Latest news with #FC
Metro
an hour ago
- Entertainment
- Metro
EA Sports FC 26 tackles the haters in first gameplay trailer
Jude Bellingham is joined by Jamal Musiala on the cover of EA Sports FC 26, which claims to be the most community-driven entry yet. EA Sports FC 25 may have still been a sales juggernaut in the grand scheme of things but, as noted by EA in January, it 'underperformed' when compared to its predecessor. While EA wasn't explicit about what it thought the reasons for this was, the reveal trailer for its successor, EA Sports FC 26, makes it clear, with an emphasis on player flexibility and community feedback. The trailer directly addresses various fan complaints, introducing two distinct gameplay presets in Competitive and Authentic. The former comes with faster passing, smarter keeper rebounds, and more direct control, while the latter promises the most 'true-to-football experience ever' and is tailored to the Career mode. Other aspects of the gameplay have been reworked, including improved dribbling fluidity, 're-tuned run curves' and overhauled AI positioning. As for the single-player experience, there are new Manager Live challenges in the Manager Career mode, which offer the chance to take on real-world scenarios and alternative storylines throughout the season. The other key addition are Archetypes, which introduce new classes to Clubs and Player Career, and the ability to upgrade player attributes and unlock perks. Sign up to the GameCentral newsletter for a unique take on the week in gaming, alongside the latest reviews and more. Delivered to your inbox every Saturday morning. As leaked prior to the reveal, England and Real Madrid player Jude Bellingham is back on the cover for the standard edition of EA Sports FC 26, only this time he's joined by his former teammate and Bayern Munich player Jamal Musiala. 'It's really nice to share this moment with Jamal, as a reflection of how far we've come,' Bellingham said. 'I remember our times rooming together in the England Youth team, we'd play the game all the time. Where I'm from, everyone knows the game, everyone plays it and talks about it so much. I'm grateful to be given the opportunity to be on the cover again.' Speaking about being on the cover for the first time, Musiala said: 'When I found out I'd be on the cover of FC, it was such a crazy feeling. I thought, how could I tell my little brother? He's a big fan of the game, so this will be a nice surprise for him. 'It's something I always wanted growing up and it's such a big part of football culture. Who knows, maybe I can still beat Jude at FC.' For those who purchase the Ultimate Edition, retired football legend Zlatan Ibrahimović graces the cover. This version, which costs £99.99, comes with up to seven days early access, a season one premium pass, along with other goodies. The standard edition costs £69.99. More Trending In case the community-driven approach wasn't hammered home enough, EA has launched FC Feedback, which is described as a new initiative that 'empowers players to contribute directly to the evolution of EA Sports FC'. That means you can share feedback on the website's official portal, on Discord, and across social media. EA Sports FC 26 is set to launch worldwide on September 26, 2025 across PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, PC, Amazon Luna, Nintendo Switch, and Nintendo Switch 2. For those who purchase the Ultimate Edition, you'll have access from September 19. Email gamecentral@ leave a comment below, follow us on Twitter. To submit Inbox letters and Reader's Features more easily, without the need to send an email, just use our Submit Stuff page here. For more stories like this, check our Gaming page. MORE: Nintendo and Steam crack down on hentai and other 'eSlop' filling up game stores MORE: PS5 consoles get massive £90 price cut in PlayStation sale MORE: EA Sports FC 25 costs just £15 in huge PlayStation Store summer sale
Business Recorder
15 hours ago
- Politics
- Business Recorder
PTI assails govt for turning FC into nationwide federal force
ISLAMABAD: Opposition Leader in the National Assembly, Omar Ayub, on Tuesday tore into the federal government's decision to turn the Frontier Constabulary (FC) into a national federal force – slamming it as a power grab that tramples provincial rights and echoes the strong-arm tactics of past dictators. In a post on X, formerly Twitter, he said the restructuring of the FC into a 'Federal Constabulary' was part of a broader attempt by what he described as the 'installed hybrid regime' to undermine Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)-led government in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Ayub said the conversion would 'bury the 18th Amendment for good,' referring to the landmark 2010 constitutional reform that devolved significant powers to the provinces. He likened the move to former prime minister Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto's creation of the Federal Security Force (FSF) in the 1970s, calling it an 'instrument of terror' used to suppress political opposition and control provinces. 'This hybrid regime is launching the renamed Federal Constabulary to target KP,' Ayub said. 'It wants to keep KP in check because there is a PTI government there and to trample upon provincial rights.' The government move follows the promulgation of the Frontier Constabulary (Reorganization) Ordinance, 2025, by President Asif Ali Zardari on Sunday. Under the new law, the FC will be re-branded as the Federal Constabulary, with a broader mandate to maintain law and order and coordinate security operations across the country. The timing of the ordinance has raised eyebrows, coming weeks before the PTI's planned nationwide protests on August 5. Critics say the measure infringes on provincial autonomy and sidesteps parliamentary oversight. Ahmed Bilal Mehboob, executive director of the Pakistan Institute of Legislative Development and Transparency (Pildat), said the government bypassed due process. 'If it had gone through the usual legislative process, the bill would have been discussed in a standing committee. This approach shows the government was avoiding opposition input,' he said. Legal experts, however, said it was too early to assess the full legal impact of the ordinance, as the complete text has not yet been made public. A senior KP police official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the FC – established in 1913 through the merger of the Border Police and Samana Rifles – has long served as a culturally embedded force, with personnel drawn from over 30 tribes and sub-tribes native to the region. He warned that restructuring the FC under centralised federal control risks eroding its effectiveness and local legitimacy. 'This could weaken the force's historic role as a community-rooted institution tailored to the region's unique security dynamics,' he said. He also raised concerns about political motives behind the move, suggesting it reflects an effort by Punjab-based civil and military leadership to consolidate power over regional institutions. 'The Frontier Constabulary is more than a paramilitary force – it is a symbol of regional identity and trust,' he said. 'Its legacy must be preserved, not sacrificed for political expediency.' He called for a public debate, particularly involving representatives from KP and the former tribal districts, urging the government to reconsider implementing changes that could alter the FC's historic mandate. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
