Blog

  • Daren Sammy shares Shoaib Akhtar made me question myself ‘whether I wanted to play cricket again’

    Daren Sammy shares Shoaib Akhtar made me question myself ‘whether I wanted to play cricket again’

    West Indies cricket great Daren Sammy has shared that Shoaib Akhtar made him question himself on his debut that whether he wanted to play cricket again or not.

    Read more – Daren Sammy spotted enjoying ‘Pakistan’s beauty’ in Swat

    In an exclusive interview with The Current, Sammy shared many things about his experience with Pakistan Super League’s (PSL) franchise Peshawar Zalmi, Pakistan’s tour and hospitality, PSL memories and his debut.

    Talking about his first encounter with Akhtar, he said: “When I made my debut for the West Indies in the Champions Trophy, I remember Pakistan playing West Indies at the Rose Bowl in Hampshire and they were opening with Mohammad Sami, Waqar Younis and Shoaib Akhtar.”

    “I saw Shoaib Akhtar bowling a bouncer to Brian Lara and hit him in the head. Brian Lara fell back probably almost unconscious. I was sitting and I was 19 years old next to Dwayne Bravo. I literally questioned whether I wanted to play cricket again. Shoaib Akhtar did that to me,” said Sammy.

    The former all-rounder further revealed that he told this story to Shoaib Akhtar himself a few days ago in Islamabad.

    “I met him four days ago in Islamabad and I gave him that story. He said ‘Brian clipped him for four on the first ball’ and I guess that was his response. It was a joy to watch the Rawalpindi Express coming down with his hair flying. Shoaib Akhtar with his pace. In the current day, even though I am not playing I would pad up easily against any bowler and try to hit them out of the park,” he said.

    Sammy further revealed that players touring Pakistan now ask about golf courses instead of questioning the security situation of the country.

    Peshawar’s coach stated that bringing the Pakistan Super League (PSL) to Pakistan was the first step that paved the way for cricket’s revival in the country.

    “I am not sure [when West Indies will visit Pakistan next], I have not checked the calendar. But I think we were about to a year before last year. I think now the teams are coming. I remember us taking a small step in the PSL two and getting to the finals in Lahore. I think that was a small step in the right direction,” Sammy said.

    Read more – VIDEO: Daren Sammy plays tape ball on the streets of Lahore

    He believed that the questions regarding security are slowly diminishing from players’ minds while visiting Pakistan.

    “Now Hashim Amla and I were having a conversation and I think Javed asks what the difference is between now and five years ago. I think the major difference coming to Pakistan now, four years ago players would be calling me and go ‘Darren, I am going over there [Pakistan], do you think we should go?’ When West Indies was coming the captain had to call me and go, ‘Man should I go on this tour?’. Now players asking where they can play golf and questions like can we go to dinner in these or these places. The quote-unquote threat of security, that is slowly diminishing from people’s minds and I think that is what we want,” he concluded.

    Talking about his favourite memory from the PSL, Sammy shared that his favourite memory was when they clinched the the cup in the second season of PSL.

    For more interesting revelations, watch the video here:

  • Accountability to continue without any discrimination: PM Khan

    Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan on Sunday said that he will not be blackmailed by anyone, adding that even if the government has to dissolve, the process of accountability will continue.

    According to sources, Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar informed the PM about his meeting with the Tareen Group after which it was decided that the just demands of the group would be accepted.

    PM Khan, according to a source, told the party leaders that he will not let Jahangir Tareen get away if he is involved in the sugar scam.

    The meeting also discussed the Azad Kashmir elections and Minister for Kashmir Affairs Ali Amin Gandapur briefed the committee about the amendments in the relevant laws.

    The premier stressed that in order to make the process of elections fair and transparent, seeking technological assistance in the form of electronic voting is essential. He said that in the next elections, electronic voting will ensure that rigging does not take place.

    PM Imran said immediate steps should be taken to remove obstacles in the issuance of long-term visas to foreign investors, especially Chinese investors, and consider introducing a separate category for those involved in the CPEC project.

    The prime minister said that CPEC was not only a harbinger of economic growth for Pakistan, but also a path to development for the entire region.

  • Indian couple gets married on plane to avoid COVID restrictions

    Indian couple gets married on plane to avoid COVID restrictions

    Following a drastic increase in COVID-19 cases in recent weeks, India has imposed a strict lockdown to curb the virus spread hindering the plans of those who had organised traditional and fancy Indian weddings.

