Current Final

Author: News Desk

  • When Phuppo goes rogue: the twist we didn’t want coming

    When Phuppo goes rogue: the twist we didn’t want coming

    The drama starts to become interesting at the very end of Episode 8. But before we get to the end of episode 8, we have to deal with the dullness of episode 7. I don’t know about you but I’ve had enough of Mr. Manto’s (Humayun Saeed) character. The guy is dull and here we are expecting him to be the knife that slices through glass, but he can’t even make fruit interesting. Manto seems like an overly coddled child, who thinks that the guy who he was scared to death of and who assaulted him at the party is a nice guy because he gives him a ride to the university and apologises. So, I’m done with Manto but not done with the drama just yet. 

    What is phuppo’s (Saima Noor) deal? The most shocking part in the two episodes is when phuppo is pushing Mehmal (Sajal Aly) to think about Manto when she hears Mehmal take his name and not her new about-to-be fiance’s. Mehmal tells her she’s got a twenty  year different Phuppo and Phuppo is like there is no age in love? No, phuppo, this isn’t okay and one begins to wonder if phuppo is about to take on a much darker side. No ‘normal’ motherly figure would allow her child, a student, dream about marrying her professor, no less a wealthy don’s daughter, that also literally when the young larka walas have arrived. So what exactly is phuppo playing at? 

    The episode 8 cliffhanger is of course, a very convincing villain Farhad (Azaan Sami Khan) who is the perfect character. Dark and grey, he can come off as nice but also evil which Azaan plays amazingly well. His character grows in ways that really pique your interest, especially how cold he can get. When Ifrah (Hajra Yamin) goes missing and the twist at the end of episode 8 grabs you, it’s all because of Farhad’s cool and calm persona that makes you realise that he’s not to be messed up.

    Mehmal’s father also proves to be very disappointing, attacking Ifrah as the “girl who ran away from home” and deeming her unsuitable for friendship, but misogyny and sexism are to be expected in the drama. 

    The new superstar entry was also by Ifrah’s father (Syed Mohammad Ahmed), who played the role of the helpless father with such truth that it blew me away. He was a stark contrast with Sajal’s father, Siraj (Asif Raza Mir) and the scene with both of them is epic. A man asking for help and another refusing to extend it because of the daughter’s running away is thoughtful and exposes Sajal’s father’s liberalism, it seems even to his daughter.

    Mehmal’s fiance lacks such charisma that one immediately forgets to even mention him but the review wouldn’t be complete without doing so. Forgetful, boring and a dud, it’s no wonder Mehmal is thinking about other people and as the next episode gears up for an engagement, episode 9 might be worth your time.

  • Sephora urged to cut ties with Huda Beauty over founder’s anti-Israel video

    Sephora urged to cut ties with Huda Beauty over founder’s anti-Israel video

    Netizens and United States (US)-based advocacy groups have urged cosmetics retailer Sephora to sever its partnership with Huda Beauty after founder Huda Kattan made controversial claims regarding Israel in a TikTok video.

    In the post, which has since been deleted, Kattan blamed Israel for significant historical events, including the global wars and the September 11 attacks. “Are they responsible for every world war? Yes. Involved in September 11? Absolutely,” she said in the clip, which received 1.7 million views.

    While some media outlets claimed that TikTok removed the video in line with “misinformation policies”, Kattan later clarified that she had decided to delete it herself.

    Despite the removal, her comments sparked criticism from Jewish organisations, including StopAntisemitism, which sent a letter to Sephora urging them to cut ties with Huda Beauty. The organisation’s founder Liora Rez said stated that Sephora should “immediately drop Huda Beauty” if it is dedicated to fostering a safe and inclusive environment.

    The Anti-Defamation League described Kattan’s remarks as “dangerous and historically baseless” whreas the US director of Yad Vashem likened them to language used by Nazis to incite antisemitism.

    In a statement to the media, Sephora reiterated its commitment to inclusivity and announced that it was evaluating the matter internally.

