Current Final

Author: News Desk

  • US-Iran talks set to resume in Geneva on Thursday amid rising tensions

    US-Iran talks set to resume in Geneva on Thursday amid rising tensions

    Talks between the United States and Iran are scheduled to resume on Thursday in Geneva, with hopes of advancing a deal, Oman’s Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi said on Sunday. He described the talks as having “a positive push to go the extra mile towards finalising the deal.”

    Iranian officials expressed cautious optimism that a diplomatic solution could prevent renewed conflict, despite a significant build-up of US military forces in the Middle East. Speaking to an international media outlet, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said a draft proposal for a possible agreement was being prepared ahead of the resumed talks.

    “If the US attacks us, then we have every right to defend ourselves,” Araghchi said, referring to American interests in the region. He added, “there is a good chance to have a diplomatic solution.”

    Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian echoed this view on social media, stating that previous discussions “yielded encouraging signals.” Araghchi told an international media outlet, “I believe that when we meet, probably this Thursday in Geneva again, we can work on those elements and prepare a good text and come to a fast deal.”

    Axios reported that, according to a senior US official, Washington DC is ready to meet later this week for detailed negotiations if Iran submits its proposal within 48 hours.

    The US has deployed two aircraft carriers to the region in recent weeks, along with additional jets and ships, while strengthening air defences to support its warnings of possible military intervention. 

    Steve Witkoff, US President Donald Trump’s chief Middle East negotiator, said in an interview that the administration was questioning why Iran had not yet “capitulated.” He said, “He’s curious as to why they haven’t… I don’t want to use the word ‘capitulated’, but why they haven’t capitulated.”

    On Sunday, Iranian students held both pro- and anti-government rallies, following similar gatherings the day before. Some participants waved flags of Iran’s former monarchy, while others chanted “death to the Shah.” 

    These protests come after demonstrations last year over economic conditions and the high cost of living, which expanded into nationwide anti-government rallies and a crackdown that rights groups say killed thousands.

  • Tabish Hashmi reveals he was not the ‘first choice’ for Hasna Mana Hai

    Tabish Hashmi reveals he was not the ‘first choice’ for Hasna Mana Hai

    TV host Tabish Hashmi has revealed that he was not the first choice for Geo News when the channel planned its popular satire show Hasna Mana Hai.

    Speaking during a recent episode that featured Saba Qamar as a guest, Tabish jokingly claimed the channel initially wanted to sign Saba for the show. While welcoming her on stage, he left his seat and told her she was the original face of Geo, referring to her iconic work on Hum Sub Umeed Se Hain.

    Tabish shared the story with the audience, saying, “I want to tell everyone I was not the first priority for the selection of Hasna Mana Hai. It was Saba Qamar. Then Geo realized if they wanted to do well, should they hire me? No, just kidding.”

    Saba responded with a laugh and added her own punchline. “Wait, wait. With the budget Geo was giving, only Tabish Hashmi would have agreed. Saba Qamar would not have come,” she said, drawing applause from the audience.

    Tabish Hashmi began his career as a stand-up comedian and gained recognition through satire and observational comedy before moving into television hosting. 

    He rose to national prominence with Hasna Mana Hai, where his sharp humor, political satire, and celebrity interviews turned the show into one of Geo News’ most-watched programs. 

    He also appeared in the film Aag Lagay Basti Mein, featuring Fahad Mustafa and Mahira Khan, which is scheduled to release on Eid ul-Fitr.

    Saba Qamar is widely regarded as one of Pakistan’s most versatile actors. She earned critical acclaim for television dramas such as Baaghi and Cheekh, and also appeared in films including Hindi Medium. 

    Earlier in her career, she became a household name as the host of Hum Sub Umeed Se Hain, a show that remains one of Pakistan’s most popular satire programs.

  • T20 World Cup: Weather update for Pakistan vs England clash

    T20 World Cup: Weather update for Pakistan vs England clash

    Weather conditions will play a key role as Pakistan prepares to face England in a crucial Super Eights match of the Men’s T20 World Cup at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on Tuesday.

    According to the latest forecasts, evening conditions in Kandy are expected to remain stable around the scheduled 6:30 pm start. The temperature is likely to hover near 27°C, with a RealFeel close to 28°C.

