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Author: News Desk

  • 2.8 million tola gold reserve discovered in Punjab

    2.8 million tola gold reserve discovered in Punjab

    The Punjab government has announced the discovery of gold reserves worth Rs800 billion in the province.

    Punjab’s Minister for Mines and Minerals, Sardar Sher Ali Gorchani, stated that approximately 2.8 million tolas of gold reserves were found during a geological survey in Attock.

    The Geological Survey of Pakistan reported the discovery of these gold reserves, and the National Engineering Services Pakistan (NESPAK) confirmed it through corroboration.

    Elaborating on the location of the gold reserves, the minister explained that they are located at the confluence of the Kabul and Indus Rivers, spanning a 32-kilometer-wide area in Attock.

    The provincial minister further revealed that a high-level committee has been formed to auction the project next month. However, this will only be possible after approval from the provincial cabinet, with the plan set to be presented at the next cabinet meeting. He added that the ministry aims to attract bidders through an international advertisement campaign.

    While speaking to a private news outlet, the provincial minister mentioned that NESPAK and other firms will be hired for further verification of the reserves’ value.

    The auction committee is expected to be chaired by the Attock deputy commissioner.

    Addressing incidents of illegal gold extraction in the area, the minister revealed that the Punjab government has imposed Section 144 to prevent theft. He assured that the situation is now under control, with no recent reports of unauthorized activities in the region.

    Gorchani also stated that Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif will be briefed about this major breakthrough in the coming days.

    Former Minister for Mines and Minerals Ibrahim Hassan Murad also posted about the discovery on X (formerly Twitter). “This revelation, validated by the Geological Survey of Pakistan, highlights the immense potential of Punjab’s natural resources,” Murad wrote while adding that the Geological Survey Pakistan had conducted sampling from 127 sites in the area.

    Murad remarked enthusiastically, “This milestone marks a significant step towards unlocking Pakistan’s mineral wealth, setting the stage for economic revitalisation and new opportunities for future generations.”

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  • Why did Emmad Irfani quit cricket after training with legends

    Why did Emmad Irfani quit cricket after training with legends

    Dreams can be big, but they can all shatter with a single injury. For actor Emmad Irfani, an ankle injury ended his hopes of becoming a cricket star alongside legends like Aamer Sohail and Waqar Younis.

    In a recent interview on Mazaq Raat, hosted by Imran Ashraf, the star reflected on his journey from aspiring cricketer to a celebrated actor, revealing the heartbreaking reason he had to let go of his first love, cricket.

    “I played at the junior level, but injuries are inevitable in fast bowling. Life is all about timing,” Irfani shared. While training under his coach, Imtiaz Ahmed, he practised alongside cricketing legends Aamer Sohail, Saeed Anwar, and Waqar Younis.

    He was just one step away from securing a spot on the national team when an ankle stress fracture sidelined him indefinitely.

    “The healing time was 12 to 18 months. In such a competitive field, being away for that long wasn’t wise. I realised I had to let go of my dream,” the Jaan-e-Jahaan actor explained.

    Imtiaz Ahmed encouraged Irfani after a tough training camp, telling him, “The reason for sending you [to the camp] was to make you realise that you are not too far behind.”

    But despite the reassurance, the injury marked the end of his cricket aspirations.

    Reflecting on that tough period, Emmad Irfani said, “It was difficult. I suffered but learned a lot. Life taught me that nothing stays permanent; everything is temporary.”

     Earlier, actor and model Emmad Irfani has captivated audiences for years with his looks and remarkable acting talent.


    During the interview with Haute Talk the host asked the former supermodel about the tragic death of his son. “You went through a personal tragedy, and I don’t know how comfortable you are talking about it, but could you share how it impacted your work?”

    Getting emotional about his son Zaviyar’s passing, Emmad replied,
    “Yes, his death did affect my work. And I will just say don’t cry because it’s worse, smile because it just happened. He was an angel sent from the heavens. Before that, I think he taught me a lot about life; before that, I was snowboarding through life. After becoming a father, I realized why I was here, and I believe that this is the power of true unconditional love. You work on yourself, you become better, and you realize that there are people who depend on you. He came for a specific purpose, and he wanted to tell me to make something out of myself.”

