FIFA World Cup

Expensive Tickets, Visa Issues Put FIFA World Cup in Controversy Before Kick-Off

by with No Comment Sports

The FIFA World Cup 2026 has become controversial even before its kick-off, with expensive tickets, visa issues and growing anger among football fans dominating the debate.

Compared with the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, this year’s event is being described as the most expensive tournament in history. The main reason is that even the cheapest tickets have become so costly that buying them has become impossible for ordinary fans.

For the first time, football’s biggest event is being hosted by three countries: the United States, Canada and Mexico. Teams participating in the tournament have already landed in the host countries, while fans are eager to watch their favourite sides in action.

However, the global event has already been surrounded by controversy before the kick-off stage, with high ticket prices emerging as the biggest issue.

FIFA had arranged a draw to give football fans an opportunity to watch World Cup matches live in stadiums. More than 4.5 million people took part in the draw, but fans were left stunned when ticket price details were revealed.

FIFA sells match tickets in four different categories. In the past, ticket prices for each category usually remained fixed from beginning to end. This year, however, FIFA has changed the traditional system for the first time and adopted the controversial “dynamic pricing” model associated with American corporate culture and the open market.

Under this model, ticket prices change as demand increases. This means prices are not fixed according to category. As soon as demand for a match rises or traffic on the website increases, FIFA’s system automatically raises the ticket price.

Also Read: FIFA World Cup 2026: Eight Players Aged 40 or Above Expected to Feature

In simple terms, different fans may have to pay different prices for similar seats in the same stadium.

A comparison between ticket prices for the World Cup in the United States and the 2022 World Cup in Qatar shows a major difference. Most of the debate is focused on Category 4 tickets, which are considered the cheapest option for ordinary fans.

President Trump has also expressed surprise over the high ticket prices, saying he would never buy a $1,000 ticket to watch the United States’ opening match.

At the Qatar World Cup, the cheapest ticket was $11 and the most expensive was $1,600. For the World Cup in the United States, the cheapest ticket is being sold for $100, while the most expensive ticket is priced at $6,370. Due to dynamic pricing, these prices could rise further.

This is why fans around the world are calling FIFA a “board of the rich” and asking whether football’s biggest event has now become only for wealthy people.

Football Supporters Europe, the largest organisation of football fans in Europe, has called the ticket prices for this World Cup “exploitation” and has filed a formal complaint against FIFA with the European Commission.

The organisation says that when the United States, Canada and Mexico were awarded hosting rights in 2018, FIFA documents promised that starting ticket prices for ordinary fans would be around $21. However, even group-stage tickets are now being sold for $180 to $700, which the organisation says is complete injustice to ordinary fans.

The complaint also states that FIFA promoted tickets priced at $60, but those tickets were available in such limited numbers that they were sold out before sales opened to the general public.

FIFA has reserved the cheapest stadium tickets, known as Category 4 tickets, only for fans from the host countries. Meanwhile, hundreds of thousands of higher-category tickets were sold on the open market, where they could be purchased by anyone from around the world. However, due to extremely high prices, ordinary fans from other countries were unable to buy them.

On the other hand, fans who managed to get tickets are facing U.S. visa restrictions, strict immigration laws and travel hurdles.

As a result, fans from several countries are unable to travel to the United States to support their teams despite having purchased tickets.

According to a BBC report, President Trump has suspended visa processing for citizens of 15 countries during the World Cup. These countries include Brazil. The report also said that citizens of 11 countries have faced visa rejection rates of more than 40 percent, including Iran, Ghana, Egypt and Algeria, among others.

arrested crime

Jhang Student Case: Initial Post-Mortem Report Finds No Evidence of Torture or Sexual Assault

by with No Comment Crime & Court

JHANG: The initial post-mortem report of first-year student Ishal Fatima, whose death sparked serious allegations and public attention, has been released, bringing a new and surprising development in the case.

According to media reports, the case pertains to a girl who was allegedly left unconscious at a private hospital in Jhang by suspects who fled the scene. The girl later died during treatment. The initial post-mortem report, now made public, claims that no evidence of physical torture or sexual assault was found on the victim’s body.

According to the preliminary report issued by the hospital administration, the initial examination did not reveal any signs of physical violence or forced sexual activity. The report further stated that the deceased had been suffering from severe diabetes for the past five years and had been regularly using insulin.

