Author: News Desk

  • Babar Azam requests fans to stop calling him ‘King’

    Babar Azam requests fans to stop calling him ‘King’

    Pakistan cricket team’s star batsman Babar Azam has requested fans to stop referring to him as “King.”

    Following Pakistan’s victory against South Africa in the tri-series, Babar spoke about his performance and mindset while batting. “Whenever I go out to bat, my focus is always on scoring well. Unfortunately, I haven’t been able to finish games,” he admitted. “Today, Rizwan and Salman played really well, and such performances boost the team’s confidence.”

    Babar also addressed the “King” title given to him by fans, saying, “Please stop calling me ‘King.’ I am not a king yet. We will see when I leave the game.”

    Speaking about his role as an opener, Babar explained that he was given a new responsibility based on the team’s requirements. “When you build an innings, you get a better idea of the game and the pitch. I always try to play well, but I haven’t been able to convert my starts into big innings.”

    The former captain also revealed how he mentally approaches his performances. “I often talk to myself about how to overcome such situations. Whatever I have done in the past is history. If I stay stuck in my previous performances, I won’t be able to perform in the future,” he said. “Every day brings a new plan and a new mindset. Successfully chasing a big total gives confidence, and I try to take that forward,” he added.

    Pakistan defeated South Africa in the third ODI of the tri-nation series at the National Stadium, Karachi, on Wednesday with a stunning performance. 

    Playing first, South Africa scored 352 runs, losing five wickets.

    In response, Pakistan chased down the target in the 49th over, losing just four wickets. 

    Captain Mohammad Rizwan and vice-captain Salman Ali Agha played outstanding unbeaten centuries, guiding their team to a remarkable win.

    This was Pakistan’s highest run chase in ODIs.

  • Atif Aslam breaks the internet with hilarious acting in funny video

    Atif Aslam breaks the internet with hilarious acting in funny video

    We all know that Atif Aslam is an absolute beast when it comes to belting out one hit song after another. 

    But did you know that there is also a playful side to the superstar? If you didn’t, you have to see the video he posted on Instagram. 

    The video shows Atif hitting a cracker of a cricket shot in a park. “Boys mood after hitting that one shot ” pops up on screen followed by a hilarious montage in which Atif keeps on reenacting his action all day. 

    Looking almost love-struck, Atif repeats the action while eating ganderi, riding a children’s amusement park ride and sitting on a swing. 

    And he NAILS what every man in this cricket-obsessed region does all day after playing the game. 

    The video, titled “Cricket fever is here and everyone has it” was put up just as Pakistan gears up to host the Champions Trophy, ICC’s  most prestigious event after the World Cup.  

    More than 20.5 million people have seen the video at the time of filing this story. Fans from India and Pakistan flooded the comment section with praise. The video even made its way to politics-obsessed Twitter, garnering rave reviews from fans. 

    All we can say is, you keep on being you, Atif. There’s no one better.

  • Justice Azmat Saeed passes away

    Justice Azmat Saeed passes away

    Former Justice of the Supreme Court of Pakistan, Azmat Saeed Sheikh, passed away on Wednesday in Lahore, multiple media reports have stated, citing sources in his family. 

    The retired Justice was reportedly receiving treatment in a private hospital since a few days. 

    Azmat Saeed served as a Justice of the Supreme Court from 2012 till his retirement in 2019. Before serving in the apex court, he had served as the Chief Justice of the Lahore High Court.

    Funeral arrangements have not been announced as of yet.

  • Here’s how Indians are reacting to Pakistan’s stunning win over South Africa

    Here’s how Indians are reacting to Pakistan’s stunning win over South Africa

    Pakistan defeated South Africa in the third ODI of the tri-nation series at the National Stadium, Karachi with a stunning performance. 

    Playing first, South Africa scored 352 runs, losing five wickets.

    In response, Pakistan chased down the target in the 49th over, losing just four wickets. 

    After losing three wickets for just 91 runs, South Africa had the upper hand. However, captain Mohammad Rizwan and vice-captain Salman Ali Agha turned the game around. Both players scored centuries, leading Pakistan to a comfortable victory over the Proteas.

    The win not only surprised Pakistani fans but also left Indian fans shocked by the Green Shirts’ performance.

    Here’s how Indians are reacting to arch-rivals Pakistan’s victory:

  • Pakistan stun South Africa to qualify for tri-nation series final

    Pakistan stun South Africa to qualify for tri-nation series final

    Pakistan secured a spot in the final of the tri-nation series with a dominant six-wicket victory over South Africa. 

    Captain Mohammad Rizwan and vice-captain Salman Ali Agha played outstanding unbeaten centuries, guiding their team to a remarkable win.

    Batting first, South Africa out up a challenging target of 353 runs after winning the toss. Their innings started well, but Pakistani bowlers managed to take crucial wickets at important moments. Tony de Zorzi was the first to depart after scoring 22 runs, caught by Agha Salman off Shaheen Shah Afridi. 

