Author: News Desk

Journalist reveals which former general gifted TTP chief a bulletproof Lexus

Renowned journalist Azaz Syed on December 30 revealed on his YouTube channel “Talk SHOCK” that former spymaster Gen (retd) Faiz Hamid gifted a bulletproof Lexus car to Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) chief Noor Wali Mehsud in Kabul during Imran Khan’s tenure.

According to Syed, Gen Faiz asked the TTP Chief to form better relations with Pakistan to which Mehsud replied: “You have made Pakistan into a prison [reference to fenced borders with India, Afghanistan and Iran].”

Azaz Syed revealed that Gen Faiz Hameed agreed to resettle TTP terrorists back into Pakistan in that particular meeting in Kabul where several high-ranking Afghan Taliban officials were present as well.

Gen Faiz, who was the chief of Pakistan’s premier spy agency ISI at the time, asked the TTP chief about his preference for cars: “It is my wish to gift you a car, so tell me, which one do you like,” he reportedly said. After that, Gen Faiz arranged a bulletproof car from Kabul for the TTP head.

According to Azaz Syed, another meeting was held the next day, but the TTP chief did not arrive in the gifted car. Gen Faiz then asked him the reason for not using the car, to which Mehsud replied: “What do you think that I would use that gift personally? I have submitted the car to our organisation’s Toshakhana.”

Relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan have turned sour as Pakistan consistently blames Afghan authorities for inaction over TTP within its territory.

Pakistan targeted TTP camps on December 24 with airstrikes in Afghanistan’s eastern Paktika province, reportedly killing and wounding multiple suspected terrorists.

Dawn News reported that Pakistani fighter jets targeted TTP camps in the Murgha and Laman areas of the Bernal district in Afghanistan.

Interestingly, the strikes came on the same day that a Pakistani delegation, led by Special Representative Ambassador Muhammad Sadiq, met Afghan Interior Minister Sirajuddin Haqqani and Foreign Minister Amir Muttaqi in Kabul to resume diplomatic dialogue after a year.

The Pakistani cross-border strike also followed the martyrdom of sixteen Pakistan Army soldiers on December 21, when terrorists attacked a checkpost in Makeen, South Waziristan district, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Since 2022, Pakistan has experienced a sharp rise in terrorist attacks across the country, particularly in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

This is the second time in 2024 that Pakistan has targeted TTP camps inside Afghanistan. Previously, it launched two airstrikes into Afghanistan’s Paktika and Khost provinces in March, targeting multiple terrorist hideouts.

After the recent surgical strike carried out by Pakistan, tensions ran high as Afghan Taliban forces targeted “several points” in Pakistan, according to Afghanistan’s Ministry of Defence.

The Afghan Defence Ministry’s statement did not specify that Pakistan was hit but said the attacks were conducted “beyond the ‘hypothetical line’” – an expression used by Afghan authorities to refer to the internationally recognised border Durand Line.

December 31, 2024
‘House arrest instead of jail possible if Imran Khan does not challenge system’

Senior journalist and analyst Ansar Abbasi has claimed that the government could consider offering Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan the option to stay under house arrest instead of Adiala Jail if he “does not challenge the current system”.

According to the veteran journalist, key members of the government’s negotiations team are of the view that if the jailed former premier puts an end to agitational politics, he can be moved to his residence in Bani Gala from the jail in Rawalpindi.

However, he added, there would be no compromise on May 9 consequences or the demands against coalition government completing its five-year term.

It merits a mention that neither the government nor the PTI has so far openly or formally discussed the possibility of house arrest for Khan, and the reports are rooted in an informal mention of the same by Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif’s aide Rana Sanaullah.

In a conversation with reporters after meeting their brother in jail, Imran Khan’s sisters Aleema Khan and Noreen Khan have also rubbished these claims besides quoting their brother as determined to not consider it an option till political prisoners belonging to the PTI were freed.

“The proposal I received for a deal was: negotiate with us, and we will give your party ‘political space’, but you will be placed under house arrest and moved to Bani Gala. My response was that all other political prisoners must first be released. I would rather stay in jail than accept any deal. I will neither go into house arrest nor to any jail in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa [sic],” read a Dec 27 post on the incarcerated former premier’s X account.