    Humidity levels are forecast to hover at 68 percent, which may make conditions uncomfortable for players and spectators alike. The dew point stands at 20°C, pointing to noticeable moisture in the air as the match progresses.

    Light winds from the northwest are expected at around 6 km/h, with gusts reaching up to 13 km/h. Cloud cover remains limited at 14 percent, while visibility is projected at 16 kilometres.

    Despite generally favourable weather, air quality in the region remains poor and could pose difficulties for individuals with respiratory issues.

    The weather update follows Pakistan’s previous Super Eights fixture against New Zealand, which ended without a result due to rain at the R Premadasa International Cricket Stadium. The match was abandoned after persistent rainfall for more than two and a half hours, shortly after Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha won the toss and chose to bat. Both teams shared one point.

    Under the tournament format, the top two teams from each Super Eights group will qualify for the semi-finals, scheduled for March 4 and 5.

    As per the event’s Fusion Formula, Pakistan are playing all their T20 World Cup 2026 matches in Sri Lanka. 

    If Pakistan qualify, the first semi-final will take place at the R Premadasa Stadium; otherwise, it will be staged at Eden Gardens. The venue for the final on March 8 will also depend on Pakistan’s progress in the tournament.

  • Lord Mandelson freed on bail amid Epstein-linked misconduct probe

    Lord Mandelson freed on bail amid Epstein-linked misconduct probe

    Former UK ambassador to the US, Lord Mandelson, has been released on bail after being arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office, the Metropolitan Police has said.

    Police said he was released pending further investigation following his arrest on Monday. Lord Mandelson was arrested at an address in Camden, North London, and taken to a police station for an interview. He was later seen returning to his London home.

    The Metropolitan Police said the arrest followed an investigation launched earlier this month into allegations that, while serving as a government minister, Lord Mandelson passed on market-sensitive government information to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. 

    Officers executed search warrants at two addresses in Wiltshire and Camden as part of the inquiry. The arrest was carried out by officers from the Met’s central specialist crime division. Consultations between police and the Crown Prosecution Service are ongoing.

    Lord Mandelson has not commented publicly in recent weeks on the documents linked to Epstein. 

    He was appointed British ambassador to the United States in February 2025 but was removed from the role in September after Downing Street said new information had emerged about the extent of his relationship with Epstein. 

    The government has said it expects to release the first documents relating to his appointment in early March.

    The allegations emerged after the US Department of Justice released a tranche of documents last month, including emails between Lord Mandelson and Epstein. An email from 2009 appears to show Lord Mandelson sharing an assessment by an adviser to then prime minister Gordon Brown about proposed policy measures, including an asset sales plan. Other correspondence appears to show discussion of a tax on bankers’ bonuses and confirmation of a eurozone bailout package a day before it was publicly announced in 2010.


    The government has said it is continuing discussions with police over which documents linked to Lord Mandelson’s appointment can be published. It has previously indicated that publication is intended to support UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s claim that Lord Mandelson gave inaccurate information during the vetting process.

    Chief Secretary to the Treasury Darren Jones told MPs that records of follow-up questions asked during due diligence would not be included in the first tranche because of police interest.

    Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch described the arrest as “the defining moment” of Keir’s premiership.

    Lord Mandelson has also been urged by US politicians to answer questions as part of a congressional investigation into Epstein. He began working for the Labour Party in the 1980s and played a senior role during the New Labour period leading up to the party’s 1997 election victory.

  • Imran Khan to return to hospital on March 23 for last eye injection

    Imran Khan to return to hospital on March 23 for last eye injection

    Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder and former prime minister Imran Khan was transferred to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in Islamabad on Tuesday for a scheduled follow-up visit related to the treatment of his right eye.

    He was moved from Adiala Jail to PIMS under tight security arrangements. This was his second transfer to the hospital for eye treatment, following an earlier visit on January 24 and 25. Doctors had prescribed a total of three injections as part of his treatment plan.

    A doctor at PIMS said Imran Khan was brought to the hospital on February 24 to receive the second dose of an anti-VEGF intravitreal injection.