The hospital administration said that when the girl was transferred from the private hospital to the District Headquarters Hospital, she was already in a state of severe unconsciousness, allegedly due to complications arising from uncontrolled blood sugar levels or another medical emergency.

Also Read: Murree Police Recover 15-Year-Old Hindu Girl Safely from Haripur

While the initial report did not confirm sexual assault, hospital authorities stated that the actual and final cause of death has yet to be determined. Samples from various organs of the deceased have been collected and sent to the Punjab Forensic Science Agency in Lahore for chemical examination. Officials said a final determination regarding the cause of death will only be possible after the detailed forensic report is received.

In his statement to police, the victim’s father had leveled serious allegations, claiming that his daughter was first abducted by influential suspects and then subjected to gang rape before being abandoned at the hospital.

Meanwhile, Jhang Police stated that, using CCTV footage, they had already taken into custody all four suspects accused of leaving the girl unconscious at the private hospital and fleeing. Police said the suspects remain under investigation at the police station.

Also Read: Pakistan Records Significant Increase in Donkeys and Livestock Population Over the Past Year

accident

10 Killed, 13 Injured After Passenger Van Catches Fire on Murree Expressway

by with No Comment Crime & Court

At least 10 people were killed and 13 others injured after a passenger van caught fire following a tragic traffic accident on the Murree Expressway.

According to Deputy Commissioner Murree, Zaheer Shirazi, initial reports suggest that the accident occurred due to over-speeding. The vehicle reportedly went out of control and collided with a wall, causing the van to burst into flames.

The deputy commissioner said that the 13 injured passengers were immediately shifted to nearby hospitals, while rescue and relief operations continued at the scene.

According to Motorway Police, the van fell into a drain while taking a turn on the Murree Expressway, which triggered the fire. A spokesperson for the Motorway Police stated that the van fell on a side where opening the doors was not possible, making it difficult for passengers to escape.

Also Read: 10,000 Pakistanis Sought UK Asylum After Entering on Student Visas, NA Committee Told

The injured were later shifted to PIMS Islamabad for medical treatment. Authorities said the deceased belonged to Multan and were members of the same family.

Meanwhile, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz expressed deep sorrow and grief over the incident. She directed authorities to provide immediate and the best possible medical facilities to the injured and also sought a detailed report on the accident.

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Pakistan Army Mi-17 Helicopter Crashes Near Muzaffarabad, All Personnel Martyred

by with No Comment Politics

Pakistan Army Aviation Mi-17 helicopter crashed near Muzaffarabad during take-off on Wednesday, resulting in the martyrdom of all personnel on board, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).

The military’s media wing stated that the tragic accident occurred due to a technical fault and confirmed that there were no survivors.

According to ISPR, the Mi-17 helicopter developed a technical fault during the take-off phase shortly after departing near Muzaffarabad, which led to the crash.

The military confirmed that all personnel aboard the helicopter embraced martyrdom in the incident.

Rescue Teams Reached Crash Site Immediately

ISPR said rescue and recovery teams immediately rushed to the crash site after the accident. Emergency responders launched rescue and recovery operations as soon as information regarding the crash was received.

However, officials confirmed that no one survived the incident.

Board of Inquiry Ordered

To determine the exact cause of the accident, a board of inquiry has been ordered. ISPR stated that the investigation will focus on identifying the precise technical fault that caused the helicopter to crash.

The findings of the inquiry are expected to help establish the circumstances surrounding the tragic incident.

PM, Military Leadership Express Grief

Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir, along with all ranks of the Pakistan Army, expressed deep grief over the loss of precious lives.

The military leadership extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for strength and patience for those mourning the loss of their loved ones.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also expressed deep sorrow and grief over the tragic helicopter crash. Paying tribute to the personnel martyred in the accident, the prime minister said the entire nation salutes the sacrifices of its brave sons.

He prayed for the elevation of the martyrs’ ranks and extended heartfelt condolences to their families, asking Allah to grant them patience and strength during this difficult time.

Also Read: PTI Rejects Gilgit-Baltistan Elections, Announces Protest and White Paper on Alleged Rigging

US Iran Talk

Trump Claims Iran Shot Down US Apache Helicopter Over Strait of Hormuz, Says Washington Will Respond

by with No Comment World

US President Donald Trump has claimed that Iran shot down an American Apache helicopter that was patrolling over the Strait of Hormuz, adding that both pilots on board remained safe.

