Current Final

Author: News Desk

  • US urges Pakistan, India to work together to ease tensions

    US urges Pakistan, India to work together to ease tensions

    Amid rising tensions and warmongering following last week’s Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has urged Pakistan and India to work together to ease tensions, the US State Department said on Wednesday.

    US Secretary of State Marco Rubio conveyed the message in separate calls with Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif and Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar.

    According to separate statements issued by the State Department after the calls, the US Secretary of State called on Pakistan to cooperate in probing the attack in Pahalgam.

    US State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce said that the Secretary of State encouraged Pakistan to work with India to ease tensions, restore direct communication, and promote peace and security in South Asia.

    “The Secretary spoke of the need to condemn the terror attack on April 22 in Pahalgam,” Bruce said, adding that both leaders reaffirmed their continued commitment to holding terrorists accountable for their heinous acts of violence.

    A separate readout of Rubio’s conversation with India’s foreign minister shared by Bruce said: “[Secretary of State Marco Rubio] encouraged India to work with Pakistan to de-escalate tensions and maintain peace and security in South Asia.”

    Earlier, the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) in Pakistan also issued a statement, saying that during the call, PM Shehbaz shared Pakistan’s perspective on developments in South Asia since the Pahalgam incident.

    Condemning terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, PM Shehbaz termed India’s “escalatory and provocative” behaviour as deeply disappointing and worrisome.

    As per the statement, the premier also highlighted Pakistan’s leading role in the fight against terror, noting that the country had sacrificed over 90,000 lives and suffered more than $152 billion in economic losses.

    Rejecting India’s attempts to link Pakistan to the Pahalgam attack, he repeated his call for a transparent, credible, and neutral investigation.

    On the long-standing Indus Water Treaty (IWT), the PM said that India had “weaponised” water, a vital resource for 240 million Pakistanis, emphasising that the IWT did not allow either country to unilaterally back out of its commitments.

  • India blocks Mahira, Hania, other top Pakistani celebrities’ Instagram accounts

    India blocks Mahira, Hania, other top Pakistani celebrities’ Instagram accounts

    After banning multiple Pakistani YouTube channels, India is now blocking the social media accounts of several well-known Pakistani celebrities.

    According to media reports, prominent stars such as Mahira Khan, Hania Aamir, Sanam Saeed, Iqra Aziz, and Bilal Abbas Khan have had their accounts restricted in India. When Indian users attempt to access these profiles, they are met with a message stating: “This account has been withheld in India in response to a legal request.”

    This move is part of a broader effort by the Indian government to block Pakistani content online, following the 22 April Pahalgam attack in Indian-Occupied Kashmir that left 28 people dead. Since then, India has been blaming Pakistan for the incident without presenting concrete evidence.

    Reports suggest that more Pakistani artists may face similar bans in the days to come.

    Earlier this week, 16 Pakistani YouTube channels were also blocked, including some linked to Pakistan’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. Former cricketers Shoaib Akhtar, Basit Ali, and Rashid Latif were among those banned.

    While Indian officials claim the actions are meant to protect “national security,” many in Pakistan view it as a clampdown on freedom of expression. Social media users have also raised concerns over what they describe as an increasingly systematic effort to silence Pakistani voices across platforms.

  • Shaheen, Haris Rauf reach major T20I milestone

    Shaheen, Haris Rauf reach major T20I milestone

    Lahore Qalandars’ fast bowlers, Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf, achieved a significant milestone during their bowling spell against Islamabad United in the 19th match of HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10.

    Both pacers completed 300 wickets in T20 cricket, marking a major achievement in their careers.

    Shaheen Afridi reached this milestone in his 216th T20 match, while Haris Rauf achieved it in his 228th game. With this feat, Shaheen Afridi has become the fastest Pakistani bowler to take 300 wickets in T20 cricket. Haris Rauf now holds the position of the second-fastest Pakistani to achieve this milestone.

    Previously, Mohammad Amir and Wahab Riaz jointly held the record, having taken 300 wickets in 256 T20 innings.

    Globally, Shaheen Afridi is now the fourth-fastest bowler in the world to take 300 wickets in T20 cricket, adding another impressive feat to his growing list of achievements.

