Current Final

Author: News Desk

  • Court issues non-bailable arrest warrant for Ali Amin Gandapur

    Court issues non-bailable arrest warrant for Ali Amin Gandapur

    An Islamabad court has issued a non-bailable arrest warrant for former Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chief minister Ali Amin Gandapur in a liquor and weapons recovery case.

    Judicial Magistrate Mubashir Hassan heard the case at the Islamabad District and Sessions Court. Despite the case being heard, Gandapur did not appear before the court. The judge issued his non-bailable arrest warrant due to repeated absences.

    The court directed the police to arrest Gandapur and present him at the next hearing. 

    The case has been adjourned until October 28.

    The liquor and weapons recovery case against Ali Amin Gandapur is registered at the Bhara Kahu police station in Islamabad.

  • New Delhi, Lahore and Karachi among world’s most polluted cities

    New Delhi, Lahore and Karachi among world’s most polluted cities

    New Delhi, Lahore and Karachi are among the top five most polluted cities in the world on Tuesday, data from air quality monitoring platform IQAir shows. 

    New Delhi topped the list with an air quality index (AQI) of 414, categorised as “hazardous.” Lahore followed in second place with an AQI of 234, classified as “very unhealthy.” Karachi ranked fourth with an AQI of 182, categorised as “unhealthy,” just behind Kuwait City at 183.

    IQAir reported that both Pakistani cities recorded their highest AQI levels for this month. In Lahore, the concentration of PM2.5, fine cancer-causing particles that can enter the bloodstream, reached 158.8 micrograms per cubic metre, 31.8 times higher than the World Health Organisation (WHO) guideline. Karachi’s PM2.5 level was 100 micrograms per cubic metre, 20 times above WHO’s annual limit.

    The platform advised residents to avoid outdoor exercise, use air purifiers, wear masks, and keep windows closed to reduce exposure to polluted air.

    Air pollution has become a major health and environmental crisis in Pakistan, with cities like Lahore suffering from severe smog each winter. The main causes include industrial emissions, vehicle smoke, stubble burning, and stagnant air movement.

    Officials warned that smog is likely to intensify this week due to local emissions and pollutants carried by low-speed winds from India following Diwali celebrations.

    To reduce pollution, the Punjab government has started water sprinkling operations and activated anti-smog guns in key areas of Lahore, including Karim Block, Multan Road, Shahdara Flyover, GT Road, and Thokar Niaz Baig.

    Lahore police also arrested 83 people and registered 77 cases in its ongoing anti-smog drive.

    According to WHO’s Pakistan Representative, Dr Dapeng Luo, air pollution causes around 256,000 deaths in Pakistan every year.

  • Nauman Ijaz had one strict condition about Khalil-ur-Rehman Qamar while joining drama cast

    Nauman Ijaz had one strict condition about Khalil-ur-Rehman Qamar while joining drama cast

    Veteran producer Rashid Khuwaja has shared behind-the-scenes details about the casting of the drama Main Mar Gayi Shaukat Ali, revealing that acclaimed actor Nauman Ijaz had one strict condition before agreeing to join the project, that writer Khalil-ur-Rehman Qamar would not be present on set.

    During a conversation on Vasay Chaudhry’s talk show Gup Shup, he talked about several things about the Pakistani media industry, from payments delay to his career as an actor and a producer.

    On a question about his drama Main Mar Gayi Shaukat Ali he revealed an interesting fact. “Nauman had read the script and said he loved the character,” Khuwaja recalled. “But he had one condition: he needed a guarantee that Khalil-ur-Rehman would not come on set.” Ironically, it was Qamar himself who had initially recommended Nauman Ijaz for the lead role, believing he was the perfect fit.

    Khuwaja said he conveyed Ijaz’s condition to Qamar, who surprisingly accepted it without objection. “Yes, I told this to Khalil, and he agreed. He didn’t come to the set at all,” he confirmed.

