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  • Champions Trophy: India left with ‘no reasons’ to not come to Pakistan

    Champions Trophy: India left with ‘no reasons’ to not come to Pakistan

    The International Cricket Council (ICC) held a meeting in Dubai on October 21, where they discussed arrangements for Champions Trophy and team security. According to the details, no member country raised any question regarding the event.

    Next year, Pakistan will host the prestigious Trophy. The Indian team, along with the board, has no valid reason to refuse participation. Teams from other countries are satisfied with the preparations.

    Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar recently visited Pakistan and praised the hospitality, while the English team is also currently in Pakistan.

    However, there is speculation that the Indian board might use government clearance as an excuse not to send the team, which is why the event’s schedule hasn’t been finalized yet. The Indian government has remained silent on the matter.

    A meeting between Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi and Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) officials was expected but was cut short due to political relations, preventing any discussion.

    Previously, during the Asia Cup 2023, India tried to convince its close allies to withdraw from the tournament due to security concerns, resulting in the tournament being held under a hybrid model.

  • Man from Manahil Malik’s alleged video breaks silence, gives 24h deadline

    Man from Manahil Malik’s alleged video breaks silence, gives 24h deadline

    An intimate video allegedly featuring TikToker Minahil Malik has surfaced online, sparking a wave of criticism against the social media star. In response to the scandal, another TikToker, Rana Sharyar, who was also allegedly seen in the leaked videos, has issued a statement.

    Known by his TikTok handle @sk777official, Sharyar posted a video on both his Instagram and TikTok accounts, declaring, “If this matter isn’t resolved by the 24th, I will present everything – evidence, my WhatsApp, and reveal who made it go viral and who didn’t.”

    “Minahil Malik, please understand what I’m trying to explain. You have 24 hours to resolve this matter and tell the truth. I will fight fully alongside you, Inshallah. Also, this video is not for you guys, it’s only for Minahil Malik…My apologies, but this is not directed at anyone else. I will wait 24 hours for you to resolve this… Just solve this matter within 24 hours and tell the truth to the FIA, as you already know everything,” he added.

    A leaked clip of the content appeared on several social media accounts, which sparked a wave of criticism against the social media star.

    The clip allegedly featured Minahil Malik in intimate moments with an unknown man, which led users to troll and harass her.

    It was also shared on different YouTuber pages during the frenzy.

    While some say it is a publicity stunt, Minahil Malik has addressed the controversy, stating, “A video has surfaced, allegedly of me, which is fake and edited. I have filed a complaint with the FIA against it, and the perpetrator will soon be in their custody.”

    “My family and I are going through severe depression because of this,” she said and urged her supporters to continue standing by her as they always have.

    “Only someone who has no respect for women or doesn’t have a mother or sister at home can do this. I am a witness, and so is my God. I only need your support.”

    Check the video below:

    @minahilmalik727

    ♬ original sound – minahil malik

    It may be noted that The Current attempted to contact both Minahil and Sharyar for a comment, but neither of them has responded to our queries so far.

  • Fact Check: Can you book an Uber camel ride in Dubai?

    Fact Check: Can you book an Uber camel ride in Dubai?

    Two women tourists got lost in Dubai’s desert, and a camel ride from Uber came to their rescue.

    While Dubai is famous for its towering skylines, luxurious malls, cars, and futuristic architecture, it also has a tint of nature with its desert. And recently, a couple of women tourists got lost after their vehicle broke down.

    This uneventful episode took an unusual turn when they decided to book a ride via an app that gave them the option of booking a camel ride.

    Frustrated and waiting for the ride, one of the women in the video says to the camera, “We got lost and decided to check Uber, and guess what? There’s a camel!”.

    The two booked the ride for 50.61 AED.

    It was reportedly shot at Al Badayer along the Dubai-Hatta Road, where the tourists were surprised to learn that the Uber app provides a strange variety of options, such as ATVs and, surprisingly, a camel, in addition to the regular vehicles.

