Author: newsdesk

Protest will continue till Imran Khan’s release: Bushra Bibi

Former first lady Bushra Bibi Monday said that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) protest march will continue till her husband and party founder Imran Khan is released.

“I will stand till my last breath and so you should stand with me too,” Bushra Bibi said in an address to party workers at the Hazara Interchange as her convoy makes its way to the federal capital for a “decisive” protest.

“Even if someone does not stand by with me, I will stand [alone],” she said, adding that it was not only about her husband’s release but also for the country.

She said that Pashtun were honourable people who would not abandon their “companions until the very end”.

Scores of PTI workers, led by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister (CM) Ali Amin Gandapur and Bushra Bibi among others, have been marching on the federal capital on Khan’s call for a “do-or-die” protest.

At the time of filing of this report, the main PTI convoy had reportedly reached Kati Pahari after passing Burhan interchange where police fired tear gas shells at them. The government has said it is determined to keep demonstrators out of the federal capital and quash the protest come what may, however, PTI workers and leaders are continuing to head to Islamabad, overcoming all obstacles for the second-consecutive day.

Earlier in the day, caravans led by senior leadership of the PTI from all across the country on Sunday started their march on the capital. They, however, failed to reach their “destination” – D-Chowk in Islamabad – after meeting heavy resistance by law enforcement who resorted to the use of tear gas shells and non-lethal rounds.

On Monday, the convoy led by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister (CM) Ali Amin Gandapur and former first lady Bushra Bibi resumed its march on the federal capital, overcoming obstacles set up by the government from the Punjab-KP border near Attock till Islamabad.

PTI leadership made it clear that they were in “no hurry” for their “do-or-die” protest as party workers and supporters across the country tried to evade arrest and police action.

“Our destination is Islamabad, but we can take a day or two to reach there and let the government machinery remain panicked,” revealed senior PTI leader Asad Qaiser.

Reports said that a majority of protesters marching towards the federal capital belonged to KP, while the leadership had failed to mobilise workers in Punjab and Islamabad due to police crackdown in the days leading to the protest. They also quoted sources within the party as saying that the people of Punjab and Islamabad were waiting for the “main convoy” to reach the capital for support.

Multiple cases have been registered against PTI leaders, including Imran Khan, Bushra Bibi, Aleema Khan and Ali Amin Gandapur. Omar Ayub and Arif Alvi have also been booked under terror charges over the protests.

November 25, 2024
‘Alia didn’t know who Kishore Kumar was,’ reveals husband Ranbir Kapoor

Kishore Kumar, the legendary singer who defined Bollywood music for decades, was a mystery to Bollywood actress Alia Bhatt when she first met actor Ranbir Kapoor.

Recently, at the 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI), the Barfi actor shared a surprising moment from his first meeting with wife Alia Bhatt.

“I remember the first time I met Alia, she asked me, ‘Who’s Kishore Kumar?’ It’s just the circle of life… people are forgotten. It’s important we remember our roots,” Ranbir said.

The Tamasha actor also announced a significant tribute to his late grandfather Raj Kapoor, revealing that the Raj Kapoor Film Festival will run from December 13 to December 15.

The festival will showcase restored versions of 10 iconic films by the legendary actor-filmmaker.

“We are organizing the Raj Kapoor Film festival across India. It’s a great way to celebrate his legacy and preserve his contribution for future generations,” Ranbir said.

He also talked about his plans of making a biopic on the late Raj Kapoor, a project that he has been “considering for some time”.

I talk to many people, including director Sanjay Leela Bhansali about how to make a biopic on Mr Raj Kapoor. A biopic is about accurately depicting a person’s life, including their relationships, hardships, and low points, not simply about their achievements.

Ranbir also spoke of his bond with filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali, whom he calls his ‘Godfather’. He credited Bhansali for shaping his knowledge of film and acting.

“I am extremely blessed to have him as my godfather. Everything I know about films, everything I know about acting, it is something I learnt from him,” The Sajnu actor shared. It merits a mention that he worked as an assistant director on Bhansali’s film ‘Black’ before making his debut with Saawariya in 2007.

Ranbir commended Bhansali’s steadfast commitment to his art, saying, “He hasn’t changed at all. He is extremely hard-working. All he thinks about is his movies. He just wants to speak about the character, he wants you to create, do something different.”

