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Author: News Desk

  • Here’s why you won’t see a Saima Akram drama on TV this Ramadan

    Here’s why you won’t see a Saima Akram drama on TV this Ramadan

    For years, Saima Akram Chaudhry’s name has been linked with Ramadan entertainment in Pakistan. The scriptwriter of successful serials such as Suno Chanda, Chupke Chupke, Ishq Jalebi, Hum Tum, Chaudhry and Sons, Kala Doriya, and Chand Tara set a standard for lighthearted family dramas that audiences eagerly looked forward to every Ramadan.

    Her scripts combined humor, family dynamics, and relatable characters to create an unforgettable viewing experience that drew families together. Suno Chanda became a cultural phenomenon, known for its effortless comedy and endearing characters. Every year, her Ramadan dramas became a ritual for viewers, fostering a tradition of shared laughter and pleasant storytelling.

    But this Ramadan feels different. The usual excitement around Ramadan dramas appears to have subsided, and many fans are expressing a desire to see Chaudhry’s scripts on their screens again. Conversations on social media highlight a void—one that has made people nostalgic for previous years, when her stories set the tone for the month’s entertainment. 

    Saima Akram Chaudhry recently responded to this absence in a statement, explaining why she opted to break away from writing. She elaborated: “I took a break from writing because there was no more variety in my work.” She also described feeling overwhelmed by having to compose many Ramadan dramas at the same time. 

    Her honesty struck a chord with fans. Many people admired her for realizing the difficulty of spinning fresh tales and stepping back rather than telling stories that felt forced. Some referred to it as an example of self-reflection, something not many writers openly acknowledge in an industry driven by demand.
     

    While Ramadan dramas continue to run on our screens, nostalgia for Chaudhry’s work is strong. It is unclear whether she will return to the genre in the future, but one thing is certain, her storytelling has had an impact that has not faded.

  • FIA nabs gang suspected of trafficking Pakistani women to China

    FIA nabs gang suspected of trafficking Pakistani women to China

    The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) conducted an operation at Islamabad Airport intercepting a network involved in trafficking Pakistani girls to China.

    Three people were detained for trying to transport a female overseas under false pretenses of marriage and work, the FIA spokeswoman said. A Pakistani female passenger traveling with the suspects was also detained for questioning.

    Muhammad Nauman, Abdul Rehman, and Shugui Yusuf  were taken into custody by FIA.  According to authorities, the network targeted several families who were struggling financially. 

    In order to get the papers and personal information of Chinese nationals, the suspects convinced females to marry them. Paul, a Chinese agent, assisted Agents Abdul Rehman and Muhammad Nauman in the procedure.

    In return for large sums of money, Paul arranged Chinese clients, according to the FIA. With an initial payment of Rs. 150,000, the suspects in this case reached an agreement with the girl’s mother for a sum of Rs.1 million.

    The police are checking whether the network has connections to other human trafficking organizations. Each arrested suspect’s part is being examined, and more evidence is being gathered. Additionally, efforts are underway to find other members of the gang.

    For additional legal processes, the suspects have been sent by the FIA to the Islamabad Anti-Human Trafficking Unit. To determine the extent of the network’s activities, officials will review transaction logs, communication histories, and any associated documents.

     
    Authorities have declared that legal action will be taken against all parties engaged in the case, which is being handled in accordance with current human trafficking laws.

  • Legal notice issued to Bollywood stars over pan masala ads

    Legal notice issued to Bollywood stars over pan masala ads

    Bollywood stars Shah Rukh Khan, Ajay Devgn, and Tiger Shroff have been served legal notices for allegedly misleading the public through pan masala advertisements.

    According to Indian media, the Jaipur-based Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission has issued notices to the three actors for endorsing the product in a way that could mislead consumers.

    Additionally, a notice has been sent to Vimal Pan Masala Chairman Vimal Kumar Agarwal. The commission has summoned all four individuals on March 19, instructing them to appear either in person or through their representatives. It has also warned that failure to comply may result in a unilateral decision.

    Furthermore, the commission has directed the actors and the pan masala company to submit their responses within 30 days of receiving the notice.

    Media reports indicate that a Jaipur-based lawyer filed the complaint, alleging that the advertisements falsely claim the product contains saffron. According to the complaint, this misleading claim has encouraged many people to consume the unhealthy pan masala regularly, leading to massive profits for the company.

  • Rashid Latif to expose 90s ‘match-fixing’ secrets in new book

    Rashid Latif to expose 90s ‘match-fixing’ secrets in new book

    Former Pakistan cricket captain Rashid Latif has announced that he will expose the secrets of match-fixing in his upcoming book.

    In a statement, Latif said, “I have started writing a book. Match-fixing was at its peak in the ’90s. I will expose everything—how fixing happened and who was involved.”

