Author: News Desk

  • Internet goes wild as AI videos show Govinda as Na’vi in Avatar 3

    Internet goes wild as AI videos show Govinda as Na’vi in Avatar 3

    Social media users have flooded the internet with AI-generated videos and images showing Bollywood actor Govinda as a blue Na’vi character in the highly anticipated film Avatar: Fire and Ash, sparking widespread confusion and nostalgia among fans.

    The viral content, which spread rapidly across platforms after the film’s release on December 19, shows the veteran Bollywood actor delivering his famous dialogues in the fictional alien form and even sharing scenes with protagonist Jake Sully.

    The videos are entirely fabricated using artificial intelligence technology, created purely for entertainment and engagement. However, the clever mashup of nostalgia and humor has captivated audiences online.

    One user wrote, “Show me a better Avatar than this.”

    Another user expressed disbelief, commenting, “Ain’t no way James Cameron convinced Govinda to do a cameo in Avatar 3.”

    “Finally Govinda Avatar,” wrote an excited fan, while another chimed in, “Govinda cameo in the Avatar Fire and Ash was unexpected.”

    One confused viewer even asked, “Govinda wala Avatar full movie kaha dekhne milega? sirf insta pe hi hai?” (Where can I watch the Govinda Avatar full movie? Is it only on Instagram?)

    The viral trend connects to an old interview where Govinda claimed he received an offer to appear in the original Avatar film but declined due to the lengthy shooting schedule and body paint requirements. He also claimed he suggested the film’s title.

    However, Govinda’s wife Sunita Ahuja cast doubt on his claims during a podcast appearance, stating she had no clear knowledge of such an offer.

    Avatar: Fire and Ash, the third installment in James Cameron’s blockbuster franchise, released on December 19, and features no actual appearance from Govinda.

  • Pakistan signs $4bn military equipment deal with Libyan National Army

    Pakistan signs $4bn military equipment deal with Libyan National Army

    Pakistan has signed a multi-billion-dollar agreement to supply conventional military equipment to the Libyan National Army (LNA), joining a select group of countries that export such arms.

    According to an international news agency, the deal, valued at over $4 billion, is among Pakistan’s largest weapons sales to date. It was finalised following a meeting last week in Benghazi between Chief of Defence Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir and LNA deputy commander-in-chief Saddam Khalifa Haftar, officials said.

    While the foreign ministry, defence ministry, and military did not respond to requests for comment, military officials described the agreement as “historic in terms of size and financial impact.”

    According to a copy of the agreement obtained by Reuters, Super Mushak trainer aircraft, which are used for basic pilot training, and JF-17 fighter fighters, which are jointly built by China and Pakistan, were purchased. The agreement also covers air, sea, and ground equipment over a 2.5-year period and may include more JF-17 fighter fighters, according to a Pakistani official.

    Libya has been subject to an arms embargo since 2011, which means that any transfers of weapons must be approved by the United Nations (UN). Senior Pakistani military officials defended the sale, noting that many Western and Middle Eastern states have supplied equipment to Libya despite the embargo.

     They described the restriction as a “paper embargo” and said the move aligns with the prime minister and army chief’s vision of an “export-driven, self-sustained economy.”

    Libya remains divided between the internationally-recognised Government of National Unity, led by Prime Minister Abdulhamid Dbeibah in the west, and Haftar’s LNA in the east and south, which controls major oilfields and does not recognise the Unity government.

    Libya’s continued instability after the 2011 NATO-backed uprising that overthrew Muammar Gaddafi means that any arms deal with the LNA is likely to be scrutinized.

    The LNA’s official media reported on Sunday that it had entered a defence cooperation pact with Pakistan, covering weapons sales, joint training, and military manufacturing, without providing further details. 

    Haftar said in a broadcast by Al-Hadath television, “We announce the launch of a new phase of strategic military cooperation with Pakistan.” Authorities in Benghazi did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

    Pakistan has been seeking to expand defence exports, leveraging decades of counterinsurgency experience and a domestic defence industry that includes aircraft production and overhaul, armoured vehicles, munitions, and naval construction. 

    Field Marshal Munir was quoted on Al-Hadath as saying, “Our recent war with India demonstrated our advanced capabilities to the world.”

