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Author: News Desk

  • Peaky Blinders returns with two new series

    Peaky Blinders returns with two new series

    Famous crime drama Peaky Blinders is coming back with a new generation of Shelbys, BBC has announced.

    According to the announcement made Thursday, a sequel series from the beloved show’s writer and creator, Steven Knight, set in 1953 Britain, has received a two-season order at Netflix and the BBC.

    The cast is yet to be revealed, but original Peaky Blinders star Cillian Murphy is on board as an executive producer.

    “After being heavily bombed in WWII, Birmingham is building a better future out of concrete and steel,” the plot description reads.

    “In a new era of Steven Knight’s Peaky Blinders, the race to own Birmingham’s massive reconstruction project becomes a brutal contest of mythical dimensions. This is a city of unprecedented opportunity and danger: with the Shelby family right at its blood-soaked heart.”

    The new series will be filmed in Birmingham at Digbeth Loc. Studios.

    “I’m thrilled to be announcing this new chapter in the Peaky Blinders story,” Knight said in a statement.

    “Once again, it will be rooted in Birmingham and will tell the story of a city rising from the ashes of the Birmingham blitz. The new generation of Shelbys has taken the wheel, and it will be a hell of a ride,” Variety quoted him as saying.

    Peaky Blinders is loosely based on a real 19th-century Birmingham gang of the same name, but the main characters and the show’s detailed plot are largely fictional.

    The historical gang was known for its distinctive style, including caps and specific types of boots. The real Peaky Blinders primarily operated from the 1880s to the 1920s, while the show is set mostly after World War I.

    The previous installment of the crime drama was highly praised by fans around the globe, including Pakistan.

  • ‘Pakistan doesn’t need UN aid as Rs4.3 trillion development budget enough for flood relief’

    ‘Pakistan doesn’t need UN aid as Rs4.3 trillion development budget enough for flood relief’

    Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb has said that the country does not need any flood-related assistance from the United Nations (UN) as Pakistan has ample resources for rescue and relief efforts.

    Addressing the Pakistan Business Summit as a keynote speaker in Peshawar, Aurangzeb said that the funds from the country’s Rs4.3 trillion development budget could be repurposed with effective prioritisation and coordination between the federal and provincial governments.

    The statements come as Pakistan informs the International Monetary Fund (IMF) of economic losses amounting to Rs371 billion in the aftermath of recent floods, severely damaging infrastructure and agriculture.

    The government had at the time of the annual budget set a real GDP growth target of 4.2% for the ongoing fiscal year; however, in light of the flood-related damages, authorities have projected a downward revision of the target by 0.3% points, bringing it to 3.9%.

    Speaking at the occasion, Aurangzeb also said that Pakistan had made a significant improvement in remittances, which reached $38 billion last year and were projected to grow to $41-43 billion in the current fiscal year.

    The minister said that Pakistan successfully repaid $500 million in Eurobond obligations in September this year without market disruption and it is well-positioned to repay the $1.3 billion Eurobond in April 2026.

    The conference was the first major business activity in Peshawar in years as policymakers, investors and corporate leaders from across the country participated in the event under the theme of “Shaping What’s Next”.

    The summit was also addressed by acting president and Senate chairman Yusuf Raza Gilani, KP Governor Faisal Karim Kundi, Federal Minister for Privatisation Mohammad Ali, KP Advisor for Finance Muzammil Aslam, former minister Mohammad Azfar Ahsan and others.

    Aurangzeb said that the remittance inflows into the formal economy had increased. “Last year, we had $38 billion in remittances. This year, we expect $41-43 billion,” he said.

    He maintained that the policy rate, which remains at 11%, is expected to be lowered in the ongoing fiscal year. “Although the policy rate is very much the domain of the central bank, I think there is enough cushion that we can continue to push the rate south during the course of this fiscal year.”

    The finance minister also said that the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) had been reduced to a tax collection forum, and economic policymaking had been shifted to the finance division.

    On the privatisation front, Aurangzeb told the participants that 24 state-owned enterprises had been handed over to the Privatisation Commission.


    On foreign direct investment and the road to the international market, he said that recent visits to Beijing, Riyadh and New York yielded tangible results.

