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Author: News Desk

  • Muslims to observe 36 rozas in 2030

    Muslims to observe 36 rozas in 2030

    Muslims around the world are preparing to welcome the holy month of Ramzan for the year 1446 Hijri, which, based on astronomical calculations, is expected to begin on March 1, 2025, in most countries. But have you ever considered the possibility of fasting for Ramzan twice in the same year?

    Interestingly, this rare event is set to occur in 2030. It happens approximately every 33 years, resulting from differences between the Islamic (Hijri) and Gregorian calendars.

    According to astronomical calculations, the world will observe Ramzan twice in 2030. The first Ramzan will begin on January 4, 2030 (corresponding to 1451 Hijri), while the second will start on December 26, 2030 (corresponding to 1452 Hijri). This means Muslims worldwide will observe a total of 36 fasts that year.

    The Hijri calendar follows the lunar cycle, with months beginning based on the sighting of the new moon. As a result, a Hijri year consists of either 354 or 355 days, making it about 10 to 12 days shorter than the Gregorian calendar.

    In contrast, the Gregorian calendar is based on the Earth’s revolution around the sun, with each year lasting approximately 365 or 366 days. Due to this difference, every 33 years, the two calendars align in a way that results in two Ramzans occurring within the same Gregorian year.

    The last time this extraordinary event took place was in 1997. After 2030, it is expected to happen again in 2063.

    Such occurrences serve as a fascinating reminder of the intricate workings of astronomical and calendrical systems. For Muslims worldwide, it presents a unique spiritual opportunity, allowing them to observe an additional Ramzan within the same Gregorian year—an event that happens only once in a lifetime for most people.

    As for 2025, according to a report by Al Arabiya Net, the moon sighting for Ramzan is expected on Friday, February 28, 2025. The International Astronomical Center confirms that the crescent moon will be visible in various locations across the globe.

  • Pakistan team returns home ‘in silence’ after India loss, Champions Trophy exit

    Pakistan team returns home ‘in silence’ after India loss, Champions Trophy exit

    The Pakistan cricket team discreetly returned home from Dubai to Islamabad following their crushing defeat against India in the ICC Champions Trophy.

    The team’s journey home began with a stop in Lahore, where Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi, along with other board officials, got off. The flight then continued to Islamabad, carrying the rest of the squad.

    According to reports, unlike the lively atmosphere on their way to Dubai—filled with laughter and conversations—this return trip was marked by an unusual silence. Players barely spoke to each other, their faces reflecting disappointment. Heads were down, and the energy that once surrounded the squad was missing.

    Before the India match, Chairman Naqvi had travelled with the team on a special flight from Karachi to Dubai, where he hosted a dinner for the players and even visited the stadium to boost their morale. However, after Pakistan’s crushing loss to their arch-rivals, the mood had completely changed.

    With back-to-back defeats against New Zealand and India, Pakistan—both the host and defending champion—has been eliminated from the tournament.

    However, they still have one last group-stage match remaining against Bangladesh on February 27 in Rawalpindi.

    Meanwhile, India and New Zealand have secured their spots in the semi-finals from Group A.

  • New Zealand defeat Bangladesh, cementing Pakistan’s Champions Trophy exit

    New Zealand defeat Bangladesh, cementing Pakistan’s Champions Trophy exit

    New Zealand on Monday secured a decisive victory over Bangladesh, cementing Pakistan’s exit from the Champions Trophy.

    The match took place at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium where New Zealand won the toss and elected to field first.

    Batting first, Bangladesh posted a total of 236 runs in 50 overs. 

    Najmul Hossain Shanto led the score with a well-compiled 77 off 110 balls while Jaker Ali added 45 off 55 balls. Tanzid Hasan scored 24 off 24 balls and Rishad Hossain contributed a handy 26 off 25 balls. Mehidy Hasan Miraz also chipped in with 13 off 14 balls.

    In response, New Zealand successfully chased down the target, reaching 237/5. 

    Rachin Ravindra starred with a stunning 112 off 105 balls while Tom Latham played a solid knock of 55 off 76 balls. Devon Conway scored 30 off 45 balls and Glenn Phillips added 21 off 28 balls. Michael Bracewell remained unbeaten with 11 off 13 balls, guiding New Zealand to victory.

    If Bangladesh had won the match, Pakistan would have had a chance to qualify for the next stage of the tournament. However, New Zealand’s victory sealed Pakistan’s fate, ending their campaign in the tournament.