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First Post
a day ago
- Politics
- First Post
Pakistan creates new paramilitary force after jailed ex-PM Imran Khan threatens nationwide protest
Ahead of protests by jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), the Pakistani government has created a new paramilitary force, prompting fears that it could be used to crush PTI's movement and target political opponents. read more A supporter of jailed former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan holds his poster during a gathering by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party to observe Martyrs' Day to honour those who allegedly died during last month's protest, in Peshawar on December 15, 2024. (Photo: Abdul Majeed/AFP) As jailed former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan's followers are planning nationwide protests, the Shehbaz Sharif government has created a new paramilitary force, prompting fears that it could be used to crush protests and harass political opponents. Imran's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has announced nationwide protests starting August 5 — the second anniversary of Imran's arrest. President Asif Ali Zardari on Sunday signed off the proposal to convert Frontier Constabulary (FC) from a border security force largely deployed in the country's tribal northwest into the Federal Constabulary, which would have a nationwide mandate of maintaining law and order, supplementing the law enforcement agencies, and carrying out a range of duties, according to Dawn newspaper. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The ordinance that Zardari promulgated also said that the government may also grant the FC full policing powers at discretion. The PTI has already voiced concerns that the new force could be unleashed on political opponents. The new force 'should not be used as a gimmick to silence political opponents, as has been previously witnessed when the government applied such laws against a large number of the PTI leadership and supporters', said PTI spokesperson Zulfikar Bukhari, according to Reuters. For more than two years, the Sharif-led government —with the backing of the all-powerful military-intelligence establishment— has been cracking down on PTI. PTI chief Imran has been in jail since August 2023 and several top leaders have been jailed as well. It was also barred from fielding candidates on its symbol in the 2024 parliamentary elections. 'We are alarmed' The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan has said that it was 'alarmed' by the creation of the new force. 'We are alarmed by the changes being made to the security and law enforcement structure of the country without any debate in parliament,' said Human Rights Commission of Pakistan Secretary Haris Khalique. For more than two years, the Pakistani government and PTI have traded charges. While the PTI has accused the government of a systematic crackdown, the government has accused the PTI of engaging in violence in the name of political activities. Since his ouster as the premier in 2022, Khan has accused the Pakistani military of conspiring with the political parties and the United States to oust him. The crackdown on his party intensified after his followers attacked the Pakistani Army headquarters in Rawalpindi and stormed the houses of top army commanders in May 2023 while protesting his arrest. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD
Express Tribune
2 days ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Minister denies politics inFC revamp
Minister of State for Interior and senior PMLN leader Senator Talal Chaudhary has said that Frontier Constabulary (FC) is being restructured and renamed Federal Constabulary only to bolster internal and national security of Pakistan. He was addressing a news conference at the Deputy Commissioner's office on Monday. FC Commandant Riaz Nazir Gara was also present. The minister's statement came a day after President Asif Ali Zardari promulgated an ordinance empowering the federal government to transform the FC, a border security force, into the Federal Constabulary to maintain law and order, supplement the law enforcement agencies, and address the diverse security needs in a coordinated manner. "This will be a new force. This will be a stronger force. We need this force for internal security," Chaudhry said, adding that the president had already approved amendments in the law introducing changes in the paramilitary force. The decision to revamp FC prompts concern among opposition parties and human rights groups that it could be used as a tool of political repression. The minister; however, said that revamping of FC is not a politically-motivated decision but it is an institutional necessity to improve coordination, compensation and capability of this force across all provinces and territories of Pakistan. It is purely a defence-related issue to strengthen national defence by providing support to the law enforcement agencies, he added. He said that the FC had played a pivotal role in maintaining peace and security within the country and along its borders for nearly a century, yet this force has not been accorded the recognition and benefits comparable to other security forces in Pakistan. He lamented that despite limited salaries and fewer privileges, FC personnel have consistently served the nation with unwavering dedication. "Now Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi have decided to transform FC into a federal force to address the disparity with upgraded structure and scope under the new name of Federal Constabulary," he added. He clarified that while the name is being changed, the identity and core function of the FC as a constabulary remain intact. The restructuring would help ensure that its personnel receive salaries, training and benefits equal to those of other national security forces, he added. He said that the FC has long involvement in combating