  • Namibia, Zimbabwe qualify for 2026 T20 World Cup

    Namibia, Zimbabwe qualify for 2026 T20 World Cup

    Namibia and Zimbabwe have booked their places at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 after winning their semi-final clashes at the Africa Regional Final in Harare on Thursday.

    In the first semi-final, Namibia defeated Tanzania to claim qualification. The Eagles were in trouble at 41/4 before JJ Smit and Gerhard Erasmus steadied the innings with an 88-run partnership. Erasmus scored 55 off 41 balls, while Smit smashed 61 not out off 43 deliveries. Smit then starred with the ball as well, taking 3/16 to dismantle Tanzania’s batting order.

    Zimbabwe sealed the second qualification spot with a seven-wicket win over Kenya later in the day. Rakep Patel’s 65 off 47 was the lone highlight for Kenya as they were restricted to 122. Brian Bennett led Zimbabwe’s reply with a blistering 51 off 25 balls, ensuring a comfortable chase.

    Namibia have now qualified for their fourth straight T20 World Cup, while Zimbabwe return after missing the 2024 edition. 

    With the African qualifiers decided, only three spots remain from the Asia-EAP pathway for next year’s tournament in India and Sri Lanka.

  • Sarah Khan, Danish Taimoor’s drama ‘Sher’ ends with star-studded finale screening

    Sarah Khan, Danish Taimoor’s drama ‘Sher’ ends with star-studded finale screening

    One of Pakistan’s most talked-about dramas, Sher, starring Sarah Khan and Danish Taimoor, came to an emotional and powerful close with a glitzy, star-studded premiere night in Karachi.

    The final episode screening was nothing short of a celebration, drawing some of the biggest names in the entertainment industry.

    Sher, a high-stakes family and revenge saga, had gripped audiences with its intense storyline, powerful performances and cinematic direction. Directed by Aehsun Talish and produced by Abdullah Seja, the drama has been praised for its impactful storytelling and strong character arcs.

    The lead stars, Sarah Khan and Danish Taimoor, arrived at the premiere alongside their spouses, singer Falak Shabbir and actress Ayeza Khan.

    Sarah turned heads in a vibrant saree exuding a desi elegance while Danish kept it classic in a sharp, striped suit. Ayeza Khan also impressed with a white suit adorned with multi-coloured embroidery.

    A-list celebrities, including Humayun Saeed, Adnan Siddiqui, Faysal Quraishi, Aijaz Aslam, Hareem Farooq, Affan Waheed, Ali Rehman Khan, Yasir Hussain, Faizan Sheikh and Nabeel Zafar, also attended the event to celebrate the finale, creating a dazzling night of glamour and camaraderie.

    The entire cast and crew of Sher was also present.

                       

    Taking to Instagram after the premiere, Sarah expressed her gratitude, writing, “Big love to my producer @sejaabd for trusting me with this project… Massive shoutout to @aehsuntalish bhai… And of course, @danishtaimoor16 — what a wonderful co-actor you are… To the entire cast — it honestly felt like family on set… And lastly, to everyone who came out last night — #SHER roared louder because of you!”

    She also thanked her husband, Falak Shabbir, calling him her biggest support system, and paid tribute to fans for making Sher a success. “You’re the real reason the roar gets louder each time!”

    With its memorable performances and gripping plot, Sher has undoubtedly left a lasting mark on Pakistani television, ending on a high note celebrated by fans and stars alike.

  • Rawalpindi man arrested on suspicion of raping, impregnating sister

    Rawalpindi man arrested on suspicion of raping, impregnating sister

    An 18-year-old man has been arrested this week for allegedly repeatedly raping his 15-year-old sister over a four-month period in the Gulshanabad area of Sadr Beruni police station jurisdiction in Rawalpindi, and impregnating her. 

    According to reports, the shocking incident came to light after the girl’s father Ajmal Jaam lodged a police report. Jaam, who works as a laborer and lives in a rented house in Gulshanabad with his family, including six daughters and one son, stated that the matter surfaced when his 15-year-old daughter suddenly became unwell.

