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Author: News Desk

  • Details of PM Shehbaz, ex-ISI chief’s gifts to US officials revealed

    Details of PM Shehbaz, ex-ISI chief’s gifts to US officials revealed

    The United States (US) State Department has published the annual accounting list of 2023 wherein the list of gifts received by President Joe Biden, First Lady Jill Biden and US intelligence officials from multiple countries, including Pakistan, has been revealed.

    According to the list, Pakistani officials presented four gifts to US federal government members in 2023. Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif, on October 20, 2022, gifted President Biden a rug in a velvet case, valued at $525.

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    Pakistan’s Ambassador to the US Masood Khan, on September 9, 2023, gifted a traditional rug worth $600 to Biden’s aide and Senior Director for South Asia Eileen Laubacher. 

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    Former Inter-Service Intelligence (ISI) Director General (DG) Lt Gen Nadeem Anjum, on February 23, 2023, gifted a handcrafted table to US Senator Mark R Warner, which was priced at $120. On the same day, the then ISI chief also gifted a handcrafted table worth $152 to US Senator Jack Reed.

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    Meanwhile, Indian PM Narendra Modi topped the list by giving the most expensive present – a 7.5-carat diamond – costing $20,000 dollars, to First Lady Jill Biden.

    India’s National Security Advisor Ajit Doval gifted US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan two distinct items – a silver Jaguar statue in January 2023 worth $485 and a wooden elephant sculpture worth $638 in July 2023.

    The report also revealed that the Indian premier’s diamond was retained for official use in the White House’s East Wing while other gifts to the president and first lady were sent to the archives.

    According to the document, Ukrainian Ambassador to the US Oksana Markarova gifted Jill a flower brooch valued at $14,063.

    It merits a mention that gift-giving is a major part of foreign relations, which is viewed as a sign of respect and friendship between nations.

    As part of tradition, several employees of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) also received lavish gifts including luxury watches, perfume and jewellery. The gifts were priced at a total of over $132,000.

    However, nearly all gifts to CIA employees were destroyed under US government’s strict rules about what officials can do with gifts to avoid apparent or actual bribery from foreign governments.

    Under law, federal employees are not allowed to accept gifts over a certain value “unless refusal of the gift would cause offence or embarrassment or would otherwise adversely affect the foreign relations of the US”.

  • Fourth time’s the charm: Jo Yuri’s journey to Squid Game

    Fourth time’s the charm: Jo Yuri’s journey to Squid Game

    They say all roads lead to Rome, but for Jo Yuri, all auditions led to Squid Game Season 2—though it took four tries and a very persistent phone call.


    Korean actress Jo Yuri, who portrayed Kim Jun Hee, also known as Player 222, in Squid Game Season 2,  talked about how she got the role in the hit Netflix series.


    The hit show was released by Netflix on December 26, continuing the story from the end of Season 1. Squid Game Season 2 is the most streamed series in all 93 countries where Netflix is available.


    Jo Yuri revealed that she had to go through multiple auditions to get the role. “I participated in the auditions for the show. My company informed me about the opportunity, and I traveled from Busan for it. My mom encouraged me to go for the audition,” she said. 


    Despite feeling uncertain about her first audition, Jo Yuri was called back for a second try. She said, “I wasn’t sure how it went, but I gave it my all.”


    Eventually, she auditioned two more times and received the good news while she was at work. “My director usually doesn’t call me during work hours, but my phone kept ringing. When I answered, they told me I got the role,” Jo Yuri said.

  • Kurram DC, FC personnel among four injured in attack on aid convoy

    Kurram DC, FC personnel among four injured in attack on aid convoy

    Days after a peace accord was signed between warring tribes in the troubled Kurram district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Deputy Commissioner (DC) Javedullah Mehsud and three others were injured as unknown assailants opened fire on an aid convoy in Lower Kurram.

    According to reports, the district administration said that unidentified armed men targeted the DC’s convoy in the Bagan area of Lower Kurram during the wee hours of Saturday. Mehsud was shifted to a hospital in injured condition and later airlifted to Peshawar.

    The claim was reported after KP CM’s Information Advisor, Barrister Saif, said that arrangements were being made to shift the DC to Peshawar. “His condition is said to be out of danger,” Saif said.

    Conflicting reports, however, maintained that the helicopter never arrived in Kurram and had to return to Peshawar due to bad weather. A report by Khorasan Diary also said that the DC had received a total of three bullet injuries to his shoulder and legs and lost a lot of blood.

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    “He will be shifted to Thall Hospital from Alizai soon. Four injured have been brought to the hospital in Alizai, that include: Deputy Commissioner Kurram Javedullah Mehsud, Police Constable Misal Khan, Frontier Corps Soldier Rahimullah, Frontier Corps Soldier Rizwan [sic],” it added.

