Author: News Desk

  • ‘Heroine has no problem, her father has no problem with it’; Salman on age gap with costar

    ‘Heroine has no problem, her father has no problem with it’; Salman on age gap with costar

    Bollywood superstar Salman Khan has addressed the online debate about the 31-year age gap between him and his co-star Rashmika Mandanna in their upcoming film Sikandar.

    During the trailer launch event in Mumbai, Salman Khan responded to trolls questioning his on-screen pairing with Rashmika. When the event’s host complimented him on his appearance, Salman humorously remarked, “At times, things get so messed up that I don’t sleep for six to seven nights. Then, social media people start chasing me, so I have to show them that I’m still here.”

    Addressing the criticism about the age gap, he added, “They say there’s a 31-year difference between me and the heroine. But if the heroine has no problem, and even her father has no issue, why do you have a problem, brother?”

    His response left the audience in splits, including Rashmika herself. Taking the joke further, Salman added, “When she gets married and has a daughter, I will work with her daughter too. Her mother’s permission will be sorted.”

    Directed by AR Murugadoss, Sikandar is an action-packed entertainer featuring Salman Khan in the lead role, with Rashmika Mandanna as his love interest. The film also stars Kajal Aggarwal, Anjini Dhawan, Prateik Babbar, Sharman Joshi, and veteran actor Sathyaraj.

    Produced by Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment, Sikandar is set to hit theatres on 30 March 2025, coinciding with Eid-ul-Fitr.

  • Last living child of Zulfikar Bhutto receives Nishan-i-Pakistan on father’s behalf

    Last living child of Zulfikar Bhutto receives Nishan-i-Pakistan on father’s behalf

    The younger daughter and last living child of former Prime Minister (PM) Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, Sanam Bhutto, has received the Nishan-i-Pakistan award posthumously on her father’s behalf in recognition of his work in public service.

    The investiture ceremony was held at Aiwan-i-Sadr on Sunday, where Sanam Bhutto received Pakistan’s highest civilian honor, the Nishan-e-Pakistan, on behalf of her late father. President Asif Ali Zardari presented the award in the presence of First Lady Aseefa Bhutto.

    Sanam Bhutto was overwhelmed with emotion and broke into tears during the ceremony, while the hall of the President’s House echoed with chants of Jeay Bhutto.

    On April 4, 1979, founder of PPP Zulfikar Ali Bhutto was executed after being convicted in a controversial murder case during the dictatorship of General Zia. He was buried at his family mausoleum in Garhi Khuda Baksh.

    In March last year, the Supreme Court acknowledged that Bhutto’s trial was unfair and deprived of due process at both the trial and appellate levels, correcting what was seen as a historic miscarriage of justice.

    Notable figures, including Senate Chairman Yousuf Raza Gilani and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto, parliamentarians, diplomats, media representatives and members of civil society were present at the ceremony.

    The honorees included Air Marshal (Retd.) Raja Shahid Hamid who was posthumously honoured with the Nishan-i-Imtiaz for his outstanding service. Sultan Ali Akbar Allana was awarded the Nishan-i-Khidmat for his impactful work in the financial sector.

    The Hilal-i-Imtiaz was awarded to several individuals for their extraordinary contributions, including Javed Jabbar for literature, Allah Rakhi Shaheed for her service to education, and Dr. Syed Tauqeer Hussain Shah for his excellence in civil service.

    Syed Ali Haider Gilani was acknowledged for his contributions to public service, while Hussain Dawood was honored for his philanthropic efforts. Sadia Rashid was also awarded the Hilal-i-Imtiaz in recognition of her impactful work in the education sector.

    Other recipients who were conferred with awards in different categories included Barkat Shah Presidential Pride of Performance Award, Haydar Qurbonov Sitara-i-Quaid-i-Azam, Dr Christine Brunhilde Sitara-i-Quaid-i-Azam, Agostino Da Polenza Tamgha-i-Pakistan, Professor Valevia Piacentini Tamgha-i-Pakistan, Syed Shakeel Shah Tamgha-i-Imtiaz, Ashhad Jawwad Tamgha-i-Imtiaz, Amin Muhammad Lakhani Tamgha-i-Imtiaz, Rehan Mahtab Chawla Tamgha-i-Imtiaz, Syed Jawad Hussain Jafferi Tamgha-i-Imtiaz, Professor Dr Usman Qamar Tamgha-i-Imtiaz, Mohtarma Dr Sara Qureshi Tamgha-i-Imtiaz.

