Popular singer Abrar-ul-Haq thinks actress Nawal Saeed should have stayed quiet about the messages she allegedly got from cricketer Shoaib Malik. He suggested, “Maybe Shoaib Malik wants to get married for the third time.” A short video of Abrar-ul-Haq is going around online where he talks about other actresses like Nawal Saeed and Shoaib Malik. The video is from a TV show he was on a few days ago. He talked openly about actresses and even mentioned his own second marriage.
Abrar-ul-Haq said, “I do not even think of a second marriage, because my wife already threatens to kill me.” He continued, “I have never thought of a second marriage and have no intention. My wife threatens me even before I think about it.”
He referred to Sajal Ali as an innocent actress and said she looks like a child to him. He also talked about Mehwish Hayat, Mahira Khan, and Saba Qamar, calling Saba Qamar the greatest actress of recent times.
He thinks Mehwish Hayat has a lot of passion inside her and should do more flashy projects. He also said that Mahira Khan should take on more work.
When asked about Nawal Saeed, he said, “I don’t know her, who is she?”
The host mentioned that Nawal Saeed recently talked about Shoaib Malik getting messages from cricketers.
Abrar-ul-Haq then said, “Nawal Saeed should have covered up Shoaib Malik’s messages, God has also said to cover up.” Talking about the same issue, Abrar-ul-Haq smiled and said, “Four marriages are permissible in Islam, maybe Shoaib Malik wants to marry a third time.”
A professor in the Management Division of Columbia Business School, Shai Davidai, has been under fire by the academia and students who have been vocal against the Zionist narrative at American universities as Israel’s genocide in Gaza continues to get condemned.
In a recent post on his social media pages, he uploaded a video of a Muslim leading Jummah prayer at Columbia University, saying, “Let the world know”, in an effort to portray the act as regressive or extreme.
Supporters of professor Davidai, led by the #EndJewHatred movement, staged a protest on Wednesday urging University President Minouche Shafik to resign, alleging insufficient protection for Jewish students.
The protest followed Shafik’s testimony at a House Committee hearing titled “Columbia in Crisis: Columbia University’s Response to Antisemitism.”
Davidai, in his address, has accused Shafik of dishonesty and called for her resignation, pledging to ensure the safety of Jewish and non-Jewish communities in collaboration with future university leadership.
On the other hand, hundreds of students from Columbia University and outsiders have been demonstrating and have set up and an encampment.
Shafik authorised police to clear tents, stating that they have breached the university’s rules and policies by holding unauthorised demonstrations as well as not engaging with administrators.
The police have arrested more than 100 pro-Palestinian student protesters at New York’s Columbia University Thursday, a day after the president of the prestigious school was grilled in Congress over accusations of anti-Semitism on campus.
Pakistan’s Aleem Dar has become the world’s first umpire to officiate for 25 consecutive years in a record 551 matches.
Born on June 6, 1968 in Gujranwala, Aleem Sarwar Dar made his debut as an umpire on February 16, 2000 in the ODI match between Sri Lanka and Pakistan in Gujranwala. He soon found a place in the International Cricket Council (ICC) International Panel, from there becoming part of the Elite Panel.
On October 21, 2003, he supervised the Test match between England and Bangladesh in Dhaka. On May 7, 2009, he started umpiring in T20 between Pakistan and Australia at Dubai Stadium.
Dar, who has been awarded the best umpire in the world three times, has umpired in 231 ODI matches, 145 Test matches and 70 T20 matches.
He received the Pride of Performance award in 2010 and the star award from the Government of Pakistan in 2013. He also has the honor of umpiring in five T20 World Cups. Aleem Dar oversaw the finals of the ICC Champions Trophy in 2006 and 2009, and was present in the finals of the ODI World Cup in 2007 and 2011. The final of Women’s World Cup in 2009 is also to his credit.
He is also among the top three umpires who have officiated in 100 Test matches at the youngest age. Umpiring in the World Cup final at the youngest age is also his record. A member of the ICC Elite Panel for 19 consecutive years, Aleem Dar was nominated for the World’s Best Umpires six times.
In 2008, he was named the best Asian umpire by the Asian Cricket Council.
Aleem Dar received the World’s Best Umpire Award in 2009, 2010 and 2011 by the International Cricket Council. Aleem Dar was part of the field umpiring panel along with Ahs Raza in the rain-affected Pakistan-New Zealand T20I on Thursday. When he took to the field, he had a total of 25 years and 2 months in umpiring at that time.
PM Shehbaz Sharif and Airlink CEO Project $15 Billion Export Potential in Mobile Phone Sector
Airlink CEO Presents Mobile Phone Export Vision to Prime Minister, Aims for $15 Billion
Mr. Muzzaffar Hayat Piracha, CEO of Airlink Communication Limited, held a one-on-one meeting with the Prime Minister of Pakistan, Mr. Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, to discuss the overall layout of the mobile phone industry and its export potential.
