Author: News Desk

  • Imran Khan is in jail for 10 years: what does he want you to do?

    Imran Khan is in jail for 10 years: what does he want you to do?

    In a recent message issued from jail, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founding chairman Imran Khan has told his supporters what to do in case he is sentenced in the cipher case.

    Former Prime Minister Imran Khan and senior PTI leader Shah Mahmood Qureshi were sentenced to 10 years each in the cipher case today. Judge Abual Hasnat Muhammad Zulqarnain heard delivered the verdict orally at the Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi.

    Khan expressed concerns about the ongoing trial and other alleged false cases in a post on X (former Twitter). He highlighted the challenges faced in ensuring a fair trial, emphasizing the manipulation of legal proceedings and attempts to prematurely conclude the case.

    “Cipher case has twice been declared null and void by the Islamabad High Court followed by orders of a retrial because both times this case was being tried outside of law and constitution,” Prime Minister Khan stated.

    He further pointed out that despite the central witnesses’ testimonies yielding no substantial evidence against him and Shah Mahmood Qureshi, the orchestrators of the ‘London Plan’ seem determined to conclude the trial without following proper legal procedures.

    “It’s not a trial; it’s a fixed match, with results predetermined by the architects of the London Plan and their cohorts. Hence, I am aware of the outcome even before the trial concludes,” Khan asserted.

    Addressing his supporters, Khan cautioned against falling into the trap set by those who wish to exploit the situation for their interests. He urged them to stay vigilant and not be swayed by provocations aiming to incite protests on the streets.

    “Some want me to receive a harsh punishment in this case to fuel public outrage, leading to street protests akin to the May 8 scenario. Others hope for a sense of despair and disappointment among you, keeping you confined to your homes on February 8,” he stated.

    Khan called upon the people to view the situation as a test of their resilience and commitment to justice. He reminded them of the power of their vote, urging them to stand against the manipulative forces and ensure a fair electoral process.

    “My faith is that just as you broke free from the chains of fear in the past, you will come out in millions on election day, defeating the architects of the London Plan and showing them that we are not helpless animals to be herded. I believe February 8 will be a day of victory, Insha’Allah,” concluded Prime Minister Imran Khan.

    What is a Cipher case?

    Imran Khan faced allegations that he violated the Official Secrets Act when he disclosed a secret diplomatic cable, called the Cipher. This was sent by Pakistan’s embassy in Washington in March 2022. Khan reportedly lost possession of the diplomatic cable later.

    Both Khan and Qureshi claimed that the cable had a threat from the US to topple the PTI government which was then in power in Pakistan.

    Khan was ousted from the prime ministerial office in April 2022 after a no-confidence vote. Since being relieved of the premier post, more than 150 cases have been slapped against him.

  • ECP to complete printing of ballot papers by February 2

    ECP to complete printing of ballot papers by February 2

    The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) said on Tuesday that it will complete the process of printing ballot papers by February 2, as the upcoming elections are set to take place on February 8, 2024.

    Electoral authorities directed security officials to deliver ballot papers in all provinces across the country.

    The ECP spokesperson said that three government press institutes are currently printing ballot papers, and the process is going well.

    “The printing work, which started on January 16 after the allotment of election symbols by returning officers (ROs), will be completed in the next four days, i.e. by February 2,” the ECP official said.

    He also stated that returning officers (ROs) and district administrations have started the delivery process of ballot papers with the help of security officials. The ballot papers will be delivered by both road and air.    

    Other than that, the ECP official also said that people can send SMS at 8300 to get information about their polling station.

    Voters will have to send their identity card number to 8300 to get their vote information. All voters have been requested to get details of their and their families’ votes on time so that they do not face any problems finding polling stations.

  • ‘Mujhay shouq hai kawwon se batein karne ka’; Man calling crows goes viral

    ‘Mujhay shouq hai kawwon se batein karne ka’; Man calling crows goes viral

    Heartthrob actor Ahsan Khan recently shared a video of a guard who is fond of calling out to crows and it will be the most baffling thing you will ever see.

    In the video, Ahsan showed a clear sky to indicate that there are no crows flying about in the sky nor are they perched on trees. He then lets the man do magic with his voice. The man shouts out as if he is cawing. Within seconds, the sky gets filled with a large number of crows, all gearing up to settle on the trees around.

    Ahsan expressed amazement after seeing the crows. To this, the security guard humbly says, “Mujhay shouq hai inn say baatein karne ka”, implying that he loves talking to the birds.