    Meanwhile, President Zardari also conferred military awards to officers and soldiers of the Pakistan Army, Navy and Air Force on Sunday.

    Two Sitara-i-Basalat, 227 Tamgha-i-Basalat, 82 Imtiazi Asnad, 185 COAS Commendation Cards, 23 Hilal-i-Imtiaz (Military), 112 Sitara-i-Imtiaz (Military) and 133 Tamgha-i-Imtiaz (Military) have been awarded, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), said in a statement on Sunday.

  • ‘No polish on my nails’; Minal Khan hits back at criticism on religiosity

    ‘No polish on my nails’; Minal Khan hits back at criticism on religiosity

    Renowned actress Minal Khan has addressed netizens who criticise her religious practices, including her prayers and fasting.

    Minal, who is highly active on social media with 10.4 million Instagram followers, often shares glimpses of her daily life with fans.

    Recently, she posted a video on Facebook responding to comments about her religious observance.

    “Aiman never gets hate, I do,” Minal remarked, expressing her frustration.

    She continued, “Many people liked the video I shared yesterday, but some asked whether I prayed Maghrib or not? So today, I prayed and thought I should share it with you all. And yes, there is no nail polish on my nails. We are also Muslims—we pray, fast, and worship.”

    Fans appreciated Minal Khan’s Ramzan routine, with her simple style, dupatta, and no-makeup look receiving praise.

  • Fahad Mustafa sends surprise gift to Abu Dhabi chef

    Fahad Mustafa sends surprise gift to Abu Dhabi chef

    Fahad Mustafa is a trailblazer in Pakistan’s entertainment sector, not just for his acting prowess but also for his impeccable fashion sense. Whether it’s his sleek suits or trendy casual wear, his fashion choices on Jeeto Pakistan always capture attention. Recently, he made waves once again—not just with his outfit, but with his generosity.

    In a recent episode of Jeeto Pakistan, the actor and host sported an Off-White printed jacket and later shared photos of himself wearing it on Instagram. As anticipated, fans inundated the comments with praise, but one comment in particular stood out. Zain Rashid, a chef residing in Abu Dhabi, couldn’t contain his excitement about the jacket, commenting, “I want this jacket.”

    What followed surprised everyone. Fahad Mustafa, recognised for his spontaneous and humble spirit, responded, “This jacket is all yours.” While many would have thought this was merely a light-hearted comment, Fahad genuinely meant it. He posted a video confirming that his team had coordinated with Zain and was sending the jacket to Abu Dhabi. “I’m now sending it your way. Best wishes! Please wear it and share pictures,” Fahad stated in the video.

    As promised, the package arrived in Abu Dhabi, leaving Zain Rashid in disbelief. He posted a story saying, “Wait, what? Did Fahad Mustafa genuinely send me his jacket?” He later shared photos of himself wearing the now-viral jacket, expressing gratitude to Fahad and his team for making it happen.

    This heartwarming interaction delighted online users. Fans congratulated Zain on his unexpected present, while some humorously asked, “Now will you send this jacket to us?” The entire exchange once again illustrated why Fahad Mustafa remains one of the most cherished personalities in the industry—not only for his talent but for his grounded nature.

  • Portugal conquers Denmark in thriller to reach Nations League Semi-Finals

    Portugal conquers Denmark in thriller to reach Nations League Semi-Finals

    Portugal has secured a spot in the Nations League semi-finals with a thrilling 5-3 aggregate victory over Denmark on Sunday, winning the second leg 5-2 after extra time. 

    Cristiano Ronaldo missed an early penalty but later redeemed himself by scoring a crucial goal, while Francisco Trincao’s late brace helped Roberto Martinez’s men seal their place in the semis. Denmark goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel denied Ronaldo’s stuttering run-up by diving left to comfortably save the spot-kick in the sixth minute.

