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Author: News Desk

  • Starlink gets PTA approval… but you might not be able to afford it

    Starlink gets PTA approval… but you might not be able to afford it

    The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has given a No Objection Certificate (NOC) to Starlink, bringing the satellite-based internet service a step closer to launching in Pakistan. Sources confirmed this approval on Friday.

    The Pakistan Space Activity Regulatory Board approved the NOC, which was a necessary step before Starlink could apply for a PTA licence. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif played a key role in pushing for this decision as part of the government’s efforts to improve digital connectivity across the country.

    Starlink, a company registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP), applied for a telecom licence on 24 February 2022. The request was sent to the Ministry of IT in March 2022 for review. Now, with the NOC secured, the final steps for issuing Starlink’s official licence are underway.

    PTA Chairman Major General (R) Hafeez Ur Rehman recently met with Starlink’s team at the GSMA Mobile World Congress 2025 in Barcelona, Spain. The discussions focused on improving digital connectivity, making broadband more affordable, and reaching remote areas with internet services.

    Before officially launching, Starlink must also register with the relevant satellite regulatory authority, which is a necessary step in getting PTA’s satellite internet licence.

    Expected Packages & Prices

    Although there is no confirmed launch date yet, reports suggest that Starlink will offer three internet packages in Pakistan:

    Residential Package: Rs25,000 per month with a one-time hardware fee of Rs112,000–140,000.

    Business Package: Rs95,000 per month with a one-time setup cost of Rs220,000.

    Mobility Package: Rs50,000 per month with a one-time hardware cost of Rs120,000.

    While Starlink’s high-speed internet is a major improvement over traditional broadband, the high prices may make it unaffordable for many Pakistanis.

    Even after obtaining its PTA licence, Starlink will still face several challenges before starting operations in Pakistan. A number of factors could result in delays, including building infrastructure, obtaining security approvals to ensure smooth operations, and integrating with the existing telecom system. These steps could take at least a year.

    Another challenge is the regulatory framework for satellite internet. Unlike fibre-optic or mobile internet, satellite-based services require extra security and frequency approvals, which could delay the rollout further.

    Despite these challenges, Starlink’s arrival could shake up the broadband industry in Pakistan. It may push existing internet service providers (ISPs) to improve their services and offer better connectivity, especially in rural areas where reliable internet is still hard to access.

    Overall, while Starlink’s launch may take some time, its entry into Pakistan’s market is expected to bring more competition and better internet services in the long run.

  • Federal ministers, advisers to get up to 188 percent hike in salaries

    Federal ministers, advisers to get up to 188 percent hike in salaries

    The federal cabinet on Friday approved a hefty increase in the salaries of federal ministers, ministers of state, and advisers by up to 188 percent with the federal cabinet approving the summary.

    As per media reports, following the approval, the federal ministers, minister of state and advisers will receive a salary of Rs519,000 monthly. Previously, ministers were paid Rs200,000 while ministers of state received Rs180,000.

    According to media reports, the salary of federal ministers has been raised by 159 percent, while the salaries of ministers of state and advisers to the prime minister have seen a staggering increase of up to 188 percent.

    The development came over a month after the National Assembly passed the Members of Parliament Salaries and Allowances (Amendment) Bill 2025 — already approved by the Senate — with a majority vote, increasing the salary of the parliament members.

    All parliamentary political parties, including the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N), and others, were on the same page regarding the massive increase in their salaries.

    In December 2024, the Punjab Assembly passed an amendment bill making a massive increase in financial perks and privileges of elected members, the speaker, deputy speaker, ministers, parliamentary secretaries, special assistants and advisers.

    The bill was tabled by Minister Mujtaba Shuja and passed with a majority vote. As per the Punjab Revision of Salaries of Public Representatives Bill 2024, the increase in the salaries for these offices ranges between 860 percent (for ministers) and 426 percent (for Member Provincial Assembly).

    Following the bill, the speaker’s salary was increased from Rs125,000 to Rs950,000, whereas the deputy speaker will draw Rs775,000 instead of Rs120,000. Similarly, the parliamentary secretaries would receive a monthly salary of Rs451,000 instead of Rs83,000 while the special assistants and advisers to the Chief Minister will receive Rs665,000 instead of Rs100,000.