    Temba Bavuma looked strong with 82 runs but was run out by Saud Shakeel. Matthew Breetzke contributed 83 runs before being caught by Agha Salman off Khushdil Shah’s bowling. Wiaan Mulder could only manage two runs before falling to Shaheen Afridi, while Heinrich Klaasen played a brilliant knock of 87 before being caught by Shaheen off Naseem Shah. Kyle Verreynne remained unbeaten on 44, while Corbin Bosch finished with 15 not out.

    In response, Pakistan chased the target in the 49th over, losing just four wickets. 

    Pakistan is now set to face New Zealand in the final of the tri-nation tournament on Friday.

  • Sarfaraz Ahmed joins Champions Trophy as ICC ambassador

    Sarfaraz Ahmed joins Champions Trophy as ICC ambassador

    Former Pakistan captain Sarfaraz Ahmed, who led the national team to its first-ever Champions Trophy victory in 2017, has been appointed as an ambassador for the upcoming 2025 version of the mega event.

    As per the details, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has officially announced Sarfaraz as one of the ambassadors for the tournament to be hosted by Pakistan from Feb 19.

    Alongside Sarfaraz, former Indian cricketer Shikhar Dhawan, New Zealand’s Tim Southee and Australia’s Shane Watson have also been given ambassadorial roles.

    It merits a mention that Sarfaraz holds a unique record of leading Pakistan to two ICC trophies – the 2017 Champions Trophy and the 2006 U-19 World Cup.

    While Sarfaraz’s leadership and contributions to Pakistan cricket have earned him this prestigious role for the upcoming tournament, fans cannot keep calm as the country gears up to host the first global cricketing event since 1996.

    The opening match of the Champions Trophy is scheduled for the National Stadium in Karachi where defending champions Pakistan will face New Zealand.

  • VIDEO: French president’s Modi handshake snub goes viral

    VIDEO: French president’s Modi handshake snub goes viral

    A viral video has shown French President Emmanuel Macron ignoring a handshake with Indian Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi, sparking mixed reactions online.

    As per the details, the footage showed Macron greeting foreign leaders with a handshake at the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Action Summit in Paris. However, he ignored Modi despite the latter’s attempts to shake his hand.

    Macron was seen shaking hands with leaders in the row right behind Modi while the rather confused Indian premier looks on, abruptly starting to wave moments later. To counter the awkwardness, Modi was then seen turning to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who shook his hand.

    While some internet users call it an embarrassment for Modi, others seem curious about the alleged snub. A user on X (formerly Twitter) asked, “French President Macron ignored Modi while Modi offered a handshake while sitting! Isn’t this an international embarrassment?”

    “French President Emmanuel Macron didn’t shake hands with PM Modi despite being attempted multiple times by him. This is a blatant disregard of PM at the world forum [sic],” said another user.

    A third user wondered if the snub was related to any diplomatic tensions or was simply an awkward moment.

    “Emmanuel Macron shouldn’t have done this with World Number 1 leader Narendra Modi G tried three times to shake hands with him, but he intentionally ignored. Sh@me on you, Macron [sic],” wrote a user.

    Another opined that it was diplomatic blunder by Modi. “Macron greets leaders but skips Modi’s handshake. A telling moment on the world stage! India’s global image under BJP keeps taking hits.”

    “French President Macron shook hands with world leaders but blatantly ignored Indian PM Modi. Macron’s software refused to detect Modi,” quipped one.

    Meanwhile, some tweeted that the Indian PM had already shaken hands before the clip was recorded, and the two later entered the conference hall together, greeting other leaders.

    “Why was Modi getting up to shake hands again, then? Emmanuel Macron ignored him for the second time and met other leaders. If he already met with Modi, then why did he try for the second time? Don’t work like Modi’s PR agency,” replied a user.

  • Meera was banned from UK for 10 years ‘over confusion during immigration interview in English’

    Meera was banned from UK for 10 years ‘over confusion during immigration interview in English’

    Star Pakistani actor Meera was a decade ago banned from entering the United Kingdom (UK) over confusion during an immigration interview in English, Geo News reported Wednesday.

    According to the report, Syeda Irtiza Rubab, known by her stage name Meera, was refused entry by the UK and subjected to “restriction of movements” for 10 years, which her family blames on “confusion out of an English language interview” during which both the actor and interviewing officer could not understand each other.

    The report quoted Meera’s mother Shafqat Zahra Bukhari as making a heartfelt appeal to the UK High Commission in Pakistan to grant her daughter a visa so she could travel to the UK to meet her family and work commitments.

    The actor’s suffering, however, did not end after the 10-year ban, reports said, as Meera was also refused a visit visa later when her travel agent entered false information into the application.

    While Meera’s younger sister lives in Germany, the youngest sister is a qualified solicitor in London and her mother also lives mostly in the UK at the house the family bought with Meera’s money several years ago, the ban has kept the actor from entering the country.

