Author

Farwa

Turkey

Galatasaray Edge Juventus in Dramatic Extra-Time Thriller to Reach Champions League Last 16

by Farwa February 26, 2026

written by Farwa

The Pak Global Pakistan:

Galatasaray secured a dramatic victory over Juventus in extra time to reach the Champions League last 16, overcoming a spirited comeback from the 10-man Italian side. Victor Osimhen and Baris Yilmaz scored in the added period to seal a thrilling 7-5 aggregate win for the Turkish club.

Juventus faced a steep challenge after losing the first leg 5-2 in Istanbul, but they staged a fierce fightback at the Allianz Stadium. Juventus captain Manuel Locatelli opened the scoring with a first-half penalty after Lucas Torreira fouled Khephren Thuram. The Italians were down to 10 men shortly after the break when Lloyd Kelly received a controversial straight red card following a VAR review for a challenge on Yilmaz.

Despite the numerical disadvantage, Juventus showed remarkable resilience. Federico Gatti tapped in Pierre Kalulu’s cross in the 70th minute to reignite hopes, and Weston McKennie’s header with eight minutes remaining leveled the tie at 5-5 on aggregate, putting Juventus on the brink of a historic comeback. They threatened to join a select group of clubs to progress after losing the first leg by three or more goals.

However, fatigue caught up with the hosts in extra time. Osimhen capitalized on a pass from Yilmaz to restore Galatasaray’s lead, and Yilmaz sealed the victory with a composed finish in the dying moments of the match.

Galatasaray will now face a tough last-16 tie against either Liverpool or Tottenham, marking their first appearance in Europe’s elite club competition knockout stage since the 2013-14 season.

The match also sparked debate over the VAR decision that upgraded Kelly’s second yellow to a straight red, a move later criticized as “awful” and pivotal in shaping the outcome.

February 26, 2026 0 comment

Spain

Real Madrid’s Win Over Benfica Celebrated as Stand Against Racism, Vinicius Jr Shines Again

by Farwa February 26, 2026

written by Farwa

The Pak Global Pakistan:

Real Madrid’s progression to the Champions League last 16 after their comeback win against Benfica has been hailed as a victory not just in football, but for the fight against racism. Midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni emphasized the broader significance of the win, following allegations of racial abuse directed at Real’s Vinicius Jr during the first leg.

Vinicius Jr, who scored the decisive goal in the first leg and again in the return match, was allegedly racially abused by Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni, who denied the claims but was subsequently banned for one match and missed the second leg. Before kickoff, Real Madrid fans displayed a prominent banner stating “no to racism” in Spanish, showing solidarity with the Brazilian forward.

Tchouameni, who scored the equalizer in the second leg, praised Vinicius for maintaining focus and confidence amid the controversy. “This is a victory for everyone who stands against racism,” he said, highlighting the importance of the issue beyond the pitch.

England defender Trent Alexander-Arnold, who played against Vinicius in the match, described the Real Madrid forward as calm and assured, noting that Vinicius does not need to prove his quality with goals, but consistently rises to the occasion.

Vinicius celebrated both his goals with his signature dance near the corner flag, a celebration he continued to share on social media with the message, “the dance goes on.” Former Chelsea striker Joe Cole lauded Vinicius’s superb finishing on TNT Sports, while Real Madrid legend Alvaro Arbeloa and goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois expressed their joy at his performance and celebrations.

The match also marked the return of Jose Mourinho to Real Madrid’s home stadium since his managerial stint from 2010 to 2013, though he was suspended and unable to coach on the sidelines.

On a less positive note for Real Madrid, star forward Kylian Mbappe missed the game due to a knee injury and is expected to be sidelined for an unspecified period. Arbeloa expressed hope for a full recovery, emphasizing the importance of Mbappe’s fitness for upcoming fixtures.

Real Madrid’s 2-1 win on the night, sealing a 3-1 aggregate victory, was celebrated not just as a sporting achievement but as a powerful message against racism in football.

February 26, 2026 0 comment

Pakistan

Modi’s Israel Visit Signals Deepening India-Israel Ties Amid Regional Strategic Shifts Impacting Pakistan

by Farwa February 26, 2026

written by Farwa

The Pak Global Pakistan:

Islamabad, Pakistan – Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to Israel marks a significant milestone in the expanding strategic partnership between the two nations. Modi, welcomed with full honors by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, arrived amid a complex regional backdrop, including ongoing conflicts in Gaza and shifting alliances across the Middle East and South Asia.

