Author: newsdesk

  • Babar Azam opens up on his journey from ‘ball-picker’ to Test captain

    Star batsman Babar Azam has opened up and shared his journey from being a ‘ball-picker’ during a match between Pakistan and South Africa in 2007 to becoming the Test captain and leading the team against the Proteas on their first visit after fourteen years.

    In a video shared by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), the 26-year-old recalled the time when he was a ball-picker in the Test match in 2007 between the Green Caps and the Proteas at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore which increased his passion for the game.

    “My cricket journey started back in 2007,” said Azam. “I had a passion for the game but I really wanted to see international stars play in front of me. At the time, South African team was here so I asked someone to help me become a ball picker. I used to go daily from Gulberg to Gaddafi Stadium.”

    Azam continued: “I used to enjoy picking up balls. I remember watching Inzamam-ul-Haq’s farewell innings where he got out before breaking the record of great Javed Miandad. I witnessed it live the way he went back to the dressing room and took his anger out.”

    “This journey has been long and tough but I feel blessed to be making my Test captaincy debut against the same team,” he shared further.

    It is pertinent to add here that Babar’s cousin Kamran Akmal was the first-choice wicketkeeper for Pakistan from 2007 to 2010.

    Later, sharing PCB’s video, Babar said: “This humble story is for our youth. May your dreams keep you awake and motivate you to run that extraordinary yard.”

    “You are enough. A thousand times enough,” he added.

    Babar will be leading the national team for the first time in the five-day format in the first Test against South Africa which will begin from Tuesday, January 26 at the National Stadium in Karachi.

  • Multiple ‘Game of Thrones’ prequels in ‘early development’

    HBO is reportedly planning several Game of Thrones (GOT) prequels with the project in the early stages of development.

    According to reports, one of the projects is based on the stories of Dunk and Egg from GOT author George R.R. Martin which follow the adventures of Ser Duncan the Tall (Dunk) and a young Aegon V Targaryen (Egg). The story is set 90 years before the events of the main series.

    Martin has published three novellas in the Tales of Dunk and Egg series – The Hedge Knight, The Sworn Sword, and The Mystery Knight. All three were collectively published in 2015 with the title of A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms.

    Further reports have said the show will have one hour-long episode. However, no writer or talent has taken on board yet. The project is said to be on the high priority of HBO but representatives from HBO and Martin have refused to comment on the project.

    In December 2020, the first look of Game of Throne’s prequel, House of Dragon was released. House of Dragon is expected to premiere in 2020.

    As per details, House of the Dragon is based on George R.R. Martin’s House Targaryen chronicle Fire & Blood and set 300 years before Game of Thrones.

    The famed Dance of Dragons — the Targaryen civil war occasionally referenced in GoT that ripped apart Westeros — will be tackled during the series.

  • COVID-19: Sindh reopens shopping malls on weekends

    COVID-19: Sindh reopens shopping malls on weekends

    The Sindh government has allowed shopping malls in Karachi to remain open on the weekends (Saturdays and Sundays). 

    According to the notification issued by the government, shopping malls will now be allowed to operate seven days a week under the government’s COVID-19 standard operating procedures (SOPs).

    The notification added that if a shopping mall is situated in a virus hotspot within the city, then it will remain closed as only essential businesses are permitted to operate therein. 

    Meanwhile, as of January 21, the province has recorded 12 COVID-related deaths, elating the overall number to 3,855. Some 716 new cases were diagnosed taking the positivity rate to 11.2%. 

  • We have made Urdu a symbol of illiteracy, says Yasir Hussain

    We have made Urdu a symbol of illiteracy, says Yasir Hussain

    Yasir Hussain has said that “we have made Urdu a symbol of illiteracy,” and the “English language cool”.

    Sharing his thoughts on the Cannoli incident and the criticism the owners received for humiliating their manager, Yasir said: “[The] interesting fact is that owner of Cannoli made fun of their manager’s English and everyone (including my actor fraternity) raised their voice in English.”

    “Did anyone think why the manager needed to speak English?,” he questioned. “From where did this complex come into our society?”

    “We have made English cool and Urdu a symbol of illiteracy. It is something to be ashamed of,” he added.

    In the viral video, the owners of Cannoli Café Soul in Islamabad, Uzma and Diya joked that their manager, who has been working at their café for nine years, has taken three language courses until now and still cannot speak fluent English.

    The two ladies asked the manager Owais to introduce himself in English and when he struggled with speaking fluent English, they made fun of him by commenting on his salary. Owais was visibly uncomfortable in the video.

    Soon after the video was posted on social media, people started calling out the women for their elitist behaviour and though they later issued an apology, people called them out for their “arrogant non-apology”.

    Several celebrities including Sheheryar Munawar, Adnan Siddiqui, Sarah Khan and Ahsan Khan among others slammed the women for their distasteful comments and behaviour.

    Meanwhile, Ameer Gilani took to Instagram and shared details about his meeting with Owais. In a story posted to his Instagram, Gilani said that Awais is a very nice and positive man. He also urged people to focus on the good side to eradicate the wrong.

