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DRAP surveys of 500 medicines to assess price hike

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Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) completed a survey of 500 medicines, and the report will be published within the next two weeks. DRAP officials said that before this, a survey was conducted for 100 branded medicines. They said that after deregulations, an increase in medicine prices will be determined after the results of the survey. Earlier on March 29, 2026, the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan dismissed reports of price hikes in essential medicines across the country, stating that the rates have not “undergone any upward revision”. The statement comes as stakeholders in recent news reports alleged that an unprecedented incre­ase in medicine prices had been observed since February 2024. Pakistan Drug Lawyers Forum President Noor Muhammad Mehr, a day earlier, told Dawn that the price of the insulin delivery device HumaPen Ergo II had increased by 114 per cent The Pakistan Pharma­ceutical Manufacturers Asso­­­ciation (PPMA), ho­w­e­ver, claimed that the prices...

Fakhar charged with Level 3 offence after ball-tampering controversy

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Lahore Qalandars batter Fakhar Zaman has been charged with a Level 3 offence under Article 2.14 of the Pakistan Cricket Board’s Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel for allegedly breaching Article 41.3 of the playing conditions, which prohibits any action that alters the condition of the ball. "Fakhar denied the charge levelled against him during a disciplinary hearing led by the match referee Roshan Mahanama," the PCB said. "Another hearing is set to take place within the next 48 hours after which the match referee will share his verdict." The controversy unfolded shortly before the final over of Karachi Kings’ chase, when the on-field umpires examined the ball and ruled that its condition had been changed. As a result, a five-run penalty was imposed on the fielding side, reducing Karachi’s target to nine runs instead of 14. The incident came after Fakhar, Lahore captain Shaheen Shah Afridi and fast bowler Haris Rauf were involved in a bri...

Olive oil and Lemon shots go viral but experts warns to be cautious

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Wellness enthusiasts on TikTok and Instagram are turning heads by downing shots of olive oil mixed with lemon juice, claiming the ritual can boost digestion, support “detoxing,” and even give glowing skin. While the trend has captured the social media spotlight, experts say the benefits may not be as magical as influencers suggest. In terms of measurable health benefits, a small advantage comes from the olive oil itself rather than the lemon juice, which only provides a minor portion of the daily recommended vitamin C intake. Research indicates that diets rich in olive oil, particularly the Mediterranean diet, can lower the risk of heart events like heart attacks or strokes by about 25 percent. The secret lies in olive oil’s monounsaturated fats, which help reduce bad cholesterol, and its polyphenols plant-based antioxidants that combat inflammation and cellular damage. Extra virgin and cold pressed varieties contain the highest levels of these beneficial compounds, although a s...

How abdominal fat could trigger GERD and life-threats

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A growing waistline isn’t just a cosmetic issue; it can quietly threaten your health. Experts warn that excess abdominal fat, commonly referred to as a “beer belly,” can worsen digestive problems like GERD and, if left unchecked, may increase the risk of long-term complications, including heart disease, diabetes and even certain cancers. Many men dismiss weight gain around the stomach as harmless, but fat accumulated in the abdominal area places extra pressure on internal organs, straining the digestive system. One of the most common consequences is Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, or GERD, where stomach acid flows back into the esophagus. Over time, untreated GERD can damage the esophageal lining, sometimes leading to Barrett’s esophagus, a condition that increases the risk of esophageal cancer. Health professionals note that men often store fat in an “apple-shaped” pattern around the stomach, which carries higher health risks compared to the fat distribution in women. This conc...

Fakhar Zaman faces ball-tampering in PSL clash

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Lahore Qalandars batter Fakhar Zaman has been charged with ball-tampering in Sunday’s Pakistan Super League (PSL) match against Karachi Kings, ​the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said in a statement. The incident ‌occurred in the final over with Karachi needing 14 runs to win. Fakhar, Lahore captain Shaheen Afridi and fast bowler Haris Rauf were involved ​in a brief discussion, during which Fakhar and Rauf ​passed the ball between them. The umpire then approached Rauf ⁠and asked to see the ball. Following consultations with the ​square‑leg umpire, the officials awarded five penalty runs to Karachi and ​ordered the ball to be changed. The penalty proved costly as Karachi went on to chase down a target of 129 with three balls to spare, ​Abbas Afridi hitting a four and a six to seal ​a four-wicket victory. “Fakhar denied the charge levelled against him during a disciplinary ‌hearing ⁠led by the match referee Roshan Mahanama,” the PCB said. “Another hearing is set to take place with...

PSL 11: Quetta Gladiators defeat Hyderabad Kings by 40 runs

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Saud Shakeel-led Quetta Gladiators claimed their first Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11 triumph as they defeated Hyderabad Kingsmen by 40 runs at Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium on Sunday. Chasing 175, Kingsmen were restricted to 134-8 in their allotted 20 overs, courtesy of an exceptional bowling performance by Gladiators’ bowling attack. Saim Ayub was the first to fall after smashing back-to-back fours in the opening over. He scored eight off four deliveries before being undone by a sharp, unplayable bouncer from Alzarri Joseph. In the following over, second opener Maaz Sadaqat was dismissed for a second-ball duck by Abrar Ahmed, leaving the side reeling at 17-2 in 1.2 overs.Kingsmen failed to build momentum and lost their third wicket inside the powerplay as Abrar struck again, dismissing Usman Khan cheaply for 14 off 18 balls, including two fours.Saad Ali and Marnus Labuschagne then attempted to stabilise the innings, adding crucial runs to take the total past the 50-run mark. How...

Zalmi overpower Pindi in high-scoring PSL 11 match

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Peshawar Zalmi started their Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11 campaign with a thrilling five-wicket win over RawalPindiz in a high-scoring contest at Gaddafi Stadium on Saturday. Chasing a daunting 215-run target, Peshawar Zalmi rode on collective batting efforts to reach 216/5 on the first ball of the final over in this Pakistan Super League 2025 clash. Openers Babar Azam and Mohammad Haris provided a flying start, stitching a brisk 78-run partnership. Babar struck 39 off 28 balls before falling to Asif Afridi, while Haris top-scored with 47 off 28 deliveries, hitting four fours and two sixes. Kusal Mendis then accelerated with a quickfire 31 off 17 balls, but Zalmi slipped briefly to 128/3 after Aaron Hardie’s struggles and Mendis’ dismissal. The chase was revived by Abdul Samad and Michael Bracewell, who added crucial runs in the middle overs. Samad smashed a fiery 33 off just 11 balls, including four sixes, while Bracewell’s 35 off 17 kept Zalmi on course. Aamir Jamal sealed t...