Heather Knight, England’s 2017 World Cup-winning captain and the most capped women’s player in England history, announced Saturday she will retire from international cricket following the end of the  ongoing Test match against India at Lord’s.

Knight, who made her England debut in 2010 and has featured in 320 matches across all formats, joins team-mate Tammy Beaumont in bowing out of international cricket at the conclusion of the historic first women’s Test at Lord’s.

Knight has made nearly 8,000 international runs across all formats, with six centuries.

At Canberra in 2020, her hundred during the T20 World Cup made her the first English women’s player to score hundreds in all three forms of the game.

Arguably her best day in England colours came when she led the side to victory over India in the 2017 50-over World Cup final at Lord’s, having succeeded Charlotte Edwards — now England’s head coach — as skipper the previous year.

She went on to lead the team on 199 occasions from 2016 to 2025, overseeing 134 victories before standing down following a humiliating 16-0 loss in Australia during the multi-format Ashes of 2024/25.

“I’m extremely grateful and privileged to have gone on the journey that I have been on as an England cricketer,” Knight said.

“It’s hard to walk away because the dressing-room and the people in the dressing-room have been a constant in my life for 16 years, and the memories and the experiences and the people have helped shape me become who I am today, but I’m really content with this decision and I’m really excited for what’s next.”

Knight, plagued by injuries in recent years, is set to move into administration, having taken up a role as general manager at London Spirit, with the new season of the Hundred starting at the end of the month.

She made six in the first innings of the ongoing Test, with England on course for a heavy defeat after India ended Saturday’s second day of four on 154-1 in their second innings — a huge overall lead of 269 runs.

‘Privilege of my life’

The 35-year-old Knight showed her enduring value to England with a key innings of 58, during a stand of 133 with current skipper Nat Sciver-Brunt that changed the course of last week’s T20 World Cup semi-final against South Africa after the hosts had slumped to 23-3.

England were well-beaten by Australia in the ensuing Lord’s final.

“As a team, we’ve shared some special moments with the fans over the years and I want to thank everyone who has supported and given their love to the women’s game,” said Knight. “Watching this great game grow has been the greatest privilege of my life.”

Clare Connor, managing director England Women, said: “Heather’s contribution to England women’s cricket has been extraordinary.

“She has combined skill and determination as a player with exceptional leadership qualities, helping to shape this team and the game more broadly through one of the most significant periods in its history.”

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) has upheld its earlier decision to suspend Geo News for 15 days over the depiction of religious figures in the channel’s transmission aired on Muharram 10, warning that any future violation could lead to the cancellation of its licence.

As the suspension period expires on Saturday, the channel will resume transmission on Sunday.

In its final order, issued after the authority’s 191st meeting held on Saturday, Pemra said it had conducted a detailed review of the matter, taking into account the recommendations of the Council of Complaints, Lahore, the record of proceedings, the written and oral submissions of the licence holder, the Pemra Ordinance 2002, the relevant rules, and the Electronic Media (Programmes and Advertisements) Code of Conduct, 2015.

The Council of Complaints deliberated on the case during its 127th, 128th and 129th meetings held on June 30, July 2 and July 10, respectively.

After hearing Geo News representatives, examining the record and considering the opinion of the Council of Islamic Ideology (CII), it forwarded its recommendations to the authority.

Pemra said Geo News and its representatives were given a fair opportunity to present their defence before the final decision was taken.

The authority held that the violation was of a serious nature and was inconsistent with the obligations of a licence holder under the Pemra laws and the standards of responsible broadcasting.

While acknowledging that Geo News had admitted negligence, expressed remorse and issued an unconditional apology across all its media platforms, Pemra said these mitigating factors did not erase the violation or its legal consequences.

According to the order, the authority affirmed the June 27 decision suspending the channel’s licence for 15 days.

The suspension will remain effective until midnight today, after which transmissions may only resume once the suspension period has expired and the channel pays the Rs10 million fine imposed by the regulator.

Pemra also directed Geo News management to complete disciplinary proceedings against those found responsible for the lapse and dismiss them from service in accordance with the applicable rules.

It further ruled that any individuals removed from service as a result of the proceedings would not be allowed to work, directly or indirectly, with any Pemra-licensed, registered or authorised media service under the regulator’s jurisdiction.

The authority issued a final warning to Geo News, stating that any similar negligence in future would result in cancellation of its broadcasting licence.

In addition, Pemra directed Geo News and all other licence holders to establish impartial and competent in-house monitoring committees or editorial boards, submit their details to the regulator and ensure prior editorial scrutiny of all broadcast content.

The authority also announced that a separate directive would be issued to all licence holders for strict compliance with the Supreme Court’s judgment in Suo Motu Case No. 28 of 2018 (PLD 2019 SC 1).

