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Author: News Desk

  • Parliamentarians want junk food banned in schools

    Parliamentarians want junk food banned in schools

    A sub-committee of the Women’s Parliamentary Caucus (WPC) called for a ban on fizzy drinks ahnd junk food in schools, as Pakistan earns the undesirable rank of the leading country for diabetes. 

    Chaired by Zahra Wadood Fatemi, the panel stressed that sugar consumption must be brought down in the country, pointing towards canned goods, packaged food and fizzy drinks as the prime cause of the “silent killer” disease. 

    The panel recommended bringing regulations on private school canteens up to the same stringent rules that are applied in government schools. 


    The International Diabetes Forum estimates that Pakistan has a diabetes rate of 26.7 percent adults of the population, one of the highest in the world. In 2021, Pakistan had almost 33 million adult diabetic patients. This number is set to balloon to 62 million by 2045 if strict preventive measures are not taken. 

    Fizzy and sugary drinks are one of the main culprits of causing diabetes. A 2010 study showed that the risk of developing diabetes is 26 percent higher for people who consume one or more sugary or fizzy drink per day. 

    Even artificial sweetners, such as are used for ‘Zero’ or ‘Low cal’ versions of these drinks have links to diabetes.

  • Maryam Nawaz, Bilawal Bhutto or Fazlur Rehman: Here is Sher Afzal Marwat’s pick for lunch

    Maryam Nawaz, Bilawal Bhutto or Fazlur Rehman: Here is Sher Afzal Marwat’s pick for lunch

    An undated video circulating on social media shows a reporter asking maverick politician Sher Afzal Marwat whom he would prefer to have lunch with, Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz, Chairman Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari or Chief Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Fazl (JUI-F) Maulana Fazlur Rehman.

    Recently expelled from Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Marwat, known for being forthright, took no time in choosing Bhutto for lunch. “My choice is Bilawal Bhutto,” he said.

    On being asked about the reason behind choosing the Chairman PPP, Marwat asserted, “Bilawal is the son of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto and the grandson of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto (late). This family has made sacrifices for democracy. So I have respect for Bilawal.”

    The reporter then moved to another question. “If Bilawal Bhutto asked you which parliamentarian he should marry, whom would you suggest,” the reporter asked. “I don’t believe that Bilawal should marry a parliamentarian,” Marwat responded.

    When pressed further on whether Chairman PPP should marry someone from the entertainment world or another profession, Marwat said, “I would give my advice privately, not publicly.” However, he did emphasise that Bhutto should get married now.

    The video is going viral on social media, a day after Marwat, while speaking to a private media outlet, had remarked that former Prime Minister (PM) Nawaz Sharif was wrongfully removed, alluding to his 2017 disqualification from power over undeclared assets.

    Marwat said, “Definitely, Nawaz Sharif was wrongfully removed. Removing him for not receiving a salary from his son was [unjustified],” adding that Sharif could have been disqualified in the Panama Papers case or the Avenfield case instead. 

    The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) firebrand further alleged that former Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General (r) Qamar Javed Bajwa was involved in orchestrating Sharif’s removal from office, noting that ex-Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Saqib Nisar facilitated Bajwa. 

    He also alleged that PTI leader Raoof Hassan was removed as the party’s information secretary owing to the fact that he used to record all political committee meetings and then sell them. 

    Asked about who he was selling the information to, Marwat said that Hassan was selling information to media and YouTubers. “He [Hassan] used to inform the establishment about everything,” he alleged.

    Marwat’s statement against PRI leaders came after being expelled from PTI last week. A notification issued on PTI’s official X (formerly Twitter) account had said, “Further to the Show Cause Notice issued to Mr Sher Afzal Marwat and his subsequent reply, the party has considered his reply and also his actions subject to the Show Cause notice.”

     
    “Taking both these aspects into consideration and on the instructions of Founding Chairman Imran Khan, Mr. Sher Afzal Marwat is being expelled from the party with immediate effect.”

