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Author: News Desk

  • Nida Dar takes a break from cricket to focus on mental health

    Nida Dar takes a break from cricket to focus on mental health

    Former Pakistan women’s cricket team captain and all-rounder Nida Dar has announced a temporary break from cricket, citing mental health concerns.

    She shared the news with her fans on social media, explaining the reasons behind her decision. “Over the past few months, a lot has happened in my personal and professional life, which has negatively impacted my mental health,” she wrote.

    She added, “That’s why I’ve decided to take some time off from cricket to focus on myself. I kindly request everyone to respect my privacy during this period.”

    Nida Dar was recently invited to attend the training camp for the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup Qualifiers, where she underwent a fitness test. However, she was not selected for the squad due to fitness issues.

    The camp was held in Faisalabad, but Nida did not attend. She was later invited to participate in the National T20 Cup, a domestic tournament, but she declined and officially announced her break from the game.

  • Pakistan responds to Indian aggression… with memes

    Pakistan responds to Indian aggression… with memes

    Amid all the warmongering by India following the terrorist attack in the Pahalgam area of held Kashmir Tuesday, Pakistanis are having a field day over the internet, responding to Indian statements and threats with, well, memes.

    Read More: Pakistan strikes back: Shuts down Wagah, trade, airspace for Indian airlines

    As Indians take to social media to threaten Pakistan with war despite Islamabad’s categorical denial of any involvement in cross-border terror, netizens on this side of the border are taking a different route, joking, laughing and posting endless memes as they watch the situation unfold.

    Here are some of our favourite ones:

  • Pahalgam attack: Indian government breaks silence, admits security lapse

    Pahalgam attack: Indian government breaks silence, admits security lapse

    In a rare admission, the Indian government has acknowledged a serious security lapse in the recent Pahalgam attack that claimed 26 lives, including those of tourists.

    During a closed-door all-parties meeting, a senior leader from the ruling party reportedly told opposition members, “If everything was fine, why would we be sitting here? Clearly, mistakes were made, and we need to figure out where things went wrong.”

    This crucial meeting was called to brief opposition leaders following the tragic attack in Pahalgam. According to India Today, the discussion quickly turned to heated questions about the lack of security.

    Opposition leaders demanded answers: “Where were the security forces? Where was the CRPF?”

    Sources revealed that the government admitted local authorities had failed to alert security agencies before opening the Baisaran area in Anantnag district, a region that remains closed until the start of the Amarnath Yatra in June.

    This lapse in coordination, critics say, may have paved the way for the deadly attack.

  • ‘Selective humanity’? Mishi Khan calls out Pakistani stars for condemning Pahalgam, ‘overlooking’ Pakistan

    ‘Selective humanity’? Mishi Khan calls out Pakistani stars for condemning Pahalgam, ‘overlooking’ Pakistan

    Pakistani stars, including Fawad Khan and Hania Aamir, have shared emotional messages in response to the attack in Pahalgam in Indian-occupied Kashmir, but veteran actress Mishi Khan is not impressed. In an Instagram video, she expressed her views on what she perceives as selective empathy and a lack of national pride.

    “It’s commendable to advocate for humanity when lives are lost. But when tragedies occur in Pakistan, our celebrities choose to remain silent. Suddenly, when something impacts India, Fawad Khan and Hania Aamir experience the pain?” she said.

    She continued to question why local celebrities remain quiet on issues like Palestine or the ongoing violence in Pakistan. “You have never acknowledged Palestine. You haven’t shared about the atrocities happening in your own nation. Yet, when it comes to India, you are quick to express sorrow?”

    Highlighting Indian media figures like Arnab Goswami and Gaurav Arya, who often mock Pakistan on air, she remarked: “Do you have any self-respect? Those individuals belittle Pakistanis every day, and yet you extend them love and tears?”

    In Mishi’s view, this isn’t about “humanity” but it’s unidirectional appeasement. “You all continuously advocate for love and peace. But love should be mutual. This one-sided admiration isn’t humanity, it’s disgraceful.” She ended with a reminder: “We are an atomic power too. Why can’t we declare that we won’t engage with them? At some point, you must advocate for your own nation.”

    Her video triggered significant reactions on social media, with numerous users supporting her viewpoint. Comments poured in: “She’s entirely correct.” “They’re just seeking attention from Bollywood.” 

    While some critiqued her tone as severe, others commended her for vocalising what many would not. Her video didn’t simply call out celebrities, it raised a broader question: When will we cease to be silent about our own suffering?

  • Virender Sehwag on Ishan Kishan dismissal in IPL

    Virender Sehwag on Ishan Kishan dismissal in IPL

    Former Indian batter Virender Sehwag has criticised Ishan Kishan for walking off the field despite not being given out during Sunrisers Hyderabad’s match against Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025.

    Sehwag called Kishan’s decision a clear case of “brain fade” and questioned why he didn’t wait for the umpire’s call.

