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  • ‘Give yourself a second chance’: Madiha Iftikhar’s advice to women

    ‘Give yourself a second chance’: Madiha Iftikhar’s advice to women

    What if the key to a better life is simply giving yourself a second chance? Actress and model Madiha Iftikhar has advised women to build trust, embrace change and finding strength in the face of life’s challenges.    

    In an interview with Fuchsia Magazine, Madiha opened up about her personal journey, marriage and the challenges women face in society. 

    “People have 100 different opinions, especially about actresses. So how do you build trust? I realised I would have to leave the field, at least temporarily. I had to focus on building my home, earning my husband’s trust, showing him who I am, and understanding who he is,” she said.

    The Chand Tara actress emphasised the importance of building trust in relationships saying, “Over time, in about six or seven years, by 2018, we had built such a strong bond that my husband trusted me completely. He knows I won’t do anything wrong, and I know I would never let him down in any way.”

    Madiha also talked about her approach on marriage. The Ishq Ki Inteha actress encouraged women to not let societal pressure dictate their decisions, especially when it came to relationships and marrying again.

    “Life doesn’t end there. You can find another partner because partnerships are important in life. Don’t let society dictate your choices. These days, so many divorces are happening, and many women avoid marrying again out of fear of what people will say. But it’s your life—you have to live it. No one came to train me on how to live my life,” Madiha added.

    “Since I made the decision to marry so late in life… at 29, it was a well-thought-out decision. If I wanted to have extramarital affairs or lead a life of scandal, I wouldn’t have married at all. When you marry someone, you marry them alone. There’s no point in looking right or left. However, if the person you marry doesn’t treat you well, then don’t seek sympathy. Instead, make yourself strong enough to move on,” she said. 

    Madiha said she and her husband were clear on their marriage’s dynamics. “The best part of our relationship is that there was never a third person involved, and there still isn’t. For example, if I have a problem, I wouldn’t go to someone else to mediate.”

  • Navjot Singh Sidhu’s controversial cancer diet sparks backlash

    Navjot Singh Sidhu’s controversial cancer diet sparks backlash

    Former cricketer and politician Navjot Singh Sidhu has claimed that a specific diet helped his wife recover from cancer, sparking a heated debate. Medical professionals have also raised concerns about the accuracy of his statement.

    On 22 November 2024, in a press conference, Sidhu shared his belief that a combination of diet and lifestyle changes played a crucial role in his wife, Navjot Kaur Sidhu’s recovery.

    His wife was diagnosed with stage-4 cancer, which had metastasised to the skin. He credited her recovery to a special regimen that involved cutting out sugar, rice, flour, and tea while incorporating various herbs and natural remedies.

    “I did not make any arrangements on my side. After researching Ayurveda, American doctors, and research in India, I read for 10 hours and came to the common denominator: cut sugar,” he revealed.

    Sidhu explained the simple routine he followed, which he believes helped his wife recover.

    “The first thing she used to have in the morning was lemon water with raw turmeric, garlic, and an apple. Half an hour later, she had neem leaves. This costs no money. Seriously, I want to tell everyone that this worked for her in 40 days, even at stage four cancer,” he detailed.

    Proudly sharing the outcome of his wife’s treatment, he said, “Her doctors were shocked when she underwent an operation because the cancer cells were gone. After 45 to 50 days post-operation, there were no cancer cells left.”

    Sidhu also claimed that he achieved this result despite being in the later stages of cancer, attributing his success to the natural and Ayurvedic treatments he followed.

    While many in the medical community raised concerns, reactions on social media were divided. Some users defended Sidhu, arguing that he was simply sharing his personal experience and not promoting herbal remedies as a cure.

    One person commented, saying, “He is not promoting neem ke patte and other elements.. he is just sharing his experience. Science is not always correct.”

    Another user commented: “Herbal remedies Ayurvedic remedies are not in good books of science. Science ko toh ganga jal se bhi problem hai. It’s better just listen him and don’t like it ignore.”

    Sidhu’s claims have led some social media users to criticise Dr Batra. One user wrote, accusing the doctor of being biased against alternative medicine, pointing out that Sidhu’s wife had recovered.

    “There is no harm in trying whatever it takes to save the life of your loved one,” a user wrote, advocating for an integrative approach to healthcare that combines both modern and traditional methods.