    “[Now] the entry ban is finished. Meera should be allowed to enter the UK. There are several film projects she plans to do in the UK. These projects are on hold because Meera has a central role and these can only be completed when Meera is in the UK,” Meera’s mother told Geo News’ Murtaza Ali Shah.

    To a question about reason behind the ban, Meera’s mother said that her daughter couldn’t understand the language when asked questions in English. “The immigration officer at the Heathrow airport asked her about ‘transit’ but Meera kept mentioning ‘transaction’ in response.”

    “She had to travel somewhere else. She asked for a transaction. I believe that both sides misunderstood each other. Meera didn’t give my full name to the immigration officer as well when asked about the mother’s full name. They kept asking the same question and Meera couldn’t grasp it.”

    Zahra went on to say that Meera’s English wasn’t that good 10 years ago, but since then, she has been in the US for 10 years, and she speaks fluently now.

    “Several investors and businessmen here want to invest in Meera’s films and have been approaching her,” she said, adding that Meera should be given a visa by the UK government so she could continue her film and drama work.

    Meera, the report added, had confirmed hiring a new lawyer who was working on her new application for a visit to the UK.

  • Aseefa Bhutto Zardari only MNA not receiving monthly salary

    Aseefa Bhutto Zardari only MNA not receiving monthly salary

    First Lady and member of Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Aseefa Bhutto Zardari is the only Member of the National Assembly (MNA) among 314 legislators who is not receiving a monthly salary.

    A media report claims that 313 lawmakers, including Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) supremo and former premier Nawaz Sharif, are receiving salaries from the government. 

    Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC), Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), and independent candidates had submitted a written demand for a hike in salaries, said the media report.

    President Aif Ali Zardari’s daughter, Aseefa, youngest sister of PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, was elected unopposed in the by-election held on National Assembly seat NA-207 in Nawabshah, Sindh.

    Two months after being sworn in as an MNA, Aseefa declared in June last year that she will not take any salaries or allowances. “I will not take any salary or allowances as a member,” she said in a letter addressed to the Secretary General of the NA.

    Meanwhile, the lower house of parliament on Tuesday passed the Members of Parliament Salaries and Allowances (Amendment) Bill 2025, increasing lawmakers’ salaries from PKR180,000 to PKR519,000.

    As per media reports, the bill was presented by Romina Khurshid Alam in the Lower House. Federal Minister for Law and Justice Azam Nazeer Tarar did not oppose the proposed legislation.

    During the session, PTI lawmakers raised slogans and tore copies of the agenda, calling the assembly a “fake parliament.” In response, the Law Minister challenged the lawmakers to not take their salaries if they believed that the assembly was illegitimate.

    The National Assembly’s Finance Committee, headed by Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, approved the proposed increase in the monthly salary of each MNA and senator.

    The bill, which amended the Members of Parliament (Salaries and Allowances) Act, 1974 [The Members of Parliament (Salaries and Allowances) (Amendment) Bill, 2025], was already passed by the Senate before being tabled at the NA.

    It should be mentioned here that the Punjab Assembly In December had also passed an amendment bill for a hefty increase in financial perks and privileges of elected members, the Speaker, Deputy Speaker, ministers, parliamentary secretaries, special assistants and advisers.

    Following the passage of the bill, a provincial minister’s salary increased to PKR960,000 from PKR100,000. The Speaker’s salary was increased from PKR125,000 to PKR950,000, whereas the Deputy Speaker will draw PKR775,000 instead of PKR120,000. The monthly salary of MPAs also increased from PKR76,000 to PKR400,000.

  • Social media in frenzy after realising Mariyam Nafees’ husband was Bushra Ansari’s son-in-law

    Social media in frenzy after realising Mariyam Nafees’ husband was Bushra Ansari’s son-in-law

    Actress Mariyam Nafees has been in headlines since after her maternity photoshoot went viral. However, amid all the wishes and prayers, her husband Amaan Ahmed’s past has sent social media into frenzy as some netizens fail to let the couple keep its private life private.

    As per the details, social media users are losing it over the revelation that Ahmed was previously married, and was the son-in-law of veteran Pakistani actress Bushra Ansari. The revelation came as Nafees shared a picture of her passport during her trip to the United States (US) for the birth of her child.

    While some chose to criticise her, suggesting she was “seeking citizenship for her baby”, one user went on to claim that her husband was already an American and the ex-husband of Bushra Ansari’s daughter.

    Media outlets were quick to begin fixating on the revelation and report that Ahmed got married to Meera Ansari in early 2000s and have two children with her. 

    The marriage, reports said, did not last long and in November 2020, Meera remarried in New York.

    It merits a mention that Ansari has often expressed regret over her daughters’ first marriages but has also mentioned that Meera’s second husband is very supportive and honourable.

    Amaan Ahmed married Nafees in 2022. The couple is now expecting their first child.