of the tournament’s biggest stories. Before joining the senior squad, Sooryavanshi will represent India A in a tri-series in Sri Lanka featuring Afghanistan and the hosts from June 9 to June 21. The T20I tour begins with two matches against Ireland in Belfast on June 26 and June 28. India will then travel to England for a five-match series running from July 1 to July 11. The squad also includes Nitish Kumar Reddy, Ravi Bishnoi and Prince Yadav, while Rinku Singh and Kuldeep Yadav miss out despite being part of India’s recent T20 World Cup-winning setup. India T20I Squad: Shreyas Iyer (captain), Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson, Ishan Kishan, Shivam Dube, Tilak Varma (vice-captain), Nitish Kumar Reddy, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Varun Chakravarthy, Ravi Bishnoi, Mohammed Siraj, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh and Prince Yadav.
Netflix’s latest decision sparks debate among filmmakers
Netflix has made a rare exception to its long-standing release strategy by granting Greta Gerwig’s upcoming Narnia adaptation a traditional theatrical run. However, the streaming giant has made clear that the decision does not signal a broader shift toward cinemas. In a candid interview with The New York Times, Netflix Film Chairman Dan Lin said the company remains committed to its streaming-first model and has accepted that some filmmakers who prioritise theatrical releases may choose to work elsewhere. “There is a group of filmmakers who still want theatrical,” Lin said. “Those are filmmakers that we’ve accepted we just won’t work with.” The remarks offer one of Netflix’s clearest statements yet on a debate that has shaped Hollywood for years. Many prominent directors continue to champion exclusive cinema releases, while streaming companies increasingly prioritise direct-to-platform premieres. Narnia Gets Special Treatment Netflix announced Greta Gerwig’s adaptation of C.S. Lewis’s beloved Narnia series as one of its most ambitious film projects. The company originally planned an IMAX release during the Thanksgiving period of 2026, followed by a Netflix debut on Christmas Day. In May, Netflix revised that plan and granted the film a traditional theatrical rollout. The movie will now open in cinemas on February 12, 2027, before arriving on Netflix on April 2, 2027. The decision marks the first time Netflix has committed to a conventional theatrical window for one of its major productions. Industry analysts view the move as a reflection of Gerwig’s influence following the global success of Barbie. The film earned more than $1.4 billion worldwide and became one of the highest-grossing releases of 2023. Netflix plans only one other significant theatrical exception in the near future. The company will give David Fincher’s The Adventures of Cliff Booth a two-week global IMAX release beginning on November 25 before it arrives on Netflix on December 23. The film revisits the stuntman character portrayed by Brad Pitt in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood and is based on a screenplay written by Quentin Tarantino. Streaming Remains Netflix’s Priority Lin’s comments come as Netflix continues to refine its film strategy under new leadership. Since taking over as chairman of Netflix Film in April 2024, he has focused on producing fewer films while improving overall quality. The executive told The New York Times that Netflix wants to invest in stronger projects rather than simply increasing volume. He also identified comedies, romantic comedies and book adaptations as key priorities for future growth. Netflix recently pointed to People We Meet on Vacation as an example of the type of adaptation it hopes to replicate. The discussion also highlights the company’s complicated relationship with cinemas. During speculation surrounding a potential acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery, Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos indicated that Warner Bros. films would continue to receive a standard 45-day theatrical window. The company later withdrew from the process, and Paramount emerged as the successful bidder. For filmmakers who still dream of long theatrical runs, Netflix’s latest message leaves little room for doubt. The company sees streaming as its future and appears increasingly comfortable saying so publicly.
