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Author: News Desk

  • Pakistani footballer goes missing in Norway during Street Child Championship

    Pakistani footballer goes missing in Norway during Street Child Championship

    Amanullah Baloch, a player for the Muslim Hands Club from Pakistan, has reportedly gone missing in Norway after arriving to participate in the Street Children Football Championship.

    Amanullah, who hails from the Sango Lane area of Lyari, was part of the Pakistani squad for the tournament. However, he reportedly left the team and went missing before the event began.

    According to reports, Amanullah stepped outside during a reception ceremony in Oslo, held in honour of the team, while talking on the phone and left in a taxi. He has not returned since.

    The Norwegian police and Pakistan’s embassy are investigating the matter. The team management confirmed that the case has been handed over to local authorities, and efforts are being made to trace the missing player.

    According to reports, attempts to contact Amanullah’s family have been unsuccessful, as they have declined to comment on the incident.

    This marks the second such case in the past two months involving Pakistani athletes disappearing abroad. Earlier, two athletes from Punjab went missing in Germany during the World University Games.

  • From Forbes 30 Under 30 to marriage with Aima Baig; All you need to know about Zain Ahmed

    From Forbes 30 Under 30 to marriage with Aima Baig; All you need to know about Zain Ahmed

    Pakistani singer Aima Baig has tied the knot with Zain Ahmed, co-founder of the Lahore-based fashion label Rastah. Their intimate nikkah ceremony in Canada has marked the beginning of a new chapter in their lives.

    While Aima Baig is known for her incredible voice and Coke Studio features, who is Zain Ahmed?

    Zain Ahmed co-founded Rastah in 2018 alongside his cousins Ismail and Adnan Ahmad. The fashion label quickly made a name for itself by fusing traditional Pakistani craftsmanship, such as handloom fabrics and woodblock printing, with modern streetwear aesthetics inspired by the vibrant culture of Lahore.

    In 2022, Zain Ahmed was featured on Forbes Asia’s 30 Under 30 list for his contributions to fashion. Under his creative leadership, Rastah became the first Pakistani brand to showcase at London Fashion Week in 2023. The brand’s rise was not just limited to the runway. Rastah’s clothing has been worn by global celebrities including Justin Bieber, Timothée Chalamet, Barry Keoghan, Riz Ahmed, Anil Kapoor, Zayn Malik, French Montana, Karan Johar and Diljit Dosanjh.

    Despite his growing fame, Zain has maintained a relatively low personal profile.

    Zain and Aima Baig were first linked in 2024 after their public appearances and social media posts sparked relationship rumours. The couple later confirmed the speculation after posting photos together online. Since then, they’ve often been spotted vacationing and attending events together.

    Their wedding came as a surprise to many fans after a photo from their Nikkah ceremony was shared online. The couple was met with an outpouring of love and congratulations from fans and fellow celebrities alike.

  • Karachi man kills wife for ‘talking to someone on the phone’

    Karachi man kills wife for ‘talking to someone on the phone’

    A man in Karachi’s Lyari has killed his wife, a 45-year-old mother of seven, over suspicion of cheating.

    As per the details, the victim, identified as Bakhtawar, was allegedly murdered by her husband, Nawab, who suspected she was talking to someone on the phone.

    Reports quoted the SHO concerned, Inspector Sajjad Dharijo, as saying that Nawab used a 30-bore pistol to shoot his wife in a fit of rage during a scuffle inside their house.

    Following the shooting, residents of the area acted quickly and assisted police in arresting the suspect. Authorities also recovered the murder weapon from Nawab at the time of his arrest.

    Bakhtawar’s body was shifted to Civil Hospital for medico-legal formalities. While no family members came forward to claim the body, locals reportedly took the initiative of temporarily keeping the body at the morgue.

    Further investigation into the killing is underway as police prepare to present the suspect before a court.

  • Kh Asif slams ‘corrupt’ bureaucrats; says most of them ready to move abroad after ‘devouring billions’

    Kh Asif slams ‘corrupt’ bureaucrats; says most of them ready to move abroad after ‘devouring billions’

    Defence Minister and senior PML-N leader Khawaja Asif has levelled serious allegations against the country’s bureaucracy, triggering intense backlash online, much of it aimed at the minister himself.

    “More than half of the [members] of the bureaucracy of our dear homeland have already bought properties in Portugal and are preparing to obtain citizenship there,” he stated in a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Wednesday, without presenting any proof.

    The minister claimed that the bureaucrats, after devouring billions of rupees, comfortably live a retired life. “One of [Usman] Buzdar’s [former chief minister of Punjab] closest bureaucrats has collected four billion rupees just in salami for his daughters’ weddings and is now calmly enjoying a retired life (sic),” he alleged.

    The defence czar argued, “Politicians only get what is left over by them (bureaucrats)” and still get blamed for everything. 

    He stated that politicians do not possess plots or foreign citizenship, as such holdings would disqualify them from contesting elections. “It is the bureaucracy that is polluting the sacred land of Pakistan,” he said.

