Current Final

Author: News Desk

  • Pakistan eyes ‘Digital Nation’ status as IT investments cross $700m

    Pakistan eyes ‘Digital Nation’ status as IT investments cross $700m

    Pakistan is accelerating its drive to become a “Digital Nation,” prioritising IT expansion, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity, Federal Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja said on Sunday. 

    She noted that the country has already attracted over US$700 million in international digital investments. 

    Speaking to participants at the National Defence University’s 27th National Security Workshop, Khawaja stated that Pakistan’s economic security, strategic stability, and international competitiveness now heavily depend on the digital sector. 

    Parliamentarians, entrepreneurs, journalists, and members of civil society came together for the workshop.

    Khawaja listed the government’s main projects, which include 43 Software Technology Parks, 85 incubators, eight National Incubation Centers, two CEGA centers, more than 400 tech companies operating inside converted malls, and support for more than 4,100 startups through international partnerships with the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Azerbaijan, Germany, and Jordan.


    She also highlighted important national initiatives including the Prime Minister’s Cloud Programme, DigiSkills 3.0, which is training 4.3 million Pakistanis, the Pakistan Startup Fund, BridgeStart, which sends Pakistani companies to international accelerators, and the SkillTech Initiative. 

    Additional reforms include TikTok’s STEM Feed, Meta’s AI-in-Urdu project, revamped IT and AI curricula, and a semiconductor program that trains 7,200 workers.

    Pakistan has taken part in international events such as GITEX Global 2025, WAIC Shanghai, LEAP Riyadh, the DCO General Assembly in Amman, and the AI for Good Summit in Geneva.

     Khawaja added that Google has completed the formalities to open its office in Pakistan and has signed an MoU to support national digital-skills development.

    The minister also commended Pakistan’s cybersecurity performance during Marka-e-Haq, attributing the success to coordinated efforts between the armed forces, the government, and the private sector under Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal General Syed Asim Munir.

    Khawaja concluded by reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to building a secure, modern, and globally competitive digital nation.

  • ‘I will do it again’: Talha Anjum fires back at critics after waving Indian flag during concert

    ‘I will do it again’: Talha Anjum fires back at critics after waving Indian flag during concert

    Singer Talha Anjum has responded to the intense backlash he faced after waving an Indian flag during a performance in Nepal.

    The 30-year-old rapper, known for his blunt attitude and quick temper, performed in front of a massive audience when a fan handed him the Indian flag. Anjum draped it over his back, and the clip spread rapidly across Pakistani platforms.

    Critics reminded him that Indian platforms, including YouTube and Spotify, removed his tracks earlier this year after tensions rose between Pakistan and India in May. 

    They questioned why he chose to show affection to a country where the government has “banned” him.

    Anjum responded directly on X (formerly Twitter) and refused to back down. He wrote, “My heart has no place for hate. My art has no borders. If me raising an Indian flag sparks controversy so be it. I will do it again. I will never care about the media, the war mongering governments and their propagandas. Urdu rap is and will always be borderless.”

    His post triggered a flood of reactions.

    One user commented, “If you had raised both Pakistani and Indian flags together then your words had weight.”

    Another user mocked him, saying, “Views nahi aa rahe kya bhai,” while someone added, “Phir bhi kam nahi mily ga.”

    But not everyone criticised him. Some users defended Anjum’s stance and said art should rise above borders.

    One user wrote, “Raising any country’s flag won’t make you anti-Pakistan.”

    Another encouraged him, adding, “Keep spreading love. Ignore the hate. Real art connects hearts, not divides us.”

    A user praised him, saying, “I support you Talha. A confident nation does not panic over symbolism, it stands firm on values. Shahbash!”

    In July, he faced backlash after he lashed out at fans during a concert in Islamabad when objects were thrown on stage. His outburst sparked a nationwide debate about concert etiquette and artists’ reactions.

    Weeks later, he stirred controversy during an Instagram livestream where he verbally attacked critics who accused him of “selling out.” 

    He said he was tired of constant negativity and pressure.

    Talha Anjum now stands at the centre of yet another heated online battle, but if his latest statement is any indication, he has no plans to back away from his bold, borderless approach.

