Current Final

Author: News Desk

  • ‘That’s all folks’: PML-N-PPP war ends with top-level meeting at Zardari House

    ‘That’s all folks’: PML-N-PPP war ends with top-level meeting at Zardari House

    After trading barbs for weeks, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) have agreed to a “ceasefire” following an emergency meeting between senior leaders from both sides.

    The breakthrough came as PML-N scrambled a delegation, led by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, to Zardari House in Nawabshah. National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi were also a part of the meeting that came two days after President Asif Ali Zardari intervened to ease the growing rift between the Sindh and Punjab governments.

    During the meeting, reports said, President Zardari urged the government delegation to advise their party members to exercise restraint, saying they did not want matters to worsen. The PML-N team made the same request, agreeing that both sides should listen to each other before making any public statements.

    Reports said Dar was instrumental in clearing the air between the parties and understanding reached was intended to halt the cycle of tit-for-tat statements that started over flood compensation through the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), going on to dominate political headlines for weeks.

    The PPP had been calling for the provision of aid to flood victims via BISP — a proposition turned down by the Punjab government. The situation intensified after Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Maryam Nawaz said other parties were using flood devastation in the province for political mileage.

    Her sharp retorts prompted the PPP leadership in both the Senate and the National Assembly to stage walkouts and issue veiled threats of withdrawing from the coalition. They also demanded that CM Maryam apologised for her remarks, which was ruled out by the Punjab chief executive.

    She maintained that as the CM, she would defend Punjab and would not apologise for speaking up for her province. CM Maryam also asserted that those who mocked the province during natural calamities should themselves seek forgiveness.

    PML-N ministers also retaliated by raising questions on Sindh’s governance record under the PPP.

    Amid the war of words, the president had earlier this week held a telephonic conversation with Naqvi to discuss the ongoing tensions and the fate of the ruling coalition.

  • Pakistan’s Ihsanullah challenges India’s Abhishek Sharma

    Pakistan’s Ihsanullah challenges India’s Abhishek Sharma

    Pakistani right-arm pacer Ihsanullah has issued a bold challenge to India’s in-form opener Abhishek Sharma, claiming he could dismiss the left-hander within just three balls.

    The 22-year-old fast bowler expressed confidence in his ability to trouble the Indian batter, saying, “Abhishek Sharma has not played in front of me. He will not survive for more than six deliveries. I will dismiss him within three balls of my over.”

    Ihsanullah made his T20I debut for Pakistan on March 24, 2023, against Afghanistan, while his only ODI appearance came against New Zealand in April the same year. 

    Since then, he has featured in four T20I matches and one ODI but has yet to make a comeback to the national side in the last two years. With Pakistan’s busy international calendar ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 and ODI World Cup 2027, Ihsanullah appears eager to impress selectors for a return to the team. 

    Abhishek Sharma has been in sensational form for India. The left-handed opener dominated Asia Cup 2025, scoring over 300 runs in the tournament. 

    Within a year of his T20I debut, Abhishek climbed to the No. 1 spot in the ICC Men’s T20I Batting Rankings and broke Dawid Malan’s record for the highest-ever rating points in the format, reaching 926.

    Despite his remarkable form, Abhishek has been left out of India’s squad for the upcoming three-match ODI series against Australia, with Yashasvi Jaiswal getting the nod instead. 

    However, he will return to action in the T20I series, where he is expected to open alongside Shubman Gill. The series will also mark Abhishek’s debut on Australian soil, where he will be tested against pace and bounce.

  • Afghan foreign minister arrives in India on official visit

    Afghan foreign minister arrives in India on official visit

    Afghanistan’s Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi has arrived in New Delhi for an official visit aimed at strengthening bilateral ties and discussing regional issues.

    “We look forward to engaging discussions with him on bilateral relations and regional issues,” Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in a post on X.

    Muttaqi, who is scheduled to remain in India until October 16, is expected to meet External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval.

    The visit had been planned a few weeks ago but was delayed as Muttaqi initially did not receive a travel exemption from the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). Last week, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal confirmed that the UNSC Committee had granted the exemption, enabling Muttaqi’s travel to India.

    The meeting comes at a time when new alliances seem to be forming in the region, largely pushing India into isolation since after New Delhi’s crushing defeat against Islamabad in May’s military clashes.

    Muttaqi is also expected to speak with Indian business representatives, visit the ancient monument to love, the Taj Mahal, and a historic Islamic seminary, media said.