Bhansali’s upcoming film ‘Love and War’ features a star-studded cast that includes Ranbir, Alia and Vicky Kaushal. The film is expected to be released by the end of 2025.

Ranbir Kappor starred in film such as, Wake Up Sid, Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani, Raajneeto, Rockstar, Barfi, Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani, Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, Sanju and last starred in Animal.

November 25, 2024
PTI marches on Islamabad for second day despite heavy resistance

The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on Monday continued its march on Islamabad despite facing heavy resistance by law enforcement agencies amid closure of intra-city routes and cellular service by the government to quash the protest rally.

PTI founder Imran Khan had on November 13 issued a “final call” for nationwide protests on Nov 24, denouncing the “stolen mandate” of his party, unjust arrests of PTI workers and the 26th Constitutional Amendment by the “dictatorial regime”.

With party leadership urging workers and supporters to join the march on the federal capital, thousands gathered in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) — where PTI is in power — in the days leading to Nov 24 despite the Islamabad High Court (IHC) declaring the planned protest as unlawful. With the high court refusing PTI the permission to protest in Islamabad due to Belarusian president’s visit among other reasons, the government had expressed its resolve to bar the PTI from entering the federal capital come what may.

Caravans led by senior leadership of the PTI from all across the country on Sunday started their march on the capital. They, however, failed to reach their “destination” – D-Chowk in Islamabad – after meeting heavy resistance by law enforcement who resorted to the use of tear gas shells and non-lethal rounds.

On Monday, the convoy led by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister (CM) Ali Amin Gandapur and former first lady Bushra Bibi resumed its march on the federal capital, overcoming obstacles set up by the government from the Punjab-KP border near Attock till Islamabad.

PTI leadership made it clear that they were in “no hurry” for their “do-or-die” protest as party workers and supporters across the country tried to evade arrest and police action.

“Our destination is Islamabad, but we can take a day or two to reach there and let the government machinery remain panicked,” revealed senior PTI leader Asad Qaiser.

Reports said that a majority of protesters marching towards the federal capital belonged to KP, while the leadership had failed to mobilise workers in Punjab and Islamabad due to police crackdown in the days leading to the protest. They also quoted sources within the party as saying that the people of Punjab and Islamabad were waiting for the “main convoy” to reach the capital for support.

Multiple cases have been registered against PTI leaders, including Imran Khan, Bushra Bibi, Aleema Khan and Ali Amin Gandapur. Omar Ayub and Arif Alvi have also been booked under terror charges over the protests.

Earlier, massive PTI processions from KP entered Punjab via Attock, Chach Interchange and Ghazi Barotha Canal. Another PTI convoy from Haripur reached Attock Bridge where it was met with heavy resistance from the police, leading to a clash.

With the march continuing on the second consecutive day and main procession led by CM Gandapur still on its way – having reached Burhan interchange by the time this report was filed – citizens across Punjab are facing extreme difficulties as public life has been disrupted amid closure of motorways, all major roads and the shutdown of cellular service. Rawalpindi-Islamabad metro bus service has also been suspended besides the closure educational institutes in twin cities.

Meanwhile, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb has revealed that the country suffers a mammoth loss of Rs190 billion a day due to the closure of roads among other steps taken by the government to bar PTI from entering the federal capital.

November 25, 2024
Divorce or retirement? Virat’s new post leaves fans in shock

Indian star batsman and former captain Virat Kohli’s new post on social media has left fans worried.

As per the details, Kohli’s November 20 post on the micro-blogging website X (formerly Twitter), left fans confused as to whether it was about divorce or retirement.

“Looking back, we’ve always been a bit different. We never fitted into any box they tried putting us in. Two misfits, who just clicked. We’ve changed over the years, but always done things our way. Some called us crazy; others didn’t get it. But honestly? We didn’t care.,” he wrote.

“We were busy figuring out who we were. Ten years of ups and downs, and even the pandemic couldn’t shake us. If anything, it reminded us being different is our strength. So, here’s to ten years of doing it our way- the Wrogn way. Here’s to being Wrogn. And here’s to the next ten! Wrogn, for the right kind of man [sic],” he added.

With the post coming after Indian singer and composer A. R. Rahman and his wife Saira Banu’s separation, netizens started speculating if Kohli was also hinting at divorce.

However, it turned out to be a promotional post for a brand.

Virat’s association with this brand

Sporting Beyond is a new company that helps athletes with their business. It’s like a team that takes care of everything from sponsorships to charity work.