    Sidhu’s emotional story has touched many, but health experts stress that unproven remedies should not replace standard cancer treatments. The debate over the future of medical treatments and the role of alternative therapies in healing continues to evolve.

     

     Earlier, a new episode of ‘The Great Indian Couple Show’ aired on the digital streaming platform Netflix, featuring Sidhu and his wife, along with Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh and his wife, as guests.

    Navjot Singh Sidhu appeared on Kapil’s program after almost 5 years.  

    At the end of the program, he said, “This day will be the most wonderful and memorable day of my life,” and expressed his desire to return to the show.

    Navjot Singh Sidhu said, “I want things to be like before, where we were all together like a beautiful bouquet. I hope we can come together again, but this time with Archana Singh as well.”

    Sidhu stipulated, “I will come back only on one condition: that Archana will also be a part of the show and we both will be on the show.”

     Sidhu had been an important part of the show until 2019, adding charm with his laughs, catchphrases, and poetry. He, however, was replaced by Archana after uproar over his statements regarding the Pulwama attack.          

    Hindu extremist groups started protesting against him, demanding his removal from the comedy show. A protest was also held against him in Mumbai’s Film City and the management of the show gave into the demands soon after.

     

    “I left the show because there were some political reasons that I don’t want to talk much about… that’s why I left the show,” he said during his appearance on Saturday.

  • Another 18 killed as deadly clashes continue in Kurram

    Another 18 killed as deadly clashes continue in Kurram

    A day after 44 people were killed in firing on a convoy in Ochat area of Lower Kurram, at least 18 others have died with 30 injured in overnight clashes in Kurram district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP).


    The incident on Thursday occurred when heavily armed militants targeted a 200-vehicle convoy, which was en route under escort from Parachinar to Peshawar. No group claimed responsibility for the attack.

    Meanwhile, Kurram Deputy Commissioner (DC) Javedullah Mehsud said efforts were being made to re-establish peace in the area, reiterating yesterday’s statement. DC Mehsud and Sajid Hussain Turi, a former PPP MNA from Kurram, confirmed that a high-level meeting was underway in the district for peace efforts.


    Turi, one of the meeting’s participants, said KP Inspector General (IG) Akhtar Hayat Khan Gandapur, Chief Secretary Nadeem Aslam Chaudhry and government spokesperson Barrister Mohammad Ali Saif were also attending the meeting.


    He lamented that the security provided to the convoy that was attacked was less than the required amount.


    DC Mehsud said officials of security forces and local administration were attending the meeting convened at the DC Conference Hall.


    “With the help of local elders, forces and the administration, peace will be established as soon as possible,” the official said. According to reports, the two tribes involved in the dispute are Alizai and Bagan.


    Sajid Kazmi, a leader of Majlis-i-Wahdat-i-Muslimeen (MWM), demanded the formation of a joint investigation team (JIT) to investigate the attack.


    Speculation also surrounds the involvement of the banned terrorist group Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which has recently been active in Lower Kurram, prompting fears among the residents.

    But government officials attributed the incident to the ongoing land dispute, ruling out sectarian motives.
    Businesses, educational institutions and markets remained closed across Parachinar and surrounding areas on Friday.


    An administration official, speaking on condition of anonymity, told AFP that mobile signals across the Kurram district had been shut down, describing the situation as “extremely tense”.


    The official also said a curfew had been “imposed on the main road connecting Upper and Lower Kurram”.


    Thousands of people participated in a sit-in in Parachinar, where protesters criticised the government’s failure to protect civilians. Hundreds also demonstrated in Lahore and Karachi, demanding that the violence be stopped for once and for all.


    Previous clashes in July and September of this year had claimed dozens of lives and were resolved only after ceasefires were brokered.

  • Badshah reacts to rumours about relationship with Hania Aamir

    Badshah reacts to rumours about relationship with Hania Aamir

    Indian rapper Badshah has reacted to rumors about his relationship with Pakistani actor Hania Aamir.


    The two stars have shown admiration for each other after often being spotted together.


    Recently, Hania gave a shoutout to Badshah after attending his concert in Dubai. She shared a video on her Instagram stories where the two were seen bowing to each other before hugging.

    “That’s my beautiful friend! He’s an absolute rockstar! Hero hai!” she wrote, fueling rumours of their relationship.


