Author: newsdesk

  • Indian cricketer Nikhil Chaudhry accused of rape

    Indian cricketer Nikhil Chaudhry accused of rape

    Indian cricketer Nikhil Chaudhry has been accused of rape in Australia and a case has been filed against him. He is accused of raping a woman in his car after meeting her in a nightclub in Townsville.

    According to the details, at the trial that started yesterday, 27-year-old Nikhil denied the charge of rape.

    Nikhil is the star player of Big Bash team Hobart Hurricanes. He also played for Punjab in the Indian first-class event Ranji Trophy alongside Test cricketers like Yuvraj Singh and Shibman Gill, coached by Harbhajan Singh, later he moved to Australia and started playing cricket along with working as a postman.

  • Real story behind Imad Wasim’s retirement reversal

    Real story behind Imad Wasim’s retirement reversal

    The real story behind all-rounder Imad Wasim’s retirement reversal has came out. On Saturday he announced his decision to withdraw retirement, making himself available for the Pakistan T20 team till the International Cricket Council (ICC) T20 World Cup 2024.

    Imad Wasim will return to the national squad with the five-match T20I series against New Zealand. Imad had held talks with Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) CEO Salman Naseer and Chief Selector Wahab Riaz yesterday where he had laid down his conditions for reconsidering the retirement.

    Imad made his return to the squad contingent on the assurance of being included in the squad till the next World Cup and the challenges faced in obtaining NOC (No Objection Certificate) to participate in franchise leagues. Wahab Riaz gave necessary assurance in this regard. Imad’s retirement from international cricket was prompted by concerns.

    He apprised Salman Naseer of the need to honor various treaty obligations apart from international commitments, thus requesting the board to facilitate his participation in leagues and for national responsibility whenever required.

    Furthermore, Imad expressed disinterest in getting a central contract and emphasized his main focus on serving Pakistan’s interests and trying to win the World Cup for the team.

    He indicated his willingness to play without a formal contract, demonstrating his commitment to the national cause. Imad’s stance on contract matters has been acknowledged by board officials as the final decision on his contract status is pending consultation with PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi.

  • Pakistan reverses decision on US sanctions waiver for gas project

    Pakistan reverses decision on US sanctions waiver for gas project

    Pakistan is reconsidering its earlier policy of not seeking a US waiver for Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline. Petroleum Minister Musadik Malik recently said, “Pakistan will vigorously present its case and will try to seek exemption from US sanctions by presenting technical and political arguments.”

    Previously the Pakistani Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, in response to a question said, “It is a segment of the pipeline which is being built inside Pakistani territory. So, we do not believe that at this point there is room for any discussion or waiver from a third party.”

    Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline project has been in the works for more than a decade now. While Iran has completed the construction of 900 kilometers of pipeline on its side of the border, Pakistan has not begun construction.

    Last month, the caretaker government approved the construction of an 80 kilometers section of the gas pipeline to avoid the contractual penalties worth $7 billion.

    Iran has already extended the 180-day deadline till September 2024 to Pakistan. Iran has also told Islamabad that failing this deadline, they would move International Arbitration seeking a penalty of $18 billion.

  • Gullu Butt passes away in Lahore

    Gullu Butt passes away in Lahore

    Gullu Butt, the notorious man who was caught wielding a baton and damaging property during the violent police action in Model Town in 2014, passed away in Lahore on Sunday, according to his family.

    Shahid Aziz, also known as Gullu Butt, had been dealing with a long-term illness for the last four to five months.

    Back on June 17, 2014, during a confrontation between protesting workers of Dr. Tahirul Qadri and a large police presence outside the Minhajul Quran Secretariat in Model Town, Butt was accused of causing chaos.

    He allegedly obstructed public servants from performing their duties and damaged private vehicles using sticks. The police did not intervene to stop Butt’s actions; instead, they watched silently and even seemed to assist him.

    Gullu Butt became infamous overnight, leading to PTI leader Imran Khan referencing to him many times.

  • Video of emotional fan falling at Virat Kohli’s feet goes viral

    Video of emotional fan falling at Virat Kohli’s feet goes viral

    A video shot during the Indian Premier League (IPL) match between Royal Challengers Bangalore and Punjab Kings yesterday has gone viral. An emotional fan of Indian batting superstar Virat Kohli can be seen entering the ground and falling at his idol’s feet.

    The fan managed to catch up to Kohli while the cricketer was batting on the pit, fell at his feet and touched them before hugging Virat.

    The incident stunned fans in the stadium, while security personnel followed the man and removed him from the venue.

    Fans inside the stadium applauded the fan despite the breach in security protocols.

    However social media fans have criticized the fan, keeping in mind the safety of the players and demanded strict action.

    This is not the first such an incident happened with Indian players, Kohli has faced several such incidents in the past as well.

  • SIFC approves construction of largest IT park in federal capital

    SIFC approves construction of largest IT park in federal capital

    The Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) has approved the establishment of Pakistan’s largest IT park in the G-10 sector of the federal capital, covering an expansive area of 3.3 acres.

    This development follows the decision by the Capital Development Authority Board earlier this month to undertake the construction of the IT park in Islamabad.

    According to APP, negotiations are currently underway with key stakeholders, such as the Pakistan Software Export Board and the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication, to ensure the successful execution of the IT Park project.

    Operating under a public-private partnership framework, the project aims to become a hub of technological advancement, offering a wide range of facilities aimed at nurturing creativity and entrepreneurship.

    The IT Park will feature a state-of-the-art research centre, a well-stocked library, software houses, conference rooms, dedicated workspaces for freelancers and startups, and an exhibition area for showcasing cutting-edge IT products.

