Author: News Desk

  • Three arrested for sharing AI video of Maryam Nawaz, UAE president

    Three arrested for sharing AI video of Maryam Nawaz, UAE president

    The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has arrested three suspects involved in editing and sharing of a fake video of Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Maryam Nawaz with United Arab Emirates (UAE) President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

    As per the details, fake AI-generated videos of the Punjab CM started doing the rounds over the internet after Maryam, accompanied by Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif, greeted the UAE president upon his arrival at the Rahim Yar Khan Airport on December 5.

    Reports on Saturday quoted FIA officials as saying that 20 social media accounts responsible for sharing the fake media had also been identified. Three suspects have so far been, and the FIA is also conducting raids to arrest the remaining culprits, they added.

    A joint investigation team (JIT) to widen the scope of investigation under the chairmanship of Additional Director Sarfraz Chaudhry has been constituted with Lahore, Multan and Faisalabad deputy directors as members, reports said.

    Action comes after Punjab CM’s office approached the FIA’s cybercrime wing for a probe into the doctored pictures and videos. The FIA had earlier assured the government of cracking down on those responsible for uploading and sharing the altered content.

    As part of the investigation, the FIA’s cybercrime wing had said, it would conduct inquiries across the country. The agency had warned that individuals found involved in uploading or sharing of the fake images would face legal consequences.

    It merits a mention that deepfakes or AI-generated visuals are becoming increasingly convincing and easier to make. In May 2022, the FIA’s Cybercrime Wing arrested a man in Peshawar on charges of circulating fake videos of CM Maryam on social media.

    Doctored images and fake videos are used to discredit individuals’ role in society, experts say, adding that politicians, actresses and other well-known persons are especially targeted by those involved in such activities.

    Earlier, Punjab Information Minister Azma Zahid Bokhari also fell victim to a deepfake video. 

    Reacting to the viral video, the info minister had stressed the need to urgently tackle the menace. Bokhari had asserted that the criminal justice system needed to be modernised to counter such issues, as deepfake videos were frequently used to target women.

    “I was shattered when it came to my knowledge,” the minister had told a foreign media outlet, vowing to do every thing in her power for the protection of digital rights of the people.

  • Johny Lever praises Imran Ashraf on Mazaq Raat

    Johny Lever praises Imran Ashraf on Mazaq Raat

     When Johny Lever says you’ve got it, then you’ve truly made an impact. Imran Ashraf’s remarkable work has caught the attention of the comedy king himself, a testament to his skills and hard-earned success.

    Actor Imran Ashraf, known for his versatile acting in the entertainment industry, recently got a special shout- out from Indian comedy legend Johnny Lever.

    In the video, Johny Lever said, “Imran Bhai, Asalam O Aliokum, Mazaq Raat Mazaq Raat, wow you did a fantastic job! Imran Bhai, we have spoken before, and I have seen your performance in your dramas, like your Bhola character and Shammo, you were amazing in those.”

    However, it was Imran’s anchoring skills on Mazaq Raat that truly impressed Lever.

    “Anchoring is no easy task, you have to manage everything, and your presentation was excellent, you’re doing stand-up as well, and your performance is wonderful. You have a real sense of good music, it is amazing,” the Dard Ka Rishta actor said.

    “What’s even more remarkable is that we miss Albela sahab and Sardar Kamal sahab, but may Allah grant them Jannat. Our other brother, Akram Udas, has a great sense of humor too, and I am amazed at the talent these three (Honey, Sakhwat and Akram) have. May Allah bless them with good health,” Johny Lever added.

    Impressed by Imran Ashraf’s ability to bring out the best in others, Johnny Lever commented, ““Mazaq Raat is an amazing show, and the way you bring out talent from the audience is incredible. The guests on the show are also doing amazing, and you’re doing even better than them. The interaction with the audience is great.”

    Johny Lever ended his message by offering his best wishes, “Mazaq Raat is an amazing program, and I wish you all the best, Imran Ashraf. May God bless you, and my heartfelt greetings to the entire team.”

     Mazaq Raat host Imran Ashraf shared the video on his Instagram with the, “Sab say bara award Sab say bara

    SAB SAY BARA AWARD

    The king of character actors Jhoney lever sahib Love you

    Ap ki is appreciation say mein aur mehnat karoon ga

    ALLAH APKO BOHAT KHUSH RAKHAY.”

