Current Final

Author: News Desk

  • Two arrested for shooting shopkeeper dead during robbery

    Two arrested for shooting shopkeeper dead during robbery

    Karachi authorities have detained two individuals linked to a robbery at a shop that led to the fatal shooting of the shopkeeper in the Sachal region.

    Inside a store, 55-year-old Khan Muhammad was shot and murdered for resisting a robbery. He had five children and lived on a nearby street. He fought the perpetrators’ attempts to rob him after they entered the store and started shooting.

    Upon receiving the report of the incident, law enforcement quickly arrived to secure the location. A search operation commenced to find the suspects. During this effort, police tracked down the offenders at Super Highway Jamali Goth and took them into custody.

    Authorities confirmed the recovery of a stolen mobile phone and cash from their belongings. The apprehended individuals confessed to their involvement in the crime.

    Law enforcement officials indicated that further investigations are ongoing to ascertain whether the suspects had participated in other criminal activities within the region. The recovered items have been sent for forensic analysis, and the suspects will be brought before the court for legal action.

    Another incident involved a police encounter in Korangi’s Zaman Town area. Police officials reported that a group of armed individuals was looting citizens when law enforcement officers arrived. Upon seeing the police, the suspects attempted to flee, leading to an exchange of fire.

    One suspect, identified as Umar, was taken into custody during the encounter, but his accomplice escaped. From Umar’s possession, police found a cell phone and a revolver. The second suspect is still being sought, officials said.

    Police Constable Yaqoob suffered injuries during the operation when his motorcycle slipped as he was chasing the criminals. He is said to be in stable condition after receiving medical attention at a local hospital.

    In the months following these events, police have increased patrols in the area. Authorities have promised that steps will be taken to uphold law and order and asked individuals to report any suspicious behaviour. The two cases continue to be investigated.

  • Govt addresses ‘propaganda’ against Gaddafi’s construction quality

    Govt addresses ‘propaganda’ against Gaddafi’s construction quality

    Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium recently faced criticism after a viral video claimed that rain had exposed flaws in its renovation ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy. However, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MoIB) has dismissed these allegations, calling them part of an ongoing “propaganda campaign.”

    According to MoIB’s Fact Checker account, the washroom shown in the viral video is not part of Gaddafi Stadium but likely belongs to the Arts & Cultural Complex, which is located across the road. The ministry stated that the PCB temporarily made these washrooms available to the public during matches.

    MoIB further clarified that the Frontier Works Organization (FWO) renovated Gaddafi Stadium. Upon inquiry, FWO confirmed that the viral video does not depict any facility under its renovation project.

    The clarification follows reports claiming that the stadium’s construction quality had been compromised as a result of a rushed renovation timeline. Social media users shared videos allegedly showing seepage in a washroom within a VIP enclosure, raising concerns over the durability of the work.

    However, MoIB has urged the public not to believe misinformation, assuring that the stadium’s renovation was completed to high standards in preparation for the ICC Champions Trophy.

  • Adrien Brody wins second Best Actor Oscar for The Brutalist

    Adrien Brody wins second Best Actor Oscar for The Brutalist

    Adrien Brody won his second Best Actor Oscar on Sunday for his role as an immigrant architect in The Brutalist.

    The 51-year-old New York actor previously won for The Pianist at age 29, becoming the youngest winner in the category at the time.  

    With this win, Brody joins legends like Daniel Day-Lewis, Tom Hanks, Anthony Hopkins, Jack Nicholson, and Spencer Tracy as multiple Best Actor winners.  

    Brody has a personal connection to his Brutalist character, Laszlo Toth, as his mother, photographer Sylvia Plachy, also immigrated from Hungary to the US. “I understand how that journey affected her life and work,” he shared at the Venice Film Festival.

    Brody has starred in several Wes Anderson films and has worked with many famous directors, including Woody Allen, Peter Jackson, Spike Lee, Barry Levinson, Terrence Malick, Roman Polanski, and Steven Soderbergh.