  • Portugal smash Armenia 9-1 to seal World Cup qualification

    Portugal smash Armenia 9-1 to seal World Cup qualification

    Portugal confirmed their place at the 2026 World Cup with a commanding 9-1 victory over Armenia in Porto on Sunday, producing their most dominant display of the qualifying campaign even without the suspended Cristiano Ronaldo.

    Bruno Fernandes and Joao Neves stepped up in style, scoring hat-tricks to lead Portugal to a statement win at home. 

    Renato Veiga opened the scoring in the early minutes, with Goncalo Ramos and Francisco Conceicao adding a goal each as Portugal sealed top spot in Group F.

    Portugal entered the match needing a strong finish after a draw in Hungary and a shock defeat to Ireland earlier in the week. They responded with complete control from kickoff, pressing high and punishing Armenia’s defensive mistakes. 

    Veiga set the tone with a clean strike, before Fernandes and Neves took over the midfield and broke through Armenia’s backline repeatedly.

    Ramos added his name to the scoresheet with a sharp finish, while Conceicao struck late to complete the rout. Armenia struggled to cope with Portugal’s pace and intensity, allowing the hosts to dominate possession and territory throughout.

    The victory ensured Portugal’s qualification at the third attempt and secured their seventh consecutive appearance at the World Cup. 

    Despite Ronaldo sitting the game out, the Euro 2016 champions showcased their depth, creativity and attacking balance, elements that will be crucial as they prepare for next year’s tournament in North America.

    Coach Roberto Martinez praised the team’s response after two difficult outings, highlighting the leadership of senior players and the rise of young talents like Neves. 

    Fernandes, meanwhile, delivered one of his best performances of the campaign, controlling the tempo and finishing with authority.

    Spain and Switzerland also moved within touching distance of qualification over the weekend. 

    Spain maintained their perfect run with a 4-0 win against Georgia, as Mikel Oyarzabal scored twice and Ferran Torres added another. The result kept Spain firmly in control of Group E, with Turkey needing a highly unlikely seven-goal victory in their final match to overtake them. 

    Switzerland also closed in on qualification after a 4-1 win over Sweden, with Granit Xhaka scoring from the spot and Dan Ndoye extending the lead late on. Both European giants now stand just one routine result away from confirming their place at next year’s tournament.

    Portugal, however, will now shift focus to building momentum and refining their squad as they chase their first-ever World Cup title.

  • Case No. 9: When Ego Takes the Stand and Justice Fights Back

    Case No. 9: When Ego Takes the Stand and Justice Fights Back

    Case No.9 Episodes 15 and 16 were like we predicted it! Kamran (Faysal Quraishi) was unable to control his ego and thought he could take down Beenish (Amina Shaikh), in a dream no less and thought he was fully able to make it a reality. He failed of course, revealing that he had no evidence that Sehar (Saba Qamar) had been flirting with him whereas Sehar had evidence that he was the one who was after her. Beenish’s epic takedown of Kamran’s staff member was also full of suspense when the information was being relayed to her by her fellow lawyer. In that moment, when Beenish was given information that could help the case, you couldn’t help but think that doing the right thing is so very hard with so many hurdles.

    But it seems like the hurdles are clearing, as we see Inspector Shafeeq (Gohar Rasheed) also feeling the burn has his superior tells him that Kamran is taking the stand and he might be exposed, we see Kamran’s lawyer pleading with Kamran not to take the stand (when the law gave him the right not to take it), but Kamran’s ego getting in the way and we also see it, in the most complicated way with Rohit (Junaid Khan).

    It is clear that the drama will take the direction of Rohit having to make a choice between his friend who saved him from a blasphemy mob and his friend who is a rapist and he knows about it. He will have to accept that Kamran is not the same person he thought he was but can Rohit’s guilt of convicting his friend get out of his way of doing the right thing? That will be the most important break and crack in the case and Kamran and Rohit’s business and friendship.

    The show is getting so gripping that you have to see the teaser for the next episode because you must know what happens. We see in the teaser that Kiran (Rushna Khan) confronts Rohit and he has a breakdown and a big showdown in court between Sehar and Kamran. 

    While the showdown seems to be one of Sehar finally taking charge of her rights and really letting go and giving it to Kamran, it also seems a bit out of place in this very realistic drama. Are there really outbursts like that in court between a rapist and a rape vicitim? One would like to believe so, despite seeing that Sehar might be taken in for contempt of court, but secretly happy that she faced her attacker and told him exactly what she thought of him. 