    Imran Ashraf starred in drama such as Jazeera, Bandi, Meri Maa, Noor e Nazar, Mere Meherbaan, Shehr-e- Ajabi, Dil Mom Ka Diya, Kabhi Band Kabhi Baja, Ranjha Ranjha Kardi, Kahin Deep Jaley, Mushk, Raqs-e- Bismil, Badzaat, Chaudhry and Son, Heer Da Hero and Namak Haram.

  • ‘I made a pledge’: Here’s why Aamir Khan finally quit smoking

    ‘I made a pledge’: Here’s why Aamir Khan finally quit smoking

    What does it take for a Bollywood superstar to quit a lifelong habit? For actor Aamir Khan, it was a promise to himself and his family.

    At the trailer of his son Junaid Khan’s film Loveyapa, the PK actor shared his reasons for quitting and how it coincided with a significant moment in his family life.

    “I’m happy to say that I’ve given up this bad habit (smoking), and I also want to tell everyone who is listening or watching to please quit smoking. It’s not a good habit, and no one should be doing it,” he said.

     Aamir Khan decided that it was time to make a positive change in his life.

     “For me, this was the right time and the right reason. I’ve always felt the need to quit, and now with my son’s career taking off, it felt like the perfect moment. I made a personal vow in my heart that I was going to quit. Whether my son’s film succeeds or not, I’m doing this for myself as a parent. I felt it was important to make this sacrifice and hope that something good comes out of it. I ask all of you to pray and wish for the best,”I he added.

    Earlier, Aamir Khan opened up about his battle with alcohol, admitting that in the past, he used to drink all night long.

    In a candid conversation with fellow actor Nana Patekar, the Dangal actor confessed that he struggled with extreme habits.   

    Nana Patekar asked Aamir Khan if he had any bad habits.

    “I have quit drinking now, but at one point, I used to drink all night. I couldn’t stop. The problem is that I am an extremist; I keep doing what I’m already doing. It’s not a good thing, and I realize that. I know it’s wrong, but I can’t stop myself,” the Taare Zameen Par actor replied.

    Standing at around 5’5, Aamir was concerned that audiences will not accept him especially when compared to his taller contemporaries.

    “I was scared fans would reject me because of my height, this was my fear,” Aamir Khan shared.

    Despite these early insecurities, Aamir eventually overcame them and gained confidence.

    “Later I realized that all of this does not matter at all, what is important is how honestly you are working and how your work can enchant people, and after that, everything else is unimportant.”

  • PSL10: Lahore Qalandars to get David Warner?

    PSL10: Lahore Qalandars to get David Warner?

    Aatif Rana, the owner of Lahore Qalandars, shared his thoughts on David Warner’s inclusion in the team for Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10 during a special interview on Samaa Digital’s show Zor Ka Jor.

    When asked about including top players like Warner in Lahore Qalandars, he explained, “Big names are needed when your league isn’t strong enough. But now, all teams, including Lahore Qalandars, have become brands.

    “I have a deep passion for cricket. Our cricketers, like Fakhar Zaman and Babar Azam, are stars in their own right. If our brand needs bigger names, we are always open to welcoming them, whether it’s Chris Gayle or AB de Villiers. Lahore Qalandars have always embraced big names.”

    Rana also acknowledged PCB’s policies, saying, “Big names are now prominent in PSL. We work hard for 11 months, carrying out talent hunts and development programs and showcasing our talent during PSL. Our team has become a family, and we make decisions together about which players the team needs. There are so many great names that it’s hard to decide who to drop and who to pick.”

    Speaking about teamwork and leadership, he said, “In any workplace, everyone has different opinions, but we have to move forward together.” He praised Salman Naseer (CEO of PSL), stating, “Whenever we made a suggestion, he welcomed it.”

    He also highlighted the importance of improving the fan experience, saying, “The most important thing is fan following. The chairman’s decision to upgrade the stadiums to improve the fan experience is fantastic.”

    He recalled a time when, during matches at Qaddafi Stadium, “over 500,000 people” across the city would be disturbed because of security measures disrupting the city’s routine.

    “People used to argue with me, saying, “You don’t win matches,” but now, after the last four seasons, they say they can’t get tickets,” he said, lightheartedly adding, “Salman Naseer told me that people only ask for Lahore Qalandars tickets.”

    Rana also discussed the unique strengths of PSL and compared it to the Indian Premier League (IPL).