Abbasi, in his report, also quoted sources as saying that in the Jan 2 meeting between the negotiating teams of the PTI and the ruling coalition, the government was likely express that all individuals facing serious charges, including Khan, would have to get themselves cleared from court.

PTI, on the other hand, would come up with a formal demand for the release of all workers and leaders, primarily Khan, the report said.

While the same could result in yet another deadlock, Senator Irfan Siddiqi, who is a part of the government’s negotiating team, told a private media outlet said that he was not aware of any proposal regarding shifting Khan to Bani Gala.

He said the PTI committee had been told that a majority of the current government’s members were imprisoned during the PTI government, and all of them were released through judicial process instead of an executive order.

December 31, 2024
War of words continues as Australian media calls Rohit Sharma ‘Captain Cry Baby’

The Australian media has mocked Indian captain Rohit Sharma, labelling him “Captain Cry Baby” on the front page of ‘The West Australian’ on Monday after the last day of the Boxing Day Test match was played out in Melbourne.

Australia defeated India decisively, taking a 2-1 lead in the five-match series.

Australian batters number 10 and 11 built a partnership of 61 runs in the fourth over of the game. During this time, fielders made several mistakes, visibly angering Rohit.

The very next day, on the fifth day of the game, Western Australia’s sports page targeted Indian captain Rohit Sharma.

Earlier, on the first day of the fourth Test match of the series, Virat Kohli had got into a fight with Australian debutant Sam Konstas, for which he was slammed from all quarters.

At the end of the 10th over of the match, Virat and Konstas clashed on the shoulders, which led to an altercation between the two, but Usman Khawaja and the umpires intervened.

Virat Kohli was then warned, fined 20 per cent of his match fee and given a demerit point.

After the incident went viral, The West Australian newspaper ran the headline ‘Clown Kohli’, which angered Indian supporters and fans.

Later, the newspaper published a picture of its 19-year-old cricketer Sam Constas the next day and chose inappropriate words in the caption of the photo, stating, “Virat I am your father”.

Virat Kohli also got into an argument with a journalist at the airport upon his arrival in Melbourne.

December 31, 2024
Winter vacations extended in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

The government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has on December 30 extended winter vacations in schools across the province.

The government issued a notification stating that all government and private schools in the province will remain closed until January 6.

Earlier, the provincial education department had announced that winter vacations will continue until December 31.

The previous notification stated that winter vacations in the plain areas of the province will last from December 23 to December 31, while in the mountainous areas from December 23 to February 29, 2025.

The winter vacation schedule for other provinces is given below.

Punjab

In Punjab, vacations will last 20 days, unlike previous years.

The revised notification states that the winter holidays will begin on December 23 instead of December 20. Schools will reopen on January 13, 2025.

Sindh

Sindh School Education Department announced that all the public and private schools and colleges across Sindh will remain closed for winter vacations from December 22, 2024 (Sunday) to December 31, 2024 Tuesday.

Schools and colleges are expected to reopen on January 1, 2025 (Wednesday).

Balochistan

Balochistan government has also announced winter vacations for educational institutions across the province, which also varies for schools in cold and warm regions.

Schools in cold regions will remain closed from December 16 to February 28 and will reopen on March 1, 2025.

Meanwhile, in the warmer regions, the vacations will begin on January 1 and conclude on January 10.

Keeping the harsh conditions in check, Bolan Medical College (BMC) in Quetta has also declared winter vacations in an official announcement. The college will remain closed for teaching purposes from December 16 until February 28, 2025.

However, the teaching and administrative staff is required to ensure their presence.

December 31, 2024
Rohit Sharma to retire from Test cricket: Reports

Indian Test cricket team captain Rohit Sharma has decided to retire from Test cricket, multiple media reports have claimed.

Rohit will announce his retirement at the end of the ongoing Five-Test series against Australia. Top officials of the BCCI and selectors are reportedly also aware of Sharma’s impending plans and his unwillingness to change his decision to retire.

The final date and time of his retirement are still under wraps but Indian media has claimed that he will likely announce his retirement at the end of the fifth Test match in Sydney.

He has scored only 31 runs in six innings of the three Test matches.

Rohit Sharma retired from T20 format during the presentation ceremony after winning the final of the T20 World Cup in June this year.