    In another post, he alleged that a man named “Virk sahab” has been playing the biggest role in providing shelters to the bureaucracy and elites in Portugal.

    Journalists and social media users were quick to react to the minister’s allegations. “Khawaja sahab, your point seems valid. Please check who, among the bureaucrats or politicians, built Park View City in Portugal, where people obtain a European passport after investing there,” replied journalist Umar Cheema.

    “You are the country’s defence minister and a key leader of the ruling party, yet so helpless, Khawaja Sahib,” wrote journalist Shahid Aslam on X.

    “If a top brass minister like Khawaja Asif is only going to tweet, then who would arrest them, Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman or Yasmin Rashid? Who has stopped you from taking the money trail from these looters?” asked state-owned PTV-associated journalist Najam Wali Khan.

    Pointing out the severity of the allegations, a netizen questioned, “Khawaja sahab, are you with the government or in the opposition?” One of the users said that that tweet “is an expression of helplessness”.

    Another opined, “Everything else is fine, Khawaja Sahib, but just keep in mind that, no matter how, the government is yours. And you, by the grace of God, are also a respected minister, not only weak but also a favourite person of every constituency and leadership. It’s the public’s job to lodge complaints and yours to resolve them; here, the tables are turned, and you’re the one making complaints (sic).”

  • Aima Baig ties the knot with Rastah CEO Zain Ahmed

    Aima Baig ties the knot with Rastah CEO Zain Ahmed

    Pakistani singer Aima Baig has officially tied the knot with Rastah CEO Zain Ahmed, marking a new chapter in their lives.

    The couple had kept much of their relationship private until earlier this year, when they made things official on Instagram. Since then, they’ve been spotted vacationing together and appearing at public events. But the wedding still came as a surprise for many fans when a photo from their Nikkah ceremony surfaced online.

    Now that Aima Baig and Zain Ahmed are officially married, fans have flooded social media with love and well wishes for the newlyweds, with heart emojis and congratulatory messages pouring in.

    “MashAllah! So happy for Aima!” one fan wrote.

    Another said, “They look perfect together, wishing them a lifetime of happiness.”

    Aima Baig Gets Married In Canada

    The wedding took place in Canada, away from the spotlight and media frenzy. Aima is known for her powerful voice, while Zain is the co-founder of the globally celebrated streetwear brand Rastah. 

    Aima was previously engaged to actor Shahbaz Shigri. The couple ended their engagement in 2022.

  • Mahira Khan’s saree hunt just became everyone’s favourite celebrity moment

    Mahira Khan’s saree hunt just became everyone’s favourite celebrity moment

    Amidst the bustling stalls of Clifton Market in Karachi, one of Pakistan’s most beloved stars was spotted without any red carpet or media fanfare. Mahira Khan, known for her grace both on and off screen, was spotted on a quiet visit to a market in search of the perfect saree.

    With no swarm of guards or VIP fuss, the Lollywood icon was recently spotted at a local market in Clifton, Karachi, casually browsing saree stalls like any regular shopper. Dressed in an ivory colour shalwar kameez, Mahira laughed and chatted with shopkeepers as she looked through fabric options with ease and grace.

    It didn’t take long for videos and photos to flood social media, where fans couldn’t stop praising her down-to-earth nature.

    “She’s just like us,” one fan commented.

    Another wrote, “This is why she’ll always be Pakistan’s sweetheart.”

    The sight of one of Pakistan’s most celebrated stars walking through a busy market not only won hearts but also reminded everyone why Mahira continues to be adored. Despite her massive fame, her humility remains unchanged.


    From her early days as a VJ to her breakout in Bol and the unforgettable role of Khirad in Humsafar, Mahira’s journey has been one of steady rise and consistent charm. She has worked across borders, starred opposite Shah Rukh Khan in Raees, and emerged as a vocal advocate for mental health and social issues.

    Now basking in the success of her latest rom-com ‘Love Guru’, where she stars alongside Humayun Saeed, Mahira Khan proves once again that whether it is on-screen magic or off-screen humility, she knows how to keep the audience hooked.

  • 50 percent pay raise for women cricketers as PCB unveils new central contracts

    50 percent pay raise for women cricketers as PCB unveils new central contracts

    The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced central contracts for 20 women cricketers for the 2025–26 season, introducing a major 50 percent increase in player retainers across all five categories. 

    According to reports, the PCB has also introduced a new category labelled the ‘Emerging Category’ featuring young cricketers Eyman Fatima and Shawaal Zulfiqar to encourage emerging talent. Both players are currently part of the squad touring Ireland for a three-match T20I series from August 6 to 10. They also represented Pakistan in the inaugural ICC Women’s U19 World Cup held in South Africa last year.

    Sadia Iqbal, who currently tops the ICC T20I bowling rankings, has been awarded a Category A contract alongside Fatima Sana, Muneeba Ali and Sidra Amin.

    Category B includes Aliya Riaz, Diana Baig and Nashra Sundhu, with Diana promoted from Category C. Rameen Shamim has also earned a promotion from Category D to Category C.

