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  • Is Ben Stoke Has Returned to the Playing XI?

    Is Ben Stoke Has Returned to the Playing XI?

    Pakistan and England are playing the second Test match at the Multan Cricket Stadium. Today is the second day of the five-day game. England’s captain, Ben Stoke, is back in this match. He was out of their first Test due to being unfit.

    He went down with an injury in August during the Hundred. And Ollie Pope replaced him as England’s captain. Gus Atkinson and Chris Woakes were rested for the game, and Seamer Matthew Potts was included in the starting lineup for the first time since August.

    Kamran Ghulam took the test cap for the first time on the second test. He got the cap after playing 59 first-class matches and scoring 4377 runs.

    As they clinched victory against Pakistan in the first Test by an innings and 47 runs, the three-match series will have the last match in Rawalpindi starting from 24 October 2022. 

    Moreover, Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, and Naseem Shah were excluded from the squad for the second test match.

    Ben Stoke

    Ben Stokes Reaction to Babar Azam’s Unexpected Withdrawal

    The England captain said, “Everything on that, that’s Pakistan cricket issue. Nothing to do with me.”

    This is Babar Azam’s first drop from the Pakistan team. He has been kept from Aquad since his debut against Zimbabwe in Lahore in 2015 and after his Test debut against the West Indies the following year.

    Matthew Vaughan also criticized the Pakistan Cricket Board for excluding Babar Azam from stepping into the PAK vs. ENG tests since he arrived. He is the ex-captain of the England cricket team.  Demonstrating his opinion on social media, Vaughan wrote, “absolutely stupid decision” to exclude the best player.

    At this point, the former Pakistan captain is the number one ODI batsman and is in position four among T20 batters.

    Ben Stokes Surprised Over Same Pitch for 2nd Test

    England Test captain Ben Stokes is slightly surprised at Pakistan’s decision to use the same pitch for the second Test match. The first test match was played at Multan, which they lost by an inning.

    “But I also confess that there will come a time when a used pitch will be the order of the day, and it will be for the good of the game in most instances. Using the used pitch brings much more into the game for both teams. If it spins and reverses more, both teams have more options. It could be a tactic. I’ve never seen the same pitch being used for back-to-back games.”

    Pakistan Playing XI:

    Saim Ayub, Abdullah Shafique, Shan Masood (captain), Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel (vice-captain), Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Salman Ali Agha, Aamir Jamal, Noman Ali, Sajid Khan and Zahid Mehmood

    England Playing XI:

    Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (captain), Jamie Smith (wk), Brydon Carse, Matt Potts, Jack Leach and Shoaib Bashir

  • Oxford University expels Imran Khan from chancellor race

    Oxford University expels Imran Khan from chancellor race

    Former Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan’s name has been excluded from the 40-candidate list for the prestigious position of Chancellor of Oxford University.

    Oxford University announced the list of qualified candidates on Wednesday morning in which the incarcerated founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Imran Khan, was not included.

    A leading United Kingdom (UK) firm had indicated that, based on Imran Khan’s imprisonment, he couldn’t run for chancellorship, as per university regulations.

    Previously, the ex-Prime Minister applied for the Oxford Chancellorship from prison after the university administration announced the election of a new chancellor for the Michaelmas term.

    The election is taking place after Lord Patten of Barnes announced his retirement for the 2023/24 academic year.

    “In the first round of voting, voters will have the opportunity to rank as many candidates as they choose. The top 5 candidates will go on to a second round, to take place during the Week 6 of Michaelmas Term (week commencing 18 November),” the university detailed the process.

    The elected chancellor will hold the post for a ten-year tenure.

    Former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Boris Johnson, is also contesting for the said post.

    Historically, the position has been held by distinguished figures, including politicians, diplomats, and other prominent public figures. The candidate is usually someone of considerable influence and standing in society.

