Current Final

Author: News Desk

  • UAE, Pakistan sign visa exemption agreements to improve bilateral ties

    UAE, Pakistan sign visa exemption agreements to improve bilateral ties

    The UAE and Pakistan signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the mutual exemption of entry requirements between the two countries. This applies to holders of diplomatic and official passport holders.

    The agreement came into being as a result of the 12th session of the UAE-Pakistan joint ministerial commission, between Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister UAE and Ishaq Dar, Minister of Foreign Affairs Pakistan. 

    The two leaders discussed bilateral relations and ways to strengthen them to serve mutual interests and prosperity for both citizens of UAE and Pakistan.

    The meeting also witnessed the signing of an MOU regarding the establishment of a joint task force to promote Arab investment in strategic sectors in Pakistan, signed between Muhammad Hassan Al Suwaidi, Minister of Investment UAE, and Tariq Bajwa, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister of Pakistan.

    Another agreement was also signed on artificial intelligence and digital economy by Muhammad Hassan Al Suwaidi and Zarar Hashim Khan, Federal Secretary, Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunications of Pakistan.

    The UAE side participating in the joint commission was chaired by Ahmed Ali Al Sayegh, with Tariq Bajwa.

    In his speech, Al Sayegh reinforced that the Joint Ministerial Commission meeting reflects the deep rooted partnership between the two nations, built on decades of cooperation and shared vision.

    He extended his appreciation for Ishaq Dar, for his efforts to advance bilateral trade between UAE and Pakistan. He underscored that Pakistan has been a long standing partner of the UAE, with non oil trade exceeding $8.6 billion in 2024.

    He noted that UAE and Pakistan have spent more than 50 years fostering a partnership rooted in mutual trust, respect and shared ideas, highlighting their joint commitment towards a brighter future.

  • TikTok’s latest hoax is a ‘new’ Rs1000 note

    TikTok’s latest hoax is a ‘new’ Rs1000 note

    Tiktok and other social media platforms continue to circulate misleading videos, with the latest example featuring a fake Rs1,000 note.


    Clips showing the alleged redesigned currency note have taken the internet by storm, sparking widespread speculation and confusion. A video featuring the fake note gained over 10 million views in just 24 hours.


    The clips led many users to believe that the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has officially issued a new note. 


    Users soon started to question its authenticity, reposting the clip and asking if the note has actually been redesigned.


    Amid growing speculation, a social media user named blogsbyusama stepped forward to clarify that he designed the note for a project in 2024 and that it had nothing to do with the state bank. Despite his admission, the video continued to spread without verification, misleading millions.


    In response, SBP issued a statement saying that if any new note is ever introduced, the public will be informed through official channels. They also urged the country to not rely on unverified information and depend upon official sources for updates related to the national currency of Pakistan.

  • Power, poetry, and secrets: Second teaser of ‘Main Manto Nahi Hoon’ is WILD

    Power, poetry, and secrets: Second teaser of ‘Main Manto Nahi Hoon’ is WILD

    The second teaser of Main Manto Nahi Hoon has been released and it’s even more powerful and bolder than the first one.

    Humayun Saeed plays a serious and intense professor who seems like a mix of a poet, a rebel, and someone fighting a battle inside. He clearly says, “Main Manto nahi hoon” (I am not Manto), but his words feel like something Manto would say; full of truth, pain, and bravery.

    Sanam Saeed appears strong and graceful, while Sajal Aly only comes on-screen for a few moments but those scenes are enough to leave a deep emotional impact. Asif Raza Mir and Usman Peerzada bring strong energy to the screen, and yes, there’s everything in this drama: secrets, crimes, love, rivalry, and mystery all mixed into one intense story.

    Written by Khalil-ur-Rehman Qamar, the dialogues are deep, poetic, and sometimes even confusing but in a fun way. Some lines make you think, some make you smile, and some make you wonder what just happened.

    The drama isn’t about Saadat Hasan Manto’s life, but it clearly shows the struggle of speaking the truth in a world that doesn’t always want to hear it. It makes you ask: what does it mean to be like Manto in today’s world?