  • ‘Nonsense,’ Yuvraj Singh’s father slams Aamir Khan’s Taare Zameen Par

    ‘Nonsense,’ Yuvraj Singh’s father slams Aamir Khan’s Taare Zameen Par

    It looks like even Bollywood classics aren’t spared from Yograj Singh’s fiery opinions as he’s now bowled a bouncer at Taare Zameen Par, and it’s not going over the boundary.

    Legendary Indian cricketer Yuvraj Singh’s father, Yograj Singh, has deemed Bollywood star Aamir Khan’s film Taare Zameen Par nonsense, stating that he does not watch such films.

    He recently shared his views on Bollywood movies, particularly expressing his dislike for Aamir Khan’s Taare Zameen Par.

    While discussing raising children, he said, “The child will become what the father says,” implying that a father’s influence plays a crucial role in a child’s development.

    The film Taare Zameen Par, released in 2007, highlighted the condition of dyslexia.

    In the movie, Aamir Khan played the role of art teacher Ram Shankar Nikumbh, who helps student Ishaan Awasthi overcome his dyslexia and unleash his potential. Child star Darsheel Safary portrayed the role of Ishaan Awasthi.

    Aamir Khan is now working on a sequel to the film titled Satare Zameen Par. This new movie will focus on Down syndrome. While acknowledging that the themes of both films are similar, Aamir Khan has claimed that the sequel will be ten times better in terms of entertainment, with a blend of sadness and comedy. He added that his role in this film will focus on helping all children instead of just one.

    The sequel was initially planned for release in December 2024, but Aamir Khan has decided to postpone it to summer 2025 to ensure the film is perfected.

  • Usman Qadir moves to Australia for better cricket future

    Usman Qadir moves to Australia for better cricket future

    Pakistani cricketer Usman Qadir has moved to Australia to pursue a better future in cricket. 

    He has settled in New South Wales while playing for the Hawkesbury club in Sydney.

    Usman has previously played for South Australia and participated in the Big Bash League (BBL), representing Perth and Adelaide. He also had the honour of playing for Australia’s Prime Minister’s XI.

    Last October, Usman announced his retirement from Pakistan cricket, citing disappointment. Speaking about his decision, Usman said, “Cricket is my livelihood, and I have come to Australia with plans for my future. I am hopeful and determined to find good opportunities in cricket here.”

    Usman’s family will soon join him Down Under. 

    Usman had earlier returned to Pakistan from Australia to fulfil the wishes of his late father, Abdul Qadir, who wanted to see him play for Pakistan. 

    During his time with the national team, Usman represented Pakistan in one ODI and 25 T20 International matches.

  • Sarfaraz Ahmed returns to Quetta Gladiators for PSL 10

    Sarfaraz Ahmed returns to Quetta Gladiators for PSL 10

    The drafting process for the 10th edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) has been completed, revealing that Quetta Gladiators has re-selected former Pakistan captain Sarfaraz Ahmed. 

    The Gladiators are now preparing to appoint Sarfaraz as their head coach for the upcoming season.

    The decision comes after Australian cricket legend Shane Watson stepped down from the head coach role citing other professional commitments. Watson had to withdraw, prompting the Gladiators’ management to turn to Sarfaraz for leadership.

    Sarfaraz has had a long association with Quetta Gladiators, playing with the team since nine years. 

    He captained the team for eight seasons and led them to their first-ever PSL championship in 2019. Under his captaincy, the team played 86 matches with Sarfaraz contributing 1,525 runs.

    Before the drafting process for the current season, Quetta Gladiators had released Sarfaraz from their squad.

    This was the first time in nine years that he was part of the draft, but none of the franchises picked him as a player. However, the Gladiators have now brought him back in a new role as head coach, marking the beginning of a new chapter for both Sarfaraz and the team.

  • Former spinner Abdur Rehman appointed Pakistan’s spin bowling coach

    Former spinner Abdur Rehman appointed Pakistan’s spin bowling coach

    The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has appointed former Test spinner Abdur Rehman as the spin bowling coach for the national cricket team. 

    Rehman, a left-arm spinner, had an impressive career from 2006 to 2014, claiming 140 wickets across Test, ODI, and T20 formats for Pakistan. 