    A couple hailing from Tamil Nadu did not bother even for a raging pandemic and seems to have decided nothing would stand in the way of their special day.

    Rakesh and Dakshina bucked restrictions in their home state to charter a SpiceJet flight from Madurai to Bangalore, along with over a hundred guests, so they could get married in mid-air with all their relatives and friends.

    The couple reportedly waited until the aircraft was flying over the Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple to bless their union.

    India Today reported that the couple had actually tied the knot in a private ceremony held earlier, but decided to host a ceremony onboard an aircraft to make their big day ‘memorable’.

    Read more – Bride marries wedding guest after groom-to-be ‘disappears’

    The couple claimed that all passengers on board were their relatives who had taken the COVID-19 test and presented negative test results.

    An airport director confirmed to ANI that a SpiceJet chartered flight had been booked from Madurai but said officials were unaware of the mid-air marriage ceremony.

  • Former Israeli defense minister shows Islamabad’s Shifa Hospital as Hamas headquarters

    Former Israeli defense minister shows Islamabad’s Shifa Hospital as Hamas headquarters

    Israel’s former defence minister Naftali Bennett, in a video posted to YouTube on the Gaza situation, referred to Pakistan’s Shifa International Hospital as Hamas Headquarters where the Al-Qassam Brigade of Hamas has been operating.

    “Ever heard of Shifa Hospital? It is the largest medical complex in Gaza. It’s also where Hamas’ headquarters is located while they are conducting terror actions against Israel”, he explained while showing a picture of the Shifa Hospital building in the background.

    Read more – Gaza’s largest bookshop destroyed by Israeli airstrikes

    Shifa International Hospital is a care healthcare facility in Islamabad providing medical services to local as well as international patient communities for over 25 years.

    Social media users soon started calling out the ex-minister for the blunder.

  • Saba Qamar to make a comeback on television with ‘Tumhare Husn K Naam’

    Saba Qamar Zaman is all set to make a comeback on television with upcoming drama serial, Tumhare Husn K Naam. Besides Saba, the drama will also feature Imran Abbas, Salman Shahid, Nayyer Ijaz and Asad Siddiqui.

    Directed by Saqib Khan, Tumhare Husn K Naam has been written by Sara Qayyum, while Umera Ahmed is the screenwriter.

    Commenting under director Saqib Khan’s post, Saba jokingly questioned, “Who’s your heroine?”

    To this, Saqib replied, “Well, she’s the best that we have,”

    Saba Qamar, recently released a song,Chingariyan​​ in collaboration with Mustafa Zahid and Emmad Irfani.

  • Nausheen Shah vs Umar Sayeed: Here’s what happened

    Nausheen Shah vs Umar Sayeed: Here’s what happened

    Nausheen Shah and designer Umer Sayeed got into an online fight after the former voiced her frustration over being constantly picked on for not getting married and the latter passed insensitive comments on her.

    Read more – VIDEO: Nausheen Shah scolds Dr Aamir Liaquat on live television

    After a picture of Nausheen’s note went viral on social media, Sayeed passed an insensitive comment and taunted Shah on failing to get married after trying multiple times.

    This irked Shah who didn’t keep quiet and publicly responded to Sayeed’s comment saying: “Now you will tell me what to say and when to stop. You sleep with men, Allah maaf keray you are a gay, ap toh shaadi kerne kay qabal he nhi ho.”

    “So please next time think before you speak. Hope I am loud and clear,” she added.

    Shah earlier expressed her annoyance over being constantly berated by her mother for not getting married, saying that it is part of Pakistani culture for mothers to constantly remind a single woman to get married.

    “This happens only in this country. If you are not married your mother will remind you every day. Shaadi kerlo shaadi kerlo nhi kerne shaadi bhai maaf kerdo Jaan chordo (Get married, get married. I don’t want to get married. Let me be),” the actor had written tempestuously.

    Meanwhile, comedian and host Adeal Ajmal aka Aadi also got furious over Shah for using abusive language for Pakistan and Pakistani mothers.

    Criticising Shah for her comments, Aadi said: “Are you sure you want to use this term [expletive word] as a public figure? Maaf kerdo, jaan choro to you Mom? Are you sure to post this on your profile?”

    He also urged the actress to leave this country, if she has so much problem with it.

  • PPP to attend Shehbaz Sharif’s dinner today

    PPP to attend Shehbaz Sharif’s dinner today

    The PPP has decided to attend a dinner being hosted by PML-N President Shehbaz Sharif for members of the opposition parties today (Monday).

