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Author: News Desk

  • Rohail Hyatt says PM Imran’s words ‘have been taken out of context’

    Amid the recent criticism on Prime Minister Imran Khan over his remarks on rape, musician Rohail Hyatt has come forward to defend the premier.

    In a detailed Twitter thread, the musician said that PM Khan’s words were taken out of context and that he never said that rape is justified.

    “As a leader he is simply speaking to us about the ground realities of what is around us,” said Hyatt. “Yes indeed there is a sickness out there and one can contest if the better solution is to target the oppressor as opposed to the oppressed.”

    Hyatt added that as a father he would give similar advice to his child “to be mindful of how you dress in our society”.

    “There’s a sad trend by a certain group to attack IK on all such matters, labelling him as a ‘right-minded’ individual,” continued Hyatt, saying that he sees him “closer to [the] centre”.

    Elaborating his point further about extremist views, Hyatt said: “One wants to cover from head to toe and the other wants to strip-down from head to toe as a display of their preferences.”

    The musician concluded by advising people to bring themselves to the middle ground and not get caught up with the play of either extremists.

    Rohail in the past has shown his support for Imran Khan on various occasions.

  • Hajra Khan appeals to President Alvi, PM Khan to resolve PFF issues

    Hajra Khan appeals to President Alvi, PM Khan to resolve PFF issues

    Pakistan National Women Football Team captain Hajra Khan has urged President Dr Arif Alvi and Prime Minister Imran Khan to resolve issues pertaining to the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF).

    In a video message, Khan said: “Today I speak in utmost sadness that the Pakistan Football Federation was suspended today for the second time in the last five years.”

    “I speak on behalf of all those football players, whose hard earned bread came from the sport. It came from representing Pakistan. We’ve worked hard, blood and sweat, to represent this country and we’ve taken it to the podium, we’ve won championships in the past,” said Khan.

    “Where do we go next? What is next for us? What sport do we switch to? Who do we rely on? Where do we express our love for the country, how do we do it,” she questioned.

    Requesting the President and Prime Minister, Khan said: “Today I request the President of Pakistan Dr Arif Alvi and Prime Minister Imran Khan to take notice of the matter. There is still hope and we are expecting a response from you two. We expect the country to back us when we need them the most right now.”

    “It is a request, it might not be humble anymore, but it is a request. It is a need, it is a representation from all football players and again, it all relies on you,” she added.

    Reiterating her point, Khan in the caption said: “Players have all been affected roughly. Football as a sport has been ridiculed over time in Pakistan.”

    “Who’s answerable,” she questioned.

    Meanwhile, the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) has said that they are “surprised” by the ban, expressing that the decision was taken in “haste.”

    PSB director-general Col (retd) Asif Zaman while talking to The News, said that Minister for Inter-Provincial Coordination (IPC) Dr Fehmida Mirza had requested patience during her press conference held a couple of days back.

    “We were not expecting such a hasty decision from the football’s governing body. It has shocked us as the game of football will be the ultimate sufferer after such a decision. The minister had assured her help for resolving the issue in the best interest of the game,” said Col Zaman, adding: “Though the government does not want any interference, for the sake of the game’s future we wanted an amicable settlement of the issue.”

    Zaman said he was expecting FIFA to carry out a detailed and thorough review of the prevailing situation.

    “We were taken by surprise by this hasty decision that I feel would serve no good to the future of the game. We were expecting a rational review of the situation by the game’s governing body before imposing a suspension on the PFF,” said the DG.

    The FIFA in a handout issued on Wednesday said the decision to suspend Pakistan was prompted by the recent takeover of the PFF’s Headquarters in Lahore by a group of protesters and an alleged decision by certain individuals to remove the FIFA-appointed Normalisation Committee of the PFF led by Haroon Malik and to hand over the leadership of the PFF to Syed Ashfaq Hussain Shah.

    When PFF president Ashfaq Shah was approached in Islamabad where he was nursing his minor surgery, he said he was disappointed by the decision like any other Pakistani.

