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Author: News Desk

  • PTI leader meets jailed Imran Khan on Eid, asks for ticket in return for all ‘sacrifices’

    PTI leader meets jailed Imran Khan on Eid, asks for ticket in return for all ‘sacrifices’

    YouTuber Siddique Jan has claimed that a Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader on Eid visited incarcerated party founder Imran Khan in jail and demanded that they be awarded a ticket for having made “several sacrifices”.

    In a recent interview, Jan said the party leader told Khan he wanted to contest elections under the PTI’s banner and also requested the former premier to allot him a constituency.

    “Khan Sahib, I have made several sacrifices for the party… I deserve identity and recognition,” the YouTuber, without revealing any names, quoted the party member as saying to Khan at Adiala Jail on the second day of Eid.

    While he did not reveal any names, Jan clarified the leader in question was not Azam Khan Swati. When pressed by the host to name the PTI member, the YouTube told him to “check the list of visitors”.

    During the interview, Jan also declared a recent tweet by absconding PTI leader and former federal minister Murad Saeed “a complete roadmap for Imran Khan’s release”.

    He went on to question how many from among the party’s incumbent leadership had expressed support for the plan.

    “PTI’s founder and chairman, Imran Khan, had announced the next phase of the movement after Eid. The youth of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, who stayed at the Bani Gala and Zaman Park camps for a year and cleared the way for caravans during every major activity—braving all kinds of oppression and fascism—will, God willing, be honored at the Janisaran-e-Imran Khan Convention on April 7,” Saeed had tweeted on April 3.

    The former minister had further claimed that on April 11, he would speak in detail at the grand jirga of his constituency on a two-point agenda: the release of Imran Khan, his spouse Bushra Bibi, and other leadership and workers besides the restoration of peace.

    “The way Punjab came out on March 23 clearly shows that the workers in Punjab are prepared, and the way women are actively leading the movement is exemplary and a source of pride. Youth from North Punjab have been advised to continue the series of flash protests while staying focused on preparing for the next phase of the movement. A detailed action plan, which was to be shared with the youth of North Punjab on Friday as per the scheduled program, could not be shared—but God willing, progress on that will also follow soon,” he had added.

  • Ammar Baig leaves Wembley spellbound — Even Rahat Fateh Ali Khan was impressed

    Ammar Baig leaves Wembley spellbound — Even Rahat Fateh Ali Khan was impressed

    Rising music star Ammar Baig made a powerful impression during the Legacy of the Khans 2025 Tour, as he opened for the legendary Ustad Rahat Fateh Ali Khan at two of the UK’s biggest venues — OVO Arena Wembley in London and AO Arena Manchester.

    On April 5 and 6, Baig wowed audiences with his live unplugged performances, singing both Bollywood and classical songs using just a guitar and a microphone. His setlist included hits like Beedi, Channa Mereya, O Re Piya, Do Dil Mil Rahe Hain (Chupke Chupke), Sia’s Chandelier, and the iconic Hungama Hai Kyun Barpa.

    The crowd was left in awe, and even Rahat Fateh Ali Khan praised Ammar’s performance, calling him “very talented” and saying his work deserves global recognition.

    Rahat also announced a special collaboration with Baig, alongside his son Shahzaman Khan. “Ammar is like my own son,” Rahat said. “His live performances are captivating, and we’re working on a song together which will release soon.”

    Music producer Vijay Bhola, the man behind Rahat’s UK tour, also applauded Baig: “His raw, emotional vocals and stripped-down arrangements created an intimate vibe that touched every heart in the arena.”

    Ammar Baig, who is the son of legendary Pakistani singer Waris Baig, continues to carry forward his father’s legacy with a modern touch. Waris Baig, known for timeless tracks like “Mujhe Chand Chahiye”, “Challa”, and “Aa Pyar Dil Mein Basa”, has long been respected for his soulful singing and emotional depth.


    Fans flooded Ammar’s Instagram with love and appreciation, commenting:


    “You were amazing last night!”


    “Superb!”


    “Absolutely sensational ”

  • Australian cricketing star, aged 27, announces immediate retirement

    Australian cricketing star, aged 27, announces immediate retirement

    Former Australia Test opener Will Pucovski has announced that he is retiring from all kinds of cricket with immediate effect, citing his struggles with concussions.  

