Rooma News : Todays latest news of the globe and Pakistan.

 ISLAMABAD, PAKISTAN

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FOUNDED BY ROOMA MEHMOOD

Rooma News

Pakistan's Independent Voice of Record

VOL. II · NO. 141

WEDNESDAY, 20 MAY 2026

PRICE: RS. 50

⬥ Morning Edition ⬥ Islamabad ⬥ By Rooma Mehmood ⬥

⬥ Breaking · Cricket

Bangladesh Stuns Pakistan in Historic 2-0 Test Series Sweep

 Sports Correspondent · Islamabad Bureau

In a result that sent shockwaves through Pakistan cricket, Bangladesh sealed a historic clean sweep of the two-match Test series, defeating the Green Shirts by 78 runs in Sylhet. The victory marks the first time Bangladesh has swept a Test series against Pakistan in their cricketing history  a moment many in Dhaka are already calling the greatest achievement in Bangladeshi cricket.

Pakistan's batting order crumbled under relentless pressure from the Bangladeshi seamers and spinners alike, failing to chase a target that many had considered achievable on the fourth morning. The defeat raises serious questions about Pakistan's Test match temperament and batting depth as the team looks ahead to a challenging schedule.

Compounding the misery, the Pakistan Cricket Board confirmed that both Saim Ayub and Fakhar Zaman have been ruled out of the upcoming ODI series against Australia due to injury, further thinning the squad's options in the limited-overs format.

"A historic clean sweep — Bangladesh's finest hour in Test cricket."

🏏 Scorecard Snapshot

Result

Bangladesh won by 78 runs

Series

Bangladesh 2–0 Pakistan

Venue

Sylhet International Cricket Stadium

Injuries

Saim Ayub & Fakhar Zaman out vs AUS

⬥ National Security

Pakistan Deploys 8,000 Troops and JF-17 Jets to Saudi Arabia

Defence Correspondent · Islamabad

Pakistan has confirmed the deployment of approximately 8,000 troops, a JF-17 fighter jet squadron, and a Chinese-made HQ-9 air defence system to Saudi Arabia under a confidential mutual defence pact signed last year. The deployment signals deepening strategic ties between Islamabad and Riyadh amid heightened tensions in the broader Middle East, particularly around the Strait of Hormuz.

Separately, Pakistan continues to pursue diplomatic efforts to shore up the fragile US-Iran ceasefire, drawing praise from Qatar while domestic observers caution that regional stability remains far from certain.

⬥ Economy

PSX Snaps Seven-Session Slump, Surges 1,090 Points

Business Desk · Islamabad

The Pakistan Stock Exchange rebounded sharply on Tuesday, gaining over 1,090 points to end a bruising seven-session losing streak as regional geopolitical tensions showed tentative signs of easing. Investor sentiment also drew support from government projections of an 8.6% average inflation rate for the upcoming fiscal year  a figure analysts described as cautiously optimistic.

In a significant structural move, the government has invited formal expressions of interest for the privatisation of three major electricity distribution companies Fesco, Gepco, and Iesco in a bid to trim the public sector's ballooning energy liabilities.

Pakistan · Domestic

⬥ Politics

Leaked Cipher Reignites Imran Khan Ouster Debate

Political Desk

The 2022 secret diplomatic cipher has resurfaced through international investigative media, rekindling fierce debate over the circumstances surrounding the removal of former Prime Minister Imran Khan. The leaked telegram which Khan had long cited as evidence of foreign interference is expected to add fresh momentum to the PTI's legal and political campaign.

⬥ Judiciary

Death Sentence Awarded in Sana Yousaf TikTok Star Murder

Courts Reporter · Islamabad

An Islamabad district court handed down a death sentence to Umar Hayat for the murder of 17-year-old TikTok star Sana Yousaf. The verdict has drawn widespread attention on social media, where Sana had amassed a large following before her tragic death.

⬥ Counter-Terror

22 Militants Neutralised in North Waziristan Operation

ISPR · Islamabad

Security forces successfully neutralised 22 terrorists in a major operation in North Waziristan, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) confirmed on Tuesday. The operation is part of ongoing efforts to dismantle militant networks operating along Pakistan's western frontier.

World

🌍 World Briefs

San Diego Mosque Shooting

Three victims and two gunmen dead after a shooting at an Islamic Centre in San Diego, California. The FBI is investigating as a hate crime.

Putin Visits China

Russian President Vladimir Putin is in Beijing to reinforce strategic and economic ties with China, following recent US diplomatic activity in the region.

G7 Summit

The White House has confirmed US President Donald Trump will attend the upcoming G7 Summit in France.

Musk Loses OpenAI Suit

A unanimous jury ruled against Elon Musk in his lawsuit against OpenAI leadership, finding his legal claims were brought too late.

China Floods

At least 21 lives have been lost after severe flooding in southern and central China swept a vehicle carrying farmworkers into a river in Guangxi.

⬥ Football

Arsenal End 22-Year Premier League Drought

Sports Desk

Arsenal FC have been crowned Premier League champions for the first time in 22 years after rivals Manchester City were held to a 1-1 draw by Bournemouth. The long-awaited title triggers jubilant scenes at the Emirates and across North London.

In other football news, the 41-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo has been named in Portugal's squad for a remarkable sixth World Cup appearance. Brazil's Neymar also returns to international duty after recovering from injury.

⬥ Domestic

Parliament Goes Paperless With AI-Powered Digital System

Technology Desk · Islamabad

The National Assembly officially launched an AI-enabled, paperless digital system on Tuesday to modernise and streamline parliamentary proceedings — a landmark step in Pakistan's public sector digitalisation drive.

⬥ Weather

Hot & Dry Spell Forecast; Eid-ul-Azha Holidays Announced

The Pakistan Meteorological Department has predicted hot and dry conditions across most central and southern regions, with isolated rainfall expected in upper areas. The federal government has announced the official public holiday schedule for Eid-ul-Azha 2026.

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Editor-in-Chief: Rooma Mehmood

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