Author: News Desk

  • ‘I wasn’t engaged to Zainab Shabbir’: Usama Khan clears the air

    ‘I wasn’t engaged to Zainab Shabbir’: Usama Khan clears the air

    Actor Usama Khan isn’t just known for his prodigious talent, he’s also making headlines with his candid thoughts on love and life. 

    Appearing as a guest on Nadan Maizban hosted by Danish Nawaz, Yasir Nawaz and Nida Yasir, the Ghair actor clears the air about his personal life.

     “Then, you (Nida Yasir) congratulated Zainab on her engagement, but after the break, you changed the topic, and people thought I was engaged. That was a big misunderstanding, and it’s been following me ever since,” Usama Khan clarified.

    In addition to addressing this misconception, Usama shared some insights into what he looks for in an ideal life partner.

    Usama also opened up about a more personal matter his father’s COVID diagnosis. He explained that during the pandemic, his family kept the diagnosis a secret from his father, telling him only that he had an infection.

     “My father was sick and had COVID, but no one told him it was COVID. They just said he had an infection, that he was having trouble breathing, and had an oxygen cylinder. This was during the COVID days,” he revealed.

    He further explained how he reassured his father when asked if he had COVID, saying, “I was sitting with my father, and he asked me, ‘Did I get COVID?’ I told him, ‘No, it’s just an infection, it’ll get better.’ He said, ‘Okay, fine,’ and he was calm. But he had no idea what was really going on.”

    Despite these misunderstandings, Usama continues to remain open about his personal life, making it clear what qualities he values in a life partner while clearing up misconceptions.

     Earlier, Usama Khan, the hero of Pakistani film Nayab, has revealed how rumors about his engagement with co-star Zainab Shabbir spread.

    Appearing as a guest on Nida Yasir’s Good Morning show.

    Talking about the rumors of his engagement with co-star Zainab Shabbir during the show, he said, “The rumors of me and Zainab’s engagement were spread due to a misunderstanding by the anchor of the show.”

    Nida admitted that the rumors were spread because of her mistake. “I congratulated them on their engagement on the show, but later I found out the truth,” she confessed.

    Once Nida Yasir finished speaking, Usama Khan added, “Everyone in the industry was also convinced that Zainab and I were engaged, but I denied the rumors myself.”

    He continued, “I told everyone that I am not engaged, but I am looking for a girl.”

    He jokingly added, “If there is a girl watching the show now who is interested in me, she can also contact me.”

  • Retired Major jailed for life in kidnapping case

    Retired Major jailed for life in kidnapping case

    An Anti Terrorism Court (ATC) has given a life sentence to two men, including a retired Major, in a case pertaining to the abduction of a businessman for a ransom of Rs 16 million.


    The court convicted Major (retd) Nawazish Akbar and a civilian named Naveed Khan on charges of abducting Sher Bahadur, a businessman from Karachi. 


    The victim was kidnapped when he was returning from the district Malir court 17 years ago. The amount of cash received by the abductors was seven million in cash, and jewellery was worth nine million in ransom.


    ATC judge sentenced the convicts to life imprisonment along with three years for wrongful confinement and seven years for robbing the victim’s car.


    Additionally, the court ordered the confiscation of the convicts’ property.


    Sher Bahadur’s brother lodged a complaint stating that the accused, Major (retd) Nawazish, was a five per cent business partner with his brother, who owned a construction company.


    Despite reaching a compromise, Nawazish signed a written agreement with an assurance to settle the amount after the business dispute. However, instead of paying the amount, the retired major allegedly threatened his brother of dire consequences.


    Later, on June 6, 2006, the complainant and his brother’s vehicle was intercepted by Nawazish, along with his accomplices Haji Zaman, Amir Khan, Fareed Ahmed, Naveed, and Nadeem, on their way back from Malir Court.


    They abducted Sher Bahadur and took him to an unknown location.


    The state prosecutor informed the court that the complaint was lodged against the abductors one and a half years after the incident.


    The complainant was informed that his brother would be released after the business dispute was solved.


    The complainant told the court that he established a construction company in 2004 and gave a five per cent share to his employee, Nawazish.


    However, an audit revealed embezzlement by Nawazish and another employee, Naveed.

    Following the audit, the accused reportedly submitted written declarations apologising for the financial appropriations.