    He arrives in New Delhi after talks in Moscow with diplomats from Afghanistan’s neighbours, who appeared to unite against United States (US) President Donald Trump’s stated aim of taking over the Bagram military base near Kabul, the capital.

    Russia is the only country to have yet recognised the Taliban administration, whose members are under UN sanctions including a travel ban and asset freeze, including Muttaqi.

    Historically, India and Afghanistan have had friendly ties but New Delhi does not recognise the Taliban and shut its embassy in Kabul after the US withdrawal from the war-shattered country in 2021.

    New Delhi opened a small mission a year later to ease the way for trade, medical support and humanitarian aid, while its senior officials have held two-way talks with Taliban leaders.

  • Amar Khan slams Indian trolls, backs Deepika Padukone amid vicious backlash

    Amar Khan slams Indian trolls, backs Deepika Padukone amid vicious backlash

    Pakistani actor Amar Khan has voiced her support for Indian star Deepika Padukone, who is facing intense trolling from hardline Hindutva elements from India.

    The Bollywood superstar is being targeted for an advertisement she filmed alongside her husband, actor Ranveer Singh, that has snowballed into a social media storm. Padukone is seen wearing an Abaya and a Hijab in the ad as she admires the stunning architecture of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi.

    Taking to Instagram stories, Amar replied to a sarcastic Tweet on X (formerly Twitter) which said: “An average ‘woke feminist’ when she actually doesn’t have a choice.”

    “It isn’t a woke feminist! It’s a human from a country which has 1/3 Muslims, respecting all religions. Bravo Deepika, what a shame this current politics in India is stooping to,” she said this while referring to the toxic, hate-filled politics of the Narendra Modi-led government towards Muslims.

    Critics have accused Deepika of hypocrisy, questioning how someone who advocates for women’s freedom could “submit” to religious customs. Many are referencing her “My Choice” campaign for Vogue India back in 2015, suggesting that wearing a Hijab contradicts her feminist stance.

    But others are saying that the critics are missing one point and that is “choice”. On various religious occasions or visits, she wore traditional attire – Banarasi sarees, hand-woven fabrics, and elegant suits. Some said that if she can wear gowns at Cannes, she can wear “anything”.

    One user wrote on X: “It’s a woman’s choice whether she wants to wear a bikini on the beach, a hijab in a mosque, or a lehenga with a choli at weddings. If you don’t understand this, then the problem is with you, not with women, and definitely not with Deepika Padukone. By the way, she looks so beautiful in a hijab.”

    Deepika Padukone hasn’t commented on the issue as yet.

  • Bride dies after being ‘forced to drink acid’ over dowry demands

    Bride dies after being ‘forced to drink acid’ over dowry demands

    A tragic incident unfolded in the Kalaske area of Wazirabad on Wednesday when a newlywed bride named Rukhsar was allegedly murdered by her in-laws by forcing her to drink acid. 

    According to reports, Rukhsar, a resident of Gujranwala, married Altaf from Kalaske on September 12, 2025. According to the victim’s family, her in-laws became incensed after Rukhsar failed to bring clothes in dowry upon her return.

    The victim’s brother-in-law and mother-in-law taunted Rukhsar over the perceived slight. The brother of the deceased bride came forward, explicitly accusing Altaf Hussain and his mother Ghulam Zohra of forcing his sister to consume acid.

    Following the assault, Rukhsar was immediately rushed to the District Headquarters Hospital (DHQ). Despite medical efforts, she tragically succumbed and died.

    Ahmad Nagar Chattha Police Station took action and subsequently arrested the her husband Altaf Hussain and his mother Ghulam Zohra.

    In his official statement to the police, the husband rejected the grave allegation, asserting that neither he nor his mother forced Rukhsar to drink acid. 

    He claimed that she had consumed the corrosive substance on her own. The investigation is now underway.

  • Israel, Hamas agree on first phase of Trump’s Gaza ceasefire plan

    Israel, Hamas agree on first phase of Trump’s Gaza ceasefire plan

    US President Donald Trump has announced that Israel and Hamas have agreed on the first phase of a peace framework aimed at achieving a Gaza ceasefire and the release of Israeli captives and Palestinian prisoners, Al Jazeera reported.

    The announcement follows Trump’s 20-point plan to end the war on Gaza, which he unveiled last week. Israel, Hamas, and most of the international community have broadly welcomed the proposal. More than 67,000 people have been killed in Israel’s war on Gaza, which many global rights groups and a United Nations commission have described as genocidal.

