Author: newsdesk

  • Fakhar Zaman’s case likely to be resolved soon: report

    National team batter Fakhar Zaman’s troubles may soon come to an end.

    Fakhar Zaman supported Babar Azam in a tweet after Babar was dropped from the Test series against England, leading to Fakhar being excluded from the Australia tour and the central contract.

    The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi confirmed in a press conference that Fakhar’s fitness and his tweet were contributing factors to his difficulties.

    However, according to ARY, sources indicate that the PCB will soon resolve Fakhar Zaman’s issue. Sources mention that Fakhar Zaman has clearly presented his stance in response to the show-cause notice.

    PCB is giving indications of resolving the matter logically. Progress on Fakhar Zaman’s issue is expected in the coming days.

    After Fakhar Zaman was dropped from the team, former cricketers and cricket fans criticized the PCB and demanded his inclusion in the team. Previously, there were reports that Fakhar Zaman was considering retirement due to dissatisfaction with the PCB’s selection policies.

    Fakhar had started consulting with his close associates about the possibility of retiring from international cricket.

    But later, these claims were denied by his close sources.

    Rumours of Fakhar’s retirement:

    Pakistan’s aggressive opener Fakhar Zaman is reportedly considering retirement after being dropped from the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) central contract, Urdupoint had reported on Tuesday.

    The aggressive batter had been asked to undergo another fitness test in January, revealing double standards. Usman Khan stopped during the third round of the 2-kilometre run but not only received a contract but also made it into the squad.

    According to details, the PCB selection committee released the list of centrally contracted cricketers yesterday, and Fakhar Zaman’s name was not included. Last year, he was in the B category. Fakhar Zaman is also not included in the squads for the tours of Australia and Zimbabwe.

    Recently, he was invited for a fitness test but couldn’t complete the 2-kilometer run in 8 minutes. This test was used as a basis to drop him.

    Some sources suggest his candid conversation at the connection camp and tweet in favour of Babar Azam also played a role. Close sources to Fakhar Zaman said he is very unhappy with the current situation. He believes he always played for the country and never prioritized records but is being treated this way. Fakhar Zaman is considering retirement but hasn’t made a final decision.

  • Daily round-up: Oct. 30, 2024

    Daily round-up: Oct. 30, 2024

    1. Instagram has recently announced to lower the quality of older videos with fewer views, and it has upset many creators. Adam Mosseri, the platform’s head, explains that higher quality is given to content that attracts more views — which has been perceived as unfair to smaller creators.

    Critics argue this hurts artistic expression and makes it harder for new creators to gain visibility, allowing established ones to keep benefiting. The decision seems driven by storage costs.

    2. The Punjab government has imposed a green lockdown in the provincial capital to control the increasing smog and air pollution in Lahore.

    Under the notification issued by the Punjab Environment Department, there will be a complete ban on development work in areas declared as hotspot areas for air pollution and smog; commercial generators will not be operated in these areas.

    Entry into Ching Chee rickshaws in these areas will be strictly prohibited, and open barbecuing in these areas will be prohibited after 8 pm.

    3. The UN has warned that poorer countries are struggling with a weak global economy and stressed on the need to rethink development strategies. 

    A report from the UN’s trade and development agency, UNCTAD, has evaluated that slow growth, rising debt, and weak investment are widening the gap between developing and wealthier countries.

    Global GDP growth is predicted to be just 2.7 per cent this year and in 2025 – a decrease from an average of 3.0 per cent from 2011 to 2019.

    4. Winter is almost here – which means gas load shedding is about to worsen with the increase in demand. Gas companies SNGPL and SSGCL have asked for a price increase of up to 54 per cent to meet their revenue needs for the current fiscal year (FY25).

    Gas prices are adjusted twice a year after the Oil & Gas Regulatory Authority (Ogra) makes required estimates, which the government then uses to set consumer prices.

    Ogra will hold a public hearing on November 8 to discuss Sui Southern Gas Company Limited’s (SSGC) request for a rate of Rs669 per unit (mmBtu), a 53.5 per cent increase, whereas hearing for Sui Northern Gas Pipeline Limited’s (SNGPL) proposed increase of 3.66 per cent is on November 5.

    5. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) aid package has been delayed, and Pakistan’s foreign aid has dropped by 60 per cent to $2.3 billion in the first quarter (July-September) of the current fiscal year. About $5.73 billion was received during the same period last year.

    According to a report published in Dawn newspaper, in its monthly report on Foreign Economic Assistance (FEA) released on Tuesday, the Economic Affairs Division (EAD) said that the country received an annual disbursement of $19.4 billion in the first quarter. 1.3 billion was received against the target.

    These figures show a significant decline from the $3.527 billion received last year when the annual target was $17.6 billion.