    He has now joined the team in Multan as they prepare for the upcoming Test series against West Indies, reports said.

    While he was part of the coaching staff for the Pakistan women’s cricket team earlier, his new appointment marks his first role as a spin bowling coach for the national men’s side.

    The Pakistan cricket team, led by Shan Masood, is in Multan for the first Test match against West Indies on January 17.

    The selection committee has announced a 15-member squad, including three spinners: Nauman Ali, Abrar Ahmed and Sajid Khan.

  • From books to box office: Bollywood stars who chose dreams over degrees

    From books to box office: Bollywood stars who chose dreams over degrees

    They say knowledge is power, but try paying your bills with a GPA.

    While education can illuminate the path to success, it doesn’t always guarantee a one-way ticket. For some, the allure of lights, cameras, and the big screen outweighs the classroom.

    Several Bollywood stars swapped lectures for the limelight, proving that ambition and talent can create a world of opportunities, even without a traditional degree. Here are some of the inspiring journeys:

    Salman Khan

    Salman Khan left St. Xavier’s College in Mumbai to pursue acting. His first film, Biwi Ho To Aisi, released in 1988, marked the start of his successful career.

    Kareena Kapoor Khan

    Kareena Kapoor Khan started studying commerce at Mithibai College in Mumbai but dropped out to take a short-acting course. She quickly became a successful actress without completing her education.

    Aamir Khan

    Aamir Khan, known as Bollywood’s Mr. Perfectionist, left his studies at Narsee Monjee College to join the film industry. His debut film, Qiyamat Se Qiyamat Tak, brought him instant fame.

    Deepika Padukone

    Deepika Padukone chose modeling and acting over completing her arts degree at Mount Carmel College in Bangalore. This decision became a turning point in her career.

    Ranbir Kapoor

    Ranbir Kapoor studied till 10th grade, after which he went abroad to study filmmaking. He returned to India without finishing his education and debuted in Bollywood with ‘Saawariya.’

    Rekha

    Rekha entered the film industry at the age of 14 without completing her education. She became a successful actress and earned a lot without formal education.

    Arjun Kapoor

    Arjun Kapoor lost interest in education after the 10th grade. He dropped out of Narsee Monjee College, Mumbai, and started his career in the film industry. He debuted as an actor in the film ‘Ishqzaade.’

  • Ihsanullah takes U-turn on retirement, PSL boycott

    Ihsanullah takes U-turn on retirement, PSL boycott

    Pakistani pacer Ihsanullah has taken back his decision to boycott the Pakistan Super League (PSL), saying, he made the statement “in the heat of the moment”.

    “I made the statement in the heat of the moment,” he said during an interview with a private media outlet.

    Backtracking on his decision to retire, Ihsan expressed determination to make a comeback and also apologised to his franchise. “I made the statement out of frustration. Now, I aim to work hard and secure my place in the tournament, which is still four months away.”

    Earlier in the day, it was reported that the fast-bowler had announced that he would not participate in the PSL after being overlooked by all franchises at the draft for the upcoming tenth season of the tournament. “I boycott the PSL because the world and people are selfish” he had said.

    “No one has contacted me. Ali Tareen moves on to others when he finds someone new. He was supporting my talent, not me,” the pacer was quoted as saying.

    It merits a mention that Ihsanullah has been struggling with an elbow injury for more than two years, which has affected his career.

    His previous team, Multan Sultans, has also not retained him in the upcoming season of the PSL.

    It was the pacer’s impressive performance for Multan that led to his debut for the Pakistan national team in the ODI series against New Zealand in April 2023. However, after the injury, he was unable to play the second match.

    Over his PSL career with Multan Sultans, Ihsanullah played 14 matches and took 23 wickets.

    “We didn’t retain Ihsanullah because of his injury. Our focus is always on working with stakeholders to improve the league,” Multan Sultans owner Ali Tareen had on Monday said while confirming that Ihsanullah was not picked due to his injury.

  • Veena Malik launches new attack on Mufti Qavi

    Veena Malik launches new attack on Mufti Qavi

    Actress Veena Malik, never far from controversy, spoke her mind once again on the Meher Show on City 41. This time, she launched a fresh attack on controversial personality Mufti Qavi while addressing the online trolling she faces.

