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Author: News Desk

  • Sri Lanka’s Dunith Wellalage leaves Asia Cup to attend father’s funeral

    Sri Lanka’s Dunith Wellalage leaves Asia Cup to attend father’s funeral

    Sri Lankan all-rounder Dunith Wellalage has flown back home early Friday after the unexpected passing of his father Suranga Wellalage.

    The 22-year-old, who featured in Sri Lanka’s Asia Cup Group B victory against Afghanistan in Dubai, departed Abu Dhabi on Etihad Airways flight EY-392, arriving in Katunayake.

    Suranga Wellalage, a former cricketer, died on September 18 at the age of 54, reportedly losing his life to a sudden heart attack. Dunith was informed of the tragic news after the match, which Sri Lanka won by six wickets with eight balls to spare, securing their spot in the Super Four stage.

    Wellalage immediately left the team camp to return home, and his participation in the remainder of the tournament now appears highly unlikely.

    Sri Lanka is scheduled to face Bangladesh on September 20, Pakistan on the 23rd, and India on the 26th.

    This was Wellalage’s debut appearance in the Asia Cup and just his fifth T20 International. He has represented Sri Lanka in 31 ODIs, with a standout performance of 5 for 27 against India in Colombo in August 2024. He also took 5 for 40 against India in a 2023 Asia Cup match, when the tournament was played in the ODI format. He was the equal-second wicket-taker in that tournament, claiming 10 dismissals at an average of 17.90.

  • Battle of the dimples: Faisal Rehman thinks his is more famous than Hania’s

    Battle of the dimples: Faisal Rehman thinks his is more famous than Hania’s

    Veteran Pakistani actor Faisal Rehman has set social media ablaze with his cheeky claim that his dimples outshine those of Gen Z sweetheart Hania Aamir, and he’s got the fan following to prove it.

    In a candid interview, the iconic heartthrob from the 1980s spilled the tea on everything from Bollywood dreams to beauty battles, boldly stating, “My dimple is more famous than Hania Aamir’s. She’s new in the industry. I’ve been around for decades.”

    Faisal didn’t stop there. He added that women of all ages have swooned over his dimples for years, even revealing that he has “a dimple on both cheeks, one more visible than the other. When I gain a little weight, the second one pops too.”

    The actor revealed, “I’ve even received letters written in blood — though I have no idea whose blood it was.”

    When asked by the host about his recent shirtless photos, he clarified, “They weren’t nude photos — just topless ones.” The host then asked what the reaction was, to which Faisal replied, somewhat embarrassed, “I was heavily criticised on social media.”

    The host also asked if he had ever been in love. “No, I haven’t,” he responded. “I’ve only ever loved myself.”

    The actor went on to express his gratitude for remaining unmarried, saying, “I’m thankful I never got married, I can do all the things my married friends can’t.”

    The actor, known for his evergreen charm, reminisced about his attempt to break into Bollywood, sharing that he often visited India in the ’80s and even auditioned for films. Despite his best efforts, he faced resistance from Indian filmmakers reluctant to cast a Pakistani actor.

    The most eyebrow-raising moment came when Rehman threw some cinematic shade, confessing he never liked Aamir Khan’s acting — calling Shah Rukh Khan “just like you and me.”

  • Shaheen’s pace has dropped since injury, he has forgotten bouncer: Bazid Khan

    Shaheen’s pace has dropped since injury, he has forgotten bouncer: Bazid Khan

    Former Pakistan cricketer and renowned analyst Bazid Khan has raised concerns over ace bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi’s declining pace and diminished use of the bouncer, attributing the changes to his return from injury.

    Speaking on PTV Sports during a post-match analysis show hosted by Zainab Abbas, Bazid suggested that the left-arm pacer no longer possesses the same fear factor that once made him a standout performer in world cricket.

    “His pace was noticeably higher before the injury,” Bazid noted. “His inswingers were sharper and more impactful. Since returning, he hasn’t quite regained that intensity.”