    The salary of provincial ministers saw a hefty increase as it was raised from Rs100,000 to Rs960,000 monthly. Likewise, the Member Provincial Assembly’s (MPA’s) salary was increased from Rs76,000 to Rs400,000 after the approval of the bill.

    Meanwhile, the Opposition leader in Punjab, Assembly Ahmed Khan Bhachar, opposed the bill, asking if it conformed to the Parliamentary Laws Act of 1972.

    Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmed Khan, who was chairing the session, responded that the bill was in accordance with the law and was a ‘positive’ step by the incumbent government.

  • Here’s how many followers Danish Taimoor gained on Instagram after polygamy statements

    Here’s how many followers Danish Taimoor gained on Instagram after polygamy statements

    Renowned actor Danish Taimoor, who recently faced backlash over his remarks about four marriages during a live show, has now addressed the controversy. 

    As social media went into frenzied discussions about his remarks, Danish Taimoor’s Instagram followers skyrocketed overnight. Several pages and users have been sharing updates about the sudden surge.

    Confirming the news, Danish Taimoor shared an Instagram story, revealing that his account recently gained 157.1K new followers, bringing his total count to 8.4 million.

    Following the backlash, the actor has apologized for his remarks regarding multiple marriages.

    His wife, actress Ayeza Khan, remains the second most-followed Pakistani actress on Instagram, boasting 14.5 million followers.

  • Actress Nadia Hussain on FIA’s radar in high-profile bank fraud case

    Actress Nadia Hussain on FIA’s radar in high-profile bank fraud case

    The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has summoned actress and model Nadia Hussain in a fraud case involving financial irregularities.

    The case was heard at Karachi’s Judicial Magistrate Sharqi Court, where the FIA submitted an interim challan spanning 55 pages. The case involves two accused: Atif Khan, husband of Nadia Hussain, who has been arrested, and Faisal Mehmood Sheikh, who is currently out on bail.

    According to the FIA’s challan, “Atif Khan made personal trading worth more than Rs 1 billion from the company’s account.” It further revealed that the account of Nadia Hussain’s salon was among the beneficiaries of the accused’s financial transactions.

    The investigation found that  “Rs 26.4 million was transferred to Nadia Hussain’s salon accounts through two separate accounts of Atif Khan.” The FIA alleges that these funds were used for her two salons, and she is now expected to be summoned for questioning.

    The challan also stated, “Those who benefited from the transfer of funds in Atif Khan’s bank accounts will be called for investigation.”

    Furthermore, the FIA report highlights that the accused had deposited Rs 31.47 million in dividends from shares purchased using company funds into his account.

    Additionally, he had obtained Rs 650 million from third parties for short-term personal trading but later returned the funds through the company’s accounts with a mark-up. The amount owed by the accused to the company stands at Rs 540 million.

  • Ali Sethi’s mother says doesn’t like son’s hit song Pasoori

    Ali Sethi’s mother says doesn’t like son’s hit song Pasoori

    Journalist and former provincial assembly member Syeda Memnat Mohsin, popularly known as Jugnu Mohsin, recently shared her thoughts on her son Ali Sethi’s global hit song Pasoori, and her statement has gone viral.

    In an interview, Jugnu Mohsin revealed, “Before Ali Sethi was born, I used to listen to a lot of music. I always kept Qawwali, Raag, and Khyaal in my car. Music was the first thing my two children heard.”

    She further shared, “I spoke pure Punjabi to my children until they were seven years old, which is why Ali Sethi can sing songs today.”

    However, when it comes to Ali Sethi and Shae Gill’s Coke Studio Season 14 hit Pasoori, Jugnu Mohsin admitted, “I did not like this song at all.”

    Recalling a conversation with her son, she said, “When Pasoori hit a billion views, Ali said to me, ‘Mom, I know you don’t like this song.’ I replied, ‘Yes, son, I don’t like this Pasoori; I prefer traditional songs.’”

     Pasoori became the first Coke Studio song to cross one billion streams on YouTube Music and was the most searched song on Google in 2022.

