Current Final

Author: News Desk

  • Pakistan denies pulling out of Hockey Asia Cup in India

    Pakistan denies pulling out of Hockey Asia Cup in India

    Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) President Tariq Bugti has strongly denied Hockey India’s claims that Pakistan has withdrawn from the upcoming Asia Cup.

    Speaking to a private media outlet, Bugti said, “How can Hockey India say that we have refused to participate in the Asia Cup? We have not spoken to anyone about such a decision.” He clarified that the PHF has never had direct contact with Hockey India, and all communication regarding the tournament is carried through the Asian Hockey Federation (AHF).

    “It is not up to us to decide whether to travel to India or not. That decision rests with the Government of Pakistan. We are waiting for the government’s direction and will act according to its decision,” Bugti added.

    Meanwhile, Bangladesh has also denied receiving any formal invitation to replace Pakistan in the tournament. According to reports citing sources in the Bangladesh Hockey Federation (BHF), no official letter has been sent by either Hockey India or the AHF.

    “Everyone is aware of the situation. Bangladesh is on standby, but forming and preparing a team at such short notice is not easy. We will consider our participation only if we receive an official invitation,” said BHF sources.

    Earlier, Indian media had quoted a Hockey India official claiming that Pakistan had declined to participate in the Asia Cup due to security concerns and that Bangladesh had been invited to take their place. 

    These claims have now been rejected by both the Pakistan Hockey Federation and the Bangladesh Hockey Federation.

  • Aima Baig’s wedding dress price will leave your eyes watering

    Aima Baig’s wedding dress price will leave your eyes watering

    The Pakistani singer Aima Baig has married her longtime friend and fashion entrepreneur Zain Ahmed in a private ceremony in Canada, making it official with a dreamy wedding photo carousel that quickly caught social media’s attention. 

    So, what did she wear?

    According to reports, Aima wore a bridal ensemble designed by renowned Pakistani fashion designer Hussain Rehar. While the original outfit is listed on the designer’s website for $2,800 USD (over PKR 791,000), Aima opted for a customised version of the dress, swapping the original ivory dupatta for a striking green one, which reportedly cost PKR 675,000. 

    Her bridal look has been widely praised online, with many calling it elegant. Her green dupatta added a personal touch to the designer outfit, further elevating the overall look. 

    Meanwhile, the groom Zain Ahmed kept it classic in a simple sherwani, complementing the bride’s ensemble. The couple’s wedding was private, but their fashion statements made a big splash online. 

    Zain Ahmed cofounded a fashion brand, Rastah, in 2018. Clothing from the label has been worn by celebrities around the world, including Justin Bieber, Timothée Chalamet, Barry Keoghan, Riz Ahmed, Anil Kapoor, Zayn Malik, French Montana, Karan Johar and Diljit Dosanjh.

    Aima Baig was previously engaged to actor Shahbaz Shigri in 2021, but later confirmed their separation publicly. Now, as she begins a new chapter with Zain Ahmed, fans and followers are flooding her with congratulatory messages.

  • Want to move to Portugal? It’s easier than you thought

    Want to move to Portugal? It’s easier than you thought

    Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has accused bureaucracy of amassing billions in corruption, going on to allege that more than half of the country’s bureaucrats have acquired property in Portugal and are preparing to obtain its citizenship.

    While the Establishment Division and the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) – the two institutions responsible for civil service discipline and accountability – maintain having no knowledge or evidence supporting the claims, reports have quoted bureaucrats as saying that the minister’s remarks have caused widespread resentment within the civil bureaucracy.

    Amid uproar and speculation since after Asif’s statements, and newfound interest of Pakistanis in obtaining Portuguese citizenship, here is everything you need to know about the process and its requirements.

    Golden Visa Programme

    Portugal does not offer direct citizenship by investment. Instead, investors can apply for the Golden Visa, which leads to permanent residency and eventually citizenship after five years.

    To qualify, applicants must make a minimum €500,000 investment in property or €350,000 in property requiring renovation in idesignated areas.

    Among other investment opportunities are a transfer of €1.5 million to Portugal, creation of at least 10 jobs in Portugal, investment of €500,000 in a Portuguese business, €250,000 in arts, culture or scientific research. Applicants can also invest €500,000 in approved venture capital funds.

    A golden visa is renewable every two years and can make you eligible for citizenship after five years of legal residency with basic Portuguese language proficiency as long as you have a clean criminal record and proof of investment.

    Don’t have the money? Here’s what else you can do…

    Citizenship by Naturalisation

    Pakistani citizens can also pursue Portuguese citizenship through naturalisation after residing in the country for a minimum of five years.

    This route requires fulfilling various conditions, including a clean criminal record, sufficient knowledge of the Portuguese language, and demonstrating integration into Portuguese society.  According to various consultants, continuous legal stay for a full ten years may be required for naturalisation under new criteria. 

