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  • Second ODI: Pakistan crush Zimbabwe by 10 wickets

    Second ODI: Pakistan crush Zimbabwe by 10 wickets

    Pakistan defeated Zimbabwe by 10 wickets in the second ODI match played at Queens Sports Club Ground in Bulawayo.

    Pakistan easily achieved the target of 146 runs in the 19th over without losing a wicket. Saim Ayub scored the first century of his ODI career and scored 113 runs, while Abdullah Shafiq remained unbeaten on 32 runs.

    Earlier, Zimbabwe had given Pakistan a target of 146 runs to win, and the host team returned to the pavilion after scoring 145 runs in 32.3 overs.

    Debutant Abrar Ahmed took four wickets, Salman Ali Agha took three wickets, and Saim Ayub and Faisal Akram took one wicket each, while one batter was run out.

    Zimbabwe won the toss and elected to bat against Pakistan.

    In this match being played in Bulawayo, two players from Pakistan, Abrar Ahmed and Tayyab Tahir, are playing an ODI for Pakistan for the first time.

    It should be noted that in the rain-affected first match, Zimbabwe won by 80 runs under the Duckworth-Lewis method and took a one-nil lead in the three-match series.

  • VIDEO: Army personnel hug PTI protesters atop containers at D-Chowk

    VIDEO: Army personnel hug PTI protesters atop containers at D-Chowk

    The political situation in Pakistan is becoming tense by the minute as Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) supporters have entered Islamabad on former prime minister Imran Khan’s “final call”, meeting heavy resistance from law enforcement along the way.

    With violent overnight protests resulting in the deaths of at least six security personnel, including four Rangers, the federal government has deployed army to quash the protests and keep PTI workers from advancing to D-Chowk.

    Amid high-running tensions, a video that went viral on X (formerly Twitter), showed PTI protesters climbing on top of containers set up to block access to D-Chowk. With army personnel present on the containers already, they were seen helping and embracing the protesters.

    The move was welcomed by authorities and protesters alike. Unconfirmed reports claim that army personnel also made announcements over loudspeakers, urging PTI workers to remain peaceful because the military won’t open fire on its own people.

    Earlier in the day, a fast-driving car ran over law enforcement personnel on the federal capital’s Srinagar Highway.

    As tensions between law enforcement and protesters ran high, the federal government deployed military in Islamabad by invoking Article 245 of the Constitution.

    A notification issued by the Interior Ministry said that army had been authorised to impose a curfew in any locality deemed necessary to maintain law and order.

    Reportedly, security forces have also been empowered to shoot miscreants and rioters on sight. Furthermore, a group of armed men reportedly pelted stones and opened fire on security personnel at Chungi No 26 in Rawalpindi, leading to another Rangers official getting injured. He was shifted to hospital in critical condition.

    Meanwhile, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, while talking to the media, said the government had talked and engaged with protesters “in every possible way”.

    “They hold talks and then pull out,” the minister claimed, adding that roads were opened so that PTI workers could make their way to Sangjani instead of D-Chowk.

    “The PTI leadership wants to hold talks, but a secret hand is controlling the party and it is stronger than all others. They have some other motives,” he said.

    Naqvi’s comments came after reports claimed that PTI leadership, including founder Imran Khan, had approved shifting the protest to Sangjani amid violent clashes. The same was disapproved by Khan’s wife and former first lady Bushra Bibi, who said she would continue leading protesters to D-Chowk till she had spoken to her husband herself.

  • This Pakistani superstar refuses to put on makeup

    This Pakistani superstar refuses to put on makeup


      

     In an entertainment industry where makeup is a must on film sets, one veteran actor is a standout exception. 

     With over 50 years of experience, the legendary actor Javed Sheikh has never worn makeup. 
     
     

    Appearing as a guest on After Hours with Ushna Shah, the Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum actor explained why he refuses to wear makeup on set, even when it’s required of others.

    The host asked, “I found out that you never wear makeup. You still haven’t had any touch-ups, nothing?” 


    Javed Sheikh said, “Yes, never. Look, here, it’s okay, everyone does it, but I keep watching. So when I was in India, the films I did there, it was very much a requirement for everyone. Every girl had to do it, but the men were doing it too. So when I first went to the set, my first film was Shikar with Shahid  Kapoor. So they said, ‘Sir, come an hour earlier so we can do your makeup.’ I said, ‘I don’t do it.’ They said, ‘No, it’s not allowed.’ I said, ‘What’s not allowed? Is it written somewhere?’”