    Bazid pointed out that Shaheen appears overly reliant on attempting yorkers too early in his spell, rather than building pressure with short-pitched deliveries. “He’s pitching the ball up too much with the new ball. Given his height, he could be far more effective by setting up batters with short-of-a-length deliveries,” Bazid explained.

    The analyst also expressed surprise at the pacer’s reluctance to bowl bouncers, especially in the initial overs. “I honestly can’t recall the last time he bowled a bouncer early in the innings. It’s surprising for someone of his stature. In the match against India, after getting hit for boundaries, I thought a bouncer in frustration was the natural response. Bouncer… I think he has forgotten? But it seems like it doesn’t even cross his mind anymore.”

    Despite the criticism, Bazid acknowledged that Shaheen has started to employ a shorter length more frequently, which he believes is a step in the right direction.

    The discussion followed Pakistan’s 41-run win over the United Arab Emirates in the Asia Cup 2025.

    Batting first, Pakistan overcame a mid-innings collapse to post 146-9 in their 20 overs. Contributions from the lower order proved crucial, with Shaheen Afridi delivering a valuable cameo of 29 runs off 14 balls to push the total beyond reach.

    With the ball, Shaheen made an impact as well, claiming two important wickets and earning the Player of the Match award for his all-round performance. His spell helped Pakistan restrict UAE effectively and secure their place in the Super Four stage of the tournament.

  • Islamabad, Beijing agree to operationalise China-Gwadar-Africa corridor

    Islamabad, Beijing agree to operationalise China-Gwadar-Africa corridor

    Pakistan and China have agreed to operationalise the China-Gwadar-Africa shipping corridor under the five-year maritime action plan for 2025-2029, a leading English daily has reported.

    According to reports, five feeder routes and bonded warehouses will also be operationalised for trade expansion.

    While Islamabad and Beijing are set to finalise the action plan aimed at developing a regional trade corridor, Gwadar will be positioned as a model “Green Port”. Feasibility studies will be carried out, and short-route infrastructure will be built alongside enhanced connectivity linking Gwadar with the Islamabad-Türkiye-Iran rail and road corridors.

    Gwadar is to be developed as a trade hub for Central Asian Republics (CARs), Afghanistan and West Asia with expanded transhipment facilities.

    Islamabad and Beijing will also strategise to promote Gwadar Free Zone resource utilisation. A total of 15 industries, including seafood, dates and tuna processing plants, along with petrochemical facilities, will be developed in the North Free Zone.

    Single Point Mooring connectivity will be expanded while car manufacturing plants and other industries are expected to be relocated from China.

    Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) will be signed with Pakistani business entities for the operationalisation of Gwadar Port and Free Zone through joint cooperation and collaboration.

    Additionally, Pakistan and China will launch blue economy training for 1,000 locals in fisheries, aquaculture and logistics at the Gwadar Blue Economy Centre. These initiatives are projected to generate 25,000 jobs with a 30 per cent contribution to Gwadar’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by 2027.

  • Awkward on-screen moment: Tara Mahmood recalls playing second wife of father’s close friend

    Awkward on-screen moment: Tara Mahmood recalls playing second wife of father’s close friend

    Actress Tara Mahmood has opened up about her career struggles, going on to share an emotionally bizarre experience because of an awkward acting role.

    During a podcast with Ahmed Ali Butt, Tara revealed that she once played the role of the second wife of veteran actor Usman Pirzada in a drama. “[It was] a role that made me feel extremely uncomfortable as he is a close friend of my father”.

    She admitted feeling unsure about how to address him on set, “Should I call him uncle or something else?” she recalled with a laugh, describing the awkward position she found herself in.

    Also reflecting on the early days of her career, Tara said she used to work on just one or two projects at a time due to limited opportunities. “At that time, delayed payments were a major source of stress, especially since I was living alone in Karachi with high living expenses”.

