Author: News Desk

  • Pak-SA Test: Third day’s play delayed as rain lashes down

    Pak-SA Test: Third day’s play delayed as rain lashes down

    The third day’s play of the first Test between Pakistan and South Africa has been delayed as rain lashes the Centurion.

    The pitch and scoreboard have been covered. It rained heavily last night, and light rain is continuing.

    Pakistan will resume its second innings with three wickets for 88 runs on its quest for two runs to end South Africa’s first-innings lead.

    Pakistan scored 211 runs in its first innings, in response to which the South African team was bowled out for 301 runs.

    In the Centurion Test, South Africa was bowled out for 301 in the first innings, and Pakistan were 88 for three at the end of the second day’s play.

    On the second day of the Centurion Test, South Africa resumed their first innings at 82 for 3. Captain Temba Bavuma and Aiden Markram added 70 runs for the fourth wicket, with Bavuma out for 31.

    For the fifth wicket, Markram and Bedingham shared a 42-run partnership. Bedingham scored 30 runs, Vereni and Marco Jensen scored two each, and Rabada scored 13 runs.

    In the last wicket partnership, Bosh and Pietersen added 47 runs, with Corbin Bosh batting well and scoring 81 runs.

    South Africa was bowled out for 301 and took a 90-run lead over Pakistan in the first innings.

    For Pakistan, Khurram Shahzad and Naseem Shah took three wickets each, while Amir Jamal dismissed two players.

    When Pakistan started the second innings, Saim Ayub and Shan Masood were dismissed for 28 runs each, and Kamran Ghulam also left the field after scoring four runs.

    When the second day’s play ended, Pakistan had scored 88 runs for the loss of 3 wickets, needing two more runs to end South Africa’s first-innings lead.

    Babar Azam was unbeaten on 16, and Saud Shakeel was not out on eight runs.

    Day 1 of the game:

    On the first day of the game, South Africa won the toss and decided to bowl first, in response to which Pakistan was all out for 211 runs.

    Kamran Ghulam was the standout batsman for Pakistan in the first innings, facing 71 balls and scoring 54 runs with the help of 8 fours and 1 six.

    Pakistan lost the first wicket for 36 runs when captain Shan Masood had scored 17 runs, after which young batsman Saim Ayub was dismissed for 14 runs for a total score of 40.

    Former national team captain Babar Azam was dismissed for only four runs, but he completed his 4000 runs in the Test match. The Pakistan team had to suffer its fourth loss for a total score of 56 when Saud Shakeel scored 14 runs.

    After him, Kamran Ghulam was dismissed for a total score of 137, then Muhammad Rizwan was dismissed for 27 runs for a total score of 142, Bush bowled Amir Jamal for a total score of 189 after scoring 28 runs, and then the very next over, the Pakistan team had to suffer a loss in the form of Salman Ali Agha who could score 18 runs.

    After Salman Ali Agha, Naseem Shah was dismissed without scoring a run, and then Khurram Shahzad returned to Pauline for 11 runs on a total score of 211; Mohammad Abbas was not out with 10 runs.

    For South Africa, Dean Pietersen took five wickets, while Karan Bosh took four wickets and Marco Johnson took one wicket.

    The Pakistan team took three wickets in 22 overs by the end of the first innings, with Khurram Shahzad taking two and Mohammad Abbas taking one wicket.

  • Negotiating with Taliban is establishment’s policy, not Imran Khan’s: Najam Sethi

    Negotiating with Taliban is establishment’s policy, not Imran Khan’s: Najam Sethi

    Senior analyst Najam Sethi has stated that negotiating with Taliban and resettling terrorists back in the country was the military establishment’s policy, not Imran Khan’s.

    “From 2008 to 2018, at least fourteen negotiations or settlements were made with the Taliban. There is a history of Pakistan’s capitulation when dealing with these terrorists. If you remember, there was also a time when the Taliban were referred to as good but misguided Muslims,” stated Sethi on Samaa News. 

    “Imran Khan was simply the spokesperson of the establishment, and these were the establishment’s policies. Khan couldn’t have done anything about it,” concluded Najam Sethi.

    Sethi’s statement comes right after Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General (DG) Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry said on Friday: “The entire nation is paying the price with its blood for the policy of bringing back and settling in Afghanistan under its own stubbornness, but such a person is still incapable of learning from his mistake.”

    Pakistan has consistently blamed its neighbouring country, Afghanistan, since 2022 due to a stark increase in terrorism in the country. 

    “Terrorist outfits are being provided sanctuaries and support and are allowed unrestrained activities on Afghan territory,” stated the DG ISPR.