    In his testimony, the brother further said that months later, these two employees conspired against him and got him arrested in a five million rupees cheque dishonour case.


    He testified in front of the court that the convict took over his office premises “illegally” while he was on the judicial remand.


    Resultantly, he terminated the services of both Nawazish and Naveed over allegations of fraud.


    Describing his six-month-long captivity, the victim alleged that the convict confined him to a room where his accomplices-Haji Zaman and Aamir-said to be associated with the Taliban, made various attempts to make him a suicide bomber.


    He was frequently visited by the retired Major.


    In the meanwhile, Nawazish had transferred 95 percent of the company’s shares to Haji Zaman and sold assets worth Rs 20 million.


    He further claimed that after he was released on medical grounds, he filed petitions in the Sindh High Court in 2008 and 2014 in a bid to get the Major arrested and recovery of his assets.


    The court noted in its verdict that both the accused persons did not deny the declarations, adding that based on the first impression, “they have committed misappropriation/fraud of Rs7,000,000, which they have to return to the abductee, so their conduct itself proves that they were involved in the fraud or cheating in his company.”


    The court made an observation about the delay of the challan form by quoting, “The involvement of influential individuals, notably the accused Nawazish Akbar, a retired Major, contributed to the delay, further evidenced by the prolonged delay of 17-18 years in submitting the challan.”


    “His testimony was supported by over 700 pages of documentary evidence, which detailed the extent of the financial exploitation he endured”, the verdict concluded by acknowledging the victim’s testimony.

  • Ali Amin Gandapur pays seven crore rupees fee to Imran Khan’s lawyers in one month, says Sher Afzal Marwat

    Ali Amin Gandapur pays seven crore rupees fee to Imran Khan’s lawyers in one month, says Sher Afzal Marwat

    Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Sher Afzal Khan Marwat has claimed that Chief Minister (CM) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Ali Amin Gandapur paid seven crore rupees fee to party founder Imran Khan’s lawyer.

    Speaking with Azaad Urdu, Marwat expressed disappointment over the massive fees which are being paid to former Premier Imran Khan’s lawyer. “It is not justified that more than a crore rupees is paid to lawyers in one case,” he stated. 

    “It is in my knowledge that exorbitant fees have been paid to lawyers. The fees paid to the lawyers are so high that, if calculated, each day Imran Khan spends in jail is costing more than lac,” he said.

    However, Marwat clarified that Imran Khan nominated lawyers for his cases.

    He emphasised that there should have been negotiations regarding the fees. “I am a lawyer myself, and I know what costs are reasonable [for lawyer fee],” he added.

    Sher Afzal Marwat stressed, “Having money doesn’t mean that there should be no accountability. There must be proper financial transparency with the lawyers, and a reasonable fee should be paid to lawyers.”

    Additionally, the PTI leader also said that he had not charged a single rupee when he was Imran Khan’s counsel in multiple cases.

    Moreover, Marwat maintained that he had represented several PTI leaders, including CM KP Ali Amin Gandapur, former Speaker of National Assembly Asad Qaiser and Member National Assembly (MNA) Shandana Gulzar Khan in courts and did not charge them even a single penny.

    Asked about how much fee he charged for one case, Marwat linked his fee to the client’s financial conditions: “Sometimes, I had charged one crore from a client who could afford it; however, apart from Imran Khan and PTI leaders, I have taken two cases free of charge.”

    Commenting on the 34-year sentence of former CM Gilgit Baltistan (GB) Khalid Khurshid, Marwat made a witty jab at the GB court by saying that life imprisonment in Pakistan is limited to 25 years only if someone killed a person.

    Marwat said he wants to salute the GB judiciary for surpassing the Pakistani judiciary in terms of justice by sentencing Khalid Khurshid for 34-years. 

    A GB anti-terrorism court (ATC) on Tuesday sentenced ex-CM Khalid Khurshid Khan to 34 years in prison for threatening security institutions at a party rally in July last year.

  • Urwa Hocane celebrates New Year’s eve with Indian celebrities

    Urwa Hocane celebrates New Year’s eve with Indian celebrities

    Imagine celebrating New Year’s eve at the world’s tallest building (Burj Khalifa), meeting celebrities, and sharing unforgettable moments with your fans. That is  exactly how actress Urwa Hocane welcomed in 2025.

