Tag: Top News

  • Maryam Nawaz’s iftar with prisoners in Kot Lakhpat Jail sparks debate

    Maryam Nawaz’s iftar with prisoners in Kot Lakhpat Jail sparks debate

    The newly-elected Chief Minister of Punjab, Maryam Nawaz, broke her fast on Sunday with prisoners of the central jail in Lahore in Kot Lakhpath. She visited the prisoners in jail, after having been imprisoned there herself in the past.

    Videos released by her party showed her taking iftar with prisoners, giving them gifts and clothes, and providing Rs 15,000 in monetary assistance. 

    People on X (previously Twitter) appreciated that Maryam Nawaz extended her support to prisoners in jail. However, some people are also criticising the iftar as a publicity venture, stating that putting up banners of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) in jail is wrong.

    A video shared by Punjab Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb showed the CM Maryam visiting different sections of the jail and planting a tree in the garden on the occasion. Besides meeting the prison officials, Maryam also spoke to the prisoners and asked about their issues and problems.

    Biryani, samosas, pakoras, fruits, and other savoury items were included in Iftar’s menu.

    Earlier, Maryam Nawaz inaugurated a 20-bed hospital for drug addicts inside the prison.

  • Why did negotiations end between PTI and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Parliamentarians?

    Why did negotiations end between PTI and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Parliamentarians?

    Habib Orakzai, the Secretary General of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Parliamentarians (PTIP), disclosed the reasons behind the breakdown of negotiations with PTI.

    While talking to Geo News, Orakzai revealed that the secretary general of the Insaf Lawyer’s forum, Moazzam Butt contacted him.

    “It was discussed in the meeting that it would be great if PTI and PTIP make a coalition government in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa,” he said.

    According to Orakzai, two rounds of negotiations took place at the wish of PTI representatives Ali Amin Gandapur and Assad Qaiser, where PTI presented two conditions. He also revealed that both talked to him over a phone call.

    Orakzai revealed that the first condition was the resignation of Pervez Khattak, which was agreed upon, and subsequently, Khattak tendered his resignation.

    In round two of the discussions, the president of the Insaf Lawyer’s Forum, Shadab Jaffri, discussed everything in detail with Hamid Khan and then came for discussion with Orakzai.

    The second condition was the resignation of women from reserve seats, which was also accepted, leading to their resignations being submitted to the Election Commission.

    It was then communicated that there was a meeting with Imran Khan, founding chairman of PTI, in Aidala Jail the following day.

    Orakzai stated that a press conference was held with the Sunni Ittehad Council at 5 minutes past 4 the next day.

    The revelation sheds light on the intricacies of the negotiation process within PTI and hints at underlying tensions within the party’s leadership.

  • Squid Game star found guilty of sexual misconduct

    Squid Game star found guilty of sexual misconduct

    South Korea’s Squid Game actor O Yeong-su has been found guilty of sexual misconduct, a local court said Friday, after he was charged with assaulting a woman in 2017.

    The 79-year-old in 2022 became the first South Korean to win a Golden Globe Award for best supporting actor in a series for his performance as a seemingly vulnerable old man in the mega-hit Netflix dystopian thriller.

    The actor was sentenced to eight months in prison, suspended for two years, the Seongnam Branch of the Suwon District Court told AFP.

    He has been also ordered to complete 40 hours of classes on sexual violence, the court added.

    The victim’s own records of the assault and her claims are “consistent … and appear to be statements that cannot be made without actually experiencing them,” judge Jeong Yeon-ju said, according to the court.

    O was indicted in 2022 without detention on charges of sexually assaulting a woman, who has not been identified, on two occasions.

    The incidents took place when O was staying in a rural area for a theatre performance in 2017, on a walking path and in front of the victim’s residence, respectively, according to the Suwon District Court. Squid Game, a series that depicts a dark world where marginalised individuals are forced to compete in deadly versions of traditional children’s games, quickly gained immense popularity on 
    Netflix.

    Within less than four weeks of its release in 2021, it attracted a staggering 111 million viewers.

    The show’s success has amplified South Korea’s increasingly outsized influence on global popular culture, following global fame won by the likes of K-pop band BTS and the Oscar-winning film Parasite.

    Multiple figures in South Korea’s film industry — including late filmmaker Kim Ki-duk and actor Cho Jae-hyun — have faced sexual assault allegations.

  • Fatima Bhutto becomes mother to baby boy

    Fatima Bhutto becomes mother to baby boy

    Fatima Bhutto, author and the granddaughter of former prime minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, announced the birth of her baby boy on Saturday. She has named her son Mir Murtaza Byra, after her father Mir Murtaza Bhutto.

    The writer shared the good news via her account on X and wrote, “Graham and I are so happy to share the news of the birth of our baby boy.”

    The internationally acclaimed writer also shared an elaborate social media post, revealing the name she picked for her son and explaining her reasons behind the choice.

    “We wanted to give our son a name that would bestow him with courage and kindness as he makes his way through the world. I wanted a name that would act as an inspiration to him in his life but also one that would cloak him in love and strength, a name that he could wear with the knowledge that it was given to him from deep within his mother’s heart and soul to protect him throughout his life, to give him in equal measure both grace and fearlessness, a sense of his homeland and of joy,” she wrote.

    Sharing her feelings regarding the naming her child, Fatima stated: “Every time I thought of what name might do that, I always came back to my beloved father’s name.”