    Launched by Kattan in 2013, Huda Beauty is valued at over $1 billion and reportedly generates around $200 million in revenue annually. The brand boasts more than 57 million Instagram followers and is available at Sephora, which is owned by luxury goods conglomerate LVMH.

    In response to the backlash, Kattan released a second video to clarify her stance. She said that her comments were directed at the Israeli government rather than Jewish individuals, asserting that her support for Palestinians in Gaza does not equate to antisemitism. She accused her critics of distorting her words to suppress dissent and mentioned she has never denied the Holocaust, referring to her education on the subject as a key influence in her resolve to advocate for humanitarian issues.

    Kattan also dismissed allegations that she fostered hatred, framing the backlash as part of a broader agenda to conflate opposition to Israeli policies with animosity toward Jewish people. Despite numerous calls for action, neither Kattan nor Huda Beauty has issued a statement in response to demands for Sephora to end their partnership.

  • CDA selects F-9 Park for new cricket stadium: report

    CDA selects F-9 Park for new cricket stadium: report

    The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has selected F-9 Park in Islamabad as the site for a new cricket stadium.

    According to media reports, former Pakistan cricket captain Rashid Latif has been taken on board to provide expert opinion for the project and will assist the CDA with stadium design and technical aspects.

    Latif had earlier played a key role in the construction of Islamabad Club.

    Given the Supreme Court’s previous rulings on green areas, legal hurdles for the stadium’s construction will be carefully considered. One proposal under discussion is to maintain most of the stadium area as green space.

    Reports said that similar to stadiums in South Africa and the West Indies, some enclosures may include green areas. The CDA may also approach the top court for clearance before starting the project.

    It is worth mentioning that the Supreme Court had earlier halted the construction of a cricket stadium in Shakarparian.

  • Court acquits YouTuber Yasir Shami in late Aamir Liaquat’s leaked videos case

    Court acquits YouTuber Yasir Shami in late Aamir Liaquat’s leaked videos case

    A district and sessions court in Karachi has accepted YouTuber Yasir Shami’s appeal against the rejection of his acquittal plea in the case related to late televangelist Aamir Liaquat Hussain’s leaked private photos and videos.

    According to reports, the court heard Shami’s appeal and overturned the earlier decision of a judicial magistrate, acquitting him as the petitioner’s lawyer argued that there was no evidence against Shami and that the Federal Investigation Agency’s (FIA) report also confirmed the absence of any proof.

    The lawyer informed the court that the FIA, in its supplementary challan, had declared the evidence insufficient and recommended removing Shami’s name from the case. Despite this, the judicial magistrate had earlier rejected both the FIA’s findings and Shami’s acquittal plea, the lawyer said.

    The case was initially filed by Liaquat’s daughter, alleging that his private photos and videos had been leaked.

    The late televangelist was found unconscious at his residence in June 2022 and later declared dead at a hospital. Weeks before his death, explicit videos featuring him and his ex-wife, Dania Malik, were leaked online, causing him severe mental distress.

    In July 2022, a few weeks after his death, his former and first wife, Bushra Iqbal, along with their children, had also filed a complaint with FIA Karachi against Malik.

    In October 2022, the FIA had registered a case against Malik under sections 20, 21, and 24 of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016 over allegations of leaking the videos. She was arrested from Lodhran in December 2022 and later released on bail by a Karachi court.

  • Gaza man shares heartbreaking story of loyal dog gaining global sympathy while he remains forgotten

    Gaza man shares heartbreaking story of loyal dog gaining global sympathy while he remains forgotten

    Hamed Ashour, a young man from Gaza, once captured hearts around the globe when he shared a story about a loyal dog who became his companion in the midst of hardship in genocide. The tale went viral last year, appearing in Arab and international magazines, reaching more than five million readers and being translated into seven languages.

    In a recent Facebook post, Ashour wrote, “My name is Hamed Ashour, from Gaza. A year ago, I shared the story of a kind, loyal dog who became my companion. What a lucky dog he turned out to be. Our story made headlines in both Arab and international magazines. More than 5 million people around the world read it. It was translated into seven different languages.”

