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Author: News Desk

  • AI reveals corruption allegations against Richard Grenell

    AI reveals corruption allegations against Richard Grenell

    In an interesting development, a social media user has taken to X (formerly Twitter) to highlight various allegations of corruption against United States (US) President-elect Donald Trump’s aide Richard Grenell, after asking X’s AI chatbot Grok-2 about it.

    Grenell has garnered a massive following in Pakistan ever since he called for the release of former prime minister (PM) Imran Khan from prison.

    Amid social media spats between government and Imran Khan supporters, a netizen with the handle @RShahzaddk on Thursday posted screenshots of alleged details of corruption provided by the AI assistant.

    “State-of-the-art AI assistant Grok-2 highlights @RichardGrenell’s undisclosed work for Moldovan oligarch Plahotniuc and Hungarian government-funded entities — raising serious questions about transparency and FARA compliance. Why the silence on these conflicts of interest, Ambassador?” he wrote.

    “Richard Grenell, a former US diplomat and political figure, has been subject to various allegations regarding corruption, primarily related to his professional activities before and during his time in public office [sic],” he quoted the AI chatbot as saying.

    “Advocacy work for a Moldovan Politician: Grenell was accused of not disclosing payments for advocacy work on behalf of Vladimir Plahotniuc, a Moldovan politician who the we [sic] later accused of corruption. Grenell wrote op-eds defending Plahotniuc without disclosing any financial ties, which could potentially violate the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA),” Grok added.

    It further said that there have been concerns about Grenell’s foreign consultancy work, particularly with clients in countries like Moldova where he was alleged to have worked without registering under FARA “This has raised questions about the transparency of his dealings and the potential for conflicts of interest, especially given his later roles in the US intelligence and diplomacy.”


    The post comes as Pakistanis continue to argue over Grenell’s newfound interest in Pakistani politics and his support for incarcerated former premier Khan. Trump’s aide had on December 16 posted a screenshot of a Geo News Urdu article with a headline translated in English as “Homosexual Richard Grenell appointed as Trump’s envoy” with the caption, “I’ll say it again, @geonews_urdu: Free Imran Khan.”

    Expectedly, the post went viral, with most PTI supporters and leaders appreciating the US official for raising his voice for the Khan.

    Grenell had also previously voiced his support for the incarcerated premier on his official X account. This had prompted PTI supports to celebrate and congratulate Grenell on his nomination as the presidential envoy for special missions by Trump.

    Since then, Grenell has been consistently engaging with PTI supporters’ accounts while echoing their calls for Khan’s release.

  • Indian Punjabi singer Jessie Gill plans exciting trip to Pakistan

    Indian Punjabi singer Jessie Gill plans exciting trip to Pakistan

    They say you should never meet your heroes—but who knew a surprise phone call could turn into a headline-worthy moment?


    A female fan who is very fond of Jessie Gill requested to talk to him, and after the conversation, she got emotional.


    Indian Punjabi singer Jessie Gill has announced that he will visit Pakistan soon, delighting fans.


    Gill confirmed the trip while speaking to a Pakistani fan on the phone during Dunya TV’s program ‘Mazaq Raat.’ The video of her interaction went viral on social media, with many praising host Imran Ashraf.


    During the program, a girl brought a picture of herself and Jessie Gill, claiming to be her biggest fan. She requested Imran Ashraf to let her talk to Jessie Gill on the phone. Despite the time difference between Pakistan and Canada, where Gill currently resides, Imran Ashraf decided to try to call. 


    Imran Ashraf called Jessie Gill, and to everyone’s surprise, the Indian singer answered. Speaking in Punjabi, Imran Ashraf informed Gill about the fangirl and her wish to talk to her. The fan got emotional and started crying, barely able to speak.


    Jessie Gill spoke to the girl in Punjabi and later switched to Hindi and Urdu, announcing, “I intend to come to Pakistan soon.” He also requested Imran Ashraf and the fan to share the video on social media and mention him in the post.


    While it is not entirely clear if Jessie Gill’s announcement was a definite plan or made to please the fan girl, it has certainly excited her fans in Pakistan.

  • Lahore gets Pakistan’s first smog tower

    Lahore gets Pakistan’s first smog tower

    Ravi Urban Development Authority (RUDA) has installed Pakistan’s first-ever ‘smog tower’ in Lahore in an attempt to reduce air pollution and smog in the provincial capital.


    Officials have told local media that the performance of the smog tower installed in Mehmood Booti will be monitored to allow an informed decision about installing more towers in the future. 

    The tower, currently 20 feet high, can be extended to 50 feet. 

    It will consume a low amount of electricity and has the capacity to be run on solar and battery power. 


    The tower has been manufactured in Pakistan after a detailed study of smog towers manufactured by renowned companies abroad.


    However, the cost of the locally developed tower is three times lower than that of the internationally manufactured tower.

    Experiments with the tower had been conducted before the final installation. An official of the manufacturing company told the media that before installing the smog tower in Lahore, the company conducted laboratory tests and more tests at various polluted sites in Islamabad and Gujranwala.

    Mahmood Booti area of Lahore has been selected because it has the highest air pollution. 