    To kick off the New Year in style, Urwa Hocane traveled to Dubai with her husband Farhan Saeed to celebrate at one of the most iconic landmarks in the world: the Burj Khalifa.

    Sharing the fun she had with fans, the Parizaad actress posted stunning pictures from the iconic tower on her Instagram account.

    After celebrating the New Year, Urwa Hocane went to a Qawwali night at the Burj Khalifa, where famous Pakistani singer Rahat Fateh Ali Khan amazed the audience with his beautiful music. The event brought together both Indian and Pakistani stars, along with many locals from Dubai who joined the celebration.

    During the event, Urwa Hocane had the opportunity to meet Bollywood star Kriti Sanon. The two posed for a picture together, which quickly went viral on social media, captivating fans from both sides of the border.

    The Udaari actress also took a picture with Indian actor Vivek Oberoi.As Pakistan, like rest of the world, steps into 2025 with renewed energy and hopes of change and prosperity, celebrities too have shared heartfelt messages with the commitment to embrace the new year with positive vibes.

    Earlier, actress Mahira Khan reflected on the highs and lows of 2024 with an emotional note on Instagram.

    “When you came, it felt like you would never end.. every moment felt like forever.. and now when you’re ending it feels like time just flew. That’s the thing about happiness and sadness, highs and lows.. it all passes. Nothing stays the same forever. Little moments of joy though.. they remain the same. And those are to be made the most out of. I learnt so much this year.. felt so much this year. More than anything I learnt so much about myself and by the end of the year felt so much like myself [sic],” she wrote.

    The Humsafar actress expressed gratitude for her personal growth over the past year and ended with an optimistic outlook for the future.

    “When I look back, I will remember this you as the year of faith, looking ahead always… but do put in a good word for me with 2025,” she concluded.

    Veteran actor Adnan Siddqui added a touch of humor to his New Year’s wish by sharing a video message.

    “Ah, 2025! A brand-new year, already judging us for the promises we probably won’t keep. But that’s the charm of life — it’s messy, unpredictable, and still worth every second. Here’s to another year of winging it with style. Happy New Year!” he said.

    Actress Sarah Khan shared a picture of herself in a black dress with the caption: “Pouring my heart and soul into this, with my vision board behind me. This is the moment when I take the inspiration and goals visually represented in front of me and bring them to life. 2025, lets do this! PS. The song represents my feelings right now [sic].”

    Veteran actress Reema Khan also extended her warm wishes through a heartfelt video message, captioning its: “Happy New Year 2025! May this year bring us endless joy, success, respect and cherished moments with our loved ones. May Allah guide us to choose the right path Ameen .”

    Actress Hiba Bukhari posted a video collage summarising her memorable moments from 2024. “So much happened this year… thanking you all for your love. Saying goodbye to 2024 thanking Allah for a blissful year, and wishing the best to everyone for 2025 ,” she wrote and asked fans to remember her in their prayers.

    Mawra Hocane also expressed her excitement for the new year with a sweet message. “Grateful to be witnessing yet another new year… 2025 I’m looking forward ✨♾ .”

    She went on to wish everyone a happy new year.

  • Netflix shuts down rumors of Leonardo DiCaprio appearing in Squid Game 3

    Netflix shuts down rumors of Leonardo DiCaprio appearing in Squid Game 3

    You know what they say—if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. 

    Netflix has finally responded to rumors about Leonardo DiCaprio starring in Squid Game season 3.

    In 2022, the writer-director of ‘Squid Game,’ Hwang Dong-Hyuk, expressed his wish to include DiCaprio in the series. This led to reports that DiCaprio had filmed a secret appearance for the show.


    However, Netflix has officially denied the rumors in a statement that said: “The rumors are completely false. Reports of Leonardo DiCaprio’s involvement in Squid Game Season 3 are entirely unfounded.”


    Meanwhile, season 2 of ‘Squid Game’ started streaming on Netflix last week and became the first series to debut at No. 1 in all 93 countries where Netflix is available. Season 3 is expected to premiere later this year.

  • Actress Nargis reconciles with husband after saying he beat her up

    Actress Nargis reconciles with husband after saying he beat her up

    Life always has unexpected twists, and sometimes they come with a surprising dose of forgiveness.

    Actress Nargis and her husband, Inspector Majid Bashir, have reconciled in the Lahore Sessions Court following allegations of assault. 