At present, Australia is leading 2-1 in the Test series while one Test match was drawn.

It is time for Rohit Sharma to go, says Indian journalist

Indian sports journalist Vikrant Gupta has said that, “It is time for captain Rohit Sharma to go”, adding to a chorus of speculation on the star player’s career.

“If he does not announce his retirement, it will be a surprise for me,” Gupta said on the digital platform Sports Tak. The Indian journalist discussed Rohit Sharma’s retirement from captaincy at a time when the team’s performance was under discussion on the second day of the Boxing Day Test on Friday.

Vikrant said, “There is not a single player in India who has told the chief selector that I have had enough. If Rohit Sharma had intended to retire, he would not have opened the innings. When the runs are not coming, the captain’s respect in the dressing room starts to decrease. No one in cricket remains a captain for life.”

The journalist pointed out that there has been a system of captains coming and going in Indian cricket. “A new captain will come, and social media will have influence on this matter. Rohit is a very good person, he does not have a bad or rude attitude on the field, but the matter is about the Indian team here.”

When the Indian captain came into the field as an opening batsman in the first innings, Pat Cummins dismissed him on an individual score of just 3.

Rohit Sharma scored 3, 6, 10 and 3, respectively, in five innings during the series against Australia, scoring only 22 runs in total.

Rohit Sharma will step down as captain: Sunil Gavaskar

Former Indian cricket team captain Sunil Gavaskar has predicted that Rohit Sharma will step down as captain if he does not perform well in the upcoming Test matches.

“If Rohit Sharma flops in Melbourne and Sydney, he will resign and will not wait for the selectors’ decision. He will definitely play the last two Test matches, but if Rohit Sharma does not score runs in the last two matches, I think he will step down as captain,” Gavaskar predicted.

He speculated that Rohit will not become a burden on the team. “He is a cricketer who cares a lot about the team.”

Rohit Sharma has scored only 152 runs in the last 13 Test innings at an average of 11.83, for which he is facing a lot of criticism.

Sharma is currently under criticism due to his recent form and leadership decisions, particularly following India’s losses against New Zealand and Australia.

December 31, 2024
Reason behind Travis Head’s ‘explicit’ celebration against India revealed

With netizens losing it over what many speculated to be Australian cricketer Travis Head’s “explicit” celebration in the Test against India, commentator James Berisha has provided context for the same.

Part-time bowler Head on Sunday claimed the wicket of India’s Rishabh Pant, who was batting cautiously with just 30 runs off 104 balls. With Head breaking Yashasvi Jaiswal and Pant’s critical partnership, he celebrated by making a circle with one hand and dipping the index finger of his other hand in it.

With cricketing fans, especially those from India, speculating what the celebration meant, commentator Berisha has shed light on it.

“When Head took four wickets for 10 runs against Sri Lanka in 2022, he jokingly said that now he needs to dip his fingers in ice. This was an indication that his fingers had worked hard, so due to fatigue, they needed to be soaked in ice,” he said.

Earlier, the Australian cricketer himself also posted a photo wherein he was seen sticking his index finger in a glass full of ice.

The picture was reportedly from after the match against Sri Lanka. “Had to put the digit on ice,” he wrote.

Australia defeat India by 184 runs in fourth Test

Australia defeated India by 184 runs in the fourth Test match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Monday.

The Indian team was bowled out for 155 runs while chasing a target of 340 runs.

Only two batsmen from India could reach double figures. Yashasvi Jaiswal scored 84 while Rishabh Pant scored 30 runs.

Captain Pat Cummins and Scott Boland took three wickets each for Australia.

During the first innings of the fourth Test, Australia scored 474 runs while the Indian team was bowled out for 369 runs, giving the host team a lead of 105 runs.

The Australian team scored 234 runs in the second innings, giving India a target of 340 runs to win.

Australia has won two matches, India has won one match, and one match has been drawn in this five-match Test series.

South Africa qualified for the final of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) by defeating Pakistan in the Centurion Test on Sunday.

Australia is almost confirmed as the second finalist in WTC with the win over India.

December 31, 2024
Here are The Current’s Top 5 films of 2024

Pakistani filmmakers have impressed everyone in 2024 with amazing stories, great acting and beautiful visuals. This year, Pakistani cinema delivered unique stories that challenged stereotypes and conveyed powerful messages. Here are The Current’s top five picks for best Pakistani films of 2024.