  • Hasan Ali accuses PCB of favouritism

    Hasan Ali accuses PCB of favouritism

    Pakistan’s fast bowler Hasan Ali has accused the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) of favouritism, claiming that some players receive special treatment while others are neglected.

    In a podcast on the YouTube channel ‘Cricwick’, Hasan Ali expressed his concerns over the differential treatment given to players recovering from injuries. He specifically pointed out that opener Saim Ayub has been provided “VIP protocol” for his injury, while other players, including himself, were not given similar care.

    Reflecting on his injury struggles, Hasan stated, “I was away from cricket for a long time due to a back injury, but no one from the Pakistan Cricket Board came to support or guide me regarding my treatment. Saim Ayub is injured, and it is the board’s responsibility to take care of him. But can someone tell me if I was not a member of the team in 2020? Was I playing for India?”

    Despite his criticism, Hasan wished Saim well but reiterated his concerns about fairness in player treatment. “You are giving him VIP treatment right now, but if someone else gets injured in the future, will you provide the same level of care? No, you won’t. May Allah bless him with health and fitness, and may he win many matches for Pakistan. But every rise has a fall. If Saim Ayub gets injured again, will you treat him the same way?”

    Hasan Ali suffered a back injury in 2020, which kept him out of action for several months. He was ruled out of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) and international cricket for an extended period.

  • Champions Trophy: Pak vs NZ live stream & match details

    Champions Trophy: Pak vs NZ live stream & match details

    Pakistan is set to face New Zealand in the first match of the Champions Trophy at the National Stadium in Karachi.

    Match Details:

    Venue:  National Stadium Karachi
    Date: February 19, 2025
    Time: 2:00 pm (PST), 2:30 pm (IST), 9:00 am (GMT)

    Earlier this month, New Zealand defeated Pakistan twice in the tri-nation series at the same venue. However, as the home team, Pakistan is still considered the favourite for this match.

    Head to head:

    Both teams have faced each other in 118 ODI matches. Pakistan have the upper hand over New Zealand, winning 61 matches. While the BlackCaps have managed 53 victories, one game has been tied, with three games ending without a result. 

    Key players:

    Mohammad Rizwan will play a crucial role as Pakistan’s captain, leading from the front with the bat and behind the stumps. Babar Azam, one of the most consistent batters, will be key in anchoring the innings, while Fakhar Zaman’s aggressive approach at the top can put pressure on New Zealand early on. Shaheen Afridi’s ability to strike with the new ball and Naseem Shah’s swing will be vital for Pakistan’s bowling attack.

    For New Zealand, Kane Williamson’s experience and ability to control the game make him their most important batter. Mitchell Santner, leading the side, will play a big role both as an all-rounder and captain. Matt Henry’s wicket-taking ability in ODIs against Pakistan makes him a key bowler, while Rachin Ravindra’s all-round skills provide balance to the side.

    Probable Playing XIs

    Pakistan
    Mohammad Rizwan (C & WK), Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Saud Shakeel, Usman Khan, Salman Ali Agha, Faheem Ashraf, Khushdil Shah, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf

    New Zealand
    Kane Williamson, Devon Conway, Tom Latham (WK), Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner (C), Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Michael Bracewell, Will O’Rourke

    TV Broadcast & Live Streaming

    Pakistan – TV: PTV Sports, Ten Sports | Live Streaming: Myco, Tamasha
    India – TV: Star Sports, Sports18 | Live Streaming: JioHotstar
    Bangladesh – TV: Nagorik TV, T Sports | Live Streaming: Toffee
    UAE – TV: CricLife MAX, CricLife MAX2 | Live Streaming: STARZPLAY
    UK – TV: Sky Sports | Live Streaming: SkyGo Now, Sky Sports App
    USA & Canada – TV: Willow TV
    Australia – TV: Amazon
    New Zealand – TV: Sky Sport NZ
    Sri Lanka – TV: Maharaja TV | Live Streaming: Sirasa
    Caribbean – TV: ESPN Caribbean | Live Streaming: ESPN Play

    Pitch report:

    The pitch at Karachi is expected to be batting-friendly for the opening match of the Champions Trophy. With a flat surface and even bounce, batters are likely to dominate, making it ideal for a high-scoring encounter. Bowlers will need to rely on variations and accuracy to contain the opposition, while spinners might get some assistance as the game progresses. Dew could also play a factor under lights, making chasing a preferred option.