    The PPP delegation will reportedly include Opposition leader in the Senate Yousaf Raza Gilani, Raja Pervez Ashraf and Sherry Rehman.

    PPP leader Nayyar Hussain Bukhari said that this was an invitation for opposition leaders and not of the Pakistan Democratic Movement alliance ( PDM). He further added, “Neither does the PDM president nor its secretary-general has the authority to kick PPP out of the alliance.”

    “The differences with PPP could have been resolved over discussions or sit downs instead of sending show-cause notices,” Bukhari added.

    Sources in the PPP said the party’s senior leadership thought attending the dinner would serve in the best interest of the opposition, in giving a tough time to the PTI government in the up coming budget session in the National Assembly, The News had reported.

    As per earlier reports, Shehbaz Sharif invited the opposition leaders for a dinner on Monday, in Islamabad.

    However, PPP and ANP were not invited by the PML-N at an Opposition meeting luncheon in Senate earlier today.

  • Security guard arrested for posing as qualified doctor, performing surgery

    Security guard arrested for posing as qualified doctor, performing surgery

    Lahore police have arrested a security guard of Mayo Hospital for pretending to be a qualified doctor and performing surgery.

    As per reports, a woman was rushed to the hospital for treatment of her wound in the back. On an emergency basis, the patient was shifted to the surgical building.

    The suspect, Waheed Butt, a security guard, met the patient’s family portraying himself as a doctor and decided to perform surgery on the patient for a few thousand rupees. He operated on the injury with the involvement of an OT (operation theatre) technician.

    Read more – Woman declared dead by hospital returns to life a day later

    The security guard also went to the patient’s home twice for the dressing of the wound, but it worsened with blood and pain and she was again taken to the hospital’s emergency room, where the truth was revealed. The hospital administration handed over the fake doctor to the police while the OT technician was sacked.

  • Zoya Breaks Up With Christian Over Anti- Pak Remarks

    Zoya Breaks Up With Christian Over Anti- Pak Remarks









    *|MC:SUBJECT|*







    View this email in your browser

    Good morning, *|MERGE1|*, Happy Sunday! It’s May 23. My usual Sunday goals include not leaving my house, no matter what happens. I try to avoid social media as much as I can, but every week I fail at achieving these goals.  ??‍♀️

    How do you normally spend your Sunday?  ?
     
    It is expected to rain today in Lahore and Islamabad, while it will be sunny in other cities.
     

    (SCROLL DOWN A BIT MORE TO FIND YOUR DAILY HOROSCOPE) 
     
     

     
         Laila-Th    e Current 

    Morning Meme

    TOP PICKS FOR YOU

    ‘Forget Nawaz-Zardari; what is your govt doing?’ Shahid Afridi lashes out at PM Khan

    Cricket legend Shahid Afridi believes that Prime Minister Imran Khan is ‘stuck in the system.’

    Celebs support SMQ after CNN reporter calls him ‘anti-Semitic’

    Osman Khalid Butt and Yashma Gill have extended support and defended Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi after CNN’s Senior Global Affairs Analyst and anchorperson Bianna Golodryga labelled him “anti-Semitic” while interviewing him on the ongoing violence in Gaza.

    Gigi Hadid calls out anti-Semitic people for ‘spreading hate’

    Gigi Hadid has called out anti-Semitic supporters of Palestine, calling them “hypocrites” for spreading hate towards the Jews.

    William, Harry lash out at BBC for ‘commercialising a false narrative of their mother’

    Prince William has lashed out at BBC for contributing to his mother’s “fear, paranoia and isolation” shortly before her unfortunate death

    STORIES YOU CAN’T MISS… 

    What’s new in Politics? ?

    Fawad Chaudhry has said that there is no new group being formed in PTI and that PTI is like a family. Press conference ke dauraan Fawad also said that Jahangir Khan Tareen ko Imran khan se kisi qism ke undue favour ki umeed nahi rakhni chaahiye because Imran Khan is not ‘that kind’ of a guy. He was refering to the ongoing inquiry against Tareen.

    Khair seems like Tareen didn’t succeed in pressurising Khan with his high-level dinner. Or did he?

    Read On

    Speaking of dinner parties, Shehbaz Sharif, too, is hosting one tomorrow jismein unhone ne opposition parties ko invite kia hai and the future of PDM will be discussed in the dinner meeting, among other things.  