    What hurt the most, she added, was having to constantly chase after her own money.

    Fortunately, things have improved. “Today, I am involved in multiple projects simultaneously, so if one payment is delayed, it doesn’t create as much trouble”.

    However, she expressed dissatisfaction with the entertainment industry’s attitude toward supporting actors, saying they don’t receive the respect or recognition they deserve even though they’re essential to any production.

    Tara also opened up about her personal life, revealing that five years ago she had no intention of getting married. But now, she’s open to the idea. “If the right person will come to life, I will go for it,” she said.

    It merits a mention here that Tara is the daughter of retired Pakistani bureaucrat-turned-politician Shafqat Mahmood, who served as the federal minister for education and professional training, as well as for national history and literary heritage, from August 2018 to April 2022.

    During the show, she also admitted that she, for a long time, did not tell anyone in the industry that she was Mahmood’s daughter.

    Tara Mahmood is known for her roles in the popular Pakistani drama serials Mere Humsafar, Suno Chanda, Chupke Chupke, Anaa and Diyar-e-Dil. She also appeared in the film Seedlings in 2013 and the drama Altered Skin in 2018.

  • ‘Terrorist groups from Afghanistan pose gravest threat,’ Pakistan tells UNSC

    ‘Terrorist groups from Afghanistan pose gravest threat,’ Pakistan tells UNSC

    Pakistan has told the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) that terrorist groups operating from sanctuaries inside neighbouring Afghanistan remain the gravest threat to its national security, calling on the issue to be addressed as a priority for regional peace.

    Speaking at the council’s briefing on Afghanistan, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad underscored that Islamic State-Khorasan, Al-Qaeda, Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), East Turkestan Islamic Movement (ETIM), Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), the Majeed Brigade and others were among the terrorist entities that continued to operate from Afghan sanctuaries.

    Ahmad said more than 60 terrorist camps were functioning as hubs for cross-border infiltration and attacks. “We have credible evidence of collaboration among these groups through joint training, illicit weapons trade, refuge to terrorists and coordinated attacks aimed at civilians, security forces and development projects in Pakistan.”

    He said the threat extended to cyberspace where about 70 propaganda accounts traced back to Afghan IP addresses were spreading extremist messaging. “Curbing these networks requires full cooperation from social media platforms,” he stressed.

    The envoy said Pakistan and China had jointly requested the UN’s 1267 Sanctions Committee to list the BLA and Majeed Brigade and expressed hope for swift action on the proposal. He detailed that the outlawed TTP had an estimated 6,000 fighters, as according to him, it was the largest terrorist group on Afghan soil.

    He added that Pakistan had thwarted several infiltration bids, seizing sophisticated military-grade weapons left behind by foreign forces during their withdrawal from Afghanistan.

    “These efforts come at a heavy price […] just this month, 12 Pakistani soldiers were martyred in a single incident,” he noted.

    Drawing attention to Afghanistan’s economic and humanitarian crisis, the ambassador pointed out that the UN’s 2025 Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan had received only 27 per cent of its required funding. He further highlighted that Pakistan hosted millions of Afghan refugees for over four decades, often with inadequate international assistance, and called for a fairer sharing of the burden.

    Ahmad acknowledged that civil war in Afghanistan had ended for the first time in 40 years; however, the situation remained deeply worrying, stressing that sustained engagement rather than isolation was the only way to achieve peace.

  • Fatima Bhutto slams Shah Rukh Khan for wishing Modi on his birthday but remaining silent on Gaza

    Fatima Bhutto slams Shah Rukh Khan for wishing Modi on his birthday but remaining silent on Gaza

    Pakistani writer and activist Fatima Bhutto has slammed Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan for his birthday message to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, calling out his silence on the genocide in Gaza.