    A man with a camel then arrives and comes to their rescue, introducing himself as an “Uber Camel driver”.

    “What do you do for a living?” one of them asks, and he replies, “I drive Uber Camel. I help people who get lost.”

    As the video started circulating on social media, internet users were stunned, and some called it a “staged” video.

    “How can they be lost if they have a working smartphone, internet and GPS??” reacted a netizen online.

    Times of India, however, set the record straight and revealed that it was a promotional video and that the camel ride service is not available for everyone.

    The influencer was hired to promote Uber’s recent collaboration with a tour agency, Jetset Dubai, which offers a camel ride.

    Since its release, the video has garnered more than 115,000 views on Instagram.

  • CJ Qazi Faez Isa had ‘head in sand’, says Justice Mansoor Ali Shah

    CJ Qazi Faez Isa had ‘head in sand’, says Justice Mansoor Ali Shah

    Justice Mansoor Ali Shah refused to attend Friday’s full court reference in honor of the outgoing Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP), Qazi Faez Isa.

    The senior puisne judge Syed Mansoor Ali Shah, in a letter of refusal on the record of the reference proceedings, alleged that CJP Isa had not upheld the integrity of the judiciary during his tenure.

    Full court reference is a long-standing tradition in legal systems and a ceremonial acknowledgement of the outgoing Chief Justice’s contributions and services to the judiciary, leadership and dedication to upholding the judiciary integrity.

    “To stand a Reference and celebrate such a tenure would send a message that a Chief Justice can betray his institution, erode its strength, act petty and low and still be celebrated as an honorable servant of justice. I am sorry, I in good conscious, cannot stand at a reference for such a Chief Justice,” opined Mansoor Ali Shah in the letter.

    He also alleged that Qazi Faez Isa had compromised the very foundation of the rule of law during his tenure and betrayed the judiciary’s sacred role.

    Syed Mansoor Ali Shah added, “Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa, like an ostrich, with his head in the sand, remained complacent and indifferent to external influences and pressure on the judiciary.”

    Recalling the previous full court reference in honour of the former CJP Mian Saqib Nisar, the judge said that he had not attended his reference, too, as Saqib Nisar overstepped the boundaries of his constitutional role and ventured into matters beyond his jurisdiction.

    “His tenure will be defined by pettiness, vindictiveness, and a lowly approach to administrative matters, having no grace or humility,” he said to Qazi Faez Isa while concluding in a letter.

    On Thursday night, Justice Munib Akhtar, Justice Athar Minallah, Justice Ayesha Malik, and Justice Shahid Waheed, along with Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah, remained absent at the reception of Qazi Faez Isa.

  • Hina Afridi’s Bollywood crush was also our crush

    Hina Afridi’s Bollywood crush was also our crush

    Actress Hina Afridi recently opened about her childhood crush on a Bollywood icon during her appearances on Mazaq Raat hosted by Imran Ashraf, and honestly, we too had a crush on the same person.

    Hina said, “Who said I haven’t fallen in love? I have been madly in love with Salman Khan since childhood. When you’re little, you don’t even realize it, you grow up watching Salman Khan, so, from that time on, he has been my crush or, you could say, my love.”

    Sakhwat Naz asked, “What would you say if you received a marriage proposal?”

    Reflecting on her feelings, Afridi said, “If you had asked me a year ago, I would have said he is still single because I haven’t married him. But now, in the past year, I’ve matured, I was quite silly, or you could say naive, but now I’ve gained a bit of wisdom. It’s not always about self-obsession. So now, whenever I see his song or movie, I still feel that childhood love.”

    She has starred in drama such as, Pehli Si Muhabbat, Kacha Dhaga, Qissa E Dil and Akhara.

    Earlier, Hina Afridi appeared on Fuchsia Magazine’s YouTube show hosted by Rabia Mughni. She discussed her marriage and rising divorce rates.

