Author: News Desk

  • Australian swimming star Ariarne Titmus announces surprise retirement

    Australian swimming star Ariarne Titmus announces surprise retirement

    Australian swimming champion and four-time Olympic gold medallist Ariarne Titmus has shocked fans by announcing her sudden retirement at the age of 25.

    According to reports, Titmus decided to retire immediately, ending an 18-year swimming career. She made the announcement on social media, saying she had dedicated 10 years to representing her country and that although the decision was difficult, she felt at peace with it.

    “I have always loved swimming, but there comes a time when you start seeing life beyond it,” she said. “The fear of cancer was a turning point for me, and it affected me mentally.”

    Earlier this year, Titmus underwent surgery to remove a cancerous tumour just before the Paris Olympics.

    Titmus made history as the first Australian swimmer since 1964 to win back-to-back Olympic gold medals in the same event. At the Paris Olympics, she defeated two former world record holders to win gold in the 400m freestyle.

    Over her career, Titmus earned eight Olympic medals across the Tokyo and Paris Games. She also holds world records in both the 200m and 400m freestyle events.

  • Punjab government seeks ban on extremist group

    Punjab government seeks ban on extremist group

    The Punjab government has decided to recommend to the federal government to place a ban on an extremist group. 

    According to reports, the decision was made during a high-level meeting on law and order chaired by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz.

    According to the official statement, authorities will arrest individuals involved in hate speech, incitement, and law violations across Punjab. The provincial government will ask the federal government to impose a ban on the extremist group and place its leadership under the Fourth Schedule of the Anti-Terrorism Act.

    The statement said that cases will be filed against leaders and workers responsible for the killing of police officers and the destruction of public property. All properties and assets belonging to the extremist group will be handed over to the Auqaf Department, while the display of posters, banners, and advertisements of the group will be completely banned.

    The meeting also decided to shut down the group’s social media accounts and freeze all its bank accounts. The government will take strict action against anyone violating the Loudspeaker Act.

    The Punjab Home Department has issued a one-month deadline for citizens to surrender illegal weapons. People must register their licensed weapons at service centers within the same period. The government also decided to inspect the stock of arms dealers and manufacturers and imposed a complete ban on issuing new weapon licenses.

    The Punjab government has recommended to the federal government that all weapon factories and manufacturers be regularized. It has also approved an increase in punishment for illegal weapon possession.

    Holding illegal weapons in Punjab will now be a non-bailable offense, carrying a sentence of up to 14 years in prison and a fine of up to two million rupees.

  • Punjab govt to introduce whistleblower system to report on illegal immigrants: Reports

    Punjab govt to introduce whistleblower system to report on illegal immigrants: Reports

    The Punjab government has decided to include Afghan nationals in the provincial tax system. 

    According to reports, the decision came during a high-level meeting on law and order chaired by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz.

    Officials also decided to compile real-time data of illegal Afghan residents living in the province. According to a government statement, a whistleblower system will be introduced to report illegal immigrants, and the identity of informants will remain completely confidential.

    The provincial government also decided to launch a combing operation against illegal residents and their businesses. Authorities will deport illegal foreign nationals immediately in line with federal government policy.

  • Eight-year-old girl assaulted, strangled to death in Charsadda

    Eight-year-old girl assaulted, strangled to death in Charsadda

    An eight-year-old girl was assaulted and strangled to death in the Umar Khan Kalay Gundheri area of Tangi, Charsadda, on Wednesday, media reports have said.

    Akbar Ali, the victim’s father, told Tangi police that he had daughters had gone to a seminary in Bhutto Kallay. After evening prayers, both sisters went to their aunt’s house to get milk. Since milk was not available at that time, the elder sister, aged 11, returned home while the younger one stayed behind.

    When the younger girl did not return after a while, the family began searching for her. They were told at the aunt’s house that she had already taken the milk and left for home. After a search, the family found her body in nearby fields.

    Police took the body to Tehsil Headquarters Hospital, Tangi, for autopsy. The initial medical report confirmed that the girl had been assaulted before being strangled.

    District Police Officer Mohammad Waqas Khan formed a special investigation team led by SP Investigations Alamzeb Khan to trace and arrest the culprit. The DPO also met the victim’s family and assured them of quick action.

    At the funeral, local residents warned that they would stage a sit-in outside the DPO’s office if the police failed to arrest the accused within three days.

  • Oman, Nepal qualify for 2026 T20 World Cup

    Oman, Nepal qualify for 2026 T20 World Cup

    The lineup for the 2026 T20 World Cup is almost complete as Oman and Nepal secured their spots in the tournament after dominating the Asia/East Asia-Pacific Qualifier. 

    Both teams finished among the top two sides in the Super Six stage, confirming their qualification for next year’s event in India and Sri Lanka.

    Nepal, led by Rohit Paudel, continued its outstanding form by winning four consecutive matches in the Super Six. Their unbeaten run placed them at the top of the points table with eight points, guaranteeing a top-three finish. Oman followed closely behind, matching Nepal’s record but trailing slightly on net run rate.