  • Kubra Khan shares Rukhsati photos

    Kubra Khan shares Rukhsati photos

    Pakistani drama star Kubra Khan, who recently tied the knot with actor Gohar Rashid in Makkah, shared glimpses of her rukhsati ceremony on Instagram. A social media page also shared a video from the event, highlighting the elegant setup.

    In the photos, Kubra Khan looked radiant as a bride, dressed in a light pink outfit adorned with golden embroidery for her rukhsati. Earlier, she had opted for a white abaya for her nikah ceremony.

    Instagram Post

    While the groom was not visible in the video, the decor featured soft shades of pink and peach, perfectly complementing the actress’s attire.

    Addressing critics in an Instagram post, Kubra Khan wrote that she “could not have imagined a more beautiful couple for her rukhsati.”

  • Mexican referee banned after asking Messi for autograph

    Mexican referee banned after asking Messi for autograph

    Mexican referee Marco Antonio Ortiz Nava has been banned from officiating in Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) competitions for six months after asking Lionel Messi for an autograph, a source told ESPN.

    According to media reports, the incident occurred on February 19 after Inter Miami’s 1-0 victory over Sporting Kansas City in the Concacaf Champions Cup. After the match, Ortiz Nava approached Messi and requested an autograph for a family member with special needs.

    Concacaf reviewed the situation and stated that the referee’s actions violated their Code of Conduct for match officials. They added that Ortiz Nava admitted his mistake, apologised, and accepted the punishment.

    Although banned from Concacaf matches, Ortiz Nava can still officiate in Mexico’s Liga MX. However, if he repeats such behaviour, he could face a permanent ban.

  • ‘We even legitimised military dictators’: SC judge on laws contradicting Constitution

    ‘We even legitimised military dictators’: SC judge on laws contradicting Constitution

    Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhail of the Supreme Court (SC) has said that understanding the purpose of the Army Act would solve half the issues pertaining to military trials.

    Hearing intra-court appeals regarding the trial of civilians in military courts, Justice Mandokhail, who was a part of the seven-member constitutional bench headed by Justice Aminuddin Khan, remarked that a category of civilians also fell under the Army Act.

    Last year, the apex court’s constitutional bench had granted conditional permission to military courts to announce verdicts in cases involving 85 suspects in the May 9 riots case. In its order on the hearing of the appeals against civilians’ military trial, the constitutional bench had said judgments of military courts would be conditional to the top court verdict on the cases pending before it.

    While this had led to dozens of convictions, the military had in January accepted mercy pleas of 19 out of the 67 convicts on “humanitarian grounds”.

    During Monday’s hearing, Uzair Bhandari, the lawyer representing Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan, presented his arguments.

    Justice Mandokhail questioned how it would be determined which civilians came under the jurisdiction of the Army Act and which did not, noting that the Constitution granted the military two types of powers — one for defence and the other for assisting the civil government.

    He further stated that if the argument based on Article 245 was accepted, how would the military defend its own institutions. He questioned whether in the event of an attack on the General Headquarters (GHQ), authorities would have to wait for an Article 245 notification.

    At this, Imran’s lawyer responded that if someone is firing bullets, no permission is needed for defence. In case of an attack, all institutions, including the police and military, take action, he added.

    “If a military officer and a civilian together violate the Official Secrets Act, where will the trial take place?” asked another judge, to which Bhandari said that such a trial would be conducted in an anti-terrorism court.

    This was the point when Justice Mandokhail remarked, “If we understand the purpose of the making the Army Act, half the issue will be resolved.” 

    He added that the Constitution clearly stated that it was a law related to the armed forces. He noted that in disciplinary action against a civilian officer, the power to impose punishment had not been granted, whereas military courts had been given this authority.

    “If an army officer commits a crime while on leave, where will the trial be held? Is the jurisdiction of military courts very broad or limited?” he asked and pointed out that in Karachi, the trial of Rangers personnel was conducted in a civil court.

    Justice Mandokhail remarked that the Constitution was made by Parliament, and legislation could only be done in accordance with the Constitution. “No law can be made that contradicts the Constitution. Our dilemma is that laws are sacrificed for politics.”

    “We have even legitimised military dictators,” he added.

    Later, the constitutional bench adjourned the hearing till Tuesday (Feb 25).

