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  • Buy online Biryani, get ‘Chipkali’ free

    Buy online Biryani, get ‘Chipkali’ free

    An Indian Hyderabad family recently experienced a horrifying dining ordeal that can send shivers down anyone’s spine at the mere thought of accidentally eating a reptile.

    Their Zomato-ordered chicken biryani from Bawarchi Biryani, located at the RTC Crossroads, came with an unexpected and unwelcome addition—a dead lizard.

    The disturbing incident unfolded as a self-indulgent treat turning into a cause for concern, with a lifeless lizard discovered in the online-ordered chicken biryani. The shocking scenes, captured in a video, have since surfaced on the internet, leaving viewers in disbelief.

    Reportedly, Vishwa Aditya from DD Colony, Amberpet, placed an online order for chicken biryani on Zomato. However, upon receiving the parcel, they were greeted with the unpleasant sight of a dead lizard nestled amidst the rice.

    The matter gained attention after Telugu Scribe posted a video and images on X (former ) Twitter, exposing the unsettling incident.

    The tweet stated, “Live Lizard in Chicken Biryani at Loni Bavarchi Hotel Hyderabad RTC Cross Road. Vishwa Aditya from DD Colony, Amberpet ordered chicken biryani online on Zomato. The family members allege that the chicken biryani brought by Zomato Boy got a lizard. The family members got worried as the Bavarchi management gave a negligent reply.”

    Zomato reacted to the video with, ‘We are looking into it immediately – if you would like to share any additional details with us, please reach out via DM.’

  • Babar Azam mingles with fans in viral video

    Babar Azam mingles with fans in viral video

    Babar Azam took time out especially for fans gathered outside the stadium at which the Pakistan team was practicing for its tour of Australia.

    A video released by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is rapidly going viral on social media, in which Babar Azam can be seen standing next to the stadium’s barrier and giving autographs to the people outside. He autographed a bat for one fan, signed a shirt for another one, and also took a picture with a child on his request.

    The official series between the national team and Australia will start on December 14

  • Hannah Husain becomes first Pakistani to debute at Le Bal des Débutantes, wears diamond necklace worth USD 2.5 million

    Hannah Husain becomes first Pakistani to debute at Le Bal des Débutantes, wears diamond necklace worth USD 2.5 million

    Hannah Husain has become the first ever Pakistani woman to debut at the coveted Le Bal des Debutantes ball in Paris, attended by eligible single ladies from around the world. The ball was organised by Ophélie Renouard to raise funds for the cardiology research unit ARCFA of Neck-Enfants Malades Hospital and for the World Central Kitchen, which provides meals to vulnerable communities around the globe. It was held at the Shangri-La Paris, the former residence of Napoleon Bonaparte’s nephew.

    Hannah Husain is the great-great granddaughter of Sir Fazli Husain, a barrister from Cambridge, and an Education Minister, while her great grandfather served as Pakistan’s ambassador to Beirut, Lebanon.

    Husain debuted at the ball wearing a pastel gown adorned with roses designed by Georges Hobeika and Elie Saab, and was escorted to the event by her brother Harris.

    It was Hannah’s necklace that caught the attention of social media. The bauble has a history dating back all the way to the 1800s according to Christie’s, and is the estimated to be worth $1.5 to 2.5 million.

    According to royal watcher blog, the necklace was designed for Princess Maria Caroline of Bourbon-Two Sicilies, the Duchess of Aumale, later gifted to his god daughter Princess Helene of Orleans when she married the Duke of Aosta.

    The necklace was worn by the Marchioness of Chomondeley, Sybil Sassoon, and later by Lady Churchill in 1953 for the Nobel Prize Ceremony.

    At the 2022 debutante ball in Paris, Princess Helene d’Orelans had loaned the necklace to her namesake.

  • Dhoop Kinare, Fairy Tale: dramas that are our favourite example of the ‘she fell first, he fell harder’ trope

    Dhoop Kinare, Fairy Tale: dramas that are our favourite example of the ‘she fell first, he fell harder’ trope

    Everyone who uses the internet knows about the beloved trope ‘she fell first, but he fell harder’, and how it keeps on winning the hearts of audiences. In this trope, it is the woman who falls first, but becomes a cynic after getting rejected. Later, the man learns from his mistake and falls even more in love with the woman than she does with him.