    The incident occurred in the third over of SRH’s innings when Kishan attempted a shot on the leg side but failed to make proper contact. Ryan Rickelton collected the ball behind the stumps. Despite no appeal from the fielders and no visible edge, Kishan surprisingly walked off on his own. Replays later confirmed there was no contact with the bat.

    Speaking to a cricket website, Sehwag said, “Many times, the mind stops working in such moments. It was a brain fade. He should have waited. The umpire is also being paid for his job, let him do it.”

    He added, “If there had been a clear edge, it would have made sense in the spirit of the game. But here, even the umpire wasn’t sure, and Kishan walked off all of a sudden. I couldn’t understand this kind of honesty.”

    Mumbai Indians made the most of the situation and went on to defeat Sunrisers Hyderabad by seven wickets, handing them their sixth loss of the season. Chasing a target of 144, MI got off to a solid start, with Rohit Sharma scoring 70 off 46 balls. He was well supported by Suryakumar Yadav, who remained unbeaten on 40. The duo shared a 53-run stand as Mumbai finished the chase in just 15.4 overs.

    Earlier, MI’s bowlers delivered a clinical performance. Deepak Chahar (2/12) and Trent Boult (4/26) tore through SRH’s top order, reducing them to a shocking 13 for 4 in the fifth over. Heinrich Klaasen’s fighting knock of 71 off 44 balls and his 99-run partnership with Abhinav Manohar (43 off 37) helped SRH recover to post 143 for 8.

    With this win, Mumbai Indians registered their fourth consecutive victory, while Sunrisers Hyderabad continued to struggle for momentum in the tournament.

  • Indian broadcasters covering PSL told to leave Pakistan

    Indian broadcasters covering PSL told to leave Pakistan

    The Pakistan government has directed all Indian nationals working in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2025 broadcast team to leave the country within 48 hours.

    This decision comes after a deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on 22 April, which killed 26 tourists. The attack has increased tensions between India and Pakistan.

    More than 24 Indian crew members are affected by this order. These include engineers, camera operators, production leaders, and specialists in player tracking. They played an important role in the live coverage of PSL 2025.

    Now, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and Trans-Asia, the broadcasting company, are in a rush to find replacement staff to keep the broadcasts running smoothly.

    The PCB reportedly made efforts to convince the government, stating that the Indian crew had valid sports visas and should be allowed to stay. However, the government stood by its decision after a meeting of the National Security Council, citing security and diplomatic concerns.

    On the other hand, India has responded by banning the live streaming of PSL 2025 across the country. So far, no new streaming partner has been announced, leaving Indian fans without an official way to watch the rest of the tournament.

    Tensions are growing on both sides. India has also suspended the Indus Waters Treaty and closed the Attari border crossing. Meanwhile, Pakistan has cancelled all visas for Indian citizens.

    Some of the Indian crew in Pakistan, including 12 people who are UAE residents, are now stuck. They’ve been told not to move around too much and to leave the country as soon as possible.

    The ongoing PSL 2025 is being held in four cities, and this sudden exit of experienced Indian staff is causing major challenges for the PCB as they try to maintain the quality of the tournament’s broadcast.

  • Neeraj Chopra breaks silence after Arshad Nadeem declines invite to India

    Neeraj Chopra breaks silence after Arshad Nadeem declines invite to India

    India’s Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra has expressed his strong sentiments after coming under fire for inviting Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem to take part in the first-ever Neeraj Chopra Classic, scheduled for 24 May in Bengaluru.

    Chopra, who typically prefers actions over words, shared a statement, noting, “When my devotion to my country and my family’s dignity are questioned, I cannot remain quiet.” He emphasised that his invitation to Arshad was solely a sign of sportsmanship — one athlete welcoming another to honour the competitive spirit.

    “There has been an overwhelming amount of discussion about my choice,” Neeraj wrote, clarifying that the invitation was made days prior to the tragic terrorist incident in Pahalgam that shocked the nation. 

    In the meantime, reports have confirmed that Arshad Nadeem has graciously turned down Chopra’s invitation. Arshad expressed gratitude to Neeraj for the kind offer but explained that his busy training schedule and preparations for the Asian Athletics Championships, which commence on 27 May in South Korea, made it unfeasible for him to attend.

    However, as the situation escalated between the two countries, Neeraj said things turned ugly. Hate messages flooded in. Trolls didn’t just stop at him, but targeted his family as well. “They haven’t even left my mother out of it,” he wrote, visibly pained.

    What appears to have affected him the most isn’t the cancellation of the event, it’s being labelled as anti-state. “For years, I have carried my country with pride,” he expressed. “It pains me to see my character questioned. Just because I’m not vocal doesn’t imply I don’t have feelings.” 

    He also criticised the rapid shifts in public sentiment, recalling how his mother made a harmless comment that was once celebrated but is now being manipulated against her.
     