  • PCB likely to send Rizwan, other senior players packing

    PCB likely to send Rizwan, other senior players packing

    Following Pakistan’s disappointing performance in the 2025 Champions Trophy, captain Mohammad Rizwan and several senior players are set to be rested.

    According to media reports, if Rizwan is rested, Shadab Khan is likely to take over as captain. The squad is also expected to see major changes, with 8 to 9 new players included.

    Similarly, senior players like Shaheen Afridi, Babar Azam, Haris Rauf, and Fakhar Zaman will reportedly be dropped, while Imam-ul-Haq, Tayyab Tahir, and Kamran Ghulam are also likely to be excluded.

    Meanwhile, young talents such as Mohammad Haris, Sufiyan Muqeem, and Arafat Minhas are expected to join the team. Others in contention include Irfan Khan Niazi, Zaman Khan, Mohammad Wasim, Abbas Afridi, and Jehandad Khan.

    Additionally, Agha Salman, Abrar Ahmed, and Umair Bin Yousuf may be included, while emerging talents like Hasan Nawaz, Ali Raza, and Abdul Samad are also under consideration.

    Earlier, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi met with selectors at the National Cricket Academy to discuss the team’s future. He instructed the selection committee to build a team with a long-term vision.

  • Saqlain Mushtaq challenges India to 10-match series across formats

    Saqlain Mushtaq challenges India to 10-match series across formats

    Former Pakistan cricketer Saqlain Mushtaq has issued a bold challenge to the Indian cricket team, calling for a 10-match series across all formats.  

    Speaking to a private TV channel, he said, “If the Indian team really believes they are the best, they should play 10 Tests, 10 ODIs, and 10 T20s against Pakistan to settle everything once and for all.”  

    While acknowledging India’s strong cricketing abilities, he added, “If we put politics aside, Indian players are genuinely good, and they are playing excellent cricket.”  

    Saqlain also addressed Pakistan’s ongoing struggles, highlighting frequent changes in captaincy, selection committees, management, and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) officials in recent years.  

    However, he remained hopeful about the team’s potential, stating, “If the preparations are improved and the right direction is followed, the team can give a strong response to India and the rest of the world.”  

    Meanwhile, Pakistan recently hosted an ICC event on home soil after 29 years. However, their campaign ended in disappointment as they were eliminated after losing their first two matches against India and New Zealand. Their final group-stage match against Bangladesh was washed out as a result of rain.

  • FIFA lifts suspension on Pakistan Football Federation

    FIFA lifts suspension on Pakistan Football Federation

    The International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) has lifted the suspension on the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) following Pakistan’s successful approval of constitutional amendments.  

    Last week, during an extraordinary congress held in Lahore, PFF approved the proposed amendments, leading FIFA, the highest governing body of football, to revoke the suspension.  

    According to media reports, Shahid Khokhar, a member of the PFF Normalization Committee (NC), confirmed this development and expressed gratitude to FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) for their continued support of Pakistan football.  

    He stated that the suspension was lifted after the PFF Congress approved the necessary amendments.  

    During the PFF Congress meeting, members endorsed FIFA’s proposed amendments, recognising them as a step in the best interest of Pakistan football.  

    FIFA initially imposed the suspension with the condition that it would only be lifted upon the approval of the PFF constitution, as proposed by FIFA and AFC.

  • ‘Pakistani fans chose the wrong heroes,’ Shoaib Akhtar criticizes Babar Azam

    ‘Pakistani fans chose the wrong heroes,’ Shoaib Akhtar criticizes Babar Azam

    Former Pakistani fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar has launched a scathing attack on former captain Babar Azam, claiming that Pakistani cricket fans have chosen the wrong players as their “heroes.”

    While speaking on a private TV channel, the “Rawalpindi Express” compared Babar Azam to Indian cricket legend Virat Kohli. He criticized Babar’s fans for blindly supporting him without considering the bigger picture.