    The decision comes after a panel of experts recommended he retire from professional cricket after suffering a series of concussions throughout his career. Pucovski has been hit on the head multiple times during his playing days, with the most recent concussion occurring in March 2024.

    During a Sheffield Shield match in March, Pucovski was forced to retire hurt after being struck on the helmet by a delivery. The injury ruled him out for the remainder of the Australian summer and led to his withdrawal from his contract with Leicestershire for the 2024 English summer, according to ICC reports.

    The 27-year-old said on Tuesday morning on SEN’s Whateley program: “I wish I was coming in under better circumstances. I’m not going to be playing cricket again. It’s been a really difficult year, to put it as simply as possible. The simple message is, I won’t be playing at any level again.” 

    Reflecting on his career, he added, “After that century in Sydney (in my second last game), I thought from a personal point of view things were starting to click for me. I put a mountain of effort into getting things right off the field to be good on the field.”

    Pucovski had been recommended to retire by a medical panel last year after repeated concussion incidents. He played 36 First-Class matches, scoring seven centuries and nine fifties, including a top score of 255 not out against South Australia in 2020.

    His sole Test appearance came during the 2020/21 season against India, where he scored 62 and 10 in his two innings.

    While retiring from playing, Pucovski is set to remain involved in cricket as the head coach of the Premier Cricket side Melbourne, the club where he made his First XI debut as a teenager in the 2014/15 summer. “It’s definitely something that I’m really passionate about. I’m going to be coaching the MCC (Melbourne Cricket Club) next year, which is really exciting. It’s always felt like a second home to me, and I’ve always felt the love and support from the MCC while playing at higher levels or playing for them,” Pucovski said.

    He further expressed his enthusiasm for coaching, stating, “I’ve been around there since I was 11 or 12 with their junior academy and all the way through. Coaching is always something that I’ve always wanted to scratch that itch with. I’m really excited to give that a go and see where it takes me.”

    Pucovski’s decision to retire marks the end of a promising career that was unfortunately cut short by injury, but he remains committed to contributing to the game in a new capacity as a coach.

  • Basit Ali calls for immediate resignation of selection committee

    Basit Ali calls for immediate resignation of selection committee

    Former Test cricketer Basit Ali has called for the immediate resignation of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) selection committee.

    Speaking on his YouTube channel, the 54-year-old former cricketer demanded that the selection committee step down following Pakistan’s humiliating defeats during the New Zealand tour.

    He said, “I think the selection committee, consisting of Aleem Dar, Aqib Javed, Asad Shafiq, Azhar Ali, and Hassan Cheema, lacks the expertise to form a team. They should resign immediately.”

    The former cricketer added, “The members of the selection committee don’t know how to prepare a team. Since the Champions Trophy, everything has been a flop show. Even a tomato seller asks why spinners weren’t included in the team for the Champions Trophy.”

    Basit Ali also said, “Aqib Javed should resign as well. If these people stay for another four months, then we will lose the upcoming series against Bangladesh too.”

    With the T20 World Cup scheduled for next year, Pakistan gave opportunities to younger players during the New Zealand tour, leaving out senior players like Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan.

    On the other hand, New Zealand also fielded young players due to the unavailability of their stars because of the IPL, and these youngsters defeated Pakistan 4-1 in the T20 series. In the One-Day series, Pakistan’s senior team, including Rizwan and Babar Azam, whitewashed a Kiwi side that was missing its senior players.

    Earlier, former wicketkeeper-batsman Kamran Akmal had also called for PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi to resign following the national team’s continuous failures.

  • US cancels over 400 student visas for Pakistanis, others

    US cancels over 400 student visas for Pakistanis, others

    The United States (US) has suddenly cancelled the visas of more than 400 international students, including Pakistanis and Muslims from other countries, without prior notice or legal proceedings, American media reported on Monday.

    While there could be several reasons behind the cancellations, officials associated with colleges and universities suggest that the government is taking the action quietly as the Trump administration is reportedly targeting students who have participated in pro-Palestinian demonstrations. However, some students had their visas cancelled despite not taking part in any protest.

    Harvard University, Stanford University, the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), the University of Michigan, Central Michigan University, Colorado State University, Minnesota State University, and several others are among the institutions whose students have been affected.

    As per media reports, 12 students and graduates at UCLA had their visas revoked, while a student from the University of Michigan has already left the country.

    The majority of the visa cancellations reportedly occurred during an audit of the SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System).

