Rumours of an engagement between cricket celebrity Shahid Afridi’s daughter and cricketer Shaheen Shah Afridi emerged yesterday when a sports Journalist Ihtisham ul Haq shared the news, ‘with permission from both families’.
“With permission from both families, I would like to clarify the engagement rumours between Shaheen Afridi and the daughter of Shahid Afridi,” wrote the journalist.
“The proposal has been accepted; it is thought that a formal engagement will be done within two years, following the completion of her education,” he added.
With permission from both families, I would like to clarify the engagement rumours between Shaheen Afridi and the daughter of Shahid Afridi. The proposal has been accepted; it is thought that a formal engagement will be done within 2 yrs,following the completion of her education.
Addressing the rumours, Shahid Afridi wrote, “Shaheen’s family approached my family for my daughter. Both families are in touch, matches are made in heaven, if Allah wills this match will be made too.”
He also sent prayers for Shaheen, saying, “My prayers are with Shaheen for his continued success on and off the field.”
Shaheen's family approached my family for my daughter. Both families are in touch, matches are made in heaven, if Allah wills this match will be made too. My prayers are with Shaheen for his continued success on and off the field.
Replying to Shahid Afridi’s tweet Shaheen wrote, “Alhumdulillah. Thanks Lala for your prayers. May Allah SWT make things easier for everyone.”
“You are the pride of entire nation,” added Shaheen.
Alhumdulillah. Thanks Lala for your prayers. May Allah SWT make things easier for everyone. You are the pride of entire nation. https://t.co/xfQYnb0ONZ
Replying to Afridi’s tweet, one Twitter user pointed out that this proposal might be the reason why Shaheen Shah Afridi did not celebrate after taking Afridi’s wicket in PSL.
This is why Shaheen didn't want to celebrate Afridi's wicket 😁 Well congrats.https://t.co/7SWJAGC1Do
Microsoft’s Exchange Server used for email services is recently targeted by hackers. The company rolled out a security patch to secure the server. However, the company had been unable to locate the group of hackers.
The Verge reported that the hackers are Chinese state-sponsored groups, and they managed to infiltrate nearly 30,000 United States (US) organizations using Microsoft’s Exchange Server.
Big institutions like banks, police departments, hospitals, and local government department got affected due to the attack. The number of victims was reportedly over hundreds of thousands.
The security patch has only fixed the vulnerabilities of the server and those whose systems have been compromised will still have to remove the backdoor channels from their systems.
These backdoors were being used by the hacking group to plant “web shells” in their victims’ servers which would give them admin access and allow them to steal information.
Security experts are now worried about these hackers planting additional backdoors while companies remove the ones already existing.
Microsoft was reached out for comment on the matter and said that they are working with the US Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency and other agencies to provide their customers with additional investigation and mitigation guidance.
Tomorrow is International Women’s Day, which is celebrated worldwide. In Pakistan, many events are organised to mark Women’s Day. Aurat March, which has been held since 2018, will be marked with rallies in several cities, including Lahore, Islamabad and Karachi.
This year, Aurat March Lahore’s theme is women’s health and the issues faced by women and gender minorities. They are demanding that the health budget be increased to 5 per cent of the GDP. Aurat March organisers have highlighted how violence has always existed for women and gender minorities in Pakistan since before COVID-19 but the lockdowns and social isolation resulting from the pandemic have further exacerbated physical, emotional and sexual violence against them across the country.
It is quite unfortunate that Pakistan ranks 151 out of 153 countries on the Global Gender Gap Index Report 2020 index, published by the World Economic Forum. The only two countries lagging behind Pakistan are Iraq and Yemen. This is not a surprise given the way our patriarchal society treats women. From blaming rape survivors to practices such as honour killing, vinni and swara (exchange of women, especially young girls, to settle disputes between families), child marriage, domestic violence and many other such anti-women practices, Pakistani society does not make life easy for women.
Sexual harassment cases when reported or talked about are brushed under the carpet. We have seen how women don’t just face offline harassment and violence but online harassment of women has increased manifold. It is but a manifestation of the anti-women bias in society. Women politicians, journalists and activists are targeted online on a regular basis. But it is good to see Pakistani women breaking these chains and raising their voices for women empowerment and their rights.
From leading lights such as Fatima Jinnah, Benazir Bhutto, Asma Jahangir, Malala and many others who paved the way for women and young girls in our society, the struggle continues. It will take a long time to achieve equal rights for women but there is no reason to lose hope. We have seen that when women take a stand, it leads to the betterment of society at large.