    The song, released in Coke Studio Pakistan’s 14th season in 2022, was performed by Ali Sethi and Shae Gill, gaining immense global recognition. The word Pasoori means trouble in Punjabi.

  • ICC to introduce bonus points in World Test Championship

    ICC to introduce bonus points in World Test Championship

    The International Cricket Council (ICC) has decided to introduce additional points in the World Test Championship (WTC).

    The final of the World Test Championship will take place at Lord’s from 11 to 15 June 2025, and ticket sales are already underway.

    According to media reports, significant changes will be made to the points system in the fourth edition of the WTC. The ICC has faced criticism for its current league-stage format, which has been described as unclear and unfair. This feedback has prompted the decision to revamp the system.

    The ICC plans to award extra points for dominant victories, following the structure of domestic first-class tournaments such as the Ranji Trophy and Sheffield Shield. This change aims to encourage teams to play more aggressive cricket.

    Additionally, efforts are being made to improve the tournament format, as the current system does not allow all 10 participating teams to play against each other.

    The new points system will be discussed at the ICC meeting in April.

    The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has been a vocal critic of the current format. Despite hosting all three WTC finals so far, England has failed to qualify for any of them.

    ECB chairman Richard Thompson has emphasised the need for a fairer and more competitive World Test Championship.

  • Shoaib Malik’s sister reveals shocking reason behind his divorce from Sania Mirza

    Shoaib Malik’s sister reveals shocking reason behind his divorce from Sania Mirza

    The long-standing speculation surrounding Pakistani cricketer Shoaib Malik and Indian tennis star Sania Mirza’s separation has taken a new turn following a startling revelation by Shoaib’s sister.

    While Sania and her family have remained silent following the split, Shoaib’s sister has now claimed that Sania divorced him because she was “tired of Shoaib’s affairs.”

    Following his separation, Shoaib moved on with his third marriage to Pakistani actress Sana Javed, frequently making headlines amid criticism. However, his family’s absence from the wedding raised questions, which his sister has now addressed.

    In a widely discussed interview, Shoaib’s sister reportedly confirmed that “our entire family chose not to attend Shoaib’s wedding with Sana Javed.”

    Meanwhile, Sania’s sister, Anam Mirza, had earlier confirmed in January 2024 that Sania had divorced Shoaib months before his marriage to Sana Javed.

    Requesting privacy, Anam wrote on Instagram, “Sania had divorced Shoaib Malik a few months ago. We wish her all the best for her new journey.”

    Shoaib Malik’s personal life has long been a topic of public interest. His first marriage to Ayesha Siddiqui ended in 2010, after which he tied the knot with Sania Mirza. Over the years, there were also rumours of his alleged relationship with actress Sayali Bhagat, which he denied.

    However, just months after parting ways with Sania in January 2024, Shoaib’s sudden wedding photos with Sana Javed surfaced.

  • Ali Amin Gandapur calls Faisal Vawda ‘comedian’, ‘lowly person’

    Ali Amin Gandapur calls Faisal Vawda ‘comedian’, ‘lowly person’

    Days after Senator Faisal Vawda claimed that Chief Minister (CM) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Ali Amin Gandapur condemned the May 9 incident during an in-camera session of the Parliamentary Committee on National Security (PCNS), Gandapur retaliated by calling Vawda a “comedian” and “lowly person.”

    Appearing on a private news outlet on Wednesday, Vawda, who attended the PCNS’s in-camera session, quoted Gandapur as saying, “Ap un ko sazain dain, wo gumrah ho gaye thy [punish them [rioters] as they had been misguided].”

    Declaring CM KP’s statement in the session as “positive and optimistic,” Vawda emphasised that Gandapur’s approach deserves appreciation.

    The in-camera meeting was held on Tuesday as Pakistan grapples with a resurgence of terrorism, particularly in KP and Balochistan, with security forces and law enforcement agencies facing increasingly frequent attacks.

    Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir, Director General Inter-Services Intelligence (DG ISI) Lieutenant General Asim Malik, chief ministers of all four provinces, including Gandapur, and other top officials attended the in-camera session of PCNS in Islamabad. However, the opposition’s biggest party, PTI, did not participate in the meeting.