    Trump revealed the development late on Wednesday, saying Israel and Hamas had agreed to the first step of his Gaza ceasefire plan. In a post on Truth Social at 23:17 GMT, he wrote that all captives would be released “very soon” and that Israel will pull its troops back to an agreed line as part of the deal.

    Earlier in the day, Trump told reporters he was ready to travel to the Middle East as soon as this weekend to help advance the peace process. His announcement came after Secretary of State Marco Rubio handed him a note during a White House event, prompting Trump to tell reporters: “I was just given a note by the Secretary of State saying that we’re very close to a deal in the Middle East, and they’re going to need me pretty quickly.”

    Concluding the event, Trump added, “I have to go now to try and solve some problems in the Middle East.” According to reports, the note urged him to sign off on a Truth Social post to be the first to announce the agreement.

    In his post, Trump stated that both Israel and Hamas had signed off on the first phase of the peace plan. He said all captives would be released soon, Israeli troops would withdraw to an agreed line, and that this would mark the first step toward “a strong and durable peace.” He also thanked Qatar, Egypt, and Turkiye for their mediation efforts.

    The deal marks the most significant diplomatic breakthrough Trump has achieved in the Gaza genocide after eight months of negotiation attempts. Ending the war has been one of his key foreign policy priorities during his re-election campaign.

    However, important details remain unresolved. Al Jazeera’s senior political analyst Marwan Bishara said there were still “some serious disagreements” between Israel and Hamas, including the timing and extent of an Israeli withdrawal, Gaza’s post-war governance, and the future of Hamas.

    “You could say that the initial phase of the initial phase is working out,” Bishara said, noting that both sides appeared to have agreed on parameters for a captive-prisoner exchange. He added, “According to the [Trump] plan, after Hamas hands over the captives, then the war should be over. But Israel says no, the war will be over only after Hamas disarms.”

    Trump told Fox News that captives could be released as early as Monday, including the bodies of those who have died. A Hamas source said the surviving captives would be freed within 72 hours of Israel’s approval of the deal, while Israeli officials suggested the process could begin on Saturday. Trump also said he believed Iran would be part of “the whole peace situation.”

    Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu welcomed the deal, calling it “a great day for Israel.” He said, “I offer my heartfelt thanks to President Trump and his team for their dedication to this sacred mission of freeing our hostages. With God’s help, together we will continue to achieve all our goals and enhance peace with our neighbours.”

    Hamas also confirmed the agreement, saying it included “an end to the war on Gaza, the occupation’s withdrawal from it, the entry of aid and a prisoner exchange.” The group thanked Qatar, Egypt, Turkiye, and Trump for their mediation and urged all parties to ensure Israel fully implements the deal.

    Hamas stated, “We salute our great people in the Gaza Strip, Jerusalem and the West Bank, who have demonstrated unparalleled pride, heroism, and honour.” The group reaffirmed its commitment to “achieve freedom, independence, and self-determination.”

    Netanyahu said he will present the agreement to his cabinet on Thursday for approval. Once passed, Israeli forces will begin pulling back, and 72 hours later, Hamas is expected to start releasing captives.

    Trump is expected to travel to Egypt in the coming days and has been invited by Netanyahu to address Israel’s parliament. He told Axios he is “likely” to make the trip.

    The next stage of Trump’s plan includes the formation of an international body, the Board of Peace, to oversee Gaza’s post-war administration. Trump will chair the board alongside other world leaders, including former British Prime Minister Tony Blair.

  • Sindh govt appoints Ahsan Khan as member of Artist Support Board to uplift struggling talent

    Sindh govt appoints Ahsan Khan as member of Artist Support Board to uplift struggling talent

    Actor Ahsan Khan has officially joined the restructured Artist Support Board under the Sindh Government’s Culture Ministry, a significant step towards enhancing welfare initiatives for struggling artists, writers, and poets across the province.

    The new board, part of the Management Board of Endowment and Stipends, aims to provide financial assistance and long-term support to members of the creative community who are facing financial hardship in Sindh. The recent revamp of the board is seen as a strategic move to strengthen its impact and operational reach.

    Ahsan Khan announced the news through his official Instagram account, sharing a photo of the notification of his appointment. “Working for the betterment of our community,” he wrote in the caption, reflecting his commitment to the welfare of fellow artists.

    The board now includes a lineup of accomplished professionals from the entertainment industry, including actors Javed Sheikh, Muneeb Butt, and Ayub Khoso, in addition to Khan. Their combined experience and public influence are expected to bring greater visibility and support to the board’s mission.