    Meanwhile, universities are currently providing legal assistance and support to affected students. However, visa cancellations have created anxiety among international students. Student organizations have also raised questions about violations of due process.

    On March 25, the U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio laid out instructions in a long cable sent to diplomatic missions, instructing them to thoroughly review the social media activities of visa applicants in an effort to bar those suspected of criticizing US and Israel from entering the country, The New York Times had reported.

    Rubio further emphasized that the move aims to block entry into the U.S. for individuals who express critical views about American foreign policy.

    The edict comes just over two months after President Trump signed executive orders to begin a widespread effort to deport people in the U.S., such as those who may have “hostile attitudes” toward American “citizens, culture, government, institutions or founding principles.”

    Trump also put forward an executive order to start cracking down on what he referred to as antisemitism, including deporting students who took part in campus protests against Israel’s genocide in Gaza.

    Rubio’s instructions stated that starting immediately, consular officers have to refer some student and exchange visitor visa applications to the “fraud prevention unit” for a “mandatory social media check” American media reports.

  • Five arrested for killing pir who was sextorting women

    Five arrested for killing pir who was sextorting women

    Five people have been arrested by local police in Multan district for murdering a pir who was sextorting women through videos that he possessed. 

    Sextorting is the act of using intimate or confidential materials to blackmail someone for money or sexual favours. 

    Riaz Hussain, 50, was strangled to death after being called to a house on the pretext of carrying out spiritual practices. His body was discovered two days later near the Chah Yousaf area after his son filed an FIR. 

    During investigation it was found that Riaz Hussain had been sexually harassing women for a long time under the guise of spiritual healing and making amulets (taweez). 

    The two women at the centre of the case, Shehnaz Bibi and Aasiya Bibi, told the police that not only did he harass them, but also blackmailed them after filming videos.

    When he asked for a large amount of money and threatened to make the videos go viral, both the women told Mohammad Nadir and their cousin Mohammad Jamil. 

    The suspects then called Riaz to the house to provide them with an amulet, from where they took him to Chak 184-M, checked his phone and found the videos on it. 

    Then they strangled him to death. 

    Mohammad Nadir, Mohammad Jamil, Aasiya Bibi, Shehbaz Bibi and another relative Aamir, who drove the car in which the body was disposed, have been arrested.

    A five -member team police investigation team used the latest technology, geo-fencing, and CDR to find the killers. 

    CPO Multan Sadiq Ali Dogar said in a press conference that the murder was a very complicated case. Initially there were no clues. However, using remarkable professional expertise, dedication and the latest investigative means, the Multan police have successfully resolved the case.

  • ‘Mohsin Naqvi should either be interior minister or PCB chairman,’ Afridi tells army chief

    ‘Mohsin Naqvi should either be interior minister or PCB chairman,’ Afridi tells army chief

    Former captain of the Pakistan cricket team, Shahid Afridi, has suggested that Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi should choose between his various current responsibilities and focus on one role.

    According to Afridi, he recently met with General Asim Munir, the Chief of Army Staff, in Rawalpindi, extending his condolences on the passing of General Munir’s mother.

    During the meeting, Afridi said, “The PCB is a 24/7 job, and as a result, Naqvi should opt between his position at the Ministry of Interior and the PCB.” He acknowledged Naqvi as a hardworking individual but emphasized that “he cannot effectively manage both roles and contribute as much to cricket as he might wish.”

    Afridi added, “Cricket is the only major source of entertainment in the country. It demands full-time commitment, so Naqvi should relinquish one of his responsibilities and focus on his role at the PCB.”

    Further reports indicate that during the T20 World Cup in the United States in June, Mohsin Naqvi had offered Afridi a role within the PCB. However, Afridi declined the offer, citing his existing commitments as the reason for his inability to take on the additional responsibility.

  • Ali Tareen defends PSL remarks, says he’s ‘hurt, not angry’

    Ali Tareen defends PSL remarks, says he’s ‘hurt, not angry’

    Multan Sultans owner Ali Tareen has defended his recent criticism of the Pakistan Super League (PSL), saying his comments were not meant to attack the league but to push for its growth. In his latest statement, he clarified that he is not angry but deeply hurt by the stagnation of the PSL, which he believes is no longer progressing as it once did.

    In response to the backlash, Tareen said, “I had no intention of making these statements, but when discussions about the PSL began, I had to be honest. I’m not angry—I’m hurt. I am a stakeholder and a major investor in the PSL. Every year, our team incurs losses, yet we continue to participate because I genuinely want this league to grow.”

