Author: News Desk

  • PCB Chairman offers support to USA cricket

    PCB Chairman offers support to USA cricket

    Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, during his visit to the United States, assured USA Cricket of full support to promote the sport in the country.

    According to reports, during a meeting with the Chief Executive Officer of USA Cricket, both sides agreed to finalize plans for organizing a cricket series between the two nations. Chairman Naqvi expressed PCB’s willingness to assist in every possible way to help cricket grow in the US.

    He also offered to train American cricket coaches in Pakistan, emphasizing PCB’s commitment to strengthening cricket ties between the two countries. Additionally, Naqvi invited the CEO of USA Cricket to visit Pakistan to watch the Champions Trophy. 

    According to Naqvi, there are significant opportunities to promote cricket between Pakistan and the United States. The CEO appreciated the invitation and thanked PCB Chairman for his support.

    Pakistan Super League (PSL) Chief Executive Salman Naseer was also present during the meeting.

    PCB to hold PSL matches in the US: report

    Previously, there were reports that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is planning to host some future Pakistan Super League (PSL) games in the United States (US) to attract potential foreign franchise owners.

    According to reports, the PCB, ahead of the upcoming 10th edition of the league, has already started working towards expanding it by adding two new teams to the 2026 season.

    Two Pakistani individuals active in American cricket have shown interest in buying the new franchises, and discussions in this regard are ongoing.

    While PSL head Salman Naseer is also currently on a trip to the US, among those rumoured to buy the new teams is a key cricket stakeholder in Pakistan, reports said.

    Earlier, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, while attending the inauguration ceremony of US President Donald Trump, met with two Pakistani officials involved in American cricket.

    Most team owners and cricket officials in US cricket are Indians, making it challenging for Pakistan to establish a foothold. However, the PCB believes they cannot leave such a big market solely to India and so they are exploring various opportunities.

    Two new teams to join PSL

    Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has revealed exciting news about the Pakistan Super League (PSL), saying, “We will auction two new teams for the next PSL season.”

    During a ceremony in Sialkot on Sunday, Naqvi said, “We have decided to introduce two new teams in the next PSL season, and we think that one team will belong to Sialkot. The auction process will be transparent, and we are confident this will make the league more competitive and entertaining.”

    “We are committed to upgrading cricket venues across the country to ensure they meet international standards,” Naqvi added.

    The current PSL format features six teams, including Islamabad United, Karachi Kings, Lahore Qalandars, Multan Sultans, Peshawar Zalmi, and Quetta Gladiators. 

    With the addition of new teams next season, the league is set to grow, promising even more excitement and opportunities for players and fans alike.

  • Love, betrayal, and family drama: Nashwa’s journey in ‘Qarz e Jaan’ takes a shocking turn

    Love, betrayal, and family drama: Nashwa’s journey in ‘Qarz e Jaan’ takes a shocking turn

    In the latest episode of Qarz e Jaan, Nashwa is planning her mother, Bisma’s, marriage to Asim. But we worry about how her grandmother and Bakhtiyar will react. Nashwa’s emotions are portrayed beautifully in the drama. The question is, will she have to pay the price by agreeing to marry Ammar and reopening Maheen’s murder case?

    There was a lovely and heartwarming scene where Nashwa and Asim talk. Nashwa, played by Yumna Zaidi, shows determination to fight for her mother’s happiness. She even convinces her grandmother to support Bisma. We learn that Bisma married Behzaad instead of Asim because her grandmother forced her to marry a terminally ill man.

    Faisal Rehman’s return to the screen was wonderful, too. His interaction with Nashwa felt natural and emotional. He reminded us of the good old days of memorable performances.

    Nashwa also seems to acknowledge her feelings for Burhan when she sees him talking to her cousin. The moment leads her to invite Asim to the event at their place, but the connection between these actions is unclear.

    Ammar surprisingly complies with Nashwa’s request by agreeing to empty the room she asked for for a while. This scene is tense as Ammar’s friend awkwardly approaches Nashwa, to which Ammar reacts and kicks his friend out of the house.