  • Jinnah in suede jacket, Aziz Bhatti on a podcast: Pakistani creator brings heroes to life with AI

    Jinnah in suede jacket, Aziz Bhatti on a podcast: Pakistani creator brings heroes to life with AI

    What would a young Quaid-e-Azam look like wearing a suede jacket if his hair was not carefully combed back? What would Aziz Bhatti Shaheed look like with a 5 o’clock stubble, talking on a podcast after a long day of defending the country’s borders? 

    These are questions we never asked because there was no possible way of knowing the answer. But perhaps now we can imagine the unimaginable. 

    AI has opened a world of possibilities, most notably in recreating people long gone from this world. 

    Instagram account @shoaibsaadat posts AI rendered videos on the social media platform. Of late, the account has started sharing haunting yet beautiful videos of our military and civilian heroes in situations and outfits we have never imagined them in. 

    One video shows Jinnah and Iqbal reimagined as they travel through what we presume is the London tube. In one frame, a young Jinnah smiles at the camera, his unruly hair and jacket making him look uber cool. Iqbal, meanwhile, alternates between a gritty working class hero and an Edwardian gentleman. 

    Another poignant video shows military martyrs who received the Nishaan-e-Haider talking in podcast shows. Aziz Bhatti Shaheed has a lock of hair falling over his forehead while Rashid Minhas Shaheed is still wearing his flying goggles on his head. 

    Allama Mohammad Iqbal laughs in one magical video which shows famous Urdu poets attending podcasts. Others featured in the amazing video include a young Parveen Shakir, a handsome Baba Bulleh Shah and Habib Jalib and Faiz being debonair. 

    We hope more people reimagine our history and let us see legendary figures in a new light.

  • Champions Trophy matches: You can’t bring these items to the stadium

    Champions Trophy matches: You can’t bring these items to the stadium

    The long wait for cricket fans is finally over. After 29 years, an International Cricket Council (ICC) event is set to take place in Pakistan as the Champions Trophy kicks off today (Wednesday), featuring eight top teams battling for the prestigious title.

    The opening match of the Trophy will see host nation Pakistan take on New Zealand at Karachi’s National Stadium. All preparations have been finalised, and now, fans eagerly await the moment when the teams take the field.

    A large number of cricket enthusiasts are expected to gather at the National Stadium to witness the opening match. To ensure a smooth event, strict security measures have been implemented.

    To avoid any inconvenience, cricket fans should be aware that certain items are strictly prohibited inside the stadium.

    Here’s a list of things you should not bring with you:

    Spectators are not allowed to carry power banks inside the National Stadium. Security personnel will prevent entry for those carrying these devices.

    AirPods, headphones, or hands-free devices are not permitted inside the stadium. To avoid trouble, fans should leave these items at home.

    Bringing betel nuts (chalia), paan, or gutka into the stadium is strictly prohibited.

    Spectators will not be allowed to bring water bottles, chips, soft drinks, or any other food items inside the stadium.

    The highly anticipated opening match of the ICC Champions Trophy between Pakistan and New Zealand will begin at 2:00 PM Pakistan time.

  • ‘Bushra Bibi kept in isolation to pressurise me,’ Imran Khan alleges

    ‘Bushra Bibi kept in isolation to pressurise me,’ Imran Khan alleges

    Aleema Khan, the sister of incarcerated former Premier Imran Khan, has alleged that former First Lady Bushra Bibi has been denied access to her husband for the past three weeks.

    Speaking outside Adiala Jail Rawalpindi on Tuesday (today), Aleema stated that after they inquired why the meeting had not been held, the jail administration informed them that they had been given orders against Bushra Bibi’s meeting with Imran Khan.