    Read On

    Some unidentified, masked men tried to break into Nawaz Sharif’s office in London. Shehbaz and Maryam have condemned the attack and hinted that PTI is behind the incident. PTI kay Shahbaz Gill kehte hain ke Maryam should apologise for her accusations.  

    Read On

     Did the BBC kill Diana?

    It has now been established that the huge 1995 TV scoop that was the BBC interview with Princess Diana was actually obtained under false pretences. In that interview, which was watched all around the world, Diana shocked the world with her damning statements about her estranged husband and the royal family as well as her own admission of adultery. 

    Read Umber Khairi’s piece:

    Read On

    Zoya ends engagement with Christian over anti-Pak remarks ?

    Actress Zoya Nasir has broken up with Vlogger Christian Betzmann, over his remarks about Pakistan (and they are pretty bad remarks too). They both got engaged a few months back. 

    In a detailed note posted to social media, Zoya said that Christian’s change in stance towards her “culture, country, people and insensitivity towards [her] religion” led her to “take this difficult and irrevocable decision”. 

    “It’s with a heavy heart I’m announcing that Christian Betzmann and I are no longer engaged to be married,” wrote Zoya on Instagram. “There are certain religious and social boundaries

    Read On

    Your Daily Horoscope 

    Make every moment count today, Aries. Check your today’s horoscope 

    ON THIS DAY

     
    BIRTH OF INAMUL HAQUE KHAN

    On this day, Inamul Haque Khan was born. He was one of the highest-ranking officers to be taken as a prisoner of war by India after the 1971 Pak-Indo War. After his repatriation in 1974, he joined President General Zia-ul-Haq’s administration where he held many cabinet ministries.

    CURRENT BABA’S WISDOM FOR TODAY 

     

     Today you will get to spend time with your family.  
     

     
    HEY, Wait for A SECOND PLEASE. 
    If you like the newsletter, make sure that this email doesn’t get lost in promotions or spam.

    Here’s how: 

    • Through your phone, add us by hitting the “Kabob,” (the three dots in upper right-hand corner). Then click “move to,” and select “primary inbox.”
    • If you’re using a desktop just drag and drop the email into primary as shown in the video below. (You can also do this on your phone if you open your email in your browser). Easy.

    And don’t forget to send us your feedback. We would love to hear from you 

    Twitter

    Facebook

    Instagram

    Website

    Subscribe | Unsubscribe | Forward to a friendCopyright © 2020 Instant Morning Current, All rights reserved.



    This email was sent to *|EMAIL|*

    why did I get this?    unsubscribe from this list    update subscription preferences

    *|LIST:ADDRESSLINE|*


  • Stand for Palestine

    The UN Security Council (UNSC) welcomed the recent ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. UNSC members also stressed “the immediate need for humanitarian assistance to the Palestinian civilian population, particularly in Gaza.”

    According to Al Jazeera, the Palestinian death toll on Saturday stood at 248, including 66 children, with more than 1,900 people wounded from Israeli air and artillery attacks.

    Barely a few hours after the ceasefire was reached, Israeli police stormed the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound and used stun grenades and rubber bullets against Palestinians after Friday prayers. Journalists covering the incident were also attacked.

    Such highhandedness by Israel is nothing new. The Israelis have not just occupied land in Palestine but the atrocities committed by them against unarmed Palestinians are horrific and countless. Imagine being expelled from your homes and then also being attacked. And to add insult to injury, they are portrayed as being the aggressors instead of Israel, whom the world community says acts in so-called ‘self-defence’. How an oppressor gets away with war crimes is disturbing at so many levels.

    We have seen how the world community rallies behind Israel. While Pakistan has been consistent in raising its voice for the cause of Palestine, most Muslim countries just pay mere lip service and move on. We have not seen them stopping trade with Israel or cutting off diplomatic ties in protest. The Palestinians are on their own, it seems. But this cannot go on forever. Before social media, Israel could hide behind its false narrative of being provoked. Now the world can see actual footage of its crimes. We have seen hundreds of videos where children are scared of continuous bombing; buildings being flattened and innocent people standing on the rubble, nursing their wounds. The stories coming out of Palestine are horrific. One man said he “did the strangest thing” when he exchanged how children with his brother’s. “I took two of his children, and gave him two of mine. So in case I get bombed, one of mine will survive and if he gets bombed, one of his will live on.”

    These are not just stories; these are lived realities. We hope the Palestinians can one day find peace in their own land and not live in constant fear. These injustices must stop!