    “The speciality of our neighbouring country’s IPL is its Bollywood, while PSL’s unique feature is its young talent.” He went on to highlight that players like Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, and Fakhar Zaman gained recognition because of PSL.

    Qalandars had a rough start in the PSL, failing to make the playoffs in their first two seasons in 2016 and 2017. In 2018, their performance improved slightly, but they still did not qualify. However, in 2019, Lahore Qalandars made a strong comeback, and since then, they have consistently performed better, winning the PSL championship in 2022 and 2023.

  • ‘Infiltrator’: Imran Khan reacts to Marwat’s attack against Salman Akram Raja

    ‘Infiltrator’: Imran Khan reacts to Marwat’s attack against Salman Akram Raja

    Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Sher Afzal Marwat received criticism from the party’s senior leadership and a response from party founder Imran Khan, hours after Marwat called out lawyer Salman Akram Raja.

    Aleema Khan, speaking outside Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi on Friday, quoted her brother as saying, “There is an infiltration within the party that is currently active.” She added, “Imran Khan had appointed Salman Akram Raja as the party secretary general.”

    Defending party secretary general Salman Akram Raja, Aleema stated that the lawyer was merely relaying Imran Khan’s message.

    1736583893-1J5DXKK3KI.jpg

    The row erupted when Raja, while speaking to a private news channel on Thursday, downplayed Marwat’s claims, which he often linked to party founder Imran Khan, saying, “Only two or four party members are deemed capable of having the right to speak about the party.

    “Marwat statement has nothing to do with the party’s official narrative. His [Marwat] statements are unimportant,” Raja said.

    Following statements from Raja, who questioned Marwat’s understanding of the party’s policy matters, Marwat assailed him.

    On the same day, while declaring Raja’s appointment as party secretary general to be inconsistent with the party constitution, PTI’s firebrand appeared at a private media outlet and stated that party Chairman Barrister Gohar Khan and Firdous Shamim Naqvi are public officeholders. “Salman Akram Raja is a stranger [to the party],” he asserted.

    Since the interview, key PTI leaders, including Chief Minister (CM) of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Ali Amin Gandapur, former PTI spokesperson Raoof Hassan, and Secretary of Information Sheikh Waqas Akram, reacted to Marwat’s statements.


    Raoof Hassan

    Reacting to the heated exchange between Marwat and Raja, former PTI spokesperson Raoof Hassan, while speaking to a private news channel on Friday, sternly said, “I’ve stopped talking about him [Sher Afzal Marwat] because no one has been spared their wrath, including me.”

    Responding to Marwat’s stance that Salman Akram Raja was not appointed party secretary general according to the party constitution, Hassan remarked that Raja is currently the de facto secretary general.

    “If nominated, a person can be a de facto party secretary general. Imran Khan nominated Raja,” Hassan clarified, setting the record straight about whether any unelected individual can become a de facto party secretary general according to the party constitution.


    Sheikh Waqas Akram

    PTI Secretary of Information Sheikh Waqas Akram also defended Salman Akram Raja’s position within the party.

    He took to X (formerly Twitter), writing, “[…] For Khan’s followers, it’s not about the legality of the party position, it’s about what Khan said, and Khan’s Secretary general for PTI. is Salman Akram Raja, duly nominated by Khan. He also represents party in the dialogue committee and whole party endorses his stance regarding dialogue.”

    “Salman Akram Raja has played a very important role in managing our leader Imran Khan’s cases. Khan Sahib has faith in him and trusts him. Despite Raja Sahib’s hesitation, Khan Sahib insisted and nominated him as the secretary general of the party,” he wrote.

    1736583916-QO0IZ0F6CI.jpg


    Ali Amin Gandapur

    While many party leaders have criticised Sher Afzal Marwat, CM KP Ali Amin Gandapur slightly defended him, saying, “Indeed, Marwat has made a lot of sacrifices for the party.”

    1736583927-FWKD6QU9LQ.jpg

    Gandapur opined that Marwat’s minor mistakes should be forgiven, as he had worked hard for the party in subsequent years. He shared this in an exclusive interview with a private media outlet.

    “Marwat informed me by telephone that he had received a show-cause notice. I advised him to respond to the notice as per party policy and to present his point of view to Khan Sahib for clarity,” CM KP added.

  • ‘My hijab, my choice’: Noor Bukhari hits out at trolls

    ‘My hijab, my choice’: Noor Bukhari hits out at trolls

    Former actress Noor Bukhari has given a firm reply to those criticising her hijab, clarifying that her it is her choice.