    He further stated, “I will disclose what went on in ’90s cricket and also reveal which former captain submitted a presidential pardon request.”

    Earlier, Rashid Latif also expressed that cricketers from the ’90s should be kept away from Pakistan cricket.

    Speaking on Geo News’ program Harna Mana Hai, he remarked, “It took 17 years for Pakistan to win another World Cup because the ’90s players didn’t let go.”

    “Keep the ’90s players away from management and the team, then the current players will try to win,” he added.

    “They must be tired of serving Pakistan. Let them take a step back for a while,” Latif suggested.

    His comments came at a time when Pakistan, the defending champions and hosts of the Champions Trophy, were knocked out of the tournament just five days after it began.

  • Mohammad Amir blames 90s cricketers for his early retirement

    Mohammad Amir blames 90s cricketers for his early retirement

    Former Pakistan left-arm pacer Mohammad Amir has finally revealed why he took early retirement from international cricket.

    Speaking on a private TV channel’s program about Champions Trophy 2025, Amir opened up about the difficulties he faced in his career. He recalled a time when Pakistan was set to tour New Zealand during the COVID era, but his name was not included.

    “Pakistan team was going to New Zealand during COVID. Forty players were selected, but my name was not there,” Amir revealed.

    He further shared how the Pakistan Super League (PSL) was about to start, but the national team’s squad was announced beforehand to prevent players like him and Shoaib Malik from performing well and forcing their way into the team.

    “PSL was about to start, but they announced the team early so that Amir and Malik wouldn’t perform well and they wouldn’t have to take us,” he said.

    Amir also criticized former head coach Waqar Younis, accusing him of taking biased decisions. He claimed that some former cricketers from the 90s actively tried to ruin his career.

    “A former cricketer from the 90s tried his best to destroy my career,” Amir stated.

    Reflecting on his PSL performance, Amir recalled how he bowled a Super Over for Karachi Kings, leading the team to the final.

    He said that one of the members of the coaching staff was from the 90s era and that people were questioning his decision to exclude Amir from the 40-member squad.

    “Everyone was asking him why Amir was not in the New Zealand squad despite performing well,” Amir said.

    According to Amir, the former coach responded vaguely, saying, “He is in our plans, but we need to keep him under pressure for now. We will see later.”

    Mohammad Amir initially retired from international cricket in 2020, citing concerns over his treatment by the team management. Before the T20 World Cup 2024, Amir took back the retirement, after which he was made a part of the national team.

    However, the left-arm fast bowler retired from international cricket again on December 14, 2024.

  • 12-year-old’s stepfather marries her off to 60-year-old for money

    12-year-old’s stepfather marries her off to 60-year-old for money

    An underage girl was reportedly married off in the village of Khagwani, Hazro Tehsil, after her stepfather allegedly accepted money to arrange the marriage of his 12-year-old daughter to a 60-year-old man.

    Police claim that the young girl was sold and then married as part of the transaction. Ten people, including the Nikkah officiant, have been charged with facilitating the marriage of a minor.

    The girl’s stepfather, Naeem, the groom, and eight other individuals have been taken into custody. However, Iftikhar Shah Mitho, the Nikkah registrar, has reportedly gone into hiding. Investigations suggest that he and a local official were paid Rs. 50,000 to perform the Nikkah.

    According to a police spokesperson, the marriage of the minor girl to the older man is still under investigation. Authorities are examining the circumstances surrounding the marriage and identifying those responsible for arranging it. Officials are reviewing statements and supporting evidence to determine each detained suspect’s level of involvement. Meanwhile, law enforcement is actively searching for the missing Nikkah registrar.

    Authorities have assured that all individuals involved will face legal consequences, and the case is being closely monitored to ensure child protection laws are upheld.

  • One patient dead, 15 others ill after reacting to injection at Lahore’s Mayo Hospital

    One patient dead, 15 others ill after reacting to injection at Lahore’s Mayo Hospital

    One female patient has died while fifteen others have been taken ill by reaction to an antibiotic injection at the chest ward of Mayo Hospital in Lahore. The management of the hospital reported that patients experienced a reaction to the injectable version of Ceftriaxone, a cephalosporin antibiotic. 

    The management of Mayo Hospital has confirmed that 15 additional patients were affected by Ceftriaxone injections, while 36-year-old Noreen died. At the moment, three patients are on ventilators.

    The administration further stated that the use of the injection has been halted, and a committee has been formed under Professor Dr. Israr-ul-Haq Toor to investigate the matter. The committee includes the chief pharmacist, deputy nursing officer, AMS Mayo Hospital, and other members.