  • Afghanistan to launch new T20 league in October 2026

    Afghanistan to launch new T20 league in October 2026

    The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has announced the launch of a new T20 competition, the Afghanistan Premier League (APL), scheduled to begin in October 2026.

    According to a press release issued by the Afghanistan Cricket Board, the inaugural season will feature franchises from five cities, showcasing prominent Afghan national players alongside international stars and emerging local talent.

    ACB Chairman Mirwais Ashraf unveiled the league at a launch ceremony in Dubai on Saturday.

    “The Afghanistan Premier League represents a significant advancement in our cricket journey. It will create new opportunities for our players, inspire the next generation, and highlight Afghan cricket on the global stage,” Ashraf stated.

    The tournament’s first season will take place in the United Arab Emirates in October 2026, with the player draft or auction expected in June or July 2026.

    The Afghanistan Cricket Board previously launched a tournament under the same name in early 2018, but only one season took place. That edition featured several world-renowned players including Chris Gayle, Brendan McCullum, and Shahid Afridi. 

    However, officials shut down the league due to payment issues and concerns about transparency.

    Afghanistan currently hosts the Shpageeza Cricket League, its domestic T20 competition, annually from July to August. Five domestic teams participate in that tournament.

    The new league by the same name is likely to have its draft around June-July 2026.

  • ‘Felt I was listening to Nusrat’: Viewers react to Shahzaman Ali Khan

    ‘Felt I was listening to Nusrat’: Viewers react to Shahzaman Ali Khan

    Rahat Fateh Ali Khan’s son Shahzaman Ali Khan left a huge impression on Pakistan Idol during episode 24 with his rendition of the iconic qawwali ‘Kise Da Yaar Na Vichre’, prompting an outpouring of nostalgic reactions online.

    The hit song was originally sung by the late Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, widely regarded as one of Pakistan’s greatest musical legends.

     Nusrat played a pivotal role in taking qawwali to global audiences, while his nephew Rahat Fateh Ali Khan went on to establish himself as a leading vocalist across classical, qawwali and playback singing.

    Viewers quickly made comparisons to the family’s renowned musical heritage when Shahzaman Ali Khan appeared on a national platform.

    As clips from the episode circulated on social media, several users remarked that Shahzaman’s voice carried shades of Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan. One listener wrote that his voice had “hints of the legendary qawwal,” while wishing him success for the future.

    Another user commented that “Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan’s music continues to live on,” calling it “a source of pride for Pakistanis,” and stating that “some artists never truly die, as their legacy survives through their work.”

    Some reactions pointed out that while Shahzaman’s voice “resembled that of the late maestro,” it would “continue to improve with time and experience.”

    Others focused on the emotional depth of “Kise Da Yaar Na Vichre,” saying the song was “powerful enough to move listeners to tears,” particularly those familiar with its Punjabi lyrics and classical composition.

    One comment described the performance as “deeply nostalgic,” adding that it “felt like listening to Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan again,” while another praised Shahzaman as “a promising young talent carrying the family’s musical heritage forward.”

    A few viewers also linked the performance to personal memories, with one recalling that it “took them back to their childhood days of watching classic PTV drama Dhuwan in the 1990s.”

    While comparisons to Nusrat and Rahat Fateh Ali Khan remain inevitable, many viewers appeared appreciative of Shahzaman Ali Khan’s early steps into the spotlight, viewing his Pakistan Idol appearance as a respectful nod to a legacy that continues to resonate with audiences.

  • PCB chairman files ICC complaint over Indian players’ behavior in U19 Asia Cup final

    PCB chairman files ICC complaint over Indian players’ behavior in U19 Asia Cup final

    Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has lodged a formal complaint with the International Cricket Council (ICC) regarding Indian players’ conduct during the Under-19 Asia Cup final.

    Speaking to media at a reception hosted by the Prime Minister in Islamabad to honor the Asian Under-19 champion team, Naqvi addressed the incidents that marred Sunday’s final in Dubai.

    “Politics and sports should remain separate. Yesterday, Indian players kept provoking our players throughout the match. We are informing the ICC about this matter,” Naqvi stated.

    Pakistan Under-19 team mentor Sarfaraz Ahmed criticized India’s approach to the game, emphasizing the contrast in sportsmanship between the two sides.