    Lately, she has been facing criticism for her choice of a unique hijab style, with people on social media dismissing it as not being a hijab since it does not resemble the traditional one.

    The responses poured in after she shared pictures, after which she explained in her Instagram story that “my hijab is my choice.”

    Addressing the critics, she wrote, “You have no right to criticize my choice,” adding that “I should wear a hijab, wear a turban, or cover my head with a dupatta; there is no need for others to comment on it.”

    She also maintained, “If someone has to give an account of my grave, then they need to speak; otherwise, they should remain silent.”

    “Wearing the hijab or covering my head and hair is my own choice and will, others do not need to comment on it,” she stated.

    Noor Bukhari announced her departure from showbiz a few years ago to devote her time to practising Islam, after which she was also seen reciting naats.

    Although Noor Bukhari is no longer seen working in dramas and films, she appears at other events, including TV programs, and is also active on social media.

  • World’s most expensive and cheapest mobile phones

    World’s most expensive and cheapest mobile phones

    With constant technological advancements, mobile phones have become an essential part of our lives. But do you know which phones are the world’s most expensive and least expensive?

    Companies around the world are rapidly introducing new phones with advanced features and the latest updates. Some of these phones are so expensive that they are beyond the reach of ordinary people.

    However, there are two mobile phones that perform similar functions yet have a huge price difference.

    According to international media, the most expensive mobile phone currently available is the Falcon Supernova iPhone 6 Pink Diamond.

    This phone is made from 24-carat gold and features a large pink diamond on its back, making it unique and exclusive.

    The price of this phone is astonishing, costing 48.5 million dollars, which is over 13 billion Pakistani rupees.

    This luxurious phone is owned by Anita Ambani, the wife of Mukesh Ambani, one of Asia’s richest men.

    On the other hand, the Freedom 251, launched by an Indian company, is the cheapest mobile phone in the world. Its affordable price makes it accessible to everyone.

    The cost of this phone is surprising as well. It is available for just 251 Indian rupees, which is about 813 Pakistani rupees.

    Want to read about Starlink internet prices in Pakistan?

  • American tourist praises Lahore’s traffic police

    American tourist praises Lahore’s traffic police

    A foreigner on a motorcycle trip to Pakistan was taken by surprise by a sweet interaction with a Pakistani traffic police official.


    Tourist Jacob Lum, who is from the United States of America, is on a year-long trip on his motorcycle. He is currently visiting Pakistan, a place he referred to as the most “underrated country” in the world.


    Jacob took to Instagram and shared a video of an interaction with a traffic warden in Lahore who stopped his vehicle because it is prohibited to drive a three-wheeler in the specific region, yet he was allowed to go ahead because he was a “guest.”


    The video features a middle-aged traffic warden who is seen admonishing the driver for taking the tourists on Mall Road when he knows it is prohibited in the area. However, he turns to Jacob and tells him politely, “We stop it only because it is dangerous.” He also adds, “But you are our guest, so I will allow him to take you to the city of Lahore.” Jacob thanked him, and the officer added: “I think you will enjoy your trip in Pakistan.”


    The video also shows the traffic warden welcoming Jacob, asking him to visit Minar-e-Pakistan, Badshahi Mosque, Tollington Market and other Mughal and British heritage sites in the city and warning him against eating street food because it is “unhygienic”.


    Jacob wrote in the caption, “This video is a great example of the kindness of the Pakistani people. This interaction was one of the best I have had with the police. He was there to enforce the rules that 3 wheeler rickshaws (motorcycle/ tuktuk) are not allowed in the city. And instead of removing us from the taxi ride and forcing us to get another one, he just scolded the driver and then permitted him to carry on “because we are guests”. I thought that was really nice of him and he quickly changed the conversation to welcoming us to Pakistan and providing recommendations about what to see in the city of Lahore.”


    Jacob also posted about how has had multiple experiences with the police in other countries and while some just want to exert control, extort money or just show their dominance; most are essentially kind yet he chose to show the interaction with the Pakistani police officer because that won him over. 


    “What made this memorable for me is how happy and excited he was when he had the opportunity to inform Western tourists about what to visit. It was very clear that he is proud of his city and happy to see us here!”


    Jacob recounted that this was a “great start to my first day in the city and I felt extremely welcomed by the authorities.”


    “In addition to the police officer the immigration / customs office was also super friendly and very happy to welcome us to Pakistan,” the American tourist made it a point to mention.