    Ammar tells his friend not to bother girls in his family. It highlights a sad reality where some harassers think it’s okay to mistreat women from other families.

    It also brings about another possibility: Could this conflict cause Ammar’s friend to leak information about Maheen’s case? Or will Nashwa see Ammar in a better light?

    The drama shows how widows are mistreated in affluent and educated families. It highlights the stigma that widows bring bad luck and should live without joy.

    Burhan not knowing Nashwa’s identity seems odd since he’s shown to be thorough. Wouldn’t he have found out about her connection to Ammar?

  • Trump administration suspends aid to Pakistan, others

    Trump administration suspends aid to Pakistan, others

    At least 28 assistance programmes have been affected as the Donald Trump administration in the United States (US) has suspended aid to Pakistan among other countries for 90 days.

    According to reports, the move follows a “stop-work” order by the US State Department for all existing foreign assistance.

    “It is the policy of the United States that no further United States foreign assistance shall be disbursed in a manner that is not fully aligned with the foreign policy of the President of the United States [sic],” read the order.

    It, however, allowed an exemption for emergency food assistance and related expenses.

    The pause in assistance has affected at least 11 governance programmes, four projects pertaining to the education sector and another four related to healthcare. Five energy projects, four related to economic growth and another five pertaining to agriculture have also been affected.

    Funds related to democracy and human rights in Pakistan have also been temporarily halted as a result of the suspension.

    The pause in aid risks cutting off billions of dollars of life-saving assistance as the US is the largest single donor of aid globally – disbursing a whopping $72 billion in assistance in 2023.

    According to officials, the suspension is temporary and the future of these projects will be decided after reassessing all aid programmes.

    The State Department has said that Secretary of State Marco Rubio has so far approved waivers for “foreign military financing for Israel and Egypt and administrative expenses, including salaries, necessary to administer foreign military financing”.


     
    These include an annual military aid of $3.3 billion to Israel and about $1.3 billion to Egypt.

  • Shahid Kapoor reveals he felt disrespected on Padmaavat set

    Shahid Kapoor reveals he felt disrespected on Padmaavat set

     
     
    Bollywood actor Shahid Kapoor has opened up about facing disrespect on the set of his blockbuster film Padmaavat after a netizen, Narenda Kulkarni, who claims to have been part of the film crew, shared his perspective. 
     
     
    While promoting his upcoming film Deve, the Udta Punjab actor shared that he was not appreciated before the success of Kabir Singh. Although Shahid Kapoor didn’t name anyone directly, many think he was referring to his time on the Padmaavat set.
     
     
    Shahid Kapoor admitted, “Before Kabir Singh released, I felt like I was being treated as if I wasn’t capable of performing well.”
     
     
    Narendra Kulkarni, who claims to have been part of the Padmaava crew, stated that although Shahid was an excellent and hardworking actor, he wasn’t in his best phase during the film.
    Kulkarni said that while Ranveer Singh was at the height of his career, getting the freedom to shoot as he pleased, Shahid had to complete his scenes in a more structured way.
     
     
    He also mentioned that during one instance on set, when Shahid voiced his concerns, director Sanjay Leela Bhansali reportedly responded with a disrespectful remark.
     
     
    Shahid’s fans praised his performance as Maharawal Ratan Singh in Padmaavat. However, the new claims have sparked debates, with some social media users criticizing his co-stars, while others discuss the atmosphere on set during the filming of the movie.
     
     
    In Padmaatvat, Shahid Kapoor played the role of Maharawal Ratan Singh alongside Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh. 
     
    The film was written and directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali.
  • Chinese AI app DeepSeek shakes up US tech market

    Chinese AI app DeepSeek shakes up US tech market

    DeepSeek, an AI-powered chatbot by a Chinese company, has become the most downloaded free app on Apple’s store in the US since its launch in January.

    The app’s rapid rise in popularity and its lower development cost compared to US-based AI companies have caused uncertainty in financial markets.

    What is DeepSeek?