    “Not long after, I was contacted by an animal rights organization in Dublin, Ireland. They wanted to check on the dog’s health. They asked for photos of the tent we lived in and guarded together. I sent the photos. What followed was overwhelming. So much sympathy, so much concern—for the dog. They genuinely explored ways to evacuate him from Gaza through partner organizations. They wanted him to have a better life. A cleaner place. A wider sky.”

    “But no one asked about me,” he continued. “I was the one living in that torn tent, a place not even suitable for a dog.”

    While the dog received international concern and the prospect of rescue, Hamed remained trapped in Gaza, living in the same torn tent, enduring the same daily struggles. His experience reflects the harsh reality for millions of Palestinians who remain under siege, cut off from the most basic necessities.

    The situation in Gaza has become increasingly dire. Food is scarce, clean water is nearly nonexistent, and humanitarian agencies report that more than 70 children have already died from malnutrition. Aid trucks carrying thousands of tons of supplies remain stuck at border crossings, while residents face hunger, disease, and the constant threat of bombardment.

    The contrast in responses is striking. For the dog, there were international networks mobilizing for its safety. For Hamed, as for countless others in Gaza, there has been silence.

    According to the the Gaza Health Ministry,  so far at least more than 60 thousand people in Gaza had been killed in the Israeli genocide.

  • Will wait for India to build dam, when they do so, we will destroy it: COAS

    Will wait for India to build dam, when they do so, we will destroy it: COAS

    Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir has pledged to defend the country’s water rights at all costs, even if the forces have to destroy any controversial dam that India seeks to build on the Indus waters.

    “We will wait for India to build a dam, and when they do so, we will destroy it,” the army chief reportedly told members of the Pakistani-American community present at a black-tie dinner hosted by Adnan Asad, Pakistan’s honorary consul in Tampa, Florida, on Saturday.

    “The Indus River is not the Indians’ family property. We have no shortage of resources to undo the Indian designs to stop the river,” he added.

    The COAS said that India projected itself as a “Vishwa Guru [global teacher]” while its intelligence agency, the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), was involved in transnational terrorism, citing incidents in Canada, Qatar, and the arrest of Indian spy Kulbhushan Jadhav. Jadhav was apprehended red-handed by law enforcement agencies in 2016 while infiltrating Pakistan from the Saravan border area of Balochistan with Iran.

    Condemning India’s “unprovoked aggression” across the Line of Control (LoC) during the four-day conflict in May, he mocked New Delhi’s reluctance to admit battlefield losses. He thanked US President Trump for his “strategic leadership” in preventing an India-Pakistan war and other global conflicts.

    The field marshal said that Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) was “not India’s internal matter but an unfinished international agenda”, vowing support for UN resolutions.

    Around 150 guests, including Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Ambassador Rizwan Shaikh, embassy officials, and prominent members of the diaspora, were present at the event.

    In Tampa, the army chief also attended the US Central Command (Centcom) change-of-command ceremony. According to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) on Sunday, the field marshal’s engagements included the retirement ceremony of General Michael E. Kurilla, Commander of Centcom, and the Change of Command in which Admiral Brad Cooper assumed charge.

    The ISPR said FM Munir praised Gen Kurilla’s “exemplary leadership and invaluable contributions in strengthening Pakistan-US military relations” and expressed confidence that Admiral Cooper “would take this partnership forward to address shared security challenges”.

    Munir’s trip came six weeks after his unprecedented lunch with the US president at the White House, a privilege usually reserved for heads of state or government. Following the meeting, Trump praised Munir, saying he was “honored ” to meet the general.

  • Thieves snatch watch worth over Rs18 million from Yusuf Raza Gilani’s son

    Thieves snatch watch worth over Rs18 million from Yusuf Raza Gilani’s son

    Member of the National Assembly (MNA) and one of the sons of Senate Chairman Yusuf Raza Gilani, Abdul Qadir Gilani, was robbed in Barcelona, Spain, where thieves snatched his gold-plated watch worth over Rs18.4 million.

    “I bought [the watch] 13 years ago, back when gold was cheaper; now it is three times higher,” Qadir Gilani was quoted as saying by Geo News on Monday.