Pemra warned that any future violations by broadcasters would invite stricter action under the law.

US President Donald Trump faced questions about the security of his new Air Force One plane gifted by Qatar, after he took an older jet home from a NATO summit this week.

The billionaire president has been unable to contain his excitement over the retrofitted Boeing 747-8 aircraft, which took him to Ankara on its maiden trip outside the United States.

Trump then abruptly announced in Turkey that he would send the aircraft ahead to a British airbase saying the decision was made to allow US troops to tour the luxury plane.

The New York Times reported on Friday that the new plane lacked the same security countermeasures boasted by the older jet, including anti-missile defenses. US media also reported that the Secret Service had advised the switch.

Speculation was fueled by the fact that US hostilities had flared again with Iran, which borders Turkey, and because journalists on the old plane out of Ankara were also told to keep their window blinds down, a step normally reserved for war zones.

Trump himself denied any security concerns, but after switching back to the new plane for the flight from the UK to Washington, he referred to alleged Iranian assassination attempts.

“You’re probably on a dangerous flight because of the sleazebags we have to deal with,” he said.

The New York Times said several of its journalists received subpoenas from the Trump administration on Friday, following its report on the new Air Force One.

“The appearance of federal law enforcement agents on the doorstep of news reporters should shock the conscience of any American who believes in the Constitution and the press freedom it protects,” said David McCraw, the publication’s top newsroom lawyer.

‘Every tool at our disposal’

Qatar’s royal family donated the luxury airliner last year after Trump complained about the state of the two aging Boeing 747 jets that had served as Air Force One since 1990.

The plane was then rapidly retrofitted and flew Trump for the first time on July 1, to North Dakota.

‘Real national security concerns’

Shangla  –  Torrential monsoon rains brought much-needed relief to residents of Shangla, ending a three-day spell of intense heat and significantly lowering temperatures across the district while increasing water flow in streams and seasonal waterways.

Heavy rainfall was recorded intermittently in both the upper and lower parts of the district, transforming the weather into cool and pleasant conditions. Residents welcomed the change after enduring several days of scorching temperatures and humid weather.

The downpour led to a substantial increase in the flow of natural springs, streams, and seasonal nullahs, reflecting the impact of the ongoing monsoon system across the region.

In Besham, Alpurai, Khwazakhela, and several other urban localities, heavy rain caused water to accumulate on roads, disrupting traffic in some low-lying areas. Although no major loss of life or property was reported, commuters faced difficulties due to waterlogging and slippery road conditions.

The rainfall also enhanced the scenic beauty of Shangla’s mountainous landscape, with lush green hills, flowing streams, and cool breezes drawing admiration from local residents. The pleasant weather provided a welcome respite from the recent heatwave that had affected daily life across the district.

According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department, intermittent monsoon showers are expected to continue over the next few days in Shangla and adjoining areas. The forecast indicates the possibility of further rainfall as the current monsoon system remains active over the northern parts of the country.

In view of the expected weather conditions, the district administration has advised the public to exercise caution, particularly those living near rivers, seasonal streams, and mountainous areas vulnerable to flash floods or landslides. Citizens have also been urged to avoid unnecessary travel during periods of heavy rainfall and to remain alert to official weather advisories.

Authorities said they are closely monitoring the situation and have directed relevant departments to remain prepared for any emergency arising from continued monsoon activity.

ISLAMABAD  –  Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari yesterday called for population planning to be elevated as a national priority, saying it is not merely a matter of demographics but a fundamental requirement for social justice and sustainable development.

In his message on the occasion of World Population Day, Bilawal said the true strength of any nation does not lie in the size of its population but in its ability to nurture, educate, empower and protect its people.

The PPP chairman warned that a country like Pakistan cannot afford unchecked population growth and stressed the need for an effective, comprehensive and people-centric strategy to address the challenge.

He emphasized that population planning must become a key national development priority, supported by coordinated policies that ensure equitable access to essential services and opportunities for all citizens.

Bilawal said Pakistan could transform its rapidly growing population into a valuable national asset by expanding access to quality healthcare, improving educational standards, empowering women and creating dignified employment opportunities.

He noted that investing in human development would enable the country to harness its demographic potential while promoting inclusive and sustainable economic growth.

Reaffirming the PPP’s longstanding commitment to people-centred development, Bilawal said the party has always believed that investing in human capital is the strongest foundation for national progress and shared prosperity.

Recalling the vision of PPP founder and former Prime Minister Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and former Prime Minister Shaheed Benazir Bhutto, he underscored the importance of adopting inclusive, welfare-oriented public policies that ensure no citizen is left behind.

Bilawal expressed hope that World Population Day would inspire the nation to renew its collective commitment to building a Pakistan where every individual has equal opportunities to live with dignity, contribute meaningfully to society and fully realize their potential.