    On the occasion of Indian Modi’s 75th birthday, Shah Rukh Khan appeared in a widely circulated video, extending wishes to the Indian leader. In the message, SRK said: “Today, on the occasion of PM Modi’s 75th birthday, I extend my best wishes to him. Your journey from a small city to the global stage has been very inspiring. Your discipline, hard work and dedication towards the country can be seen in this journey. Your energy at the age of 75 even beats young people like us. I pray that you always stay healthy and happy.”

    However, the message sparked a sharp response from Fatima Bhutto, who took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to voice her disapproval. Sharing the video, she wrote: “SRK wishing Modi a happy birthday in this drippy manner when he hasn’t said a word about Gaza is so telling and so embarrassing.”

    Bhutto, a vocal advocate for Palestinian rights, has previously criticised global figures and institutions for complicity or inaction over Israel’s military operations in Gaza.

    The timing of Shah Rukh Khan’s video also drew attention due to his appearance later that evening at the premiere of his son Aryan Khan’s directorial debut, The Ba**ds of Bollywood. The event was a high-profile affair, attended by the Khan family, including Gauri Khan, Suhana Khan, and AbRam Khan, along with numerous celebrities from the Indian film industry.

    Meanwhile on the other side, several Hollywood stars are attending charity events for Palestine and have spoken up against the genocide in Gaza.

    A major benefit concert titled Together for Palestine was held on Wednesday night at Wembley Arena in London, bringing together an impressive lineup of 69 artists, speakers, and activists in a unified call to end the ongoing genocide in Gaza. The event served as both a cultural showcase and a powerful political statement against the Israeli military assault on the Palestinian people.

    Among the most prominent appearances was Benedict Cumberbatch, star of Marvel’s Doctor Strange, who emotionally recited a poem by the late Palestinian poet Mahmoud Darwish.

    The concert took place as the Israeli genocide on Gaza nears its second year. According to international human rights organizations and media reports, Israel has dropped the equivalent of more than six atomic bombs on the densely populated Gaza Strip since the start of the campaign.

  • ‘A new era has begun’: Netizens react as Pakistan, Saudi Arabia signed defence pact

    ‘A new era has begun’: Netizens react as Pakistan, Saudi Arabia signed defence pact

    Pakistani social media users have reacted positively after the only Muslim country that possesses nuclear weapons and the oil-rich Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) on Wednesday signed a formal mutual defence pact in Riyadh.

    The signing of the pact was announced in a statement issued from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) late Wednesday, stating that “any aggression against either country shall be considered an act of aggression against both”.

    “This agreement, which reflects the shared commitment of both nations to enhance their security and to achieve security and peace in the region and the world, aims to develop aspects of defence cooperation between the two countries and strengthen joint deterrence against any aggression,” the statement read.

    The statement further said that the agreement was signed based on the “historic partnership extending for nearly eight decades … based on the bonds of brotherhood and Islamic solidarity, … shared strategic interests and close defence cooperation”, between Islamabad and Riyadh.

    The development came a week after illegal Israeli strikes on Qatar heightened security concerns in the Middle East and months after Pakistan shot down six Indian fighter jets, including three French made Gen 4.5 Rafales on the night of May 6 and 7 during the conflict with India. 

    Internet users were quick to react to the historic pact, with some highlighting Pakistan’s growing strategic importance in the region.

    Veteran Journalist Matiullah Jan wrote on X (formerly Twitter), “The defence pact between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia seems to be a game changer. The United States has apparently lost its credibility as a defense ally due to Israel’s attack on Qatar and [the] alleged complicity of US forces stationed there.”

    He maintained that Pakistan’s recent triumph over Indian aggression has put the country in a leadership role in the Muslim world.

    “As one who has been advocating ‘Grand Bargain’ between Pakistan & oil-rich Muslim countries, leveraging Pakistan military might with Muslim countries economic strength, Pakistan-Saudi Defence Pact is hugely welcome development for Muslim Ummah Solidarity, bidding goodbye to West dependency! 52 years ago, in October 1973 War, Pakistan protected Arab Security!” analyst Mushahid Hussain Sayed said.