    We know Pakistani dramas aren’t the first things that come to mind when you think about well-written male leads who aren’t misogynist man-children, but there have been rare occasions when we got to see what happens when romance dramas empower women, and actually don’t rely on depressing tropes to generate interest for the audience.

    Fairy Tale

    Starting with the drama that really proved how much Pakistani women needed to see a healthy romance where the male lead’s ego did not rely on taking away another woman’s independence and vivacious nature. Farjaad starts off as the typical saroo man with a strict schedule he refuses to break for any woman. When Umeed enters his life, he dismisses her off as too careless and irresponsible for him. But the way this man shifts positions, doing everything to prove his love for Umeed, made the internet sob oceans because can’t Pakistani men take a blueprint from Farjaad?

    Dude started the show as someone who is completely cold and aloof and after marriage, he began learning how to make tea just because he promised Umeed? He was the strict one whom no one could ever think of displeasing, but is now purchasing a shop to help Umeed fulfil her dream of owning a chai business? Kudos to Sarah Majeed for spoiling us with this show. There’s no way we’re setting our standards low after Farjaad.

    Ankahi

    Every one remembers the cult classic show with a brilliant performance by Shehnaz Sheikh as the hilarious Sana, but few people talk about the love story between her and Taimur, the sariyal boss who grows to fall in love with her. Taimur starts off as a cold and brutal boss who makes Sana miserable as his secretary, but soon her lovable nature and warmth makes him fall for her. His unfamiliarity with love holds him back when he realises how good of a match Faraz is for Sana. In the last moments of the show, the audience realises how much Taimur has fallen for Sana and wants to find happiness with her, but knows she would be happier with Faraz so lets her go.

    Dhoop Kinare

    Haseena Moin, you were the absolute best. Even today, your dramas continue to inspire viewers with portrayals of complex and empowered women. Dhoop Kinare was startlingly unique, with three dimensional interesting characters, and an endearing love story between the two leads. Dr Ahmer Ansari originally clashes with Dr Zoya Ali Khan, a new intern at the hospital where he is the most respected doctor. He calls her careless, while continuing being cold and aloof, while Zoya’s carefree and warm nature continues to win hearts at the hospital, eventually winning him over too.

  • 1.8 million Palestinians internally displaced, have no where to escape

    1.8 million Palestinians internally displaced, have no where to escape

    With about 1.8 million Palestinians already displaced across Gaza, the Israeli military has now called to evacuate areas in Khan Younis.

    On October 13th, Israel directed one million Gazans in the north to move south. But now, the internally displaced as well as the local residents have been asked to evacuate the south with no place to escape to for protection.

    Israeli air raids have been targeting refugee camps and residential buildings, having killed more than 15,500 people and injuring more than 41,300 since October 7.

  • ‘Nawaz Sharif responsible for May 9 riots,’ Imran Khan

    ‘Nawaz Sharif responsible for May 9 riots,’ Imran Khan

    Former Prime Minister Imran Khan, currently under arrest, has said that he will ask the court to summon General (retd) Qamar Javed Bajwa, former Army Chief, in connection with the cipher case. Imran Khan shared this information during an informal conversation with journalists at Adiala Jail.

    Imran Khan explained the circumstances of his arrest, stating that it was all part of London’s plan. He drew a parallel with Nawaz Sharif, stating that after the London plan, Nawaz Sharif returned to Pakistan. He further claimed that Nawaz Sharif is responsible for 9 May incidents.

    Journalist Azaz Syed posted in a tweet that, “Imran Khan while talking to reporters in the jail (during the jail trial) said that I will summon Gen Bajwa to the court , he (Bajwa) did all on the directions of Donald Lu , I will also bring US Embassy officials and Gen Bajwa in doc (as witness).He said that Donald Lu took the cypher to Gen Bajwa, it was meant for Bajwa. “They wanted to remove me. They are trying to do with me what they did with Sheikh Mujib,” Imran reportedly said. He added that he can give in writing that his party will win the elections.

    Imran Khan, also the former Chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), alleged that General Bajwa had acted on the instructions of US diplomat Donald Lu, asserting that he would ensure that General Bajwa faced the court for his actions.

    Responding to a question, Imran Khan emphasized that he had not engaged in any negotiations for a deal, declaring his readiness to submit a written statement affirming that PTI would emerge victorious in the elections.