    Neeraj concluded with a strong vow: to exert more effort than ever so that the world remembers India for positive reasons. “We are simple people,” he stated. “Don’t misrepresent us.”

  • Pakistan’s Usman Wazeer knocks out Indian boxer in less than 2 minutes

    Pakistan’s Usman Wazeer knocks out Indian boxer in less than 2 minutes

    In a thrilling boxing match, Pakistani professional boxer Usman Wazeer once again made the nation proud by knocking out Indian boxer Eswaran Sahita Dorothy in the very first round.

    As per the details, the bout ended in just 1 minute and 41 seconds, showcasing Usman’s power and dominance in the ring.

    The match was held at the World Siam Stadium in Bangkok and was preceded by the traditional weigh-in ceremony on Wednesday, where Usman was already considered the favourite to win.

    As soon as the bell rang, Usman entered the ring with an aggressive strategy. Within moments, he landed two powerful punches that left the Indian boxer unable to continue. Sahita fell to the canvas, and the referee quickly declared Usman Wazeer the winner by knockout.

    Usman, who holds multiple titles, including the WBO Youth World Champion, WBC Middle East Champion, and WBA Asian Champion, remains undefeated in all 16 of his professional fights. His consistency and knockout power continue to establish him as a rising star in the boxing world.

    This isn’t the first time Usman has dominated an Indian opponent in Thailand. Back in September 2024, he knocked out Indian boxer Tehlak Selvam in just 65 seconds, further solidifying his reputation as a fierce competitor.

    Following his latest victory, Usman dedicated the win to the people of Pakistan and the oppressed people of Palestine. In his post-fight statement, he said, “This victory is for the great people of Pakistan. I am determined to continue raising my country’s name with pride.”

    Usman remains undefeated in his professional boxing career, having won all 16 of his fights so far. Out of these, 11 victories came through knockouts, highlighting his exceptional power and finishing ability in the ring.

  • Fawad Khan’s Bollywood comeback film banned in India: reports

    Fawad Khan’s Bollywood comeback film banned in India: reports

    Indian media has reported that Pakistani singer and actor Fawad Khan’s much-anticipated Bollywood comeback film ‘Abir Gulaal’ will not be released in the country due to tensions between the two neighbours following Tuesday’s deadly attack in held Kashmir.

    At least 26 people were killed in an attack targeting tourists in Pahalgam area of the troubled valley. 


    With Indian government baselessly alleging Pakistani involvement, calls to ban Abir Gulaal began trending on Indian social media. Many users and several film organisations also demanded strict action against Pakistani artists.

    While the film’s producers have not yet made a public statement, Indian media, citing government sources, has reported that the film will officially not be allowed to release in the country.

    While reports did not mention whether the film would release internationally or if it would face restrictions in other countries as well, Fawad and his co-star Vaani Kapoor have both publicly condemned the attack and expressed grief over the loss of innocent lives.

    Abir Gulaal was meant to mark Fawad Khan’s return to Bollywood after nearly a decade. His last film in India, Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, was released in 2016.

    Interestingly, that film also stirred controversy. Just weeks after its release, Indian Army’s Uri base in occupied Kashmir was attacked, prompting both Pakistan and India to impose cultural bans on each other’s artists and films.

    Prior to these reports, Abir Gulaal was being seen as a rare cross-border cinematic effort.

  • Rajab Butt breaks silence on returning to Pakistan

    Rajab Butt breaks silence on returning to Pakistan

    Rajab Butt, one of Pakistan’s most popular YouTubers, has expressed his desire to return to Pakistan, provided the conditions are right.

    Known for his family vlogs and headline-making statements, Rajab, in a recent podcast with Nadir Ali, opened up about his current situation and future plans.

    He recently went abroad amid ongoing legal proceedings in Pakistan. He shared his travel route, saying, “I’m heading from Dubai to Qatar, and then to London. I plan to call my family and friends to join me there.”

    He added, “I wanted to bring my family and friends to Dubai, but as you all know, getting visas for Dubai has become difficult. That’s why I arranged my friends’ visas for Qatar, and they’ve now landed there.”

    Shedding light on his legal troubles, Rajab said, “There are some cases against me, and some matters are being resolved behind closed doors. The moment I receive clearance from the higher authorities, I will return to Pakistan immediately.”

    He further added, with a mix of emotion and frustration, “If I’m allowed to bring all my money to them, and someone simply says ‘Rajab has no case against him,’ I’ll hand over everything I have. I just want peace and a clean name.”

    Rajab also issued another public apology for his past statements, saying:

    “I never meant to hurt anyone. If any of my words have caused pain, I truly apologise.”

    Talking about his emotional state, he admitted, “Yes, I’m under pressure, but my desire to return to Pakistan is still very much alive.”

    Rajab Butt faced severe backlash after launching a perfume named 295, followed by a series of controversial remarks. The uproar led to legal action and ultimately forced him to leave the country.