Author: News Desk

  • Australia announces squad for Champions Trophy 2025

    Australia announces squad for Champions Trophy 2025

    Australia has announced its squad for the upcoming International Cricket Council (ICC) Men’s Champions Trophy 2025, which will be held in Pakistan and the UAE.

    Pat Cummins will lead the Kangaroos. The squad includes Alex Carey, Nathan Ellis, Aaron Hardie, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Marnus Labuschagne, and Mitchell Marsh. Other notable names like Steve Smith, Marcus Stoinis, Glenn Maxwell, Matthew Short, and Adam Zampa are also part of the team.


    Afghanistan’s Squad for Champions Trophy 2025

    Just a day earlier, the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) revealed its squad for the same tournament. However, star spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman was not included as he is recovering from an injury. Mujeeb, who was a key part of Afghanistan’s squad during the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 in India, has been advised to focus on T20s for now to ensure a full recovery before returning to One Day Internationals (ODIs).

    ACB’s interim chief selector, Ahmad Sulaiman Khil, explained that Mujeeb was not available for selection due to medical advice. He missed the recent ODI series against Zimbabwe for the same reason.

    Meanwhile, right-handed opener Ibrahim Zadran has made a comeback to the team after recovering from an ankle injury sustained last year.

    Afghanistan will be making its debut in the Champions Trophy and will start its campaign against South Africa on February 21 in Karachi. Following that, they will face England and Australia on February 26 and 28 in Lahore.

    Afghanistan’s Squad for Champions Trophy 2025:


    Hashmatullah Shahidi (Captain)
    Ibrahim Zadran
    Rahmanullah Gurbaz
    Sediqullah Atal
    Rahmat Shah
    Ikram Alikhil
    Gulbadin Naib
    Azmatullah Omarzai
    Mohammad Nabi
    Rashid Khan
    AM Ghazanfar
    Noor Ahmad
    Fazal Haq Farooqi
    Fazal Rahman Malik
    Naveen-ul-Haq

    The Champions Trophy 2025 is scheduled to start on February 19, with the opening match between Pakistan and New Zealand in Karachi.

  • Hyundai Pakistan Launches the All-New SONATA N Line

    Hyundai Pakistan Launches the All-New SONATA N Line

    Hyundai Pakistan proudly introduces the Sonata N Line, an exciting new addition to its sedan lineup. Launched at an exclusive event on 12th January 2025 at the Expo Center, Lahore, the Sonata N Line is now available for full price bookings at an Ex-Factory price of PKR 15,890,000 at all Hyundai dealerships nationwide.


    This latest offering from Hyundai delivers unmatched performance, powered by a Smart stream 2.5 Turbo GDI engine paired with an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT). With 290 Hp, 422 Nm of torque, and a 0-100 km/h acceleration in just 6.3 seconds, the Sonata N Line is a true powerhouse on the road.


    Designed for driving enthusiasts, Hyundai’s N Line combines bold, aerodynamic styling with a premium interior that offers both comfort and luxury. From its sporty accents to advanced technology, it elevates the driving experience to a whole new level.


    The Sonata N Line is equipped with an impressive array of over 20 Hyundai Smart Sense features (ADAS) Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems features, showcasing cutting-edge technology designed to elevate both safety and convenience on the road. These state-of-the-art systems work harmoniously to provide a highly secure driving experience, offering drivers enhanced confidence and peace of mind in every journey.


    Experience the perfect harmony of luxury, safety, technology, and performance.


    Bookings are now open at your nearest Hyundai dealership. For details, visit: https://hyundai- nishat.com/find-a-dealer/Elevate your drive with Sonata N Line, No Stopping Now.

  • YouTube, Facebook, TikTok to be banned in Pakistan?

    YouTube, Facebook, TikTok to be banned in Pakistan?

    A petition in the Lahore High Court (LHC) has sought an immediate ban on YouTube, Facebook and TikTok.

    As per the details, a citizen named Aslam, through Advocate Nadeem Sarwar, has filed the petition with the federal government and Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) as respondents.

    The petitioner claimed that many people in Pakistan used YouTube channels for blackmailing, adding that immoral videos were being uploaded to YouTube and Facebook to gain views and earn money without any license.

    It was further stated that fake videos were being shared to said platforms besides some content creators showing women from their families in their vlogs, which he believed, was harmful to the social fabric.

    The citizen requested the court to enforce the Citizen Protection Rules and order the shutdown of all social media platforms.

    It merits a mention that YouTube was last banned in Pakistan in September 2012. The ban was imposed after the platform failed to remove a blasphemous video that sparked widespread protests by Muslims across the globe.

    The ban lasted for several years and was lifted in January 2016 after YouTube launched a localised version for Pakistan, allowing the government to request the removal of objectionable content.

    Apart from this, TikTok has been banned multiple times in the country due to concerns over immoral and indecent content. The platform faced bans in October 2020, March 2021 and July 2021, but these were lifted after TikTok assured stricter content moderation and compliance with local laws.

