Author: News Desk

VIDEO: Kamran Akmal gifts gloves to Indian fan

Amid the ongoing controversy over India Champions’ refusal to face Pakistan in the World Championship of Legends 2025 semifinal, a heartwarming moment featuring former Pakistani cricketer Kamran Akmal has won hearts online.

In a viral video, a young Indian fan is seen asking the former Pakistani wicketkeeper for his gloves. Akmal walks over to his kit bag, pulls out a pair, and hands them to the fan.

The fan is then asked by the person recording the video how he feels, to which he replies, “I am very happy. I am a big fan of Kamran Akmal.”

The video has received a positive reaction online.

One user commented, “Kahan India Pakistan se match nahi khel raha aur inke fans Pakistan players se gloves mang rahe hain. Hat’s off to Kamran Akmal.”

Another wrote, “Kamran Akmal has won hearts.”

It merits mention that the Pakistan Champions reached the final without playing the semifinal, following the India Champions’ refusal to compete in light of the political tension between the two countries. This isn’t the first time India has avoided facing Pakistan in a tournament. Previously, they had skipped their group-stage match citing the same reason.

All eyes are now on the final set for Saturday, where the Pakistan Champions will take the field to defend their title.

July 31, 2025
Omar Ayub, Zartaj Gul among others sentenced to 10 years in jail

A special anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Faisalabad on Thursday awarded 10 years rigorous imprisonment to 108 Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders and workers for their involvement in the May 9 riots.

As per the details, the court sentenced leader of the opposition in the National Assembly (NA) Omar Ayub Khan, Senator Shibli Faraz, senior PTI leader Zartaj Gul and Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) chief Sahibzada Hamid Raza while acquitting former federal minister for information Fawad Chaudhry, Zain Qureshi and ex-provincial minister Khayal Ahmad Kastro in the same case.

Member Provincial Assembly (MPA) Junaid Afzal Sahi with a three-year-imprisonment was also among the 108 convicts out of the total 185 accused of violent protests that erupted across the country following the arrest of former prime minister (PM) Imran Khan in 2023.

The unrest included attacks on public property and military installations, such as the Corps Commander House in Lahore, also known as Jinnah House.

Last week, an ATC in Lahore also sentenced several PTI leaders, including Dr Yasmin Rashid and Mian Mehmood Ur Rasheed, to 10 years in prison in connection with the May 9 violence case.

Ex-Punjab governor Omar Sarfraz Cheema, Senator Ejaz Chaudhry and Afzal Azeem Pahat were also sentenced by the court.

It merits a mention that a court had earlier acquitted former foreign minister and PTI Vice Chairman Shah Mahmood Qureshi in the same case as he was in Karachi on the day of the incident. Others acquitted in the case include Hamza Azeem Pahat, Rana Tanveer and Aizaz Rafiq.

July 31, 2025
Ramsha Khan’s fierce confession, Khushhal’s soft side steal the show in ‘Biryani’ teaser

Khushhal Khan and Ramsha Khan are reuniting on screen in ARY Digital’s new drama Biryani, and its first teaser just dropped.

The teaser hints at something different, both in tone and story, suggesting that Biryani might just bring something new to Pakistani television.

Ramsha Khan plays a strong, outspoken university student. Her life revolves around home and studies, but she’s far from your typical quiet girl. She’s bold, direct, and unafraid to speak her mind. In one scene, she confesses her feelings, but not in a soft, romantic tone, but loudly and laced with sarcasm.

Khushhal Khan, on the other hand, plays quite the opposite. He’s calm, respectful, and, interestingly, ends up being Ramsha’s student. The teaser doesn’t reveal much about his background, but his character seems gentle and kind – a shift from the usual intense male leads.

The teaser suggests that the drama might be more than just romance. It hints at emotional struggles, complicated relationships, and love that grows over time.

We also get a brief glimpse of Sarwat Gilani, whose role remains a mystery. From her serious expression and inclusion on the poster, she appears to be playing a traditional antagonist, possibly someone who embodies societal pressure or judgment.