    For more daily updates, sign up for our Newsletter.

  • Minahil Malik quits social media after alleged leaks

    Minahil Malik quits social media after alleged leaks

    Pakistani TikToker Minahil Malik has announced her departure from social media platforms. The decision comes in the wake of recent controversies surrounding leaked explicit videos that have sparked intense online harassment and trolling.

    The leaks allegedly showing Minahil led to widespread condemnation, cyberbullying and harassment, all of which, she says, has taken a toll on her mental health.

    On her Instagram story, she wrote, “I am feeling very tired. I have taken this decision after a lot of thought. You all have given me a lot of support and love. I am grateful for that, but this world doesn’t let anyone live peacefully. The world is very cruel. I hope I never see you all again. I am feeling very helpless. Minahil is dead inside.”

    “I am sorry if I have ever hurt anyone. Minahil was also a simple girl. And now, God, it’s really enough. They are making me tired of living. I have never said anything like this before, this is just the last time I am speaking, that’s why I couldn’t hold back. Some people will be sad because of me, some people will be happy. I just want everyone to be happy, and you all will be in my prayers. I love you all, no matter how much I thank you, it’s not enough.”

    “And please, I request that you give as much love and time as you can. Spend time with your loved ones, you don’t know what time will bring. Stop spreading hatred and holding grudges in your heart. And please apologize for your mistakes on time, and mistakes happen to everyone, but if you apologize, then you have to act on it and not repeat that mistake. And the most important thing is to learn to forgive. Life is only two days, you don’t know when it will end.,” she added.

    “Thank you so much, everyone. Please, once again, forgive and ask for forgiveness at the right time, and show love openly. Life is very short; we never know when it might end, and you may not get another chance. Just have faith in Allah. Allah Hafiz,” she further wrote.

    While netizens discuss the possibility of her return to social media in the future, it merits a mention that her announcement comes hours after her first interview since after the leaks, was released.

  • Gold price increases by Rs2,900 per tola to new record

    Gold price increases by Rs2,900 per tola to new record

    On Wednesday, gold price rose by a massive Rs2,900 per tola in the local market, reaching Rs287,900.

    The latest rate marks the highest gold price ever recorded in the history of Pakistan.

    Today’s gold price is also Rs2,500 higher than the previous record high, which was observed last week when the All-Pakistan Gems and Jewellers Sarafa Association (APGJSA) quoted gold at Rs285,400 per tola.

    Additionally, the price of ten grammes of gold has also risen in the local market, with APGJSA reporting it at Rs246,828 after a single-day jump of Rs2,486. The price of one gramme of gold in the country now stands at Rs24,682.8.

    Previously, the rate of one gramme of gold in the local market was Rs22,196.

    This increase was not only observed in Pakistan, as international gold prices also saw a rise. The APGJSA reported that on Wednesday October 30 the price of gold rose by $29 internationally, reaching $2,784.

    Meanwhile, silver prices in the country remained stable once again, with the price per tola recorded at Rs3,350.

  • Indian team’s unique move to avoid whitewash against New Zealand

    Indian team’s unique move to avoid whitewash against New Zealand

    Indian cricket team has made a unique move to avoid whitewash against New Zealand at home.

    At Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium, Rohit Sharma’s men will be facing Tom Latham’s 11 Kiwis, and the Indian team is desperate to avoid a whitewash on home ground. In a unique move, the Indian coach and captain have called up 35 bowlers for net bowling.

    Gautam Gambhir and Rohit Sharma pressured the Mumbai Cricket Association to arrange 35 net bowlers for India’s practice session.

    After the defeat in the second consecutive Test in Pune, this was India’s full-fledged training session after a two-day break. India made a special request for extra bowlers for this session.

    In this session, the Indian batters focused on facing spinners and practised playing spin bowling as Mitchell Santner had wreaked havoc in the last Test by taking 13 wickets.

    Earlier, India suffered a Test defeat on home soil for the first time in 12 years. They lost to New Zealand after winning 18 consecutive Test series at home, while New Zealand achieved success in a Test match in India after 36 years.

  • Salman Khan faces new death threat, asked to pay 20 million rupees

    Salman Khan faces new death threat, asked to pay 20 million rupees

    Bollywood star Salman Khan is once again facing death threats, with an unknown person demanding a ransom of two crore rupees.

    Reports printed in Indian media have said that WhatsApp messages sent to the Mumbai Traffic Police stated, “Salman Khan will be killed if the money is not paid.”

    After the fresh threat, a case has been registered against the unknown person who sent the WhatsApp messages while police search for the suspect.

    A 20-year-old man who threatened to kill Bollywood superstar Salman Khan two days ago was arrested from Noida in Uttar Pradesh.

    According to reports, the 20-year-old had threatened to kill Zeeshan Siddiqui along with Salman Khan.