  • Gilgit, Skardu flights cancelled amid rising Pak-India tension

    Gilgit, Skardu flights cancelled amid rising Pak-India tension

    All commercial flights scheduled to operate to and from Gilgit and Skardu have been cancelled amid security concerns, as tensions between Pakistan and India remain high following the April 22 attack in Pahalgam.

    Pakistan has also increased monitoring of its airspace amid rising security concerns about possible aggression from India, media outlets quoted aviation sources as reporting on Wednesday.

    Air traffic control authorities have issued new directives to closely monitor all flight activities, including those of foreign airlines passing through Pakistani airspace.

    According to details, particular attention is being paid to flights arriving from India or operated by Indian carriers. Monitoring of suspicious aircraft has also been enhanced, and clearance for such flights will now require high-level approval.

    Officials have said that the measures are precautionary and aimed at ensuring national airspace security during a period of elevated regional tension.

    Meanwhile, special instructions reportedly have been issued to air traffic controllers at all major airports, including Lahore’s Allama Iqbal International Airport. Controllers have been directed to demand air defence clearance numbers from pilots of any suspicious aircraft prior to departure. No aircraft will be cleared without proper documentation and identification.

  • A man his killed his brother-in-law in Karachi after finding out that he was beating his sister.

    A man his killed his brother-in-law in Karachi after finding out that he was beating his sister.

    Habibullah attacked his brother-in-law Sharif, 24, near Singer Chowrangi in Karachi’s Korangi area. The attack, perpetrated with sticks, left Sharif dead and his brother Saleem, 25, injured. 

    Police reached the area, located close to a rickshaw stand in Sharafi Goth, and arrested Habibullah, confirming that he is indeed Sharif’s wife’s brother. 

    Habibullah admitted under questioning that he attacked Sharif after he physically assaulted his sister. 

    Both Sharif and Habibullah drove rickshaws in the area. 

    Police are investigating the matter.

  • Ducky Bhai gets bail after video of reckless driving goes viral

    Ducky Bhai gets bail after video of reckless driving goes viral

    YouTuber Saad ur Rehman, better known as Ducky Bhai, has been granted protective bail by the Lahore High Court (LHC) after a case was filed against him for reckless driving on the motorway.

    On Tuesday, Justice Shahbaz Rizvi approved his bail request and stopped the police from arresting him until May 5, the date of his next court appearance.

    The case was registered at the Chakri police station in Rawalpindi after Ducky Bhai uploaded a video where he was seen driving with his feet on the dashboard.

    According to the FIR, he showed “extreme carelessness and recklessness,” putting his life and that of others at risk. He has been charged under Section 279 of the Pakistan Penal Code (rash driving) and Article 67 of the National Highway Safety Ordinance, 2000 (dangerous driving).

    Speaking to reporters outside the court, Ducky Bhai said: “I’m not here to give justifications, but the accusation that I was driving with my feet is misleading — my feet were on the dashboard, not the steering wheel.”

    He also addressed the claim that he was asleep while driving: “It might look like that in the video because my left eye is closed, but my right eye is open — I have proof. The entire video shows me giving instructions as well.”

    Calling the video a “mistake”, he explained: “The car has auto-steering and automatic braking. It adjusts speed, stays in the lane, and brakes on its own. I also made sure no one was in front of me.”

    Although he admitted that the video was irresponsible, he added: “I’m not justifying anything, I’m only giving my side of the story.”

  • ‘No one sacrifices batting position more than me,’ says Babar Azam

    ‘No one sacrifices batting position more than me,’ says Babar Azam

    Peshawar Zalmi’s captain Babar Azam has claimed that no player sacrifices their batting position more than he does.

    Talking to a private TV channel in Lahore, the former Pakistan cricket captain shared his thoughts on the challenges his team has faced.

    Babar explained that Zalmi started with two wins but has struggled with consistency since then. “Half of the tournament has passed, and we’ve lost matches in phases, sometimes in batting, sometimes in bowling,” he said.

    He also highlighted that the team’s fielding has not been up to the mark, adding, “Regardless of conditions, we must stick to the plan and make sure we don’t drop catches or lose wickets at crucial moments.”

    On a personal note, Babar acknowledged that people expect him to stay at the crease longer. “I enjoy even short innings, but I’ve not been able to play long ones as expected. I make mistakes and try to correct them, though new mistakes still happen — that’s just how it is. The key is how focused you remain. I am still very focused,” he said.

