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Author: News Desk

  • Asia Cup 2025: Pakistan thrash Oman by 93 runs

    Asia Cup 2025: Pakistan thrash Oman by 93 runs

    Pakistan on Friday crushed Oman by 93 runs in the fourth match of the Asia Cup 2025 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

    After winning the toss, Pakistan opted to bat first and posted 160 runs for the loss of seven wickets. 

    Saim Ayub and Salman Agha fell without scoring while Sahibzada Farhan made 29, Fakhar Zaman added 23 and Mohammad Nawaz chipped in with 19. Mohammad Haris stole the show with a 66-run knock.

    For Oman, Amir Kaleem and Faisal Shah shared six wickets with three each. Mohammad Nadeem picked up one wicket.

    Oman’s chase never got going as the team folded for 67 runs in 16.4 overs. Amir Kaleem scored 13, Hammad Mirza made 27 and Shakeel Ahmed added 10 runs, but none could resist Pakistan’s disciplined attack. 

    For Pakistan, Faheem Ashraf, Sufiyan Muqeem and Saim Ayub picked up two wickets each while Shaheen Afridi, Ibrar Ahmed and Mohammad Nawaz took one apiece.

    This was the first-ever international clash between Pakistan and Oman. 

    Earlier, Pakistan came into the game in strong form, having won four of their last five T20 Internationals, including a tri-series victory over Afghanistan and the UAE.

  • Ireland will boycott Eurovision if Israel participates

    Ireland will boycott Eurovision if Israel participates

    Ireland has announced it will withdraw from next year’s Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna if Israel is allowed to take part, citing the genocide crisis in Gaza. 

    In a statement released on Thursday, Ireland’s national broadcaster RTÉ said it would find participation “unconscionable given the ongoing and appalling loss of lives in Gaza.”

    RTÉ also expressed “deep concern” over the targeted killing of journalists in the territory, the blocking of international media access, and the continued suffering of hostages. The broadcaster is responsible for selecting Ireland’s entry into the contest.

    Ireland now joins Slovenia in threatening a Eurovision boycott over Israel’s involvement. Spain’s culture minister, Ernest Urtasun, also voiced support for a ban, stating Spain should not participate if Israel does — reflecting Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez’s earlier call for Israel’s exclusion from international forums, similar to Russia’s ban following its invasion of Ukraine.

    Both RTÉ and Slovenia’s RTVSLO confirmed that discussions within the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), which organizes Eurovision, are ongoing.

    This year’s contest faced backlash over the participation of Israeli artist Eden Golan, who was met with loud jeers during her semi-final performance. Golan ultimately placed second, behind Austria’s JJ, who has also publicly supported calls to exclude Israel from the competition.

    Ireland shares the record for the most Eurovision wins — seven titles — alongside Sweden. RTÉ first raised concerns about Israel’s participation with the EBU in May, shortly before the 2025 final in Basel, Switzerland. Spain’s RTV had similarly called for an EBU debate in April.

    The EBU has now extended the usual October deadline for countries to confirm their participation to December, as member broadcasters continue consultations.

    Martin Green, director of the Eurovision Song Contest, acknowledged the sensitivities around the issue, saying the EBU “understands the concerns and deeply held views around the ongoing conflict in the Middle East,” and is working closely with members to manage the geopolitical tensions.

    The genocide in Gaza has so far claimed over 64,000 lives since October 2023, according to health authorities. Hopes for a ceasefire have faded after an Israeli airstrike reportedly targeted Hamas leaders in Qatar earlier this week. The UN’s children’s agency reported Thursday that 13 percent of children in Gaza are now suffering from “acute malnutrition” because of Israel’s restrictions on aid deliveries.

  • Chahat Fateh Ali Khan to take legal action against restaurant for ‘leaking’ old egg attack video

    Chahat Fateh Ali Khan to take legal action against restaurant for ‘leaking’ old egg attack video

    Social media personality Chahat Fateh Ali Khan has announced taking legal action against a UK-based restaurant for sharing the video of an egg attack on him, months after denying the incident was caught on camera.