During the meeting, Mr. Piracha highlighted Pakistan’s potential to become an export hub of mobile phones. He said: “This is an industry, if properly focused on, can yield a minimum of 10 to 15 billion dollars in exports for Pakistan over the next four years.”
The Prime Minister expressed his keen interest in the growth of the mobile phone industry and asked for a comprehensive plan to achieve this target. Mr. Piracha assured the Prime Minister that a detailed plan would be presented for his consideration, and he requested the Prime Minister’s support in creating an enabling environment for the growth of the mobile phone industry.
The Prime Minister assured Mr. Piracha of the government’s full support and emphasized the importance of the mobile phone industry in Pakistan’s economic development. He also highlighted the potential of the mobile phone industry to generate employment opportunities and contribute to the country’s exports.
The mobile phone industry in Pakistan has been growing rapidly, with several local and international companies investing in the sector. According to the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), almost 26 companies have been issued MDM authorization, enabling them to manufacture mobile devices in Pakistan. These companies include renowned brands such as Samsung, Nokia, Oppo, TECNO, Infinix, Vgotel, and Q-mobile.
The government of Pakistan has been taking several initiatives to promote the growth of the mobile phone industry. In 2021, the government launched the Mobile Device Manufacturing Policy, which aims to attract investment in the sector and promote exports. The policy has been successful in attracting investment, with local companies investing USD 200 million in the sector.
The mobile phone industry in Pakistan has the potential to generate approximately USD 14 billion for the national exchequer if it can meet the local demand of 36 million units annually. The Engineering Development Board (EDB) held a summit last year in 2023 to showcase the industry’s potential, which was attended by 31 local manufacturers, including renowned brands such as Samsung, Xiaomi, ZTE, Realme, Vivo, Oppo, Tecno, Infinix, Itel, G’FIVE, VNUS, Mobo Mobile, Digit, Dcode, Nokia, VgoTel, Qmobile, E-TACHI, Club, Calme, MeMobile, Hello Tech, Gresso, Emarat, Oukitel, MaxFone, Spice Mobile, Go Mobile, Faywa, Kechaoda, Pritel, SEGO, Sparx, and Xmobile.
The mobile phone industry in Pakistan has the potential to become a significant contributor to the country’s exports and economic development. As the government and private sector align their efforts, the potential to transform Pakistan into a major export hub for mobile phones looks increasingly feasible. With a comprehensive plan in place and continued governmental support, Pakistan aims to capture a significant share of the global market, potentially generating up to $15 billion in exports. This collaboration not only promises substantial economic benefits but also positions Pakistan on the map as a key player in the international mobile phone market.
Theatre, film and television star Iftikhar Thakur is a beloved comedian, adored by his fans for his humility.
The actor recently talked about a personal tragedy in Wasi Shah’s show, a major regret in his life. Iftikhar Thakur said, “One day, my late mother asked me not to leave for a show as she wanted me to stay.
Despite always obeying her requests, I decided to leave for the show that day. Unfortunately, my mother passed away shortly after I left.” Recounting the journey back home, he tearfully expressed the pain he still feels to this day.
On April 17, social media was in an uproar with the news of Advisor to the Chief Minister (CM) of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) Mashal Yousafzai requesting the government for luxury cars worth more than Rs 27 million on provincial government’s expenditure.
Social media users were quick to criticise the move as the government is implementing austerity measures due to poor economic environment.
Geo News reported on the issue, led by their Peshawar reporter Nadia Saboohi who sent Yousafzai messages on whatsapp to ask about her version. Soon after Geo reported on the story, Yousafzai alleged in a post on X (formerly Twitter) that Saboohi tried to extort money from her and when Yousafzai refused to give in, ‘propaganda’ was done against her.
The Current spoke with Saboohi to find out what happened.
“I had access to the document detailing the request for luxury cars, but since there are many fake documents on social media, I waited to get a confirmation from the relevant authorities about the authenticity of the document,” Saboohi said over the phone. “After the document was authenticated by proper authorities, I reached out to advisor sahiba for an explanation and her point of view.”
Interestingly, according to the document, Yousafzai had asked for a Toyota Fortuner for herself, listed at a price of over Rs. 1.7 crore and a KIA Sportage for her secretary worth Rs. 73 lakhs.
DOCUMENT
Saboohi remarked that she simply asked the advisor for her perspective, saying that she also asked if the move was wise in such a difficult economic climate, adding that “Even advisor sahiba’s own department has not paid seven to eight hundred employees their salaries.”
Saboohi also pointed out that the Chief Minister of KP Ali Amin Gandapur, implemented an austerity program and no government official is allowed to get any new cars or go abroad for medical treatment.
“In the beginning of our conversation, advisor sahiba flatly denied the existence of any such summary,” Saboohi recalled, “When she was sent the document, she changed her statement and said, ‘This summary is from March 29 and I stopped it.’”