    The father explained that his eldest daughter took the younger girl to a doctor for treatment. The medical checkup revealed the 15-year-old was pregnant.

    Upon learning of the pregnancy, the girl’s mother questioned her. The daughter disclosed that her brother Shahzad, had been sexually abusing since four months. The father requested legal action against his son. 

    According to police officials, the 18-year-old suspect works at a barbershop. 

    Authorities arrested the man, registered a case, and initiated further investigation into the “shameful incident.”

  • One Direction reunion: Zayn Malik, Louis Tomlinson reunite for Netflix show

    One Direction reunion: Zayn Malik, Louis Tomlinson reunite for Netflix show

    Former One Direction bandmates Zayn Malik and Louis Tomlinson are teaming up again for a Netflix documentary series set to release next year.

    The untitled three-part series will follow Zayn and Louis as they go on a spontaneous road trip across the United States, giving fans a rare look into their personal lives.

    According to Netflix, the show will explore their friendship, which has been rekindled after years apart, and will feature open conversations about life, love, loss, and fatherhood.

    The documentary is being directed by Nicola Marsh, known for her work on Song Exploder and Stay on Board, and is being produced by Campfire Studios, the team behind Smartless: On the Road and America’s Sweethearts: The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders.

    This marks the first major project between Malik and Tomlinson since Zayn left One Direction in 2015.

    The reunion comes nearly a year after the tragic death of their former bandmate, Liam Payne, who died after falling from a hotel balcony in Argentina.

    In a recent interview with iHeartRadio, Louis responded to rumors of working with Zayn by saying, “I thought that was pretty interesting, pretty astute… I just suppose they’d have to wait and see.” Just weeks earlier, the two were spotted filming together at a bar in Nashville.

    In addition to the Netflix series, both stars have big plans ahead. Louis is releasing a new album titled How Did I Get Here? on January 23, along with a tour next summer.

    Meanwhile, Zayn will begin a Las Vegas residency in January 2026, performing songs from all four of his solo albums.

  • Malala supporters, detractors clash as Greta gets arrested for trying to break Gaza siege

    Malala supporters, detractors clash as Greta gets arrested for trying to break Gaza siege

    The internet is not happy with Malala Yousafzai for what they perceive as her silence on the Global Sumud Flotilla, the group of boats that activists were taking to Gaza with aid supplies to break Israel’s inhuman siege of the embattled strip. 

    As Israeli naval vessels surrounded the boats earlier in the week, the world waited on tenterhooks for any news about the activists on board, which included climate icon Greta Thunberg, Irish comedian Tahdg Hickey, Pakistani legislator Mushtaq Ahmad Khan and American veteran Greg J. Stoker. 

    Greta has been repeatedly singled out by Zionists and Israeli accounts for continuously speaking up for Palestine. The climate activist, once the darling of Western media, was making her second attempt to reach Gaza with a flotilla and aid supplies for the starving population. 

    Her arrest led to an outpouring of concern on social media, along with anger at Malala for not talking about the flotilla. 

    One tweet said that Greta had unmasked the falsehood of Malala. “The nobility and courage she embodies are beyond expression. After the people of Gaza, she stands as the true hero who has illuminated the path for humanity,” it said. 

    Another account wrote that Malala lived in a parallel world. 


    “Greta’s throwing major shade at Malala, who seems lost in a parallel world. She shows no concern for the urgent aid needed in , let alone education for young women. These so-called icons of women’s empowerment & humanity are nothing more than tools of the Western establishment.” 

    Another person wrote: “Greta Thunberg finds herself, lamentably, in the unlawful custody of the Israel Defense Forces, this being the second such grievous occurrence. One cannot help but ponder the whereabouts of  Malala Yousafzai and the curious silence she maintains on this pressing issue. I would counsel you to inspire your daughters to embody the steadfast valor of Miss Thunberg, rather than the reticent disposition of Miss Yousafzai.” 

    While Rafia Zakaria tweeted, “I wish Malala would be a little more like @GretaThunberg” 

    However, many others defended Malala, including one tweet that said Pakistanis suffer from Malala Derangement Syndrome. 
    “Pakistanis all have a severe case of Malala Derangement Syndrome. Living in the subcontinent does something dark to your brain.” 