  • Talha Anjum, Bilal Saeed’s new track from ‘SUPERSTAR’ is now out

    Talha Anjum, Bilal Saeed’s new track from ‘SUPERSTAR’ is now out

    Singer Bilal Saeed has released his anticipated single, ‘Been There, Done That,’ featuring Talha Anjum. The song is from his upcoming album, Superstar.

    This is already making the buzz and shows how both of the artists have brought their variety to it, which is not going unnoticed.

    Bilal Saeed has had associations with some really interesting melodies and heart-warming lines in his tracks, which have touched people’s hearts yet again. With “Been There, Done That,” he teams up his signature sound with Talha Anjum’s unique mix of rap and pop to create a track that resonates with both artists’ fan bases.

    Currently, this track has been described as energetic, with great chemistry between Bilal and Talha, and it is one of the best tracks on the album. All this hype in the duo will bring light to their tremendous abilities and what is yet to be created.

    Go on and stream this amazing album, “SUPERSTAR,” now!

    Check out the video below:

  • ‘Our only star power’: Umer Aalam praises Fahad Mustafa and Humayun Saeed

    ‘Our only star power’: Umer Aalam praises Fahad Mustafa and Humayun Saeed

    Humayun Saeed and Fahad Mustafa are two of the biggest stars in the Pakistani entertainment industry these days.

    Actor and model Umer Aalam made a guest appearance on the ‘FHM podcast’ and shared his thoughts on the current state of stardom in the entertainment industry.

    “The only star power we have right now is with Fawad bhai, Humayun bhai, and these other guys, these are the stars.

    “Only once they step aside can others step up. I mean, we don’t even need to replace them yet because we don’t have anyone ready to take their place,” he said.

    The host, Adnan Faisal, asked, “Who will replace them?” to which Raqs-e- Bismil actor replied, “I’m telling you, it might be someone right in front of you, maybe not now, but time will tell. These people have put a lot of work and time into this industry. In my opinion, no one can easily replace them just like that, but to become a star, you need a huge body of work behind you. You don’t just become a star overnight.”

    Talking about the drama serial Gentlemen, Aalam praised its high production.

    “The work was good, the story is solid, the people are great, and the production is top-notch, but, for some reason, it hasn’t fully clicked yet. Maybe it will once the proper love story starts because, in dramas, it usually picks up after around the eighth or ninth episode. It’s rare for a drama to take off right from the first episode”, he added.

    Currently, Fahad Mustafa is starring in Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum, while Humayun Saeed has wrapped up his drama Gentlemen, the last episode of which has already aired.

  • Punjab College breaks silence on alleged rape incident

    Punjab College breaks silence on alleged rape incident

    As protests continue over the alleged rape of a student at a Punjab College campus in Lahore, the educational institution has finally broken silence for the first time since an initial statement issued two days ago.

    As per the details, a first-year student at Campus 10 of Punjab Group of Colleges in Lahore was allegedly raped by a security guard in the basement of the institution last week. With details of the alleged rape making it to social media, protests broke out in Lahore. At least 27 students were injured in a clash between the protesting students and Punjab Police.

    Amid conflicting reports regarding the facts of the incident, which the government and college administration claim that it never even occurred, an official at Punjab College, on the condition of anonymity, has blamed the government for worsening the situation.

    “The education minister made those statements in heat of the moment and now there is another interview of him where he is saying that both sides have contradictory version of events,” the official said while referring to Education Minister Rana Sikander Hayat who had gone to meet the protesting students on Monday and suggested that the rape really did take place.

    Despite the minister backtracking on his statement later in the day, social media was flooded with unverified claims regarding the facts of the case with protesters quoting the minister and alleging a coverup at the hands of college authorities as well as the government.

    “A roll call was carried of all female students of Campus 10 and we spoke to them either directly or with one of their parents. All confirmed that they were unharmed and had not been subjected to any form of violence or assault,” the Punjab College official added.

    Meanwhile, another statement issued by Punjab College affirmed that the administration was reaching out to people posting regarding the incident to explain their side of the story.