Fans gave mixed reactions, but mostly seemed excited for the upcoming drama. One user commented, “Finally! The wait is over! The Biryani teaser is out now “

Another wrote, “Finally one of my favourite couples is back ❤”

A fan praised Ramsha Khan, saying, “You’re going to shine like always, Ramsha! This one’s going to rule hearts. ❤”

The drama is written by Zafar Mairaj, known for his poetic writing and focus on emotions, like in Kabli Pulao, Mann Jogi, and more. Directing the project is Badar Mehmood, the man behind popular dramas like Balaa, Ishqiya, and Kabhi Main Kahi Tum. His sharp, fast-paced direction combined with Zafar Mairaj’s layered storytelling promises another possible hit this year.

July 31, 2025
Find out what your fave celebs are doing as summers come to a close

As the summer season slowly winds down, your favorite celebrities are making the most of it with vacations, festivals, and unforgettable moments. From lush meadows in England to musical nights in Los Angeles, here’s a quick roundup of how some Pakistani stars are spending the last stretch of summer.

Ayeza Khan’s dreamy retirement plan in England

Actress Ayeza Khan gave fans a peaceful glimpse into what she calls her “retirement plan” during her recent trip to England. Sharing serene photos of lush green meadows, grazing cows, and countryside calm, Ayeza captioned the post, “Had to go see what my retirement could look like.”

Fans loved the scenic charm and Ayeza’s reflection on life beyond showbiz. One user commented, “Yaaar this is so precious ❤” while another added, “Beautiful view and Prettiest you! ”

But it wasn’t all about quiet nature. In another post, Ayeza was seen posing stylishly on London streets, wrapped in chic layers under grey skies. “Empty streets, empty stomachs but full of life,” she wrote, adding her signature wit to the moment.

Sonya Hussyn’s tropical break in China

Sonya Hussyn also took a summer break, traveling to China where she attended the SCO Film Festival. Her film Deemak received an award at the event, adding to the celebratory mood.

Sonya shared sunny vacation photos on Instagram, writing, “Currently in a tropical state of mind, because vacation is my ultimate therapy .”

Wajahat Rauf’s musical summer night in Los Angeles

Director Wajahat Rauf and his family chose music to wrap up their summer. The filmmaker was seen enjoying A.R. Rahman’s live concert in Los Angeles with his son Aashir Wajahat and other family members.

A video circulating on social media shows them dancing, cheering, and soaking in the high-energy atmosphere created by Rahman’s magical vocals. The family’s joyful presence captured the perfect end-of-summer vibe.

From nature getaways to musical nights and film festival wins, Pakistani celebs are ending their summer on a high note and giving their fans plenty of inspiration to enjoy every last bit of the season.

July 31, 2025
PM Shehbaz Sharif applauds power minister Awais Leghari for landmark reforms in the energy sector

In a rare and high-impact gesture of appreciation, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has officially lauded Federal Minister for Power, Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari, for his leadership in driving critical reforms in Pakistan’s power sector.

The Prime Minister’s letter of recognition praises the Power Division’s performance, highlighting a combination of fiscal discipline, structural reforms, and people-centric governance under Leghari’s stewardship.

At the heart of the Prime Minister’s appreciation is the unprecedented reduction of Rs. 780 billion in circular debt, a longstanding burden on Pakistan’s economy. The Prime Minister commended this achievement as a testament to strong financial management and inter-ministerial coordination, calling it a “historic breakthrough.”

The letter also references a Rs. 3.6 trillion national savings secured through the renegotiation of agreements with Independent Power Producers (IPPs) — a bold and difficult move that helped stabilize energy payments and restructured liabilities for long-term relief.

In a tangible move toward public relief, the government also introduced a Rs. 8.35/unit reduction in electricity tariffs, benefiting millions of consumers across Pakistan. The Prime Minister acknowledged this as a rare and impactful step, especially in a global economic climate where energy prices continue to rise.

Further, the launch of the ‘Apna Meter Apni Reading’ initiative was hailed as a transformative step toward transparency and consumer empowerment. The initiative allows citizens to directly participate in meter reading, reducing billing disputes and increasing public trust in the power distribution process.