    Khan’s close friend, Muslim politician, Baba Siddiqui was killed in Mumbai this month.

    The Bishnoi gang claimed responsibility for Baba Siddiqui’s murder. Apart from this, incidents of firing outside Salman Khan’s residence have also raised concerns about his safety.

  • ‘Not fair, Mustafa is crying for you’; Fans react to Hania Aamir’s New York photos

    ‘Not fair, Mustafa is crying for you’; Fans react to Hania Aamir’s New York photos

    Hania Aamir is currently taking a well-deserved break in New York, sharing captivating glimpses of her trip with her followers.

    After wrapping up the shoot for her latest drama Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum, Hania took the opportunity to relax and enjoy some downtime in the Big Apple, even catching a Bille Eilish concert in the city.

    The actress posted a picture with the caption, “hi can you take a picture of me,” showing her enjoying her American adventure.
    Fans have flooded social media with playful comment under her post, expressing concern for Mustafa, her on screen partner in drama serial Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum.
    Mustafa, played by Fahad Mustafa, is heartbroken, desperately trying to win back Sharjeena’s attention. Fans are completely invested in the love story, going so far as to create amusing buzz imagining Mustafa’s struggle as Hania lives it up abroad.

    “Sharjeena ji, Mustafa ko aur pareshan mat karo. Hania baji ne Ducky Bhai se USA mein meetup nahi kiya,” one fan wrote.

    Another commented, “Sharjeena ji Mustafa ko aur pareshan mat karo, he’s heartbroken, but you’re out there enjoying New York. It’s not fair!”
    One social media user said: “Sharjeena, this is not fair! Mustafa is crying for you, but here you’re enjoying… why?!”

    The comments, dripping with humor and light-hearted concern, highlight just how attached viewers are to Hania’s character and the ongoing storyline.

    Fans are clearly delighted by Hania success and her journey as a talented actress. Her recent dramas have only strengthened her star power, with Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum becoming a massive hit with its plot twists and emotional story.

    As Hania continues her New York adventures, fans eagerly await her return to the screen, hoping for more of Sharjeena’s story, and maybe even a happy ending with Mustafa. For now, they’ll enjoy her travel posts, showing once again that Hania Aamir is more than an actress; she’s a sensation loved for her charm both on and off the screen.
    She has starred in drama such as Titli, Phir Wohi Mohabbat, Visaal,
    Mere Humsafar, Mujhe Pyaar Hua Tha and Kaisi Hai Ye Ruswai.

    Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum is written by Farhat Ishtiaq and directed by Badar Mehmood.

    The drama airs every Monday and Tuesday at 8:00 PM on ARY Digital.

    Earlier, Journalist Reham Khan has marriage advice for superstar Hania Aamir though we don’t know if the actress actually asked for it.
    Reham appeared in a podcast where she was asked about Hania Aamir.

    “If I hadn’t introduced her, someone else would have,”

    Khan said, adding, “Hania Aamir possessed talent, and even back then, she used to dub videos and imitate others well, before platforms like TikTok existed.”

  • ‘The role wasn’t right for my age’: When Atiqa Odho said no to Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum

    ‘The role wasn’t right for my age’: When Atiqa Odho said no to Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum

    Veteran actress Atiqa Odho has shared why she declined the role of Shagufta in Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum.

    During her show Kya Drama Hai Odho shared that her decision was based on age suitability and scheduling issues.

    Although she appreciates her work with director Badar Mehmood, Odho felt that this role wasn’t quite right for her.

    Badar Mehmood also weighed in on the situation, stating that he had initially reached out to Odho with that role in mind.
    Badar Mehmood said, “I will tell you something, I did call Atiqa for Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum to play Mustafa’s mother, but she was extremely busy and occupied.”

    Atiqa elaborated, “There’s an age difference as well, I think Bushra Ansari is a little older, so the role suits her better.”

    Viewers have nothing but praise for Bushra Ansari, whose performance as Shagufta has been widely acclaimed.

    Odho’s recent focus has been her drama critique show Kya Drama Hai where she provides balanced reviews on trending dramas.
    Atiqa has starred in many a hit serials including Sitara Aur Mehrunissa, Dasht, Nijaat, Dao, Humsafar and Dhoka.

    Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum is written by Farhat Ishtiaq and directed by Badar Mehmood.

    The drama airs every Monday and Tuesday at 8:00 PM on ARY Digital.
    Earlier, renowned actress Atiqa Odho is all praise for veteran colleague Saba Hamid portrayal of the lead role in ‘Noor Jahan’.

    After episodes 20 and 21 aired this past weekend, Odho took to Instagram to highlight Hamid’s brilliance, calling it an “acting masterclass” for aspiring actors, noting how Saba’s controlled, silent expressions were truly captivating.