    The Quaid –e- Azam Zindabad  actor recalled how he stood firm on his decision not to put anything on his face, “They said, ‘It will shine a little.’ I said, ‘this is prosperity.” 


    The host asked, “Sheikh Sahib, I know you have big well-guarded secrets behind why you’re looking so good, but if you could share a bit about your diet or your routine?” 

    Javed Sheikh replied, “Yes, see, discipline is something you should have in life, in everything. And I have discipline not just in food, but in everything I do. You see, living for 50 years isn’t an easy task, and Alhamdulillah, I still don’t have free time. I know, I have so many films, so many dramas. And besides that, I am doing a lot of things. I’ll tell you later. So there has to be discipline in life. And yes, I take care of my food. I sleep for 6 hours, not less than that.” 


    “The reason is, at least for a normal body, you need seven to eight hours of sleep. People say, ‘I slept for two hours, three hours, and worked. I was fresh.’ But the thing is, you may look fresh, but you don’t realize that you missed out on four or five hours of sleep. It gets written on your body,” the A-lister pointed out. 


     The host asked, “You have many stories, many tales. What about your family, especially your sister-in-law?”  

     “Well, I was married twice, the first time, it was to the mother of my children, Momal. And then, I got married to Salma Aga. Both marriages lasted around three years,” Javed Sheikh replied. 


    Lastly, Javed Sheikh also shared his thoughts on the entertainment industry. He stressed the importance of professionalism, saying. “Actors should support their producers and ensure that the producer’s investment doesn’t go to waste. It’s the actor’s responsibility to cooperate and be professional in every way. I’ve always tried to cooperate with everyone, even when it’s difficult, and that’s why I’ve earned respect in the industry.”

  • ‘AR Rahman is like a father to me’; Mohini Dey slams rumors of affair

    ‘AR Rahman is like a father to me’; Mohini Dey slams rumors of affair

    Music maestro AR Rahman’s guitarist Mohini Dey has expressed anger over rumors that her divorce is linked to her relationship with the composer. 

    Recently, the news of AR Rahman’s divorce spread like wildfire. A few hours later, guitarist Mohini Dey, who is part of AR Rahman’s group, also announced her separation from her husband, leading social media users to link the two. 


    In her initial statement, Mohini Dey had written on her Instagram story, “I am receiving a lot of requests for interviews, and I know what they are about, so I am refusing all of them because I have no interest in fueling baseless rumors.”


    She said, ‘I do not want to waste my energy on rumors, and requested people to respect my privacy.”

    Guitarist’s Recent Statement


    According to Indian media reports, Mohini Dey has now issued a statement in which she says, “I have many such personalities who are like fathers to me, who are role models in my life. I am really lucky and grateful that they played an important role in my upbringing, and AR Rahman is one of them whom I respect a lot.”


    She added, “AR Rahman is just like my father, he will be a little younger than my father, his daughter is my age, and we have love and respect for each other in our hearts.”
    She also said, “I worked with his band for about 8 years. I came to America 5 years ago and am working here. Please take care of privacy, this is a personal matter, and do not interfere in it.”


    She expressed her deep surprise at the viral rumors on social media and said, “It is unbelievable to see the misinformation and baseless assumptions and claims against me and AR Rahman. The media has made me a criminal by linking the events of my and AR Rahman’s divorce. I worked with AR Rahman for 8 years, I am like his children.”

  • ‘PTI leaders powerless in front of party’s secret leadership,’ claims Mohsin Naqvi

    ‘PTI leaders powerless in front of party’s secret leadership,’ claims Mohsin Naqvi

    Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi Tuesday said that “secret leadership” of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) was controlling everything, leaving other party leaders “powerless”.

    Speaking to media as PTI convoys continue to advance towards D-Chowk after violent overnight clashes, the interior minister said that party leaders did not want bloodshed but they were powerless in front of a “secret leadership” that actually had control over the party.

    “Even the PTI leadership does not want bloodshed, but the secret leadership’s agenda is not aligned with Pakistan,” Mohsin Naqvi said, adding that a “hidden hand” was involved in the unrest.

    “The PTI leadership wanted to engage in dialogue, but the secret leadership did not want it,” he said.

    When asked about the number of participants in PTI’s protest rally, the interior minister said that it was difficult to give an exact figure; however, “2,000 of the total number of protesters were trained individuals”.