    With stunning visuals, powerful acting, and a strong message, Main Manto Nahi Hoon looks like it will be one of the most talked-about dramas of the year.

    The star cast includes Humayun Saeed, Sajal Aly, Sanam Saeed, Asif Raza Mir, Saima Noor, Azaan Sami Khan, Saba Hamid, and more.

  • ‘Very impressive’: Trump praises Army Chief again

    ‘Very impressive’: Trump praises Army Chief again

    US President Donald Trump on Wednesday again credited Field Marshal Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir for helping prevent a nuclear conflict with India.

    Speaking at a press conference in The Hague, where the President was attending a NATO summit, President Trump said that he persuaded Islamabad and New Delhi to back down from military strikes by linking peace to trade. 

    Explaining how he helped defuse tensions across the globe from Ukraine to Serbia, President Trump stressed that the “most important” of these conflicts was last month’s face-off between arch-rival India and Pakistan.

    “And that was not whether or not they may someday have nukes, like we are talking about the Middle East, like we are talking about with Israel and Iran. This is, they have nuclear weapons,” he said.

    “I ended that with a series of phone calls on trade. I said, look, if you are going to be fighting each other… It was getting very bad — you know how bad that last attack was. It was very bad. If you are really going to go fighting with each other, we are not going to do any trade. They said, ‘No, no. No, you have to do a trade deal,” the US president said, referring to recent tensions between the two South Asian nuclear-armed neighbours.


    He praised Army Chief Munir in glowing terms. Describing last week’s conversation with him, President Trump said, “In fact, I had the General — he was really very impressive — the general from Pakistan was in my office last week. You know Prime Minister Modi is a great friend of mine. He is a great gentleman. He is a great man. And I got them to reason. I said, ‘We are not doing any trade deal if you are going to be fighting.”


    “And you know what? They [Pakistan-India] said, ‘No, [they] want to do a trade deal.’ And we stopped the nuclear war,” Trump concluded.

    This is the upteenth time Trump has taken credit on record for stopping the clashes between India and Pakistan. 

    Following the conflict between Islamabad and New Delhi in May, the COAS met with President Trump at the White House’s Cabinet Room for lunch last week, making Field Marshal Munir the first COAS to hold a one-on-one meeting with a sitting US president.

    After the meeting, President Trump interacted with reporters, saying, “I was honoured to meet him (Field Marshal Munir).”

  • Usman Khawaja refuses interview with outlet that fired journalist for supporting Gaza

    Usman Khawaja refuses interview with outlet that fired journalist for supporting Gaza

    Australian cricketer Usman Khawaja has once again taken a strong stand for Palestinians, this time by refusing to give an interview to a media outlet that fired a journalist for speaking up about Gaza.

    According to media reports, Khawaja declined to speak with the outlet after noticing its microphone during a scheduled post-match interview. The outlet had earlier terminated renowned cricket journalist Peter Lalor for posting in support of Gaza on social media.

    Khawaja not only refused the interview but also apologized to the reporters present. Despite the incident, Cricket Australia has confirmed that it will not take any disciplinary action against the left-handed batter.

    Peter Lalor, who was dismissed in February after publicly expressing solidarity with the people of Gaza, praised Khawaja for his principled stand.

    “Usman Khawaja is a man of   principles,” said Lalor. “His support meant a lot to me when I lost my job, and I continue to deeply value his ongoing solidarity.”

    The post-match interview was scheduled following the first day of the opening Test between Australia and West Indies, which is currently underway.

  • BCCI, ECB ditch Saudi T20 League plans: report

    BCCI, ECB ditch Saudi T20 League plans: report

    The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) have reportedly backed out of supporting Saudi Arabia’s ambitious T20 league project, dealing a major blow to the $400 million initiative.

    According to a report by The Guardian, Saudi Arabia had planned to launch a high-profile T20 league featuring eight teams, modeled after tennis Grand Slams. The idea was to host matches across four different venues throughout the year. However, the project now faces uncertainty as both BCCI and ECB have decided not to issue No Objection Certificates (NOCs) to their players.

    Reports reveal that both boards have united in opposing the league to protect their own domestic tournaments; the Indian Premier League (IPL) and The Hundred. In fact, they’re planning to lobby within the International Cricket Council (ICC) to prevent top players from joining the Saudi-backed league.

