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Author: News Desk

  • Jenna Ortega calls Palestinians her ‘heroes’

    Jenna Ortega calls Palestinians her ‘heroes’

    Wednesday star Jenna Ortega is just as fearless as the iconic character she portrays on Netflix’s mega smash series.

    The star has once again voiced her support for the Palestinian people, calling them her “heroes” in a recent interview with French magazine Gala.

    Speaking at a Dior-hosted party in Paris, the outspoken actress praised the resilience and courage of Palestinians amid the indifference of world leaders.

    “I see the people of Palestine as my heroes,” Ortega said. “They are continuously using their voices despite the world ignoring their pleas.”

    She added that she hopes to amplify their struggle. “I wish to lift and raise their voices as well,” Ortega continued, calling their efforts “important and commendable.”

    This is not the first time the 21-year-old actor has taken a public stance on the issue. In June, she shared a series of Instagram posts referencing attacks in Iran and Palestine, writing: “My thoughts are heavy” and that “Palestinian cries are being buried in everyday media.”

    In 2023, Ortega also made headlines after leaving the Scream VII just one day after her co-star Melissa Barrera was fired over pro-Palestine social media posts. While many speculated her departure was an act of solidarity, the studio denied any connection, attributing Ortega’s exit to scheduling conflicts.

    Jenna Ortega’s continued vocal support for Palestine has drawn praise from her fans.

    Several Hollywood celebrities are raising their voices against the genocide being carried out in Gaza.

    As per the Palestinian Health Ministry, at least 67,160 people have been killed so far and 169,679 wounded by Israeli attacks across Gaza since October 2023.

  • Zoheb Hassan makes emotional decision following his mother’s passing

    Zoheb Hassan makes emotional decision following his mother’s passing

    Pakistani pop icon Zoheb Hassan has made an emotional announcement following the death of his beloved mother, expressing deep gratitude to those who supported him and revealing a heartfelt decision regarding those who did not.

    The singer described his mother as the most important person in his life and shared his grief publicly on social media.

    In an Instagram post, the singer made a deeply personal decision regarding his social connections, stating, “My mother was the single most important person in my life. Any person on my friend list in Pakistan who didn’t condole on her passing. I as of now will not consider a ‘friend’ and shall remove them from my friend list.”

    While he expressed disappointment over the lack of condolences from some, Zoheb was also full of gratitude for those who stood by him during this difficult time. “As for the hundreds of friends who did and made the effort to attend the funeral and the prayers, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. Love you back,” he wrote.

    He also shared some glimpses of his mother’s funeral in a previous Instagram post. In the pictures, he was visibly in grief pain.

    Announcing her death on September 26, he posted a touching tribute, saying, “Even though it is difficult to accept your physical absence, your memory shall always stay embedded deep in my heart and mind. Maybe this is the only way I can hold on to you. I will miss our long conversations, your advice and our shared laughter.”

    The loss has clearly left a deep void in Zoheb Hassan’s life, and his messages have resonated with fans who offered him their condolences and support.

    Zoheb and Nazia Hassan rose to fame in the 1980s with their chart-topping hits, revolutionizing the pop music scene in Pakistan and India.

  • PCB slammed for not wishing Imran Khan on his birthday

    PCB slammed for not wishing Imran Khan on his birthday

    The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is facing strong criticism from fans after it did not extend birthday wishes to former captain and cricket legend Imran Khan.

    Fans took to social media to express anger and disappointment, accusing the board of mixing politics with sports. Many pointed out that while PCB wished other former cricketers on their birthdays, it completely ignored the country’s only World Cup-winning captain.

    One user wrote, “Shame on you. Others remember Imran Khan, but you were supposed to be the first one to tweet.”

    Another commented, “So graceful of you to say so. Pity that the PCB chooses instead to celebrate Aamir Hanif on his birthday, but not Imran Khan, Pakistan’s greatest all-rounder and the only ODI World Cup-winning captain. Pity, and petty too.”

    A fan even called out the board for hypocrisy, saying, “PCB has absolutely no right to point fingers at India for bringing politics into the game when it’s doing the same by not wishing Imran Khan.”

    Others reminded the board of Khan’s unmatched legacy, saying, “Shame on PCB for dragging politics into sports. You can skip wishing him, but you can’t erase his legacy.”

    Over his international career, Imran Khan played 88 Test matches, scoring 3,807 runs at an average of 37.69 with six centuries and 18 fifties, while taking 362 wickets at an exceptional average of 22.81. In 175 One Day Internationals, he amassed 3,709 runs at 33.41 and claimed 182 wickets, with a career-best figure of 6 for 14.

    Imran, who turned 73 this year, remains one of the most iconic figures in Pakistan’s cricket history, the man who led the country to its first and only ODI World Cup title in 1992.

    While the PCB has not issued any statement on the matter, the silence continues to spark debate online, with fans calling for respect and recognition for one of Pakistan’s greatest cricketing heroes.