Netanyahu introduced a “hexagon of alliances” concept, positioning India at the center alongside Greece, Cyprus, and other undisclosed Arab, African, and Asian countries. This framework aims to counter “radical axes,” including a “radical Shia axis” and an “emerging radical Sunni axis,” the latter perceived to include Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan—nations with strong Sunni majorities and growing strategic ties.

India’s relationship with Israel has accelerated rapidly since Modi’s 2017 visit. Today, India is Israel’s largest arms buyer, with cooperation spanning defense, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and quantum computing. The two countries are reportedly finalizing agreements to export advanced military hardware, such as Israel’s Iron Beam laser weapon and Iron Dome missile defense technology, to India.

Former Pakistani diplomats Masood Khan and Masood Khalid note that Modi’s visit could lead to a strategic pact paralleling Pakistan’s 2025 defense agreement with Saudi Arabia. Khalid highlighted the military dimension, citing India’s use of Israeli drones in the 2025 India-Pakistan conflict and ongoing cooperation in defense and counterterrorism.

Netanyahu’s “hexagon” remains undefined, but analysts agree Pakistan’s close ties with Saudi Arabia and Turkey place it within Israel’s sphere of strategic concern. Intelligence sharing between India’s RAW and Israel’s Mossad, dating back decades, adds to Pakistan’s security worries.

However, some experts urge caution, suggesting Pakistan is more indirectly affected by this alliance through shared threat narratives rather than being a direct target. The Gulf region further complicates Pakistan’s position, given its economic reliance on Gulf states, some of which, like the UAE, have deepened ties with India.

Iran’s central role in regional tensions adds another layer of complexity. While the US and Israel pressure Iran over its nuclear and missile programs, Pakistan advocates for diplomatic solutions to ease hostilities.

Ultimately, Pakistan faces a strategic contest: balancing its alliances with Saudi Arabia and Turkey against the growing India-Israel partnership. Despite challenges, Pakistan maintains leverage through its defense capabilities and strengthened US ties, aiming to navigate the shifting geopolitical landscape.

February 26, 2026 0 comment

Iran

Iran Denies Reports of Former President Rouhani’s Attempted Power Grab Amid Protests

by Farwa February 26, 2026

written by Farwa

The Pak Global Pakistan:

Tehran, Iran – Iranian authorities have strongly rejected claims that former President Hassan Rouhani attempted to seize power during last month’s widespread protests, dismissing the accusations as “purely fictional narratives.” The Iranian embassy in Paris condemned a French media report that alleged Rouhani convened influential clerics, IRGC commanders, and former officials like Mohammad Javad Zarif to orchestrate a takeover.

The embassy described the report as part of an “organized campaign” spreading false information aimed at tarnishing Iran’s image, stating it “holds no real value or credibility.” According to the French report, Rouhani’s alleged plot to overthrow Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was thwarted after Iran’s security chief, Ali Larijani, declined to support it. Larijani has reportedly been granted expanded powers in the event of a war with the United States.

The report also claimed that Rouhani and Zarif were arrested following the deadly crackdown on protesters in early January, but both former officials denied these assertions. Rouhani even released photos from a public event alongside former President Mohammad Khatami to prove he was not detained.

On Tuesday, Rouhani’s office described the power grab rumors as a continuation of psychological operations by American and Israeli sources aimed at sowing doubt and fear among Iranians to facilitate increased economic sanctions and military pressure.

The denials come amid ongoing unrest and geopolitical tensions surrounding Iran’s political landscape.

February 26, 2026 0 comment

India

Indian PM Narendra Modi Expresses Strong Support for Israel Amid Gaza Conflict

by Farwa February 26, 2026

written by Farwa

The Pak Global Pakistan:

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi voiced unwavering support for Israel’s military actions in Gaza, emphasizing India’s steadfast alliance with the country despite international accusations of genocide against Palestinians. Speaking at the Knesset—the first Indian leader ever to do so—Modi received a standing ovation as he reaffirmed India’s commitment to Israel.

During his address on Wednesday, Modi condemned the October 7, 2023, attack by Hamas fighters as “barbaric,” stating firmly that “no cause can justify the murder of civilians.” He declared, “India stands with Israel firmly, with full conviction, in this moment and beyond.”

Modi’s visit to Israel began with a warm reception by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at Ben Gurion Airport. Netanyahu thanked India for its support following the October 7 attacks and highlighted the shared interests between the two nations, describing Modi as “more than a friend, a brother.”

Modi also expressed India’s strong endorsement of the Gaza peace initiative passed by the United Nations Security Council in November. He described the initiative as a potential “pathway” to a just and lasting peace for all people in the region.

The visit marks a significant diplomatic moment, reflecting the deepening ties between India and Israel amidst ongoing regional conflict.