    He further stated that he has faced no difficulties in jail and considers incarceration a form of worship.

    In response to queries about PTI leaders leaving the party, Imran Khan expressed gratitude for those departing, considering it a positive development.

    It’s important to note that a special court, established under the Secret Act, has set December 12 as the date to formally charge Imran Khan and Shah Mahmood Qureshi in the Safdar case. The case involves the alleged altercation with law enforcement at the Quaid’s mausoleum during Maryam Nawaz’s rally.

    Former prime minister Imran Khan has claimed that neither he met anyone in jail nor did somebody negotiate with him. He also stressed that the PTI will win the elections.

    Khan made these remarks while answering a reporter’s question, in his first interaction with the media since being imprisoned, about whether someone held negotiations with him.

    Recalling the events of May 9, the former PTI chairman said Dr Yasmin Rashid can be clearly seen asking people not to go inside the Lahore Corps Commander House. He added that CCTV footage could be seen to check who led the miscreants inside.  

    Furthermore, Khan said false accusations had been made through Khawar Maneka, adding that these were morally corrupt people. 

    “I can say on oath that I saw Bushra Bibi on the day of the marriage,” he insisted.

    Imran Khan said he wanted to convey a message that the “kaptaan” was ready to fight till his last breath. He further alleged that the so-called London Plan was meant to bring back PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif, jail all PTI officials and finish the party.

    “I am making it clear to you today that the PTI will win the elections,” the former PTI chief said, adding that looking at the situation, it was feared they would run away from elections.

    He further commented on the economy, saying that growth has dropped from 6.17 to zero. “People are not mad; they know what these people have done.”

    On the other hand, Shah Mahmood Qureshi told a reporter he did not need any office within the party. The former minister was responding to a journalist’s statement that Barrister Gohar Ali Khan had been made the PTI chairman.

    “I stood by Khan yesterday; I am standing today and will continue to do so in the future,” Qureshi asserted. He added that he was at a stage where he did not need a position.

    He further urged the supporters of the former PTI chairman to go out of their houses and cast their votes. He added that he was in the hearts of Imran Khan and the people of the PTI.

  • EU will not send full observation team for upcoming elections

    EU will not send full observation team for upcoming elections

    The European Union (EU) has told the government of Pakistan that it will not be possible to send a full election observation mission to Pakistan as it did last time in the 2018 elections, The News has reported on Monday.

    The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) had invited an EU observation mission for upcoming election on February 8 next year. The EU observation mission has already monitored polls five times in the country.

    In 2018, a team of 10 observers and 60 analysts from the EU visited Pakistan. On Election Day, it deployed a total of 122 observers.

    After that, the mission shared its final report in October 2018 and provided 30 recommendations to make the election process better in the future. The eight recommendations were identified as priorities among  30.

    “Only a small mission of experts will visit Pakistan during the elections in 2024, while no recommendations or political assessments of the voting will be presented to the Pakistan government. The EU will not be sending a full-blown election observation mission. Those need several months in advance to plan and budget for,” EU Ambassador to Pakistan Ms Riina Kionka told The News.

    The ECP has encouraged the Foreign Office to take necessary steps to invite international observers to observe the transparency of the upcoming general elections.

    The ECP also said that it believes in an open-door policy and embraces the presence of an observation team during the forthcoming general elections.

  • Shoaib Malik makes history in T20s

    Shoaib Malik makes history in T20s

    Shoaib Malik became the first Pakistani batter to hit 1000 fours in 482 innings of T20 format.

    Right-handed batsman Shoaib Malik performed a unique feat for Pakistan during the ongoing National T20 Cup match between Sialkot Region and Rawalpindi Region at the United Bank Limited (UBL) Sports Complex in Karachi on Sunday.

    41-year-old Shoaib Malik, who has represented Pakistan in 446 international matches, became the first Pakistani batsman to hit 1000 fours in 482 innings in T20 cricket.

    He became the eighth player in the history of cricket to achieve this milestone. He also hit 400 sixes in the shorter format and became the only Pakistani so far.

    Shoaib Malik has also become the first Pakistani batsman to score 5000 T20 runs in Pakistan. In Pakistan, he has so far scored 5068 runs at an average of 46.93 and a strike rate of 135, including 42 fifties, in 156 innings.

    Malik had earlier expressed that he wants to break Chris Gayle’s record of most runs in T20 cricket.