  • Triptii Dimri breaks silence on dating rumours

    Triptii Dimri breaks silence on dating rumours

    Bollywood actress Triptii Dimri has recently addressed the speculation surrounding her rumoured relationship with producer Karnesh Ssharma.

    Talking to E-Times, the Animal actress shared how the speculations have affected her.

    “Sometimes, these rumours affect me deeply. There are moments when I feel extremely upset because I value my freedom,” Dimri said.

    Despite the ongoing buzz about her alleged romance with Karnesh Ssharma, Triptii Dimri made it clear that her focus remains firmly on her career. She said, “I stay loyal to my work.”

    The rumours started after Triptii Dimri and Karnesh Ssharma were spotted celebrating New Year’s Eve together in Finland. The duo shared glimpses of their trip on Instagram, fueling fan excitement and speculation.

    When asked directly about the dating rumours, Triptii neither confirmed nor denied them.

  • Most grooming offences committed by white men, not Pakistanis: police chiefs

    Most grooming offences committed by white men, not Pakistanis: police chiefs

    The UK’s National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) has set the record straight, stating that white men have carried out the vast majority of sexual grooming gang offences, after the owner of X (formerly Twitter) published a post making false accusations against British-Pakistani men.

    Police databases presented new figures that included quantitative data on ethnicity, showing that white offenders constituted 85 percent of “group-based” child abusers in the first three quarters of 2024. The same data for the whole of 2023 showed that 83 percent of offenders were white.

    Speaking to the press briefing on Friday, the director of the NPCC’s Hydrant programme targeting child sexual abuse, Richard Fewkes, claimed that there is no “significant issue” with “any particular ethnicity or setting”.

    Musk also waged an online campaign against the UK government over the grooming gangs issue, making false allegations against UK Prime Minister (PM) Keir Starmer.

    In a post on Wednesday, he wrote “True” in reply to India’s Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament (MP) Priyanka Chaturvedi, who had accused people of Pakistani origin of being behind the UK’s gang grooming.

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    Meanwhile, Musk’s biographer, Seth Abramson, posted a series of notes on X on Tuesday, alleging that Musk may be “going mad.”

    Abramson wrote: “I’m a Musk biographer who has been tracking his online behavior for the last two years, and given that he’s admitted to all of mental illness, heavy drug use, and crippling stress, it is now reasonable to fear he is deeply unwell.”

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    The billionaire has falsely accused Starmer of being “complicit in the rape of Britain” during his tenure as a Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) between 2008 and 2013 and called safeguarding minister Jess Phillips a “witch” and a “rape genocide apologist”.

    On Friday, Fewkes said, “(The data) reflects what you would expect to see across the country in terms of ethnicity. Offences where grooming gangs are involved are predominantly white. There is not a significant issue here with any particular ethnicity or setting.”

    The NSPCC data indicates that white individuals constituted the largest proportion of child sexual abuse suspects. In 2023, they accounted for 1,884 cases (83%), while Pakistani suspects numbered 62 (2.7%).

    From January to September 2024, there were 1,623 white suspects (85%) and 75 Pakistani suspects (3.9%).

    The NPCC, however, said, “Quarter four 2024 is not included in 2024 data as it is still being worked on.”

    The police have released data in the wake of a heated debate in the House of Commons regarding whether there should be a national statutory inquiry into Pakistani grooming gangs.

    Earlier, The Telegraph reported that grooming gangs are responsible for two child sexual abuse offences reported to police every day.

    The newspaper reported an analysis indicating that there were 4,228 offences of “group-based” child sexual abuse, which constituted 3.7 percent of the 115,489 child sexual abuse and exploitation crimes (including online offences) in 2023.

  • ‘I write stories on public issues, not fantasy,’ says Javeria Saud

    ‘I write stories on public issues, not fantasy,’ says Javeria Saud

    Senior actress Javeria Saud has revealed that she has written stories for several popular dramas and telefilms that were well-received upon airing.

    In a recent conversation with a journalist during a shoot, Javeria shared that the drama Mohabbat Aur Mehngai is set to air soon, with shooting currently underway.

    “I have always written plays focusing on public issues and their stories,” she said, emphasising her preference for relatable, socially relevant content.

    She clarified, “Fantasy stories are not my forte. I write stories inspired by the challenges and problems I observe in society so viewers can connect with the narratives.”

    She further added, “I have written scripts for several dramas, all of which were appreciated because they revolved around real public issues.” 

    In a lighthearted jab at her peers, she humorously commented, “Some drama writers don’t use their minds, but I know how to use mine properly.” 

    Interestingly, she also disclosed last year that she had written the OSTs (original soundtracks) for several hit dramas but was not credited for her work.

    “I wrote songs for dramas like Khuda Aur Mohabbat and Ishq Murshid, but I wasn’t given credit for them,” she claimed.

    Read more about Javeria Saud

  • PCB makes major changes to squad against West Indies

    PCB makes major changes to squad against West Indies

    The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced a 15-member squad for the two Test matches against West Indies, scheduled from January 17 to 21 and January 25 to 29 in Multan.

    Seven changes have been made to the 15-member squad that toured South Africa.