    DeepSeek is a Chinese artificial intelligence company based in Hangzhou. Founded in July 2023, its popular chatbot app launched in the US on January 10, 2024.

    The app functions like ChatGPT, answering user questions and assisting with various tasks. Users have praised it for adding personality to writing, though it avoids politically sensitive topics, such as the Tiananmen Square incident.

    The company was founded by Liang Wenfeng, a 40-year-old engineering graduate who previously launched a hedge fund. He built DeepSeek using a stockpile of Nvidia A100 chips paired with cheaper alternatives, significantly reducing costs.

    DeepSeek claims its AI models rival top US models at a fraction of the cost. While US companies spend billions, DeepSeek’s app was reportedly developed for just $6 million.

    Since its release, the free app has topped Apple’s download charts in the US, though some users have reported issues signing up.

    DeepSeek’s success has caused concern for US companies like Nvidia, known for producing high-performance AI chips. On January 27, Nvidia’s stock dropped 17 per cent, losing nearly $600 billion in value—the biggest one-day loss for any company in US history.

    DeepSeek’s use of cheaper chips challenges the belief that only expensive, advanced chips can drive AI progress, creating uncertainty about the future of the AI market.

  • Saif Attack case: Police track down woman who aided the attacker

    Saif Attack case: Police track down woman who aided the attacker

    Mumbai Police are investigating the attack on Bollywood star Saif Ali Khan, who was stabbed by an intruder in his home in January.

    Latest Indian media reports reveal they have reached out to a woman from West Bengal allegedly linked to the attacker, Sharaful Islam.

    The attacker, Sharaful Islam, a Bangladeshi national, has been arrested for “illegally entering India and attacking Saif Ali Khan.”

    Sources disclosed that the woman, identified as Sheikh Khokomuni from the Nadia district, aided Islam by providing him with mobile SIM cards. Police traced her address through the SIM card used by the attacker during his stay in India.

    According to police, Sharaful Islam crossed into India illegally through Meghalaya about seven months ago by traversing the Dao River. During interrogation, he confessed to adopting the alias “Biju Das” in India, staying in West Bengal for a few weeks before moving to Mumbai.

    In Mumbai, the accused lived in areas where no identity documentation was required. Police stated, “The SIM card provided by Sheikh Khokomuni enabled Islam to communicate and evade detection despite his illegal entry.”

    Authorities are continuing their investigation into the incident.

    Film star Saif Ali Khan was seriously injured after being stabbed at his residence on January 16. He underwent hospital treatment for five days and is now recovering at home.

  • Khushhal Khan wins big in boxing debut

    Khushhal Khan wins big in boxing debut

    Khushhal Khan just proved he’s more than a talented actor — he’s a rising star in the boxing world, knocking out his opponent Bashar Khan with an unforgettable debut victory.

    On 25 January, the Duniyapur actor participated in an amateur boxing match at the International Boxing Event held at DHA Phase 6 Sports Complex, Lahore.

    His fans were captivated not only by his on-screen performances but also by the incredible physical training and discipline he brought to the ring.

    Khan posted a video collage of his boxing journey, thanking everyone who helped him get there:

    “ALHAMDILILLAH For honestly everything
    For you guys, for my Family, for my Friends, for the people who believed in this…. and for those who didn’t.” 


    “Soo many of you had put your time and effort into making this happen, and we will do it again. Together INSHA ALLAH.
    .
    Usman, this one’s for you and you made it happen!
    Proud of you
    I want to say alot but I’ll keep that for later. For now let’s enjoy 1-0. ”

    The event was electrifying, with celebrities from the entertainment industry, such as Ali Raza, Sehar, and Hamza Sohail, cheering for Khushhal Khan.

    With this victory, Khushhal Khan proved he’s not only a star on screen but also a champion in the ring.

  • She’s back; Neelam Muneer returns to acting after marriage

    She’s back; Neelam Muneer returns to acting after marriage

    Actress Neelam Muneer has ended her fairytale wedding celebrations in Dubai and returned to working in the entertainment industry. She expressed her excitement to resume work with a fresh perspective.