    Intermittent firing is continuing in the Bagan area of Lower Kurram, reports said.

    Kohat Regional Police Officer (RPO), while talking to a private media outlet, said that one of the local warring groups was behind the incident. However, a search operation had been launched in the area to find the accused.

    The incident has been condemned by KP Governor Faisal Karim Kundi, who said that the firing on an aid convoy was “clear proof of incompetence and failure” of the provincial government.

    Meanwhile, a convoy carrying food and other daily items, which was expected to leave from Thall tehsil of Hangu towards Kurram, was stopped due to the situation in the area.

    It merits a mention that on January 1, a peace agreement was reached between the warring groups, under which it was agreed that the Tall-Parachinar Highway was to be opened after weeks of closure.

    The reopening of the highway remains critical to end the humanitarian crisis that unfolded in Parachinar due to weeks-long violent disputes.

  • Injured Saim Ayub ruled out of int’l cricket for six weeks

    Injured Saim Ayub ruled out of int’l cricket for six weeks

    Saim Ayub, who suffered an injury on the first day of the second Test against South Africa, will not be able to participate in international cricket campaigns for six weeks.

    Saim twisted and fractured his ankle while chasing the ball at the short third-man boundary Friday.

    A statement issued by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said that the opener’s MRI reports had confirmed a fracture, due to which he has been told to rest for six weeks.

    Saim, however, will remain with the team and return home with the squad after the series.

    The 2025 Champions Trophy is scheduled to take place in Pakistan from February 19 to March 9, 2025. While Saim is likely to return to the squad before the mega event, an official confirmation is still awaited.

    Second Test: Saim Ayub injured, likely to miss upcoming matches

    Pakistan’s opener batter Saim Ayub has been 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.

    He will likely be taken to the hospital, where his foot will be scanned, after which a decision will be made regarding his participation in the rest of the match. 

    South Africa won the toss against Pakistan and decided to bat first. 

    Earlier, Pakistan included Mir Hamza in the playing XI in place of Naseem Shah.

    Yesterday, it was reported that Mir Hamza is likely to join the team in place of Aamir Jamal, while left-arm spinner Noman Ali is unlikely to play. 

    Read this: Dropped players to return for Pakistan’s Champions Trophy campaign

    The South African team defeated the Green Shirts by 2-0 in the three-match T20 series, while the third and final T20 match was washed out due to rain. The Pakistani team swept hosts Proteas by 3-0 in the three-match ODI series. 

    South Africa has a 1-0 lead in the ongoing Test series, defeating the Green Shirts in the first Test match by two wickets.

  • Here’s why Yasir Nawaz doesn’t care about drama reviews

    Here’s why Yasir Nawaz doesn’t care about drama reviews

    Given how big the drama industry is in Pakistan, it is natural that all serials will be closely watched and reviewed. This could lead to clashes between reviewers and crew. Director and actor Yasir Nawaz says croyics don’t bother him.

     Appearing as a guest on Faysal Quraishi’s podcast, the Ghair director shared his thoughts on the growing trends of drama reviews and how he handles social media trolling.

    Yasir Nawaz said, “Nowadays, reviews are a trend. Danish asked me if I get angry when people give negative reviews about my dramas. I said I don’t care; let them review it. Though negative reviews for films can harm them a bit, I’ve often said that film reviews should come after a week or ten days. People invest time and money to watch films, unlike dramas, where anyone can comment freely.”

    Faysal Quraishi asked, “Have you come across any weird comments about yourself on social media?”

    Yasir Nawaz replied, “I don’t take social media trolling too seriously now. Initially, I used to get affected. If a page posted a picture of mine or [his wife] Nida’s and there was trolling, I would even call the page admin and ask them to delete it or block the comments. But now I don’t take it seriously.”

    He went on to narrate an incident when Nida’s Formula 1 outfit was being discussed on social media. “It bothered her for two or three days. I told her to ignore it and respond in a way that shows we don’t care. Let them talk; it doesn’t matter to us.”

    When it comes to superstars in the entertainment industry, the Inspector Sabiha actor shared his preference between Sajal Aly, Hania Aamir and Iqra Aziz.

    “I would rate Sajal Aly the highest. When we worked together on Chup Raho, I was captivated by her expressions during edits. She is an exceptional actress and knows how to deliver lines perfectly. I haven’t worked with Hania and Iqra, but Sajal remains my favorite.”