    “All evidence related to terrorism can be traced back to the safe havens enjoyed by terrorists in Afghanistan. The army chief has a clear and straight-forward stance on this: that Pakistan has reservations on banned organisations’ sanctuaries, support, and unrestrained activities on Afghan territory,” he asserted.

    The DG ISPR also added: “From September 2023 till now, 815,000 illegal Afghan citizens have gone returned [to their Afghanistan].”

    Pakistan targeted Tehreek-e-Taliban (TTP) camps late Tuesday night 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.

    An X post by the Afghan Defence Ministry also confirmed Pakistan’s targeted attack. However, it claimed that the fatalities from Pakistan’s airstrikes included a number of children and other civilians.

    “The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan considers this a brutal act against all international principles and blatant aggression and strongly condemns it,” the ministry said.

    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.

  • Top five most loved on-screen couples in 2024

    Top five most loved on-screen couples in 2024

    Pakistani dramas are loved worldwide by Urdu speakers. The realistic stories, relatable characters, and attractive actors keep audiences glued to their screens. Recently, many Pakistani stars gained global fame after their dramas became super hits. Young stars like Hania Aamir, Fahad Mustafa, Bilal Abbas Khan, and Durefishan Saleem have millions of followers thanks to their blockbuster shows.

    A key factor that attracts younger viewers is on-screen chemistry. A good on-screen couple can make viewers overlook any flaws in the story or direction. Every season, we see new on-screen couples that become fan favorites. Here are some of the most loved on-screen pairs from recent Pakistani dramas.


    Sharjeena and Mustafa – Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum stars


    Hania Aamir and Fahad Mustafa as Sharjeena and Mustafa portrayed a love bound by tragedy, leaving a lasting impact despite limited screen time.

    Shibra and Shahmeer – Ishq Murshid


    Ishq Murshid was a huge hit for Hum TV. The chemistry between Bilal Abbas Khan’s Shahmeer and Durefishan Saleem’s Shibra was magical, making them a beloved pair.


    Mahnoor and Shahram – Jaan e Jahan


    Ayeza Khan and Hamza Ali Abbasi finally came together on screen in Jaan e Jahan, a pairing fans had been waiting for since Pyare Afzal. Their on-screen pairing was a treat for fans.


    Apanna and Barlas – Khaie


    Mahenur Haider and Shuja Asad as Apanna and Barlas became a popular on-screen couple in Khaie. Their chemistry overshadowed Barlas’ dark character.


    Meenu and Dr Nofel – Zard Patton Ka Bunn


    Zard Patton Ka Bunn entered our lives softly but left a lasting impact with its thoughtful exploration of women’s challenges in Pakistan. The final story felt like a well-hosted dinner party, with each character and message adding a unique flavor.

  • ‘It was all improvised’:  Janice Tessa on viral Ketchup scene from Habs

    ‘It was all improvised’:  Janice Tessa on viral Ketchup scene from Habs

    What happens when a simple scene turns into a nationwide meme? For actress Janice Tessa, it was the iconic ketchup scene in Habs, which went viral and became one of the most talked-about moments in the entertainment industry. 

     Appearing as a guest on the Girls Only show, Janice revealed a surprising detail about the scene.

    The host Dananeer Mobeen asked, “When you got the script, when you read the script, what was your reaction when you read the ketchup scene?” 


    The Habs actress replied, “Well, the ketchup scene wasn’t in the script. It was all improvised.”

     The host asked, “How many fumbles took place in the shots?”


    Janice said, “Usually, there are two or three. If Urdu is more difficult, the words are a bit hard, it doesn’t come out right, so there are more. Otherwise, one or two might happen, but its okay.”


    Janice Tessa reflected her time on the set of drama serial Hasrat. 

    “Absolutely beautiful set. It’s one of the most poignant memories in your head, Hasrat. It will stay with you forever. I think there are many things, but on my last day on set, I gave everyone flowers, and then we cut the cake, and everything. Oh, that was so sweet. It was like a family bonding, truly. From the start to the end”, she said.

    Janice Tessa’s journey from TikTok to television has been incredible. With her natural talent and strong presence, she’s set to make an even bigger impact on the drama industry in the future.

  • Video: ‘Stupid, stupid, stupid’, Sunil Gavaskar lashes out at Rishabh Pant

    Video: ‘Stupid, stupid, stupid’, Sunil Gavaskar lashes out at Rishabh Pant

    Former Indian batting great Sunil Gavaskar reacted angrily after Rishabh Pant was dismissed during the Boxing Day Test against Australia on Saturday.

    Rishabh played a shot towards the deep third man, where two fielders were appointed, resulting in Nathan Lyon catching the ball easily. 

    Sunil Gavaskar then eepeatedly called Rishabh Pant “stupid”. 