    The drama Main Mar Gayi Shaukat Ali’s cast includes Mona Liza, Nauman Ijaz, Kamran Mujahid, Kiran Haq, Farah Shah, and Kashif Mahmood. The story revolves around Rakhi and Shoka, a couple living in a rural village, and explores themes of love, the feudal system, and deep-rooted social structures in Pakistan’s countryside.

    Addressing the often headline-grabbing personal lives of actors, Khuwaja commented on the phenomenon of celebrities making news off-screen. “Those who are intelligent know how to stay relevant. If a romantic hero doesn’t have any stories of affairs or scandals linked to him, then he’s not really ‘happening’. This is something that happens everywhere, not just in Pakistan,” he remarked.

    Khuwaja also shared his love for cinema, mentioning that he enjoys both Pakistani and Indian films, with his all-time favourite being the cult classic Maula Jatt.

  • Mohammad Amir reacts to PCB’s decision to replace Rizwan with Shaheen as ODI captain

    Mohammad Amir reacts to PCB’s decision to replace Rizwan with Shaheen as ODI captain

    Former Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Amir has criticised Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) decision to appoint Shaheen Afridi replacing Mohammad Rizwan as ODI captain.  

    In a video message on his social media accounts, Amir said he does not believe the timing of the decision was right.

    “I don’t think Mohammad Rizwan has been treated fairly. Rizwan was not a bad One-Day captain,” Amir said.

    “He led Pakistan to series wins in South Africa and Australia, something even some of our biggest captains couldn’t achieve. We should not have forgotten that,” he added.

    The 33-year-old highlighted the need for consistency in leadership and admitted that former players and analysts, including himself, share responsibility for the ongoing instability in Pakistan cricket.

    “Captaincy should not depend on just one good or bad series. We are all responsible for this, former cricketers and analysts included. We don’t allow our cricket to stabilise,” Amir said.

    “Captains are not made overnight; it takes two to three years to build one. But here, one bad series is enough to replace a captain. I don’t think this is the right call. Rizwan is a smart captain and has that knack for leadership.”

    Amir also suggested that Shaheen should have first been appointed as vice-captain to assess his leadership skills and manage his workload effectively.

    “If Shaheen had to be made captain, he could have first been appointed as vice-captain and his performance judged accordingly — especially considering his fitness,” he said.

    Shaheen Afridi’s first assignment as Pakistan’s ODI captain will be the three-match home series against South Africa, starting November 4 at the Iqbal Stadium in Faisalabad.

    Shaheen previously led Pakistan in the five-match T20I series against New Zealand in January 2024. After Pakistan’s 4-1 defeat, Babar Azam took over the T20I captaincy for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup later that year.

    Mohammad Rizwan captained Pakistan in 20 ODIs, winning nine and losing 11, with a winning rate of 45 percent. He was appointed as both ODI and T20I captain on October 27 last year before being replaced after a disappointing T20I series where Pakistan lost all four matches under his leadership.

    Following the defeats, Salman Ali Agha replaced Rizwan as T20I captain ahead of Pakistan’s tour of New Zealand.

  • Pakistan football captain Abdullah Iqbal helps Mjällby AIF win first-ever Swedish league title

    Pakistan football captain Abdullah Iqbal helps Mjällby AIF win first-ever Swedish league title

    Pakistan football team captain Abdullah Iqbal made history by helping Mjällby AIF win their first-ever Swedish league title. 

    The small club from Hallevik, a fishing village in southern Sweden with around 1,500 residents, lifted the Allsvenskan trophy with three games to spare.

    Mjällby defeated Goteborg 2-0 to seal the title, standing 11 points clear of second-placed Hammarby. The 22-year-old defender joined Mjällby last season and quickly became a key part of coach Anders Torstensson’s squad. The team’s strong defense and smart recruitment were vital, as they conceded only 17 goals throughout the season.

    Iqbal’s calmness, aerial strength, and game awareness played a major role in Mjällby’s success. He appeared in 22 matches, played the second-most minutes in the defense, and also registered one assist. 