    One of the social media users expressed optimism about the future alliance. “Ladies and gentlemen, a new era has begun. More such defence agreements will follow. Pakistan will lead, In Sha Allah”

    “Every Pakistani should feel proud of Pakistan today. This is how important our country is in the region, a new chapter of beautiful friendship between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia,” opined one person. 

    Some netizens rebuked India’s apparent “strategy” to diplomatically isolate Pakistan on the international stage. “If the Indian strategy of the past 11 years was to diplomatically isolate Pakistan, it is not going too well in 2025. China, [the] United States, and now Saudi Arabia,” said a netizen, highlighting the thaw between Islamabad and Washington DC, as both signed a mineral pact recently.

    Meanwhile, many celebrated the announcement by sharing memes across social media platforms. Here are some of them:

  • Ahmad Shah visits brother Umer Shah’s ‘last resting place’

    Ahmad Shah visits brother Umer Shah’s ‘last resting place’

    The sudden death of child star Umer Shah earlier this week shocked his fans and celebrities alike. Videos of the child television star’s funeral flooded social media sites, leaving many teary eyed at the sad occasion. Now, his elder brother, beloved content creator Ahmad Shah, has put up photos of his visit to his younger brother’s grave.

    Taking to Instagram, Ahmad shared pictures of himself and brother Abu Bakar, sitting next to their little brother’s grave: “Umer Shah’s last resting place,” wrote Ahmad in the caption and requested his followers to pray for the family and departed soul.

    In one of the pictures, Ahmad and Abu Bakar can be seen holding back their tears. Abu Bakar was also holding the soil upon his little brother’s grave. While the pictures also showed both the brothers had laid rose petals on his grave along with a bouquet which stated, “Forever in our hearts, a lovable soul in heaven”

    Umer, known for his bright smile, infectious laughter and heartwarming appearances on popular shows like Jeeto Pakistan, was more than just a child star. His unexpected demise of aspiration sparked an outpouring of love and sorrow from fans, celebrities and television personalities.

    Umer died when his vomit got stuck in his lungs, blocking the airways. Oxygen supply to his body subsequently got cut off, which ultimately led to cardiovascular arrest. Medical experts explain that this tragic condition occurs when stomach contents accidentally enter the lungs — a process known as aspiration. When vomit is inhaled into the lungs, it can cause severe inflammation and blockage of airways. The resulting oxygen deprivation can lead to cardiac arrest within minutes if not immediately treated.

    This is not the first tragedy that befell the family. In November 2023, Ahmad Shah lost his little sister Ayesha. Videos of both the brother, Umer, and sister, Ayesha, are circulating on social media with netizens saying “both are now playing in Jannah”.

  • Seaview mystery; Bodies of retired army major, woman found in car in Karachi

    Seaview mystery; Bodies of retired army major, woman found in car in Karachi

    The bodies of a retired army major and a woman were discovered inside a Toyota Prado at the Karachi Seaview Apartments parking lot early Wednesday morning. 

    Police reported that according to doctors, the two individuals had likely been dead for about 24 hours before their bodies were found.

    The retired major, a resident of the same apartments, was also an employee of the National Highway Authority. His son reported him missing on Monday night after he did not return home or answer his phone.

    South DIG Syed Asad Raza told a local newspaper that an initial investigation suggests the victims were sitting in the vehicle’s back seat with the engine and air-conditioner running. Investigators believe fumes or smoke from the exhaust system may have entered the car, causing them to die from suffocation.

    Police transported the bodies to Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre for medico-legal procedures. Police surgeon Dr. Summaiya Syed stated that there were no signs of torture or strangulation. The official cause of death is pending, and all relevant samples have been collected.

    Police identified the woman as a resident of the Federal B Area. They located her husband and handed over her body to the family after completing the necessary formalities.