    “We keep doing the same things every year—same format, same ideas, same tournaments. If a league is not growing, it means it is slowly declining, and that truly pains me,” he added.

    Tareen’s remarks had earlier drawn criticism from Karachi Kings owner Salman Iqbal, who accused him of publicly undermining the league.

    “Since the start of PSL, many doubted us—critics from India and even some local TV channels. But what truly hurts is when one of our own, a team owner, chooses to publicly ridicule and disrespect this league despite its continuous growth. PSL is Pakistan’s pride, a product that has made stars,”  Salman Iqbal wrote on X.

    The dispute began when Ali Tareen questioned the claim that PSL 10 would be the best edition yet. While acknowledging improved stadium conditions, he argued that the overall tournament structure remained unchanged.

    “How is PSL 10 bigger and better? We’ve had nail-biting finishes every year, the same four stadiums, the same experience. Yes, the stadiums are improved, but does that make it the best and biggest PSL ever? No. I’m tired of these empty claims,” he had said earlier.

    Tareen also criticised the PSL’s decision to feature Ali Zafar as the anthem singer once again, questioning why the league was not giving new artists a chance.

  • US-based businessmen, doctors meet Imran Khan in jail: report

    US-based businessmen, doctors meet Imran Khan in jail: report

    A group of Pakistani doctors and businessmen based in the United States (US) met with a senior official in Islamabad and the founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Imran Khan, at Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi, a daily Urdu newspaper reported on Monday.

    According to the outlet, the meeting was part of efforts by PTI and its supporters to secure some form of relief for the incarcerated former premier Imran Khan.

    These backchannel efforts are separate from earlier behind-the-scenes negotiations held between PTI and relevant quarters. However, claims suggest that the party’s backchannel talks with the establishment may resume, though no progress has been made so far.

    A media outlet reported that the success of such efforts largely depends on PTI’s social media behaviour and Khan’s own stance. PTI’s social media platforms, along with its overseas chapters—particularly those in the US and UK—have consistently targeted the military and its top leadership.

    Meanwhile, in his lengthy video statement recounting his recent meeting with Imran Khan, PTI leader Azam Khan Swati claims the party leader had tasked him with reaching out to Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Gen Asim Munir following the latter’s appointment in 2022 to open the door for negotiations.

    Swati shared that after his meeting with the jailed Imran Khan, he reached out to a close associate of Gen Munir and a renowned anchorperson but to no avail.

    Swati further stated that if the establishment is prepared to negotiate, Imran Khan is still willing to come to the table, adding that he had Khan’s blessing to initiate talks to secure his freedom.

    He quoted Khan as saying, “If they are ready for talks, I am willing — like I was from day one.”

    Swati also shared that he had repeatedly told the party leader he had “Khotay sikkay” (mutilated coins) in his pocket.

    Without naming anyone, Swati criticised “certain vloggers and anchors for selling a false story”.

    Hitting out at those claiming that Imran Khan had given him a “shut-up call” for proposing talks with the establishment, Swati maintained that no one had made more sacrifices, apart from martyrs, than he and his family.

    “I have faced torture, and I have shared all details with Imran Khan. I am the one who cared about the 1,100 workers in jail and made efforts to secure their bails,” he added.

  • Saim Ayub declared fit, ready to join Peshawar Zalmi for PSL X

    Saim Ayub declared fit, ready to join Peshawar Zalmi for PSL X

    Pakistani opener batter Saim Ayub has been declared fully fit by the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) medical panel. The opening batter had been sidelined after an ankle injury but has now successfully completed his rehabilitation.

    According to reports, Saim, along with wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Haris, is set to join Peshawar Zalmi today. Most of Zalmi’s squad members have already reported to the team management as preparations for the upcoming Pakistan Super League (PSL) season intensify.

    The Peshawar Zalmi squad will hold its first practice session at the Islamabad Club. Meanwhile, team captain Babar Azam will join the squad upon his return from New Zealand.

    Saim Ayub had been recovering from an ankle injury in London. Following his rehabilitation, he returned to Pakistan and celebrated Eid with his family in Karachi.

    The 10th edition of the Pakistan Super League is scheduled to take place from 11 April to 18 May, with matches set to be played in Karachi, Lahore, Multan, and Rawalpindi.