English Test captain, Ben Stokes’ home was robbed by masked individuals who stole jewellery and valuable, rare items.
The English Test captain has appealed for help on social media from the relevant authorities to recover the items. The robbery occurred on October 17 in Castle Eden while Ben Stokes was playing a Test series in Pakistan.
In a message he posted on the social networking site X (formerly Twitter) he wrote, “My wife and two children were at home when the robbery took place, but the family remained safe.” Many of the stolen items hold significant emotional value for him and his family, making the losses irreplaceable.
Stokes shared the details of the incident and pictures of the stolen items on his X account, including an OBE award given in 2019, a Christian Dior handbag, an England cricket signet gold ring, and some bracelets.
Only one company, Blue World City, completed requirements to enter the bidding process for a stake in the country’s flag carrier, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA).
Blue World City is a real estate project based in Rawalpindi and Islamabad. Journalist Shahid Aslam reported that there are “almost 215 FIRs registered against the company owners with charges ranging from murder, illegal weapons, injuring people, and illegal occupation of land.”
The Privatisation Commission had initially pre-qualified six bidders, including Fly Jinnah, a consortium led by YB Hol¬dings (Pvt) Ltd, Airblue Ltd, a consortium led by Pak Ethanol (Pvt) Ltd, Arif Habib Corporation Ltd, and Blue World City.
It was also reported that initially, government members did not think of Blue World City, a real estate company, as a serious contender for PIA.
The Commission shortlisted the six companies after an extensive review based on technical, financial, and documentary requirements, inviting them to proceed with the next stage of the bidding process to start buy-side due diligence.
However, out of all the six qualified bidders, only one chose to submit “earnest money” prior to final bidding.
Earnest money is a deposit made to a seller that represents a buyer’s good faith in making a purchase.
The successful bidder would own a 51 percent stake in PIA and 100 percent of the airline’s share capital, along with management control.
Business Recorder reported that the owner of Blue World City was also looking into acquiring operations at the Islamabad International Airport, which the government is looking to outsource.
As part of the IMF conditions for structural reforms, the government decided to privatise PIA as in 2023, it reported a loss of over Rs 75 billion.
PIA has a debt load of around Rs800 billion ($2.9 billion), and the government has needed to bail it out multiple times over the years.
Journalist Shahid Aslam also reported that the management of Blue World City also owns the media group Suno TV. According to Aslam, the management of the Blue World City is “run by retired Generals – Arif Waraich and Sajjad Rasool – who served in ISI.”
Aslam claimed that “Gen (retd) Arif Warraich served as the DG SCT (ISI) in 2014-15 and is now serving at a Director level in Suno TV’s management. While Gen (retd) Sajjad Rasool served as DGS Security & Administration in ISI, and he is also part of the core management team at Suno TV.”
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.
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.
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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.
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 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.
Businessmen involved in the agricultural sector managed to boost vegetable exports by 11.5 per cent in the first quarter of the fiscal year.
This comes at a time when seasonal rains have left vegetable fields devastated nationwide – especially in Sindh.
The consequence of mass exports and heavy rainfalls has caused major shortages in the local economy. As a result, retail stores and street vendors have resorted to relying on Iranian and Afghani vegetables to keep customers from returning empty-handed.
With the decrease in vegetable supply, the prices have risen, which is not just true for the local economy but also for international markets where a 26 per cent rise in price has been recorded. The result of this inflation, while beneficial to farmers, is likely to negatively impact retailers.
The increase in prices will put retailers in a dilemma regarding their profit margins. They must either absorb these higher prices while decreasing their profit margins or protect them by increasing prices.
Either way, retailers are expected to suffer.
However, farmers will probably not be celebrating the extra exports worth $71 million for long. This is because Pakistani exporters have been exporting produce imported from across the border. The result could be loss in sales as international buyers purchase vegetables from Pakistan for their incredible taste.
The same taste can’t be found in imported vegetables. Which might leave international buyers disappointed with the drop in quality. Moreover, it does not make sense for international buyers to purchase the same goods for a marked up price when they can get the same product directly from the source.
Farmers are also growing worried over a potential loss in sales of their products in local markets. This is largely true because if prices of local produce continue to skyrocket, consumers may incline towards purchasing Iranian onions that come with attractive price tags. And with agricultural yields expected to take months to recover, farmers are losing our valuable market share to imported products.
What’s most concerning for farmers is the influx of Afghani produce. This is largely because Afghanistan is facing numerous sanctions, and farmers there are willing to sell their produce at figuratively “dirt cheap” prices. If local markets get flooded by these products, Pakistani farmers may lose out.
Farmers, especially those growing onions and tomatoes, will hope for an improvement in their yield levels. This will allow them to capitalize on the higher international and domestic prices.
Will Pakistan farmers be able to achieve this feat? Only time can tell.
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.
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.”