    Shan Masood (captain), Saud Shakeel (vice-captain), Babar Azam, Kamran Ghulam, Khurram Shehzad, Mohammad Rizwan, Nauman Ali, and Salman Ali Agha have been retained.

    Leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed joins off-spinner Sajid Khan and left-arm spinner Nauman Ali. Openers Imam-ul-Haq and Mohammad Huraira replace the injured Saim Ayub and the out-of-form Abdullah Shafique.

    Aamer Jamal, Mohammad Abbas, Mir Hamza, and Naseem Shah have been rested. Khurram Shehzad is retained, while Mohammad Ali returns, and uncapped Kashif Ali is included.

    Former Pakistan U19 and Shaheen’s captain Rohail Nazir has been added to the squad in the absence of wicketkeeper-batter Haseebullah.

    Pakistan full squad:

    Shan Masood (captain), Saud Shakeel (vice-captain), Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Imam-ul-Haq, Kamran Ghulam, Kashif Ali, Khurram Shehzad, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Huraira, Mohammad Rizwan (wicketkeeper/batter), Nauman Ali, Rohail Nazir (wicketkeeper/batter), Sajid Khan, and Salman Ali Agha.

  • Hadiqa Kiani releases teaser for new song Inna Akhiyan

    Hadiqa Kiani releases teaser for new song Inna Akhiyan

    Star singer Hadiqa Kiani has released the teaser for her new song, Inna Akhiyan, leaving fans eagerly awaiting its release.

    Sharing her excitement on Instagram, she wrote, “So privileged to share this beautiful story with you all. The full director’s cut, filmed by the genius Abdullah Haris and starring the amazing young actors Sabeena Farooq and Talha Chahour, is out now. Inna Akhiyan .”

    The music video, inspired by true events, is set in the forgotten alleys of Lahore and narrates the poignant story of two individuals burdened by life’s challenges. These characters live amidst the struggles of poverty and illness, including the debilitating effects of Parkinson’s disease. Despite their hardships, they discover a love so profound that it transcends their harsh realities.

    The post details give a beautiful glimpse into the upcoming video: “Their love is raw, unyielding, and aching with truth. Every trembling hand that reaches out, every faltering step they take together. Their love is not painted with glossy colors but etched in the cracks of their struggles. This is a tale of a symphony of resilience, where every glance is a verse, every touch a chorus, and every unspoken word a melody of hope.”

    Directed by the visionary Abdullah Haris and featuring moving performances by Sabeena Farooq and Talha Chahour, Inna Akhiyan captures the essence of love against all odds.

  • Divorce rumors surround another Indian cricketer

    Divorce rumors surround another Indian cricketer

    After Yuzvendra Chahal and Dhanashree Verma, another Indian cricketer and his wife are rumoured to be heading for a divorce.

    Indian media reported that cricketer Manish Pandey, who has played 29 ODIs and 39 T20 Internationals for India, and his wife actress Ashrita Shetty, are facing marital discord. The couple has unfollowed each other on Instagram, adding fuel to the rumours.

    Speculations started when both of them deleted pictures of each other from their Instagram accounts, leading to talks of an impending separation.

    Manish Pandey and Ashrita Shetty were last seen together a while ago, and rumours suggest their differences started after the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL) season.

    The couple tied the knot in a private ceremony in December 2019.

    Previously, cricketer Yuzvendra Chahal and his wife Dhanashree Verma were also rumoured to be separating, but they denied it through their Instagram stories without any official statement.

    Recently, Dhanashree posted about facing difficult times, saying false rumours about her character have caused distress for her and her family.

    Chahal also thanked his supporters and criticized false rumours, urging respect for their privacy.

    Both expressed disappointment over the spread of unverified news and requested that their personal life be respected.

  • Doctor advises six-month rest for Saim Ayub

    Doctor advises six-month rest for Saim Ayub

    Pakistan’s star batter Saim Ayub, who suffered an ankle injury during the Test against South Africa on January 3, might not be able to recover in time for the upcoming Champions Trophy, his doctor has said.

    As per the details, reports quoted renowned sports orthopedic Dr Lucky Jeyaseelan, who reviewed Saim’s test results and reports, as advising the opening batsman to rest completely for six months.

    Another doctor, however, said Saim’s ankle was healing well and he was now able to bear weight on his foot. Dr David Redfern also said that the batter’s test reports will be sent to the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) medical panel for further evaluation.

    Meanwhile, it was reported that a panel of doctors will continue to monitor Saim’s condition, review his reports, X-rays and other factors for a final decision on his recovery and return to the national squad.

    The conflicting claims regarding Saim’s recovery come while he is in London with Pakistan coach Azhar Mahmood.

    “Thank God, the situation has improved significantly. Whether surgery is needed and when it might happen will be determined by the medical panel. The examination report will be available soon,” Mahmood said after accompanying Saim on his visit to a London clinic for a second assessment of the injury.

    Pakistan’s opener batter Saim Ayub was injured while fielding in the second match of the series at Cape Town on Friday.

    The opener was taken off the field with the help of his teammates.