The Prime Minister noted that these reforms were achieved within a short span of time and with institutional collaboration, crediting Minister Awais Leghari’s “commitment, leadership, and reform-focused approach.”

This letter of appreciation marks not only a personal milestone for the Minister but also a national moment of progress, signaling renewed public confidence in the governance of the power sector — one that has long been plagued by inefficiencies and mistrust.

July 31, 2025
Pakistan launches advanced remote sensing satellite from China

Pakistan has successfully launched a state-of-the-art remote sensing satellite into orbit on Thursday, marking a major milestone in the country’s space program.

The launch took place at 7:38 am Pakistan Standard Time from China’s Xichang Satellite Launch Centre, with senior officials from the Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) present at the site.

The event was broadcast live from SUPARCO’s headquarters in Karachi, highlighting the national importance of the achievement.

Equipped with advanced electro-optical and hyperspectral sensors, the satellite is designed to provide real-time data for a wide range of applications including disaster prediction, agricultural assessment, environmental monitoring, and urban development.

“This is a landmark achievement in Pakistan’s space journey,” said the Director General of SPARC, calling the launch a “major breakthrough” that will support national development and improve disaster resilience. “It will not only help us in effective disaster management but also in food security, infrastructure planning and climate response.”

Officials say the satellite will significantly enhance the country’s ability to issue early warnings for natural disasters such as floods, earthquakes, and landslides, which have long impacted communities and infrastructure. The satellite’s monitoring capabilities are also expected to play a critical role in addressing food security challenges by providing accurate crop data amid shifting climate conditions.

Additionally, the satellite will be used to track infrastructure development, particularly projects related to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), offering a more detailed and real-time overview of ongoing progress and compliance.

This mission builds on Pakistan’s previous advancements in space technology. In 2018, the country launched its first remote sensing satellite, PRSS-1, alongside the Pakistan Technology Evaluation Satellite (PakTES-1A). These missions laid the foundation for more sophisticated satellite launches, including the recent EO-1 electro-optical satellite, which expanded Pakistan’s presence in low Earth orbit.

The latest launch is seen as a significant step forward in utilizing space technology for national development and regional collaboration.

July 31, 2025
‘Maybe Pakistan will be selling oil to India some day’: Trump announces deal with Islamabad

United States (US) President Donald Trump on Wednesday night announced that the US has concluded a deal with Pakistan, allowing both countries to work together on developing Pakistan’s vast oil reserves.

“We have just concluded a Deal with the country of Pakistan, whereby Pakistan and the United States will work together on developing their massive Oil Reserves,” President Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social.

“We are in the process of choosing the Oil Company that will lead this Partnership. Who knows, maybe they’ll be selling Oil to India someday!” the post read.

The announcement, however, does not make reference to a possible agreement on tariffs, taxes imposed on imported goods between Pakistan and the US.

According to the Ministry of Finance, the breakthrough came during Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb’s meeting with the US Secretary of Commerce and the US Trade Representative. Pakistan’s Ambassador to the US, Rizwan Saeed Sheikh, and Commerce Secretary Jawad Paul were also in attendance.

The official statement said, “The purpose of the deal is to boost bilateral trade, improve market access, attract investment, and strengthen cooperation in areas of mutual interest.”

“Under the agreement, there will be a reduction in tariffs, particularly on Pakistani exports to the US, and a fresh start in economic cooperation between the two countries.

“The two sides will focus on energy, minerals, information technology, cryptocurrency, and other key areas,” the statement added.

Trump punishes India with 25 per cent tariff

Hours before announcing the deal with Pakistan, the US president said in a post on Truth Social that the US has done relatively “little business” with India over the years due to its extremely high tariffs, among the highest in the world. “They have the most strenuous and obnoxious non-monetary trade barriers of any country,” he added.

The US president also criticised New Delhi’s continued reliance on Russian arms and energy purchases. “They have always bought a vast majority of their military equipment from Russia and are Russia’s largest buyer of ENERGY…” the post read.