    “We are reaching out to people who are posting about it to make sure they know and understand what is happening,” the statement read, adding that the college had handed over CCTV footage to the police besides facilitating police access to the accused security guard for further investigation.

    Shedding light on the issue of “silencing” the students and calling police to arrest them, the statement said, “Teachers tried to communicate with students, and that was perceived as students being silenced. They were allowed to protest in the campus as well but police became involved when things got out of hand.”

    Punjab College administration also expressed their disappointment on social media flare over the issue, saying, “The issue has taken a life of its own on social media, and people are being harmed on the ground because of false information being shared. If anything surfaces, we will take action required on our end but nothing of the sort has happened.”

    Lahore Police, on the other hand, also shared a video of ASP Sheharbano Naqvi with the father of the alleged victim, stating that his daughter was injured after a fall at home, and she was admitted to hospital after that.

    Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has also formed a high-level seven-member committee to investigate the alleged rape of a student at the college.
    The investigation committee will be chaired by Punjab Chief Secretary Zahid Akhtar Zaman, who has been tasked to present findings of the alleged rape incident before the CM within 48 hours.

  • Gold price jumps to record high of Rs277,200 per tola

    Gold price jumps to record high of Rs277,200 per tola

    Gold price in Pakistan unexpectedly surged by Rs2,200 per tola to its new record high following an increase in the international bullion rates.

    According to the  All-Pakistan Gems and Jewellers Sarafa Association (APGJSA), after the big rise seen in yellow metal’s rate in local market, the price of 24 karat gold was recorded at a new all-time high of Rs277,200 per tola on Wednesday.

    The latest rate is Rs200 per tola higher than the last record high observed in the month of September 2024.

    APGJSA said that the price of 10-gramme gold also increased by Rs1,886 to Rs237,654.

    In the last trading session, the precious metal’s price was recorded Rs700 per tola higher than Monday’s, clocking in at 275,000 per tola.

    Read more: Exchange rates: PKR drops over two paisa against US dollar

    On the international front, gold rate surged by $22 per ounce, as the APGJSA quoted the new rate at $2,675. This price also includes a premium of $20 per ounce.

    Silver prices in Pakistan witnessed no change and stayed at Rs3,050 per tola.

  • Theatre play ‘Chaturaee’ set for Urdu performance at World Culture Festival today

    Theatre play ‘Chaturaee’ set for Urdu performance at World Culture Festival today

    The theatre play ‘Chaturaee’ ‘ is set for Urdu performance at the World Culture Festival from today, October 16.

    The festival will be held at the Arts Council in Karachi in collaboration with Jang and Geo.

     ‘Chaturaee’  will be performed at 8 pm. This theatre play is based on the battle of wisdom and cunning between two women.

    World Culture Festival Karachi will continue till November 2 at the Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi, in which various programs are organised daily.

    Earlier, the sixteenth day of the festival included an evening of classical dance titled The Sound of Tinkling Bells, attended by the Consul General of Russia, Andrey Viktorovich Fedorov.

    Renowned dancer Sheema Kirmani started the performance with well-known poet Fahmida Riaz’s poem “Come Compatriots Dance” and enthralled the audience with other performances along with the group.

    A large number of classical dance enthusiasts watched the performances and applauded them.

  • Khawaja Asif reacts to Jemima’s Imran Khan plea

    Khawaja Asif reacts to Jemima’s Imran Khan plea

    Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has responded to Jemima Goldsmith’s post on X (formerly Twitter) concerning the health of the founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Imran Khan, in Adiala Jail Rawalpindi.

    Goldsmith, while alleging the incumbent government of misconduct towards Imran Khan in jail, wrote on X, “The Pakistan authorities have stopped all visits to him by his family and his lawyers. They have also postponed all court hearings.”

    The post sparked a strong reaction on social media.

    Responding to Jemima Goldsmith’s concern, Khawaja Asif said that Imran Khan was treated with constant leniency, adding that the incarcerated Khan had never shown mercy towards his opponents.