    On the other hand, Cricket Australia is reportedly open to a partnership with Saudi investors, seeing it as an opportunity for private cash flow and profit-making. Currently, the Big Bash League (BBL) franchises are owned by the governing body and state associations, unlike the private ownership model the new league proposed.

    The report also points out the contrasting approaches in global cricket. IPL is valued at $12 billion, while The Hundred is preparing to sell 49 percent stakes in its teams to raise funds. Similarly, three years ago, Cricket South Africa sold its SA20 franchises to Indian owners, raising over $136 million.

    The influence of Indian cricket continues to grow globally, especially with ICC chairman Jay Shah at the helm. Shah, the former BCCI secretary, is unlikely to go against the Indian board’s wishes, making it even harder for Saudi Arabia’s league to take off.

  • Pakistan invited to Pro Hockey League

    Pakistan invited to Pro Hockey League

    Pakistan hockey has received a major boost, as the International Hockey Federation (FIH) has officially invited the national team to participate in the upcoming edition of the FIH Pro League. The invitation comes after New Zealand, who had qualified by winning the Nations Cup in Malaysia, reportedly declined to participate.

    According to reports, New Zealand defeated Pakistan 2-1 in the final of the Nations Cup, securing their spot in the FIH Pro League. However, following their withdrawal, the FIH has approached Pakistan as the next in line. An official announcement is expected soon.

    The FIH Pro Hockey League features the top-ranked teams from around the world and is considered one of the most prestigious tournaments in international hockey. Participation in the league is expected to significantly improve Pakistan’s international ranking and visibility.

    Pakistan has not played in the Pro League in recent years, contributing to the national team slipping to 17th position in the world rankings. This invitation marks a potential turning point for the sport in the country.

    The next edition of the FIH Pro League is scheduled to take place in February 2026, next year. Pakistan’s inclusion could not only revive the country’s presence on the global hockey stage but also provide much-needed experience against top-tier opponents.

  • Diljit Dosanjh breaks silence on overseas release of Sardaar Ji 3

    Diljit Dosanjh breaks silence on overseas release of Sardaar Ji 3

    Diljit Dosanjh has revealed that his new movie Sardaar Ji 3, featuring Hania Amir, will not be released in India. Instead, the film will premiere internationally after producers ruled out a domestic release amid boycott calls against Pakistani content and celebrities following the April 22 Pahalgam attack in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).

    During a BBC Asian Network interview, host Haroon Rashid said, “I am impressed how you have shown courage for releasing the film, also impressed by the fact that you have released this internationally in the manner that you set out to make it. Were you involved in this process of deciding that the film will be released as it is?”

    Detailing the timeline, Indian singer and actor Dosanjh shared that the principal shoot concluded in February and described the on-set atmosphere as “fine” and conditions as “good”. However, he noted that the tone of conversations shifted after the Pahalgam attack in April.

    “Many factors are beyond our control. The producers realised the film wouldn’t be released in India, so they decided, ‘Let’s release it overseas; we have invested in it.’ There were no issues during production, but they understood that they would incur a loss once a territory was excluded. Even at the time I signed [the movie contract], the situation was stable. If they opt for an overseas release, I support their decision.”
     

    Dosanjh pointed out that this choice was made only after trade organisations and worker unions renewed demands to prohibit Pakistani artists. “The producers acknowledged that risk; I agreed to it”, he stated.

    The trailer posted on Dosanjh’s Instagram prominently features Hania Aamir, dispelling rumours that her scenes might be removed. Aamir shared the clip on her Instagram, writing, “Main taa darr gai! Sardaar Ji 3 releasing 27 June OVERSEAS only!”

    Viewers in India encounter a “video unavailable” message when trying to access the full trailer on YouTube videos. Previously, amid rising political tensions between Pakistan and India, FWICE has called for a total ban on Diljit Dosanjh’s current and future projects and has appealed to ban the film’s producers as well.

    Sales representatives listed the movie title at an April market without any offers from Indian distributors, setting the stage for an export-first approach.