“India will therefore be paying a tariff of 25pc, plus a penalty for the above, starting on August 1,” the post concluded.

July 31, 2025
World Athletics makes gender testing mandatory for females

World Athletics has announced a new rule making gender testing mandatory for female athletes wishing to compete in women’s events at international ranking competitions.

According to the new regulation, athletes must undergo a one-time “SRY” test to verify their gender. Only those who test negative will be eligible to participate in the women’s category.

The policy will come into effect from September 25, during the upcoming World Athletics Championship. All athletes intending to compete must submit their test results by September 1. The responsibility for conducting and submitting these tests will lie with the respective national federations.

Meanwhile, in the United States, the Olympic and Paralympic Committee has enforced a ban on transgender athletes competing in women’s sports, in line with an executive order signed by former President Donald Trump.

The U.S. Olympics Committee stated that it will continue working with various stakeholders to ensure fair and safe competition for women, in accordance with Executive Order 14201 and the Ted Stevens Olympic and Amateur Sports Act.

In February, President Trump signed an order aimed at barring transgender athletes from participating in women’s sports. He further stated that transgender athletes will not be allowed to compete in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

The executive order also directs the Department of Justice and other government bodies to ensure the enforcement of the policy across all public institutions.

July 31, 2025
Pakistan advance to the finals as India withdraw from WCL semifinal

In line with its aim to politicise the game, India has once again refused to play against Pakistan in the World Championship of Legends (WCL).

This time, the Indian team has pulled out of the semifinal clash scheduled to be held in Birmingham, England tomorrow (Jul 31).

Earlier in the tournament, India had boycotted the group stage match against Pakistan. Now, by refusing to play the semifinal, India has effectively allowed Pakistan to advance directly to the final.

WCL, in an official statement, confirmed the development, saying, “At WCL, we have always believed in the power of sport to inspire and bring about positive change in the world.”

“However, public sentiment must always be respected — after all, everything we do is for our audience. We respect the India Champions’ decision to withdraw from the semi-finals, and we equally respect the Pakistan Champions’ readiness to compete. Taking all factors into consideration, the match between the India Champions and the Pakistan Champions has been called off. As a result, Pakistan Champions will advance to the final,” WCL wrote in an official statement.

Reports also suggest that five Indian players have opted out of playing the semifinal against Pakistan. These include captain Yuvraj Singh, Shikhar Dhawan, Harbhajan Singh, Irfan Pathan and Yusuf Pathan.

The same players had earlier in the tournament also demanded that Shahid Afridi be excluded from Pakistan’s playing XI if the match was to go ahead.

They had objected to Afridi’s political views and his strong criticism against Indian atrocities in held Kashmir.

It merits a mention that the decision comes after India agreed to participate in Asia Cup 2025 at a meeting of the Asian Cricket Council chaired by Mohsin Naqvi.

The announcement drew strong reactions from within India as certain quarters continue to push the management to completely boycott matches against Pakistan.

July 31, 2025
Mahira’s bold new look is all about the curls

Mahira Khan has left fans speechless, this time not with a film role but with her hairstyle.

The superstar recently revealed her brand-new perm, sharing a series of curly-haired selfies on Instagram with a caption, “I got a PERM. Yes like a perm, Perm. Two people I didn’t inform – my hairstylist and of course my Ama ‍ ”

Known for her silky wavy locks, Mahira’s new curly look is a major change and it’s safe to say, fans are loving it.

Mahira’s bold hair transformation sparked a wave of compliments in the comments section.

One user wrote, “You must’ve been feeling rebellious!” adding a heart-on-fire emoji. Another commented, “This is how my natural hair looks omg I feel so validated,” showing how the actress’s new look resonated with many.

Some praised her timeless beauty. One user said, “Age is just a number for Mahira. Absolutely gorgeous and beautiful.” Another added, “Love ittttt!!”

A fan called her the “most beautiful actress in the world,” while someone else charmingly wrote, “Mahira our personal Moana princess.”

While Mahira joked about not informing her hairstylist or even her mother, the internet seems to have embraced her new look with full hearts and fire emojis.

July 30, 2025