    “India’s behavior regarding the sport was not good at all. The Indian team adopted unethical conduct,” Sarfaraz said. “We celebrated our victory with sportsmanship spirit. The team delivered excellent cricket and displayed outstanding teamwork.”

    The former Pakistan captain stressed the importance of maintaining standards in cricket. “Competition in cricket must always be accompanied by ethics and respect at the highest level,” he added.

    Pakistan secured the Asia Cup title with a commanding 191-run victory over India in Dubai on Sunday, thanks to Samir Minhas’s brilliant batting performance.

    Pakistan’s Under-19 cricket team received a spectacular welcome at Islamabad International Airport upon their return. PCB Chief Operating Officer Samir Ahmad Syed, Director of High Performance Aaqib Javed, and other cricket board officials greeted the players and support staff upon arrival.

    A massive crowd of cricket fans gathered at the airport to celebrate the young champions, with the occasion marked by a stunning fireworks display.

    Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif rewarded Pakistan’s young cricket heroes with PKR 10 million each after their dominant Asia Cup victory.

    Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir also met the Pakistan Under-19 cricket team at the General Headquarters to congratulate them on their historic triumph.

  • Internet bashes BJP councillor for telling African to leave if he can’t speak Hindi

    Internet bashes BJP councillor for telling African to leave if he can’t speak Hindi

    Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) councillor Renu Chaudhary faces massive online backlash after a video shows her threatening an African national to learn Hindi or leave Delhi.

    The video, now viral on social media, captures Chaudhary confronting a group of people in a Delhi park. She loudly questions why the African man has not learned Hindi despite living in India and warns him of serious consequences.

    Chaudhary gives the man a one-month ultimatum to learn Hindi, threatening that authorities will take the park away from him if he fails. She tells the group they need to take her seriously and insists this is not a laughing matter. She says in Hindi, “If you are earning from India, you must learn to speak Hindi.”

    The video shows her pointing at someone off camera while warning about park rules. She demands the park close by 8 pm and says any criminal activity will make them responsible.

    Social media users tore into the councillor’s behavior.

    One user wrote, “What’s the Indian name that’s equivalent to Karen? Pooja? Sangjeeta? Kashma?”

    Another user took a shot at her logic: “She should have told Messi not to come to India cause he can’t speak Hindi.”

    “After one month the councillor will teach football,” someone mocked.

    One user called out the language politics: “Why they always want to impose Hindi everywhere, creating conflicts among people.”

    Another comment stated, “Such people are voted by the Andhbhakts, they can only choose jokers not workers.”

    The strongest criticism came from a user who wrote, “Harassing a dedicated coach who’s helped kids for 12 years over Hindi? Shame on Renu Chaudhary and her backward mindset. “

  • Olivia Rodrigo, Louis Partridge split after two years

    Olivia Rodrigo, Louis Partridge split after two years

    Popstar Olivia Rodrigo and British actor Louis Partridge have reportedly parted ways after nearly two years of dating, media reports have claimed. 

    Sources quoted by news outlets claim the couple decided to go their separate ways several weeks ago after a challenging period for both, opting to keep the split out of the public eye.

    According to the report, Rodrigo appeared visibly emotional at a recent holiday gathering in London, where friends were seen rallying around her. 

    The singer is said to have privately acknowledged the breakup in conversations with close circles, though neither she nor Partridge have made a public statement confirming the separation.

    Partridge, who gained global recognition through Netflix’s Enola Holmes franchise and House of Guinness, had previously spoken positively about the relationship. 

    In a September interview with Variety, he described their bond as “really happy” and brushed off concerns about being labelled solely in relation to Rodrigo’s fame.

    No official comments have been issued by representatives for either star, and both have remained silent on social media, leaving the breakup unconfirmed beyond media reports.

    The reported split comes at a high point in Rodrigo’s career, following a year marked by headline performances at major international festivals, including Glastonbury and British Summer Time in London.

     Fans have already begun speculating whether her recent personal experiences could shape the themes of her future music, a pattern familiar to listeners of her emotionally driven work.

    Partridge, meanwhile, continues to build momentum in his acting career, with several upcoming film and television projects lined up. 

    Until either party addresses the matter directly, the reported breakup remains based on media sources rather than official confirmation.