    The all-rounder needs 1719 runs to make history as he currently has 12,843 runs in 482 innings of T20 cricket while Gayle has 14,562 runs in 455 innings. Considering how much Shoaib Malik has worked on his fitness over the years, it wouldn’t be surprising if he continues to play the shortest format of the game for a few more years and breaks Gayle’s record.

  • Pakistan’s Arzoo and Laiba win gold medals in Asian Karate Championship

    Pakistan’s Arzoo and Laiba win gold medals in Asian Karate Championship

    Pakistan’s Arzoo and Laiba Zia won the gold medal in the seventh South Asian Karate Championship, held in Kathmandu, Nepal.

    Arzoo won the gold medal in the 66 kg category, defeating an opponent from India in the first fight and Nepal’s opponent in the final.

    Laiba Zia won the gold medal in the 50 kg category in the South Asian Karate Championship, defeating Sri Lankan opponent in the first fight, Nepalese in the second fight, and an Indian opponent in the final.

  • Attack on passenger bus in Chilas; Protests Erupt, Bus Service Suspended

    Attack on passenger bus in Chilas; Protests Erupt, Bus Service Suspended

    In a tragic incident in the Chilas area of Gilgit-Baltistan’s(GB) Diamer district, a passenger bus en route to Rawalpindi was targeted by unknown assailants on December 2. The attack resulted in the loss of at least nine lives, including two soldiers, and injuries to 21 passengers.

    The attackers fired from nearby hills, causing the bus to collide with a goods truck.

    Six people have been arrested in connection with the attack, according to a local police official as per Dawn.

    The bus (Number BLN 4647) was traveling from Gahkuch, the district headquarters of Ghizer, operated by K2 Travels, a private transportation company.

    This isn’t the first time passenger buses have been attacked on the KKH by terrorists. Unlike the past attacks, in which passengers from the Shia community were targetted, this time the victims are not from a particular faith group.

    Contrary to previous incidents in the region, GB Home Minister Shams Lone emphasized that this attack was not sectarian but rather a terrorist act that claimed lives from various backgrounds.

    The local community in Diamer has reportedly rejected such acts, and the government has assured the public of taking tough measures against the perpetrators.

    The minister said that the GB government has taken “tough decisions” to deal with militants and “all culprits will be arrested soon”.

    He added that religious scholars from all sects, civil society and political parties have condemned the attack.

    GB Chief Minister Gulbar Khan, along with other top officials, attended the funeral of the victims and announced compensation of Rs1 million for the deceased, Rs500,000 for the seriously injured, and Rs300,000 for other injured passengers.

    The government has also implemented security measures, including daytime travel for passenger vehicles through Diamer in convoys escorted by security personnel.

    Protests

    Protests erupted across Chilas, Gilgit, Skardu, and Hunza, with the transporters’ association calling for protection for vehicles traveling on the Karakoram Highway (KKH).

    Bus Service Suspended

    In response to the incident, bus services from Rawalpindi to Gilgit-Baltistan remain suspended until foolproof security is provided, as stated by Malik Shahbaz, the general secretary of the Pakistan Transporter Welfare Association.

    Malik Shahbaz, the general secretary of the Pakistan Transporter Welfare Association, told Dawn that 150 to 200 coaches and buses operate from Rawalpindi to 10 GB districts daily.

    He claimed that only one security official on a motorcycle is deputed to escort the convoy of buses along the 50-kilometer-long stretch of the KKH in Chilas.

    “The public transport service will remain suspended until the provision of foolproof security to Gilgit-bound buses,” Mr Shahbaz said.

    The Pakistan Association of Tour Operators also condemned the attack and said the act of violence not only resulted in the loss of innocent lives but had a profound impact on the tourism industry as well. “Our thoughts are with the victims, their families, and all those affected by this tragedy.”

    Security Enhanced

    Meanwhile, Islamabad Capital City Police Officer(ICCPO) Dr. Akbar Nasir Khan issued directives to enhance security measures in the Diplomatic Enclave following the attack.

    “Police remains steadfast in its commitment to maintaining a peaceful environment and ensuring the protection of the lives and property of the citizens within the federal capital,” he said.

    “Citizens are urged to cooperate with the police and report any suspicious activities or items by dialling helpline Pucar 15 or at ICT-15 app,” he said.