  • Guitarist, music maestro Adnan Afaq passes away

    Guitarist, music maestro Adnan Afaq passes away

    Famous Pakistani guitarist Adnan Afaq passed away in Karachi yesterday. The Arts Council of Pakistan confirmed the sad news on their official Instagram account. Adnan Afaq had been battling stomach cancer and was getting treatment at a private hospital in Karachi.

    Adnan Afaq was not only a renowned guitarist but also the Head of the Music Department at the Arts Council of Pakistan. He taught music to many talented young artists, helping them enter the music scene in Pakistan.
    For many years, Adnan Afaq contributed to the music industry in Pakistan. The Arts Council of Pakistan honored his services at the conclusion of its first Alumni Festival.

  • After Ayodhya, Hindutva leaders now targeting muslim dargah in Mumbai

    After Ayodhya, Hindutva leaders now targeting muslim dargah in Mumbai

    Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has ignited controversy by announcing his intent to “liberate” the 700-year-old Haji Malang dargah, a historic Muslim shrine situated on the outskirts of Mumbai, exclusively for Hindus. The shrine, known for its Sufi heritage and cultural significance, has become the focal point of a heated religious dispute.


    After the inauguration of Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has invoked a significant amount of “divine” support from his followers for upcoming elections. The next target to double the effect is the Sufi shrine. This is aimed to polarize the voters even more.


    CM Shinde while speaking at the annual Malang-gad Harinam Mahotsav in Thane distinct, broke away from the late Bal Thackeray’s Shiv Sena to lead a BJP-backed coalition, said he is “committed to liberate Malang-gad”, adding he would not rest till he has fulfilled the promise.


    Malang-gad (’gad’ means a fort in Marathi) is famous for its 12th-century shrine of Sufi saint Haji Abdul Rahman, popularly known as ‘Haji Malang’. According to Kashmir Media Service, Haji Malang dargah, atop a hill, is believed to house the tomb of an Arab missionary who arrived in India over seven centuries ago. On the contrary, Hindus believe the place holds the samadhi of Machindranath, a revered deity in the Nathpanthi sect, which was later converted into a dargah.


    An article published in The Times of India on Feb 14, 1993 reveals the arrest of Thane’s top Shiv Sena leader late Anand Dighe while leading an agitation demanding the renaming of Malang-gad as Shri Malang. Dighe was Mr Shinde’s mentor and the promise to liberate Malang-gad is a logical political move on the chief minister’s part to claim his master’s legacy, quotes Dawn.


    Nasir Khan, chairman of the Peer Haji Malang Saheb Trust, refers to the Gazetteer of Bombay Presidency which mentions the structure as the shrine built in honour of Arab missionary Haji Abd-ul-Rahman. “It is only in the 1980s that the Shiv Sena began making claims of it being a Hindu temple. If it was a Hindu temple, why did the Peshwa kings send gifts to the shrine?” asks Mr Khan.
    According to the chairman of the Trust, Haji Malang is equally revered by Hindu and Muslims. He says that even Christians and Parsis visit the shrine to seek blessings.

  • Shehzad Roy tweets about ‘time flying’; fans have hilarious reaction

    Shehzad Roy tweets about ‘time flying’; fans have hilarious reaction

    We all know Shehzad Roy is refusing to age. While the world marches past him on the endless loop of time, the singer, social worker, and humanitarian stays put, refusing to let time ravage him. Roy, actively involved in promoting education and child rights through his organization, Zindagi Trust, is revered and adored for his altruistic projects and, you know, being ageless.

    Recently he took to his X (formerly Twitter) account and shares a photo with Fatima, who he said is like a little sister to him. He wrote: “Fatima, just like my younger sister, grew up in front of me, and now she’s stepping into a new chapter as she gets married. Time flies so fast. May she stay happy always, and all my best wishes are with her.”

    Well, the photo and post was adorable enough but Roy’s reference to time flying triggered his fans into reminding him that time has no effect on him.

    Here are some funny reactions from twitter:

  • Mona Lisa gets souped as protest

    Mona Lisa gets souped as protest

    During a protest in the French capital Paris, two demonstrators threw soup at the famous painting of the Mona Lisa, preserved in glass, and demanded that French citizens be given the “right to healthy food”.

    According to the Louvre Museum, the painting was not damaged, the protective glass in front of it taking the brunt of the impact. A viral video shows two female protesters, wearing T-shirts, throwing soup on the painting.

    The protestors then stood in front of the painting and said, “What is more important? Art or the right to healthy and sustainable food?, Your agricultural system is sick, our farmers are dying”.