    Shoaib questioned, “Who is Virat Kohli’s hero? Sachin Tendulkar is a batsman who has scored 100 international centuries. Kohli follows in his footsteps. But who is Babar Azam’s hero? ‘Tuk Tuk’ (slow batting).” Though he refrained from naming anyone directly, his remarks hinted at a deeper concern regarding Babar’s playing style.

    Addressing Pakistan cricket fans, Shoaib added, “You have chosen the wrong heroes. You are thinking the wrong way! They have been deceiving you from the beginning. I don’t even like talking about the Pakistan cricket team. I am only doing it because I am getting paid. It is a waste of time. I have been witnessing this decline since 2001. I have seen captains change, and their characters change three times a day.”

    Pakistan’s disappointing performance in the tournament has fueled criticism. After defeating New Zealand and India, the Green Shirts were eliminated from the Champions Trophy.

    Notably, Pakistan is the first host team to be knocked out of the tournament.

  • ‘Dragging my dead parents into it’: Sidra Niazi speaks out against trolling by Babar Azam fans

    ‘Dragging my dead parents into it’: Sidra Niazi speaks out against trolling by Babar Azam fans

    Speaking to The Current, actress Sidra Niazi responded to the ongoing trolling she has been experiencing, allegedly by cricketer Babar Azam’s fans, after she answered, “No one,” when asked who her favourite cricket player was.

    Acknowledging that celebrities get “trolled all the time,” she noted, “This time, something really alarming and disturbing happened. I didn’t even say anything, yet I was trolled.”

    Clarifying her response, she stated that she did not take Babar’s name nor specifically target any player.

    Quoting some users who outed her home address and hurled abuses at her deceased parents, Sidra Niazi questioned, “Who are these people? Why doesn’t someone like Babar Azam address this?”

    She went on to point out, “If you look at other international players, they are not just great cricketers; they are role models. The way they speak, the way they handle issues, the way they emphasise mental fitness and the right approach – that’s what makes them respected figures.”

    “But when we compare them to our heroes, where does Babar stand? What is he teaching his fans? Why doesn’t he say something?” she questioned.

    “I am also surprised by Babar’s silence on this,” she added, emphasising that Pakistan’s cricketers are bigger stars than TV or film celebrities, their fan following is massive, and people idolise them, but “What are these so-called heroes teaching their fans? Why don’t they step forward and address such issues?”

    She went on to point out that Virat Kohli was out of form for four years, was criticised, and is still being asked to be dropped from the Champions Trophy squad. “Criticism is fine,” she added. “But our people take things to an extreme level without knowing anything. I think it’s high time we start addressing these issues.”

    “It’s really disturbing. I can’t even explain the thoughts running through my mind. It’s like being pushed into a state of anxiety,” she said, sharing her sentiments.

  • Shariq’s game, Talha’s mistakes—Who will win Roshi’s heart?

    Shariq’s game, Talha’s mistakes—Who will win Roshi’s heart?

    This week’s episodes of Meem Se Mohabbat had everything—heartbreak, emotional confrontations, and a glimpse of hope. From Roshi’s silent suffering to Talha’s inner turmoil, each scene left us feeling deeply connected to the characters.

    Sabika deserves praise for trying to accept Mohid, though it might be too late to win his heart now. The grandfather can see that all efforts may go in vain as Mohid might have already made up his mind. Also, Mohid has now met Roshi, and nothing can beat Roshi’s warmth and their connection.

     
    Talha and his father sharing a coffee mug was heartwarming, showing how Talha needs his father every step of the way. Talha’s father should have interfered earlier and spoken more openly with him, trying to make him see that his actions were unfair to himself and everyone around him. 


    He cannot project his demons and insecurities onto Roshi. 