    In 2009, Khan was selected in the Pakistan national team for the 2010 South Asian Games in Dhaka, Bangladesh. After Khan’s participation at this event, the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) selected her for a FIFA women’s football coaching course in Colombo, Sri Lanka. In December 2010, she played in the inaugural SAFF Women’s Championship, helping Pakistan reach the semi-final.

    21 year old Hajra Khan made history for Pakistani national women football team when she invited to top three German football clubs SGS Essen, FSV Gütersloh 2009 and VfL Sindelfingen to play, she spent three weeks there and played preseason trials. Being a Pakistani international footballer that opportunity was an important milestone in her career, she said.

    She was the first Pakistani women footballer to sign an international contract in 2014 with Sun Hotels & Resorts Football Club to play in the Maldives National Women’s league.

  • Police arrest boy for stealing brake plates from moving train in Sukkur

    Police arrest boy for stealing brake plates from moving train in Sukkur

    Police claim to have detained a teenager from Sukkur for stealing iron from a moving train.

    As per reports, a video of a boy hanging from one side of the train’s locomotive engine, allegedly stealing brake plates of the engine, did the rounds on social media a few days back.

    The police filed a case against the boy after the video went viral and conducted a raid at a house in Sukkur where they managed to nab the suspect identified as Sarfaraz Sheikh.

    After the video of him stealing from a moving train aired on TV, the police said that Sheikh altered his appearance to escape arrest.

    According to the police, the train, the boy was seen clinging to, was the Hazara Express and was travelling to Karachi.

  • ‘Real men do not stop women from excelling,’ says Yasir Hussain

    ‘Real men do not stop women from excelling,’ says Yasir Hussain

    Yasir Hussain, who never shies away from expressing his love for wife Iqra Aziz, has publicly appreciated his wife and mother-in-law for being empowered women.

    “My beautiful wife Iqra with her proud mother Asiya Aziz (Pakistan’s first female Careem driver) sitting in her daughter’s new car,” said Yasir, while posting a picture of the duo.

    “Powerful aurton k chehry pe alag hi glow hota hai (powerful women glow differently),” said the actor further, adding: “Apni maon, behnon, betiyon aur biwi ko roknay walay insecure hotay hain, mard nahi (Those who stop their mothers, sisters, daughters and wives [from excelling] are insecure. They are not real men).”

    Replying to Yasir’s post, Iqra said: “And this is why I fall for you all over again.”

    Iqra’s mother was Pakistan’s first female cab driver in Karachi and raised two girls as a single parent.

    Meanwhile, Iqra on several occasions has opened up on her relationship with Yasir saying that he is her biggest support and encourages her to achieve her goals.

    “I chose Yasir because he always speaks the truth and does not differentiate among people,” the actor had said. “He respects everyone and gives them their due credit. In addition to this, he knows how to respect a woman. After my mother and sister, no one has given me more confidence than him.”

    She further said: “This is important in these times that a man, your husband, supports you in your work, your dreams and wishes to see you succeed in your life.”

  • Afridi ‘sad to see’ South Africa release players for IPL amid Pakistan series

    Shahid Afridi has criticised Cricket South Africa (CSA) for releasing their players for the Indian Premier League (IPL) in the middle of the three-match ODI series against Pakistan.

    Following Pakistan’s 2-1 ODI series win over South Africa, the former all-rounder said: “Surprising to see CSA allowing players to travel for IPL in the middle of a series. It is sad to see T20 leagues influencing international cricket.”

    “Some rethinking needs to be done,” he added.

    South Africa, playing without several star players — including Quinton de Kock and Kagiso Rabada — showed great grit and determination but eventually suffered a 28-run loss in the third and final ODI. 

    Anrich Nortje, who was a serious threat to Pakistani batsmen, and David Miller also left to play IPL 2021 in India.

    Meanwhile, Afridi also congratulated Pakistan on their “fine series win”. He was particularly impressed with opener Fakhar Zaman who scored back-to-back centuries in the last two ODIs and played a key role in Pakistan’s win. Afridi also praised the batting of Pakistan skipper Babar Azam, who missed out on his century by just six runs in the third ODI, getting out to Andile Phehlukwayo on the last ball of their innings.