    “Bushra Bibi was placed in isolation to break her down,” Aleema quoted her brother as saying.

    Revealing the purpose behind Bushra’s isolation, she quoted her brother as saying, “They want to pressure me into accepting their demands.” However, when asked about the nature of the demands, Aleema said that Khan was unaware of them.

    She also claimed that she held a protest at the Adiala Jail against the restrictions imposed on Imran Khan’s meeting with Bushra Bibi. “We received a message that if the protest continues, then our meetings with Khan in jail will also be suspended,” she added.

    Additionally, Imran Khan had made it clear that he would not make any deal “no matter how much pressure they exert,” Aleema said, quoting her brother.

    An accountability court in the federal capital sentenced Imran Khan to 14 years in prison and his wife to seven years last month.


     
    The former premier and his wife were fined Rs. 1 million and Rs. 0.5 million, respectively. If they fail to pay the fines, the ex-prime minister will serve an additional six months, while Bushra Bibi will serve three more months.


     
    According to the verdict, ex-PM Imran Khan was convicted of “corrupt practices” and “misuse of authority,” while the former First Lady was sentenced for “involvement in illegal activities.” 


     
    The 148-page verdict mentioned that Bibi’s role was limited to aiding and abetting the corruption offences, which is considered a mitigating circumstance in her sentencing.


     
    Following the announcement of the 190-million-pound verdict, Bushra Bibi was instantly arrested.


     
    It should be noted here that Bushra Bibi was arrested four months after she was released on bail in the Tosha Khana case in October 2024.

  • Mohammad Rizwan shares strategy, confirms opener for Champions Trophy

    Mohammad Rizwan shares strategy, confirms opener for Champions Trophy

    Pakistan cricket team captain Mohammad Rizwan has expressed confidence in his team’s chances at the ICC Champions Trophy. He also confirmed that Babar Azam will open the innings.

    Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday in Karachi, Rizwan said, “We are optimistic about winning the Champions Trophy. Babar Azam is our strongest player for the opening slot, and he will open the innings, but it is not necessary for him to do so against New Zealand.”

    The captain provided an update on pacer Haris Rauf, who was injured during the recent tri-series, clarifying that “Haris is bowling with full energy in practice. He has declared himself fit and assured us that he is not experiencing any discomfort while bowling.”

    Rizwan also emphasised the importance of teamwork and shared responsibility among all players. “We are playing as a team, and for me, all 15 players are captains. But senior players carry more responsibility for performance. We have different options, and we make decisions based on conditions. We are working on correcting our mistakes.”

    The Pakistan captain also highlighted the significance of hosting an ICC event after nearly three decades. “Pakistan is hosting an ICC event after 29 years. During this time, we have achieved many successes. We have won the Champions Trophy and have been the number-one Test team. There should be no doubts about our abilities. The entire nation should enjoy the Champions Trophy,” he said.

    Discussing team strategy, Rizwan stated, “On match day, we focus on eliminating any shortcomings. We are in learning mode, and our playing XI will be selected according to home conditions.”

    Defending the decision to bat first in the tri-series final against New Zealand despite the loss, he explained, “We chose to bat first in the final to identify our weaknesses. We targeted our shortcomings in that game and hope to correct them in the upcoming matches. Moving forward, we need to play our best cricket.”

    Acknowledging areas for improvement, Rizwan noted, “In some areas, we need to improve our professionalism. In the future, we need a full-time opener. There are players in Pakistan from whom we have high expectations.”

    When asked about any potential surprises in the upcoming match, he responded, “No player can be perfect. We don’t plan on doing anything drastically different in tomorrow’s match.”

    Pakistan lost two matches against New Zealand in the tri-series, including the final. Their first match of the Champions Trophy will also be against the Kiwis tomorrow (Wednesday).