  • ‘Fake pilot licences’: UN staffers asked to avoid Pakistani airlines

    ‘Fake pilot licences’: UN staffers asked to avoid Pakistani airlines

    The Pakistani aviation industry is still suffering from the fallout of a controversial statement made by the aviation minister last year wherein he had accused the Pakistani pilots of having fake credentials.

    In the latest blow to the aviation sector, the United Nations has asked its staffers to avoid travelling on the Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) and other airlines registered in Pakistan.

    Ghulam Sarwar, the aviation minister, had made the controversial statement in parliament in the aftermath of a deadly aircraft crash in Karachi that had resulted in the death of at least 98 people. Following the crash, the minister had blamed the pilot for the crash and said most pilots in the PIA didn’t even a required qualification to fly the planes.

    His statement created an uproar, resulting in a ban on Pakistani pilots. The ban in Europe still persists.

    A report in Geo News quoted an advisory issued by the UN Security Management System asking its employees to stop using the Pakistani airlines for travelling.

    “Due to an ongoing investigation of the CAA [Civil Aviation Authority] Pakistan…due to dubious licenses caution is advised on the use of Pakistan-registered air operators,” said the statement.

    The advisory has been issued for all Pakistan-registered carriers and has been recommended to all the UN agencies, including the UN Development Programme, World Health Organization, UN High Commission for Refugees, Food and Agriculture Organization, UN Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization and others.

    The advisory by the UN also drew flak by a journalist who covers the aviation beat. Tahir Imran said that the advisory was “created by some dumb official at the UN” because it includes “cargo airlines” as well.

    “Unless there are heavyweights working with the UN Pakistan who needs cargo aircraft to travel around,” he said while taking a jibe at the UN.

  • Has State Bank really restricted ATM withdrawal limit to Rs1,000?

    Has State Bank really restricted ATM withdrawal limit to Rs1,000?

    People are receiving an alleged message from the State Bank of Pakistan about restrictions on ATM cash withdrawals till the end of the month.

    The peculiar message that you may receive from ‘8182’ or ‘8832’ will read: “Dear Customer, as per State Bank of Pakistan directions, ATM cash withdrawal limit is restricted to 1000 PKR ” till Jan 31.

    However, the central bank has distanced itself from these messages. It said the decision to set withdrawal limit is taken by the banks, not the SBP.

    Meanwhile, the SBP also sent a message to the banks, asking them to “send appropriately worded messages” to their consumers to curb the flow of misinformation.

    In a the message to the banks, the SBP said that it has received “multiple reports…that customers are receiving messages with the context that SBP has put some kind of restrictions on ATM cash withdrawals”.

    “The SBP has not given any such instructions to the financial institutions,” the statement clarified.

    “In this regard, kindly make sure to send appropriately worded messages to your customers on urgent basis, reassuring them regarding this false spread of messages,” the SBP clarification read.

  • 10-year-old girl dies trying TikTok’s ‘blackout challenge’

    A 10-year-old girl has reportedly died after allegedly trying TikTok’s viral ‘Blackout Challenge” on TikTok. As per details, the girl was found dead in her washroom by her younger sister.

    Initial investigation has suggested that the girl named Antonella had placed a belt around her neck to prevent herself from breathing to try the challenge. However, she ended up killing herself. When she was later taken to a hospital in Palermo, Italy, the doctors declared her brain dead.

    “Blackout challenge” is also known as “pass out challenge” and “the fainting game”. In this challenge, individuals try to temporarily suffocate themselves in order to get a feeling of euphoria.

    The girl’s parents said that they had no idea Antonella was participating in this game.

    “We knew our daughter went on TikTok for dances and to look at videos, but could we imagine this atrocity?,” they said.

    Speaking to an international publican, a TikTok spokesperson said: “The safety of the TikTok community is our absolute priority, for this motive we do not allow any content that encourages, promotes or glorifies behavior that could be dangerous.”

    Italian authorities have also ordered the social media platform to block all accounts where the user’s age could not be verified.

    Meanwhile, a boy in Rawalpindi also lost his life trying to shoot a stunt in front of a train for a TikTok video.

    Actor, Adnan Siddiqui took to Twitter to express his sorrow over the incident.

    “No number of likes or social media followers is greater than your life. Entertainment doesn’t mean putting yourself in harms way,” he wrote.

    Adnan added, “Sad a young life was lost to foolishness. Others should heed this as a lesson and act wisely.”

  • Urdu mushaira to be held outside Cannoli in Islamabad

    Urdu mushaira to be held outside Cannoli in Islamabad

    Limo Soda Show creators have announced an Urdu mushaira (a poetry recital) outside Cannoli by Café Soul. The two content creators from Islamabad have asked people to participate in the event in response to a video of Cannoli owners ridiculing their manager for his English speaking skills.

    According to details, the event will be held outside the restaurant in Islamabad on Saturday (January 23). 18,900 people have responded to the invitation till the filing of this report, with 1,600 indicating they are going and 9,400 saying they are interested.

    The event’s guidelines have been stated as follows:

    IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENTZ

    1.) All Shayrs has 2 b in punjabi or urdu.