  • Hat-trick on debut, Nigerian defender Ashleigh Plumptre shines in Saudi Arabia

    Hat-trick on debut, Nigerian defender Ashleigh Plumptre shines in Saudi Arabia

    Ashleigh Plumptre, an England-born Nigerian defender, pulled off a rarest of rare feats on her debut.  Just a month after signing for Saudi club Al-Ittihad in 2023, she made an unforgettable first impression by scoring all three goals in a 3-0 win over Eastern Flames. She later repeated the magic in a Jeddah derby against Al-Ahli.

    In an interview with NDTV, she said, “So, the World Cup experience, in general, was a huge experience for me. I never thought I would be playing in a World Cup, and especially to represent Nigeria, so that was a real privilege.” She added that being able to play against England felt a lot more special because she knew a lot of the girls in the team. “I played with them or against them, or I grew up playing against them. Honestly, that was probably one of my favourite games that I ever played in my whole life. I know we lost on penalties, but I didn’t feel so disappointed. I just felt really grateful that I got the opportunity, and we were able to push England as far as we did,” she stated. 

    Plumptre is now embracing a new chapter in Saudi Arabia, playing for Al-Ittihad. Adjusting to a new league and culture had its challenges, but she quickly made her mark. Despite being a defender, she shocked even herself by scoring a hat-trick in her very first match.

    “When I came here, I definitely didn’t expect to be scoring (a hat-trick on my debut). I think I scored three times when I was with my last club for over three years. So, like, scoring three in a game was a bit of a surprise for me,” she admitted.

    “I’ve obviously been here for a year and a half now; I am really enjoying it. There’s obviously some real purpose of being out here. I really enjoy the culture and the lifestyle, and I think football has always been a platform to experience more and learn about life and people. (This opportunity) has enabled me to broaden my horizon a little bit,” she added.

    “We are here for the girls of the (Saudi) national team, and partly because there are quite a few of the girls from my team, Al-Ittihad, who are playing here. So, being able to see their growth in a short period of time is really fulfilling,” she shared.

    “They obviously get a different opportunity playing with the national team and learning different things. They come back to us (the overseas players), and they can share what they have learned and worked on. But, yeah, for me, I didn’t know any of these girls before I came here, and I’ve got a glimpse of their lives and what football is like for them. For me, while I’m here, I’m continuing to try to improve myself and the people around me and trying to grow the game for the better here and in the Middle East in general,” she emphasized.

    She started playing football at the age of four, joined an academy at eight, and later moved to the US after turning pro at 16. After gaining experience overseas, she returned to play for her hometown club, Leicester City. 

    One of her biggest moments came when she represented Nigeria at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup. 

    Facing England, the country of her birth, was a special moment. Though Nigeria lost on penalties, she cherished the experience of competing at the highest level against players she grew up with.

  • Pandya’s luxury wristwatch steals the show during Pak-India clash

    Pandya’s luxury wristwatch steals the show during Pak-India clash

    The fifth match of the Champions Trophy 2025 between India and Pakistan was scrutinized for every minute detail, including Hardik Pandya’s exceptional bowling that turned the game on its head.

    However, apart from his match-winning performance, another aspect that grabbed everyone’s attention was the luxurious timepiece on his wrist.

    Pakistan won the toss and opted to field first, inviting India to bat. Hardik Pandya played a crucial role in shifting the momentum by dismissing Babar Azam and setting the tone for the match.

    After taking Babar Azam’s wicket, eagle-eyed fans and media noticed a stunning watch on Pandya’s wrist—a Richard Mille RM 27-02. This limited-edition and rare timepiece is worth a staggering $800,000 (approximately 22 crore Pakistani rupees).

    Available on the online platform Gem Nation, the watch is famous for its advanced engineering and superior craftsmanship, making it a collector’s dream.

    The Richard Mille RM 27-02 boasts several impressive features, including Grade 5 titanium bridges, a skeletonized design, and a 70-hour power reserve. Its quartz TPT case gives it a unique black-and-white appearance, making it both a fashion statement and a technical marvel.

    Originally designed for tennis legend Rafael Nadal, the watch features carbon and quartz fibre construction, an anti-reflective sapphire crystal, and shock resistance, making it one of the most durable timepieces in the world.

    Hardik Pandya’s love for high-end watches is an open secret. His collection includes some of the rarest and most expensive timepieces in the world, establishing him as a true connoisseur of luxury watches.