  • Humayun Saeed’s wife once rescued him from ‘crazy’ fan claiming to be his spouse

    Humayun Saeed’s wife once rescued him from ‘crazy’ fan claiming to be his spouse

    It’s no secret that Humayun Saeed has a massive female fan following, and who can blame the ladies, after all the actor reached stardom with romantic roles that he absolutely aced.

    The megastar recently shared a bizarre and unforgettable encounter with a fan who did not appear to be normal.

    During an appearance on Tabish Hashmi’s talk show, he was asked about his craziest fan experience, Humayun recounted how a woman once showed up at his house, insisting she was his wife. “My domestic staff let her in, and she flat-out claimed we were married. She was that crazy,” he said.

    Despite his repeated requests for her to leave, the fan refused. Feeling overwhelmed, Humayun called upon his wife Samina to step in. “Samina came downstairs, calmly spoke to the woman, and eventually managed to get her to leave,” he said.

    The episode was full of surprising revelations. Humayun also opened up about his mischievous younger days. He recalled pretending to tutor a cousin just to sneak up to the rooftop afterward to see a girl and that didn’t go unnoticed by his relatives. His uncle eventually informed his father, leading to a confrontation. When Humayun lied to his father about his behavior, the result was a memorable slap so loud he joked that he still remembers its echo.

    Adding to the mix of funny and heartfelt stories, Humayun shared an early tale of infatuation. After seeing a girl at a wedding, he became smitten and learned she was traveling to Hyderabad. Determined to catch another glimpse of her, he went to the train station and, at the last moment, jumped onto the moving train.

    “I found out she was traveling to Hyderabad with her family, so I went to the station just to see her face again,” he said

    His plan was nearly derailed when he encountered a wall inside the train that prevented him from reaching her as he managed to climb the last coach. But during a slowdown near Rohri, he made a risky leap between coaches, alarming nearby passengers who thought he’d fallen. Eventually, he managed to walk past the girl, leaving her stunned by his unexpected appearance.

    “She looked so shocked to see me!” he laughed and admitted he had to travel all the way to Hyderabad because he had no other option.

  • Three-day Indus Conclave concludes with global conversations around ideas that matter

    Three-day Indus Conclave concludes with global conversations around ideas that matter

    The Indus Conclave, a three-day event that brought together a diverse group of policymakers, writers, and members of civil society at Alhamra in Lahore, was incredibly successful in pulling in the general public, especially students.


    The weather was also on the side of the Conclave, with students and young people engaging in conversation, buying books and coffee, playing music, and attending back-to-back sessions.


    The sessions that truly stood out were the ones that addressed issues that mattered to the youth.


    The workshop done by Jordanian-Bangladeshi chef Nahla Tabbaa, which required people to sign up earlier since it started before the conference, was exceptional. She took participants all across Lahore to discuss and experience street foods and how they impact cultures and society. The workshop went all over Lahore, including the markets of the old city.


    Sessions also focused on major international issues affecting the world, which included Palestine, Iran, and Ukraine.


    Sudanese activist and author Yassmin Abdel-Magied, a strong and fiery speaker who really connected with the Pakistani audience, was part of many sessions, including ‘Sudan Beyond the Headlines,’ ‘Covering Conflict,’ and ‘Building New Institutions: Supporting Culture on the Outside.’ She educated people on the genocide in Sudan in such an impressive way that whoever attended her sessions left with a deeper understanding of a conflict that doesn’t get much airtime.


    Kenyan Angela Wachuka was another person who really resonated with the audience. She is the founder of a Nairobi-based organization that is dedicated to restoring public libraries as centers of learning and culture. Her journey was inspiring for many young people who attended the sessions.


    Palestinian Elias Deis was another speaker who really stood out. Executive Director of the Holy Land Trust in Bethlehem, Palestine, he has dedicated his life to helping vulnerable communities become more resilient. His personal story of living life in the West Bank was an eye-opener for Pakistanis attending and showed how difficult it is for Palestinians living under Israeli occupation.


    Notable Pakistani speakers that really added a spark to the three-day event include Mian Amer Mahmood, who spoke briefly about the devolution of provinces, journalist Zarrar Khuhro on the United Nations’ work this year, writer Muhammad Hanif, and actress Mira Sethi.
    The event was a success that showed how much Pakistanis are interested in being part of such conversations. With jam-packed audiences and a buzz like none other, the Indus Conclave 2025 really made its mark.

  • Pakistan release two players from South Africa series Test squad

    Pakistan release two players from South Africa series Test squad

    Pakistan have released two players, reducing their Test squad for the upcoming two-match series against South Africa. 

    According to reports, fast bowler Aamir Jamal and spinner Faisal Akram have been released from the squad, bringing the total number of players down from 18 to 16.

    The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had earlier announced the squad for the ICC World Test Championship 2023–25 series against South Africa.

    The first Test will take place at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium from October 12 to 16, while the second Test is scheduled at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium from Oct 20 to 24.

    South Africa are the defending champions of the ICC World Test Championship 2023–25 cycle.

  • Arbaaz Khan becomes father to baby girl at 58

    Arbaaz Khan becomes father to baby girl at 58

    Veteran Bollywood actor and producer Arbaaz Khan, 58, has reportedly become a father for the second time, as he and his wife Sshura Khan welcomed a baby girl.