drug trafficking, smuggling and supporting civil law enforcement agencies during sensitive events like Muharram, elections and anti-polio campaigns. Now it would continue to carry out these responsibilities under its new federal framework, he added. He said that with the reorganisation, the jurisdiction of Federal Constabulary would be expanded to include all four provinces as well as Gilgit/Baltistan and Azad Jammu & Kashmir. He said that recruitment will be opened to all citizens from across the country and the federal government would bear all operational and financial responsibilities, relieving the provinces of any budgetary burden. The FC revamp would include updated training modules, capacity-building initiatives and a modernized command structure designed to uplift the morale and effectiveness of its personnel, he added. FC Commandant Riaz Nazir Gara provided historical context and said that the FC was established in 1913, originally known as the North-West Frontier Constabulary. It was operated under an act that is now over 100 years old. Recognising the urgent need for reform, he said that the FC would be realigned into a more robust and federally managed institution with clearly defined command tiers including platoons, companies and wings. He said that the FC has 41 wings and its 36 wings are currently deployed under the security division. The revamped structure would streamline these units for improving efficiency, he added. Commandant Gara disclosed that 423 FC personnel have laid down their lives in the line of duty which is a testament to the commitment and sacrifice of this force. The reorganisation would help honor these sacrifices by providing a better command structure, improved facilities and clearer career pathways for FC members, he added. The State Minister and FC Commandant both urged the public, media and stakeholders to carefully read the new ordinance related to the Federal Constabulary to avoid misconceptions. This transformation is a strategic and institutional reform which would help address the internal security challenges and enhance operational capability of one of the oldest law enforcement bodies of the country, they added. Meanwhile, the development prompted concern among opposition parties and human rights groups that it could be used as a tool of political repression. The announcement came after the PTI said it would stage nationwide protests starting on August 5, the second anniversary of party founder Imran Khan's arrest. Several such protests since his August 2023 arrest have turned violent, in some cases paralysing the capital Islamabad for days. PTI leader Zulfikar Bukhari said the changes should be subject to parliamentary discussion. The new force "should not be used as a gimmick to silence political opponents, as has been previously witnessed when the government applied such laws against the PTI leadership and supporters", he said. His concern was echoed by Haris Khalique, secretary of the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan. "We are alarmed by the changes being made to the security and law enforcement structure of the country without any debate in parliament," Khalique said.
Express Tribune
2 days ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Frontier Constabulary renamed Federal Constabulary to boost internal security: Talal Chaudhary
Listen to article Minister of State for Interior Senator Talal Chaudhary announced on Monday that the Frontier Constabulary (FC) is being restructured and renamed as the Federal Constabulary to enhance Pakistan's internal and national security. Speaking at a press conference alongside FC Commandant Riaz Nazir Gara, he clarified that the revamping of the FC is not politically motivated but an institutional necessity. Chaudhary emphasised that the restructuring is solely a defence-related initiative designed to strengthen national security by providing enhanced support to law enforcement agencies. 'For nearly a century, the FC has played a crucial role in maintaining peace and order within the country and along its borders. Yet, it has not been given recognition or benefits comparable to other security forces,' he said. Despite limited salaries and fewer privileges, FC personnel have consistently demonstrated unwavering dedication, he noted. 'Now, under the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, the government has decided to transform the FC into a federal force, addressing long-standing disparities with an upgraded structure and expanded scope.' The minister clarified that while the name will change, the core function and identity of the force as a constabulary will remain intact. The restructuring will ensure that FC personnel receive salaries, training, and benefits on par with other national security forces. Chaudhary highlighted the FC's long-standing role in combating drug trafficking, smuggling, and assisting civil law enforcement during key national events, including Muharram, elections, and anti-polio campaigns. He confirmed that these duties would continue under the new federal framework. As part of the reforms, the jurisdiction of the Federal Constabulary will be expanded to cover all four provinces, as well as Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir. Recruitment will be open to all Pakistani citizens, and the federal government will assume full operational and financial responsibility, relieving provinces of any budgetary burden. The revamp will also include updated training modules, capacity-building initiatives, and a modernised command structure aimed at improving morale and operational effectiveness. FC Commandant Gara provided historical context, noting that the FC was originally established in 1913 as the North-West Frontier Constabulary, under a law now over a century old. 'Recognising the need for reform, the force will now be realigned into a stronger, federally managed institution with clearly defined command tiers—platoons, companies, and wings,' he said. He added that out of 41 total wings, 36 are currently deployed under the security division. The new structure aims to streamline these units for better efficiency. Commandant Gara also honoured the sacrifice of FC personnel, revealing that 423 members have laid down their lives in the line of duty. He said the reorganisation would honour these sacrifices through better command systems, improved facilities, and clearer career paths. Both Chaudhary and Gara urged the public, media, and stakeholders to carefully review the new ordinance governing the Federal Constabulary to avoid misconceptions. 'This transformation represents a strategic and institutional reform that will enhance the operational capability of one of the country's oldest law enforcement bodies,' they concluded.