    Talking about choosing a life partner Hina Afridi said, “I prefer a love marriage because it’s crucial to know your life partner. I want my partner to understand my job’s demands, like coming home late sometimes. He should grasp my nature and earn my trust. Seeing my parents’ loving relationship sets high expectations for my future partner. Love and respect matter most, as money can be earned by both.”

    Hina Afridi shared her thoughts on divorce, saying, “I’m unsure about divorce, it can signify failure or freedom. It’s like a 50-50 situation. If someone leaves a cruel spouse, it’s freedom. But if it’s driven by ego, it’s a failure.”

  • US military magazine heaps praise on COAS Gen Asim Munir

    US military magazine heaps praise on COAS Gen Asim Munir

    The US Central Command (CENTCOM) magazine Unipath lauded the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir as a “forceful voice against violent extremists.”

    The magazine stated that the General will be remembered as a leader whose foremost commitment resides in the security, stability and prosperity of Pakistan.

    The article highlighted Gen Asim’s role in counterterrorism efforts, including his stance on fifth-generation warfare and capability to respond to foreign aggression, as well as socioeconomic measures.

    “Gen. Asim Munir has taken decisive action against Tehrik-i Taliban Pakistan (TTP) within Pakistan, known as Fitna al Khawarij. Under his leadership, through July 2024, 22,409 intelligence-based operations have been conducted against terrorists and their facilitators. They eliminated 398 terrorists, including 31 high-value targets,” the article stated.

    It also quoted Gen Asim’s speech to a jirga in Peshawar on August 7, 2023, in which the Gen remarked: “There is no option for these terrorists except to submit to the writ of the state of Pakistan before they are decimated if they persist on their wrong path.”

    It also mentioned that the Pakistan Army, under Gen Asim’s leadership, is fully prepared to defend the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the motherland.

    The Unipath magazine article highlighted how Pakistan’s “sovereignty was challenged on January 16, 2024, when Iran carried out a series of missile and drone strikes within Pakistan’s Balochistan province resulting in the deaths of two innocent children.”

    “To express its resolve and redeem its stature, on January 18, Pakistan conducted a meticulously planned and precisely targeted series of military strikes based on credible intelligence against terrorist hideouts in the Sistan-o-Baluchistan province of Iran. This operation, codenamed Marg Bar Sarmachar, resulted in the elimination of several terrorists,” stated the magazine.

    It also applauded the Chief’s role in trying to improve the economic conditions of the country through the initiative of the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) and the Green Pakistan Initiative for job creation and economic development.

    Meanwhile, on Wednesday, over 60 democratic lawmakers of the United States House of Representatives called on US President Joe Biden in a letter to use Washington’s leverage with Pakistan to secure the release of incarcerated former prime minister Imran Khan.

    “We write today to urge you to use the United States’ substantial leverage with Pakistan’s government to secure the release of political prisoners, including former Prime Minister Khan, and curtail widespread human rights abuses,” the letter read.

    PTI leader Qasim Khan Suri has been actively campaigning to engage with US lawmakers as he took to X to post: “Thank you, Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib, Congresswoman Cori Bush, for supporting human rights & democracy in Pakistan and calling for the release of political prisoners including former Prime Minister Imran Khan.”

  • BRICS currency: Will it work?

    BRICS currency: Will it work?

    BRICS countries, such as Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, are deliberating the launch of a new reserve currency using blockchain technology to store and transfer digital tokens. It will be backed by their respective currencies.

    According to reports, the proposal has come from Russia, a leading member of the group as it seeks to convince other members to build an alternative platform for international payments that would be immune to the hegemony of the West.

    The purpose of having BRICS currency is to ensure safe and secure transactions among this group of emerging economies while also bypassing the United States (US) dollar. Russian President Vladimir Putin sees it as a solution to increasing problems in settling trade payments.

    Putin, in his address, also highlighted that new economic opportunities will be created by integrating digital currencies not only for BRICS nations but also for other developing economies.

    This switching of traded currency is part of BRICS’ long-term goals, which are to evade the dependence on the US dollar in international trade and solidify the economic cooperation among emerging markets of BRICS.