    “Prior to the procedure, he was examined by a board of specialists: consultant cardiologist who also performed echocardiography and ECG (result: normal) and consultant physician,” the doctor said. He also said Imran Khan was “clinically stable” before the procedure.

    The doctor said informed consent was obtained before proceeding with the treatment and that standard protocols were followed inside the operation theatre.

    “After obtaining informed consent, and under standard monitoring, precautionary measures and protocols in the operation theatre, he was injected with second dose of intravitreal injection of anti-VEGF under guidance of microscopy by consultant ophthalmologist, and consultant vitreo-retinal surgeon of PIMS and Al Shifa Eye Hospital,” the doctor said.

    According to the hospital official, the procedure was conducted as a ‘day care’ surgery. He said Imran Khan remained stable throughout his stay at the hospital and returned to Adiala the same day.

    Imran Khan’s next follow-up visit for eye treatment has been scheduled for March 23.

  • ‘Aap 2–4 surgeries karwa lein’: Fahad Mustafa hits back at Atiqa Odho

    ‘Aap 2–4 surgeries karwa lein’: Fahad Mustafa hits back at Atiqa Odho

    Actor Fahad Mustafa has responded sharply to veteran actress Atiqa Odho after her recent comments advising him to work with women closer to his age.

    Fahad addressed the issue during a television transmission alongside actor Humayun Saeed, where he reacted to Atiqa’s advice in a sarcastic tone.

    “I do not know what problem Atiqa aapa has. Perhaps she will only be happy if Humayun and I start playing heroes opposite her. This has crossed all limits.”

    “Atiqa aapa, it seems you are the only heroine left for us now. Inshallah, we will work with you. Just get two or four good surgeries, and we will come,” he added.

    Atiqa Odho had earlier appeared on a television show where she was shown pictures of different actors and asked to share her advice. When Fahad Mustafa’s picture appeared, she remarked, “The time has come for him to work with girls of his own age, I mean women.”

    Fahad Mustafa is one of Pakistan’s most successful television and film stars, known for balancing mainstream popularity with strong performances. He gained wide recognition through dramas such as Main Abdul Qadir Hoon, Kankar, Dusri Bivi, and Bashar Momin.

    In cinema, he delivered major box office hits including Na Maloom Afraad, Actor in Law, Jawani Phir Nahi Ani, and Load Wedding.

    Beyond acting, he is also a prominent producer and the long-running host of the game show Jeeto Pakistan, making him a consistent and influential figure in the industry.

  • Caller asks for ‘wazifa’ to remove Babar Azam from team during Ramzan transmission

    Caller asks for ‘wazifa’ to remove Babar Azam from team during Ramzan transmission

    Public frustration over Pakistan’s repeated defeats against India spilled onto live television when a caller asked for a wazifa to remove former skipper Babar Azam from the national team during a Ramzan transmission.

    Pakistan recently suffered three losses to India, including last year’s Asia Cup final, and then lost again to their arch-rivals at the ongoing Men’s T20 World Cup. The defeats intensified scrutiny of the team’s batting, particularly Babar’s form, in the tournament.

    During the live show, a visibly frustrated fan called in and asked religious scholar Maulana Azad Jameel to suggest a “wazifa” that could lead to Babar’s removal from the team. 

    Reacting to the question, host Javeria Saud said, “These days this thought is in every child’s mind, how we can somehow play better cricketers.” She added, “The people of Pakistan love the country and the cricket team deeply, but whoever does not perform will face this, people will want them removed.”

    Maulana Azad Jameel responded by reminding players of their responsibility to fans and the country. “When you hit a six in the ground, people sitting in their homes clap for you and learn cricket by watching you,” he said. 

    “Do not treat the game as just a game. It is a responsibility on your shoulders.” He further questioned the mental pressure players face against India, saying, “When you go to the ground, why does hearing the neighbouring country’s name cause panic?”

    He went on to remark that the national team needs stronger mental preparation, adding that the players should draw inspiration from the discipline of Pakistan’s armed forces, which recently downed enemy aircraft during Operation Bunyan-un-Marsoos.