    Only time will tell until next week.

  • Gold prices continue to fall in local, international markets

    Gold prices continue to fall in local, international markets

    Gold prices are continuing to decline in international and domestic markets with a $91 per ounce drop to $4,083.

    According to reports the same fell by Rs9,100 to Rs430,662 in the local market while 10 grams of gold decreased by Rs7,799 to Rs369,223. Spot gold fell by 1.9% at $4,092.72 per ounce after earlier sliding more than 3%.

    In other metals, spot silver edged down 2.8% to $50.84 per ounce but is still up 5.2% for the week.

    Reports quoted Director of Interactive Commodities Adnan Agar as noting that gold’s daily high reached $4,148, with a low of $4,097. “After touching the high, prices dipped about $40, when the US session opened. There is strong support at $4,155; if breached, gold could rise to $4,200-4,220. However, if resistance holds, it may retract to $4,080-4,050.”

    The vice president and senior metals strategist at Zaner Metals, Peter Grant said, “We just got into good resistance around the halfway back point and that probably prompted some profit-taking on longs after Monday’s strong gains and perhaps a little bit of speculative selling up there as well.”

  • Ronaldo risks key World Cup opener ban after Ireland red card

    Ronaldo risks key World Cup opener ban after Ireland red card

    Cristiano Ronaldo is in danger of missing at least Portugal’s opening match at next year’s World Cup after being shown a red card in Thursday’s 2-0 loss to the Republic of Ireland.

    According to Reuters, Ronaldo was initially shown a yellow card after elbowing Ireland defender Dara O’Shea during the match in Dublin. 

    However, it was upgraded to a red card, and Ronaldo was sent off for the first time in his international career after the referee reviewed the contact on a pitch-side video monitor.

    “When he tries to get away from the defender, I think the action looks worse than what it actually is,” Portugal coach Roberto Martinez said. “I don’t think it’s an elbow, I think it’s a full body. But from where the camera is, it looks like an elbow. We accept it. 

    It could be a red card, but for the right reasons.”

    Ronaldo will serve his mandatory one-game suspension when Portugal plays host to Armenia on Sunday. Portugal, which still leads Hungary by two points in Group F, can clinch a spot in next year’s World Cup with a victory.

    However, FIFA disciplinary rules state that a ban of at least two matches is required for “serious foul play” and for at least three matches for “violent conduct,” or for “an appropriate period of time for assault, including elbowing.”

    Pre-World Cup exhibitions would not count towards serving a potential match ban, and it could be three weeks before FIFA issues a verdict.

    It is the first red card Ronaldo has received in the record 226 games he has played for Portugal.

    “He is just a captain that has never been sent off before in 226 games,” Martinez said. “I think it was a bit harsh because he cares about the team.”

  • It’s official: Mummy 4 is coming to screens

    It’s official: Mummy 4 is coming to screens

    Almost 25 years after Brendon Fraser stormed into cinemas in The Mummy, the star has been signed on to star in a sequel, officially confirming that the fourth part of the franchise will return to big screens. 

    The fourth part of the iconic smash hit series is still in the development stage, with very few details leaking out as yet. Industry insiders have speculated that the film will likely be released in 2027, as the full cast hasn’t been finalised yet and production hasn’t even begun. 

    A Hollywood trade report has confirmed that both Brandon Fraser and Rachel Weisz have signed on to reprieve the roles of madcap adventurers Rick O’Connel and Evelyn Carnahan. While the rest of the cast hasn’t been confirmed yet, fans expect no less than the return of the titular villain Imhotep, played by Arnold Vosloo and Evelyn’s perpetually-in-trouble brother Jonathan, played by John Hannah. No word yet on who will play the leading duo’s now grown-up son or even if the character will be a part of the new film. 

    Universal Pictures is playing its cards close to the chest, revealing no details. However sources have disclosed that the film will be a sequel and the events of the third part of the franchise, Mummy 3, will be ignored by the new film. 

    Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillent, known collectively as Radio Silence, have been given the task of revitalizing this long-dormant film property as directors. David Cogeshall will pen the script. 

    Universal is also releasing a reboot of its 1930s horror hit The Mummy in 2026, however that film has nothing to do with this one.