    In a video statement posted to his Instagram, Chahat revealed that the attack occurred on June 19 outside Paratha Stop Palace – a Pakistani restaurant located in Blackburn. According to him, he was exiting the venue after a performance when two masked individuals approached and smashed eggs on his head.

    Chahat said that the restaurant owners, Iram and Faiz, had invited him to perform at the venue. After the show, staff and security personnel requested photos with him. It was during this time that the attack took place.

    “One person threw an egg at me, and the other hit me on the head while throwing an egg,” Chahat explained, adding that the incident left him feeling unwell for four days.

    He further alleged that when he contacted the restaurant days later and requested CCTV footage, the management claimed no cameras were installed outside the premises. However, to his surprise, the same restaurant uploaded a video of the incident to their Instagram account nearly three months later, seeking public assistance in identifying the attackers.

    “This proves they were lying,” Chahat said, accusing the restaurant of being complicit in the attack. “I now have clear evidence against them and will pursue legal action to get the restaurant shut down.”

    He also revealed that he had received threatening phone calls from unknown numbers in the days following the attack. “They pretended to ask about my well-being but mocked me by asking if Bado Badi was seriously injured.”

    Bado Badi was a song released by Chahat in 2024, which drew strong reactions from trolls and the social media personality’s followers alike.

    Chahat said that he has recorded all the phone numbers and plans to present them as evidence to the relevant authorities.

    It merits a mention that the statement comes hours after a viral video showed two masked individuals approaching the singer and hurling eggs at him before fleeing the scene. The restaurant, in its Instagram post, appealed to the public to help identify the attackers.

    Many Pakistani celebrities, including Yasir Hussain, Ahmed Ali Butt and Asim Azhar, have condemned the act. Actor and TV host Mishi Khan has also taken to Instagram to call the attackers out, saying it was a “cheap and disgraceful tactic”.

  • Mahira Khan slams industry practice of delaying payments

    Mahira Khan slams industry practice of delaying payments

    Superstar Mahira Khan has responded to veteran actor Syed Mohammad Ahmed’s recent remarks about delayed payments in the entertainment industry, expressing concern for the technicians and crew members working behind the scenes.

    In a statement shared to her Instagram story, Khan noted that if prominent actors face such challenges, the situation is likely worse for technicians and others with less visibility. “Imagine… if senior actors, popular actors… hit maker directors go through this – just imagine what technicians go through.”

    Mohammad Ahmed, in a widely shared interview, criticised production houses for withholding payments from actors for extended periods. He stated that actors are often made to wait three to eight months for payment, and in some cases, are not paid at all. According to Ahmed, “The treatment actors receive when requesting payment is often demeaning, with some having to justify their personal financial needs.”

    In the same interview, Hajra Yamin stated that contracts are typically one-sided, favoring production houses. “If a shoot is canceled due to an actor, they are penalized, but when producers cancel, it is generally accepted without issue,” she said.

    Yamin added: “Technicians and junior crew members are affected even more than actors, with some being told to work without pay, receiving only food in return.”

    Saheefa Jabbar Khattak said that she once proposed including healthcare and anti-harassment clauses in her contract to ensure production houses cover medical expenses in case of injury. However, she said her proposal was ignored. She further revealed, “I have to go for therapy for six months after completing each drama due to mental stress.”

    Director Mehreen Jabbar noted that many in the industry choose to remain silent due to “fear of losing future work.”

    Actors Ramsha Khan, Yasir Hussain, Nadia Afgan, Alizeh Shah, and Khushhal Khan have also publicly addressed these issues. Industry insiders report that production houses rarely face penalties for delayed payments, while actors and crew continue to work under uncertain financial and physical conditions.

  • ‘I’ll walk naked around MCG’: Matthew Hayden on if Joe Root fails at Ashes century

    ‘I’ll walk naked around MCG’: Matthew Hayden on if Joe Root fails at Ashes century

    Former Australian opener Matthew Hayden has backed Joe Root to finally end his century drought in Australia when Ashes kick off in November.