    Taking to Instagram, Neelam thanked her fans, friends, and industry colleagues for their warm wishes on her marriage. She shared a new photo, marking her comeback, and wrote, “I had a wonderful time away, but now I am back and excited to work with a fresh outlook.”
    She acknowledged the love she has received throughout her acting career and expressed a desire to continue nurturing that bond through future projects. “I feel grateful for all the love acting has brought into my life, and I’m thrilled to dive back into work to expand on that love,” she added.


    Neelam had temporarily stepped away from the industry to focus on her personal life, but she is now preparing to make a strong comeback. She thanked her fans, relatives, and social media influencers for their support during her break.


    She recently married Muhammad Rashid, a Dubai-based Pakistani officer working in the Crime Investigation Department of Dubai Police. Their love story culminated in an intimate ceremony in Dubai.


    Neelam Muneer’s announcement has sparked excitement among her fans, with many eagerly anticipating her return to screens.

  • Video: Uzbek Grandmaster Nodirbek Yakubboev refuses to shake hands with Indian Grandmaster

    Video: Uzbek Grandmaster Nodirbek Yakubboev refuses to shake hands with Indian Grandmaster

    A notable incident occurred during the Tata Steel Chess Tournament when Uzbek Grandmaster Nodirbek Yakubboev refused to shake hands with Indian Grandmaster R Vaishali, sparking widespread discussion on social media.

    The event unfolded when Yakubboev approached the table for his match against Vaishali. As the Indian Grandmaster extended her hand for a handshake, Yakubboev declined with a gesture, which was captured on video and quickly went viral online.

    Following the video’s circulation, Yakubboev faced criticism for his actions. Addressing the controversy, he posted a detailed clarification on the microblogging platform X (formerly Twitter).

    ازبک گرینڈ ماسٹر کا بھارتی خاتون حریف سے مصافحہ سے انکار، ویڈیو وائرل

    He wrote, “Dear chess friends, I want to explain the situation that happened in the game with Vaishali. With all due respect to women and Indian chess players, I want to inform everyone that I do not touch other women for religious reasons.   I respect Vaishali and her brother as the strongest chess players in India. If I have offended her with my behaviour, I apologize. I have some additional explanations. Chess is not haram. “

    “What I did before (referring to the game with Divya in 2023 and cases like that) I consider it wrong for me. I do what I need to do. I do not insist others not to shake hands with the opposite gender or for women to wear hijab or burqa. It is their business what to do,” he further stated.

  • Butcher murdered by wife, son

    Butcher murdered by wife, son

    A woman from Vehari, Punjab, helped her teenage son to murder her husband on Sunday. 


     The 15-year-old boy allegedly killed his father using a sharp weapon in collaboration with his mother. Both the suspects have been arrested by the police. 


    The incident happened near Gaggo Mandi where the police received a report on Friday morning regarding the alleged murder of a butcher named Tahir in the 88 WB area.


    An initial report suggested that the victim was brutally slaughtered with a sharp weapon by unknown suspects. 


    Taking swift action, the Station House Officer (SHO) Farooq Ramzan of Gaggo Mandi Police Station reached the scene and started the investigation. 


    The police report details that the victim’s body was found tied to a pole on the veranda of his home near livestock area. 


    The victim’s family members told the police that Tahir had been restrained and slain. The police investigating team started a probe, conducted forensic examinations, collected evidence, and shifted the body to the hospital for an autopsy. 


    Shortly after that, the police apprehended the victim’s wife, Sajida Bibi and the couple’s 15-year-old son for interrogation. The suspects confessed to the crime.


    A police official told the media that the slain man’s wife alleged that her husband was involved in immoral acts with their daughters, and when they confronted him, he started threatening them.


    She stated in front of the investigating team that these actions provoked her to take the extreme step.


    The police said that the murder weapon was recovered from the suspects’ possession. 

    The victim is said to be the father of two sons and five daughters. His funeral was held in his ancestral village, Chak 90 WB.


    The results of the autopsy report are still awaited. 

    Police will continue to investigate the case further.