  • ‘Bushra Bibi received tips from intelligence officials, passed them on to Imran Khan as predictions’

    ‘Bushra Bibi received tips from intelligence officials, passed them on to Imran Khan as predictions’

    British news and current affairs journal The Economist has narrated “a story circulating in Pakistan” to claim how former first lady Bushra Bibi relayed information from intelligence sources to Imran Khan, presenting them as “revelations about the future”.

    In an article titled ‘The mystic, the cricketer and the spy: Pakistan’s game of thrones’ on Khan’s marriage to his spiritual adviser, The Economist quoted “rumours” to revisit the political influence attributed to Bushra, her relationship with her husband, and the controversies that shaped the former premier’s time in power. 

    It said that intelligence officers conveyed tips to one of Bushra’s pirs, who would relay them to her, and she would then share the same with Khan.

    “According to the rumours, the officer would, for example, give one of Bushra Bibi’s pirs advance notice about which politician was about to be arrested. Bushra Bibi would then tell Khan that she had received a revelation about the future. When the event she predicted came to pass, Khan would be amazed at his wife’s perspicacity and conclude she did indeed have a direct line to God,” The Economist stated.

    While it added that “man rumours in Pakistan turn out not to be true, and much about this story remains opaque”, it quoted a senior Pakistani intelligence officer, speaking off the record, describing the broad outlines of the influence operation to 1843.

    “People close to Khan are convinced it happened,” The Economist said, also quoting former Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader and federal minister Faisal Vawda, who said this was how Khan started to get blinded.

    “It’s unclear from these accounts whether Bushra Bibi would have known she was being used in this way — it’s quite possible that she didn’t,” the publication wrote.

    It also detailed accounts from family members and former household staff, recounting claims by her former husband about concerns over her closeness to Khan, the couple’s eventual marriage in 2018, and allegations — denied by PTI — that she engaged in black magic and exercised significant influence over political and personal decisions.

    With both Khan and Bushra Bibi in prison on corruption charges, speculation continues within the PTI ranks about her potential influence on the former’s decisions regarding possible political compromise. The Economist report noted that opinions within the party vary, with some senior figures urging Khan to stand firm while others believe Bushra Bibi may encourage a negotiated path forward.

  • Nine dead as stockpile of confiscated explosives detonates inside Held Kashmir police station

    Nine dead as stockpile of confiscated explosives detonates inside Held Kashmir police station

    At least five of the injured people are thought to be in critical  condition.

    The cache of explosives detonated late on Friday night in the Nowgam area near Srinagar. 

    Government sources told foreign news agencies that some bodies were completely burnt, delaying the identification process. 

    One police official told news reporters that the explosion was so powerful that some body parts were recovered from surrounding houses 100 meters to 200 meters away. 

    Authorities believe that the dead are mostly police officers and forensic experts who were examining the material when the explosion took place. Two government officers are thought to be among the dead.

    Indian journalists tweeted out that their sources have confirmed that the explosion was not a terror attack.

    The blast took plays days after another explosion in New Delhi was categorised a “terror attack” by the Indian government. At least 12 people died when a car caught fire near the historic Red Fort.

  • Faryal Gohar finally discloses details about second marriage, and how it ended in tragedy

    Faryal Gohar finally discloses details about second marriage, and how it ended in tragedy

    Yesteryears actress Faryal Gohar has finally opened up about her second marriage after a tumultuous divorce with actor Jamal Shah. 

    Faryal, widely considered one of the most beautiful actresses to have graced a Pakistani screen, gave an interview to a private channel recently, where she talked about her life after she split from the star. 

    The famously private actress, who largely retreated to private life, confessed that she got married in 2002 to a dermatologist in California, USA.

    “I met him at my dentist’s clinic. He was my dentist’s brother,” she disclosed, adding that her husband, Irfan Jamil, was “a very good person.” 

    The marriage lasted for nine years, ending only when he passed away of cancer. “I have lost a lot of loved ones to cancer,” she said. Faryal then said that she spends her time taking care of her pets. 

    Faryal married actor Jamal Shah in 1983, becoming one half of a power couple the likes of which Lollywood had rarely seen. The glamorous duo were among the most sought-after stars of the decade. The marriage ended in 1992. 

    Already a successful model, Faryal reached the peak of popularity with the smash-hit drama Chand Grehan. She also did many plays, some of them with her sister, powerhouse actress Madeeha Gauhar, who also passed away of cancer in 2018.