    He said, “Stupid, stupid, stupid. You’ve got two fielders there, and you still go for that. You should have understood the situation. This shot was stupid; you should not go to the Indian team’s dressing room but to someone else’s dressing room.”

    Pant was dismissed for 28 runs in the first innings of the fourth Test match being played against Australia.

  • Stay home if Adiala jail doesn’t suit you, but let us complete our five years: Rana Sanaullah

    Stay home if Adiala jail doesn’t suit you, but let us complete our five years: Rana Sanaullah

    Advisor to Prime Minister on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah on Friday spoke about government demands that might be included in negotiations with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).

    Appearing on 365 News political talk show Head On, Rana Sanaullah stated that the incumbent government was of the view that if Imran Khan didn’t want to be imprisoned in Adiala Jail Rawalpindi, then he could come home but let the Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) led government will complete the five-year term.

    Ex-PM Imran Khan stated on Friday that he was offered home arrest.

    In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the party founder remarked, “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 prison in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa,” he added.

    However, contrary to Imran Khan’s claim, PML-N top brass Rana Sanaullah denied that the government had offered house arrest to Imran Khan, noting, “Being the former premier, courts might grant Imran Khan house arrest.”

    On being asked about whether the government will agree to hold elections in the next two to three years as a demand of negotiations with the PTI, the Advisor to PM on Political Affairs clarified, “This time, I’ll say it is a non-negotiable demand.”

    When questioned whether the government was concerned about the United States (US) President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee for Envoy for Special Missions, Richard Grenell’s consistent posts in favour of Imran Khan, the former Punjab Law minister categorically said, “We [government] should not worry even if the Donald J Trump himself issues such statements.”

    Declaring Richard Grenell’s remarks about Imran Khan a stunt, Sanaullah maintained, “Richard Grenell’s statements don’t hold any importance for the government.”

    Following the crackdown of Pakistan security forces on PTI demonstrators on November 26 in Islamabad, former US ambassador to Germany Richard Grenell initially posted on his account on X in favour of Imran Khan, writing, “Free Imran Khan!”. However, he did not receive much attention at that time.

    Grenell was discussed in Pakistan politics on December 15, when Trump appointed him as his Special Envoy for Global Missions in his administration. His social media posts then were amplified by PTI supporters.

  • Lahore High Court rules non-Muslims can’t inherit from Muslim relatives

    Lahore High Court rules non-Muslims can’t inherit from Muslim relatives

    Justice Chaudhry Muhammad Iqbal of Lahore High Court (LHC) has ruled that a non-Muslim can’t inherit a Muslim relative’s property, neither as a successor nor a predecessor. 

    When hearing a case pertaining to the devolution of land among inheritors, the judge issued the verdict upholding the decisions of two lower courts. The case centres around the devolution of land spanning over 83 kanals in Gojra tehsil of district Toba Tek Singh.


    As per the details of the case, after the Muslim owner passed away, the property was devolved to his three sons and two daughters.


    However, a Muslim grandson of the deceased challenged the mutation in favour of one of his uncles while alleging that the uncle was an Ahmadi by faith and that he could not inherit property from his deceased Muslim father.


    During the legal process of cross-examination, one of the heirs of the non-Muslim man also testified that his father was an Ahmadi.


    The lower courts decreed in favour of the grandson, who had asked for the cancellation of the legal mutations. 


    However, the Lahore High Court observed that it was established that the man was an Ahmadi by faith, but he did not disclose this position while incorporating the inheritance mutation of his Muslim father. 


    “It is settled law that admitted facts need not be prov­ed,” the judge maintained.


    Justice Iqbal emphasised that according to Sharia, property left by a deceased Muslim landowner cannot be inherited by a non-Muslim heir. To explain further, the honourable judge quoted the sayings of the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) from Vol. 4 of Sahih Muslim, asserting, “A Muslim does not inherit from a disbeliever, and a disbeliever does not inherit from a Muslim.”


    The High Court asserted that in pre-partition times, British law protected the personal laws of the different communities living in India.


    Similarly, Muslim Personal Laws were also made applicable to Muslims through the Muslim Shariat Application Act of 1937. 


    Resultantly, the principles of the Holy Quran and Sunnah are applicable to the inheritance of the estate of a deceased Muslim.


    Quoting these facts, Judge Iqbal said that a non-Muslim was not entitled to inherit any share from the estate of his Muslim relative as either a successor or a predecessor. 


    Additionally, the provisions of Article 260(3), defining the terms for Muslim and non-Muslim for legal purposes, are applicable here as well.


    The top court said that the trial court rightly ruled the suit, which was lawfully upheld by the appellate court.


    While dismissing the petition, the Judge concluded in the verdict, “The concurrent findings of fact are against the petitioners which do not call for any interference by this court in the exercise of its revisional jurisdiction in the absence of any illegality or any error of jurisdiction.”

