Current Final

Author: News Desk

  • ‘Rafale down again’; Pakistan hockey captain takes a jibe after defeating France

    ‘Rafale down again’; Pakistan hockey captain takes a jibe after defeating France

    Pakistan hockey captain Ammad Butt unleashed a storm on social media after his side’s thrilling victory over France in the semi-final of the Nations Hockey Cup in Kuala Lumpur. 

    Shortly after the intense match, Ammad shared an Instagram story with the caption, “Rafale down again.”

    The remark wasn’t just a celebration of the win but also a pointed reference to past military tensions between Pakistan and India. 

    During the military clashes in May, Pakistan shot down at least four Indian Rafale fighter jets, which are French-made. Ammad drew a sharp parallel between national pride in sport and moments of military history.

    Pakistan booked their place in the final of the Nations Hockey Cup after a nail-biting 3-2 win over France in a penalty shootout during the first semi-final in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

    Both teams started aggressively, creating chances early in the first quarter, but neither could break the deadlock. In the second quarter, France took the lead in the 10th minute, then doubled their advantage early in the third quarter to go 2-0 up.

    That’s when Pakistan roared back. Rana Waheed Ashraf pulled one back just three minutes later. The momentum shifted, and in the 12th minute of the third quarter, Sufiyan Muqeem converted a crucial penalty to level the score. Just a minute later, Rana Waheed struck again, giving Pakistan a 3-2 lead.

    But France refused to back down. With seconds remaining in the fourth quarter, they equalised through Charlotte Victor to push the match into a dramatic shootout.

    Under pressure, Pakistan held their nerve. Goalkeeper Muneeb ur Rehman delivered a heroic performance, saving three French attempts. On the other side, Afraz, Shahid Hanan, and Rana Waheed coolly converted their penalties, sending Pakistan to the final.

    Pakistan will now face New Zealand in the final on Saturday.

  • Mohammad Haris breaks silence after not getting picked for BBL

    Mohammad Haris breaks silence after not getting picked for BBL

    Pakistan’s aggressive wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Haris has broken his silence after being overlooked in the Big Bash League (BBL) Season 15 draft.

    Among the 74 Pakistani players registered for the draft, only seven managed to secure spots in various franchises. Haris, who was not picked, acknowledged the importance of leagues but emphasized his current commitment to the national team.

    “BBL is a great tournament and I wish all the participating players the very best,” said Haris. “League opportunities come and go, but right now my focus is on performing while representing the national team.”

    He also praised the ongoing skills development camp, calling it a valuable opportunity to identify and fix past mistakes. “The camp is really helping us identify our errors and correct them. We are working on the areas highlighted by the coaching staff,” he said.

    Haris further added, “At the moment, I’m focusing on improving my defensive technique, which is essential for all formats.”

    While Haris missed out, Pakistani cricketers were otherwise in high demand at the BBL Season 15 overseas draft, with six players selected from over 600 international registrations.

    Fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi was the first overall pick by Brisbane Heat, while Haris Rauf, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shadab Khan were also picked by different teams. 

    Shaheen Shah Afridi was picked by Brisbane Heat, while Haris Rauf was selected by Melbourne Stars. Mohammad Rizwan joined Melbourne Renegades, and Shadab Khan was drafted by Sydney Thunder. Babar Azam, who was pre-signed, will represent Sydney Sixers, and Hasan Ali was picked by Adelaide Strikers.

    Pakistan had the most players selected among overseas nations after England. With several of their top T20 stars available for the full season, BBL franchises were quick to secure their services. Shaheen and Rauf will spearhead the fast bowling attacks, while Rizwan and Babar are expected to strengthen the top order.

    Other Pakistani players like Saim Ayub, Hassan Nawaz, Imad Wasim, and Salman Ali Agha were not picked in the main draft but may still be added later if teams decide to fill more slots.

    With Pakistani players now part of six different BBL teams, the upcoming season is expected to attract strong interest from both Australian and Pakistani fans.