    Approximately 6,000 freelancers are expected to benefit from access to these top-notch facilities, empowering them to make significant contributions to Pakistan’s economic landscape through the provision of e-services.

    The construction of this IT hub will be financed through collaboration with private IT companies, which will also lease office spaces within the premises.

  • In a first, UN Security Council demands “immediate ceasefire” in Gaza, US abstains

    In a first, UN Security Council demands “immediate ceasefire” in Gaza, US abstains

    The UN Security Council for the first time on Monday demanded a ceasefire in Gaza, with the United States, Israel’s ally which has vetoed previous bids, abstaining.

    The resolution, which demands an “immediate ceasefire” for the ongoing holy month of Ramzan that leads to a “lasting” truce, went through, with all other 14 Security Council members voting “yes”.

    France demands a “permanent ceasefire”, urging work on a permanent ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.

    “This crisis is not over. Our council will have to remain mobilized and immediately get back to work. After Ramadan, which ends in two weeks, it will have to establish a permanent ceasefire,” said France’s UN representative, Nicolas de Riviere.

    What does abstention for the US means?

    The US abstention from a vote on a UN Security Council resolution demanding a Gaza ceasefire does not signal a change in Washington’s policy, the White House said Monday.

    It does not represent a “shift in our policy,” National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told journalists, saying the US backs a ceasefire but abstained because the resolution did not condemn Hamas.

    The United States said that a ceasefire voted for Monday by the United Nations can “only” be implemented once Hamas begins releasing hostages it still holds.

    “A ceasefire can begin immediately with the release of the first hostage,” Linda Thomas-Greenfield, the US ambassador to the UN, said after the United States, which vetoed previous drafts, abstained in the UN Security Council vote. “This is the only path to securing a ceasefire.”

    Israel’s response to US abstention

    Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office that the US abstention on a UN Security Council Gaza ceasefire call hurt Israel’s fight against Hamas and the effort to release hostages.

    “It gives Hamas hope that international pressure will allow them to accept a ceasefire without the release of our abductees,” Netanyahu said, cancelling the departure of a delegation set to leave for consultations in Washington.

  • Gold price in Pakistan remains unchanged on first trading day of the week

    Gold price in Pakistan remains unchanged on first trading day of the week

    On the first trading day of the week, gold prices in Pakistan maintained stability while witnessing a slight uptick in the global market.

    According to data provided by the All Pakistan Gems and Jewellers Sarafa Association (APGJSA), the local market reported no change in the price of gold per tola, standing firm at Rs228,200.

    Similarly, the rate for 10 grammes of gold remained unchanged at Rs195,645.

    This follows a notable decline in gold prices observed in the previous session, where rates plummeted by Rs4,200 per tola.

    However, on Monday, the international market witnessed a modest increase in gold prices. With a premium of $20, the global rate of gold rose by $2, settling at $2,187 per ounce, as reported by APGJSA.

    Meanwhile, silver rates in the domestic market remained stable at Rs2,580 per tola, showing no significant fluctuations.

    The consistent performance of precious metals in Pakistan reflects a steadiness in the market amid global economic dynamics.

    The stability in gold prices locally, coupled with the marginal gain in the international market, underscores the cautious sentiment prevailing among investors amidst evolving geopolitical and economic factors.

  • Women arrested for stealing Uzma Kardar’s jewellery accuse police of beating, stripping them

    Women arrested for stealing Uzma Kardar’s jewellery accuse police of beating, stripping them

    Four women, detained for allegedly stealing jewellery belonging to PML-N’s Member of Punjab Assembly Uzma Kardar, have accused police of physical torture and stripping them in the presence of the MPA during the investigation process.

    The jewellery theft case was registered at the Model Town police station. However, the suspects, who are employees of a private housing society club have denied the allegations.

    The MPA suspected that two instructors and two club employees were involved in the theft. It was stated in the FIR that after attending the assembly session, she had gone to the club for swimming. She put the jewellery in her purse, which was kept in the club’s locker. Upon her return, she found out that jewellery worth Rs4-5 lakh had been stolen.

    SP Model Town told The News that four female employees of the club were detained after registration of the theft case. They were released after Uzma Kardar’s husband was taken into confidence on the matter. He said the club management also vouched for them and declared them innocent. He said the matter was still under investigation with the help of club’s surveillance cameras and management’s statements.

    MPA Uzma Kardar has called it “completely fabricated lies just to cover up systematic theft”. She emphasised that the women were investigated in front of her and were not detained for the night.

  • Indian director Anurag Kashyap will charge money for meeting people

    Indian director Anurag Kashyap will charge money for meeting people

    Indian filmmaker Anurag Kashyap has criticized those in showbiz who waste his time.

    Taking to Instagram, he wrote: “Don’t waste my time.”

    The filmmaker expressed frustration in a lengthy statement. “I wasted a lot of time trying to help newcomers and mostly ended up with mediocre s*. So, now onwards, I don’t want to waste my time meeting random people who think they are creative geniuses.”
    To everyone’s shock, Anurag went on to state his rates for newbies in the field interested in meeting with him. He said, “So I will now have rates. If someone wants to meet me for 10-15 minutes, I will charge 1 lac, for half an hour, 2 lacs, and for 1 hour, 5 lacs. That’s the rate.”

    He also said, “I am tired of wasting time meeting people. If you really think you can afford it, call me or stay the f*** away. And all paid in advance,” he capped the note. In the post’s caption, the Bombay Talkies director wrote, “And I mean it: Don’t text or DM or call me. Pay and you will get time. I am not a charity, and I am tired of people looking for shortcuts.”