  • Hollywood star Nick Jonas honors Pakistani pop icon

    Hollywood star Nick Jonas honors Pakistani pop icon

    The late Pakistani pop legend Nazia Hassan received an unexpected tribute from Hollywood superstar Nick Jonas, sparking excitement across social media. 

    The singer-songwriter and actor shared a short pre-show video from his JONAS20 Greetings From Your Hometown Tour, dancing to Nazia’s iconic track Aap Jaisa Koi alongside his wife Priyanka Chopra and brothers Kevin and Joe Jonas.

    The clip, posted on Instagram with the caption “tonight’s pre-show hype song,” captured the family trio vibing to the subcontinent’s first pop sensation just moments before taking the stage at UBS Arena in Belmont Park, New York, on Sunday, December 21.

    Fans immediately flooded the comments, thrilled to see the Jonas brothers honoring a Pakistani musical icon, whose career shaped pop music in South Asia. 

    The video follows the brothers’ viral Shararat clip earlier this month, which had already drawn reactions from Bollywood stars including Ranveer Singh, Aditya Dhar, Ayesha Khan, and Krystal D’Souza.

    Known as the Sweetheart of Pakistan, Nazia Hassan continues to be one of the finest musicians in the country. On August 13, 2000, the singer-songwriter and lawyer passed away of cancer at the age of 35.
     

    Her chart-topping hits such as Disco Deewane, Dosti, Boom Boom, Aankhen Milane Wale, and Dum Dum Dee Dee cemented her place in South Asian music history, making her tribute by an international star all the more remarkable.


    With Nick Jonas bringing Nazia’s music to a global stage, fans and music enthusiasts alike are celebrating the legacy of a pioneer who continues to inspire generations.

  • Bondi Beach attackers trained in Australia, visited site day before assault: reports

    Bondi Beach attackers trained in Australia, visited site day before assault: reports

    New details have emerged in the investigation of the Sydney terror attack that killed 15 people at Bondi Beach.

    According to foreign media reports, Australian police have submitted documents to the court revealing that Indian-origin attackers Sajid Akram and his son Naveed Akram received tactical training in Australia and visited Bondi Beach one day before the deadly assault.

    The investigation uncovered a video on one attacker’s phone showing both suspects sitting in front of an ISIS flag. The video, recorded in October, shows both men expressing anti-Jewish sentiments.

    Police documents confirm the father and son carried out technical training within Australia before executing the attack on participants of a Jewish festival at Sydney’s Bondi Beach last week.

    Media reports indicate authorities transferred the injured attacker Naveed Akram from hospital to prison today.

    The attack on Decemeber 14, left 15 people dead. Police killed Sajid Akram at the scene, while his son Naveed Akram sustained injuries during the assault.

    Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has demanded full parliamentary support for new laws against extremist and hate speech following the attack.

  • Here’s how much Lionel Messi earned from his India tour

    Here’s how much Lionel Messi earned from his India tour

    Argentine football icon Lionel Messi earned a huge payday during his three-day visit to India.

    Tour organiser Satadru Dutta revealed that Messi earned approximately INR900 million (PKR2.835 billion) for the tour, which kicked off with a disastrous reception in Kolkata.

    Indian media has reported, citing sources, that Messi received INR890 million (PKR2.8035 billion) for the tour, while the Indian government collected INR11 million (PKR34.65 million) in taxes. Organisers spent at least INR100 million (PKR315 million) on arrangements, with sponsors covering 30 percent of the costs.

    Dutta admitted that despite the hefty fee, Messi appeared unhappy throughout the tour. Organisers failed to keep spectators at a safe distance from the athlete, which frustrated the Argentine superstar.

    The revelation comes as authorities investigate disruptions at Messi’s appearance at Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium. Spectators threw chairs and vandalised the venue during the event.

    Reports revealed that Messi grew “unhappy with being touched or hugged” by spectators who breached security protocols. The football legend’s discomfort stemmed from organisers’ inability to control the crowds.

    The inquiry also uncovered that West Bengal’s sports minister used his influence to grant his relatives and personal acquaintances access to Messi.

    Authorities have frozen INR20 million (PKR63 million) in Satadru’s account. 

    He claims the amount came from ticket sales for Messi’s events in Kolkata and Hyderabad, along with sponsor contributions.