  • Pictures: Hassan Nawaz ties the knot, begins new chapter

    Pictures: Hassan Nawaz ties the knot, begins new chapter

    Pakistan’s opening batter Hassan Nawaz has tied the knot in a private ceremony.

    The 22-year-old cricketer, who recently made headlines for scoring the fastest T20 century against New Zealand, shared the happy news with fans on social media.

    Posting photos from the ceremony, Hassan wrote, “Alhamdulillah, a new journey begins!” Fans flooded the comments with congratulatory messages and prayers.

    The wedding took place in Layyah, Punjab, attended by close friends and family.

  • Pakistan stun France in shootout to reach Nations Hockey Cup final

    Pakistan stun France in shootout to reach Nations Hockey Cup final

    Pakistan booked their place in the final of the Nations Hockey Cup after a thrilling 3-2 win over France with a penalty shootout during the first semi-final held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

    Both teams started aggressively in the first quarter, attacking each other’s goalposts with intensity, but neither side managed to score.

    In the 10th minute of the second quarter, France broke the deadlock and took a 1-0 lead. The French side extended their advantage early in the third quarter, making it 2-0. However, Pakistan responded quickly as Rana Waheed Ashraf scored the first goal just three minutes later.

    The momentum shifted further when Pakistan earned a penalty. Sufiyan Muqeem converted it in the 12th minute of the third quarter, and only a minute later, Rana Waheed struck again to give Pakistan a 3-2 lead.

    In the dying moments of the fourth quarter, France equalised through Charlotte Victor, making it 3-3 and pushing the match into a penalty shootout.

    Pakistan held their nerve in the shootout. Goalkeeper Muneeb ur Rehman played a heroic role by saving attempts from Luke Wood Victor, Tineus Etienne, and Esmenjod Xavier. On the other end, Afraz, Shahid Hanan, and Rana Waheed successfully converted their penalties to seal Pakistan’s place in the final.

    Pakistan will now await the winner of the second semi-final between Korea and New Zealand.

  • ‘This is just content, not real love’: Nauman Ijaz reacts to Maaz Safder’s expensive flowers bouquet

    ‘This is just content, not real love’: Nauman Ijaz reacts to Maaz Safder’s expensive flowers bouquet

    Actor Nauman Ijaz has reacted to a viral video of YouTuber Maaz Safder surprising his wife Saba with an expensive bouquet, reportedly costing between three to four lakh rupees.

    The bouquet was so huge that it had to be delivered on a truck and couldn’t even be brought inside their home. The couple shared the grand gesture online, calling it a special moment of love.

    The video quickly got attention on social media, with people divided over whether such extravagant gestures are romantic or just for show. Actor Nauman Ijaz also shared his thoughts on the matter through his Instagram story. 

    Posting a screenshot of the bouquet, he wrote, “Dear sisters, please don’t start expecting this kind of nonsense from your boyfriend or husband now. This is just content, not real love. Now the poor innocent guys are going to suffer again. Remember, real relationships aren’t about fancy gestures or social media trends. They’re built on respect, understanding and genuine connection.”

    His story sparked strong reactions online. Many agreed with his message and praised him for calling out the trend. 

    One user wrote, “What a man, well said.” Another said, “Even a single rose could have worked. The rest of the money could’ve fed an entire poor colony.” Some called it “a cheap showoff” and said such videos are creating false expectations.

    However, some people had a different opinion. A few users felt it was unnecessary to criticize someone’s personal way of expressing love. “Do we really need to judge someone’s love? Let it be,” one comment read. Another said, “Yes, it may be a waste of money, but it’s his money, his choice.”

    While opinions are split, Nauman Ijaz’s post has definitely sparked an important conversation about love, relationships and how social media is changing the way people express their feelings.

  • ‘On-screen mother’; Stars mourn Ayesha Khan’s passing

    ‘On-screen mother’; Stars mourn Ayesha Khan’s passing

    The Pakistani entertainment industry is mourning the loss of veteran television actress Ayesha Khan, who passed away at the age of 77. Her death has sparked an outpouring of tributes from colleagues and fans who remember her as one of the foundational figures of Pakistan Television (PTV).