    The interior minister’s presser comes as PTI refuses to participate in talks with the government and protest at D-Chowk till party founder and former prime minister (PM) Imran Khan is released from jail. Violent clashes over the past two days have resulted in injuries to hundreds of protesters and cops alike. At least four Rangers personnel and two cops were also martyred in the clashes Monday night.

    Meanwhile, a case against PTI leadership has been registered at a Rawalpindi police station over the death of a police constable near Hakla Interchange.

    According to a First Information Report (FIR) filed at Taxila Police Station, Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister (CM) Ali Amin Gandapur, Salar Khan Kakar, Shahid Khattak and others were nominated.

    Assaulters, armed with tear gas guns, rubber bullet guns and other weapons violated Section 144 and initiated violent attacks on police officers, the FIR read.

    It further stated that the attack was a “deliberate criminal conspiracy orchestrated by the PTI leadership”.

    “Suspects abducted Constable Mubashir Hassan in a red van and later dumped him off Hakla Bridge before fleeing,” the FIR added.

  • Asad Siddiqui criticizes biased casting practices in the entertainment industry

    Asad Siddiqui criticizes biased casting practices in the entertainment industry

    Actor Asad Siddiqui has criticized what he calls “biased casting practices” in the country’s entertainment industry, arguing that selections are often based on connections and appearance rather than talent.


    In a recent appearance on Ushna Shah’s talk show, Siddiqui spoke openly about his concerns: “I have distanced myself from certain industry gatherings, citing instances of ‘sweet words’ shared in person that turn into criticism behind backs.”


    Siddiqui also highlighted that casting often favors those with lighter skin tones or personal connections, a practice he called “unfair and apparent on screen.” He argued that these dynamics dilute merit and affect the quality of production.


    To counter this, Siddiqui proposed a stronger audition process. He further revealed plans to enter production himself, expressing hope to create more equitable opportunities for aspiring actors.


    Siddiqui, whose wife Zara Noor Abbas comes from a notable acting family that includes Bushra Ansari and Asma Abbas, has established himself as a prominent figure in Pakistan’s showbiz.


    His remarks reflect a call from industry insiders for change in casting standards to better support talent over appearance or social ties.

    Earlier, on Faysal Quraishi’s Podcast, Asad Siddiqui offered fans a glimpse into his journey to finding love with actor Zara Noor Abbas.

    Asad revealed that he first heard of Zara through her aunt, Bushra Ansari, years before they met. “When I did my first dramas, Azar Ki Ayegi Baraat and Dolly Ki Ayegi Baraat, Zara was mentioned in passing. I had never seen her or a picture of her, but Bushra Apa would mention her,” he shared.

    There was no instant spark or sense of destiny back then; Zara was just a name in casual conversation. Life moved on, as Asad explained, “Then that chapter closed, but six or seven years later we worked together again, and she mentioned Zara again.” Only later, by pure coincidence, did Zara come into his life in person.

    The chemistry began as friendship, he recounted, fueled by shared friends like Sajal Ali, Yasir Hussain, and Asim Azhar. “Coincidentally, Zara was in town for work, and she was friends with Sajal. So, I went to meet up with them and we became friends,” he said, describing how they spent time in a group. “Yasir, Asim, and I were always together, and we would meet up with Zara and Sajal. Eventually, we got together. Those were good times.”

    But for Asad, life changed dramatically once they married—and even more so when they welcomed their daughter, Noor e Jahan, this past March. “After marriage, you can’t be out of the house at all times. You should let your spouse know when you’re going to be home if you’ll eat with them or not. After a child, you can’t even do that. You’re on set and want them to pack up,” he shared, hinting at the challenges that come with balancing family and work. The transition to fatherhood has deepened his appreciation for Zara’s role.

    Reflecting on parenthood, Asad noted, “I try to stay up with the baby as much as I can, but there are times when I’ll wake up in the middle of the night and see Zara already awake, walking around or feeding the baby. I’m always shocked by how a mother’s life is never her own after a baby. Everything revolves around the child.”

  • Yasir Nawaz once got a false reading from a palmist

    Yasir Nawaz once got a false reading from a palmist

     
     
    Imagine a palmist telling your wife you have four kids from two marriages, while that is completely untrue. 

    Director and actor Yasir Nazwaz couldn’t help but laugh when he shared that he once found himself in the strange prediction on Hasna Mana Hai. 