    One social media reminded everyone that Malala had been shot once before, staring, “Hmmm you guys Malala was shot, I’m sure she doesn’t want to be in that kind of danger ever again.” 


    Another social media user said, “Unhinged Malala hate is a mental illness. After taking a bullet to the head for a cause as a 11 yo  these a**wipes want her to do what exactly? She should chill on a warm Caribbean beach for the rest of her life.”


    While Malala hasn’t tweeted about the flotilla recently, one of her latest tweets, posted on September 27 in a thread about her trip to Egypt, did in fact mention Gaza and called Israel’s actions there a genocide. 

    She wrote, “Palestinian children have been hit hardest by Israel’s genocide. Israeli forces have killed their families & destroyed their homes & schools. Thousands have been forced to flee to other countries like Egypt.

    Girls’ education is one of the biggest casualties of conflict. World leaders must act: end the siege, open all border crossings & implement a permanent ceasefire. Children deserve dignity, safety & a future.” 

  • ‘Do you want them making money through bookies?’: Internet reacts to PCB cancelling top players’ NOCs

    ‘Do you want them making money through bookies?’: Internet reacts to PCB cancelling top players’ NOCs

    The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has come under heavy criticism after suspending the No Objection Certificates (NOCs) of top national players, stopping them from participating in foreign leagues. 

    The decision that came a day after Pakistan’s loss to India in the Asia Cup final has sparked widespread debate among fans and experts.

    The board had initially cleared several cricketers to play in Australia’s Big Bash League (BBL), but those approvals have now been revoked. The move directly impacts Pakistan’s biggest names, including Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Mohammad Rizwan and Faheem Ashraf.

    The decision drew sharp criticism as both Babar and Rizwan were not even part of the squad that lost the Asia Cup final. Many questioned why they were being penalised for a defeat they had no role in.

    One fan on X questioned the fairness of the decision, writing, “Not giving NOC to the ones who weren’t even part of the Asia Cup squad? Yeh kahan ka insaaf hai, or should I specifically ask what are they punishing Babar for?”

    Another user called it a disappointing move, saying, “No NOC for Babar Azam to play in BBL. A player of his class deserves global exposure, not restrictions. This only hurts Pakistan cricket’s image.”

    “Bad decision by PCB to not give NOC. Muhammad Rizwan and Babar Azam were not even in the Asia Cup squad,” wrote a third.

    Another reaction highlighted the board’s inconsistency, saying, “If the PCB forced Babar Azam not to play in the BBL, then he seriously needs to take bold steps. He wasn’t even in your T20I team because of your ego, so what’s the point of cancelling everyone’s NOC? Cancel the NOC of those who were playing for your favourite team instead.”

    Others expressed concern over Pakistan’s relations with foreign boards. One user directly tagged the PCB and wrote, “Who is taking such decisions in the PCB? How will this help relations with other boards i.e. Cricket Australia who have signed on Babar, Shaheen etc. for big money for Big Bash? Why were NOCs issued in the first place?”

    Former PTI leader Asad Umar also weighed in, calling the decision “insane”.

    “Stopping Pak players from playing in best leagues is insane. It denies them the chance to play against the best and with the best support staff to develop their game. Plus it is their right to make halal paisa—or do you want them to make money from bookies?” Umar wrote in a post on X.

    The decision has now turned into a major talking point, with fans demanding clarity from the board on why players, who were not even part of the Asia Cup squad, were punished.

  • Mahira, Fahad Mustafa, Tabish Hashmi unite for star-studded comedy film

    Mahira, Fahad Mustafa, Tabish Hashmi unite for star-studded comedy film

    Comedy king Tabish Hashmi is about to make his silver screen debut alongside superstars Mahira Khan and Fahad Mustafa.

    According to Galaxy Lollywood, Pakistani cinema is set to welcome a major comedy film as Mahira Khan, Fahad Mustafa, and Tabish Hashmi come together for an upcoming feature film under Fahad Mustafa’s production banner Big Bang Entertainment.