    Iqbal now becomes one of the few Pakistani players to win a top-division league title in Europe, a milestone that could motivate more young Pakistani footballers to aim higher.

    Mjällby’s remarkable run has drawn comparisons to Leicester City’s 2016 Premier League triumph. Despite having a small budget compared to bigger clubs like Malmo, Mjällby relied on data-based scouting and discipline to dominate the league. They recorded 20 wins from 27 matches and lost only once.

    With the league title, Mjällby have also secured a spot in the 2026–27 UEFA Champions League qualifiers. As they prepare for that challenge, Abdullah Iqbal’s journey from a Danish-Pakistani youngster to a title-winning defender continues to inspire Pakistan football.

  • Shaheen Afridi named Pakistan ODI captain

    Shaheen Afridi named Pakistan ODI captain

    The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has appointed Shaheen Afridi as the new captain of Pakistan’s ODI team. 

    According to reports, head coach Mike Hesson, director of high performance Aaqib Javed and members of the selection committee made the decision during a meeting in Islamabad.

    Shaheen will lead the national side in the three-match series against South Africa.


    Pakistan and South Africa will play the ODI series from November 4 to 8 at the Iqbal Stadium in Faisalabad.

    Shaheen, 25, has played 66 ODIs and 92 T20Is for Pakistan, taking 249 wickets across both formats.

    He also has 120 wickets in 32 Test matches. These numbers do not include his stats from the ongoing Rawalpindi Test against South Africa.

    It may be noted that Shaheen earlier led Pakistan in a five-match T20I series against New Zealand in 2024.

  • Pakistan end at 259/5 against South Africa on first day of Rawalpindi Test

    Pakistan end at 259/5 against South Africa on first day of Rawalpindi Test

    The opening day of the second and final Test between Pakistan and South Africa ended with Pakistan scoring 259 for 5 at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.

    Pakistan captain Shan Masood won the toss and chose to bat first. Abdullah Shafique and Imam-ul-Haq opened the innings for the hosts. Imam was bowled by Simon Harmer for 17, while Abdullah played a solid knock of 57 runs. Babar Azam contributed 16 before Keshav Maharaj dismissed him. Shan Masood scored 87 runs, and Mohammad Rizwan added 19 before getting out.

    At stumps, Saud Shakeel was on 42 and Agha Salman remained not out on 10.

    For South Africa, Keshav Maharaj and Simon Harmer picked up two wickets each, while Kagiso Rabada took one.

    Earlier, Shan Masood confirmed at the toss that Pakistan made one change to their lineup. Asif Afridi came in for Hasan Ali and received his Test cap from Shaheen Afridi. Asif made his debut at the age of 38 years and 299 days.

    South Africa captain Aiden Markram said his side would have also opted to bat first if they had won the toss. The visitors made two changes, bringing in Keshav Maharaj and Marco Jansen.

    Pakistan lead the two-match Test series 1–0 after defeating South Africa by 93 runs in the Lahore Test.

  • Pakistanis bash Salman Khan for referring to Balochistan as separate country in viral video

    Pakistanis bash Salman Khan for referring to Balochistan as separate country in viral video

    Bollywood superstar Salman Khan is facing heavy criticism on social media after a viral video surfaced from his recent appearance at the Joy Forum in Riyadh, where he seemingly referred to Balochistan as a separate country. The remark has stirred controversy, with many accusing the actor of making a factually incorrect statement that serves the agenda of the far-right Indian government.

    During an address at the high-profile entertainment conference in the Saudi capital, the Bajrangi Bhaijaan actor was speaking about the global popularity of Indian cinema, particularly in the Middle East. In the now-viral video clip, Salman Khan said: “If you release a Bollywood film or any Tamil, Telugu or Malayalam film and release it here, it will be a super hit and earn hundreds of crores here because many people from our countries come here to work. There are people from Balochistan, people from Pakistan and Afghanistan working here.”

    The reference to “people from Balochistan” as distinct from those from Pakistan was immediately seized upon by Pakistani netizens, who viewed it as a statement implying that Balochistan, a province of Pakistan that is facing increased terrorism from Indian-backed terrorists, was a separate nation.