    A thorough investigation would be carried out, the hospital management has said. Statements will be documented and relevant medical records will be examined. The committee will evaluate the incident’s circumstances, the injection batch used, and any previous medication-related complaints. Additionally, it will ascertain if the injection was administered in accordance with normal protocols.

    Professor Muhammad Haroon Hamid, the CEO of Mayo Hospital, said that individuals involved will face legal repercussions. He underlined that strict processes will be put in place to stop future occurrences of this sort.

    According to reports, medications that were brought in without undergoing laboratory testing were recently acquired at Mayo Hospital. Patients received the shots without previous testing. To find possible flaws, quality assurance and purchase procedures will be reviewed.

    Authorities will examine if the response resulted from a particular injectable batch, the sensitivity of the patient, or any mistakes made through the process of giving the antibiotic. The results of the investigation will dictate the next course of action. Additional safety precautions for administering medications have also been implemented by the hospital. 

    As the investigation continues, further updates will be provided.

  • Here’s how much India earned by winning the Champions Trophy

    Here’s how much India earned by winning the Champions Trophy

    The Indian cricket team not only lifted the glittering ICC Champions Trophy after defeating New Zealand in the final but also secured a massive prize money reward.

    On Sunday, India claimed their third Champions Trophy title by defeating New Zealand by four wickets in the final of the 2025 edition.

    The match, held at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, saw New Zealand’s captain, Mitchell Santner, win the toss and opt to bat first. New Zealand posted a total of 251 runs for the loss of seven wickets in their allotted 50 overs. In response, India chased down the target in the 49th over, losing six wickets along the way.

    Apart from lifting the trophy and receiving their medals, the Indian players also took home a significant prize money reward.

    The International Cricket Council (ICC) announced the tournament prize money on February 14.

    According to reports, India, as the tournament winner, received $2.24 million (over 620 million Pakistani rupees), while runners-up New Zealand were awarded $1.12 million (over 310 million Pakistani rupees).

    The total prize money for this edition of the Champions Trophy saw a 53 percent increase compared to the previous edition.

  • Rohit Sharma clears the air on his retirement rumours after Champions Trophy

    Rohit Sharma clears the air on his retirement rumours after Champions Trophy

    Indian ODI cricket team captain Rohit Sharma has put an end to all speculation about his future in ODI cricket after leading India to victory in the 2025 Champions Trophy final against New Zealand.

    Before the final, there was a lot of buzz about whether Rohit, who will turn 38 in two months, would retire from ODIs, given that India’s next big tournament in the format is the 2027 ODI World Cup. However, he made it clear in the post-match press conference that no such decision had been made.

    “I am not going to retire from this format. I want to make sure no rumours spread moving forward. Koi future plan hai nahi, jo chal raha hai chalega (there is no future plan; whatever is going on will continue as it is),” Rohit said.

    He also highlighted the strong mindset of the Indian team.

    “There is a lot of hunger even in guys who have played a lot of cricket, and it rubs down on the younger players. We have five to six players who are real stalwarts. It makes the job easier for all of us,” he added.


    In the final, Rohit played a crucial knock, scoring 76 off 83 balls with seven fours and three sixes while chasing 252. His strike rate of 91.56 helped India secure a four-wicket win.

    This was Rohit’s first-ever half-century in an ICC event final and his highest score in any ODI final, surpassing his 66 against Australia in the 2008 Commonwealth Bank Series final at the SCG.

    Now, across nine ICC finals, he has scored 322 runs in 11 innings at an average of 32.20, with a highest score of 76.

  • PCB faces backlash for no representation at Champions Trophy final

    PCB faces backlash for no representation at Champions Trophy final

    The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is facing criticism for not having a single representative at the presentation ceremony of the 2025 Champions Trophy, held at Dubai International Stadium on Sunday.

    India won the tournament after defeating New Zealand by four wickets. During the trophy presentation, only International Cricket Council (ICC) chairman Jay Shah, Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) president Roger Binny, secretary Devajit Saikia, and New Zealand Cricket (NZC) director Roger Twose were present to hand out awards.

    Former fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar spoke out about the matter on social media.

    “India has won the ICC Champions Trophy today, but I noticed something strange. Pakistan were the hosts, yet there were no Pakistan Cricket Board representatives at the trophy presentation. This is beyond my understanding. Why was there no one to represent us and give us the trophy? Please think about it. It’s a world stage, but sadly, I could not see any PCB members. Feeling very down to see that,” said Akhtar in a video posted on X.

    Conflicting reports, however, claimed that PCB’s Chief Operating Officer Sumair Ahmed was present at the stadium but not invited for presentation ceremony by the ICC.

    This Champions Trophy was Pakistan’s first ICC event at home in 29 years, but the national team had a disappointing campaign, getting eliminated in the group stage after losses to New Zealand and India.