    “Congratulations to Pakistan on a fine series win. Great to see Fakhar follow his brilliant innings in Jo’Burg with another 100. Babar was once again all class, excellent bowling effort by all. A job well done,” said Afridi.

    The national side clinched the series 2-1 with a comfortable 28-run win at Centurion, becoming the first ever Asian team to win a bilateral series twice in South Africa.

    Singer turned actor, who seems to have good knowledge of cricket also thrashed CSA, saying: “T20 + [bags of money] > national pride. Sorry to say but @OfficialCSA has let the whole cricketing world down.”

  • Leopard on the loose sparks fear in Abbottabad

    Residents of Abbottabad, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are panicking after a leopard strayed into the town.

    As per reports, a leopard is on the loose in the area a week after a big cat was killed in the city’s Khushi Kote Palak Union Council.

    The leopard entered Bakote town creating panic and fear among locals who said the animal also attacked the livestock of the area.

    The locals have also requested to the wildlife department to capture the leopard as soon as possible.

    Earlier the residents of Malkot village next to  Ayubia town captured and killed a leopard that attacked their valley. Three persons were charged under Wildlife Act 2015 for allegedly killing the leopard.

  • Hyundai’s upcoming car can run house appliances

    Hyundai’s upcoming car can run house appliances

    Electric vehicle (EV) makers are always looking for ways to increase the appeal of their potential buyers by increasing the novelty and utility of their cars.

    The latest example is of Hyundai’s Ioniq 5. One of its commercials shows a group of happy and energetic individuals on a camping trip enjoying activities like working out, cooking meals, and watching TV, with all their electronic appliances connected to the Ioniq 5.

    Ioniq 5 can give 3.5 Kilowatt (KW) of power to run appliances like refrigerator, treadmill or run a stove.

    Hyundai aims to seek the attention of young people and they are trying to catch up with the EV pioneers like Tesla and the Volkswagen Audi Group (VAG), among others.

    Hyundai claims to be the first automaker that has developed a car capable of both power consumption and power supply features.

    To meet the competition, General Motor Company (GMC), Tesla and Rivian will also add this feature to their upcoming cars.

    Hyundai has also added the option to add solar power to the car, and it will give an additional 1,300 Kilometer (KM) range to travel.

    Pakistanis often argue that such developments are of no relevance to our market, but bear in mind that the normalisation of EVs across the globe is inevitable, which is why Pakistan’s goal should be to promote EVs in a positive light to facilitate a paradigm shift in Pakistan’s growing automotive market.

  • Inflation and other troubles: 73% Pakistanis believe country headed in wrong direction

    A recent survey by IPSOS Pakistan has revealed that nearly 73 per cent people believe the country is headed in the wrong direction.

    At least 1,000 people from all over the country participated in the latest survey that was conducted during the third week of March.

    Inflation has become the biggest issue for Pakistanis, as two-thirds of survey participants described the current economic situation as bad with increasing skepticism about any betterment in their conditions.

    Nearly 23 per cent found nothing wrong in the policies of the incumbent government while around 70 per cent expressed concern.

    Some 38 per cent of the participants believed there wouldn’t be any improvement in economic conditions in the next six months while 29 per cent viewed the same time period as one during which good news on the economic front will be here.

    33 percent maintained their moderate perspective on this.

    Inflation and unemployment were among the greatest concerns of the people in almost all parts of the country.

  • Pakistan becomes the first Asian team to win two bilateral series in South Africa

    Pakistan has become the first Asian team to clinch two bilateral series in South Africa as they defeated the hosts by 28 runs in the third and final One-Day International (ODI) at Centurion.

    Their victory was built on Fakhar Zaman’s brilliant century, his second in as many matches, captain Babar Azam’s 94, Hasan Ali’s sparkling 32 not out, and Mohammad Nawaz’s and Shaheen Shah Afridi’s three-fers.

