Author: newsdesk

  • PCB to appoint Pakistani coaches for all formats

    PCB to appoint Pakistani coaches for all formats

    The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has decided to appoint Pakistani coaches for all three formats.

    The board now intends to part ways with foreign head coaches after a tense relationship and bitter experiences with Gary Kirsten.

    There are also indications that the contract of the Test team’s head coach, Jason Gillespie, will be terminated prematurely, and the board is considering appointing national coaches.

    This move appears to follow the approach taken by Kirsten in dealing with the PCB, and his experience seems to have been a wake-up call for the authorities.

    Sources report that a Pakistani head coach will be appointed during the Zimbabwe tour. The support staff will reportedly consist of foreign batting, bowling, and fielding coaches, along with the Pakistani head coach.

    Jason Gillespie attempted to meet the conditions, but the PCB dismissed his efforts, warning that his appointment was for an interim period to avoid violating the code of conduct.

    The white-ball head coach for the tour of Zimbabwe and South Africa will be announced in the next few days.

    In the past, Waqar Younis, Misbah-ul-Haq, Saqlain Mushtaq and Mohammad Hafeez have led the coaching panel of the Pakistani team, but the PCB has always given preference to foreign coaches.

    The PCB appointed former South African cricketer Gary Kirsten as the head coach of Pakistan’s white ball team and former Australian fast bowler Jason Gillespie as the head coach of the red ball team in April 2024.

    Later, the head coach and team captain were excluded from the selection committee.

    In October, PCB decided to include Aleem Dar, Azhar Ali, and Aqib Javed in the National Selection Committee, while Hasan Cheema was added as a data analyst.

  • Actor Ridhi Dogra on signing film with Fawad Khan

    Actor Ridhi Dogra on signing film with Fawad Khan

    Superstar Fawad Khan’s return to Bollywood with the upcoming film Abir Gulaal with Vaani Kapoor has generated buzz on both sides of the border. 

    In an interview with Siddharth Kannan, co-actor Ridhi Dogra revealed that she ensured all legal checks were clear before signing the project with Fawad Khan. “I don’t think there’s a division in art. Whenever we watch something, we watch it for the characters. We don’t see nationality. I kept that in mind when choosing to work on the film.”


    She added, “The only care I took was in confirming whether or not I am allowed to work with said nationality (Pakistanis). And yes, our country and government permit us to do so. I did that homework.”


    Ridhi also shared, “People often told me to pursue a career abroad because it might be spiritually beneficial, but my love for our national heritage keeps me working in my home industry.”


    The actors flew to London and began filming for the project in October. Director Aarti S Bagdi told Variety that the romantic-comedy story serves as a healing journey for the two main characters, who discover love along the way.


    Fawad’s return follows the 2019 ban by the All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) on Pakistani actors, which was imposed after tensions between the two countries escalated after the Pulwama attack.

    In late 2023, the Bombay High Court relaxed the restrictions, and the Supreme Court dismissed a petition to ban Indian citizens from working with Pakistani artists.


    Fawad’s last Bollywood project was the 2016 film Ae Dil Hai Mushkil where he played a secondary love interest. The film starred Ranbir Kapoor, Anushka Sharma, and Aishwarya Rai.

  • Bollywood actor Vikrant Massey has special message for Hania Aamir

    Bollywood actor Vikrant Massey has special message for Hania Aamir


    Indian journalist Faridoon Shahryar hosted a meet and greet session with acress Hania Aamir in Toronto, where the Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum actress said Vikrant Massey is her favorite Bollywood actor.

    The host asked, “Who’s your favorite Bollywood actor?”

    Hania Aamir replied, “Vikrant Massey is my favorite actor. I like his films 12th Fail and Sector 36. His new film is coming up in which he is playing a journalist, and I am looking forward to that.”

    In response to Hania’s appreciation, Vikrant shared her video on his Instagram with the caption, “Thank you so much .” The drama serial queen in return posted a story of her own, writing simply: “Love.”

    This exchange of gratitude and admiration between the two actors has delighted their fans and highlighted the mutual respect they share for each other.

    Vikrant Massesy is playing a journalist in his new film The Sabarmati Report, which is set to release in Indian cinemas today.

    Earlier, Indian journalist Faridoon Shahryar hosted a meet and greet session with the breakout star in Toronto, where the Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum actress expressed a heartfelt wish to meet the Bollywood King.