    Despite Denmark twice regaining the aggregate lead, Portugal pushed the tie to extra time at 3-2 on the night.

    Portugal first levelled on aggregate when Joachim Andersen’s attempted clearance went horribly wrong, looping into his own net in the 38th minute. However, Denmark restored their advantage when Rasmus Kristensen, unmarked at a corner, guided a precise header into the net in the 56th minute.

    Ronaldo made amends for his penalty miss by capitalizing on a rebound to score with 18 minutes left, only for Christian Eriksen to silence the home crowd with a tap-in just four minutes later.

    Playing at his home ground in Sporting Lisbon, substitute Francisco Trincao forced extra time with a late left-footed strike. Just after the restart, he found the net again with a precise shot through a crowded box, putting Portugal ahead for the first time in the tie.

    Trincao then played a key role in the build-up for Goncalo Ramos’s late goal, sealing a pulsating encounter.

    Denmark, who arrived with a first-leg advantage, put up a valiant fight but ultimately succumbed to Portugal’s relentless attacking display. Their stoic resistance and Portugal’s determination made for a gripping contest that swung back and forth multiple times.

    Winners of the inaugural tournament in 2019, Portugal are now aiming to become the first team to claim the Nations League trophy twice.

    Portugal will now face hosts Germany in June after overturning a 1-0 first-leg deficit against a resilient Danish side.

  • Sweeper stitches wounds as emergency staff goes absent at Pattoki Hospital

    Sweeper stitches wounds as emergency staff goes absent at Pattoki Hospital

    Severe negligence at Tehsil Headquarters Hospital in Pattoki has come to light, where emergency staff were absent, and a sweeper performed medical procedures.

    The incident gained attention after a video surfaced showing the sweeper stitching a patient’s wounds and providing first aid.

    A resident reported that the sweeper, Abid, regularly performs medical duties in the emergency unit since there is a lack of competent staff.

    Additionally, reports highlight a serious medication shortage that prevents patients from receiving the care they need.

    Staff absence has been a common problem, according to sources. Concerns over hospital administration and control have been raised by the camera footage, which shows a wounded woman receiving sutures from the sweeper.

    The hospital in Pattoki is facing several operational issues, such as the lack of necessary medications and suspected financial mismanagement.

    Residents in the area claim that the funds allotted for medical treatment are not being used efficiently. Shortage of funding and experienced staff have resulted in patients frequently struggling to receive even the most basic medical care.

    Frequent complaints have brought ongoing issues in the hospital’s management to light. Concerns over patient safety continue to grow, and visitors report difficulty accessing essential treatments.

    To address the hospital’s deteriorating state, locals have called on Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz to intervene, conduct a thorough investigation, and implement necessary reforms.

  • Harbhajan Singh lands in big trouble after comparing Jofra Archer to ‘kaali taxi’

    Harbhajan Singh lands in big trouble after comparing Jofra Archer to ‘kaali taxi’

    Former India cricketer Harbhajan Singh, who is part of the commentary panel for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season, found himself embroiled in controversy on Sunday.

    During his commentary in the IPL match between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Rajasthan Royals, Harbhajan made a peculiar reference to English pacer Jofra Archer, comparing him to London’s black taxis.

    “London me kaali taxi ka meter tez bhaagta hai, Aur yaha pe Archer sahab ka meter bhi tez bhaaga hai (Like the meter of London’s black taxis, Archer’s meter has also been on the higher side),” Harbhajan remarked during the live broadcast.

    His comments sparked outrage on social media, with many fans criticising the former spinner and demanding an apology. Harbhajan, who has himself faced racism during his playing career, has yet to issue a clarification or an apology regarding the remark.

    As for the match, Sunrisers Hyderabad put up a massive total of 286 runs, the second-highest in IPL history, powered by stellar performances from Ishan Kishan and Travis Head. Rajasthan Royals, despite their efforts, fell short in the chase, managing 242 runs.

    Jofra Archer had a poor outing with the ball, conceding 76 runs in his four-over spell without taking a wicket.