For an inclusive, tolerant and progressive Pakistan, women have to be treated as equal human beings. Women of the world, unite, for you have nothing to lose but your chains.
The first look of Javeria Saud and Alyy Khan’s Aurat Gardi was released Friday and the trailer of the web-series suggests that it is based on Aurat March.
The trailer shows Javeria and Khan engaging in a heated debate over some of the play cards and slogans used during last year’s Aurat March that went viral, including one of the most debated slogan ‘Mera Jism Meri Marzi‘.
As per details, Aurat Gardi will premiere on UrduFlix on April 2, 2021. The web-series has been directed by Awais Sulaman and produced by Rao Ayaz Shahzad with Farhan Gauher as Executive Producer.
UrduFlix is Pakistan’s first Urdu OTT platform. It went live on March 5 and will provide viewers with access to original Urdu films, series, documentaries, cartoons, and Urdu dubbed Turkish dramas among other exclusively made shows for the platform. The first few shows on the platform would include the Mashal Khan starter Lifafa Dayaan, Hareem Shah starrer Raaz with a lot more to come. The first exclusively available show going up on the platform with its launch is Dulhan Aur 1 Raat featuring Alizeh Shah in the lead.
India has qualified for the inaugural ICC World Test Championship final after beating England with an innings and 25 runs in the fourth and final Test in Ahmedabad on Saturday.
India outclassed England with both the bat and ball inside 3 days to set up the World Test Championship final against New Zealand in June.
Resuming on their overnight score of 294 for 7, the hosts added another 71 runs on Day 3 thanks to Washington Sundar and Axar Patel’s 8th-wicket partnership to post 365 in their first innings.
Having conceded a 160-run lead on day 3 of the contest, England needed a vastly improved batting performance in the second innings but another disappointing show saw them getting bundled out for 135 in the final session.
Left-arm spinner Axar Patel picked up yet another five-wicket haul while Ravichandran Ashwin also grabbed 5 for Team India.
India needed just a draw to reach the WTC final but a victory means they qualified for the summit clash in the top spot with 490 points. India registered 12 wins from 17 Tests, lost 4 and drew just 1 Test in the competition.
No other team came close to matching India’s record. England had 11 wins from 21 Tests but still ended up in fourth place.
If anything the pandemic induced quarantine gave everyone a chance to binge-watch endless TV shows and films. Malala Yousafzai, in a recent interactive session with her Instagram followers, asked them to share their recommendations and listed TV shows and movies she recently watched and enjoyed.
Malala revealed that she recently watched and enjoyed The White Tiger, Wolfwalkers and Soul.
Based on Aravind Adiga’s book of the same name, The White Tigerexplores poverty and class struggles in modern-day India. The book was published in 2008 and won the 40th Man Booker Prize in the same year. Meanwhile, the cast of the movie includes Priyanka Chopra-Jonas and Adarsh Gourav besides Rao. It has been directed by Ramin Bahrani. The final instalment in directors Tomm Moore and Ross Stewart’s “Irish folklore trilogy”
Wolfwalkers
Wolfwalkers is an animated movie and has been directed by Tomm Moore, and Ross Stewart. Wolfwalkers is the final installment of the Tomm Moore and Ross Stewart’s “Irish folklore trilogy”.
Soul
Soul, produced by Disney, revolves around the Joe, who is a middle school band teacher , who suddenly finds his soul detached from his body. The movie premiered at the London Film Festival on October 11, 2020.
Malala further revealed that she loved Boys State.
“In this documentary, it’s amazing to see teenage boys act like established politicians,” said Malala. “Some have strong convictions based on their own experiences. Other boys will just say anything for power and to win the support of the crowd.”
Malala added that she would love to see Girls State too.
In December 2020, Malalajoined TikTok to raise funds for her charity organisation.
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s tell-all interview with Oprah, scheduled to air on Sunday, has already kicked up a storm across the world. Right after the first teaser was released, formers members of her staff stepped forward and accused her of bullying after which Buckingham Palace said they will investigate the claims. With the world divided over Meghan, her Suits co-star Patrick J Adams stepped forward to defend the Duchess and has hit out at the Palace describing it as “archaic and toxic”.
“Meghan Markle and I spent the better part of a decade working together on Suits,” wrote Adams on Twitter. “From day one she was an enthusiastic, kind, cooperative, giving, joyful and [a] supportive member of our television family.”