    Nargis had previously filed a case against her husband in the Defence C area of Lahore, accusing him of assaulting her during a dispute over money. In the police complaint, she stated: “Majid tortured me during a financial dispute.”


    However, the couple has now resolved their differences. A reconciliation agreement has been submitted to the court by mutual consent by both parties, after which the actress’s husband has withdrawn his application for interim bail from the court.


    Nargis’s lawyer commented, “Our elders have agreed with mutual consent. The actress has forgiven her husband on the advice of the elders, and neither party will violate the agreement.”

    Interestingly, this is not the first time a high-profile reconciliation has followed allegations of assault. Ayesha Jehanzeb, a well-known TV host, also reconciled with her husband after filing similar allegations.

    Earlier, Television host Ayesha has accused her husband Haris Ali of domestic abuse. They are currently married and have two children together. Ayesha went to the police station with a bruised face to file a report against Haris. Her daughter Zoha accompanied her. In an interview with Samaa TV, Ayesha revealed that this is the third time in six months that Haris has beaten her. The issues between the couple reportedly started after Haris’s secret marriage.


    Many people, including celebrities and social media users, are showing their support for Ayesha, calling her brave for dealing with abuse and continuing her work. Prominent figures like Reham Khan, Hina Pervaiz Butt, and Sania Aashiq have expressed their strong support for her. The shocking images Ayesha shared on social media have also drawn widespread sympathy and support from the public.

  • Japanese pornstar’s visit to Badshahi Masjid breaks the internet

    Japanese pornstar’s visit to Badshahi Masjid breaks the internet

    Social media has been set ablaze with questions and speculation after Japanese porn star Kae Asakura, famously known as ‘Royal Lil Black,’ was spotted visiting Lahore’s historic Badshahi Mosque, fully covered in a hijab.

    Kae Asakura, a Japanese adult film actress, has sparked a massive online debate with her unexpected visit to the historic Badshahi Mosque in Lahore. Videos and photos of her in a hijab, exploring one of Pakistan’s most iconic religious sites, have gone viral.


    Known for a successful career in adult films, Asakura’s presence at a culturally and religiously significant location has left people surprised and curious. Her attire, fully covering her from head to toe, has only added to the intrigue, with some speculating if she is considering converting to Islam.


    This isn’t the first time Asakura has drawn attention for wearing Islamic attire. During a visit to the UAE, she was also seen dressed modestly in traditional clothing, which fueled similar rumors. Her appearance at the mosque in Lahore has reignited discussions about her religious inclinations. 


    Social media platform X (formerly Twitter) is buzzing with reactions. Journalist Waseem Abbasi read, “What is Japanese porn star Kae Asakura doing in Lahore? Burqa-clad Asakura is taking an interest in Islam.”


    While the reasons behind her visit remain unclear, Asakura’s presence at the mosque has sparked widespread debate and raised eyebrows across the internet. Some see it as a significant gesture, while others question if it’s part of a larger narrative or simply a personal exploration.

  • ‘Bushra Bibi holding actual negotiations somewhere else’

    ‘Bushra Bibi holding actual negotiations somewhere else’

    Senior journalist Nusrat Javed has claimed that talks between the government and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) committees were only a façade because actual negotiations were being held by Imran Khan’s wife Bushra Bibi.

    “Real negotiations are being held by Bushra Bibi. I told you this before as well… that two days ago, she went to negotiate somewhere without any security. And today, she went to Adiala Jail in a bulletproof car to meet Khan,” the journalist said during his show on Public News.

    He also claimed that the PTI had categorically been conveyed to accept responsibility for May 9 riots and ask for forgiveness. “PTI leaders maintain if they concede to these demands, then, in return, they want the release of all PTI workers from prison, including those whom military courts have convicted. This is the bone of contention between both sides now.”

    Nusrat also said that Imran Khan would have to take the first step in order to achieve a positive outcome of the ongoing talks.

    It merits a mention that the government and PTI, for the first time in almost two years, have broken ice by agreeing to talk their issue out for “greater national interests”. First round of talks was held last week whereas the second round is scheduled for today (Jan 2). Both sides are expected to formally present their demands during today’s session.

    National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq is reportedly facilitating and leading the negotiations during which the PTI has repeatedly expressed concerns over authorities alleged campaign to “dismantle” the opposition party.