    2.) Most criative shayar wins Jalahowapenus BURGER

    3.) NO gup shup or banter against restoraan ownrse

    5.) Siraikiz NOT allowedz

    6.) Free entries 4 beeconhoes studantz?!

    7.) NO Ahmed Faraz sasti shayri

    8.) Studie whole Wren nd Martin English graamer bookz for suprise english quiz

    9.) Alcohol, Drugs and JF-17 Thunder Naswar is strcitly prohitbited. (only for sale incide restoraan)”

    Though the owners of the café later issued an apology, netizens did not buy it saying the apology sounded ‘arrogant’.

    Read more – Adnan Siddiqui, Sheheryar Munawar lambast Cannoli owners for mocking manager’s ‘English’

    Meanwhile, responding to the video, Shaniera Akram challenged the ladies to an English competition.

    “I’m bored too so I challenge you ladies to an English competition,” said Shaniera.

  • Everything you need to know about ‘Bridgerton’ Season 2

    Everything you need to know about ‘Bridgerton’ Season 2

    Netflix has officially announced that their trending period drama Bridgerton will be returning for a second season. While the announcement was not unexpected given the show’s popularity, we admit that it did bring us great joy.

    The renewal announcement came from none other than Lady Whistledown, who in a message posted to social media said: “Dearest Readers, The ton are abuzz with the latest gossip, and so it is my honour to impart to you: Bridgerton shall officially return for a second season.”

    According to Lady Whistledown’s announcement, production will resume in Spring 2021, and the second season will focus on the “romantic activities” of Lord Anthony Bridgerton (Jonathan Bailey).

    Bridgerton creator Chris Van Dusen, while talking about the second season, said: “We have a bunch of new characters we are going to be introducing. Anthony is going to have a love interest and it’s going to be as sweeping and as beautiful as viewers have come to expect from the show.”

    He further shared that casting is currently underway for several new roles, most notably the female romantic lead opposite Anthony Bridgerton in The Viscount Who Loved Me, Kate Sheffield. It is also being reported that the actor who will play Sheffield will likely be an actress of color, likely of South Asian/Indian descent.

    The series which is based on Julia Quinn’s Bridgerton romance novel series featured a different sibling in each of the eight books and from what we understand, it is now Anthony’s turn. The first season followed Daphne Bridgerton (Phoebe Dynevor) as she made her debut in Regency London, seeking a husband.

    Bridgerton debuted on Netflix in December 2020 and has continued to win audiences trending worldwide even a month after its release. Netflix earlier said that the series was on course to watched by more than 63 million households in the four weeks from its Christmas Day premiere.

    The buzzy Regency romance comes from Grey’s Anatomy creator Shonda Rhimes and puts a modern twist on the books about an upper-class family in early 19th-century England, introducing colour-blind casting and strong feminist themes.

    Read more – ‘Bridgerton’ is the arranged marriage we all want

    While a release date for the second season has not yet been announced, it is being speculated that the show will either release on Christmas 2021 or 2022.

  • Qavi stripped of ‘mufti’ title, isolated by family after getting slapped

    Qavi stripped of ‘mufti’ title, isolated by family after getting slapped

    Abdul Qavi, who has remained in the limelight for his controversial actions and alleged involvement in the Qandeel Baloch murder case, has been stripped of his ‘mufti’ title by the family that says Qavi is being hospitalised in a “mental institution because his thoughts are not in control”.

    In a press conference, Qavi’s uncle Wahid Nadeem announced that the cleric has been isolated in his house. “Abdul Qavi has been used by different people over the years for media attention,” the uncle said, referring to the recent controversies that the cleric had embroiled himself in.

    Nadeem said that Qavi shouldn’t be addressed as a ‘mufti’ because he brought shame to the family. “We have seized his mobile phones and now he is under treatment for mental illness he is suffering from,” he added.

    Dr Hafiz Abdul Kadir, personal physician of the scholar, reportedly said that Qavi will be kept away from the public eye.

    Recently, Qavi was reportedly slapped by TikTok star Hareem Shah after he passed “inappropriate comments and was rude” to her. The video of the incident was also shared by Hareem on her Instagram.

    In May 2020, Qavi had said that drinks with less than 40% alcohol by volume were halal. “Whichever drink contains alcohol below 40 per cent… that drink is halal. It means we can drink it. In my opinion, even the drinks that contain 100 per cent alcohol but are extracted from minerals… are also halal,” he had said during an interview.

    Earlier in 2018, the mufti was among five suspects, who were indicted in the case pertaining to the murder of social media celebrity Qandeel Baloch.

    The murdered social media star had posted selfies and a video with Qavi on social media weeks before her death.

    It was alleged that he had incited Waseem Baloch, brother of Qandeel, to get rid of his sister in the name of honour after he received flack for his pictures with the girl. Qavi was also removed from the Ruet-e-Hilal Committee after his pictures with Qandeel went viral.

    Some of his endeavours include, brazenly flirting with transgender Almas Bobby during a television show in 2015, and being accused of sexual harassment by a female reporter in 2017. He has also time and again been spotted in several videos on social media featuring various showbiz stars and internet celebrities.