    Tensions between Pakistan and India escalated after the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, in which 26 people were killed. India blamed Pakistan for the incident, though it has yet to provide evidence to support the claim. Pakistan has strongly denied the allegations.

  • Here’s why BBL has many Pakistani players

    Here’s why BBL has many Pakistani players

    The large number of Pakistani cricketers making it to the Australian Big Bash League (BBL) this year is no coincidence. Improved relations between the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and Cricket Australia have played a key role, with both boards working closely to remove previous hurdles, such as delays in issuing No Objection Certificates (NOCs).

    In the past, players often had to wait until the last moment for clearance; however, sources reveal that this time, Pakistani cricketers received their NOCs well ahead of the BBL draft. According to ESPNcricinfo, seven Pakistani players have already been selected in the latest draft.

    The PCB’s High Performance Department has been actively engaging with countries like Australia for broader collaboration, not only to for league participation but also to arrange future tours involving Pakistan’s A team, Under-19 squad, and women’s team. Talks are currently underway, with both boards showing interest in long-term planning.

    Officials within the PCB confirm that Director High Performance Aaqib Javed is exploring opportunities for international exposure in Australia, England, and other countries. The goal is to provide players with more chances to grow in diverse playing conditions, which requires strong international relationships.

    With trust between the two boards improving, more Australian players are expected to be available for the next edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL). A few days ago, Cricket Australia CEO Nick Hockley also confirmed that the Australian national team will tour Pakistan again next year.

    The PCB is also working on launching academy exchange programs with top cricketing nations, further strengthening ties between Pakistan and the international cricket community. These recent developments indicate that renewed confidence between Pakistan and Australia is already producing results, both on and off the field.

  • Iran’s Quds Force commander alive despite reports of his assassination in Israeli strike

    Iran’s Quds Force commander alive despite reports of his assassination in Israeli strike

    Commander of the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ (IRGC) Quds Force, Brigadier General Esmail Qaani, was seen alive and well after videos on social media appear to show the commander attending a rally in Tehran on Tuesday, The Jerusalem Post has reported.

    According to the report, Iran Nuances X (formerly Twitter) account posted the video with the caption, “General Qaani, Commander of IRGC Quds Force, seen among Tehran’s rally attendees today following the last night attack on the US Al Udeid Airbase in Qatar (sic).”

    The Post claimed that Iran’s state-owned Press TV also published the video. It said, “Brigadier General Esmail Qaani, Commander of the IRGC Quds Force, was warmly received by a jubilant crowd in Tehran during victory celebrations over the Zionist (Israeli) regime.”

    On June 13, the day when Israel launched provocative strikes in Iran’s cities, The New York Times, citing Iranian sources, had reported that Qaani was killed during the strike.

    Qaani succeeded Qasem Soleimani as commander after the latter was killed in a targeted operation by the United States (US) in 2020 in Baghdad.

    Following an Israeli strike in Beirut that killed Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah’s presumed successor Hashem Safieddine, Qaani’s location was reportedly unknown in October 2024.

    After Israel’s strikes on Irani cities, reports had claimed that top commanders, nuclear scientists and hundreds of others were killed.

    Israel said that it wanted to remove any chance of Tehran developing nuclear weapons. However, Iran says its nuclear programme is for peaceful purposes only. Iranian officials have repeatedly said they do not plan to develop nuclear weapons but will pursue their right to nuclear energy and research.

    However, when Iran retaliated with barrages of missile attacks in Tel Aviv, the US joined in, intensifying the conflict. 

    On Sunday morning, US carried out aerial strikes at nuclear facilities in Iran, including Fordow, Isfahan and Natanz. 


    In a televised address to the nation from the White House, US President Donald Trump said US air strikes “totally obliterated” Iran’s main nuclear sites.

    Declaring the strikes in Iran “spectacular military success” the US president said that they targeted the crucial underground nuclear enrichment plants.

    After 12 days of aerial combat between the two regional arch-foes, US President Trump announced overnight a ceasefire between Israel and Iran to end their conflict.

    Later, the ceasefire was violated; however, on Tuesday, the US president announced in a post on Truth Social that the ceasefire will remain “in effect”.