    Ayesha Khan was found dead in her apartment in the Gulshan-e-Iqbal area of Karachi on Thursday. 

    According to police reports, her neighbours alerted her family after noticing a strong odour coming from the flat. Authorities believe her body had been there for nearly a week before it was discovered. She had been living alone and had distanced herself from public life in recent years due to health concerns.

    Her body was initially moved to Jinnah Hospital and later shifted to the Edhi Mortuary in Sohrab Goth. The cause of death remains unknown as police await the arrival of her son; a postmortem has yet to be conducted.

    Ayesha Khan was widely celebrated for her work in PTV’s golden era, starring in memorable dramas such as Afshan, Uroosa, Aanch, Bandhan, and Shaam Se Pehle. Born in 1948, she was part of a generation of actors who laid the foundation for Pakistan’s mainstream drama scene. 

    News of her death has triggered emotional tributes from prominent figures in the entertainment world.

    Actor Adnan Siddiqui, who worked with Ayesha Khan in his debut drama Uroosa, shared a heartfelt note on Instagram, “At the beginning of life’s journey, we sometimes meet people who silently leave a deep impact on our lives, and for me, Ayesha Khan was one such person.”

    He added, “She was my on-screen mother.” Reflecting on her acting style, Siddiqui noted, “She didn’t depend on loudness or dramatics; her approach was understated, allowing her performances to convey emotional depth.”

    Actress Anoushay Abbasi also reacted in the comments of Siddiqui’s post, calling the news “devastating.”

    Actor Khalid Anam was among the first to share the news publicly. He wrote, “It is with great sadness that we inform you that legendary Pakistani actress Ayesha Khan has passed away. She was 77 years old. May Allah Almighty forgive her, elevate her ranks, and grant patience to her family, fans, and lovers.”

    Actor Ahsan Khan also offered his prayers, saying, “May Allah Almighty grant her paradise.”

    Actress Shagufta Ijaz recalled Ayesha Khan’s early guidance in her career, “I will never forget her support and encouragement in my first drama ‘Aanch.’”

    Actress Javeria Saud posted: “May Allah Almighty grant her Jannah.”

    Actor Yasir Hussain expressed his grief along with a subtle reflection on the nature of industry relationships, “Many days have passed since her death, but everyone was sleeping. We are all the same, we forget everything.”

    He added, “In the showbiz industry, artists meet each other every day, they even become friends, but it is limited only to the scope of work.”

  • Grade-18 officer dismissed after 12 years of absence from duty

    Grade-18 officer dismissed after 12 years of absence from duty

    The federal government has dismissed a Grade-18 officer from the Office Management Group for being absent from duty for over 12 years.

    According to a notification issued by the Establishment Division, the officer was removed from service following disciplinary proceedings under the Civil Servants (Performance and Discipline) Rules, 2020.

    Officials said the officer had been absent from May 10, 2013, to June 8, 2023, and again from September 26, 2023, to June 17, 2025. His entire period of absence has now been converted into Ex-Pakistan Leave Without Pay, as per the amended Leave Rules, 1980.

    The officer was previously dismissed from service on October 7, 2019. However, the Federal Service Tribunal reinstated him on November 8, 2022, citing technical reasons and instructed the Establishment Division to conduct a fresh inquiry.

    He was reinstated on September 26, 2023, but failed to report back to work. Despite being given several chances, he did not return to duty. A fresh show-cause notice was served on June 4, 2025, and after completing the disciplinary process, the officer was finally dismissed on June 18, 2025.

    The notification states that the officer has the right to file an appeal with the Appellate Authority within 30 days under the Civil Servants (Appeal) Rules, 1977.

  • Fact Check: Viral video claiming Israeli guest fled studio during Iran missile attack is AI-generated

    Fact Check: Viral video claiming Israeli guest fled studio during Iran missile attack is AI-generated

    A video circulating on social media supposedly shows guests on an Israeli talk show fleeing the studio as sirens went off during an alleged Iranian missile attack.