    The two teams had already sealed their World Cup berths before their final Super Six clash in Al Amerat. Earlier in the day, UAE’s 77-run win over Samoa ensured that both Oman and Nepal could not be overtaken in the standings.

    UAE now sits on the third spot with four points and will face Japan in a crucial fixture on October 16, as they fight for the last qualifying spot from the region.

    With Oman and Nepal joining the list, 19 out of 20 teams have confirmed their places for the 2026 T20 World Cup.

    2026 T20 World Cup qualified teams

    India, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, England, South Africa, United States, West Indies, Ireland, New Zealand, Pakistan, Canada, Italy, Netherlands, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Nepal, and Oman.

  • Faysal Quraishi, Sonya Hussaiyn thank Houston for overwhelming response to Deemak premiere

    Faysal Quraishi, Sonya Hussaiyn thank Houston for overwhelming response to Deemak premiere

    Pakistani film Deemak, which has already seen tremendous success at the box office in Pakistan, will now charm audiences abroad as it premiered to a packed house in Houston on its worldwide release.

    Lead stars Faysal Quraishi and Sonya Hussaiyn attended the Houston premiere, where they were warmly welcomed by fans. Taking to Instagram, Quraishi expressed his gratitude, writing: “Thank you Houston, full house.”

    Sonya, who wore a vibrant green ensemble for the evening, shared behind-the-scenes glimpses of her experience via Instagram. Her video showed moments from her arrival at the cinema to walking the corridors and interacting with fans. In a heartfelt note, she wrote: “Houston… I’m truly speechless tonight. The Deemak premiere was houseful — so much love that people were sitting on the stairs just to be part of it. Even with less capacity and more crowd, no one left till the very end. That kind of warmth… you can’t put into words.”

    She went on to thank her team and the organizers, particularly @rehanhumfm, for pulling off the event within just 24 hours “so flawlessly, so professionally, and with so much heart.”

    Sonya also acknowledged the presence of fellow celebrities, saying: “A special thanks to all my celebrity friends, my shining stars, for lighting up the night with your love and presence. You made it even more magical.”

    Signing off emotionally, she added: “As I say goodbye for now… magar phir milengay, Houston. Thank you for all the love and the memories we’re taking back with us. Yeh raat humesha yaad rahegi. Love you all.”

    The premiere was also attended by several other cast members of the film including Adnan Siddiqui, Mohib Mirza, and Aijaz Aslam, further adding to the evening’s celebratory atmosphere.

    The blockbuster film has already made crores at the box office in Pakistan, and is now captivating international audiences with its magic, continuing its streak of success in the US.

  • HBO Max officially launched in Pakistan

    HBO Max officially launched in Pakistan

    HBO Max has officially launched in Pakistan as part of its regional expansion across South and Southeast Asia, including countries like Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Brunei, Laos, Cambodia, Mongolia, and Macau.

    The streaming service is available in Pakistan starting at Rs. 800 per month for the Standard plan, which offers 1080p video quality, 30 downloads, and streaming on two devices simultaneously.

    For Rs. 1,100 a month, the Premium plan provides 4K resolution, Dolby Atmos sound, 100 downloads, and access on up to four devices. Users can also save up to 46 percent with annual subscriptions, priced at Rs. 5,600 for the Standard plan and Rs. 7,700 for the Premium.

    Operated by Warner Bros. Discovery, HBO Max brings a mix of HBO originals, Warner Bros. blockbusters, and shows from DC, Cartoon Network, Discovery Channel, and more. 

    Popular titles include The Last of Us, Succession, Game of Thrones, and The Batman.

  • Fans act rowdy with Hania Aamir at Hum Awards red carpet

    Fans act rowdy with Hania Aamir at Hum Awards red carpet

    Fans are an integral part of an actor’s professional life and that is why at events like Hum Awards, celebs go up to fans and give back love by clicking photos with them.

    Heartthrob Hania Aamir, however, was subjected to inappropriate physical contact by fans during the red carpet event of the Hum Awards 2025, held in Houston, Texas.

    While the actress graciously posed for photos and interacted warmly with admirers, a video doing the rounds on social media has raised concerns about the boundaries that some fans crossed while posing with her.

    Upon her arrival at the venue, Hania was swarmed by fans, many of them women, eager to take selfies and hug the actress. In the viral video, multiple individuals can be seen grabbing Hania’s hands and shoulders, with one particular moment showing her visibly uncomfortable as she removes a woman’s hands from her body.

    Despite the discomfort, Hania continued engaging with fans, smiling through the encounter and taking pictures without showing irritation.

    The video quickly spread across social media platforms, sparking debate about personal space and the entitlement of fans during public interactions with celebrities. While many praised Hania’s patience and professionalism, others called out the inappropriate behaviour, emphasizing that admiration should not override basic respect and consent.