    Root has dominated Test cricket in recent years, but has never reached three figures Down Under.

    Speaking on the All Over Bar podcast, Hayden went all in with his prediction. “I will walk nude around the MCG if he doesn’t make a hundred this summer,” he said.

    The five-match Ashes series begins on November 21 in Perth. For England, it is their biggest chance to claim an away Ashes since 2011 and their first overall triumph since 2015. It will also test the fearless ‘Bazball’ style under captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum against Australia’s fiery pace attack.

    Root enters the series in brilliant form. Since 2021, he has piled up 5,720 runs in 61 Tests at an average of 56.63, with 22 centuries and 17 fifties. His most recent outing was the home series against India, where he hammered 537 runs in five matches at 67.14, including three centuries.

    Now, the England star sits second on the all-time Test run-scorers list with 13,543 runs in 158 matches at an average of 51.29, with 39 centuries and 66 fifties.

    With numbers like that, Hayden believes Australia is about to see a different Joe Root.

  • ‘Stop playing victim’: Pakistani ambassador bashes Israel to its face at UN Security Council meeting

    ‘Stop playing victim’: Pakistani ambassador bashes Israel to its face at UN Security Council meeting

    Pakistan has bashed Israel in the presence of its delegation at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) meeting, calling it out for its brazen and illegal assault in the wake of Doha strikes.

    As per the details, Pakistan and Israel traded barbs during the emergency meeting of the UNSC on Thursday as Islamabad’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, started his address criticising Tel Aviv for violating Qatar’s sovereignty.

    “The brazen and illegal assault is not an isolated incident, rather it is part of a broader and consistent pattern of aggression and violation of international law by Israel that undermines regional peace and stability,” he said.

    Ahmad described the attack on Doha as “yet another manifestation of systematic disregard for international law” by Israel, and its brazen policy of destabilising the region.

    When the floor was given to the Israeli ambassador, he hit back with reference to the United States (US) raid that killed Al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden on Pakistani soil.

    “When bin Laden was eliminated in Pakistan, the question asked was not why a terrorist was targeted on foreign soil. The question was why a terrorist was given shelter at all. The same question must be asked today,” he said and added there could be “no immunity for Hamas” just as there could be no immunity for bin Laden.

    Exercising Pakistan’s right of reply, Ambassador Ahmad rejected the analogy as “unacceptable and ludicrous”, accusing Israel of attempting to deflect attention from its own “illegal actions and violations of international law”.

    “Israel is an occupier, a serial violator of the UN Charter and international law, that threatens the international community, humanitarian organisations and even the UN itself… and does so with impunity,” Ahmad said.

    “Despite being the aggressor, it pretends to be the victim. But today, it stands fully exposed,” he added.

    Highlighting Pakistan’s frontline role in combating terrorism, Ahmad said that the international community was well aware of Pakistan’s sacrifices in the fight against terrorism.

    “Al Qaeda was largely decimated due to Pakistan’s counterterrorism efforts, and we remain committed to this collective endeavour,” he said, reinforcing that Islamabad’s position was based on facts and international law.

    Following Pakistan’s firm response, the Israeli ambassador accused Pakistan and others of “having double standards”.

    “Maybe he was offended by my words and I apologise for that, but I make sure my speeches stick to facts. And the fact is, Osama bin Laden was killed in Pakistan, and no one condemned the US for that. When other countries attack terrorists, no one condemns them,” he said.

  • Albania brings AI bot as minister to clean up corruption in public contracts

    Albania brings AI bot as minister to clean up corruption in public contracts

    Albania has introduced a cabinet member unlike any other. Diella, an AI-generated bot, will be in charge of awarding public contracts and managing tenders.

    Prime Minister Edi Rama, who is beginning his fourth term, unveiled Diella on Thursday, stating that she will make sure public tenders are free from bribes, political pressure, or attempts to curry favor.

    “Diella is the first cabinet member who isn’t physically present, but is virtually created by AI,” Rama told the audience. He added that Diella will help turn Albania into “a country where public tenders are 100 percent free of corruption.”