    The reaction on social media was swift and intense with many users expressing anger over what they perceived as an affront to Pakistan’s territorial integrity.

    One user wrote sarcastically: “Salman Khan – An actor turned separatist! If you are Salman Khan, you can separate anything from anywhere except the footpath from the main road. Blackbuck from the Bishnoi community. However, Bhai was successful in separating Vivek Oberoi from Bollywood. His only achievement as a separatist so far.”

    Another user commented: “Salman bhai apni khud ki geopolitics khel rahe hai.”

    (Salman Bhai is playing his own version of geopolitics.)

    Others were more dismissive, suggesting the actor simply misspoke or lacked awareness of the geopolitical implications of his words.

    “Acting is his profession. What do you expect from an actor?” another post read.

    The Joy Forum, hosted annually in Riyadh, is a major entertainment event that brings together global stars, producers, and influencers from the film, music, and gaming industries. Khan was among several international celebrities invited to attend this year’s edition, which aims to boost Saudi Arabia’s emerging entertainment sector under its Vision 2030 initiative.

    It remains unclear whether Salman Khan’s comment was a genuine mistake or a poorly worded attempt to attack Pakistan.

  • Morocco wins first-ever Under-20 FIFA World Cup title

    Morocco wins first-ever Under-20 FIFA World Cup title

    Morocco made history by winning the Under-20 FIFA World Cup for the first time after defeating Argentina 2-0 in the final held in Chile.

    The title clash held at Santiago’s Julio Martínez Prádanos National Stadium saw Mohamed Yassir Zbiri scoring twice in the 12th and 29th minutes to secure victory for his team. His outstanding performance earned him the Player of the Match award.

    With this triumph, Morocco became the first African nation since Ghana in 2009 to win the Under-20 World Cup.

    Throughout the tournament, Morocco delivered strong performances, beating South Korea, the United States, and France in the knockout stages to reach the final.

    Argentina, which had remained unbeaten in the tournament, struggled in the final with the absence of key players Claudio Echeverri of Bayer Leverkusen and Franco Mastantuono of Real Madrid.

  • Iffat Omar joins chorus of voices criticising Main Manto Nahin Hoon

    Iffat Omar joins chorus of voices criticising Main Manto Nahin Hoon

    Actor Iffat Omar has joined public criticism of Main Manto Nahi Hoon following a recent episode that drew attention for its portrayal of a relationship between a teacher and his student.

    The debate began when human rights lawyer Reema Omer shared a scene from the drama on X, showing university students boycotting professor Manto’s lecture and urging him to marry his student Mehmal. The clip triggered strong reactions online, with viewers questioning the appropriateness of presenting such a relationship on screen.

    Iffat Omar reshared Omer’s post and expressed her disapproval, highlighting the involvement of some of Pakistan’s most prominent actors, writers, and directors in the project.

    Her response contributed to the surge of criticism, with social media users directing their remarks at writer Khalil-ur-Rehman Qamar and lead actors Humayun Saeed and Sajal Aly. Many questioned why established figures in the industry would participate in such content.

    Several viewers warned that depicting teacher–student relationships in this manner could influence societal perceptions, particularly affecting girls and women pursuing higher education. Others dismissed the scene as fictional, noting that relationships of this kind have occurred in reality. Despite this, the majority of criticism focused on the ethical implications and cultural sensitivity of the storyline.

    Qamar, who has previously faced backlash for controversial writing and remarks, once again became the focal point. Observers described the plot as disconnected from social norms and raised questions about the message it conveys.

    Main Manto Nahi Hoon has faced criticism in earlier episodes as well. The show was previously called out for scenes containing fat-shaming jokes and for outdated depictions of female characters. 

    The debate also highlighted questions about the roles of producers and directors in approving the project and the decisions of lead actors to participate. 

    Many social media users expressed concern about the potential impact of such content on young women and its wider social implications and despite the backlash, the drama continues to trend online.