    Fakhar stretched his excellent run of form from Johannesburg to Centurion as the left-handed batsman smashed 104-ball 101, embellished with nine fours and three sixes that set the platform for Pakistan to post 320 for seven. Babar was named player of the match award, while Fakhar was awarded player of the series. 

    Babar provided the tourists with a perfect start to the innings after being asked to bat by Temba Bavuma with a 112-run partnership with Imam-ul-Haq, who scored a breezy 57 off 73, and 94-run stand for the second wicket with Babar, whose exquisite strokeplay saw him strike seven fours and three sixes off 82 balls.

    South Africa looked in all sorts of troubles against the Pakistan openers as the two left-handed batsmen stroked the ball around the dial and rotate the strike at will. It was not until the 22nd over when Imam stepped down the wicket in search of a maximum that South Africa got their first breakthrough and handed an easy catch to the long-on fielder.

    Fakhar’s dismissal in the 36th over which sparked a collapse as Pakistan slipped from 206 for one to 257 for six in 10.4 overs. Pakistan, who had by then looked certain to post an imposing total, found themselves struggling to cross 300-run mark.

    Read more – Why is the Pakistan cricket team so dramatic?

    Then came Hasan Ali, whose last outing in the format was in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2019. He plundered Jon-Jon Smuts for four sixes in the penultimate over before Babar hit Andile Phehlukwayo for two sixes and a four in the last as Pakistan brought up 43 runs in the last two overs.

    Hasan’s posted a scorching 32 not out from mere 11 balls. His knock also included a four.

    In a rare instance, South Africa’s spinners delivered as many as 28 overs with Maharaj outshining his teammates with three for 45. Aiden Markram took two wickets for 48.

    Janneman Malan and Aiden Markram provided South Africa a quick start with a 54-run partnership in nine overs. Shaheen Shah Afridi dismissed Markram with a length delivery which took the inside edge on its way to Sarfaraz Ahmed’s gloves.

    Debutant Usman Qadir dismissed Smuts before Mohammad Nawaz’s left-arm orthodox accounted for Malan, Bavuma and Heinrich Klaasen as the hosts found themselves tottering at 140 for five.

    Fifties from Kyle Verreynne and Phehlukwayo brought South Africa back into the contest as they put a 108-run stand for the sixth wicket before Haris Rauf sent the former back to the pavilion in the 44th over. Phehlukwayo became Hasan’s first wicket in the next over and Haris struck again in his next.

    South Africa lost their final wicket on the third ball of the final over on a scorching Shaheen’s yorker.

    Experts, colleagues, former cricketers and other notable people congratulated the team for a historic win.

    Man of the Match for the second time in the series, Babar dedicated this series to Pakistan, saying: “Alhumdulillah, this series win is for you Pakistan.”

    “Extremely proud of this champion team. Special shout out to Fakhar Zaman [and] his remarkable innings,” added Babar. “Well played South Africa.”

    Meanwhile, Man of the Series Zaman, while talking about his victory, said: “Absolutely honoured to be the part of this amazing team. Top efforts by everyone.”

    Pakistan will now face Proteas in four T20Is before moving to Zimbabwe, where they are scheduled to play two Test matches and three T20Is.

  • Imran Abbas to host a Ramzan transmission from Turkey

    Pictures of Imran Abbas having a ball in Turkey were recently doing the rounds on social media making us all very envious of his Turkish adventures. Turns out the actor is in the country for work and will be hosting a Ramzan Transmission from the heart of the Ottoman Empire, Istanbul.

    As per details, the show titled Baran-e-Rehmat is being produced by Emax Media Productions and will be aired on AAJ Entertainment and AAJ News.

    Not only that, Reema will co-host the transmission with Abbas from Pakistan.

    Meanwhile, Abbas was also spotted hanging out with popular Turkish actors including Yeşim Ceren Bozoğlu (Hazal Hatun in Kuruluş: Osman) and Cenk Kangöz (Diriliş: Ertuğrul). Abbas also visited the sets of Kuruluş: Osman.

    Other celebrities who have been roped in for Ramzan transmissions include Ahsan Khan and Rabia Anum Obaid, who will be hosting a show on PTV.