    While residency permits need to be renewed during the period of stay in Portugal, other routes to obtain citizenship include family reunification and birth or descent.

  • Indian analysts in disbelief as US relations sour over Trump’s 50 percent tariff

    Indian analysts in disbelief as US relations sour over Trump’s 50 percent tariff

    United States (US) President Donald Trump has imposed an additional 25 percent tariff on India, effectively taking the duty to 50 percent on some exports from the South Asian country.

    As the world looks on, the American president’s apparent annoyance with India has led to disbelief and anger on social media. Many Indian accounts, previously all praise for Trump, have now turned against him, tweeting out their frustration. 

    Sonam Mahajan, a known pro-Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) troll, tweeted out a series of posts on X (previously Twitter) about Trump, saying was “best not to be his friend at all”, and that he did were “flattery-for-obedience deals”.

    Major (r) Gaurav Arya, another Hindutva mouthpiece, took to his account to say that Trump “doesn’t care about people dying in Ukraine”, going on to accuse him of using tariffs to lobby for the weapons and oil lobbies. 

    Another troll account with a massive following wrote “Its not the oil, its the ego [sic]”. 

    Comedian Atul Khatri took a swing at Bhakt trolls, envisioning how they would use the tariffs to try and spin a win over Pakistan.

    Barkha Dutt called Trump “clueless” and wrote that it was hard to remember when relations between the two countries were “so strained”. 

    Media analyst Aditya Raj Kaul wrote that the American president had “exposed his bias with this unjustified action”. 

    Right-wing BJP government’s biggest fan Smita Prakash wanted Trump to impose equivalent tariffs on China and Turkey. 

    Meanwhile, author Rahul Shivshankar has declared that “MODIDIOLOMACY IS MAKING TRUMP LOOK HYPOCRITICAL AND FOOLISH.” 

  • Islamabad bans ‘bajas’ ahead of Aug 14 celebrations

    Islamabad bans ‘bajas’ ahead of Aug 14 celebrations

    With Independence Day just around the corner, the Islamabad district administration has imposed a citywide ban on the sale and use of bajas – vuvuzelas or toy horns.

    According to reports, the decision was aimed at curbing public nuisance and maintaining order ahead of August 14.

    Islamabad deputy commissioner has directed all field officers to carry out immediate on-ground operations to seize bajas being sold at stalls across the city.

    The administration has also ordered daily monitoring and strict enforcement until Independence Day. Anyone found selling or using bajas will face legal action, including fines and confiscation of the items, reports said.

  • Wasim Akram backs Babar Azam’s return to T20 squad for Asia Cup

    Wasim Akram backs Babar Azam’s return to T20 squad for Asia Cup

    Former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram has pushed for Babar Azam’s return to the national T20 squad ahead of the Asia Cup, recommending that the senior batter take the number three spot in the lineup.

    He stressed that Pakistan will need experienced players for major tournaments like the Asia Cup and the T20 World Cup.

    Speaking to a private media outlet, Akram said, “If it were up to me, I would definitely include Babar Azam in the T20 team. With the Asia Cup and World Cup coming up, we need senior batters in the squad.”

    Akram recalled Babar’s performance in county cricket, saying, “Fans might remember when he represented Somerset in 2019, he scored runs at a strike rate close to 150. He has the ability to adapt according to the situation.”

    The legendary all-rounder added, “When we are chasing 140 or 160 runs, especially against stronger teams, we need a player who can take responsibility and lead the other ten players with him. Babar is among the best players in the world.”

    He further stated that Babar is capable of adjusting his game according to the format and match situation. “He has done it in the past and can do it again. Babar still has a lot of cricket left in him and can contribute a lot to Pakistan. We all should support him,” Akram said.

    When asked about Babar’s batting position, he responded, “He should play wherever the coach feels is best for the team. In my opinion, number three is the ideal position for him, but it also depends on the match situation. If more overs are left, someone else might be sent ahead.”

    Babar last played a T20 match for Pakistan in December 2024 against South Africa. He was later dropped from the format due to concerns over his strike rate. However, with Fakhar Zaman currently sidelined due to injury, calls for Babar’s return are growing louder, and Akram has joined that chorus.

  • Pakistan hockey team pulls out of Asia Cup in India: reports

    Pakistan hockey team pulls out of Asia Cup in India: reports

    The Pakistan hockey team is unlikely to participate in the upcoming Asia Cup, scheduled to take place in Rajgir, India, from August 29 to September 7, due to security concerns, according to Indian media reports.

    A Hockey India official told an Indian newspaper that the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) informed the Asian Hockey Federation (AHF) of its decision through an official letter on Wednesday. According to the letter, the team would not be able to travel to India for the tournament, citing security issues.

    The official also claimed that the Indian government had agreed to issue visas to the Pakistan team and that visa applications had been submitted at the end of July.