When Geo News broke the story, it went viral, generating immense backlash against Yousafzai. The advisor then tweeted that she had taken back the request for luxury cars.
TWEET
But the issue did not die down. Yousafzai took to X again and criticised the journalist and posted a serious allegation on X against Saboohi.
‘You’re taking money from the ‘boys’ and Muazzam Butt,” read Yousafzai’s tweet.
She also posted screenshots of the conversation she had with the journalist and revealed Saboohi’s phone number to the public. However, in the screenshots posted in her tweet, there is no evidence that Saboohi had extorted money from the advisor.
Yousafzai later deleted the tweet.
Deleted Tweet
“I made it clear to advisor sahiba that, being a journalist, I have no interest in taking sides,” Saboohi said. “I also told her that I have no personal grudge against you but the story was important to break because given the tough socio-economic environment the people of KP are facing, people deserved to know that luxury vehicles might be purchased using taxpayers’ money.”
According to Saboohi, Yousafza has issues within her own party, specifically with senior advocate Muazzam Butt in Insaf Lawyers Forum. Butt was also mentioned in the tweet against Saboohi, as someone who Yousafzai alleged, was paying off the journalist. Yousafzai said to Saboohi, “Because Muazzam was unable to become the advocate general so he started propaganda against me with your help.”
Saboohi said that it was her job as a journalist to report stories about the government in KP and the CM had said that he wanted news outlets to openly report and criticise his government’s actions if needed. In return, “[Yousafzai] released my contact information on social media just because she didn’t approve of my story”.
KP GOVERNMENT’S RESPONSE
“The CM house rejected the summary when it was sent to them as told by the CM social media wing representative Yar Muhammad Niazi,” revealed Saboohi. Niazi told her that the document might have been circulated but it was always going to be rejected.
Saboohi also pointed out that the advisor neither holds the authority to send such a document nor put a stop to it because the ministry belongs to CM.
“The spokesperson of KPK government, Barrister Saif, said that the document was given by Yousafzai in her individual capacity, when I asked him about the issue,” Saboohi said, “after which I asked him if that meant that any common person can request the government to buy them cars? Because this was an official government document”.
WHAT HAPPENED NEXT
Khyber Union of Journalists Peshawar Press Club condemned the advisor for making unsubstantiated remarks and sharing the female journalist’s information on social media.
According to Saboohi, a Jirga in her community has also vowed to support her, adding that, “anyone is welcome to prove these kinds of allegations in her entire 26 years of career.”
Peshawar Press Club had given Yousafzai 24 hours to delete the tweet or provide evidence of her claims. Yousafzai has since deleted that tweet.
When asked about problems she’s faced due to her contact information being publicised by the KPK official, Saboohi remarked, “I am facing a lot of harassment and threats due to this and she [Yousafzai] is responsible for this.”
SOCIAL MEDIA RESPONSE
Interestingly, PTI supporters on X are also criticising the advisor on her tweet.
The Current has reached out to Yousafzai for her version of the story and a comment and have not heard back yet.
Yashma Gill, known for her lively personality, recently faced a health scare requiring surgery. Despite her family being in another city, her friends, especially Hania Aamir, stood by her side. Hania stayed with Yashma in the hospital, offering care and support during her recovery. Yashma expressed gratitude for her friends’ unwavering support, sharing moments from her hospital stay.
Veteran actors Mohammad Ahmed and Shamim Hilaly, known for their brilliant performances, recently spoke to Fuchsia about the changing dynamics of marriages, discussing disparities between modern marital unions and those of the past. “People often think they don’t need anyone in their life and they’ll always be young, but things change,” both stars emphasized. “When you turn 45, you start to realize the importance of having a life partner.”
Ahmed pointed towards rising divorce rates and said, “Couples nowadays are unwilling to compromise on anything and fail to give each other enough time to understand and adjust. Television plays a role in normalizing divorces, portraying the idea that one can easily divorce and marry someone else the next day, which is not realistic. Recently, many showbiz couples have divorced, and this trend is increasing.”
The Director of International Monetary Fund (IMF) Middle East and Central Asia has said that Pakistan must focus more on the implementation of structural reforms instead of a loan.
“I think what is important at this stage is to accelerate the reforms, double down on the structure of reforms in order to provide Pakistan with its full potential of growth,” Jihad Azour told a press conference on the sidelines of the IMF 2024 Spring Meetings.
The statement comes as Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, who is currently in Washington DC, to finalise yet another bailout package that the country is seeking from IMF.
Pakistan is nearing the end of a nine-month, $3-billion SBA with the IMF designed to tackle a balance-of-payments crisis, which brought it to the brink of default last summer.
The Finance Minister in a recent interview, had mentioned that Pakistan would need two to three years of to implement the structural reforms.