    Babar, regarded as the backbone of Pakistan’s batting, did not feature in last year’s Asia Cup but returned for the T20 World Cup. His numbers in the tournament have failed to silence critics. He has scored 66 runs in five matches at an average of 22 and a strike rate of 115.78. In the current era of high-tempo T20 cricket, these figures have sparked sharp criticism from former players and fans alike.

  • Atiqa Odho advises Fahad Mustafa to ‘work with girls his own age’

    Atiqa Odho advises Fahad Mustafa to ‘work with girls his own age’

    Veteran actress Atiqa Odho has advised superstar Fahad Mustafa to work with girls of his own age.

    Appearing on a television show, Atiqa was shown pictures of different actors and asked to share advice. When Fahad Mustafa’s picture appeared, she said, “The time has come for him to work with girls of his own age, I mean women.”

    The host then showed her a picture of Hamza Ali Abbasi and asked what advice she would give him. Odho said, “He should make one clear decision about whether he wants to remain in the media industry or not.”

    When asked about Hania Aamir, Odho said the actress should reduce crying in her roles. She added, “She should cry a little less and smile more. She has a beautiful smile.”

    Atiqa Odho began her acting career in the early 1990s and became widely known through television dramas such as Hawaen, Sitara Aur Mehrunnisa and Besharam. 

    She later worked as a television host and remains active in the media industry.

  • Protest group puts up photo of arrested Prince Andrew at Louvre

    Protest group puts up photo of arrested Prince Andrew at Louvre

    United Kingdom (UK)-based protest group Everyone Hates Elon on Sunday briefly displayed in the Louvre in Paris a photograph of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor leaving a Norfolk police station after his arrest.

    The image, captured by Reuters, shows Mountbatten-Windsor seated in the back of a Range Rover after being released from custody after 11 hours. 

    The group mounted the framed photograph on a gallery wall and titled it “He’s Sweating No”, referencing a newspaper frontpage published after his arrest.

    A video of the demonstration shared on Instagram showed members of the group putting up the photograph, with the post stating: “They say ‘hang it in the Louvre’. So, we did.” 

    Footage from visitors at the museum also showed people pausing to look at the display, some photographing the image before the museum staff removed it approximately 15 minutes later.

    The group said the display was intended to show “how the world will remember him” and added that its mission was to take symbolic actions against billionaires.

    Prince Andrew was arrested on February 19, his 66th birthday, on suspicion of misconduct in public office. The arrest followed the release of documents by the United States (US) government related to sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. 

    Among the released material were emails allegedly showing Mountbatten-Windsor sharing information while serving as a British trade envoy. He has denied wrongdoing in connection with Epstein and previously said he regretted their friendship.

  • Indian occupying forces kill three youngsters in Held Kashmir

    Indian occupying forces kill three youngsters in Held Kashmir

    Indian troops have killed at least three young men in the Kishtwar district of Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IoJK).

    The Indian army on Sunday said the three youths were killed during a military operation in the high-altitude district, following “credible intelligence of rebel presence” in the area. 

    The statement added that weapons were recovered from the site and that the forces displayed “tactical precision, seamless synergy and resolute aggression” during the gunfight, dominating the encounter site.

    “War-like stores including two AK-47 rifles have also been recovered,” the Indian army said.

    State-run Radio Pakistan reported that the youths were killed in the Chatroo Forest area. It said that additional troops were deployed to the location and that “all entry and exit points have been sealed”.

    The fresh case of Indian atrocities in the troubled valley comes just days after Pakistan observed the annual Kashmir Day on Feb 5, renewing its pledge to support the Kashmiri people’s just struggle for their inalienable right to self-determination.


    Marking the occasion, rallies, demonstrations and seminars were held across the country while human chains will be formed at all entry points of Azad Jammu & Kashmir (AJK).


    A one-minute silence was also be observed nationwide to honour the martyrs of the Kashmir freedom movement.


    As messages from the country’s political leadership poured in, President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed Pakistan’s steadfast moral, diplomatic and political support for the Kashmiri people, reiterating their right to self-determination as enshrined in the relevant United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions.


    Separately, the armed forces, in a joint message issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), reaffirmed their unwavering support for the “resilient people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK)”.