    “I’m so inspired watching my friend Saba Hamid in #NoorJahan. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime role, and what she has done with it is amazing. She mesmerizes with just her expressions! Well done!”

    She also encouraged new actors to view Saba’s performance as a valuable lesson in acting.

    Atiqa concluded with, “So proud of you, Saba.”

    Many of her Instagram followers agreed, praising Saba’s performance as well.

    ‘Noor Jahan’ features a strong cast, including Kubra Khan, Ali Rehman Khan, and Noor Hassan. Directed by Musaddiq Malek and written by Zanjabeel Asim Shah.
    Atiqa Odho also praised Mustafa, saying that he “fit the role perfectly in the play.”

    She said, “In ‘Kabhi Mein, Kabhi Tum,’ Fahad Mustafa is shown as a game-loving boy, and he has maintained his fitness accordingly.”

  • Imran Khan falls sick after consuming jail food

    Imran Khan falls sick after consuming jail food

    Opposition leader in the National Assembly Omar Ayub Khan has stated that the founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Imran Khan was being served unhygienic food in Adiala Jail Rawalpindi.

    Speaking to journalists outside the Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) Rawalpindi, Omar Ayub Khan claimed, “Imran Khan was given substandard food, which caused him to vomit.”

    The opposition leader further stated that their stance is correct on the matter that the electricity in Khan’s cell was also cut off; even proper water was not served to Khan.

    Omar Ayub Khan further stated that they (party leadership) saluted Bushra Bibi’s bravery and greatness for enduring nine months in jail and added that “Harpic” was even mixed into her food, but she stood firm like an iron wall.

    “She has been granted bail with honour,” he added.

    Earlier, Chairman Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, Barrister Gohar Khan, following his meeting with Khan in Adiala Jail, had also alleged that the electricity supply to Imran Khan’s cell was suspended for five days and that he was allowed only two and a half hours out of his cell.

    Meanwhile, in an official statement, the Adiala Jail authorities, responding to PTI’s concern over the food menu to Khan last week, disclosed the food menu of incarcerated Imran Khan.

    Adiala Jail authorities had claimed, “Khan’s breakfast consists of coffee, chia seeds, beetroot juice, yoghurt, chapati, biscuits and dates. For lunch, he is served traditional curry, local chicken, chapati, salad, green tea, and mutton.”

    “Dinner includes porridge, coconut, coconut juice and grapes, all prepared under the supervision of an assistant superintendent,” jail authorities added.

  • Justice Mansoor Ali Shah on claims of ‘scheme to oust PML-N govt’

    Justice Mansoor Ali Shah on claims of ‘scheme to oust PML-N govt’

    Justice Mansoor Ali Shah has responded to the allegations and conspiracies against him regarding the possible ouster of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) government had he been appointed as the next chief justice of Pakistan (CJP).

    Reports quoted a source close to Justice Shah as “categorically denying” any intentions or plans to remove the incumbent government if he had become the top judge.

    It may be noted that Justice Mansoor Ali Shah was the senior-most judge in the Supreme Court (SC) and next in line to become the CJP after the retirement of then-CJP Qazi Faez Isa.

    However, with the passage of the 26th Constitutional Amendment, the scenario for the appointment of the senior-most judge as the CJP was scratched, paving the way for the nomination and subsequent appointment of the third senior-most judge, Yahya Afridi, as the top judge.

    The News also quoted the source as saying that a federal minister’s recent claims regarding the possible ouster of the government and Justice Shah bringing Imran Khan back to power was a “pack of lies”.

    “Justice Mansoor Ali Shah wants everyone to understand that he is totally apolitical. His interest is in promoting the constitution, rule of law and democracy, and nothing comes in the way of him in achieving this.”

    They also said that Justice Shah was not responsible for the actions of previous chief justices and he did not approve of their conduct.

    “He has even written against them. It’s unfair to generalise all judges this way. His judgments stand as his record. Read them,” the source added in response to Punjab Assembly Speaker Malik Ahmad Khan’s recent remarks on “judicial monarchy”.

    According to the report, the source skipped a question regarding Justice Mansoor Ali Shah’s stern letter to former CJP Qazi Faez Isa during the latter’s farewell reference. “Let’s discuss that another time,” they said.

    Justice Mansoor Ali Shah on October 25 had refused to attend Friday’s full court reference in honor of the outgoing Chief Justice of Pakistan Qazi Faez Isa.

    “To stand a Reference and celebrate such a tenure would send a message that a Chief Justice can betray his institution, erode its strength, act petty and low and still be celebrated as an honorable servant of justice. I am sorry, I in good conscious, cannot stand at a reference for such a Chief Justice,” opined Puisne judge Mansoor Ali Shah in a in a letter of refusal on the record of the reference proceedings,