1. The Glassworker

The Glassworker is Pakistan first animated feature film, which is a visually stunning masterpiece, It tells a moving love story between Vincent, a glassblower, and Alliz, a colonel’s daughter, set against the backdrop of war. Directed by Usman Riaz and written by Moya O’ Shea, the film is produced by Mano Animation Studios.

The Glassworker was also selected as Pakistan’s Oscar submission. The film is inspired by Studio Ghibli and has set a new benchmark for Pakistani cinema. The cast includes Art Malik, Sacha Dhawan, and Maya Saroya.

2. Poppay Ki Wedding

Poppay Ki Wedding is a romantic comedy that explores the story of a modern man returns home for his sister’s wedding only to find his family has arranged his marriage to a stranger. The film humorously tackles traditional customs while delivering heartwarming moments. With its fresh take on relationships, Poppay Ki Wedding could be one time watch film. It’s directed and written by Kanza Zia and the cast includes Nazish Jahangir, Khushhal Khan, Rehan Sheikh, Sara Aijaz and Aleezay Rasul.

3. Taxali Gate

Taxali Gate takes a bold approach to sensitive issues like consent, set against the vibrant backdrop of Lahore’s historic old city. Directed and written by Abu Aleeha, the film’s stars includes, Yasir Hussain, Mehar Bano, Ayesha Omer, Nayyar Ejaz, and Ally Khan. The film is one of Abu Aleeha’s best works, blending social commentary with emotional storytelling.

4. Na Baligh Afraad

Na Baligh Afraad, set in the 90s, follows two teenaged brothers, Mazhar and Fakhar, whose innocence leads them into a series of comedic misadventures.

The film is directed and written by Nabeel Qureshi and produced by Fizza Qureshi. It features an outstanding cast, including Meera, Rimha Ahmed, Mohammed Ehteshamuddin, Samar Jafri, and Aashir Wajahat. With its nostalgic vibe and laugh-out-loud moments, this film is a must-watch.

5. Nayab

Nayab tells the story of a young woman portrayed by Yumna Zaidi determined to break stereotypes by playing cricket in Pakistan’s national team.

The film is directed by Umair Nasir Ali and written by Basit and Ali Abbas Naqvi. Its talented cast is compromised o fYumna Zaidi, Usama Khan, Adan Siddqui, Javed Sheikh, Fawad Khan. Nayab also won the Best Foreign Film’ award at World Film Festival in Cannes.

These films defined 2024 with their creativity, bold themes, and unforgettable performances. Which one did you enjoy the most?

December 30, 2024
Neelam Muneer reveals ‘marriage plans’

Actress Neelam Muneer, known for her stunning beauty and exceptional acting, has shared her marriage plans.

“Currently, there are no plans for marriage,” said the Kahin Deep Jaley actress during a rapid-fire session on Ambrilin by Caviar’s podcast.

Neelam also revealed her thoughts on anti-ageing treatments, saying that true beauty comes as you age gracefully.

“Beauty actually comes with grace… as you age a little. That’s what I feel. You don’t need to worry about things like, ‘Oh no, I have fine lines now’ or this… or that… has happened. [With age] people look more lovely, natural and different from others,” the actress said when asked how she viewed anti-ageing treatments.

She also talked about confidence and self-acceptance, saying that while she valued natural beauty, it was ultimately a personal choice whether someone decided to get cosmetic treatments.

“If someone feels like they want to get something done, that’s entirely their choice. It’s a matter of personal interest. Those who are interested go for it, regardless of age. So, if someone wants to, they should get it done,” she said.

Earlier, Neelam Muneer, a talented actress known for her roles in dramas and films, is now on the lookout for her perfect match, as revealed by her mother on a show.

Neelum and her mom were invited as guests on ‘Hasna Mana Hai,’ where her mom talked about the struggles she has seen in life.The host asked, “Can you tell us, Neelum, you were only three years old when your father passed away? And how your mother encouraged and supported you since then? Did you ever feel like giving up or did you always want to do what you wanted?”