    According to Indian media reports, the couple’s daughter was born at a private hospital in Mumbai on Sunday. While no official statement has been released by the Khan family, family members were seen arriving at the hospital to celebrate the arrival of the newborn.

    Arbaaz’s son Arhaan Khan and brother Sohail Khan were seen at the hospital where Sshura is admitted.

    Arbaaz tied the knot with makeup artist Sshura Khan in December 2023 in an intimate ceremony attended by close friends and the Khan family. This marks Arbaaz Khan’s second marriage.

    Arbaaz was previously married to Bollywood actress and dancer Malaika Arora. Their marriage lasted for 20 years before officially ending in 2019. The former couple shares a 22-year-old son, Arhaan Khan.

    Arbaaz and his pregnant wife were spotted together at many public events. According to several Indian media reports, the delivery was due in the first week of October.

  • ‘Tamasha or torture?’: Alizeh Shah slams Tamasha for ‘glorifying bullying, mental abuse’

    ‘Tamasha or torture?’: Alizeh Shah slams Tamasha for ‘glorifying bullying, mental abuse’

    Actress Alizeh Shah has ignited a fresh wave of criticism against ARY Digital’s reality show Tamasha, calling it out for promoting bullying, humiliation and psychological torment under the guise of entertainment.

    As per the details, Tamasha is once again under fire for what critics are calling a “toxic and dehumanising spectacle”.

    “Tamasha house? More like torture house. The producers should honestly be ashamed… We’re out here glorifying bullying… humiliating people on national TV,” Shah wrote in a viral social media post, condemning the show’s treatment of contestants.

    “I’m seriously questioning the contestants. Self-respect for signing up for something so degrading…” she added.

    In her Instagram story, Shah also referred to the heartbreaking story of Humaira Asghar, a former Tamasha contestant and actor who was reportedly bullied and isolated during her time on the show.

    “No one even cared to ask what she went through mentally after that show,” she wrote. “Here we are again… degrading, tormenting, and starving people of their dignity… And we call this entertainment?”

    This isn’t the first time the show has been criticised. Earlier, actress Saheefa Jabbar Khattak and Romaisa Khan voiced similar concerns, with both questioning the show’s ethical boundaries and behavior of contestants.

    Romaisa criticised the way contestants are pitted against each other, calling the concept of the show “complete stupid”.

    Tamasha features a group of contestants living together in a confined house under 24/7 surveillance, competing in tasks while their every move is broadcast. But as ratings rise, so does the concern over how far the show is willing to go for drama.

    With widespread backlash now gaining momentum online, many are questioning how such a show is being broadcast nationwide.

    It merits a mention here that shows like Tamsha are widely accepted by the audiences and this show is also an adaptation of famous shows like Bigg Boss and Big Brother.

  • Saudi Arabia allows all visa holders to perform Umrah

    Saudi Arabia allows all visa holders to perform Umrah

    The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has announced that people holding any type of visa can now perform Umrah.

    According to the Saudi Press Agency, the ministry said the decision aims to simplify procedures for pilgrims and expand access to services under the Hajj and Umrah system in line with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.

    The ministry confirmed that all visa types, including personal, family visit, electronic tourist, transit and work visas, were included.

    “This step underscores the Kingdom’s commitment to enabling Muslims from around the world to perform their rituals with ease and tranquillity,” the ministry said and also highlighted the launch of the Nusuk Umrah platform that allows users to plan and perform Umrah by selecting packages and obtaining permits electronically. 

    The platform also lets visitors book services and choose suitable timings conveniently.

    “These facilitation measures show the keenness of the Government of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince to provide Muslims with a safe, spiritual environment along with high-quality services that enrich the Umrah experience,” the ministry said.

  • FACT CHECK: No, Pakistan did not ‘spray air freshener before Indian team walked in’

    FACT CHECK: No, Pakistan did not ‘spray air freshener before Indian team walked in’

    Social media had a field day after a clip from the Pakistan versus India ICC Women’s World Cup clash on Sunday showed Green Shirts spraying something on each other and all around themselves.

    A viral social media post claimed that Pakistani players were “spraying air freshener before the Indian team walked in”, jumping on the racist bandwagon of claims that Indians “do not take care of their hygiene”.

    Some went on to say they were “sanitising the pitch” ahead of the arch-rivals’ arrival and the Pakistani team was “savage for doing so”.

    The truth, however, was far less dramatic as the video actually showed players spraying insect repellant during the match in Colombo, which was also interrupted after a swarm of insects invaded the ground as soon as floodlights were turned on. 

    Pakistani bowler Nashra Sandhu was seen trying to swat them away with a towel, and soon, reserve players rushed in with insect repellent sprays to help the team.

    Captain Fatima Sana even sprayed around her teammates to keep the bugs away while substitute Iman Fatima sprayed a player’s cap.

    The match eventually resumed after ground staff sprayed the entire field with India going on to win by 88 runs.

    Pakistan will now face Australia on October 8 at the same venue.