     Yasir Nawaz has starred in dramas such as Badaltay Mausam, Mohlat, Aik Mohabat Sau Afsanay, Jannat, Dil Diya Dahleez Bikhray Moti, Dil Zaar Zaar, Chaudhry and Sons and Mera Dil Mera Dushman.

    Yasir Nawaz’s calm approach to drama reviews and social media trolling reflects his confidence and focus on his work, making him a resilient figure in the entertainment industry.

  • Nana Patekar’s statement on Virat Kohli sparks a storm of memes

    Nana Patekar’s statement on Virat Kohli sparks a storm of memes

    Indian actor Nana Patekar’s statement about star batter Virat Kohli has become a meme.

    Nana Patekar recently showed his gratitude towards Virat Kohli by saying, “Virat Kohli is my favourite player; if he gets out early, then I don’t feel like eating food.”

    However, Virat was dismissed early in the Border Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) against Australia. He was dismissed eight times while failing to play the same shot for the seventh time in a single series.

    Want to read about Virat Kohli?

    Nana Patekar’s statement led to hilarious memes and reactions on social media. Here are some reactions:

  • Lahore High Court orders high-earning groom to raise haq mehar

    Lahore High Court orders high-earning groom to raise haq mehar

    The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Friday ordered a high-earning groom to increase the haq mehr from $1,000 to $10,000 based on his affordability.


    LHC’s Justice Farooq Haider allowed a woman who married of her own choice to go with her husband while directing the husband to raise the dower amount.


    The case was filed by the woman’s father, who was seeking the recovery of his daughter from the alleged illegal custody of her supposed husband.


    After the habeas corpus petition was filed by the father, the court sent a notice to the couple, for which they were brought before the court by the local police.


    During the course of the hearing, the woman responded to the court’s inquiry by stating that she was an adult and had married of her own free will. She denied charges of being abducted or threatened by her husband and, in her statement, told the court that she wanted to go with her husband and not with her father.


    However, Justice Farooq Haider asked the woman’s husband about his monthly income, to which he replied that he worked in the United States and earned $2,000 (more than 5,55,000 rupees) per month.


    On this, the high court said that $1,000 (more than 2,78,000 rupees) in haq mehr was insufficient and observed that the amount should be enhanced to ensure the woman’s security in the marriage.


    As per the court’s direction, the bridegroom submitted an affidavit in the court setting the amount of haq mehar at 10,000 dollars. 


    Additionally, the judge also disposed of the habeas corpus petition based on the father’s plea for the recovery of the woman from the alleged confinement of her husband in light of her statements.

    The matters of dower and dowery have been in the legal discourse previously as well. 

    On December 6, 2023, the Supreme Court ruled that haq mahr must be paid by the husband whenever the wife demands it, not just in the event of divorce. Mahr is the mandatory payment or gift from the groom to the bride at the time of marriage based on his affordability. It is a fundamental part of an Islamic marriage contract and is considered the bride’s exclusive right.

    Read more: ‘Mahr has to be paid whenever demanded by the wife’: Chief Justice

  • Rohit Sharma addresses retirement claims

    Rohit Sharma addresses retirement claims

    Addressing widespread claims regarding his exit from international cricket, Indian Test captain Rohit Sharma has said that he will not be retiring soon. 

    In an interview with match presenters during the Sydney Test on Saturday, Rohit said, “Arrey yaar, main kahi na jaa raha hu [I’m not going anywhere].”

    The Indian captain’s statement came as presenters thanked him at the end of the interview.

    When asked about stepping down as skipper for the ongoing Test match, he said, “Honestly, it was a personal decision to step down just for this game. I’ve been working hard on my batting, but things weren’t clicking. I felt it was the right call to step aside for such an important match. But I’ll continue playing for India, and retirement is not on my mind right now.”

    Rohit also addressed the criticism he has faced as captain. “People with a mic, laptop, or pen don’t change our lives. They can’t decide when we go or when we play. I’ve played this game for so long, and I know what’s best for the team and myself. Since 2007, my goal has always been to win games for my team. If you don’t think of the team, then there’s no point. Cricket is a team sport, and decisions should always reflect that.”

    It merits a mention that pacer Jasprit Bumrah is leading the team in Rohit’s absence.

    Want to read more about Rohit Sharma?

    Many Indian players keen to take captaincy after Sharma’s retirement: Reports

    After Rohit Sharma’s departure, many players are eager for the leader’s role despite the presence of multiple seniors in the team. 

    Indian media has reported that the search for a strong candidate for captaincy is in full swing, but no decision has been made regarding his future yet. 

    Jasprit Bumrah captained the team in Rohit’s absence during the first match, but after Rohit’s departure, many players in the dressing room were eager for the  leader role. Bumrah is unlikely to be given the captaincy after Rohit Sharma’s retirement. 