    Ten players have been placed in Category D, namely Gull Feroza, Najiha Alvi, Natalia Parvaiz, Omaima Sohail, Sadaf Shamas, Sidra Nawaz, Syeda Aroob Shah, Tuba Hassan, Umm-e-Hani and Waheeda Akhtar. Among them, Natalia Parvaiz, Sidra Nawaz and Waheeda Akhtar are new additions to the contract list.

    The PCB confirmed that the central contracts were finalised by the women’s selection committee in consultation with head coach Muhammad Wasim, and are effective from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026.

    Over the next 12 months, the Pakistan women’s team is scheduled to compete in two major ICC events: the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup in September–October 2025 and the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in June 2026.

    The team will also play bilateral series both at home and overseas during this period.

  • ‘Nonsense’: DG ISPR rebuffs reports of Asim Munir becoming president

    ‘Nonsense’: DG ISPR rebuffs reports of Asim Munir becoming president

    The Director General (DG) of Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry has dubbed reports claiming that Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir intends to become the country’s president, “nonsense”.

    The military spokesperson passed the remark during a recent interview with the British journal The Economist.

    Last month, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi firmly rebuffed rumours that President Zardari was being asked to resign or that the army chief was allegedly aspiring to assume the presidency.


     
    In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Naqvi wrote, “We are fully aware” of who is behind the “malicious campaign” targeting the president, Prime Minister (PM) Shahbaz Sharif, and the army chief.


     
    “I have categorically stated that there has been no discussion, nor does any such idea exist, about the President being asked to resign or the COAS aspiring to assume the presidency,” he clarified.


     
    Naqvi underscored that the President enjoys a strong and respectful relationship with the Armed Forces’ leadership. “I know who is spreading these falsehoods, why they are doing so, and who stands to benefit from this propaganda,” he quoted Zardari as saying. 


     
    The interior minister emphasised that the sole focus of the COAS is the strength and stability of Pakistan, “nothing else”.


     
    “To those involved in this narrative, do whatever you wish in collaboration with hostile foreign agencies. As for us, we will do whatever is necessary to make Pakistan strong again, InshAllah (sic),” he said.


     
    While some media reports suggest that it all started with a couple of journalists “revealing” on social media that a plan was underway to remove Zardari for allegedly leaking the specific meeting conversation regarding the plan to build new Canals from the Indus River, others claim the rumours began circulating after the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) obtained a simple majority in the National Assembly (NA) after the reinstatement of reserved seats by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) following the top court’s Constitutional Bench verdict.

    When the DG of the military’s public relations was asked about how Pakistan would respond to New Delhi taking any action in the future. Not mincing his words, the General replied that it would begin by striking deeper within India.

    “We’ll start from the east,” the military spokesperson stated, adding, “They [India] also need to understand that they can be hit everywhere.”

  • German football club drops deal with Israeli player over anti-Palestinian remarks

    German football club drops deal with Israeli player over anti-Palestinian remarks

    German second-division football club Fortuna Düsseldorf has decided not to sign Israeli footballer Shon Weissman, citing his controversial and inflammatory social media posts against Palestinians.

    The club issued a brief statement confirming that they will not be proceeding with the deal to sign Weissman. The decision followed an online petition by fans urging the club to reconsider, citing the player’s past comments as harmful to its image and values.

    In the petition, fans stated that signing the Israeli footballer would harm the club’s reputation and its relationship with supporters.

    According to reports, in October 2023, Weissman allegedly liked and shared posts supporting genocide in Gaza and the removal of Gaza from the map.

    He also reportedly commented on a photo of two Palestinian prisoners, questioning why they weren’t shot in the head.

    These statements were deemed unacceptable by both the club’s supporters and management, ultimately leading to the decision to drop the signing.

  • PTV secures Asia Cup broadcasting rights in Pakistan

    PTV secures Asia Cup broadcasting rights in Pakistan

    Pakistan’s state broadcaster PTV has acquired media rights for Asian cricket events from 2025 to 2027 for $5.2 million (approximately PKR 1.5 billion), including two men’s Asia Cup tournaments. 

    According to reports, Sony India, which originally demanded $12 million for Pakistan territory, remains in talks with other local broadcasters. Asia Cup will be held in the UAE from September 9 to 28, with a total of 19 matches. Arch rivals Pakistan and India could face each other three times if both reach the finals. 

    Last year, the Asian Cricket Council sold eight-year media rights from 2024 to 2031 to Sony India for $170 million (approximately PKR 47.26 billion). This deal includes four men’s and four women’s Asia Cups, as well as emerging tournaments, totaling 119 matches.

    Sony’s $12 million demand for just two Asia Cups in Pakistan proved too high for local broadcasters, who believed the market isn’t large enough to guarantee returns. There were discussions about forming a consortium, but PTV eventually sealed the deal for $5.2 million.

    Sony is still negotiating with two private Pakistani broadcasters who may jointly purchase rights. Sony now hopes to recover at least $5 million. Digital rights in Pakistan have already been sold.

    Pakistan’s share from ACC media rights is around 25 percent (approximately $42.5 million), while the majority of the revenue- about 65 percent- comes from India.