  • Salman Khan’s ex-girlfriend Sangeeta Bijlani joins his birthday bash

    Salman Khan’s ex-girlfriend Sangeeta Bijlani joins his birthday bash

    Salman Khan’s 59th birthday celebrations with family and friends turned nostalgic when his ex-girlfriend Sangeeta Bijlani was spotted alongside his brother Sohail Khan and other loved ones, making it a memorable night.

     This year, the actor celebrated his special day with his niece, as both share the same birthday, adding more joy to the occasion.

     Along with close friends  like Lulia Vantur, fitness trainer Yasmin Karachiwala, and Zeeshan Siddique, son of the late Baba Siddique, were his brother Arbaaz Khan and his wife Shura, who recently celebrated their first wedding anniversary.

     

    Sajid Wajid shared a video from the party on Instagram, with the caption, “ Happy birthday bade bhai @beingsalmankhan n our little angel Aayat blessings all the way @beingsalmankhan #salmankhan #sajidwajid #music #blessings #birthday love u bhai always.

     

    Another ex-girlfriend, Katrina Kaif, took to Instagram stories and wrote: “Happiest birthday @beingsalmankhan. May all the wonderful things of life be with you this year and always.”

     

    Earlier, Bollywood superstar Salman Khan’s fans eagerly awaiting the release of his upcoming film Sikandar will be glad to know that the first glimpse (poster) has already set on social media on fire.

     With the film’s teaser originally scheduled to be released Salman’s 59 birthday, December 27, the makers have decided to push the release date up in honor of the late former Prime Minister , Manmohan Singh, who passed away on December 26 at the age of 92.

    The Bodyguard actor shared the film’s poster on Instagram, sparking immense excitement among his fans. Salman Khan appears in a mysterious pose, wearing a black suit and holding a spear, with his face only partially visible. The intrigue around the image has left fans buzzing with anticipation. Along with the poster, Salman also shared a message that the teaser will be released the following day at 11:07 AM

    However, as India observed a day of national mourning for Manmohan Singh, the Sikander teaser release has been delayed to December 28. The official Instagram account of Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment released a statement saying, “In light of the passing of our esteemed former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Ji, we regret to announce that the release of the Sikandar teaser has been postponed to 28th December 11:07 AM. Our thoughts are with the nation during this time of mourning. Thank you for understanding.”

    Fans were initially looking forward to the teaser dropping on Salman’s birthday, but the new release date has only heightened the anticipation. The film also stars Rashmika Mandanna and marks the first collaboration between Salman Khan and Sajid Nadiadwala since their blockbuster film Kick.

  • Shaheen Afridi reaches Dhaka for Bangladesh Premier League

    Shaheen Afridi reaches Dhaka for Bangladesh Premier League

    Pakistani fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi has reached Dhaka on Saturday to participate in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL).

    The star pacer will represent Fortune Barisal in the BPL, along with Faheem Ashraf, Jahandad Khan and Muhammad Ali.

    Defending champions Fortune Barisal have named the 24-year-old Pakistani cricketer as part of their squad. The tournament will start on December 30 and continue till February 7, but fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi will be able to participate in only a few matches.

    The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has given him a No Objection Certificate (NOC) till January 15, 2025.

    Shaheen was rested in the Test series against South Africa.

    Shaheen Afridi excluded from Test squad over disobedience: Reports

    Disobedience towards selectors has cost Shaheen Afridi dearly, as media reports claim that the pacer was not included in the Test squad against South Africa after he refused to play four-day matches.

    According to Express, Shaheen was not given a chance in the Test series against South Africa despite his excellent form. He played an important role in the team’s success by taking seven wickets in the ODI series.

    Reports state that a selector called Shaheen and asked him to play a four-day match which he couldn’t due to unknown reasons. He was then removed from the Test squad. Babar Azam also received similar instructions, which he did not follow, but he joined the team. National cricketers are not happy with the behaviour of one particular selector. He retired some time ago. 

    Shaheen still wants to play red-ball cricket and was disappointed at not being selected for the South Africa tour squad. Even before returning after the ODIs, he had offered the team management that he. ould stay for Test matches, but no one bothered to stop him, reports claims.

    During the Centurion Test against South Africa, the Pakistani team was seemingly missing a left-arm fast bowler, and left-arm pacer Mir Hamza was also not included among the four selected pacers.

    Interestingly, Shaheen was not selected for the Test squad in the name of workload management and was allowed to participate in the Bangladesh Premier League. He will represent Fortune Brishall in the event starting on December 30. He has been given a No Objection Letter (NOC) until January 15. He will participate in five matches.

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

    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.