    He stated that he was “with his family, and the watch was in my hand,” adding that his host in Barcelona was also robbed.

    “As long as there is life, there is the world; such things come and go,” said Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) lawmaker Gilani.

    The Gilani family of southern Punjab, Multan, is a well-known political dynasty. Brothers Abdul Qadir Gilani, Ali Musa Gilani, and newly elected MNA Qasim Gilani all serve in the National Assembly (NA). Their other brother, Ali Haider Gilani, is a PPP Member of the Provincial Assembly (MPA) in Punjab.

    In a rare coincidence, MNAs Ali Musa, Qasim, and Ali Haider were all born on the same day, 10 April 1986, making the present NA home to a set of twins in the form of Ali Musa and Qasim.

    In August 2024, unsubstantiated allegations surfaced that former prime minister Yousaf Raza Gilani, along with MNAs Ali Qasim and Abdul Qadir, and their sister Fiza Batool Gilani, had travelled to London using public funds.

    Ali Qasim said the visit was completely private, funded by the family, and “did not cost a penny” to Pakistani taxpayers.

  • Arij Fatyma reveals she was diagnosed with rare cancer

    Arij Fatyma reveals she was diagnosed with rare cancer

    Former actress Arij Fatyma has opened up about her diagnosis with a rare and aggressive form of cancer, speaking publicly for the first time about the health challenge she encountered earlier this year.

    In a video shared on Instagram, Arij revealed that she had been diagnosed with choriocarcinoma, a rapidly advancing cancer that can arise following a molar pregnancy, a condition where abnormal tissue develops within the uterus instead of forming a typical pregnancy. Although molar pregnancies are rare, they can occasionally lead to choriocarcinoma.

    She expressed that her diagnosis emerged during a time when she perceived her life as being on track and did not prioritize her health. “In a matter of hours, everything changed,” she reflected.

    Throughout the past four months, she underwent significant surgery and treatment. She chose to keep her illness private due to concerns about judgment and speculation.

    During her health battle, Arij concentrated on two main thoughts: how she would stand before Allah and the impact on her family. “It feels like I have been granted a second chance,” she stated, noting her commitment to living more purposefully.

    She regarded her early diagnosis as fortunate, highlighting that in many instances, the illness is identified too late. Even though she has recuperated, she will require ongoing tests for several years to ensure the cancer does not reoccur.

    By sharing her experience, Arij hopes to stress the significance of regular medical check-ups and the need not to dismiss symptoms. She warned against relying solely on home remedies for serious health issues. “Please educate yourselves. Do not take your health lightly,” she urged.

    The actress also encouraged people not to judge others based solely on their social media appearances, as online personas can often mask private difficulties.

    Her post prompted messages of support from fellow actors.

    Mahira Khan commented, “May Allah bless you with complete shifa. Ameen. Sending you love. Praying for you and your family. Your bravery means a lot to so many who are suffering.”

    Hira Mani, Ghana Ali, Momal Sheikh, and Mariam Nafees were among others who sent prayers and well wishes.

    Arij Fatyma left the entertainment industry in 2019 after the success of her drama Hasad. She lives in Ohio, USA, and works as a digital creator with over 1.7 million Instagram followers. In June, she announced she had begun wearing the hijab, saying she would continue to follow whatever path she felt was right in her faith.

  • Journalist recalls past scandals amid Haider Ali’s arrest

    Journalist recalls past scandals amid Haider Ali’s arrest

    Veteran journalist Saleem Khaliq has linked the recent arrest of Pakistani cricketer Haider Ali in England to a long history of off-field controversies involving national players, calling for the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to impose tighter discipline on tours.

    Writing on X, Saleem recalled an incident from 2005 during his first trip to Australia. “One day, I went to a restaurant for lunch, and by coincidence, two Pakistani cricketers also arrived there. Back then, there was not the kind of distance between players and the media that we see nowadays. They both came and sat at my table,” he wrote.