    According to the Culture Ministry’s notification, the committee has been formed “to support actors, writers, and directors of Sindh who are in crisis.” In addition to direct financial aid, the board will also focus on broader welfare measures aimed at improving the quality of life for individuals in the cultural sector.

    Ahsan Khan’s inclusion is widely seen as a positive development, given his track record of social advocacy and work on important societal issues. The initiative is expected to bring renewed focus to the needs of the artistic community, particularly those who have contributed to Sindh’s cultural heritage but now face financial or personal challenges.

    The initiative is part of the Sindh Government’s broader efforts to recognize and support the artistic contributions of its citizens, ensuring that cultural development goes hand in hand with social responsibility.

  • Starc reunites with Sixers, joins Babar for BBL 15

    Starc reunites with Sixers, joins Babar for BBL 15

    The Sydney Sixers have received a major boost ahead of the new Big Bash League season with the return of star fast bowler Mitchell Starc who will join forces with Babar Azam.

    Starc, who last played for the Sixers in 2014, has re-signed with the club after an 11-year gap. He will join the squad after January 8, following the Ashes series against England. Having retired from T20 internationals, Starc is now free to play a full domestic season.

    “I can’t wait to pull on the Sixers’ magenta shirt again,” said Starc. “The Sixers are close to my heart, and my goal is to help bring another trophy home for our fans.”

    Starc’s return strengthens a Sixers lineup already featuring Babar Azam and Steve Smith, creating one of the most anticipated combinations of the season.

    The Sixers will begin their BBL 15 campaign on December 14 against defending champions Perth Scorchers at Optus Stadium. 

    With Babar leading the batting and Starc spearheading the bowling, Sydney will be among the top contenders for the Big Bash title.

  • Ronaldo becomes world’s first billionaire footballer

    Ronaldo becomes world’s first billionaire footballer

    Portuguese football legend Cristiano Ronaldo has achieved another historic milestone by becoming the world’s first billionaire footballer.

    According to Bloomberg’s latest Billionaires Index, Ronaldo’s net worth has reached an estimated 1.4 billion dollars, which equals more than 393 billion Pakistani rupees.

    The 40-year-old football icon saw a major boost in his wealth after signing a new deal worth almost $400 million with Saudi club Al Nassr in June this year. 

    Bloomberg reported that between 2002 and 2023, Ronaldo earned over 550 million dollars in salaries alone. His long-term sponsorship deal with Nike has brought him around 18 million dollars annually, while endorsements from other major brands have added more than 175 million dollars to his income.

    Ronaldo’s move from Manchester United to Al Nassr in 2023 made him the highest-paid player in football history, with an annual deal worth 177 million pounds.

    He now joins the elite group of billionaire athletes that includes Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, LeBron James, golfer Tiger Woods, and tennis legend Roger Federer.

  • Instagram glitch leads to rumors of Aima Baig separating from Zain Ahmad

    Instagram glitch leads to rumors of Aima Baig separating from Zain Ahmad

    Pakistani fashion designer Zain Ahmad has addressed rumors surrounding his relationship with singer Aima Baig, clarifying that the speculation was the result of technical issues with his Instagram account.

    Social media erupted with rumors of a possible separation between the couple after followers noticed that Zain had unfollowed Aima on Instagram and removed pictures of their wedding. The absence of the posts led to widespread speculation regarding the status of their relationship.

    However, Zain took to Instagram to clear the air. In a story shared on his account, he explained, “Hey guys, my account was bugging out and some of my posts archived too. Sorry if anyone got any bitcoin messages,” he joked. “Changed my passwords so we’re Gucci now.”

    Following his statement, Zain has since restored photos of their wedding on his profile and re-followed Aima Baig, easing fans’ concerns. Aima is alread following her husband from her personal account.

    Zain later shared a throwback photo of the couple, in which Aima is proudly showing off her diamond ring.

    Despite the clarification, some fans remain puzzled over Aima’scryptic post. The singer had shared a story that read, “You are worthy. You always have been, even on the days you forget it.”

    In another post, she uploaded a video of herself singing “Number One Girl” by Rose, a song that includes emotionally charged lyrics such as:

    “Tell me that I’m special, tell me I look pretty

    Tell me I’m a little angel, sweetheart of your city

    Say what I’m dying to hear

    ‘Cause I’m dying to hear you.”

    While Zain’s explanation appears to put rumors to rest for now, the ambiguity in Aima’s recent posts has left some followers speculating about the true state of their relationship. Aima has not issued any statement as yet.

    Aima Baig and Zain Ahmad got married on August 5, 2025, in an intimate ceremony in Canada.