    “It’s okay to love someone, but it’s not okay to touch them like that,” one user commented.

    Another quipped: “Woman so goated that even aunties started harassing.”

    “Aunties ka bas chale toh ghar le jayein Hania ko,” joked another, highlighting the intensity of the encounter.

    Some praised Hania’s grace under pressure. “She’s still taking pictures with them so lovingly,” one fan noted, commending her poise.

    Despite the unsettling incident, the evening concluded on a high note for Hania Aamir as she was honoured with the Global Star Award, recognizing her growing influence beyond Pakistan’s borders.

    Known for her bubbly personality and down-to-earth charm, Hania has often been praised for her humble approach to fame and her warm interaction with fans. However, this incident serves as a stark reminder that celebrity admiration should never come at the cost of personal boundaries.

  • Asim Azhar signals upcoming release amid internet chaos in Pakistan

    Asim Azhar signals upcoming release amid internet chaos in Pakistan

    As Pakistan continues to grapple with ongoing internet disruptions over the past few days, citizens across the country have been struggling with work and online connectivity. Amid this digital turmoil, Pakistani singer Asim Azhar has hinted at an upcoming release, sparking excitement among his fans.

    Taking to Instagram stories, Asim wrote: “Han jee mere pyare Pakistanio. Kya halaat hain internet ke? Kuch theek hain tou kuch release karen…?” (Hey my dear Pakistanis. What’s the internet situation like? If it’s somewhat okay, should we drop something?)

    This teaser comes just three months after the release of his last song Regardless, which was met with widespread appreciation and has since garnered over six million views on YouTube.

    Earlier this year, the singer also celebrated a major milestone, 12 years in the music industry. Marking the occasion, he shared a childhood photo on Instagram with the caption: “Can u imagine this boy will be completing 12 years in the industry tomorrow?” The post featured nostalgic clips from his journey, offering fans a glimpse into his evolution as an artist.

    Asim Azhar began his musical career by covering Western songs on YouTube in 2013, including Ed Sheeran’s The A-Team and Flo Rida’s Whistle. His breakthrough came in 2015 with Coke Studio Season 8, performing Hina Ki Khushbu alongside Samra Khan. He later appeared in Seasons 9 and 11 with hit tracks like Tera Woh Pyar and Mahi Aaja featuring Momina Mustehsan.

    Over the years, Asim has showcased his versatility across various platforms. He contributed to two Pakistan Super League anthems Sab Sitaray Hamaray with Shae Gill and Faris Shafi, and Tayyar Hain alongside Ali Azmat, Haroon, and Arif Lohar. He also collaborated with Talha Yunus for the Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchise Karachi Kings’ track Yeh Hai Karachi in 2022.

    In 2023, Asim expanded his musical range further through Velo Sound Station, delivering tracks such as Chahay Jis Shehr, Mar Janiey, and Sona Chandi.

    His solo discography continues to grow, with songs like Khwahish, Yaad, and Habibi racking up millions of views. His popular track Jo Tu Na Mila, featuring actress Iqra Aziz, remains a fan favorite with over 250 million views and a Hum Style Award for Best Non-Film Track.

    In addition to his independent work, Asim has also contributed to drama OSTs, lending his voice to hit serials such as Ehd-e-Wafa, Sinf-e-Aahan, and Meem Se Mohabbat.

    With his recent hint on social media, fans eagerly await what the singer has in store next and hope the country’s internet stabilizes in time to enjoy it.

  • Saif Ali Khan receives hero’s welcome in Peshawar after winning Tamasha 4

    Saif Ali Khan receives hero’s welcome in Peshawar after winning Tamasha 4

    Tamasha Season 4 winner Saif Ali Khan returned to his hometown of Peshawar to a hero’s welcome after clinching victory in Pakistan’s most popular reality show.

    Greeted by an exuberant crowd, the star was celebrated with drum rolls, dancing, and cheers as he proudly held his winner’s trophy aloft.

    A video shared on his Instagram captured the electric atmosphere as Saif stood atop a car, dancing and singing alongside fans who had gathered in large numbers to celebrate his win.

    In a heartfelt caption, he expressed his gratitude: “Peshawar, KP you were absolutely amazing! Thank you for the overwhelming love and the unforgettable welcome. I’m truly grateful from the heart. You all proved once again that this isn’t just fan support, its pure family energy. Your love keeps me going and motivates me to give my best in every step ahead. Stay connected—the best is yet to come!”

    In an interview with FUCHSIA Magazine, Saif spoke fondly of the hospitality and warmth of the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), stating, “We are thrilled when guests come, and we make friends with a heart and we have a big heart to forgive.”

    He also revealed that he got married seven months ago.

    The Tamasha 4 grand finale aired on Sunday and marked a high point in the show’s history, reuniting contestants from all previous seasons. Saif emerged victorious after weeks of emotional challenges, fierce competition, and drama, taking home a record-breaking cash prize of Rs 2.4 million, the highest ever in the show’s history.