    The awarding of contracts has long been a hotspot for corruption scandals in Albania. Experts say the Balkan nation has become a hub for gangs laundering money from drugs and weapons trafficking. That reputation has slowed down Albania’s ambition to join the European Union by 2030, a goal many analysts call overly ambitious.

    The government did not explain what kind of human oversight Diella will face or how it plans to prevent manipulation of the AI system.

    Diella first appeared earlier this year as a virtual assistant on the e-Albania platform. Wearing traditional Albanian attire, she helps citizens and businesses obtain state documents, issues electronic stamps, and speeds up bureaucratic work.

    The public remains divided. On Facebook, one user wrote: “Even Diella will be corrupted in Albania.” Another joked: “Stealing will continue and Diella will be blamed.”

    Parliament is scheduled to meet on Friday following the May elections, though it is unclear if the new government will be voted in the same day.

  • ‘You are not alone’: Ainy Jaffri opens up about sexual abuse as a child, encourages survivors to speak up

    ‘You are not alone’: Ainy Jaffri opens up about sexual abuse as a child, encourages survivors to speak up

    Actor Ainy Jaffri Rahman has taken a brave step by opening up about her own journey as someone who was sexually abused a child.

    In a video, Ainy recounted a disturbing incident that occurred when she was just five or six years old. A male servant working in her home lured her into the servant quarters by offering her a lollipop. There, he sexually assaulted her, a traumatic experience she says remains in her memory like a “horror film”.

    “I think I was five or six years old and this is one of the stories that I’m going to share. In our house… I was a little girl and was taken by a man, who was our servant. He took me to the servant quarters,” she said.

    “He gave me a lollipop and took me to the servant quarter,” she said. “He pulled down my trousers and did things to me. I didn’t know what it was, but I knew it was wrong. I just stood there, eating the lollipop.”

    Despite her young age, Ainy immediately told her mother about the incident.

    “There was no penetration… maybe he didn’t want me to scream… but thank God I had the presence of mind to go to my mother and tell her,” she said.

    In a caption alongside the video, Ainy explained why she was choosing to speak out. Her message was not meant to shock or trigger, but to help others who have experienced similar abuse understand that they are not alone, and that their trauma does not define them.

    “I’m sharing a painful part of my story not to shock or trigger, but to remind anyone who’s been through something similar: you are not what happened to you. Abuse is something done to you — it is not who you are.”

    She described the deep shame and fear that often keeps victims silent, and how therapy, speaking out and safe spaces can be essential steps in the healing process.

    “Healing begins when we talk. When we do the hard work to separate our sense of self from the abuse. It’s like an exorcism… a release, a reclaiming of yourself.”

    To the survivors, she said, “You are never broken.”

    Ainy ended her message with an urgent appeal to survivors of abuse, especially those who were still silent out of fear or shame.

    “If you’ve been through something like this, please don’t keep it bottled inside. Seek help. Speak out. Find safe places to unburden. You are never broken. What happened is part of your story, but it is not you.”

  • Internet reacts to video of Javeria Abbasi explaining ‘marriage with her step-brother’

    Internet reacts to video of Javeria Abbasi explaining ‘marriage with her step-brother’

    A resurfaced interview of veteran actor Javeria Abbasi has reignited public interest due to a revelation about her unusual family and marital history. During a candid conversation with TV host Nida Yasir, Javeria opened up about how her ex-husband, actor Shamoon Abbasi, was also her step-brother.

    The interview began with Javeria detailing her early entry into the entertainment industry. She recalled attending Express Talent as a member of the audience, where she approached the late Nayla Jaffrey for an autograph. Instead, she was encouraged to audition. That moment marked the beginning of her acting career, and she soon earned her first award for a PTV drama directed by Nida Yasir’s father.

    When asked if she was married at the time, Javeria revealed she had just gotten engaged to Shamoon. The host then shared that the couple’s unique family dynamic was the inspiration behind drama serial Hum Tum, which starred Atiqa Odho, Sajid Hassan, Aamina Sheikh, and Mohib Mirza.