    Several leading Urdu news outlets reported the incident as real. Social media users also shared the video widely.

    However, is the video real?

    The video was initially shared on مجنون إكس account X on Wednesday, June 18, with a caption that read: “There was a discussion on Israeli TV about teaching Iran the worst lesson, when sirens went off due to Iranian missiles and the four left the program and ran away (sic).”

    Investigation

    The Current investigated the video widely shared on social media, particularly on X (formerly Twitter).

    A close review of the nine-second video reveals that it was generated using Artificial Intelligence (AI), and is therefore fake.

    The Current noticed a number of unusual elements and inconsistencies in the video. For instance, two female guests react even before the sirens actually go off.

    A closer examination also shows that one guest’s lip movements do not match the audio, a common sign of AI-generated content. The way the guests run also appears unnatural and unrealistic.

    Conclusion: The video is fake and was created using AI tools.

    Fact Check: Viral video of Donald Trump saying ‘Pakistan will destroy Israel if Iran attacked again’ is FAKE

  • FO confirms no communication from Iran on refugees or military help

    FO confirms no communication from Iran on refugees or military help

    Pakistan has confirmed that it has not received any requests from Iran for military assistance or help in relocating refugees. Foreign Office (FO) spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan clarified this during a media briefing in Islamabad on Thursday.

    Responding to questions concerning the ongoing Iran-Israel conflict, he said no request for military or humanitarian support had been made by Iran, and Pakistan is not involved in any discussions regarding participation in the conflict.

    Khan updated that Pakistan has facilitated the return of almost 3,000 Pakistanis from Iran through initiatives organised by Pakistan’s diplomatic missions in Tehran, Mashhad, and Zahedan, adding that those seeking to return are being assisted.

    The FO spokesperson said they are carefully monitoring developments along Iran’s borders. He stated that the potential for instability remains high and that Pakistan endorses efforts aimed at de-escalation through dialogue and restraint.

    On Pakistan’s stance concerning the wider Iran-Israel conflict, Khan reiterated that the government views such military actions as breaches of international norms. He affirmed that Pakistan has consistently condemned assaults against Iran and upholds the country’s right to defend its sovereignty under international law.

    Khan also addressed rumours about Pakistan being approached for involvement in the ongoing tensions, similar to its previous role in Afghanistan. He stated that no such discussions have taken place and dismissed reports linking Pakistan to military cooperation in this conflict. The spokesperson emphasised that Pakistan maintains its current stance and has not been invited to join any alliance or regional arrangement.

    The Foreign Office also commented on the situation in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu & Kashmir (IIOJK). In response to recent developments in Ladakh, the spokesperson noted that these actions violate relevant UN Security Council resolutions. He urged India to reconsider its policies and engage in dialogue to resolve all longstanding disputes.

    Throughout the briefing, the FO reiterated that Pakistan adheres to a policy of restraint, diplomacy, and non-intervention in ongoing conflicts.

  • Singer Jawad Ahmad fires back after Fiza Ali calls him ‘dhobi’ on live show

    Singer Jawad Ahmad fires back after Fiza Ali calls him ‘dhobi’ on live show

    Singer Jawad Ahmad has responded strongly to actress and television host Fiza Ali after she mocked him on a TV show by calling him a “dhobi,” referring to his habit of calling people out during political discussions.

    Fiza Ali criticized several celebrities and anchors for having political affiliations and made light-hearted remarks about them. While speaking about Jawad Ahmad, she said, “If Javed Ahmad wasn’t a singer, he would have been a dhobi because he’s always washing (bashing) others.”

    Jawad Ahmad replied in his typical straightforward style, saying, “When she met me, she said she was my biggest fan and used to dance to my songs.”

    He continued, “She worked in the drama Mehndi, which became famous because of my song. She was one of the four lead actresses in that serial and became a star because of my track. She can never repay that favor, so this is just an ignorant statement from her.”

    Fiza’s comment has sparked a debate on social media. Some people are praising her bold attitude, while others are showing support for Jawad Ahmad and his work in music, politics, and social change.