  • Irfan Pathan dropped from IPL 2025 commentary panel for THIS reason

    Irfan Pathan dropped from IPL 2025 commentary panel for THIS reason

    Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan is not part of the commentary panel for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025.

    According to media reports, Irfan has not been included in this year’s IPL commentary panel. Since his retirement, Irfan has been a regular member of the panel and has become one of the most recognized voices in the tournament.

    However, he was noticeably absent during the IPL 2025 opening match between Kolkata Knight Riders and Royal Challengers Bangalore on Saturday.

    Reports stated that Irfan was left out of the panel because broadcasters were unhappy with former Indian all-rounders bringing personal grudges into their commentary and social media activities.

    The report stated that Irfan had past disagreements with certain players. Since then, he has been making indirect references to those cricketers, both in commentary and on social media.

    Irfan Pathan was accused of making sarcastic remarks about players, which ultimately led to his exclusion from the commentary panel.

    Irfan is not the first cricketer to be removed from commentary duties. 

    In 2016, renowned commentator Harsha Bhogle was also excluded from the IPL commentary panel. At the time, Harsha posted on social media: “I still don’t know why I am not doing commentary in the IPL. I can accept that people may not like me, but I really hope it’s not because cricketers had issues with my opinions.”

    Similarly, in 2020, former Indian batter Sanjay Manjrekar was dropped from the commentary panel by the BCCI during the ODI World Cup after he passed objectionable remarks on Ravindra Jadeja.

  • New Zealand defeat Pakistan by 115 runs in fourth T20I, sealing series win

    New Zealand defeat Pakistan by 115 runs in fourth T20I, sealing series win

    New Zealand secured the five-match T20I series with a commanding 115-run victory over Pakistan in the fourth match at Bay Oval on Sunday.

    Pakistan won the toss and opted to field first, but New Zealand made the most of their batting opportunity, posting a massive 220 for 6 in 20 overs.

    Finn Allen led the charge with a blistering 50 off just 20 balls, smashing six fours and three sixes. Tim Seifert provided a fiery start with 44 off 22, while Michael Bracewell anchored the innings with a steady 46 off 26. Daryl Mitchell chipped in with 29 off 23 to keep the momentum going.

    For Pakistan, Haris Rauf was the most effective bowler, picking up three wickets, while Abrar Ahmed grabbed two scalps.

    Pakistan’s chase never gained momentum as they were bundled out for just 105 in 16.2 overs.

    Abdul Samad was the lone fighter, scoring 44 off 30 balls, including four fours and two sixes. Irfan Khan Niazi contributed 24 off 16, but the rest of the batting line-up crumbled under pressure.

    New Zealand’s bowlers dominated the innings, with Jacob Duffy leading the attack with four wickets. Zakary Foulkes and Mitchell Hay took two wickets each, ensuring Pakistan never found their footing.

    With this dominant victory, New Zealand now lead the series 3-1, sealing the series with a game to spare.

  • Lahore court cancels arrest warrant for Nazish Jahangir in fraud case

    Lahore court cancels arrest warrant for Nazish Jahangir in fraud case

    On Saturday, a Lahore court cancelled the non-bailable arrest warrant for actor Nazish Jahangir after she appeared in court and submitted a bond of 50,000 rupees.

    The case against Jahangir was filed by fellow actor Aswad Haroon, who claims she did not return Rs2.5 million and a car he lent her. The court hearing took place at Cantt Kutchery, and Magistrate Ghulam Shabbir Sial cancelled the warrant after Jahangir appeared with her lawyer.

    The warrant had been issued because Jahangir missed previous hearings. Police had been ordered to arrest her and bring her to court. The next hearing is scheduled for April 28.

    The case registered in 2024 under Section 420 of the Pakistan Penal Code accuses Jahangir of borrowing Haroon’s car and money for a project but failing to return them after six months. Haroon also alleges that she sent an armed man named Sikandar Khan to threaten him.

    Jahangir had earlier filed for pre-arrest bail, claiming the case was meant to harass her, but her plea was dismissed. In October 2024, the Lahore High Court asked the FIA to look into her petition regarding social media propaganda against her.