    Speaking to reporters on Friday, CM KP urged officials to not summon Faisal Vawda to any high-profile meeting. “I will not attend a meeting where such a lowly and unreasonable person is present,” he said.

    He went on to claim that Vawda is a “comedian”. 

    “He’s just a comedian. I know him—he was in our party and was the first to run away. He is a coward and a disgraceful person.”

    On being asked about whether the PTI is currently in contact with the establishment regarding the release of party founder Imran Khan, Gandapur replied that there is not a single legitimate case on Imran Khan, adding that the latter is being forcibly incarcerated.

    When asked, “Imran Khan was in favor of negotiations with the Taliban. Do you think negotiations should take place with the Taliban, or is a military operation the only solution,” CM KP said that the whole world has recognised the Taliban government in Afghanistan.

    “There is a 2,200 km border between one of our provinces and Afghanistan. If you do not negotiate with them, how will matters be resolved,” CM KP questioned, adding that he fully supports negotiations with the Taliban and believes that a solution can be found through dialogue.

  • Hasan Nawaz: From back-to-back ducks to Pakistan’s fastest T20I century

    Hasan Nawaz: From back-to-back ducks to Pakistan’s fastest T20I century

    Pakistan Hasan Nawaz has made headlines after scoring the fastest T20I century for his country, reaching the milestone in just 44 balls against New Zealand in the third match of the five-match series.

    Hasan Nawaz, 28, was born in Layyah, Punjab, but grew up in a small town six kilometres away. A lack of proper cricket facilities in his hometown forced him to move to Islamabad under the pretext of studying and joined a local cricket club. His sister supported him during his early days in the city.

    Hasan got his first major break when he was picked by the Mirpur Royals for the Kashmir Premier League (KPL) in 2022. Playing alongside former Pakistan captain Shoaib Malik, he finished as the second-highest run-scorer of the tournament. His impressive performances led to his selection in Northern’s squad for the National T20 Cup.

    He was later signed by Islamabad United in the Pakistan Super League (PSL), but he didn’t get many chances to showcase his talent. However, his standout performances in the T20 Champions Cup in December 2024 caught the attention of national selectors, earning him a place in Pakistan’s squad for the T20I series against New Zealand.

    Hasan made his T20I debut on March 16, 2025, in Christchurch but was dismissed for a duck. In the second match in Dunedin, he once again got out without scoring, falling to the same bowler, Jacob Duffy.

    Despite back-to-back failures, Hasan bounced back in style in the third T20I in Auckland. Playing with complete confidence, he smashed 105 runs off just 45 balls, hitting seven sixes and ten fours. He played shots all around the ground with an aggressive approach, showcasing the kind of fearless cricket that Pakistan has been searching for.

    Backed by his captain and vice-captain, Hasan overcame early struggles and delivered a match-winning performance. He was named Man of the Match for his extraordinary innings.

    Speaking after the game, Hasan said, “The way I got out in the first two matches, I was very disheartened. But the captain and Shadab supported me. They told me I am a match-winner, and that gave me confidence.”

    He added, “The way other teams are playing cricket, that is the kind of cricket we want to play. Sure, we’ll fail at the start, but we are determined to play fearless cricket.”

    Hasan’s remarkable turnaround has given Pakistan fresh hope for their aggressive cricket approach in T20Is.

  • Ayeza Khan hints at possible collaboration with Indian industry

    Ayeza Khan hints at possible collaboration with Indian industry

    Renowned actress Ayeza Khan has sparked curiosity among fans with her latest Instagram story, hinting at a possible collaboration with the Indian industry.

    A few hours ago, Ayeza shared a story showing her traveling on a plane, captioning it “What’s Next?” along with an emoji of shaking hands between the flags of Pakistan and India.

    While she has not disclosed any details, speculation is growing about whether she will be promoting an Indian brand or starring in a project.

    Meanwhile, Ayeza also shared glimpses of her upcoming drama Humraaz, set to air on Geo Entertainment, featuring Zahid Ahmed and Feroze Khan.

    Ayeza has received multiple film offers from India but has clarified that she has no plans to work in films.