    PTI has also demanded the release of all its workers from prison, and sought a judicial commission to prove violent incidents that took place following Khan’s arrest in May 2023 as well as during the party’s march on Islamabad on November 26.

    Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur on Wednesday said that his party would yet again take to streets if the ongoing dialogue ends inconclusively. He also confirmed that the PTI founder had permitted party leaders to continue holding talks with the government for the sake of the country.

    Gandapur also reiterated his party’s demands for release of PTI founder and former premier Khan as well as other leaders and workers locked up in different jails across the country.

    Amid unconfirmed reports of demands, deals and breakthroughs, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Senator Irfan Siddiqui, who is a part of the government’s negotiation committee, has said that the ruling party would consult all coalition partners on PTI’s charter of demands.

  • YouTuber MrBeast gets engaged to South African

    YouTuber MrBeast gets engaged to South African

    The world’s number one YouTuber, Jimmy Donaldson, known as MrBeast, got engaged on Monday to internet personality Thea Booysen.

    He shared the news in an Instagram post with the caption, “The boy did a great job.” 

    The YouTuber also shared photos and videos of his engagement taken on Christmas, which went viral on social media.

    Thea said about the occasion, “We were organizing Christmas at home, and my family had also arrived here from South Africa, so both families were present on the occasion. We were opening presents, and then for the last one, he asked me to close my eyes because it was a surprise.”

    “When he proposed, I immediately said yes,” she added.

    The two met in South Africa in 2022 through a mutual friend.

  • May 9 riots: Military pardons 19 convicts on humanitarian grounds

    May 9 riots: Military pardons 19 convicts on humanitarian grounds

    The military has pardoned 19 convicts in the May 9 riots case on humanitarian grounds, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said on Thursday.

    According to the military media wing, a total of 67 convicts had filed mercy petitions, of which 48 have been processed for appeal. The pleas of 19 convicts have been accepted “purely on humanitarian grounds under the law”.

    The development comes weeks after military courts sentenced a total of 85 people in connection with attacks on state establishments following the arrest of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan in May 2023.

    At least 10 people lost their lives and over a hundred others sustained injuries in the violent protests that continued on May 9 and May 10. Approximately 40 public buildings and military installations were attacked by rioters. These included Lahore Corps Commander’s House (Jinnah House), Askari Tower in Lahore, General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi, ISI Office in Faisalabad, FC Fort in Chakdara, Radio Pakistan building in Peshawar, Toll Plaza at Swat Motorway and the Mianwali Air Base.

    In December, the ISPR had in two separate statements announced the convictions of 25 and 60 under-trial prisoners by military courts. The convicts had been sentenced to jail terms ranging from two to 10 years for their involvement in the nationwide riots. PTI founder and former prime minister Khan’s nephew, Hassaan Khan Niazi, was also among the convicts and was sentenced to 10 years in jail for the attack on the residence of Lahore Corps Commander (Jinnah House).

    On Thursday, the military’s media wing said that 19 individuals whose mercy petitions were accepted would be released after completion of procedural formalities.

    “The remission of punishments is a testament to the strength of due process and fairness, which ensures that justice is served while also taking into account the principles of compassion and mercy,” it added.

    Among the freed convicts are:

    1. Muhammad Ayaz s/o Sahibzada Khan

    2. Sami Ullah s/o Meer dad Khan

    3. Laeeq Ahmed s/o Manzoor Ahmed

    4. Amjad Ali s/o Manzoor Ahmed

    5. Yasir Nawaz s/o Ameer Nawaz Khan

    6. Said Alam s/o Maaz Ullah Khan

    7. Zahid Khan s/o Muhammad Nabi

    8. Muhammad Suleman s/o Said Ghani Jan

    9. Hamza Sharif s/o Muhammad Azam

    10. Muhammad Salman s/o Zahid Nisar

    11. Asher Butt s/o Muhammad Arshad Butt

    12. Muhammad Waqas s/o Malik Muhammad Khalil

    13. Sufayan Idrees s/o Idrees Ahmed

    14. Muneeb Ahmed s/o Naveed Ahmed Butt

    15. Muhammad Ahmed s/o Muhammad Nazir

    16. Muhammad Nawaz s/o Abdul Samad

    17. Muhammad Ali s/o Muhammad Boota

    18. Muhammad Bilawal s/o Manzoor Hussain

    19. Muhammad Ilyas s/o Muhammad Fazal Haleem