    Fahad Mustafa, star of megahits Na Maloom Afraad and Quaid-e-Azam Zindabad, is returning to the big screen in a leading role alongside long-time co-star Mahira Khan. The duo, whose last film grossed over 27.5 million PKR worldwide, is reuniting for what’s already being hailed as a highly anticipated project.

    Adding to the excitement, popular stand-up comedian and talk show host Tabish Hashmi will make his cinematic debut, finally stepping into the acting spotlight. Known for his sharp wit on Hasna Mana Hai, Hashmi has often expressed interest in acting, and this film marks the perfect vehicle for his first on-screen venture.

    Speaking in an Eid special interview earlier in the year, Fahad revealed that he is currently developing two film projects, slated for release in 2026 and 2027. “I’m working on two films. One of them will release in 2026, and the other in 2027,” he confirmed.

    The upcoming comedy will be the first-ever film project by Big Bang Entertainment, and is being written and directed by Bilal Atif Khan, a name already buzzing in industry circles for his sharp storytelling. With its powerhouse cast and seasoned creative team, the film is expected to be a game-changer in the Pakistani film landscape.

    Taking to Instagram stories, director Nabeel Qureshi congratulated the lead cast, saying: “Blockbuster hai bhai!!! (It’s a blockbuster) Lots of prayer and wishes @blah_atif make us proud @filmwalapictures & @fizza_meerza.”

    Fans and critics alike are already buzzing with excitement as the film promises a refreshing blend of humor, star power, and cinematic flair.

    The exact release date of the film has not been announced yet.

  • Sana Mir hits back at Indian propaganda on her ‘Azad Kashmir’ remarks

    Sana Mir hits back at Indian propaganda on her ‘Azad Kashmir’ remarks

    Former Pakistan women’s cricket captain Sana Mir has hit back at criticism from Indian media, calling the campaign against her “unfortunate and unnecessary.”

    The controversy began during her commentary on the Paksitan vs Bangladesh match at the Women’s ODI World Cup on Thursday, when she referred to cricketer Natalia Pervaiz’s hometown as Azad Kashmir. 

    Several Indian media outlets accused Mir of raising political issues during the broadcast and demanded that the ICC take action against her.

    Rahul Rawat, who works with India Today, AajTak, and Sports Tak, accused Sana Mir of creating controversy by mentioning Azad Kashmir on air. He posted on X, “Former Pakistan captain Sana Mir has stirred a hornet’s nest by bringing up the Kashmir issue during live commentary today. She referred to a Pakistan player as hailing from ‘Azad Kashmir.’ India is the host for this Women’s World Cup and the ICC is expected to act against Sana Mir.”

    Soon after, senior Indian journalist Vikrant Gupta also jumped in, tagging the ICC and BCCI. He retweeted a post saying, “What the hell is ‘Azaad Kashmir’ @ICC @BCCI. You must take a stern action against this Pakistani commentator and send her back packing from India @JayShah @MithunManhas.”

    Amid the uproar, Natalia Pervaiz’s CricInfo profile was quietly edited. It originally listed her birthplace as Bandala, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, but was later changed to Pakistan-administered Kashmir, a move that fueled further debate around the controversy.

    Responding to the backlash, Mir shared her statement on X, clarifying her intent. “It’s unfortunate how things are being blown out of proportion and people in sports are being subjected to unnecessary pressure. My comment about a Pakistan player’s hometown was only meant to highlight the challenges she faced and her incredible journey. It is part of the storytelling we do as commentators. I did that today for two other players as well. Please don’t politicise it,” she wrote.

    She stressed that her words carried no political agenda. “As a commentator on the World Feed, we are meant to focus on the sport, teams, and players, highlighting inspiring stories of grit and perseverance. There is no malice in my heart or any intention to hurt sentiments,” Mir added.

    The former captain also posted a screenshot of CricInfo, where she researched players’ backgrounds before the site updated Pervaiz’s profile.

    Mir, who captained Pakistan to historic wins and later became an ICC Hall of Fame inductee, urged everyone to let cricket remain a unifying sport. 

    She reminded fans that commentators have to tell stories of players’ journeys and struggles.