He continued: “She remained that person and colleague as fame, prestige and power accrued. She has always been a powerful woman with a deep sense of morality and a fierce work ethic and has never been afraid to speak up, be heard and defend herself and those she holds dear. Like the rest of the world, I have watched her navigate the last few years in astonishment.”
“She fell in love, moved to a new country, became a household name across the entire globe and began the difficult work of trying to find her place in a family dynamic that can at best be described as complicated and at worst, seemingly archaic and toxic,” added Adams.
“It sickened me to read the endless racist, slanderous, click-baiting vitriol spewed in her direction from all manner of media across the UK and the world but I also knew that Meghan was stronger than people realised or understood and they would regret underestimating her.”
He further said: “And then they welcomed Archie. And on any sort of decent planet that would be a time to stop sharpening the knives and let these two people enjoy the magical early months and years of starting a family. But we don’t live on that planet and instead, the hunt continued.”
“It’s OBSCENE that the Royal Family, whose newest member is currently GROWING INSIDE OF HER, is promoting and amplifying accusations of “bullying” against a woman who was basically forced to flee the UK in order protect her family and her own mental health. IMO, this newest chapter and its timing is just another stunning example of the shamelessness of an institution that has outlived its relevance, is way overdrawn on credibility and apparently bankrupt of decency.
“Find someone else to admonish, berate and torment,” concluded Adam. “My friend Meghan is way out of your league.”
Meanwhile, Chrissy Teigen also extended her support to Meghan, saying: “This Meghan Markle s**t is hitting too close to home for me. These people won’t stop until she miscarries. Stop it.” Meghan has earlier miscarried in July.
Before they moved to California, the couple had complained about the British tabloids’ treatment of Meghan, whose father is white and mother is African-American, some of which they said amounted to bullying or racism.
Earlier this month, Buckingham Palace announced that the couple would not be returning to their lives as working members of the royal family, adding that Harry will give up his honorary military titles.
The Pakistan Super League (PSL) has become a platform for many aspiring and young cricketers to fast track their cricket journey. Shadab Khan, Hassan Ali and Haris Rauf are just some players who have become superstars and made it to the national team after performing in PSL.
This year, the player who caught everyone’s attention is 22-year old fast bowler Shahnawaz Dahani – a young man from Larkana who has impressed everyone with his bowling skills and celebration style. Dahani was picked by Multan Sultans as an emerging player in the PSL6 draft and made his debut for Sultans during a game against Peshawar Zalmi. Since then, he has played three games and has taken two wickets in each of them.
In an interview with Geo Super, the young cricketer opened up on his struggle, journey and future targets.
Dahani is from a small village named Khuhawar Khan Dahani. Growing up, he used to play tape-ball cricket, barefooted, on an open and uneven field in his village.
“I was passionate about bowling fast and was known in my village for my fast bowling, that’s why many there had named me 3G bowler – to relate the speed with the speed of the internet,” shared Dahani, adding that he knew nothing about professional cricket back then.
Dahani said that he was invited to the U19 trials after some guests in his village witnessed him bowling with a tape ball.
Recalling the moment, Dahani said when he was invited for the trials, he didn’t have any proper gear or shoes so he borrowed them from a friend and showed up to the trials. There he got selected to play inter-district U19 matches.
Dahani, who has a B.Com Degree, said that his father wanted him to concentrate on his studies but his passion for the game pushed him to pursue it.
“He [my father] is no more with us, but I am sure he would’ve been very proud today seeing me become the face of my village and bringing laurels” said Dahani.
Dahani said when he completed the U19 season, he didn’t know there was a rule called “overage”. He showed up for trials again only to be told that he’s not eligible and needs to compete with seniors now.
“I had no idea what had just happened, but I didn’t give up and made myself realise that if I have to compete, I will have to beat everyone” said the aspiring cricketer.
After playing grade 2 cricket, he made his first-class debut last season and got 27 wickets in 8 games. His performance during the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy impressed many which is why he was picked as an emerging player by Multan Sultans.
Talking about his PSL journey and future goals, Dahani said: “I want to be among [the] best bowlers here. I know it’s a tough competition but I am giving my best.”
“Everyone has their eyes on PSL and your performances here are noticed. It paves your way to [the] national team [and] you become a true star only when you’ve Pakistan’s star donned on your chest,” added the cricketer.