  • Lahore High Court CJ angry at privacy breach of rape victims

    Lahore High Court CJ angry at privacy breach of rape victims

    Chief Justice Aalia Neelum of the Lahore High Court has  expressed dissatisfaction that the identity of rape and sexual assault victims is not kept private, adding that maintaining that privacy is very important. 

    The Chief Justice was heading a full bench of the Lahore High Court, looking into the implementation of Anti-Rape Act 2021. 

    While admitting that evidence must be presented in court, she said that video and audio recordings and other evidences must be legally secured under the Qanun-i-Shahadat (the law of evidence). 

    Punjab Prosecutor General Syed Farhad Ali Shah, acting Advocate General of Punjab Baleeghur Rehman Chaudhry and Inspector General of Police Dr Usman Anwar appeared before the bench which also included Justice Ali Zia Bajwa and Justice Farooq Haider. 

    The advocate general submitted a report, stating that it was a federal law with certain gaps.

    Chief Justice Aalia Neelum then said, “This is like putting the court and the nation on a wild goose chase.”

    The court also expressed unhappiness on the absence of the Attorney General who was reportedly in Islamabad. 

    The IGP informed the court that there had been 5,000 cases of abduction and 7,000 honour killings of women.

    He stressed that special officers are being trained to handle investigative matters.

    The bench then adjourned the hearing.

  • VIDEO: Armughan’s father defends shootout with police, accuses Mustafa of selling drugs to son

    VIDEO: Armughan’s father defends shootout with police, accuses Mustafa of selling drugs to son

    Father of the primary accused in the abduction and murder case of Karachi’s 23-year-old Mustafa Amir has defended his son Armughan, saying that he was right to open fire at police to protect his property.

    Speaking to a private media outlet, Kamran Qureshi went on to accuse the victim of supplying drugs to his son, and denied all charges by law enforcement regarding Armughan’s involvement in the murder case.

    On allegations of opening fire at the police during a raid, Qureshi said that his son ran a software house and could not afford losing sensitive data on his laptops to people he could not trust. “Are we nuts?” the murder accused’s father added while casting doubts on the sincerity of the police in protecting people.

    To a question by the reporter, the murder accused’s father said that Armughan and Mustafa used to “party together” and the latter recurrently sold him “five grams of dope for Rs250,000”.

    He, however, clarified that the two were not childhood friends.

    To the details surrounding the case and the confession by his son’s alleged accomplice Shavez Bukhari aka Shiraz, Qureshi said that anyone could be forced to say anything under duress.

    He also levelled serious accusations on the victim’s father, claiming that he had “found out” the “details” after getting to know about the incident.

    Separately, three police officers were suspended and demoted for mishandling the kidnapping and murder case of the 23-year-old.

    Amir was abducted from DHA on Jan 6, and his family received a ransom call two weeks later. During the investigation, police arrested Armughan after a shootout, who claimed that the youth was murdered by his friends.

    Armughan was later sent on remand by an anti-terrorism court, while police presented another suspect, Shiraz, in court, seeking his custody for interrogation.

    On Jan 12, police found an unidentified body in a torched car in Hub, which Balochistan police later handed over to the Edhi Foundation for burial. The unclaimed body was buried at the Edhi graveyard in Karachi on Jan 16.

    Speaking to a private media outlet, Deputy Inspector General of Police (South) Syed Asad Raza said that “three officers were suspended after they failed to achieve any breakthrough in the case”.

    In a video statement released on social media, the victim’s mother said SSP Investigation Ali Hassan was “guilty of victim blaming and failing to take action for 20 days”.

    In response, the DIG acknowledged the video and said that an inquiry would be conducted into the allegations.

    According to two orders issued by DIG South, SHO Abdul Rasheed Pathan and SIO Zulfiqar Ahmed of Darakhshan police station were reverted to the substantive rank of assistant sub-inspectors.

    Whereas, investigation officer ASI Iftikhar Ahmed from the same station was reverted to head constable, pending inquiry/departmental proceedings into their conduct in connection with the Mustafa Amir kidnapping case.