    “Shahrukh Khan, if you are watching this video, please meet me, I haven’t met you yet, and that’s very sad,” the charming actress said smilingly.

    Hania was then asked about her favorite Shahrukh Khan film and she immediately replied, “Om Shanti Om is my favorite film.” The 2007 smash hit starred Shahrukh Khan, Deepika Padukone and Arjun Rampal.

    While on tour in Canada, Hania regularly met fans as her astounding hit Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum continued to go strong both in India and Pakistan.

    In response to a question related to marriage, she said, “I have no intention of getting married right now.”
     

    Continuing in the same vein, Hania stated, “I am a simple girl. Whenever I get married, I will make sure to announce it loudly and clearly.”

    In response to another question, the actress said, “Borders at the frontiers cannot separate people. No one can put restrictions on whom you love from the heart.     That’s why I travel abroad, so I can meet those who like me. It brings me joy to meet all of you.”

    Hania last starred in drama serial ‘Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum’ written by Farhat Ishtiaq and directed by Badar Mehmood.

  • ICC asks BCCI to provide written reasons for not going to Pakistan

    ICC asks BCCI to provide written reasons for not going to Pakistan

    The International Cricket Council (ICC) has asked the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to provide written reasons for not going to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy.

    The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had asked the ICC for a written copy of the Indian letter, while the Indian Cricket Board has verbally informed the ICC about not going to Pakistan.

    Geo reported that the ICC has now asked the Indian Cricket Board to state written reasons for the refusal. Pakistan can ask for concrete evidence in its favour if it receives written reasons.

    According to the rules, the Indian Board will have to give concrete reasons for not going to Pakistan, while the ICC will have to review the reasons and make a final decision about India. If the reasons for not going to Pakistan are not justified, the Indian team has to go to Pakistan. If India does not agree, a 9th team can be included in the Champions Trophy.

    ICC will lose $500 million if the Indian team does not participate in the tournament. The ICC has to earn from the broadcast rights of the trophy, advertising and sponsorship. The Indian Board’s loss due to the lack of Pakistan-India matches is estimated at $100 million.

  • Adnan Siddiqui meets King Charles III

    Adnan Siddiqui meets King Charles III

    Renowned actor Adnan Siddiqui has met King Charles III of Great Britain. 

    The actor shared the details of the brief but unforgettable meeting at Buckingham Palace with his fans through Instagram.

    Siddiqui shared a few different pictures where he and King Charles III can be seen cheerfully talking to each other.

    While sharing the post on social media, Adnan wrote in the caption: “Our conversation was brief but vibrant—a meeting of different worlds in the blink of an eye. His Majesty had a unique ability to put people at ease, leaving a lingering spark. It’s not every day you meet someone whose presence lingers in your thoughts long after the moment has passed.”

    He also posted a picture of the invitation he received from King Charles in his Insta Story.

    According to the invitation, a reception was organized by the British King and Queen in recognition of the services of personalities who have performed prominently in the film and television industry at a ceremony held at Buckingham Palace on November 13, 2024, in which Adnan Siddiqui from Pakistan was also invited.

    The 55-year-old actor Adnan is one of the few prominent artists in Pakistan who has played each of his roles so well that they have given life to them.

    Adnan Siddiqui started his acting career in 1994 with PTV’s drama Arousa, and since then, he has shown the essence of acting not only in Lollywood and Bollywood but also in Hollywood.

  • ‘Death sentence on the cards for Gen (r) Faiz Hameed,’ claims journalist

    ‘Death sentence on the cards for Gen (r) Faiz Hameed,’ claims journalist

    Journalist Syed Imran Shafqat on Thursday claimed that ex-spymaster General (retd) Faiz Hameed can face the maximum punishment, which, according to Shafqat, is the “death penalty” for his alleged role as the “mastermind” behind the May 9 riots.

    Appearing on the Hum News programme FAISLA AAP KA, Imran Shafqat predicted that former Chief Inter-Service Intelligence (ISI) General (retd) Faiz Hameed’s trial will conclude in November or December.

    Previously, senior journalist Nusrat Javed said on ARY News on November 13, “I fear that General Faiz Hameed might be sentenced before November 24.”


    It should be noted here that Imran Khan announced the “final call” for protests on November 24 for a protest in Islamabad.