    The final Kazan declaration of BRICS 2024 also stated, “We recognise the widespread benefits of faster, low cost, more efficient, transparent, safe and inclusive cross-border payment instruments built upon the principle of minimizing trade barriers and non-discriminatory access. We welcome the use of local currencies in financial transactions between BRICS countries and their trading partners.”

    While experts believe the BRICS cryptocurrency model might not be feasible, there also are concerns that non-Chinese members might increase their dependence on China’s yuan instead, leading to a rift between Beijing and Moscow.

    Notably, there have been talks of the potential launch of a Yuan-backed stablecoin as well.

    Except for India, Pakistan shares good relations with all BRICS countries and has already been trading with China in Yuan. According to a Profit report, Pakistan and China’s Yuan trade increased to over 14 per cent in 2023, up from just two per cent in 2018.

    While cryptocurrency remains an alien phenomenon in the economic corridors of Pakistan, the launch of such a currency could certainly open new trade avenues. This, however, is subject to approval for Pakistan’s inclusion in BRICS.

    With Pakistan making a formal request to join BRICS in 2023, all eyes were on the summit to find out if Islamabad’s bid would be accepted this year. Russia’s Deputy Prime Minister Alexei also expressed his support to Pakistan’s membership of BRICS during his visit to Islamabad in September.

    Foreign relations experts deemed India as a big hurdle in this process but chances became bright when reports from across the border suggested that India will give a nod to this inclusion. “One of the key takeaways of the summit is likely to be India’s green signal to Pakistan’s long-pending bid for membership in the bloc,” ABP Live reported.

    The BRICS alliance has already expanded to include Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia.

    After Pakistan’s application for membership in August 2023, Turkiye, Azerbaijan, and Malaysia have also formally applied to become members, while a few others also showed interest in joining.

    During the summit, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed India’s support for the inclusion of new countries into the bloc. He said that during his remarks at the Closed Plenary of the 16th BRICS Summit in Russia’s Kazan on October 23.

    He further added that this process should happen only through consensus among all nations. “India is ready to welcome new countries into BRICS as Partner Countries. In this regard, all decisions should be taken by consensus, and the views of BRICS founding members should be respected. The Guiding principles, standards, criteria and procedures adopted during the Johannesburg summit, should be complied with by all members and partner countries,” he said.

    While analysts see this as a bid to thwart Pakistan’s inclusion in BRICS, a formal response remains awaited.

  • Justice Mansoor Ali Shah among five judges skip Qazi Faez Isa’s farewell dinner

    Justice Mansoor Ali Shah among five judges skip Qazi Faez Isa’s farewell dinner

    Five Supreme Court judges have skipped Chief Justice Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faez Isa’s farewell reception, including senior puisne Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah.

    The Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) and the Pakistan Bar Council (PBC) hosted the dinner on Thursday night on the eve of CJP Isa’s retirement on October 25.

    Justice Munib Akhtar, Justice Athar Minallah, Justice Ayesha Malik, and Justice Shahid Waheed, along with Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah, remain absent at the reception of Qazi Faez Isa.

    However, Justice Yahya Khan Afridi, Justice Musarrat Hilali, Justice Naeem Akhtar Afghan, Justice Jamal Mandokhail, Justice Aminuddin Khan, Justice Aqeel Abbasi, Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar, Justice Irfan Saadat Khan and Justice Shahid Bilal Hassan attended the dinner.

    Chief Justice of Lahore High Court (LHC) and Islamabad High Court (IHC) were also among the attendees of Chief Justice Pakistan’s reception.

    Justice Mansoor Ali Shah has gone for Umrah along with his family on Wednesday. He was all ready to become the next Chief Justice of Pakistan before the passing of the 26th Constitutional Amendment.

    A Special Parliamentary Committee nominated the third senior most judge in the Supreme Court, Yahya Afridi, as the next CJP, and he will take the oath on October 26 (tomorrow).