    Badshah has now address all claims in his interview to an Indian media outlet.


    “Hania is a perfect friend of mine, and we share a great connection. We have a lot of fun whenever we meet, and that’s all there is to it. She is happy in her life and I am in mine. Our equation is wonderful, but people often misinterpret it and see what they want to believe,” the rapper said.


    Badshah, whose real name is Aditya Prateek Singh Sisodia, is known for his Punjabi, Bollywood and Haryanvi songs, giving one hit hip-hop track after another.


    Hania, on the other hand, recently received global praise for her role as Sharjeena in Pakistan’s hit serial, ‘Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum’ alongside Fahad Mustafa. The drama was especially popular with Indian audiences.

  • PTI leadership ‘discusses option’ to call off much-hyped Nov 24 protest

    PTI leadership ‘discusses option’ to call off much-hyped Nov 24 protest

    In view of former first lady Bushra Bibi’s controversial statement regarding Saudi Arabia and the Islamabad High Court’s (IHC) decision against the party’s countrywide protest, the political committee of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) is considering the option to call off its November 24 protest In Islamabad.

    The IHC, in a petition filed against PTI’s protest, has directed the federal capital’s administration to hold peaceful negotiations with the party, noting that if talks fail, the Interior Ministry should ensure order in accordance with the law.

    The verdict was followed by a video message by incarcerated former prime minister (PM) Imran Khan’s wife Bushra Bibi, wherein she called on workers to not shy away from taking to streets, and hinted at alleged Saudi involvement PTI government’s ouster. The claims did not sit well with party leaders and supporters alike.

    In light of said developments, it was reported Saturday that a majority of PTI’s political committee members were in favour of calling off the much-hyped protest in case negotiations were initiated with the government.

    After the decision, a delegation of the PTI paid a visit to Adiala Jail for the party founder’s consent; however, a meeting with Khan could not take place.


      
    Meanwhile, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister (CM) Ali Amin Gandapur hosted a meeting of party leaders in Peshawar to discuss strategy surrounding the Nov 24 call. The meeting came as the CM’s aide, Barrister Saif, stated that the party was considering to challenge the IHC decision and go forth with the protest call.

    Situation in Islamabad

    In view of the PTI’s reported decision, strict security measures are being taken by the federal government to tackle the former ruling party’s protest.

    While Section 144 has been imposed in the federal capital for two months, the administration has also sought an additional 8,000 police personnel along with the deployment of Rangers and Frontier Constabulary (FC).

    The government is also likely to suspend mobile services across the country.

    Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has issued stern directions to authorities to prevent the protesters from entering the federal capital, reports quoted sources as saying. Police vans have been delivered to Islamabad and necessary preparations have been finalised regarding the demonstrators’ arrest and where arrested party workers will be kept afterwards, they added.

    It merits a mention that Khan’s party, in recent months, has marched on the federal capital multiple times since after his arrest last year, with most protests ending in violent clashes with law enforcement.

    PTI’s Nov 24 protest comes in the backdrop of Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko upcoming visit to the capital from Nov 25 to 27.

  • Rashid Latif gives a bold recommendation for dispute over Champions Trophy

    Rashid Latif gives a bold recommendation for dispute over Champions Trophy

    Former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif has given a bold recommendation amid the escalating dispute between Pakistan and India over hosting the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy.

    Rashid Latif has urged the International Cricket Council (ICC) to strip both countries of their hosting rights for all global events in the upcoming cycle if they fail to resolve their long-standing differences.

    Rashid Latif expressed his disappointment over the current impasse while speaking to a private news channel and said, “My suggestion is that the ICC should strip India and Pakistan of all global event hosting rights for the 2024-2025 cycle. The ICC should ask these boards first to resolve all the issues and then give them hosting rights.”

    Stressing the need for a strong approach, Rashid Latif further explained, “Pakistan is going to host two ICC events, and India will have four or five events in this period. If these two teams do not want to play in each other’s countries, then take away the hosting rights until they sort out their differences.”

    The standoff is centred on India’s refusal to play in Pakistan, citing security concerns. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has rejected a proposed hybrid model under which India would play its matches at a neutral venue and has insisted on hosting the tournament entirely in Pakistan.

    The PCB has formally sought clarification from the ICC, challenging the BCCI’s stand and demanding that the pre-agreed hosting conditions be adhered to.