    Recalling the Imran Khan-led government’s aggressiveness towards the opposition, the Defence Minister claimed that former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif was not even allowed to phone call his wife Kulsoom Nawaz when she was on her deathbed while the opposition leader was in jail without any allegation.

    Similarly, British Journalist Piers Morgan also reacted to Jemima Goldsmith’s post, “This is outrageous, and appalling. Please RT Jemima’s tweet to raise awareness of this shocking development.”

    Asif stated that Piers Morgan was disappointed over the case of a convicted prisoner in Pakistan but turned a blind eye to the plight of thousands of Palestinian hostages in Zionist prisons and the brutal genocide in Gaza.

  • ‘Uncle na karo please’: singer of ‘Tauba Tauba’ begs to Chahat Fateh Ali

    ‘Uncle na karo please’: singer of ‘Tauba Tauba’ begs to Chahat Fateh Ali

    Social media sensation Chahat Fateh Ali Khan has gained fame by creating funny parodies of well-known Urdu and Punjabi songs.

    Khan, whose real name is Kashif Rana, went viral on social media in 2022, with his comical song videos attracting millions of followers on social media.

    He recently released the song ‘Toba Toba.’ This song is a copy of the popular Bollywood track ‘Tauba Tauba’ sung by Indian singer Karan Aujla.

    In Bollywood, the song was filmed with Vicky Kaushal, who became very popular online due to his dance moves.

    When Murtaza Ali Shah, a correspondent for Geo News in London, posted a video of Chahat Fateh Ali Khan’s new song on his Instagram account, even Indian singer Karan Aujla could not help but react to it.

    Commenting on the post, Karan Aujla wrote, “Uncle Na Karo Please,” along with a crying emoji.

    The post went viral after Karan Aujla’s comment, and many users liked and commented on the post.

    Earlier, he also stepped into the world of English music.

    Last year, he took the internet by storm when he released the music video for his single ‘Jeetain Ge Bhai Jeetay Ge’ for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup.

    He also captured hearts worldwide with his viral track ‘Bado Badi.’ Known for his quirky singing and comedic flair, the Pakistani-British artist has garnered a massive following across the country. However, his recent hit ‘Bado Badi,’ with a whopping 28 million views, faced copyright issues and was taken down from the site.

    Not only were Pakistani social media users using this song in their reels (short videos), but some Indian actors and users also made videos featuring it.

    However, Chahat Fateh Ali Khan has now made his English-speaking fans happy by stepping into the world of English music.

    A video goes viral on social media, where Khan is sitting in a hotel with an Englishman, along with other people, including some Pakistanis, who are recording a video of him.
    In the video, some of the people request Khan to sing a song in English for the Englishman sitting next to him. Chahat Fateh Ali Khan then shares that he is writing an English romantic song and proceeds to sing a few lines, receiving applause from the audience.

    The people present then asked the Englishman, “Are you a fan of Chahat Fateh Ali Khan?” to which he replied, “Yes, I’ve seen him on TikTok. I am a big fan.”

  • New fuel prices announced

    New fuel prices announced

    The government of Pakistan has announced the prices of petroleum products, under which the price of petrol will remain the same.

    Petrol price in Pakistan today

    The cost of gasoline per litre has been maintained at 247.3 Rupee while the price of diesel has been increased.

    The price of high-speed diesel has been increased by Rs 5 per litre, after which the new price of high-speed diesel has risen to 251. 29 Rupee per litre.

    According to the notification issued by the Ministry of Finance, the prices will be applicable from October 16 to October 31.

    Record increase in crude oil production:

    Apart from this, an increase in crude oil production in Pakistan has been recorded on a weekly basis. According to Pakistan Petroleum Information Service (PPIS) and industry data, the average daily output of crude oil in the country for the week ended September 30 was recorded at 63,898 barrels, which is one per cent higher than the previous week. The average daily production of crude oil was recorded at 63376 barrels.