    The episode brilliantly showed Roshi’s reaction after hearing the news of Talha’s marriage to Sabika. She gets frustrated at Mahi, then breaks down in her room, opening up her heart and revealing how much Talha’s words had damaged her self-esteem. 


    Dananeer’s performance was beautiful and moving. Even when she accepts the proposal and turns her back so no one can see her tears, it was so emotional.


     It showed how girls can be utterly broken inside yet still show a strong front to save their ego and self-respect.


     After seeing Roshi completely broken, we question if Talha could have been gentler and more respectful in telling her to stop interfering in his life. 


    Will he ever realize the damage he has done and the pain he has caused Roshi? 
    Shariq has been successful so far in getting his proposal accepted. We wonder why his mother is okay with Shariq not using his name. Well, he couldn’t enjoy his win as Roshi blocked him over the phone. 


    We can’t wait to see what happens when they come face to face. Mahi’s advice to Roshi was spot-on. She should decide to marry carefully and not let this one incident rule her emotions and judgment. The drama shows how girls often sacrifice everything to protect their self-respect and overcome embarrassment. 


    Mohid is deeply emotionally disturbed, which was obvious from how he broke the toys and was wary of Talha when he tried to touch him. He no longer trusts him. 


    Mohid and Roshi’s interaction over the iPad, where she tells him a story, and he goes to sleep, was heartwarming. The other two tracks don’t interest us much right now and seem unnecessary. We wish they had been told more engagingly. Talha is troubled by the news of Roshi’s wedding, and it is now playing on his mind.

  • Lal Masjid cleric Maulana Aziz’s wife’s physical remand extended

    Lal Masjid cleric Maulana Aziz’s wife’s physical remand extended

    An Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Islamabad has extended the physical remand of the wife of ex-Lal Masjid cleric Maulana Abdul Aziz, Ume Hassan, and others accused in connection with alleged interference in government affairs and firing on government employees. 

    A leading English newspaper reported on Friday that following the completion of the previous remand, they were presented before the ATC Judge Abaul Hasanat Mohammad Zulqarnain, who presided over the hearing.

    The prosecution sought a 10-day extension, citing the need for further investigation, recovery of evidence, and the arrest of additional suspects. However, after considering arguments from both sides, the court partially granted the prosecution’s request, extending the remand by three days. The accused have been instructed to reappear in court on March 3.

    On the night of February 19, Ume Hassan, along with six women and seven men, was arrested from Madani Mosque in Margalla Town after a case was registered against them at Shahzad Town Police Station under sections 7 and 11(x) of ATA, Section 8 of Peaceful Assembly and Public Order Act 2024, sections 395, 324, 342, 341, 148, 149, 353, 186, and 440 of Pakistan Penal Code, and Section 13 and 20 of Arms Ordinance 1965.

    According to police, the detainees were accused of opening fire at police and Capital Development Authority (CDA) staff, taking a CDA officer and labourer hostage, putting up resistance, and damaging official vehicles.

    The suspects were then presented before ATC Judge Tahir Abbas Sipra to seek the prosecution of a five-day physical remand. However, the court granted only four days of remand.

    Ume Hassan told the court that the incident stemmed from a dispute over the mosque and that she had gone to negotiate with the administration before being arrested by the police.

    Police claimed that the disputed property was designated for a seminary (madrassah) and that construction work was underway when the suspects assaulted officials and took away building materials.

    Meanwhile, the judge noted that Ume Hassan had four previous cases lodged against her, to which her lawyer responded that they had only recently been informed and would appear in court accordingly.

    According to the First Information Report (FIR), the CDA allocated a plot to Madrassah Idara Ashraful Uloom on Muree Road for the construction of a seminary. Ume Hassan, along with 80 men and 40 women armed with weapons and batons, allegedly attacked the labourers and CDA staff.

    Upon receiving the information, police arrived at the scene. In response to the police presence, the attackers delivered provocative speeches, fiercely resisted law enforcement, and blocked the roads.