    Rashid Latif dismissed the hybrid model as unworkable, saying, “PCB is only hosting the event as per the ICC agreement. There is nothing concrete about the hybrid model. Everything has to be as per ICC rules. It is not about bilateral series or ACC tournaments.”

    The cricket rivalry between Pakistan and India has been limited to ICC events and the Asia Cup since the bilateral series between the two countries ended in 2012-13. Despite strained relations, Pakistan has honoured ICC commitments by touring India for the 2016 T20 World Cup and the 2023 ODI World Cup.

    The situation has put the ICC in an uncertain position, with broadcasters pressing for clarity due to the financial implications of the tournament not happening. The absence of a clash between Pakistan and India could have commercial repercussions.

    With less than three months left until the Champions Trophy begins, the cricketing world is watching closely as the fate of the tournament and cricket diplomacy hang in the balance.

  • AR Rahman’s son reacts to rumours about his father

    AR Rahman’s son reacts to rumours about his father

    India’s music star AR Rahman’s son, Amin, has expressed disappointment over the circulating rumours regarding his father.

    Following the announcement of his divorce, AR Rahman, his former wife Saira Banu, and their children requested privacy, but the appeal fell on deaf ears.

    After 29 years of marriage, A.R. Rahman and Saira Banu announced their separation on Tuesday evening, asking the public to respect their private lives. Despite this, rumours have been circulating, with some linking Rahman’s divorce to Mohini Dey’s recent split. Rahman’s son has dismissed these speculations as baseless and disheartening.

    On social media, Amin shared a picture of a child and his father, captioning it, “What’s the difference between these two? Just their age.”

    In his post, Amin further wrote, “My father is a legend, not just because of his work but because of the values, respect, and love he has earned over the years.”

    Amin expressed frustration over the spread of false and unfounded rumours, urging people not to circulate incorrect information regarding his parents’ marriage.

    He clarified in an Instagram post that there is no connection between A.R. Rahman’s divorce and Mohini Dey’s separation.

    Earlier, Rahman’s daughter Raheema also took to social media, writing, “Always remember, rumors are spread by haters and fools, and only fools believe them. Live life honestly.”

  • ‘Sitaare Zameen Par will make you cry,’ says Aamir Khan on upcoming film

    ‘Sitaare Zameen Par will make you cry,’ says Aamir Khan on upcoming film

    If Taare Zameen Par touched your heart, Sitaare Zameen Par will leave you both laughing and crying, Bollywood actor Aaamir Khan has said.

    In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter India, Aaamir discussed his upcoming film ‘Sitaare Zameen Par’ and its emotional depth. “It’s a beautiful story, actually, the easiest way I can describe it is that Sitaare Zameen Par is a very emotional film. It makes you cry… it makes you laugh. It’s a humorous film.”

    He said that the theme of the upcoming film is similar to Taare Zameen Par — of people with different abilities, intelligence, all with different challenges. “So the theme is similar, but the feel of the film, the emotional feel of the film, is humor as opposed to emotions.”

    The 3 Idiots actor also revealed what sets Sitaare Zameen Par apart from Taare Zameen Par.

    “In many ways, I feel its way ahead of Taare Zameen Par… because in Taare Zameen Par, the person who was challenged, was Ishaan. He was helped by a character, which was my character. In Sitaare Zameen Par, it is 10 people with challenges who help me… the supposedly normal person. So, it’s a real flip. It goes much further, I feel, than Taare Zameen Par,” he added.

    The film Sitaare Zameen Par is an official Hindi remake of the Spanish movie Campeones (Champions). Other than Aaamir, the film also features Genelia D’Souza and Darsheel Safary.

    Aamir directed Taare Zameen Par in 2007, which starred Darsheel Safary as Ishaan, a young boy struggling with dyslexia.  

    According to Indian media reports, Sitaare Zameen Par is expected to release on Christmas 2024.

    Earlier, Kiran Rao and Aamir Khan had discussed the emotional journey that led him to change his mind over leaving the industry, explaining how his family convinced him through this interview with The Hollywood Reporter India.

    “I was going through a personal journey of my own, and towards the end of COVID, I found myself sitting alone and reflecting. The time alone made me realize that I’d spent the bulk of my adult life, from the age of 18 when I first became an assistant, entirely focused on cinema and films. This made me think that maybe I hadn’t been there enough for my relationships, my kids, my siblings, my family, whether it was with Kiran when I was married to her or Reena when I was married to her. I felt I hadn’t been present enough for these people.”