In a statement issued on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump said he had been informed by the US military that Iranian forces shot down a modern American Apache helicopter over the Strait of Hormuz last night.

According to Trump, two pilots were on board the helicopter and both were safe and uninjured.

The US president said Washington would have to take action in response to the attack. “By necessity, the United States will have to respond to this attack,” he said in his statement.

Trump did not provide further details about the incident. There was also no immediate formal statement from the US military regarding the matter.

Also Read: Trump Announces End to Strait of Hormuz Blockade, Says Several Points Agreed With Iran

The Strait of Hormuz is considered a key maritime route for global energy supplies, and any military tension in the area could have implications for international markets and regional security.

FIFA World Cup

FIFA World Cup 2026: Eight Players Aged 40 or Above Expected to Feature

by with No Comment Sports

FIFA World Cup 2026 is set to create a unique and historic record in football history, with a record eight players aged 40 or above expected to participate in the mega event being hosted by Canada, the United States and Mexico.

This number is higher than the total number of players aged over 40 who featured across all previous 22 FIFA World Cups.

From 1930 to 2022, only seven players above the age of 40 participated in football’s global tournament. Older players at World Cups have usually been goalkeepers, but the 2026 edition is expected to highlight that age is only a number.

Scotland goalkeeper Craig Gordon, aged 43, could be the oldest player at this World Cup. Reports suggest Gordon will be part of the squad as a substitute goalkeeper. If he takes the field, he will become the second-oldest player in World Cup history.

Argentina captain Lionel Messi will be 38 during this World Cup and will also be playing his sixth World Cup.

The oldest player in FIFA World Cup history is Essam El-Hadary, who represented Egypt at the 2018 World Cup at the age of 45.

Also Read: PCB Announces 16-Member ODI Squad for Australia Series

Football legend and Portugal superstar Cristiano Ronaldo, aged 41, will be the oldest outfield player at this World Cup. By playing the sixth World Cup of his career, he will also set another global record.

Croatia’s legendary midfielder Luka Modric is also part of the 40-year-old players’ club for this World Cup. He will lead his team in his fifth World Cup. Bosnia’s renowned striker Edin Dzeko is also expected to be in action.

Other players on the list include Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha, whose African team has qualified for the World Cup for the first time. Germany’s famous goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, who helped Germany win the 2014 World Cup, is also set to return to the field at the age of 40.

Also Read: Mohammad Amir Gets British Citizenship, Opens Door to IPL

Uruguay goalkeeper Fernando Muslera will celebrate his 40th birthday the day after his team’s first group match. Mexico’s famous goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa will also play the sixth World Cup of his career at the age of 40.

Roger Milla of Cameroon holds the record for being the oldest goalscorer in FIFA World Cup history. He made history by scoring at the age of 42 in the 1994 World Cup and remains the oldest player to score in the finals.

parveez illahi court

Pervaiz Elahi Among 18 Accused Indicted in Takht Pari Forest Land Reference

by with No Comment Politics

Former Punjab chief minister Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi and 17 other accused have been indicted in a reference related to the alleged misappropriation of government land in the Takht Pari forest near Rawat, Rawalpindi.

The reference was heard by Judge Sheikh Ijaz Ali of the Special Accountability Court in Rawalpindi, who indicted all the accused, including former Punjab chief minister Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi.

There are a total of 18 accused in the case. Two main accused have been declared proclaimed offenders, while two accused have died.

According to the reference, the former chief minister, along with officials of the Revenue Department and the Forest Department, is accused of giving 1,170 kanal of highly valuable government land to a private housing society, causing losses worth crores of rupees to the national exchequer.

Also Read: Momina Iqbal Files Application for FIR Against PML-N MPA Saqib Chadhar

All the accused have denied the charges framed against them.

The court has summoned 10 witnesses for the next hearing on June 16.

arrested crime

Murree Police Recover 15-Year-Old Hindu Girl Safely from Haripur

by with No Comment Crime & Court

Rawalpindi’s Murree police recovered a 15-year-old Hindu girl safely from Haripur within 24 hours after carrying out a timely and important operation.

The girl had been abducted from the limits of Murree Police Station in Rawalpindi and was recovered from Haripur through prompt police action.

According to District Police Officer Murree Tanveer Supra, the abducted girl belonged to the Hindu community, and her recovery was a major challenge. He said special teams were formed under the supervision of senior officers to ensure her safe recovery.