FIFA Makes Surprise U-Turn on Water Bottles Ahead of World Cup
FIFA has relaxed its controversial World Cup water bottle policy. Fans can now bring one factory-sealed disposable plastic water bottle into stadiums during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The decision came days after criticism of FIFA’s ban on reusable water bottles. Many supporters and health experts raised concerns about hydration during a summer tournament expected to feature extreme temperatures. In a video posted on FIFA’s official X account, World Cup chief operating officer Heimo Schirgi explained the updated rule. “All fans will be permitted to bring in one, soft, plastic 20 ounces (590ml), factory sealed disposable water bottle into any FIFA World Cup 2026 match in the USA and Canada,” Schirgi said. FIFA described the announcement as a clarification. However, the move eases restrictions announced earlier this week. Safety Concerns Drive Policy Earlier this week, FIFA updated its stadium code of conduct and banned reusable water bottles. The organisation defended the move on security grounds. “Fifa made the decision to prohibit bottles to prevent risk and injury to players and attendees,” FIFA said. The governing body noted that many World Cup venues already enforce similar restrictions. All fans will be permitted to bring in one, soft, plastic, 20 ounces (590ml), factory sealed disposable water bottle into any FIFA World Cup 2026 match in the USA and Canada. ✅As FIFA World Cup 2026 Chief Operating Officer, Heimo Schirgi, explains, fans will not be permitted… pic.twitter.com/ePEHq9oalJ— FIFA (@FIFAcom) June 5, 2026 “Outside bottles are already prohibited at several of these venues for safety considerations, and Fifa is applying this consideration across its tournament stadiums,” the statement added. Despite Friday’s change, FIFA continues to prohibit reusable containers. Schirgi said, “fans will not be permitted to bring in hard sided, reusable water bottles due to safety and security reasons.” He also displayed examples of permitted and prohibited bottles. Under the revised rules, fans may carry only one soft plastic disposable bottle that remains factory sealed upon entry. Heat Risks Remain in Focus The debate has intensified because experts continue to warn about extreme temperatures during the tournament. The United States, Canada and Mexico will host the 2026 World Cup. The competition will feature a record 48 teams and 104 matches. Last month, the World Weather Attribution research group released a report on tournament conditions. Researchers estimated that 26 matches could take place in conditions where the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature exceeds 26 degrees Celsius. The Wet Bulb Globe Temperature, or WBGT, measures heat stress on the human body. It combines temperature, humidity, sunlight and wind into a single reading. Fans raised similar concerns during last year’s FIFA Club World Cup in the United States. Many complained about intense heat inside stadiums. Organisers also prohibited outside water bottles during that tournament. FIFA says it will provide hydration stations, cooling tents, misting stations and fans throughout venue areas. The organisation also says bottled water inside stadiums will remain priced similarly to other events held at each venue. As preparations continue for the largest World Cup in history, FIFA faces growing pressure to balance security requirements with fan comfort and safety.
Pakistan, Russia Sign Security Deals as Regional Threats Grow
Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi held a series of high-level meetings with his counterparts from Russia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Interior Ministers’ meeting, advancing Pakistan’s efforts to strengthen regional security cooperation and address shared challenges ranging from terrorism to illegal immigration and narcotics trafficking. The meetings came as SCO member states continue to expand coordination on security matters amid growing concerns about regional instability, cross-border crime and developments in neighbouring Afghanistan. A key outcome of the gathering was the signing of multiple agreements between Pakistan and Russia aimed at deepening cooperation between law enforcement and security agencies. Pakistan, Russia Sign Security Agreements During talks with Russian Interior Minister Vladimir Kolokoltsev, Naqvi signed agreements covering three major areas of cooperation. The agreements seek to enhance collaboration against illegal immigration, strengthen mechanisms for the repatriation of citizens residing illegally in both countries and expand joint efforts to combat narcotics trafficking and drug-related crimes. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi held separate meetings with Interior Ministers of Russia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan in Bishkek. Key agreements were signed during the meeting with Russian counterpart Vladimir Kolokoltsev. pic.twitter.com/EOdKXiAFIE — The Pakistan Telegraph (@TelegraphPak) June 6, 2026 The development marks another step forward in growing Pakistan-Russia engagement on security and law enforcement matters. In recent years, both countries have increased cooperation in counterterrorism, anti-narcotics operations and regional security initiatives through bilateral channels and multilateral platforms such as the SCO. Officials described the agreements as part of broader efforts to improve information sharing and operational coordination between relevant authorities. Naqvi also held a significant meeting with Tajikistan’s Interior Minister Ramazon Rahimzoda. The two sides focused on the security situation in the region, particularly developments in Afghanistan. According to officials, both ministers expressed concern over terrorist training camps and rising narcotics production inside Afghanistan. They noted that around 25 terrorist organisations currently operate from Afghan territory and continue to pose risks to regional peace and stability. The concerns reflect long-standing security challenges facing countries bordering Afghanistan. Regional governments have repeatedly called for stronger international efforts to prevent terrorism, drug trafficking and cross-border militancy. Focus on Long-Term Regional Coordination Naqvi used the SCO gathering to strengthen institutional links with Central Asian countries and develop long-term frameworks for cooperation. During his meeting with Uzbekistan’s Minister of Internal Affairs, Major General Aziz Tashpulatov, both sides discussed intelligence sharing and joint training programmes for law enforcement agencies. The two countries agreed to establish a dedicated working group to improve coordination and streamline cooperation between their interior ministries. Naqvi also met Kyrgyzstan’s Interior Minister Niiazbekov Ulan Omukanovich. During the meeting, both sides agreed to expand cooperation in areas of mutual interest. The Pakistani minister congratulated Kyrgyzstan on its election as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council and praised the country’s arrangements for the SCO summit. In separate talks with Kazakhstan’s Interior Minister Yerzhan Sadenov, the two sides reached a consensus on intensifying efforts against illegal immigration. They also agreed to create a formal working group to strengthen ministerial cooperation. The meetings highlighted Pakistan’s growing engagement with SCO member states as the organisation places increasing emphasis on regional security, border management, counterterrorism cooperation and efforts to combat transnational crime. Sources: Ministry of Interior Pakistan, Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), official government statements, regional security briefings.