Recently, a big cricket star, Virat Kohli, joined Sporting Beyond. He said he’s excited to work with this team because they share his love for sports and his values.

Sporting Beyond is still new, but it’s already making a big impact. It’s helping athletes focus on their sport while they handle the business side of things.

November 25, 2024
Clashes over Mughal-era mosque survey in India leave three Muslims dead

Indian Muslim protesters clashed with police on Sunday, leaving at least three people dead. The riots erupted in Uttar Pradesh following a survey of the status of Shahi Jama Masjid in Sambhal, investigating whether the 17th-century Mughal-era mosque was built on the site of a Hindu temple.

Since the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) took over the government in India, the right-wing has become particularly active, with Hindu groups increasingly laying claim to several mosques they alleged were built on top of Hindu temples during the Muslim Mughal empire centuries ago.

On November 14, a local court ordered a survey of the mosque after a Hindu activist filed an application claiming that the mosque, built during the reign of Emperor Babur, was originally a prominent Hindu temple dedicated to Kalki, the prophesied avatar of Vishnu.

The survey team conducted an initial survey within hours of the court’s order. They then returned on the morning of November 24 for a second round of photography and videography.

The survey began around 7:30 a.m. and proceeded peacefully for two hours until a crowd gathered and began raising slogans.

The mosque is believed to have been built on the orders of the first Mughal emperor, Babur, and is recognised as a “historic monument” on the official website of the Sambhal district. Hindu activist Vishnu Shankar Jain claimed that Emperor Babur partially demolished the Hari temple and attempted to convert it into a mosque in 1529.

The court order stated, “The submission of a report of the site might facilitate the court to adjudicate the suit”.

The complainants in the lawsuit wrote that the mosque was a monument protected under Section 3 (3) of the Ancient Monuments Preservation Act, 1904 and that they were being “denied access” to the mosque.

They also alleged that the site was a centuries-old Hari Temple dedicated to Kalki and had been “used forcibly and unlawfully” by the Jama Masjid committee.

Zia-ur-Rehman Barq, a member of Parliament from Sambhal, who has opposed the survey on the grounds that the mosque was protected by The Place of Worship Act, 1991, appealed for peace after the violence.

While police claimed that protesters threw rocks at officers, prompting them to fire tear gas canisters to disperse the crowd, Zia-ur-Rehman promised to raise his voice against “police brutality” in the next session of Parliament.

Initially, reports suggested that two Muslims were killed in the riots, but the Indian news platform The Wire later reported the number to be three.

The three individuals from the local Muslim community who were killed in the firing incident were identified as Naeem, Noman, and Bilal.

The Wire quoted a police official as saying that 15-20 police constables were injured in the stone-pelting incident.

However, fifteen individuals, including two women, alleged to have thrown stones at the police from a rooftop, were detained during the violence.

Several cars and a couple of motorbikes parked in the area were set on fire by the protesters.

Additionally, Vishnu Shankar Jain, the lawyer representing the Hindu activists, stated that the survey was complete and that the advocate commissioner would submit the report to the court.

Meanwhile, the police are searching for those involved in the stone-pelting using CCTV and drone footage. They intend to deal with the suspects under the stringent National Security Act (NSA), which allows for preventive detention to maintain national security and public order.

November 25, 2024
Aliza Sultan hits out at ex-husband Feroze Khan, his new wife

Aliza Sultan, ex-wife of actor Feroze Khan, recently posted an Instagram story that appeared to target him and his second wife, Zainab.

In her post, Aliza expressed her frustration about taking care of their sick children alone, saying, “And when the child falls sick, they leave them at my door and run away.”

In response, Feroze hinted on social media that Aliza was seeking attention, saying, “You want some attention? Do I make you a star?”

Feroze and Aliza had two kids together, Sultan and Fatima, and despite their messy divorce in 2022, they’ve committed to co-parenting.

Their children spend time with Feroze’s family, including his new wife, Zainab. Photos suggest they have a good relationship with her.

Recently, Fatima visited Zainab’s clinic, and the pictures showed a positive experience, but Aliza’s recent comments implied that Feroze leaves the kids’ care to her when they are ill.

This exchange has drawn more media attention to their already complicated situation.

Feroze and Alizey’s separation

Feroze Khan and Alizey Sultan’s separation was a highly publicized event that shocked the Pakistani entertainment industry. The couple, who had been married for four years, finalized their divorce in September 2022.