    The captain also commented on his playing style, the constant talk around strike rates, and aggressive play. “I don’t need to prove to anyone what kind of player I am — everyone already knows. I always play according to the situation and the team’s needs. I’m fully aware of my strike rate,” he said.

    When asked about his batting position, Babar clarified that he has never insisted on playing in a specific spot. “No one has changed positions as much as I have. I’ve batted at number six and even opened. Whether it’s for the franchise or the national team, I always play where I’m needed. I’ve never said I won’t bat at a certain number for fear of poor performance,” he added.

    Babar emphasised the importance of performance over making statements. “I know how to speak, but my elders taught me to respect others. My job is to perform on the field. I work hard and am never satisfied with my performance. Even when I’ve been ranked number one, I always look ahead and think of my country.”

    During his T20 career, Babar made it clear that decisions about whether he plays or rests are up to the selectors and coaches. “It’s not up to me whether I play or rest. My job is to perform, be it T20, ODI or Test cricket. I was told I’m being rested from T20s; let’s see what they decide next,” he said.

    He also addressed the idea that ODIs might become less important because of T20 cricket. “The 50-over format tests your patience, and we now see scores over 350. ODIs have always been special for me, filled with good memories and performances,” he shared.

    As for the PSL, Babar praised the league’s high standards and emphasised that its quality remains strong. “Interest may vary from match to match, but overall the quality remains. Foreign players want to participate. The bowling quality here is excellent — each team has bowlers who clock over 145 kph,” he said.

    Babar acknowledged the love and support from his fans, saying, “Their love and support mean I must perform in front of them. It gives me confidence when fans appreciate me wherever I go. When the crowd chants ‘Babar, Babar’, I thank Allah for the respect I’ve received.”

    Reflecting on his journey, he added, “I used to ride a bicycle to the stadium, dreaming of playing there one day. Now, the same crowd cheers for me. I remember starting as a ball picker and later playing as a bowler. I’m truly grateful to Allah and feel a greater responsibility not to let my fans down.”

    Babar also shared his light-hearted side, admitting that he enjoys the memes made about him. “They’re a sign of affection from fans,” he said, showing his appreciation for the love he receives.

    It is worth mentioning that Peshawar has won only two games in the ongoing PSL season and is on the verge of elimination before the playoffs.

  • ‘I did not fall in love with Dania Shah’; Hakeem Shahzad’s statement about his wife

    ‘I did not fall in love with Dania Shah’; Hakeem Shahzad’s statement about his wife

    Hakeem Muhammad Shahzad has shared the reason behind his marriage to Dania Shah, the ex-wife of the late Pakistani televangelist and politician Aamir Liaquat, in a recent interview.

    Known for his history of multiple marriages passing controversial statements, Shahzad is known for his straightforward yet often problematic views. When asked in the interview whether he had fallen in love with Dania, he admitted it was not love that led him to marry her, but rather a sense of responsibility and sympathy.

    “This is the fourth question, and you’re only asking about Dania Shah,” he pointed out before responding.

    “Did I fall in love with Dania Shah? I’ll be honest with you: no, I didn’t fall in love with her. I’m not that immature to just fall in love like that. Okay?” he said.

    He mentioned his past relationships, revealing that he had been married multiple times before, stating, “I was already married. Not once, but three times already. Still, I had the habit of hanging out in parks. I’m telling you straight.”

    He shared that the true reason behind his decision to marry Dania was her story, which he first heard from others and later directly from Dania and her mother.

    According to Shahzad, “I heard her story, first from others, then from her own mouth, and from her mother. Her mother told me, ‘We need help.’ That’s a very big word. Sympathy was a major factor.”

    He emphasised that love is not something that happens just because someone is attractive, saying, “Love doesn’t just happen like that. You see a young girl and fall in love? That’s a joke.”

    Shahzad concluded by sharing his perspective on love and respect, stating, “Love is a completely different thing, brother. That’s God-gifted. It’s not even in your control. Let’s say someone tells you to respect someone—why would you, unless you see some quality in them? If they have a quality of life, you’ll automatically respect them.”