Her mother responded: “My husband passed away when Neelam was just three years old, leaving me to care for our four young daughters, including a baby in my arms. I didn’t remarry despite family pressure. Instead, I focused on my daughters’ happiness and supported Neelam’s acting career every step of the way,” said Neelum’s mom.When asked about her daughter’s perfect match, Neelum’s mother said, “I never pressure my daughters to get married. Now, I have convinced Neelum to consider it and we are on the lookout for a nice guy for her.”

Neelum Muneer has previously worked in hit dramas like ‘Dil Mom Ka Diya’, ‘Kaise Hoye Benaam’, ‘Thoda Sa Aasman’, ‘Meri Subah Ka Sitara’, ‘Aankh Macholi’ and ‘Bojh’.

December 30, 2024
Imran Khan all praise for ‘mujahids’ convicted by military courts

Former prime minister (PM) Imran Khan’s sister Noreen Khan has quoted her brother as praising party workers’ determination despite military courts’ conviction, terming the convicts of May 9 riots as ‘mujahids’.

“They [convicted PTI workers] have shown great patience. I am proud of them. They are Mujahids,” Noreen, while speaking to reporters outside Adiala Jail, quoted her brother as saying.

Military courts had on Dec 21 awarded prison sentences to at least 25 PTI workers and leaders for attacking state installations on May 9, 2023. On Dec 26, Noreen’s son and nephew of the incarcerated former premier, Hassaan Khan Niazi, was among 60 others who were awarded jail terms for their involvement in the May 9 riots.

While several PTI supporters and leaders remain undertrial in military as well as anti-terror courts for their involvement in the violent protests that had erupted following Khan’s arrest, PTI maintains its innocence, continuing to demand a judicial probe into the riots.

Terming civilians’ conviction by military courts as “baseless”, Noreen said that all demonstrators had done on May 9 was exercise their right to protest. “They had not killed anyone,” she said.

Describing her recent visit to Kot Lakhpat jail, Khan’s sister said that all convicted were “happy”. “My son Hassaan Khan Niazi was also happy… and nobody was disappointed with their sentence.”

Meanwhile, Aleema Khan, who accompanied Noreen outside Adiala, reiterated PTI’s claim that scores of party workers were missing since after violent November demonstrations. She went on to claim that her brother feared the protesters had been “killed and buried”.

Aleema added that Khan had categorically denied the government’s proposal for house-arrest, adding that her brother had vowed to face cases come what may.

She further said that incarcerated Khan refused to strike any deal. “Why would he enter a deal after already spending a year and half in prison?” she said and quoted her brother as rejecting any offers for his release.

“The PTI founder said that his cases have been wrapped up,” Aleema said, adding that Khan continued to reiterate his two demands – the formation of a judicial commission comprising three senior-most Supreme Court judges to probe May 9 and November 26 events, and the release of all political prisoners.

Earlier, PTI Senator Shibli Faraz also rubbished the “false perception” that Khan was seeking relief for himself in negotiations with the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) led coalition government.

December 30, 2024
Limelight outlet manager arrested for secretly filming women in changing rooms

Limelight, a popular brand for ready-to-wear clothes, is under fire as Punjab police has arrested a manager from the brand’s Khanewal outlet for filming women customers with a hidden camera in the changing rooms.

ARY News on Saturday reported that the incident took place in a shop on Sir Syed Road in Khanewal, where the police arrested the employee in a raid after being informed by sources. The suspect was identified as Moon Raza.

The FIR registered in the City Khanewal police station states that the police had been informed by credible sources that the employee in the shop harasses women and is involved in creating a disturbance. Upon reaching the spot, the police arrested him and recovered the phone in which he had recorded videos of many women.

Talking to the media, the police said that Moon Raza had been involved in making videos of women while they tried on new clothes inside the changing room.

He shot multiple videos of women customers from a secret hole in the room.

The police said that they had recovered more than 100 videos from the phone.
Moon also confessed to committing the crime of recording indecent videos and blackmailing the women for the last six months during the investigation.

The accused revealed that he had made the videos with the help of accomplices.

The Khanewal police has registered a case under Section 21 of the Electronic Crimes Act, 2016 and Section 354 of the Pakistan Penal Code for the allegations of harassment and misuse of technology.

A case has been registered, and an investigation is underway.

December 30, 2024