    However, the Indian Express revealed in its report that a certain player on the team proposed an “interim captaincy”, calling him ‘Mr. Fix It’ so that the current situation and the dressing room atmosphere can be controlled.

    However, the report did not mention who the candidate for the interim captaincy is, but is considered to be among the senior players on the team.

    The team’s young candidates are not very impressed with the player who has shown ambitions for captaincy.

    On the other hand, Bumrah may be the only choice for long-term Test captaincy, but Rishabh Pant and KL Rahul are also seen as favourites for the captaincy.

  • Zara Noor Abbas urges fans to stop posting daughter’s videos

    Zara Noor Abbas urges fans to stop posting daughter’s videos

    Actress Zara Noor Abbas has broken silence on viral videos of her daughter Noor-e-Jahan, making a heartfelt plea for privacy as people continue to reshare the same.

    Taking to Instagram to request privacy for her family, The Standup Girl actress said that she had decided to not share pictures of her daughter publicly and people should respect this decision.

    “If I don’t show pictures of my daughter, it means I would like to keep it private. Still, people don’t have the audacity to respect this,” Abbas said, urging people to respect boundaries.

    “It’s a REQUEST again to all of you, please stop posting videos of our daughter. And if you already have please, delete them [sic],” she said.

    ‘It’s a REQUEST’: Zara Noor Abbas urges fans to delete daughter’s videos

    Through her statement, Abbas has made it clear that she values her family’s privacy and expects fans to respect the same.

     The appeal comes after widespread circulation of her daughter’s video from her brother Ahmad Abbas Gill’s wedding, where she was seen being held by family members and surrounded by guests during the celebrations.

    Earlier,  actress Zara Noor Abbas and her husband Asad love spending time with their little girl and often share photos of her, but Zara has chosen not to show Noor E Jahan’s face publicly.

    In a post, Zara wrote, “This is for her sick days, late nights, and early mornings. The moments where only SHE matters. I didn’t know I could feel this way for anyone other than my parents. You teach me resilience, courage, and strength. Thank you for choosing me. I love you, Noor E Jahan. I will do anything for you, InshAllah always and forever.”

    Zara also added that she is not showing her daughter’s face due to concerns about the “evil eye.”

    She mentioned, “Not showing your picture to the world anytime soon because of the evil eye. So please bear with only the Amma in her glory where no Photoshop or body editing is done because I respect and appreciate my body for being so miraculous.”

    Earlier, she gave an interview to Political Insight YouTube channel, where she discussed how accepting parenthood has changed her.

    Zara Noor said, “Becoming a mother has completely eliminated my anger. Now, I value time and get my things done before time. Motherhood has also made me more empathetic towards others, especially fellow mothers, and I’ve become more loving and compassionate.”


    Talking about parenting she said, “Parenting is a learning process, and my goal is to raise my daughter to be a good person and a responsible citizen. Instead of pressuring her to excel academically, I’ll focus on nurturing her kindness and empathy, helping her grow into a caring and understanding individual.”

  • One-sided love shouldn’t exist, says Merub Ali

    One-sided love shouldn’t exist, says Merub Ali

    Life is like a buffet—you may not get everything you want, but there’s always something to enjoy.


    Actress Merub Ali believes in mutual love and says that when two people fall in love, they should get married right away. She shared these views on the comedy show Mazaq Raat.


    Merub Ali stated, “I do not believe in one-sided love. Such love should not exist because it lacks respect. Mutual love is good, and whenever someone falls in such love, they should get married immediately.”


    During the show, she also talked about a video she made about jinns in her house. “The video I made some time ago about the presence of jinn in my house was real. There is really a shadow of jinn or invisible creatures in my house.” The video went viral, and now no one wants to buy her house, she said, but she insists it was real.

     
    Merub also shared how she started her career. As a child, she had typhoid and was encouraged by her doctor to audition for a music video by Sajjad Ali, which led to her selection. “I started my career by modeling in a song by singer Sajjad Ali at a young age,” she said. 


    She said, “At that time, I was 15 or 16 years old, and I made a video and sent it even though I didn’t want to, which led to my selection after the audition.”


    “I had been modeling for many years. Then, when producer Sana Shahnawaz saw my modeling and Instagram videos, she contacted me for the drama Sinfe Ahan, my first drama, in which I played the role of a Pakhtun girl. After that drama, I also started acting.”


    “Recently, my drama Faraar is being liked a lot, and I played the role of a Pakhtun girl in that drama too,” she said.


    In response to a question, she expressed her desire to work in action and thriller films. “I wish to be offered work in an action and thriller film.”