  • Ex-PM Imran calls on India to ‘act responsibly’

    Ex-PM Imran calls on India to ‘act responsibly’

    Former Pakistani prime minister Imran Khan on Tuesday suggested that India must act responsibly in the “nuclear flashpoint” region as the two arch-rivals countries face-off amidst warmongering from Indian media. 

    A statement posted on Imran Khan’s official X (formerly Twitter) account reads, “Being a country of 1.5 billion people, India needs to act responsibly instead of messing with a region already known as ‘nuclear flashpoint’.”

    Reportedly, Imran Khan told the substance of the statement to his lawyers during a meeting at Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi.

    He recalled that when he was the Prime Minister in 2019, following the “false flag operation incident” in Pulwama in February of that year, his government had offered to extend all-out cooperation to India.

    “However, India failed to produce any concrete evidence. As I predicted in 2019, the same is happening again after the Pahalgam incident. Instead of introspection and investigation, Modi Sarkar is again placing the blame on Pakistan,” he said.

    Maintaining that peace is the priority of the country, he cautioned that it should not be mistaken for cowardice. “Pakistan has got all the capabilities to give a befitting response to any Indian misadventure, as My Government, backed by the whole nation, did in 2019,” he claimed.

    Imran Khan reiterated that India, led by RSS ideology, is a grave threat beyond the region. “Narendra Modi’s aggression has united the people of Pakistan in one voice against Indian hostility… we stand firmly as one Pakistani nation and strongly condemn Modi’s war-mongering and his dangerous ambitions that threaten regional peace,” he added.

    “Indian oppression in Kashmir, intensified after the illegal abrogation of Article 370, has further fueled the Kashmiri people’s desire for freedom.”

    Read More: ‘Credible intel’ indicates India intends military action against Pakistan within 36 hours: Tarar

    Separately, the United States (US) State Department Spokesperson Tammy Bruce said on Tuesday that Secretary of State Marco Rubio is expected to speak with the foreign ministers of both India and Pakistan.


    “We are reaching out to both parties, and telling them of course not to escalate the situation. The secretary is expected to speak with the foreign minister of Pakistan and India as early as today or tomorrow,” the State Department spokesperson said when a journalist posed a question during the press briefing.


    Following the Pahalgam incident, without providing verifiable evidence, India has attempted to link Pakistan to the attack. Pakistan has firmly denied the allegations and has offered to participate in a neutral and transparent international investigation.


    Bruce said that the Secretary of State is also encouraging other foreign ministers and national leaders to reach out to the nuclear-armed arch rivals in a bid to diffuse tensions, adding that action is being taken every day.

  • Indian army’s nursing college website hacked by Pakistani group: reports

    Indian army’s nursing college website hacked by Pakistani group: reports

    Tensions between India and Pakistan have grown worse after the recent militant attack in Pahalgam, Indian Illegally-Occupied Jammu & Kashmir (IIOJK). 

    Days after the attack, the website of the Indian Army College of Nursing has reportedly been hacked. Indian media reports have said that a Pakistani hacker group called Team Insane PK may be behind the cyberattack. 

    However, it is yet to be established that the group has any link to Pakistan. 

    Hackers reportedly posted messages referring to the two-nation theory. Although the college operates under the Army Welfare Education Society, it will need help from India’s national cybersecurity team, CERT-In, to investigate the attack and fix the website.

    Experts are now warning that, apart from political and military conflict, cyberattacks could become a serious part of future confrontations between the nuclear-armed neighbours.

    India had already taken controversial and illegal steps against Pakistan after the Pahalgam incident. These include suspending the Indus Waters Treaty—a key water-sharing agreement between the two nations. India also expelled Pakistani defence advisors from its capital, New Delhi, labelling them “persona non grata.”

    India also cancelled all Pakistani visas, except for a few long-term ones issued to Hindu Pakistani nationals. Most Pakistanis living in India were told to leave the country within 72 hours.

    Pakistan didn’t stay silent either. Officials in Islamabad announced that they would freeze all agreements with India, including the important Simla Agreement. Pakistan also shut down its airspace to Indian flights, affecting both international and local travel routes. This decision is expected to cause delays and losses in trade and cargo movement.

    Social media has also become a battleground. After the Pahalgam attack and India’s tough measures, many Pakistani users shared humorous memes and sarcastic posts, mocking India’s actions.