• Punjab to file cases under Defamation Law 2024.
• Punjab govt denies jet acquired solely for CM’s use.
• Disinformation will no longer go unanswered: Marriyum. 

The Punjab government has decided to initiate legal proceedings against individuals and platforms spreading what it described as false claims regarding the use of the provincial government’s official aircraft, Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb said on Sunday.

Taking to X, the minister said a “deliberate and malicious campaign of lies and fabricated stories” was being carried out by what she termed “known pathological liars and peddlers of fake news” over the use of the Punjab government’s official plane.

She said the provincial government had decided to approach courts under the Defamation Law 2024 against every individual and platform involved in spreading the alleged disinformation.

“Disinformation will no longer go unanswered. Those who think they can malign institutions and mislead the public without consequence should prepare to face the law,” she said.

She further said that the Punjab government would seek the maximum penalty under the law to send a clear message that “fake news is not journalism but defamation.”

Her remarks came amid a political controversy surrounding the Punjab government’s procurement of a Gulfstream business jet reportedly worth around Rs10 billion.

The acquisition has drawn criticism from the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), which alleged that the aircraft was intended for the exclusive personal use of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz.

However, Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari had earlier rejected the claims, saying the provincial government planned to develop a fleet under the proposed “Air Punjab” initiative.

According to Bokhari, some aircraft would be purchased while others would be obtained on lease, with the Gulfstream jet forming part of the broader plan.

Aviation sources said the Punjab government had acquired a Gulfstream G500 aircraft with the American registration number N144S at an estimated cost of around Rs10 billion, The News reported.

Flight tracking data shows that the seven-year-old jet arrived in Lahore on December 28 after travelling from Bangor in North America to the Egyptian city of Hurghada before landing at Allama Iqbal International Airport.

The aircraft remained parked at the Lahore airport for about 40 days, during which it reportedly underwent interior refurbishment and decoration, according to sources.

The jet undertook its first domestic flight on February 6 from Lahore to Multan and has since operated several flights under the call sign “PUNJAB2” to destinations including Quetta, Mianwali, Sialkot and Rawalpindi.

Former Test captain Sarfaraz Ahmed has announced his retirement from international cricket, bringing an end to a distinguished career spanning around two decades, according to a press release issued by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). 

Karachi-born wicketkeeper-batter, who made his ODI debut in 2007 before making his Test and T20I debuts in 2010, went on to represent Pakistan in 54 Tests, 117 ODIs and 61 T20Is. 

He scored 6,164 runs across formats, including six centuries and 35 half-centuries. Behind the stumps, he grabbed 315 catches and completed 56 stumpings during his international career.

Sarfaraz captained Pakistan in 100 international matches across formats, including 50 ODIs, 37 T20Is, 13 Tests, and led the side to the No 1 ranking in T20I cricket.

During his captaincy, Pakistan achieved a world-record streak of 11 consecutive T20I series victories and recorded six clean sweeps, which include against West Indies (2016 and 2018), Sri Lanka (2017), Australia (2018), New Zealand (2018) and Scotland (2018).

Sarfaraz’s leadership era also saw the emergence of several future stars, including Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Hasan Ali, Imam-ul-Haq, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman and Shadab Khan, whom he backed at the start of their international careers.

Sarfaraz led Pakistan to historic triumph in the ICC Champions Trophy, beating India by 180 runs in the final at the Oval in England.

With that victory, he became the first Pakistan captain to win the Champions Trophy and the only captain till date to win ICC titles at both junior and senior levels, having earlier led Pakistan to win in the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup in 2006 in Sri Lanka.

In recognition of his services and the Champions Trophy triumph, Sarfaraz was awarded the Pride of Performance in 2018, becoming the youngest Pakistan captain to receive the honour.

Talking about his individual records, Sarfaraz has the Pakistan record of 10 catches in a Test match, which he took against South Africa in Johannesburg in 2019. He is to date the only Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter to score an ODI century at Lord’s, which he scored against England in 2016.

Sarfaraz, who played his first international match (ODI) in 2007, made his last international appearance in an international match (Test) against Australia in Perth in 2023.

“It has been the greatest honour of my life to represent Pakistan. From leading the U19 team to a world title in 2006 to lifting the ICC Champions Trophy in 2017, every moment in Pakistan colours has been special. I am grateful to my teammates, coaches, family and the fans for their unwavering support throughout my career,” the former skipper said in a statement.

“Captaining Pakistan across all formats was a dream come true. I always tried to play fearless cricket and build a united team. Seeing players like Babar, Fakhar, Hasan, Shaheen, Shadab and others grow into match-winners during my captaincy is one of my proudest achievements,” he added.

He also thanked the Pakistan Cricket Board for the trust “they placed in me over the years”.

“Pakistan cricket has always been very close to my heart and I will continue to support the game in every possible way,” he concluded. 

“Sinners” could be set up for a historic night at the 2026 Oscars after already breaking the record for most nominations ever — 16 — and bringing in nearly $370 million worldwide at the box office. But it could face stiff competition from contenders like “One Battle After Another” and “Marty Supreme” at Hollywood’s marquee awards show. Here’s how to watch and what to know about the 98th annual Academy Awards.

Where to watch the Oscars with cable

The 98th annual Academy Awards will be broadcast live on ABC stations, and will also be available on international networks worldwide, beginning at 7 p.m. EDT (4 p.m. PDT) on Sunday, March 15, 2026.

How to stream the Oscars

The Oscars will again stream live on Hulu this year and will also be available live on ABC.com and the ABC app if those services are connected to your regular TV provider. Other streaming services like YouTubeTV, AT&T TV and FuboTV will also carry the show. 

The Oscars will also be available to stream the next day on ABC.com and Hulu for those who missed it live.

Who are the Oscar nominees?

“Sinners” is eyeing a big night after nabbing a record-breaking 16 nominations, including for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Supporting Actress, Best Supporting Actor and Best Actor — with Michael B. Jordan looking to bring home the golden statue for taking on the dual roles of twin brothers Smoke and Stack.

“One Battle After Another” is also up for a slew of the top awards, scoring nominations for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Supporting Actor and Best Supporting Actress as well.

Other big contenders include “Marty Supreme,” “Hamnet” and “Sentimental Value,” all of which are up for both Best Picture and Best Director.

See the full list of nominees here. And go behind the scenes to see excerpts of performances and highlights of CBS News interviews with nominees in these top categories:

Who is hosting the Oscars?

Former late-night TV host Conan O’Brien will handle hosting duties at the Academy Awards for a second straight year.

O’Brien took over as master of ceremonies for the show last year following a two-year stint from fellow comedian and late-night host Jimmy Kimmel, who has hosted the Oscars a total of four times.

The Academy also shared that Matt Berry, the star of TV shows such as “The IT Crowd,” “What We Do in the Shadows” and “Toast of London,” will be the announcer for the Oscars this year.

Where are the Oscars held?

The 2026 Oscars will be held at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.