    “In response to Pakistan’s withdrawal, we have sent an invitation to Bangladesh to join the tournament,” the Hockey India official said.

    There is also uncertainty surrounding Pakistan’s participation in the Junior Hockey World Cup, which is scheduled to be held in India later this year between November and December.

  • Viral video shows Imran Ashraf calmly controlling overexcited crowd in Faisalabad

    Viral video shows Imran Ashraf calmly controlling overexcited crowd in Faisalabad

    When celebrities step out for public shoots, especially in bustling cities, things can quickly spiral out of control, and that’s what happened with Imran Ashraf in Faisalabad.

    A large crowd of fans surrounded the actor while he was shooting for his upcoming drama ‘Masoom’. The excitement on the streets quickly grew to a point where the production had to pause filming due to the overwhelming number of onlookers.

    A video from the scene has gone viral, showing Imran Ashraf in a shalwar kameez, calmly addressing the crowd and requesting them to allow the shoot to continue. Police officers can also be seen trying to control the crowd and manage the situation.

    Despite the chaos, the actor’s composed handling of the situation won praise on social media, where fans lauded him for his down-to-earth nature and professionalism. 

    The cast of Masoom includes Sonya Hussyn, Imran Ashraf, Mikaal Zulfiqar, and Abu Huraira.

  • General Asim Munir to visit US again this week: Report

    General Asim Munir to visit US again this week: Report

    Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal General Syed Asim Munir will visit the United States of America again this week, a leading news daily has reported. 

    The visit will reportedly be a return visit after General Michael Kurilla, head of US Central Command (CENTCOM) visited Pakistan  where he was conferred with Nishan-i-Imtiaz (military). 

    This will be General Asim Munir’s second visit to DC as COAS after his previous visit in June where he had lunch with American President Donald Trump, a rare feat for any Pakistani army chief. 

    Although there has been no confirmation from the military’s media wing of the visit, the COAS had hinted during the previous visit that he will return to the US later in the year. 

    The visit will be the latest in a growing thaw of relations between Pakistan and the US, with General Kurilla calling the South Asian country a “phenomenal partner” in countering terrorism during a congressional hearing earlier in the year. 

    Days before the visit, Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, the head of Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), addressed rumours of the COAS desiring to become the President of the country, calling such rumours “nonsense”. 

    Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi had also denied such speculation, stating in July that there was no truth in the “President being asked to resign or the COAS desiring to assume the Presidency.”

  • Imran Ashraf drops party track ‘All Good’ in Indian Punjabi debut

    Imran Ashraf drops party track ‘All Good’ in Indian Punjabi debut

    When a popular Pakistani actor makes his debut in Indian Punjabi cinema, fans expect something exciting, and Imran Ashraf delivers just that with All Good, the first song from his upcoming film Enna Nu Rehna Sehna Ni Aaunda.

    The song was released on Tuesday. Imran shared a clip from the music video on Instagram with the caption, “ALL GOOD. First song of our film is out. Sung by Ranjit Bawa. Enna Nu Rehna Sehna Ni Aaunda – in cinemas all over the world on 22 August.”

    Sung by Ranjit Bawa, who also stars in the film, the upbeat track is set against a neon-lit party scene and is being hyped as “the party anthem of the year.” Fans get to see a glimpse of Imran Ashraf enjoying himself on the dance floor with his friends in the clip.

    Fans flooded the comments with love and excitement.

    One fan wrote, “Inshallah sir, I’m coming to meet you at the cinema,be ready!”

    Another wrote, “I’m very happy, Enna Nu Rehna Sehna Nai Aunda releasing on 22 August!”

    One commented, “Agyaaaa Hera ❤”

    Another added, “All the best brother, Imran Ashraf ❤ “

    The film is a comedy that follows a group of international students navigating life while studying abroad. It was originally scheduled for release in May but faced delays, likely amid the political tensions between India and Pakistan at the time, which also led to a ban on Pakistani content in India.

    Now, the film is finally set to hit cinemas worldwide, including in Pakistan, on August 22.

    The teaser was released last month, introducing the main cast, which includes Imran Ashraf from Pakistan alongside Indian actors Jassie Gill and Sapna Pabbi, as well as Pakistani comedian Nasir Chinyoti.

    This release comes at a time when another India-Pakistan collaboration has faced major roadblocks. 

    Sardaar Ji 3, which features Pakistan’s star Hania Aamir and Indian actor and singer Diljit Dosanjh, has not yet been released in India due to backlash from right-wing groups. However, it premiered in Pakistan and other countries on June 27, and according to director Amar Hundal, it became the highest-grossing Punjabi film outside India.

    Despite the challenges, fans are enjoying Enna Nu Rehna Sehna Ni Aaunda, holding onto hope for more cross-border creative collaborations in the future.