  • ‘I had to escape to save my life’: Singer Ali Haider reveals threats he faced in Pakistan

    ‘I had to escape to save my life’: Singer Ali Haider reveals threats he faced in Pakistan

    Surprising revelations have come to light about the serious threats received by Pakistan’s famous singer, Ali Haider.

    Ali Haider, one of the prominent singers of the 2000s, is still cherished for his timeless songs. His artistry has won the love and admiration of millions.

    In a recent podcast, Ali discussed his musical journey and the challenges he faced in Pakistan, shedding light on the ups and downs of the music industry in the 2000s.

    “I have witnessed every activity that took place in the industry during this period, be it music parties or other immoral activities,” he said.

    He admitted, “I partied at a young age, and my family knew about it, but I always kept myself within limits. Over time, I made big changes in my life, got married very simply, and never flaunted my fame or wealth.”

    Ali Haider made a shocking revelation, saying, “I faced serious security threats in Pakistan, which forced me to migrate to the United States with my family.”

    Elaborating on his experience, he mentioned, “During 2013-14, the security situation in Pakistan was very bad, and I was receiving extortion slips and threats.”

    Recalling a terrifying incident, he said, “I had to escape in a car to save my life. My children were also with me at the time. It was so disturbing that my family became mentally stressed.”

    He explained, “When I got the opportunity to move to America, I immediately accepted it and settled in Houston, Texas, where I reorganized my life and started working in a safe and stable environment.”

    After his revelations, fans have expressed their best wishes for him and appreciated his decision.

  • ‘Whose Rolls-Royce was that?’: Internet speculates as Mohsin Naqvi arrives at Dubai stadium in style

    ‘Whose Rolls-Royce was that?’: Internet speculates as Mohsin Naqvi arrives at Dubai stadium in style

    Speculations are rife as an undated video showed Interior Minister and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi getting off a Rolls-Royce in Dubai.

    Pakistan on Sunday lost arch-rivals India in a one-sided Champions Trophy clash by six wickets. A day prior to the match, PCB chief Naqvi visited the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, where he interacted with Pakistani players and coaching staff.

    During his visit, Naqvi met with the players, offering words of motivation and discussing the team’s progress and preparations. The chairperson also took the opportunity to connect with the coaching staff, ensuring they had the resources and support needed for the team’s continued development.

    While he also observed the team’s practice session, the only thing that caught netizens’ attention was the luxury vehicle the PCB chairperson was spotted getting off of.

    A viral video showed Naqvi stepping out of a Rolls-Royce Cullinan bearing the registration plate ‘55555’.

    Instagram Post

    While netizens share unverified reports regarding the ownership of the vehicle that they claim belong to a United Arab Emirates (UAE) based Pakistani property tycoon, there hasn’t been an official reaction to the same.

    The Current has also reached out to an official concerned; however, a response is awaited.

    Meanwhile, India secured a commanding six-wicket victory over Pakistan in their high-stakes ICC Champions Trophy clash on Sunday, with Virat Kohli delivering a match-winning century that all but ended Pakistan’s title defence.

    After winning the toss and choosing to bat, Pakistan struggled to capitalise on the decision, getting bowled out for 241 runs in 49.4 overs.

    Chasing 242, India’s batting remained in complete control, led by Virat Kohli’s unbeaten 100 off 111 balls. His composed innings ensured India never came under pressure, and they comfortably reached the target with six wickets in hand.

    Apart from him, Shubman Gill scored 46 off 52 balls, while Shreyas Iyer contributed 56 off 67.

    The match result sparked strong reactions from cricket experts, many of whom highlighted India’s superiority and Pakistan’s struggles.

    Legendary fast bowler Wasim Akram also called for major changes to the team. Speaking on Sports Central, Akram criticised Pakistan’s outdated strategies and poor performances, urging bold decisions to rebuild the team ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup.

    “Enough is enough. We have been playing old-fashioned cricket for too long. Now it’s time for bold steps. Bring in fearless young players into white-ball cricket. If we need to make five or six changes, do it. Even if we lose for six months, it’s fine, but we must start preparing for the future,” he said.

    Akram also slammed the PCB and selectors for persisting with underperforming players instead of giving new talent a chance. He highlighted that in Pakistan’s last five ODIs, the bowlers have taken just 24 wickets at an average of 60 runs per wicket — one of the worst records among 14 international teams, including Oman and the United States (US).