    A group called Food Counter-Attack later claimed responsibility for the stunt, saying in a statement on X (formerly Twitter) that the protest was part of efforts to provide general social protection for food.

    The group also called for a food card worth 150 euros to be provided to citizens every month to be used for food.

    Meanwhile, French Culture Minister Richida Dati said that “no reason” can justify targeting the Mona Lisa, calling France’s historical heritage.

  • ‘Virat Kohli spat on me during India tour’; Dean Elgar’s startling revelation

    ‘Virat Kohli spat on me during India tour’; Dean Elgar’s startling revelation

    Former South Africa batsman Dean Elgar has alleged that India’s star batsman, Virat Kohli, spat on him during his first tour of the South Asian country.

    Elgar, who recently retired from Test cricket, when Kohli spat at him, he too responded in kind. The former opening batsman immediately reacted and threatened to hit the then Indian captain with his bat.

    Speaking in a podcast, Dean Elgar said that, “The first time I faced Kohli in India, the wickets there were a joke and was difficult to play at that level.”

    When he came to the crease to bat, Elgar narrated, he had trouble playing Ashwin and Jadeja while Kohli spat at him.

    “I told Virat Kohli if you keep doing this, I will hit you with this bat,” the former batsman told the host of The Boys podcast.

    “However, when you play in India, you have to be a bit careful,” said the former South African batsman.

    Notably, Dean Elgar came to play Test matches for the first time in 2015 on a tour of an Asian country. In the same year, Virat became the full-time captain of the Indian Test team.

  • PSL season 9: All teams announced the names of their supplementary players

    PSL season 9: All teams announced the names of their supplementary players

    All the franchises of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) have announced the names of their supplementary and replacement players for season 9.

    In the supplementary round, Multan Sultans have selected West Indies’ Johnson Charles, while nineteen-year-old Mohammad Shahzad will join Multan Sultans. Lahore Qalandars have made Tayyab Abbas and Karachi Kings 21-year-old Muhammad Roheed a part of their team. Peshawar Zalmi drafted left-arm spinner Sufyan Moqim.

    Peshawar Zalmi has selected Waqar Salam Khel in the silver category for Lungi Ngidi, and fast bowler Khurram Shehzad has been selected in the silver category due to the partial availability of fast bowler Arshad Iqbal. In contrast, Peshawar Zalmi has selected England’s Gus Atkinson in place of Noor Ahmed. Selected. Naveen-ul-Haq of Afghanistan will be partially available, the team has reserved the right to select.

    Rashid Khan will not be available for Lahore Qalandars, the team has reserved the right to select him, while Dean Lawrence will be partially available to the franchise, Islamabad United’s Tom Curran will also be partially available, on which the team will choose him. The right has been reserved. Fast bowler Luke Wood was selected by Peshawar Zalmi Obaid McCoy by Islamabad United

    Karachi Kings have hired Zahid Mahmood as a partial replacement for Kieron Pollard, New Zealand’s Tim Seifert will be available to Karachi Kings after the New Zealand series. Karachi Kings picked up English middle-order batsman Leus du Plooy
    and Sri Lankan batsman Bhanuka Rajapakse. Vanundu Hasringa will be partially available for the Sri Lanka series where Quetta Gladiators have replaced Vanundu Hasringa with Bismillah Khan. took Quetta Gladiators have made English batsman Laurie Evans a part of the squad.

  • State Bank of Pakistan unveils plans for new currency notes with international security features

    State Bank of Pakistan unveils plans for new currency notes with international security features

    The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) on Monday announced plans to issue new currency notes featuring international security features. 

    The central bank assured a seamless transition, avoiding disruptions akin to India’s 2016 demonetisation. 

    Governor Jameel Ahmad stated that the new notes would have updated serial numbers, designs, and heightened security features. The design framework is expected to be finalised by March.

    The decision, prompted by concerns over counterfeit currency, was cautiously welcomed by financial experts. 

    CEO Khurram Schehzad acknowledged the move as a “positive development” but cautioned against premature assessment. 

    He emphasised the need to address higher-denomination notes and questioned their effectiveness, citing challenges faced by countries like India after demonetisation.

    Schehzad underscored the importance of evaluating the impact on black money, highlighting the public’s inclination to convert cash into alternative assets amidst inflation. 

    He urged the SBP to consider reducing the number of higher-denomination notes in circulation to address economic concerns, emphasising the role of controlled currency printing in curbing inflation.