    “This is the moment when you will have to decide whether you want to live under martial law or live with freedom,” Aleema Khan narrates hee brother’s message while speaking to journalists at Adiala Jail Rawalpindi on Wednesday.

    Shafqat, ruling out a possible military trial of Imran Khan, stated: “No one intends to conduct a military trial of Imran Khan.”

    Imran was taken into custody by paramilitary Rangers at the Islamabad High Court (IHC) on May 9 in connection with the Al Qadir Trust case. 

    Protests erupted in major cities, including Rawalpindi, Peshawar, Faisalabad, Multan, and Quetta, with protestors harming army installations. 

    Rioters stormed the residence of the Corps Commander in Lahore and laid siege to a gate of the army’s General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi.

    The military’s spokesperson, in a press conference in May 2024, made it clear there would be no moving forward without a sincere apology from the PTI and a public repudiation of “the politics of anarchy and hate”.

    However, the incarcerated party founder was released on May 12 when the IHC restricted authorities from arresting him in any legal matter.

    Afterwards, Khan was arrested from his residence in Zaman Park, Lahore, shortly after his conviction in the Toshakhana case on August 5 last year, where he was sentenced to three years for illegally selling state gifts and has been detained since then on multiple charges, including the £190 million reference and a new Toshakhana case.

    Bushra Bibi, Imran Khan’s wife, was released on bail in the ToshaKhana case after being incarcerated for nine months in Adiala Jail Rawalpindi.

  • Multan patient, 30 others test positive for HIV at Nishtar Hospital’s dialysis unit

    Multan patient, 30 others test positive for HIV at Nishtar Hospital’s dialysis unit

    One patient has died in Nishtar Hospital Multan, while 30 others have contracted Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infections during dialysis treatment at the medical centre. 

    Dawn’s Asif Chaudhary has reported on the negligence in the largest public sector hospital in South Punjab, where these patients were reportedly put on three dialysis machines meant for HIV-positive patients.


    The report quotes an official privy to the information who claimed that the patient who breathed his last of HIV/AIDs complications was identified as Shahnawaz (40). He was under treatment at the nephrology department of the hospital where the doctors contacted the institute’s top management to refer him to the isolation ward for immediate care soon after he tested positive for HIV/AIDs after the completion of a dialysis session.


    However, Dawn’s source claims that the administration rejected the requests of the treating doctors, stating that the isolation wards were assigned for the patients suffering from infectious diseases like dengue. 


    The patient is suspected to have contracted the virus from the dialysis machines meant for HIV-positive patients. He died of HIV-related complications on Tuesday.


    Panic spread among the doctors, nurses and other employees of the nephrology department when news broke out that HIV/AIDS infections were transmitted to 30 other patients.


    It is the highest number of patients that got infected in a government hospital in one go.


    The diagnosis of such a large number of HIV-infected patients has put doctors, nurses and other staff members of the nephrology department at risk as they have been in contact with the infected patients during the treatment process.


    The matter was originally reported on October 26, but the head of the nephrology unit, who is also the Registrar of Nishtar Medical University (NMU) Professor Ghulam Abbas, hushed the matter along with other high officials. 


    Admission and treatment records of all the infected patients were confiscated. 
    However, the matter surfaced in the news after the patient died, which eventually prompted the hospital’s management to launch an investigation.


    The matter has been termed the worst case of negligence and blatant violation of the standard operating procedures, which clearly define patient management and treatment of those coming for dialysis.


    There are three designated dialysis machines for HIV/AIDS at Nishtar, along with one for Hepatitis B patients at the nephrology unit.


    The onus of responsibility lies on the head of the nephrology department and other medics to make sure that the dialysis machines are safe for the patients and that SOPs of screening have been followed before hooking up the patient to dialysis machines, the source told Dawn. 


    NMU Vice Chancellor Prof Mehnaz Khakwani told Dawn that a committee of senior medical teachers and admin officers have been constituted to launch a probe into the incident.


    Findings of the probe are awaited to proceed further with the case.

  • Kiwi’s Tim Southee is retiring from Test cricket

    Kiwi’s Tim Southee is retiring from Test cricket

    New Zealand fast bowler Tim Southee has announced that he is retiring from Test cricket.