     Aamir shared that the realization dawned on him during the shooting of Laal Singh Chaddha, when the 2020 Covid-19 pandemic halted production.

    “I felt a lot of guilt and didn’t feel good about what I had done. So, in an emotional reaction, I thought I’d done enough films in my 35 years in the industry and could now focus on my family and personal relationships,” Khan admitted.  

  • ‘She didn’t mention Saudi Arabia at all’: Imran Khan defends Bushra Bibi’s controversial claims

    ‘She didn’t mention Saudi Arabia at all’: Imran Khan defends Bushra Bibi’s controversial claims

    With former first lady Bushra Bibi landing in hot water over allegations that Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) was involved in her husband Imran Khan’s ouster from power, the incarcerated former premier’s official X (formerly Twitter) account has rushed to her defence.


    In a rare on-screen appearance, Bushra had on November 21 released a video message to urge people to take to streets for Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) “decisive” Nov 24 protest. She had gone on to talk about her husband’s ouster as the prime minister.


    “The reason behind all powers standing against Khan hasn’t been told before. When Khan went to Madinah barefoot, Bajwa immediately started receiving calls about what kind of person he had brought [with him],” she said.


    According to Bushra’s allegations, Saudi leadership told Gen Bajwa that he had brought with him the “custodian of Shariah” at a time they were trying to “distance themselves from the Shariah system”.
    “After this, a smear campaign was launched against us, and [they] started calling Khan a Jewish agent,” the former first lady claimed.


    As the claims drew strong reactions from members of the government, PTI leaders and supporters alike – with only a few defending or clarifying Bushra’s remarks – her husband and party founder Imran Khan’s official account on X has posted an apparent clarification.


    “Bushra Bibi’s statement was deliberately taken out of context to draw our brotherly country KSA into a needless controversy. She didn’t mention Saudi Arabia at all. My government was toppled through conspiracies, all orchestrated by General Bajwa. I tried to have these investigated through the Chief Justice and General Tariq Khan, but General Bajwa did not allow that to happen. Bushra Bibi has no connection with politics; she only conveyed my message to the nation, as my wife, regarding the November 24 protest,” read the statement on X.


    Khan’s account also claimed that bilateral relations between Pakistan and KSA were at their best during his tenure and he personally shared “excellent” relations with the Kingdom. “I have excellent relations with Saudi Arabia. When I was attacked in Wazirabad, one of the first calls I received was through the embassy from HRH Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.”


    “Saudi Arabia has always stood by us in difficult times. Only two weeks prior to our government being toppled, we held a very successful OIC foreign minister’s conference in Islamabad, which would have been impossible to do had Saudi Arabia not supported and stood with us,” the statement added.


    It merits a mention that former prime minister (PM) Khan has been in jail since August last year without any access to the internet or his social media accounts. Posts on his official handles have time and again made headlines over confusion surrounding actual handlers of said accounts.


    PTI maintains that all statements on Khan’s social media are conveyed via his legal team after seeing him at Adiala Jail.

  • ‘Fame makes me afraid of how I’ll answer to Allah,’ says Hania Aamir

    ‘Fame makes me afraid of how I’ll answer to Allah,’ says Hania Aamir

    Pakistani renowned actress Hania Aamir has expressed that her fame makes her fearful of how she will answer to Allah Almighty.

    In response to a question, she discussed her social media posts, saying, “I want everyone to be happy. If someone is facing mental health issues, they should know what the solution is and who they can talk to. Because talking about mental health is no longer considered taboo.”

    She added, “I do not want anyone else to go through the difficulties I have faced regarding mental health. For a long time, talking about mental health was considered taboo, but thankfully, that is no longer the case. I always say that I am afraid of my [public] image; how will I face Allah Almighty?”

    “What will I say? That I made some films and earned a lot of money?”

    Hania Aamir also remarked, “It doesn’t suit me; I am not like that. I try to make people laugh, and my social media posts bring joy to people. I’m happy to know this, and I hope they realise that mental health is a common issue that they can talk about.”

    She had given an interview to BBC Asia earlier this year, a video clip of which has surfaced in which she spoke openly about mental health.