     
    Appearing as a guest on the show with host Tabish Hashmi, Yasir shared some funny and surprising stories from his life.
     


     
    Yasir remembered a strange moment when a palmist made a completely false claim about his family.


     
    “I don’t even remember his name; he had come on Nida’s show. During the break or after the show ended, he randomly said to Nida, ‘You have three kids, but Yasir has four kids.’ Nida responded, ‘What do you mean?’ He added, ‘I did the math; Yasir has four kids and two marriages.’ Nida clarified, ‘No, no, there’s only one marriage and no such thing,’” Yasir Nawaz explained.

    Things took an unexpected turn after the palmist’s comment.


     
    Yasir Nawaz said, “Later, Nida shared with me that this strange guy had said such things and left. What a foolish man! Fifteen days later, my trainer brought a child, and I held the child for a picture, which was then posted online. People started asking, ‘Whose child is this? What’s going on?’ I’ve dealt with people who are unnecessarily presumptuous like this.”
     


    The host asked, “Tell me something, you have so many fans around the world, share a memorable incident with a fan, like at the airport?”


     
     
    Yasir Nawaz replied, “This happened in Islamabad. My weight at that time was around 105 or 110 kg. Actually, it was exactly 108 kg. I was quite healthy back then. Nida (my wife) was with me. She was casually dressed in jeans and a T-shirt. A woman approached us. This sweet and innocent woman came up to us. She said, ‘Assalamu Alaikum, I’m a big fan of yours. I’ve watched all your dramas.’ She was so happy. I thanked her, feeling proud. She had her daughter with her.”
     
     
     
    But things took a funny turn when the woman mistakenly thought Nida was Yasir’s daughter.  


     
    Yasir Nawaz laughed and said, “Now, Nida wasn’t wearing any makeup, the woman was all excited and asked if the girl with me was my daughter. I laughed and said, ‘Yes, she’s like my daughter.’ The woman smiled and said, ‘Oh, Silah right?’ I played along and said, ‘Yes, this is Sila.The woman then asked Silah to come over for a picture. She spent around 10 minutes with us. Nida couldn’t stop laughing the whole time. I joined in the comedic mood too. But after that, I decided to seriously work on reducing my weight. The woman left thanking me, saying she had such a good laugh.”

  • Want to reduce your child’s screen time? Shehzad Roy has the solution

    Want to reduce your child’s screen time? Shehzad Roy has the solution

    Pakistani singer and activist Shehzad Roy wants to help parents reduce their children’s screen time in today’s digital age.

    He has made a chess curriculum, developed by his non-profit organization Zindagi Trust, available for free. This initiative aims to encourage children to think critically and plan strategically instead of spending time on their devices.


    On Sunday, Roy shared a heartfelt message on Instagram for parents struggling with their children’s screen time. Highlighting the power of chess, he said, “If you want to lower your kids’ screen time, teach them chess.”


    He recalled how Zindagi Trust introduced chess in its schools years ago. “Because this is a competitive mind sport, we observed kids sitting alone for hours, thinking and strategizing. They were spending time with themselves,” Roy reflected.


    Roy also talked about the success of the chess program, mentioning that girls from the program have won Pakistan’s top chess championships.

    He urged everyone to teach children chess using the curriculum available on the Zindagi Trust website. He explained that it could positively change their routines and improve their mathematical and cognitive skills.


    The journey of incorporating chess into Zindagi Trust schools began in 2011 as part of the organization’s broader goal to enhance education in underprivileged communities.


    The chess curriculum, developed over a decade, combines fundamental techniques, strategies, and cognitive training to improve critical thinking skills and promote strategic problem-solving.

    It provides a foundation for advanced chess learning and creates an engaging learning environment.
    Check the post below:

  • Champions Trophy: PCB rejects ‘huge Indian offer’ for hybrid model

    Champions Trophy: PCB rejects ‘huge Indian offer’ for hybrid model

    The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has rejected an Indian offer of hefty compensation for adopting the hybrid model for Champions Trophy 2025, a private media outlet has claimed.

    According to reports, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) offered Pakistan a huge amount for adopting the hybrid model and hosting Indian matches of the upcoming tournament in United Arab Emirates (UAE).

    The same was, however, rejected by the PCB.

    While Pakistan is still adamant on hosting the entire tournament at home and has written to the International Cricket Council (ICC) in this regard, the cricket watchdog has not yet responded to PCB’s letter in writing.