“Sharing a dressing room with players like Shahid Afridi, Imran Tahir, Carlos Brathwaite is confidence-boosting for me. To be with them, celebrate with them and share a dressing room is increasing my courage as a cricketer,” he said.
Recalling his humble beginnings the fast bowler shared that he was so passionate about cricket that he never missed any game on TV.
“There was no facility, proper cable or anything so we made makeshift arrangements with friends to watch cricket matches. I had memorised stats and [the] action of all the bowlers then,” he said, adding that he aims to emulate bowlers like Shane Bond and Jofra Archer who are his role models.
Fans and supporters of Prime Minister Imran Khan are celebrating his vote of confidence in the National Assembly of Pakistan with many expressing their delight over the development on social media. Several celebrities and cricketers including Farhan Saeed, Imran Abbas, Hadiqa Kiani, Waqar Younis and Mohammad Hafeez have also expressed their happiness and have thrown their weight behind him.
“It wasn’t the first time, it won’t be the last. It’s such a difficult road, it’s such a difficult task,” said Farhan Saeed. “But if there’s anyone, who can do this, it’s you PM. We will do whatever it takes to give our future generations the Pakistan we all dreamt of.”
#PrimeMinisterImranKhan It wasn't the first time,it won't be the last.Its such a difficult road,0 its such a difficult task. But if there's anyone,who can do this,its you PM. We will do whatever it takes to give our future generations the Pakistan we all dreamt of@ImranKhanPTIpic.twitter.com/R9tcFAtyQp
Earlier, the former cricketer and bowling coach of the Pakistan Cricket Team said that he loves PM Khan because of his “principles, honesty, and never give up attitude.”
Gohar Rasheed, Haroon Shahid, Fahad Mirza, Shaan, Anoushey Ashraf, Feroze Khan, Areeba Habib, and Omair Rana also expressed their excitement over PM Khan’s win.
You can disagree with him on certain things but for the first time in my life I can proudly say that the #PrimeMinisterofPakistan Mr @ImranKhanPTI is not corrupt !! and that’s all what you need for the future of Pakistan
@ImranKhanPTI I stand with you as you stand for Pakistan . My vote might not count in the parliament. But my prayers for you & Pakistan will always be heard and counted in the court of the ALMIGHTY. Your success is the success of Pakistan 🇵🇰 #Pakistanhameshazindabadpic.twitter.com/cVvfhYetT9
Once a fighter, always a fighter. Don’t think any leader of this country would’ve opted to do what @ImranKhanPTI did. 👏🏽🇵🇰 May Allah bless this country & anybody who wants it to prosper !
Look at the poor of this country, look at the illiterate. Look out of your damn window and you can see the damage our ‘ex’ leaders have caused us. If you support their stance, you’re a part of the problem. My #VoteOfConfidence is still with @ImranKhanPTI Bless you!
Similarly, actor Javeria Abbasi said: “I am Javeria Abbasi and my vote of confidence goes to one and only my skipper. I am confident that Imran Khan will never break the trust of Pakistanis, he will never cease to struggle for the betterment of Pakistan.”
Hadiqa Kiani also celebrated Khan’s victory by sharing a picture of him. Earlier, in an exclusive interview with The Current, Kiani had said: “Pakistan is on the path to stability. I have all my hopes,” adding “A lot of people have lost hope but I still am hopeful.”
After Pakistan Democratic Movement’s candidate Yousuf Raza Gilani emerged victorious against the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) Dr Abdul Hafeez Shaikh in the Senate Elections, PM Khan in an address to the nation announced that he is going to seek a vote of confidence from the National Assembly. The premier said the vote of confidence will be held through the show of hand and that he will have no objection if any member of his party does not trust him, adding that his party would sit on opposition benches if they lose this time.
Following his decision to seek a vote of confidence, celebrities including Shaan Shahid, Rohail Hyatt, Imran Abbas and Omair Rana had extended their support for the prime minister.
The University of Peshawar has reinforced a dress code for students, first introduced in 2013.
As per a notification issued by the university management, women must wear “white shalwar with kameez of their own choice, while men should wear decent/modest clothes.”
The dress code is being implemented to “lessen the financial burden on the parents” said the university’s spokesperson while talking about the notification.
Earlier in January, the Hazara University in Mansehraissued a new dress code for students, faculty members and administrative staff. In the notification, female students were advised to wear abaya/scarf/dupatta in neutral colours without any decorative material. The female students were also instructed to wear shalwar kameez with dupatta or chaddar.