Murree police used all available resources, including CCTV footage, geofencing and human intelligence, to trace and recover the girl safely.

Also Read: Bannu Police Kill 5 Terrorists in Intelligence-Based Operation Following Fatah Khel Police Post Attack

The DPO said the timely information provided by the parents and the immediate response by police led to the successful recovery. He added that the recovered girl would be presented before the court after completing all legal requirements.

The district police officer said the safe recovery of the girl was proof of Murree police’s professional capabilities and effective investigation. He also thanked Haripur police for their cooperation.

National-Assembly Parliament House Senate

10,000 Pakistanis Sought UK Asylum After Entering on Student Visas, NA Committee Told

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More than 10,000 Pakistanis travelled to the United Kingdom on student visas and later applied for asylum there.

During the meeting, DG FIA Dr Usman Anwar told National Assembly Standing Committee on Interior that people travelling abroad illegally were bringing a bad name to Pakistan. He said several countries, including those in the European Union, had raised the matter with Pakistan.

Dr Usman Anwar informed the committee that 580 Pakistanis went to Belarus but did not return. He also said that 10,000 Pakistanis applied for political asylum in the UK after travelling there on student visas.

According to the DG FIA, a new route for human smuggling through Malaysia and Uzbekistan has also emerged. He said that during 2025, 39,786 people attempting to travel abroad without documents were offloaded, while more than 3,000 people were stopped from travelling on the basis of the stop list and Interpol alerts.

He further told the committee that 7,000 Pakistanis travelled to Azerbaijan this year on visit visas and did not return. He added that 175 arrested Pakistanis had been brought back from Libya. The committee was also informed that there had been a 75 percent decrease in organised beggars and a 31 percent reduction in the use of fake documents.

Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry told the meeting that illegal immigration from Pakistan had decreased by 47 percent, and that this reduction had also been confirmed by Europe and the United States.

He said further facilities would be introduced in the coming days, while a new policy had also been prepared regarding lost passports.

Also Read: Polling Ends for Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly Elections; Vote Counting Underway Across 24 Constituencies

Talal Chaudhry said if a person repeatedly loses passports, the matter is considered suspicious. He added that incidents of identity being sold occur across the world and every case of passport loss is investigated.

During the meeting, Federal Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar briefed the committee on proposed reforms in criminal laws and said the matter should be discussed in detail after the budget.

He said laws that are 80 years old are not necessarily bad, adding that old laws are still effectively enforced in many countries. However, he said changes in laws are necessary in view of modern technology and new requirements.

The law minister said there had been no large-scale legal amendments after 1971 and 1991. He said amendments had been proposed to 55 laws related to the CrPC and that work on these reforms had been ongoing for the past three years.

Azam Nazeer Tarar said at least four days would be required for a detailed discussion on all amendments. He noted that many services had gone online, cases were also being registered online, and prominent criminal law lawyers had been included in the preparation of the proposed reform package.

Also Read: Islamabad to Get Its Own Legislative Assembly and Administrative Structure

He further said that some proposed reforms were unnecessary, but overall the package had been prepared to improve the judicial system. He said the existing laws provide facilities to the accused, but there is not enough facilitation for the complainant. For this reason, comprehensive proposals are being brought before the committee in the form of a bill so they can become part of legislation.

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Man Allegedly Kills Wife and Four Children Before Taking His Own Life in Quetta

by with No Comment Crime & Court

Quetta: A tragic incident was reported in the Wahdat Colony area of Quetta, where a man allegedly shot dead his wife and four children before taking his own life, according to police.

SHO Brewery, Naseebullah, said the incident occurred earlier on Monday. Initial reports suggest that the suspect opened fire inside his home, targeting his wife and four children. All five victims died at the scene.

Police said the deceased children included two sons and two daughters. The victims sustained critical gunshot wounds and could not survive. Authorities said the suspect later shot himself and died at the scene.

A heavy police contingent reached the area soon after receiving information about the incident, cordoned off the site, and began collecting evidence. The bodies were taken into custody and shifted to Civil Hospital Quetta, where post-mortem examinations are underway.

According to a spokesperson for Quetta Police, the exact motive behind the incident has not yet been determined. Police said that no confirmation has so far emerged regarding a domestic dispute or any other possible cause.

Investigators are examining all aspects of the case and are proceeding with the inquiry based on physical evidence, as well as statements from neighbors and relatives. Police said a final position on the causes of the incident would only be presented after the completion of the investigation.