    As they chatted, a waitress approached with something about the order. “As she was leaving, one cricketer said to the other, ‘If she were beautiful, you would have instantly befriended her.’ Hearing this, the waitress returned and quietly whispered, ‘I am from Bangladesh, and I understand Urdu.’ The cricketer was so embarrassed he wished the ground would swallow him and got angry at his friend for making such a comment on his behalf,” Saleem said.

    A few days later, however, Saleem said the same player was caught up in a rape case in Australia and only narrowly avoided serious trouble.

    The incident in Australia he referred to was likely during Pakistan’s 2005 visit for the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne, when a woman approached the Centre Against Sexual Assault (CASA) claiming she had been raped by a member of the touring side. No formal police complaint was filed. The PCB conducted an internal investigation and closed the case citing lack of evidence. Media speculation pointed to a senior flamboyant player, but no name was confirmed.

    Former pacer Shoaib Akhtar later said he was wrongly suspected due to his public profile and that the matter actually stemmed from a misunderstanding between another teammate and the woman. He said the PCB cleared him and that his return home was for fitness reasons, not because of the allegation.

    “I was shocked, he seemed so decent, how could he end up in such a situation? Someone then told me, ‘Do not judge people by the innocence of their face,’” Saleem added.

    Saleem noted that many Pakistani cricketers come from poor backgrounds and are unprepared for the sudden fame, travel, and wealth that come with playing at the top level. “It is common for certain women to visit the players’ rooms and some players even book a second hotel room to avoid scandals,” he said. According to him, “Bookmakers take full advantage of this playboy behaviour, trapping players in honey traps and recording videos to blackmail them.”

    He referred to former opener Sharjeel Khan’s statement about being blackmailed with videos before his fixing ban and credited Mohammad Rizwan and Babar Azam for improving team culture in recent years.

    Turning to the Haider Ali case, Saleem called it shameful that “a player was arrested directly from the ground” during the Pakistan Shaheens’ tour of England. He questioned why the PCB did not send a manager with this tour. “Players are not children, but they still need guidance, to be reminded that on tours they are ambassadors of the country,” he wrote.

    He warned that if influential figures fail to resolve the case quietly, Haider could face prison. “One mistake can not only ruin their career but also disgrace their entire family. Nowadays, women working for bookies often pose as fans. On social media, people also try to befriend players under false identities. Once trapped, a player is blackmailed,” he said.

    Saleem urged young cricketers to be cautious. “Go abroad to play cricket, move around in groups with the team official’s permission, and never go alone to someone’s home on an invitation. The Board must take strict measures to avoid future embarrassment, otherwise be prepared for more such incidents,” he concluded.

    It merits mention that a few days ago, Pakistani cricketer Haider Ali was arrested in Manchester over allegations of sexual assault. According to reports citing England police, the batter has been summoned again in two weeks as part of the investigation and barred from leaving the United Kingdom (UK) in the meantime.

    The alleged incident took place during the recent Pakistan Shaheens tour of England. The PCB has provisionally suspended Haider, confirmed he is under investigation by Manchester Police, and said it will provide him legal assistance to protect his rights. The board stated he will remain suspended until the case is resolved and will face possible disciplinary action after the legal proceedings conclude.

  • Gang rape suspects killed in police operation in Manga Mandi

    Gang rape suspects killed in police operation in Manga Mandi

    Two men accused of gang-raping a minor girl have been killed in a Crime Control Department (CCD) operation in Manga Mandi.

    Police sources claim that CCD was notified of the suspects’ presence in the region. To apprehend them, Inspector Shabbir and his crew carried out a raid. The suspects started shooting when they saw the police.

    The two individuals, who were identified as Shoaib and Zubair, were killed during the exchange. According to the police, their own accomplices were responsible for the gunfire that killed them during the confrontation. To undergo post-mortem examination, the bodies were moved to a morgue.

    According to police, a 12-year-old girl was reportedly abused by the suspects. The Manga Mandi police station had received a First Information Report (FIR) on the incident. The victim is still receiving medical care.

    Head Constable Inamdar was struck in the chest by a bullet during the exchange but was unharmed due to wearing a bulletproof vest.