February 26, 2026 0 comment

Israel

Israel Accounts for Majority of Journalist Deaths in 2025, Deadliest Year for Media Workers on Record

by Farwa February 26, 2026

written by Farwa

The Pak Global Pakistan:

In 2025, at least 84 media workers and journalists were killed by Israel, making it the deadliest year ever recorded for news media workers worldwide. The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) revealed these findings in its annual report released on Wednesday, highlighting a “persistent culture of impunity” surrounding attacks on the press by Israel’s military.

Out of a total of 129 media worker deaths globally—the highest since CPJ began tracking in 1992—more than two-thirds were caused by Israeli forces. Most of the victims were Palestinian journalists, but Israeli airstrikes also killed 31 staff members at Yemeni newspaper offices.

Israel was responsible for 38 of the 47 targeted killings worldwide, acts classified by CPJ as “murder.” The report states, “Israel has now killed more journalists than any other government since CPJ began collecting records in 1992.” It also warns that the actual number of Palestinian journalists targeted could be higher due to press restrictions and the difficulty of conducting investigations amid ongoing conflict in Gaza.

Among the victims were five Al Jazeera journalists, including Anas al-Sharif and Hossam Shabat, who were killed in Israeli strikes. Since the outbreak of the war, nearly 300 journalists and media workers have been killed by Israeli forces, according to Shireen.ps, a monitoring site named after veteran correspondent Shireen Abu Akleh, who was killed by Israeli forces in 2022.

While Israel has acknowledged some journalist deaths, it has accused them of links to armed groups—a claim their employers and CPJ have strongly rejected as “deadly smears.”

Beyond Gaza and Yemen, the report noted 9 journalists killed in Sudan amid civil war, 6 in Mexico due to organized crime violence, and 4 Ukrainian journalists killed by Russian military attacks.

The CPJ report underscores the urgent need for protecting journalists operating in conflict zones and calls for accountability to end the rampant targeting of media workers.

February 26, 2026 0 comment

USA

US Allows Resale of Venezuelan Oil to Cuba Amid Growing Humanitarian Concerns

by Farwa February 26, 2026

written by Farwa

The Pak Global Pakistan:

The United States has announced a policy shift permitting the resale of certain Venezuelan oil shipments to Cuba, potentially easing the Caribbean island’s severe fuel shortages. The move comes amid mounting regional concerns over a worsening humanitarian crisis linked to Washington’s ongoing oil blockade.

On Wednesday, the US Department of the Treasury declared it would authorize companies to seek licenses for reselling Venezuelan oil destined for “commercial and humanitarian use in Cuba.” However, the policy explicitly excludes any entities connected to the Cuban military, intelligence services, or other government bodies.

Venezuela had been Cuba’s primary crude and fuel supplier for over 25 years, under a longstanding bilateral agreement largely based on barter arrangements. The supply was disrupted after the US detained Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro last month and assumed control over Venezuela’s oil exports. Mexico, which had stepped in as an alternative supplier, also ceased shipments following US threats of tariffs on nations trading oil with Cuba.

This blockade has exacerbated Cuba’s energy crisis, affecting power generation, transportation, residential fuel, and aviation. The policy change was announced as Caribbean leaders met in Saint Kitts and Nevis, expressing deep concern over the blockade’s humanitarian impact on Cuba’s population of approximately 10.9 million.

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness highlighted the regional implications, stating, “Humanitarian suffering serves no one. A prolonged crisis in Cuba will not remain confined to Cuba.” Saint Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister Terrance Drew, who trained as a doctor in Cuba, described reports of food shortages and deteriorating living conditions, warning that “a destabilised Cuba will destabilise all of us.”

Contrastingly, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio attributed the crisis to Cuban government policies rather than the US blockade and cautioned that sanctions would be reinstated if the oil reaches Cuban government or military hands.

This development underscores the delicate balance between humanitarian concerns and geopolitical strategies in the region.

February 26, 2026 0 comment

USA

Trump Sparks Controversy by Targeting Congresswomen Omar and Tlaib After State of the Union Protest

by Farwa February 26, 2026

written by Farwa

The Pak Global Pakistan:

Former US President Donald Trump ignited a fresh wave of controversy by calling for Representatives Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib to be sent “back from where they came from” following their vocal protests during his recent State of the Union address.

During the speech, Tlaib, a Palestinian American, and Omar, a Somali American, openly criticized Trump’s administration for its stringent immigration policies and enforcement actions. The lawmakers shouted in protest as Trump advocated for ending “sanctuary cities”—jurisdictions that limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities.