    “He had no right to criticise me publicly on television about my work in entertainment, and I have the freedom to do whatever I want,” she asserted.

    The actress also shared her thoughts on the importance of the Holy Quran, encouraging the younger generation to read and understand its verses for personal growth and spiritual independence. She boldly responded to critics who questioned her religious journey, saying, “Where is it written that after wearing a skirt, one cannot seek forgiveness?”

    Despite the criticism, Veena Malik shared how her religious beliefs shaped her choices. Raised with strong values, she explained that wearing the hijab was a decision based on faith and spiritual growth.

    “I am still the same person at heart,” she said, highlighting her evolving beliefs.

     Earlier, actress Veena Malik’s long standing feud with religious cleric Mufti Qavi has shifted into the fifth gear with the actress’ allegation that he secretly monitors actresses.

    “Mufti Qavi secretly monitors all the actresses. He knows everything about everyone,” Veena said on Hafiz Ahmed podcast.

    Malik then said that the controversial cleric once told her, “You possess beauty and charm.”

    She also talked about other matters including participation in Bigg Boss, and failed marriage.

    She said, “In the past, I enjoyed working on the Indian reality show Bigg Boss, but I never understood why people still criticize me for it. I even received threats after the show. Before becoming a part of the show, there is a written contract, that clearly states that there will be 56 cameras inside and 56 cameras outside the house at all times. It is their choice what to show and what not to show.”

    Answering the podcast host’s question about Mufti Qavi, she said, “Mufti Qavi secretly watches all the actresses and all their shows. He once told me, ‘You have beauty too.’ So, I asked him, ‘How do you know that I have beauty and charm?’”

    “The way I was shown in Bigg Boss, how did Mufti Qavi know all that? That was the question I asked him then, upon which he got angry.”

    She also said, “If honor and humiliation are in the hands of a human being, they will not take a minute to ruin your life, I don’t understand how people can be so hard-hearted.”

    Mufti Qavi once criticized her in the past and said, “Veena Malik can watch Bigg Boss with her children?”

  • Crime rate surges in LA after raging fires

    Crime rate surges in LA after raging fires

    A slew of crimes has surged in Los Angeles, California, in the wake of last week’s devastating fires that ravaged the city. 

    Criminals are taking advantage of the darkness and emergency imposed in many neighbourhoods. American media reports suggest that more than 25 people have been arrested, including one impersonating a firefighter, for crimes in Los Angeles County.
    The number of detentions from severely affected areas Eaton and Palisades are 25 and four, respectively.


    A man dressed as a firefighter was also caught looting a house in the Malibu area of LA. 
    Recalling the problems faced by the police, a local police officer said, “He was dressed like a fireman, and he was not. He just got caught burglarizing a home,” while adding, “Those are issues that our frontline deputies and police officers are dealing with.”


    On the other hand, police officials also reported to have arrested a homeless man who was caught by onlookers “throwing a flame” in the fire.


    The “flamethrower” was caught by residents in the area while he was torching old Christmas trees and debris on fire soon after the wildfire began.


    However, the media reports say that he is an illegal immigrant from Mexico who is likely to be protected by California’s sanctuary city status. The Los Angeles Police Department also said that there was not enough evidence to support the charge of flamethrowing.


    Notably, other detentions over the weekend were for violating curfew, which was set from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. in specific areas ravaged by the fires.


    California Governor Gavin Newsom warned the burglars in a statement, “Those who would seek to take advantage of evacuated communities, let me be clear: looting will not be tolerated.”


    US media outlets reported yesterday that private fire fighting crew members charge thousands of dollars, therefore jail inmates from around California have been deployed to put out the fire in Eaton and Palisades. These prisoners only make around 27 dollars for a 24-hour shift compared to the base salary of $3,700 to $4,600 a month for the private crews.


    A total of 950 inmates are volunteering for the program. 


    Their work includes staying close to crews working to put out fires while wearing distinct orange uniforms. Instead of using hoses or water, they use “hand tools to aid in fire suppression” along with supporting other emergency workers in the area. 


    In return for this service, two days are docked off their sentence for each day they work with fire fighting crews.


    24 people have been consumed by the huge fires that started on January 7. Moreover, 16 people are missing, and more than 100,000 people have been forced to evacuate.