    She also asked her fans and followers to pray for her family during this happy time.

  • Jannat Mirza, Alishba, Ken Doll enjoy iftar together

    Jannat Mirza, Alishba, Ken Doll enjoy iftar together

    Jannat Mirza and Alishba Anjum, two famous Pakistani social media influencers, are spending Ramadan in Faisalabad with their family.

    Both the influencers extended an invitation to viral social media sensation Adnan Zafar, widely known as Ken Doll Dubai, to join them for a special iftari. The trio seem to be enjoying a wonderful meal and engaged in lively conversation.

    Here are some pictures from their enjoyable Aftari:

  • Iqrar Ul Hassan reveals which wife holds his heart closest

    Iqrar Ul Hassan reveals which wife holds his heart closest

    Television host Iqrar ul Hassan is known for his show Sar E Aam and having three wives.

    During a recent appearance on Wasi Shah’s show, Iqrar and Qurutulain opened up about their relationship and feelings. Qurutulain expressed her confidence in their bond, stating, “I am not an insecure person. I’ve always believed that Iqrar’s love for me will never fade.” She emphasized her trust in him, adding, “I don’t feel the need to check up on Iqrar. Some wives are always trying to check their husbands’ phones, but that’s not something I relate to.”

    When questioned about his deepest romantic affections, excluding familial ties, Iqrar responded with certainty, saying, “Everyone knows that I love Annie the most.” He elaborated, “She is my first love, and no one can ever replace her. This is common knowledge among all my relationships.”

  • Ali Gul Mallah gets emotional: The story behind his tears

    Ali Gul Mallah gets emotional: The story behind his tears

    In a recent podcast chat with Ghazal Siddique, Ali Gul Mallah, a well-known figure in Sindhi entertainment for over 27 years, revealed a side of himself few had seen before. Mallah, who became famous for his role in the drama ‘Ishq Murshid,’ talked openly about his life’s ups and downs.

    While actors like Bilal Abbas Khan and Durefishan were already famous, Mallah’s character quickly won hearts in ‘Ishq Murshid,’ making him a new favorite among fans. But beyond his on-screen success, Mallah’s life has its share of struggles and dreams.

    During the podcast, Mallah expressed gratitude for his achievements, saying they were blessings from Allah. He also shared a heartfelt wish to go on a pilgrimage to Umrah with his family, showing his strong faith and devotion.

    But Mallah’s heart also goes out to those facing hard times. He talked about feeling sad when he sees people who were once well-off but are now struggling.

    “I also broke into tears when I talked about my village and extended family. If I ever get a lot of money, I would like to help my family who have faced the worst ever conditions financially.” With emotion evident in his voice, he shared his dream, saying, “I would also like to make a village where people will have all the fundamental rights.”

  • Bilawal Bhutto approves names of candidates from Sindh for senate polls

    Bilawal Bhutto approves names of candidates from Sindh for senate polls

    Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, Chairman of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), has greenlighted Senate election candidates from Sindh.

    As per details, Kazim Shah, Ashraf Jatoi, and Masroor Ahsan will be the party candidates for the general seats. Meanwhile, Nadeem Bhutto, Sarfraz Rajar, and Dost Ali will also be candidates for general seats.

    Anny Marri and Rubina Qaimkhani will be candidates for female seats.

    Barrister Zamir Ghumro and Sarmad Ali will be the candidates for the technocrat seats.

    However, the PPP and Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) will help each other in senate polls. As per the report of SAMAA, PPP will support JUI-F in Balochistan,Bilawal Bhutto approves names of candidates from Sindh for senate polls

  • Saudi Crown Prince MBS reaffirms support for Pakistan to CM Shehbaz

    Saudi Crown Prince MBS reaffirms support for Pakistan to CM Shehbaz

    Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s steadfast support for Pakistan during a congratulatory phone call with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who assumed office earlier this month.

    The crown prince congratulated the prime minister on his re-election, a PM Office press release said.
    Prime Minister Shehbaz thanked the Saudi crown prince for the telephone call as well as the warm message of greetings he had sent immediately after he had assumed office.
    The prime minister also conveyed his sincerest wishes and prayers for the health and well-being of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz.

    Highlighting the historic and fraternal ties between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, PM Shehbaz praised the Saudi government’s unwavering commitment and support for Pakistan. He also extended blessings for the month of Ramadan to the Saudi leadership and people, praying for peace and prosperity for Muslims worldwide.

    Furthermore, PM Shehbaz extended an official invitation to the crown prince to visit Pakistan at his earliest convenience, expressing the anticipation of a warm welcome from the people of Pakistan.

    The invitation was well received by MBS, who acknowledged the “kind sentiments” and the eagerness of the Pakistani people.

  • Sirajul Haq warns against privatising state institutions   

    Sirajul Haq warns against privatising state institutions   

    Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Emir Sirajul Haq has warned against the privatisation of state institutions on Friday, as per SAMMA.

    Sirajul Huq criticised the newly-elected government by saying that “the government is holding talks with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on more slavery rather than securing the next tranche.”

    “The privatisation of state institutions is unfair to the masses. The country’s economy cannot afford the privatisation,” Haq said.

    He also called on the global community to play a role in the Gaza ceasefire. “No strategy has been formulated in the assembly for the protection of the people of Gaza.”

    “I was of the view that Nawaz Sharif and Shehbaz Sharif would do something to save the people of Gaza.”