    Clarifying the family ties, Nida explained, “Javeria’s mother and Shamoon’s father married, making them step-siblings.” Javeria confirmed this, adding, “People often get confused by our family setup. The rest of our siblings are from our respective parents. That’s why there’s always confusion about whether Anoushey Abbasi is my sister or Shamoon’s, she’s both.”

    Nida light-heartedly addressed the controversy surrounding Javeria and Shamoon’s relationship, saying, “So take your mind out of the gutter.” Javeria responded with humor, “He was the first man I saw, so I thought I’d just hold onto him,” she laughed, before adding, “It was more about bringing the family together under one roof. It made sense and worked for a while.”

    The actor shared that her wedding took place at her maternal uncle’s house, despite the rukhsati leading her back to her family home. The couple, who tied the knot in 1997, when Javeria was just 17 and Shamoon was 22, were married for over a decade and co-parent their daughter Anzala. They officially divorced in 2009.

    Reflecting on her marriage, Javeria noted that being married to someone within the family didn’t exempt her from the traditional “saas-bahu” struggles. In fact, she claimed it was harder. “My mother was determined to prove that her daughter was the best. While working 12-hour shifts, I still had to manage all the household chores.”

    Following her divorce, Javeria moved back in with her mother. In a happy turn of events, she found love again and married businessman Adeel Haider on March 15, 2024. The couple’s relationship began as love at first sight for Haider, who reportedly spent three years convincing Javeria to marry him.

    However, social media users were amazed to hear the story and have mixed opinions about it. One netizen said, “It might be allowed in Islam.”  While many badmouthed the actors and questioned whether they could not find someone else to marry.  Another user wrote: “This is Pakistan, anything can happen here.”

  • Asia Cup: Pakistanis troll Indians as IPL team refuses to name Pakistan in Sunday’s clash poster

    Asia Cup: Pakistanis troll Indians as IPL team refuses to name Pakistan in Sunday’s clash poster

    Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Punjab Kings has landed in hot water after releasing a promotional banner for the upcoming Pakistan-India clash in the 2025 Asia Cup.

    The match, scheduled to be played on Sunday at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, was advertised with India’s logo and hashtag, but Pakistan’s name and logo were missing. 

    This move sparked outrage among fans, who accused the franchise of being politically motivated and disrespectful.

    Sports journalist Faizan Lakhani joined the criticism with a witty take. He wrote, “Puraanay waqto main mashriqi khawateen apne husband ka naam nahee layti thee, sharma si jaati thee. @PunjabKingsIPL ne kuch aisa hee kaam kia hai, sharma gaye woh naam lainay main.”

    Cricket fans also flooded social media with sarcastic jabs. One user wrote, “Picture ki jaga 6-0 likh data.” Another commented, “PAF vs IAF 6-0.” A third added, “India vs Rafale Hunters.”

    The reference to 6-0 points to Pakistan Air Force shooting down six Indian jets, including three Rafales, during aerial clashes in May.

    Others mocked India’s nerves ahead of the contest. One fan wrote, “India Pakistan k flag se hi khof khata dar ka mahol.” Another added, “Empty mean Punjab trophy cabinet.”

    This is not the first time politics has overshadowed a Pakistan-India game. Earlier this year, during the World Championship of Legends, India Champions refused to face Pakistan in both the group stage and semifinal, citing tensions between the two nations. Several former Indian cricketers have also pushed for boycotts against Pakistan across different forums.

    On the cricketing front, India comes into Sunday’s clash full of confidence after thrashing the UAE by nine wickets in their opener. They bowled the hosts out for just 57 runs and chased the target in only 4.3 overs. Pakistan will launch their campaign on Friday against Oman at the same venue.

    Overall, India and Pakistan have met 13 times in T20 internationals. India leads the rivalry 10–3. Their last meeting was during the ICC Champions Trophy in Dubai earlier this year, where India won by six wickets.