    Announcing his retirement, Tim said, “It was an honour to play for New Zealand for 18 years; representing New Zealand was a dream from the beginning.”

    Team head coach Gary Stead said, “Tim Southee’s career has been excellent. The records tell everything about him, he has played an important role in New Zealand’s victories.”

    He will play his last Test match against England at home in Hamilton next month, but he will be available for the team if New Zealand qualifies for the World Test Championship final.

    Southee will decide the future of his white-ball career after the Test series against England. The third Test between New Zealand and England will begin in Hamilton on December 14.

    Southee has so far taken 385 wickets in 104 Test matches, 221 in 161 ODIs and 164 in 126 T20Is.

  • Super tax enforced on Punjab farmers with high income amid PPP opposition

    Super tax enforced on Punjab farmers with high income amid PPP opposition

    The Punjab Assembly on Thursday passed the Agricultural Income Tax Punjab Bill 2024 by a majority vote, irking the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) lawmakers.

    The new tax will also be imposed on livestock, while a super tax will be imposed on high-income farmers in 2025.

    The Punjab Assembly, which met under the chair of Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmed Khan, passed the bill. All the amendments presented by the opposition in this regard were rejected, while the ruling coalition party, the PPP, strongly opposed the Agricultural Income Tax Act 2024 Bill.

    As the PPP legislators walked out of the house while objecting to the Agricultural Income Tax Bill, the PML-N benches wasted no time to approve it. 

    PPP’s Ali Haider Gilani said that the Punjab government didn’t take the bill into confidence and was walking out of the house while rejecting all the amendments of the opposition.

    According to the bill, income tax exemption on agricultural land will be abolished, while tax on livestock will also be considered an agricultural tax.

    According to the text of the bill, a fine of one per cent of the tax amount will be imposed on the agricultural income tax defaulter for each additional day. A fine of 10,000 may also be imposed on an agricultural tax defaulter with an agricultural income of less than Rs1.2 million.

    Similarly, a fine of Rs25,000 will be imposed on an agricultural tax defaulter with an agricultural income of less than Rs40m and a fine of Rs50,000 will be imposed on an agricultural tax defaulter with an agricultural income of more than Rs40m.

    The text of the bill further states that a fine of Rs20,000 will be imposed on a farmer with an income of Rs1.2m to Rs40m for not paying tax. The Agricultural Income Tax Act 2024 has also abolished the tax schedule listed in the Agricultural Income Tax Act of 1997.

    After the approval of the Agricultural Income Tax Bill, it will be implemented in 2025.

    Furthermore, the Punjab Assembly approved the Registration Amendment Bill 2024 and the rules on the authority of the Chief Minister’s Advisor to speak in the House by a majority vote.

    Upon completion of the agenda, Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmed Khan prorogued the session indefinitely.

  • Defence Minister files complaint with London police after heckling, knife attack threat

    Defence Minister files complaint with London police after heckling, knife attack threat

    Defence Minister and PML-N leader Khawaja Asif on Thursday lodged a formal complaint with London police following the incident of heckling and threatening with a knife attack a couple of days ago.  

    The minister lodged his complaint during his visit to the Pakistan High Commission in London where a London police team was also present. 

    He informed the police about the knife attack threat and the harassment he faced while travelling on a train in the British capital.

    According to state-run APP, the London Transport Police are investigating the matter.

    Khawaja Asif told the police that the unfortunate incident took place around 3:30pm on the Elizabeth Line on November 11. “I am in London on a private visit with a relative, and I was travelling to Reading via the Elizabeth Line when a group of three to four individuals harassed him on the train, filmed him without permission, used abusive language, and threatened him with a knife.”

    The minister said he didn’t recognise any of the individuals involved in the incident, asking the London Transport Police to use the CCTV footage to track down the individuals involved.

    A day earlier, Geo News reported that the defence minister was heckled and threatened with a knife attack by an unknown man while he was travelling with a friend on the London Underground’s Elizabeth Line on Monday afternoon.

    This is not the first time that Pakistani officials or political leaders have been harassed and heckled in the British capital.

    A couple of weeks ago, a chasing and heckling incident took place with former chief justice of Pakistan Qazi Faez Isa whose vehicle was attacked by the supporters of a political party at London’s Middle Temple.

    PML-N leaders Marriyum Aurangzeb and Hina Pervaiz Butt were also harassed and heckled by people in London in the past.