Author: newsdesk

  • David Warner isn’t in our plans for Champions Trophy 2025: Australian chief selector

    David Warner isn’t in our plans for Champions Trophy 2025: Australian chief selector

    Australian chief selector George Bailey has clarified that David Warner is not part of his plans for the Champions Trophy in Pakistan.

    The selector has firmly closed the door on David Warner’s return to the Champions Trophy in 2025, saying, “You never know when someone is joking. Warner has had a great career, and it couldn’t have been better for him.”

    He said, “Regarding this team, its transfer journey is going on with some different players. We will no longer consider David Warner as his career is over; we will select the squad keeping that in mind.”

    A few days ago, Warner insisted that he would keep the door open for a return to the Champions Trophy, but Bailey has now made it clear that the aggressive opener will not be in Pakistan with the Australian team.

    The left-handed batsman had announced his retirement from ODI cricket earlier this year on the occasion of the farewell Test against Pakistan.

  • Five heartfelt Nohas: Resonating stories of sacrifice and resilience

    Five heartfelt Nohas: Resonating stories of sacrifice and resilience

    During the month of Muharram, people from Shia communities worldwide find solace and a deep spiritual connection by listening to nohas, emotional elegies that pay tribute to the sacrifice of Imam Hussain (A.S) at Karbala. Recited by noha khawans, who convey the sorrow, bravery, and resilience of Imam Hussain’s story, Nohas resonating deeply with the audience and providing comfort and inspiration.

    Nadeem Sarwar, Ya Hussain (A.S)

    This noha is renowned for its lyrics and emotional rendition by Nadeem Sarwar, invoking the spirit of Imam Hussain (A.S).

    Farhan Ali Waris , Ayyam e Hussain (A.S)

    Farhan Ali Waris is known for his soulful voice and deep connection to the tragedy of Karbala, reflected in this touching noha.

    Mir Hasan Mir ,Ya Ali (A.S)

    Mir Hasan Mir’s rendition of Ya Ali is highly respected for its lyrical depth and devotion to Imam Ali (A.S), resonating strongly with listeners.

    Shadman Raza, Abbas (A.S)
    Shadman Raza’s tribute to Hazrat Abbas (A.S) captures the bravery and sacrifice of Imam Hussain’s (A.S.) loyal companion in a poignant manner.

    Ali Shanawar, Zainab (S.A)
       Ali Shanawar’s noha Zainab honors the courage and resilience of Hazrat Zainab (S.A), depicting her pivotal role after the tragedy of Karbala.

  • Mobile phone services to remain shut in some areas of Punjab

    Mobile phone services to remain shut in some areas of Punjab

    Punjab government has decided that cellphone services would remain partially suspended on the 9th and 10th of Muharram in different parts of the province.

    The spokesperson for the Punjab Home Department says cellular services would be suspended only in the surrounding areas of processions and Majalis.
    “Mobile services will be partially suspended in Gujranwala, Narowal, Toba Tek Singh, Bhakkar, Mandi Bahauddin, Wazirabad, Rajanpur, Faisalabad, Bahawalnagar, Hafizabad, Gujrat, DG Khan and Jhang.”

    However, the spokesperson clarified that cellular services will not be completely suspended in any city of the province.

    In a bid to ensure safety of the citizens, the partial suspension of mobile signals will continue from 8am till 10pm during the 9th and 10th of Muharram, he added.

    The spokesperson informed that cellular network services will be suspended at 28 locations in Rawalpindi, 15 locations in Rahim Yar Khan, 11 locations in Mianwali and Bahawalpur.

    Meanwhile, the services will remain suspended at 10 places in Layyah, seven places in Muzaffargarh and six places in Nankana Sahib.

    The cellular service would remain active in Lahore, Kasur, Sheikhupura, Sargodha, Khushab, Sialkot, Attock, Jhelum, Chakwal, Multan, Khanewal, Lodhran, Vehari, Sahiwal, Pakpattan, Okara and Chiniot, the official statement asserted.

  • 47 per cent Pakistani women face domestic violence: Report

    47 per cent Pakistani women face domestic violence: Report

    The National Commission for Human Rights has issued a report revealing that a large number of women in Pakistan are victims of domestic violence.

    According to the evaluation, 47 per cent of Pakistani women face domestic violence, and this cycle continues even after marriage, which often ends in divorce.

  • Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) makes major appointment

    Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) makes major appointment

    Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has appointed Australia’s Tony Hemming as the Chief Curator.

    The Board’s statement said, “Tony Hemming has been appointed for two years. He will prepare pitches for the Test series against Bangladesh and England and for the International Cricket Council (ICC) Champions Trophy 2025.”

    Tony will arrive in Lahore on Wednesday to take over the new responsibility. The pitch curator has more than 40 years of experience in pitch preparation.

  • Case filed against Harbhajan, Yuvraj for fun video

    Case filed against Harbhajan, Yuvraj for fun video

    Former Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh has apologized for a video he made after defeating Pakistan Champions in the final.

    He shared the video on Instagram along with Suresh Raina, Yuvraj Singh and Gurkeerat Mann, in which they were mimicking disabled people.

    Harbhajan Singh Apology

    After the video went viral on social media, it drew criticism from disability rights advocates who accused the cricketers of mocking disabled people, after which the video was removed.

    FIR against Harbhajan singh

    Harbhajan Singh has also apologized, writing on X, “After winning the championship in England, social media users are criticizing our recent videos of ‘Toba ‘Toba’. I want to make it clear to them that we respect every individual and community. This video was made due to fatigue after playing cricket continuously for 15 days, stopping criticism and keeping everyone happy.”