    On a lighter note he added, “He also advised us to not eat the street food Ironically we were just taking the taxi back from going out searching for street food.”


    Jacob had previously shared other videos from his visits to Northern areas of the country especially Hunza valley and the Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) region. “I see why this land is being fought over,” he captioned the video he shot in GB.

  • Ayesha Omar started working at THIS young age

    Ayesha Omar started working at THIS young age

     Imagine being just eight-years-old and stepping into the world of television. That was actress Ayesha Omar’s reality, long before she became the household name we know today.

    Appearing in a recent podcast, the Taxali Gate actress revealed that, at age eight, she began co-hosting on Pakistan Television (PTV).

     The Bulbulay star shared that she co- hosted a show alongside the popular TV host, Muneeza Hashmi, who was also the managing director (MD) of PTV at the time. Muneeza had started a program featuring interviews with famous personalities, and Ayesha was included as a co- host.

     Ayesha recalled, “I started my hosting career with Muneeza Hashmi, who was the MD of PTV back then, and we did a show where celebrities shared their childhood stories.”

    Ayesha Omar also recalled interviewing well-known figures, such as Javed Miandad and Adnan Sami Khan, and how the program often featured light-hearted discussions about childhood memories from the celebrities’ lives.

    The Dolly Ki Ayegi Baraat actress mentioned that the questions she asked in the show were genuine and childlike, often reflecting her own curiosity. 

    Ayesha Omar said, “The questions I asked were real questions I wanted to know as a child.”

    Earlier, actress and singer Ayesha Omar was a guest on UrduFlix’s “The Shoaib Akhtar Show” where she offered advice to young women who wanted to form a career in the entertainment industry.

    Omar stressed that the most essential tip for women to remember is that if they’ve shifted to a new city, it is safer to live in an apartment building rather than a house:


    “I was just giving this advice to a girl who had shifted to Karachi and was an actor. She was terrified because someone had smashed the windows of her car outside her house. I told her it’s essential that if she’s living alone, she lives in an apartment rather than a house. This is for all women who are divorced, or moving out of their parents homes and want to live independently, it’s the safest thing for them to live in apartment buildings. Given the realities of this country, we have to adjust to it. You can’t change them. You have to be careful, you can’t fight everything.”

    The second tip Omar revealed was to learn to be independent, and stop relying on other people to complete your tasks:

    “Take care of your health and your expenses on your own. You cannot expect that you’ll find help out there. It’s your body and your life so take care of it. I take care of my own food, clothes and makeup wherever I go, and there is a lot of joy in doing so. You’re less stressed out as well… I’ve learned that if there are 20 people whom you keep requesting to do your work, those 20 people won’t do it. So you must conserve your energy and do things on your own.”

    Sanam Jung was also a guest alongside Omar, and she also told aspiring actors to remember not to reveal your personal struggles to people in the industry.


    “Never share your home issues or financial problems with anyone in the industry, because they take advantage and they will take you for granted.They will know how desperate you are for work, so they’ll call you at inappropriate hours,” she said.

  • Tamim Iqbal bids farewell to  international cricket

    Tamim Iqbal bids farewell to  international cricket

    Bangladesh’s star cricketer and former captain Tamim Iqbal is retiring from international cricket. 

    Tamim announced his decision on Friday, the second time he has decided to retire after initially declaring the same in July 2023, only to retract his decision within 24 hours.

    Tamim shared his retirement news on social media, expressing that he has been away from international cricket for some time and has decided to end his career. He revealed that he had been contemplating the decision for a while.

    “A major event like the Champions Trophy approaching, I did not want to be a distraction. I had already distanced myself from the Bangladesh Cricket Board’s central contract for some time. The decision to retire or continue playing is a personal choice for any athlete or cricketer,” he wrote. 

    After a meeting with the Prime Minister, Tamim was asked about his potential return by Captain Nazmul Hossain Shanto and the selection committee. However, Tamim had already made up his mind. He thanked everyone for considering him important enough to discuss his return.

    Tamim informed the selectors of the Bangladesh Cricket Board about his decision to retire.

    Tamim Iqbal made his debut in One Day Internationals (ODIs) and T20 Internationals in 2007, followed by his Test debut in 2008. Over his career, he played 70 Test matches, scoring 5,134 runs; 243 ODIs, scoring 8,357 runs; and 78 T20 Internationals, scoring 1,758 runs.