    Despite the passage of several weeks, PCB is standing by its decision to host the tournament under a hybrid model and is insisting that India’s group matches and knockout matches — if they qualify — be played in Lahore.

    Pakistan is due to host the tournament in February-March 2025 but the refusal by the Indian government and the cricketing board to send their team to Pakistan has troubled the ICC. The deadline given by broadcasters for the schedule has also passed.

    The Indian board, citing security issues, is adamant on holding all their matches in Dubai.

    The final answer on whether Pakistan gets to host the event or not may come today. It is expected that the matter will be resolved through voting, in which Pakistan could lag behind.

    Earlier, there were reports that PCB is taking a tough stance on the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) decision not to send its team to the Champions Trophy in Pakistan: considering a ‘minus-India’ formula in response.

    The PCB has decided to use the examples from the 1996 and 2003 World Cup in its initial stance to adopt a tough stance against India.

    In 1996, Australia and West Indies refused to play in Sri Lanka, while in 2003, New Zealand refused to play in Kenya and England refused to play in Zimbabwe. In response, the International Cricket Council (ICC) awarded points to the teams that were present on the ground for the scheduled matches, putting the teams that refused to participate at a disadvantage.

    Geo reports that based on these examples, the PCB will assert that the ICC has never changed a venue in the past when teams failed to show up, and as a result, Pakistan will adopt a firm stance.

    Pakistan may also propose a ‘minus India’ Champions Trophy on this basis, as India has not yet spoken about the Champions Trophy in writing. PCB will insist to the ICC that India submits all its positions in writing, sources have claimed.

    Earlier, it was also reported that Pakistan would write a letter to the ICC in light of the government guidelines in the next day or two, for which the Board had also completed a legal consultation.

    Earlier, the PCB denied all claims about the Indian team refusing to travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy 2025.

    PCB source told The Current, “All speculations about Indian cricket board’s letter to PCB or India not coming to Pakistan are baseless. PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi’s press conference in Gaddafi Stadium on November 8 is the latest update on this issue.”

    Mohsin Naqvi said that there should be no politics in the game and assured that the Board will continue preparations despite India not coming.

    On the other hand, reports claimed that the government of Pakistan is likely to make tough decisions regarding India’s refusal to come to the Champions Trophy.

    The government is considering that if India does not participate at the agreed venues, Pakistan will not play any future matches with India, and until relations with India improve, they will not play any game with India in any tournament.

    They are of the view that Pakistan always makes goodwill gestures, but India is always involved in politics.


     
    If India does not participate in matches in Pakistan and the host country doesn’t agree on the hybrid model, then there is a strong chance that Sri Lanka will replace India.

  • ‘No breakfast, no rest’: Sindh cop deployed at Islamabad

    ‘No breakfast, no rest’: Sindh cop deployed at Islamabad

    A Sindh police personnel has complained about the inadequacy of food that had been served to provincial police during their deployment at the federal capital amid a Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protest.

    Speaking to a news outlet on Monday night, a Sindh security official said that authorities have not given them time for the proper rest, maintaining that they have been “on duty for two consecutive days.”

    “We are tired of doing duty since two days, we have no [additional] salary, [authorities] are not giving us breakfast,” the cop belonging to district Noshehra, Sindh, said.

    He further said that due to lack of a timely salary, he has borrowed money from his village, and he is in “debt” now.

    He also highlighted that two days ago, 2000 security officials came to the federal capital via train; apart from Karachi cops, other security officials travelled without having a seat, noting that the long expedition was tough as they had to stand throughout their journey.

    “Cops belonging to Karachi had a seat; we had to stand by the [train] door,” he complained.

    Observing the facilities given by the authorities, he stated that “proper water” was not served to the cops, adding, “We are purchasing tea by ourselves.”

    Meanwhile, in a separate development, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf convoy led by Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur and former First Lady Bushra Bibi has reached Islamabad Zero Point.

    It merits mentioning that following the federal capital’s Zero Point area, D Chowk is just a few kilometers away from where PTI is expected to stage a sit-in.

    Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, while speaking to the media at D Chowk on Tuesday, stated that around 2000 people in the PTI convoy were “trained.”

    The Interior Minister pointed out that the “secret leadership” of PTI is controlling everything, leaving the rest of the leadership powerless.

    “Even the PTI leadership does not want bloodshed, but the secret leadership’s agenda is not aligned with Pakistan,” he concluded.