Alizey Sultan made serious allegations against Feroze Khan, accusing him of physical and psychological abuse, infidelity, and blackmail. She claimed that their marriage was “utter chaos” and that she had endured immense suffering.

While Feroze Khan confirmed the divorce, he refrained from commenting on the specific allegations, citing ongoing legal proceedings. He emphasized his commitment to co-parenting their two children and expressed respect for Alizey as the mother of his children.

November 25, 2024
Rishabh Pant becomes most expensive player in IPL history

Indian left-handed wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant has created history in the Indian Premier League (IPL) auction, becoming the most expensive player. The auction of the best-performing cricketers in the first phase of the IPL was held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

Lucknow Super Giants bought the Indian wicketkeeper-batsman for 270 million Indian rupees in the auction, which is more than 88 crore Pakistani rupees.

The successful bid for Rishabh Pant also surpassed the 260 million Indian rupees paid by Punjab Kings for Shreyas Iyer a few minutes earlier.

Earlier, Delhi Capitals had offered 207.5 million Indian rupees under the Right to Match Card (RTM) to retain Rishabh Pant, but the huge offer of 270 million Indian rupees from Lucknow Supergiants forced Delhi Capitals to withdraw from the auction.

Rishabh Pant has been a part of Delhi Capitals since 2016, but after this auction, he has now joined Lucknow Supergiants. Delhi Capitals had also given him the captaincy after Shreyas Iyer was injured during the 2021 session and was also retained as captain in the 2022 IPL.

Pant made a comeback in the 2024 IPL after being seriously injured in a car accident in December 2022.

Delhi Capitals retained him as captain, and in the 2024 season, he scored 446 runs for his team.

Earlier, Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc was the most expensive player in the IPL auction held on December 19, 2023. He was made a part of the Kolkata Knight Riders team for 247.5 million Indian rupees.

Prior to Mitchell Starc, Australian player Pat Cummins was the most expensive player, whom Sunrisers Hyderabad added to their fleet for 200 million Indian rupees. Similarly, preceding Cummins was England all-rounder Sam Curran, who joined the Punjab Kings for 18.50 crore and became the most expensive player.

Rishabh gave scooters to the locals who rescued him in a car accident

In 2022, Rishabh Pant’s car met with an accident while going from Uttarakhand to Delhi, in which the cricketer sustained serious injuries, while two locals rescued him and shifted him to the hospital in time.

The cricketer was treated in the hospital and returned to the field after about a year and a half.

Now, Rishabh has gifted scooters to locals named Rajat Kumar and Neshu Kumar. The cricketer thanked them and said that this would remain a favour to him for the rest of his life, which he will never forget.

He said that I was not able to thank everyone individually, but I was indebted to the two heroes, Rajat Kumar and Neshu Kumar, who tried their best to save my life after the accident.

November 25, 2024
Abdul Razzaq confesses his past love for this stage actress

Former Pakistan national cricket team all-rounder Abdul Razzaq has opened up about his past love, revealing that he had once fallen in love with a former stage actress and dancer, Deedar.

In an interview, he recalled, “I had true love with actress Deedar; we had a very good friendship, and I wanted to marry her. I asked her to leave the stage and gave her 6 months to decide. I wanted her to leave the film industry and theatre dance because my family did not accept it, but Deedar refused to leave the stage, on which we preferred to end the relationship because it was difficult to adjust like this.”

Former actress Deedar has also spoken about this, saying, “I was engaged to Abdul Razaq, but he did not want me to act. I wanted to work because I had started my career at that time. At that time, I was 15 years old, and he was 21 years old; our relationship did not work out, so we separated, but even today, whenever they meet at any event, we meet with respect,” she disclosed,

Deedar, born Sonia Idrees, is a Pakistani stand-up comedian, actress and former stage dancer. She is famous for her work in Punjabi dramas. Abdul Razzaq is a Pakistani former cricketer who played all formats of the game and is known as a gifted all-rounder.

November 25, 2024
1st ODI: Zimbabwe defeat Pakistan by 80 runs under DLS method

In the first ODI of the three-match ODI series, Zimbabwe defeated Pakistan by 80 runs using the Duckworth-Lewis method.

The first match of the three-match ODI series between Pakistan and Zimbabwe was played in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, in which the host team set a target of 206 runs for Pakistan to win.