    As per Dawn News, the next Chief Justice, Yahya Afridi, at his expense, will hold the luncheon in honour of Qazi Faez Isa today (Friday), as CJP Isa had declined the farewell meal at government expense.

  • ‘I have never thought of myself as less than a male actor’, says Anmol Baloch

    ‘I have never thought of myself as less than a male actor’, says Anmol Baloch

     
    In the competitive drama industry where women’s voices are often overlooked, actress Anmol Baloch stands strong, asserting her equality with male costars. 
     
    Recently, Anmol appeared as a guest on Miss Dramatic YouTube channel, where she talked about gender equality in the drama industry.  
     
     The host, Wajiha Jawaid, asked, “In the industry, opportunities are given to speak when male actors receive more preference, while female actresses do not get the same. There is something like this in our industry?”  
     
     Anmol replied, “I have never thought of myself as lesser than a male actor, I have never felt that way, because I think it’s about how you perceive yourself, how you want to present yourself, how you want to feel about yourself, and where you want to see yourself.” 
     
     Baloch shared about how she handles differences with producers and the team by focusing on open communication to reach an agreement.
     
     “So, I have never felt that way, and I have always put my point across in front of the producer, on the table, in front of the director, on the table. And I have never hesitated in these things, thinking that I shouldn’t say something or that I shouldn’t speak up. So, for me, it’s unacceptable to feel less than anyone in any way”, the Jalti Barish actress added.
     
      
    The host again asked, “Now, you see, do you watch these drama reviews that have become quite common nowadays? Have you seen the reviews of Iqtidar drama?”  
     
     Baloch said, “There are both good and bad things, I take them very positively, but it’s their point of view, and it’s the critics’ job. If they find something wrong, it’s obvious they will talk about it, it’s their right.” The Aur Sitam Aur actress reflected on the reviews and how they impact her as an actor saying, “As an actor, I see what I can learn from them and how I can avoid making the same mistakes in my next project that are happening here. But sometimes, it gets a little too much, and I get a bit emotional, thinking, why did they say that? But somehow, in the end, you realize it’s their point of view because they are not writing from the actor’s perspective; they see different shades of life. The shade we are showing on screen is just one aspect of that character, not the others. So sometimes there is a misunderstanding, but what happens is that after six or ten episodes, you feel that yes, that was right there, so it was okay. That’s why I let it go; when the time comes, then we will see.”

    Anmol has starred in dramas such as Bedardi Saiyaan, Aik Larki Aam Si, Noor, and Shiddat, and currently, she is starring in Iqtidar along with Ali Raza on Green Entertainment. It is written by Hina Huma Nafees and directed by Fahim Burney.

  • Jason Gillespie makes bold new claim for Babar Azam

    Jason Gillespie makes bold new claim for Babar Azam

    Jason Gillespie, the head coach of the national cricket team, had made a bold new claim for former skipper Babar Azam.

    While giving an interview with foreign media, he said, “Babar Azam is the best player; bad times come to big players. He will return to form soon and win matches.

    Talking about red ball captain Shan Masood, he said, “Shan was given the captaincy in Australia, which was a tough tour; his behaviour with the players is very good.”

    “I knew that coaching in Pakistan would be challenging, but coaching here is different from past experiences. I am learning every day about adjusting to Pakistan cricket and trying to understand the environment of Pakistan cricket. When the coaching offer came, I was told that there are long-term plans for Pakistan”, he further added.

    Earlier, the spinner of the national cricket team, Sajid Khan, told the plan made regarding the Rawalpindi test against England.

    He said, “The credit for making the pitch goes to the selection committee. The ball spun in the first 30 overs in the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, but the England batters also played the wrong shots. I don’t have ‘Doosra’, so I tried to change the pace; the focus is on the first innings, and I am not thinking about the second innings.”

    Sajid took six wickets in the first innings of the 2nd Test against England.

    The English team was bowled out for 267 on the first day of the Pindi Test.