Responding on his Truth Social platform, Trump accused the two Muslim congresswomen of being “crooked and corrupt politicians” and described their behavior as “mentally deranged,” suggesting they should be removed from the United States. He called their actions damaging to the country and likened their appearance and conduct to that of “lunatics” needing institutionalization.

Omar, representing Minnesota’s 5th Congressional District, highlighted on social media that her protest was a reminder of the Trump administration’s role in the deaths of two of her constituents during immigration raids in Minnesota last year. Tlaib responded to Trump’s remarks with a sharp comment on social media, using the Arabic term “Majnoon,” meaning mad or possessed, to describe the former president’s reaction.

The incident has deepened political divisions, with Trump’s comments echoing previous statements targeting the Somali American community and other minorities. The controversy also overshadowed protests by other Democrats, including Representative Sarah McBride and Representative Al Green, the latter removed from the House floor for holding a sign condemning a racist video circulated by Trump.

This episode highlights the ongoing tensions surrounding immigration, race, and political discourse in the United States.

February 26, 2026 0 comment

Bangladesh

Bangladesh’s National Citizen Party Faces Challenges but Eyes Growth After Election Debut

by Farwa February 26, 2026

written by Farwa

The Pak Global Pakistan:

Dhaka, Bangladesh – Ruhul Amin, a young voter disillusioned with Bangladesh’s traditional parties, found hope when the National Citizen Party (NCP) emerged from the 2024 student-led uprising that ousted longtime leader Sheikh Hasina. The NCP, launched in February 2025, promised to be a credible third force in Bangladesh’s political landscape, with leaders confident of broad public support and future government prospects.

However, the reality of electoral politics proved challenging. Despite the uprising’s momentum, the NCP struggled to build a grassroots organization capable of contesting the February 12 parliamentary election independently. Opinion polls showed their support in the low single digits. Ultimately, the NCP entered a coalition with the Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami party, contesting 30 of 300 seats and securing six. The election was dominated by a coalition led by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), which won 212 seats, while the Jamaat alliance took 77.

Despite the modest electoral success, Amin remains optimistic. “We did well this election as a new party,” he said from Kushtia district, “We have only begun. In the next few election cycles, the NCP will emerge as the new big thing.”

Several NCP leaders who gained prominence during the uprising now hold parliamentary seats, marking a breakthrough for the young party. Yet critics highlight the difficulties of transforming a protest movement into a stable political force.

NCP spokesman Asif Mahmud described the election results as encouraging for an 11-month-old party. While acknowledging some lost opportunities, he pointed to alleged vote irregularities and emphasized the necessity of alliances for political survival. The coalition with Jamaat, however, has sparked controversy within the NCP. Jamaat’s conservative stance and historical advocacy for Islamic law clash with the inclusive, secular values that inspired the 2024 uprising.

Following the alliance announcement, over a dozen senior NCP leaders resigned, citing ideological incompatibility and concerns over damaging the party’s credibility. Mahmud defended the partnership as purely electoral, not a political merger, and maintained that the NCP’s positions remain distinct from Jamaat’s.

As Bangladesh’s political landscape evolves, the NCP’s journey highlights both the potential and pitfalls facing new parties emerging from grassroots movements.

February 26, 2026 0 comment

USA

Iran and United States Resume Nuclear Talks in Geneva Amid Rising Tensions

by Farwa February 26, 2026

written by Farwa

The Pak Global Pakistan:

Iran and the United States are set to commence a third round of nuclear negotiations in Geneva, Switzerland, aiming for a diplomatic resolution despite escalating tensions. Both parties have expressed a preference for dialogue, even as the US imposes new sanctions and strengthens its military presence in the Middle East.

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrived in Geneva on Wednesday, meeting with Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi, who is mediating the indirect talks scheduled for Thursday. Araghchi emphasized that a “fair, balanced and equitable deal” is achievable, affirming Iran’s stance of not pursuing nuclear weapons while asserting its right to peaceful nuclear technology.

The negotiations unfold amid mutual mistrust, with statements swinging between confrontation and cooperation. US Vice President JD Vance accused Iran of attempting to rebuild its nuclear program following US strikes on Iranian nuclear sites last June. He urged Tehran to heed Washington’s military warnings seriously.

“The principle is very simple: Iran can’t have a nuclear weapon. If they try to rebuild a nuclear weapon, that causes problems for us,” Vance said at the White House. He added that while President Donald Trump prefers a diplomatic solution, other options remain on the table.

The international community watches closely as these talks could significantly impact regional stability and global nuclear non-proliferation efforts.

February 26, 2026 0 comment