    India defeated Pakistan by five wickets in the final of World Champions of Legends.

  • Govt hikes petrol price by Rs9.99 per litre, diesel by Rs6.18 for the rest of July 2024

    Govt hikes petrol price by Rs9.99 per litre, diesel by Rs6.18 for the rest of July 2024

    The government has announced an unexpected increase in petrol and diesel prices for the next fortnight.

    In response to the rise in international oil rates, the price of petrol in Pakistan has been raised by Rs9.99 per litre to Rs275.60. Concurrently, the price of High Speed Diesel (HSD) has been increased by Rs6.18 per litre, bringing it to Rs283.63.

    The Finance Division issued a notification for these latest fuel prices under the fresh fortnightly review. This increase is expected to further exacerbate the financial burden on the populace, who are already struggling with the high costs of essential food items and basic necessities.

    Previously, there were projections that the government might increase the petrol price by Rs6-7 per litre, but such a significant hike was not anticipated.

    The Finance Division clarified that the duties and levies will remain unchanged, meaning the Petroleum Development Levy (PDL) stays the same in this latest fuel price review.

    This is the second time in a row that the government has not increased the levy on petroleum products.

  • Which two Presidents praised Fakhr Mahmood’s talent?

    Which two Presidents praised Fakhr Mahmood’s talent?

    Renowned singer Fakhr Mahmood, recent recipient of Tamgha-e-Imtiaz, revealed that he doesn’t know who nominated him for the prestigious honour during a recent appearance on ‘Hasna Mana Hai’.

    When asked about his early days as a singer, Fakhr said, “At the start of my singing career, my parents were unhappy with my career choice, but as they saw me grow and find my footing, they came around and accepted it.”
    “I was not a troublesome kid in school, but I do have some fond memories of playing pranks on my friends.” Mahmood added.

    The host asked, “Sir, have you been awarded the Pride of Performance or Tamgha-e-Imtiaz? In what category did you receive them?

    Mahmood said, “When I received the Tamgha-e-Imtiaz from former President Pervez Musharraf, he warmly told me, ‘I am proud of you.’ Later, when President Asif Ali Zardari honored me with the same award, he smiled and said, ‘You deserve it.’”

    Fakhar Mahmood has sung songs like Allah Karay, Atom Bomb, Baylia, Jee Chahay, and Kho Jaon. is this well written?

  • ‘Exceptional human beings’; Mohib Mirza praises Aamina and Sanam

    ‘Exceptional human beings’; Mohib Mirza praises Aamina and Sanam

    Besides his professional success, Mohib Mirza is also grateful for the exceptional women in his life. During a recent appearance on Amna Isani’s show ‘Haute Talk’, he discussed the roles of women in his life.

    “If I talk about Aamina and Sanam, both of them are extremely nice human beings, and they belong to very good families. They have had a very good upbringing, especially since their mothers played a crucial role in their development. Similarly, I believe I have inherited some valuable traits from my mother, and I aspire to be a better person for both Aamina and Sanam. While Aamina and I have had our personal issues in our relationship, that is our personal matter; nevertheless, I feel extremely fortunate to have had the privilege of having two exceptional women in my life,” he said.

    While talking about his relationship with Sanam Saeed, his wife, Mirza said, “We are very cordial with each other. I teach her Urdu, and she teaches me English. Sanam loves to laugh out loud at my jokes, and when we work together, we really enjoy the process. I choose not to share my personal life on social media, and that’s my preference.”

    Mohib Mirza has starred in dramas like Zaib-un-Nisa, Firaaq, Shehr E Zaat, and Shab E Aarzoo Ka Alam. Currently, he is starring in Jafaa and Tark E. Wafa. Aamina Sheikh and Mirza were married in 2005, they divorced in 2019. Sanam Saeed tied the knot with Mirza in a secret wedding in 2021. They announced their wedding in 2023.

  • Pakistan’s stock market surges to record high following IMF deal

    Pakistan’s stock market surges to record high following IMF deal

    On Monday, Pakistan’s stock market experienced a significant boost after the country secured a $7 billion loan agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) over the weekend.

    The benchmark KSE-100 Index soared by 1,211.51 points, or 1.52 per cent, closing at an all-time high of 81,155.60. This surge reflects investor confidence in the economic stability promised by the new IMF programme.

    According to the IMF, the programme aims to build on the macroeconomic stability achieved over the past year. The successful staff-level agreement is expected to create a conducive environment for financial inflows from other multilateral institutions, bilateral partners, and friendly countries. These inflows are anticipated to bolster Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves and alleviate external pressures.

    Additionally, the programme will provide much-needed clarity and certainty regarding the economic roadmap, alongside structural reforms over the next three years.

    During the trading session, the index fluctuated within a range of 684.97 points, hitting an intraday high of 81,428.43 points and a low of 80,743.46 points. The total trading volume for the KSE-100 Index was 219.58 million shares.

    Of the 100 companies listed on the index, 65 closed higher, 30 fell, and 5 remained unchanged. The sectors driving the index upwards included Commercial Banks (+295.96 points), Fertilizer (+203.92 points), Oil & Gas Exploration Companies (+193.68 points), Technology & Communication (+165.01 points), and Cement (+124.38 points).

    Conversely, sectors that negatively impacted the index included Tobacco (-20.20 points), Refinery (-4.40 points), Paper, Board & Packaging (-2.88 points), Transport (-2.30 points), and Textile Spinning (-1.42 points).