In pursuit of Zimbabwe’s target of 206 runs, Pakistan’s batting line-up struggled, and six players on the national team were out for 60 runs. After 21 overs of the match, the match had to be stopped due to rain, and the game had to be ended due to continuous rain.

Zimbabwe defeated Pakistan by 80 runs using the Duckworth-Lewis method.

Earlier, Pakistan won the toss and decided to bowl against Zimbabwe; Faisal Akram made his debut for Pakistan.

Zimbabwe were bowled out for 205 runs in 40.2 overs, with debutants Faisal Akram and Salman Ali Agha taking three wickets each.

Haris Rauf dismissed one player while Abdullah Shafiq ran out a batter. In addition, Aamir Jamal and Muhammad Hasnain returned one player to the pavilion.

Chasing a target of 206 runs, the national team had a disappointing start. Openers Saim Ayub scored 11, and Abdullah Shafiq returned to the pavilion after scoring one run. Kamran Ghulam could score 17 runs, while Salman Agha was out after scoring four runs.

Pakistan’s fifth wicket fell for 49 runs, and the fifth player to be dismissed from the national team was Haseebullah, who was out for a duck.

Pakistan’s sixth wicket fell for 58 runs, while Irfan Khan was bowled for seven runs. After that, after adding two more runs, the match had to be stopped due to rain. Captain Mohammad Rizwan remained unbeaten on 19 runs, while Aamir Jamal was present at the wicket with him but could not score any runs.

Pakistan’s final XI included Saim Ayub, Abdullah Shafiq, Kamran Ghulam, Mohammad Rizwan, Haseebullah, Salman Agha and Irfan Khan. In addition, Aamir Jamal, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain and Faisal Akram were also part of the final XI.

November 24, 2024
PTI marches on Islamabad as govt gears up to quash ‘decisive’ protest

Scores of workers and leaders of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) are headed to Islamabad for the party’s much-hyped and “decisive” protest to seek the release of party founder Imran Khan, as the government gears up to quash the powershow.

Khan had on November 13 issued a “final call” for nationwide protests on Nov 24 (today), denouncing the “stolen mandate” of his party, unjust arrests of PTI workers and the 26th Constitutional Amendment by the “dictatorial regime”.

With party leadership urging workers and supporters to join the march on the federal capital, thousands gathered in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) — where PTI is in power — in the days leading to Nov 24 (Sunday) despite the Islamabad High Court (IHC) declaring the planned protest as unlawful.

The court had also directed authorities to take all necessary measures to maintain law and order, prompting the federal government to seal the capital city and partially suspend mobile and internet services in major parts of the country. Intra-city road networks have also been shut down besides the closure of public transport and student hostels in Islamabad and parts of Punjab.

However, PTI convoys from KP left for Islamabad early Sunday morning. MPAs and MNAs of their respective constituencies are leading their convoys and would join the rallies at Burhan near Hazara interchange, reports said.

Heavy contingents of police and Rangers are present on GT Road and the motorway at Attock’s Hassanabdal to stop the convoys from reaching Islamabad.

In a social media post earlier in the day, Islamabad police shared pictures of its personnel stationed at various points across the capital to “ensure the imposition of Section 144”, which prohibits public gatherings.

PTI, on the other hand, shared pictures and videos of several convoys en route to the capital.

Meanwhile, the National Counter Terrorism Authority (Nacta) has issued an alert for possible terrorist attacks during PTI’s march towards Islamabad.

According to reports, an alert was issued after “technical and human” intelligence gathered by the top counter-terror authority revealed that terrorists were planning “major activities” in big cities of Pakistan.

The terrorists, whom the government and the military refer to as Fitna-al-Khawarij, will possibly target the PTI’s protest “for their vested interest”, reports said. Nacta has suggested authorities ensure extreme vigilance and heighten security measures to prevent the attack.

Besides taking strict security measures, the government has also vowed to suppress PTI’s powershow with full force, deploying tens of thousands of security personnel, sealing major roads and arteries of the federal capital, and launching a crackdown on leaders and workers of the opposition party.

Sources told The Current that dozens of arrests have been made over the past 48 hours and the government has identified at least another 1,500 PTI workers who could be arrested to keep them from participating in the protest.

All public sector hospitals in the federal capital have also been placed on high alert to meet any emergency situation.

November 24, 2024