    Environment Protection Agency has claimed that after the installation of the tower, the AQI in the neighbourhood has come down from 1600 to 250 in a few days. 
    It is expected that if 200 towers are installed in different parks, shopping centres and commercial areas throughout Lahore, the city can be free from smog.


    Director General of the Environment Protection Department Punjab Imran Hamid Shaikh, addressing a presser, said that the smog tower will be able to filter up to 50,000 cubic feet of air per hour over an area of one kilometre. “The field test of the tower will be conducted for 15 days, during which its ability to clear up pollutants caused by chimneys, industries and dumping sites will be ascertained.”


    He stated that the environment department will monitor chemical pollutants in the air via air quality monitors, and if the experiment proves successful, more towers will be installed. 


    Notably, the project is not incurred by the Punjab government and the experiment is being conducted with the support of private sector engineers. Meanwhile, the environment protection departments will stand by private entities assisting with the cause.

  • Hania Aamir of India? Ayesha Khan reveals what she thinks of the comparison

    Hania Aamir of India? Ayesha Khan reveals what she thinks of the comparison

    Comparisons between Ayesha Khan and Pakistan’s beloved star Hania Aamir has taken the entertainment world by storm, leaving fans curious to know what Khan really thinks about it.

     In an interview with Filmygyan YouTube channel, the ex-contestant of Bigg Boss 18 shared her thoughts on being called the ‘Hania Aamir of India.’

     Ayesha Khan said, “She’s truly wonderful, extremely beautiful, and a fantastic actress. And let’s not forget, she sings beautifully, I, on the other hand, can’t sing at all.”

    Khan also expressed her admiration for Pakistani content, revealing, “I’m a big fan of Pakistani dramas. I believe Indian audiences connect more with them than even Pakistanis themselves do.”

    When asked if she would be open to working in a Pakistani production, Ayesha Khan didn’t hesitate: “Absolutely, if I get the opportunity, I’d love to be part of a Pakistani drama.”

    Ayesha Khan’s admiration for Hania Aamir’s talent is clear, but it doesn’t stop there. She goes on to say how much she values Pakistani content and its growing influence

    As for Hania Aamir, she keeps impressing audiences with her amazing performance, most notably in Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum alongside Fahad Mustafa.

    Earlier,  Chhota Pandit from Bollywood’s iconic film Bhool Bhulaiyaa is the role actress Hania Aamir would love to play.

    Chhota Pandit from Bollywood’s iconic film Bhool Bhulaiyaa is the role actress Hania Aamir would love to play.

    Appearing as a guest on The Dubai Journey, hosted by Rannvijay Singha, the Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum actress shared her excitement about bringing this fun character to life, also mentioning her love for other Bollywood roles like Pushpa.

    The host, Rannvijay Singha, asked, “So if you had to play the role of an already existing iconic character from one of the Indian films, which one would it be?”

    Hania Aamir replied, “I would love to play Chhota Pandit from Bhool Bhulaiyaa (the first one) or Pushpa. I would totally kill it in those roles.”

    The Mujhe Pyaar Huha actress love for Bollywood doesn’t stop there. She also revealed her favourite film, saying, “Om Shanti Om is my favourite film, favourite film. I love Tamasha and Ram Leela.”

    The host Rannvijay Singha asked, “Any core childhood memory or something that you always carry with you wherever you go?”

    “Honestly, my childhood was kind of dark, so I think when you see a lot of sad people around you, it just gives you this superpower of being grateful – being grateful for everything, dealing with things in a better way, and having a positive outlet. Just dealing with things nicely and maintaining a positive outlook on life. And eventually, it also made me funny, cracking jokes just to get through difficult situations. So, my childhood was full of ‘getting through it,’ and that became a huge part of my personality. Even now, no matter what happens, I’m like, it’ll be okay,” the Mere Humsafar actress said.

    Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum is directed by Badar Mehmood and written by Farhat Istiaq.

  • Shaheen Afridi excluded from Test squad over disobedience: Reports

    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.

  • Imran Khan admits govt saved country from bankruptcy

    Imran Khan admits govt saved country from bankruptcy

    Founder Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Imran Khan acknowledged on Thursday that the incumbent federal government led by Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif has stabilised the country’s economy, which was on the verge of collapse in the past years.

    “The government has successfully prevented the economy from going bankrupt,” he said while speaking to journalists at Adiala Jail Rawalpindi after a hearing of the ToshaKhana case.

    On being asked whether he was conceding that the government had improved the economy, the former PM responded, “The economy has been stabilised, and it has been rescued from bankruptcy, but it has not seen growth yet.”

    The former Premier’s statement comes as the country witnesses improvement in economic indicators, with the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) touching an all-time high and the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) slashing the interest rate to 13 per cent from a historic high of 23 per cent.

    A brokerage report said on Tuesday that Pakistan’s annual consumer price inflation rate is expected to drop to 4.1 per cent in December, the lowest level in more than six years.

    “We expect inflation in December to decline to 4.1 per cent YoY [year-on-year], down from last month’s 4.9 per cent. This marks the lowest inflation reading since April 2018, when it stood at 3.96 per cent,” said Arif Habib Limited in a report.

    Meanwhile, Imran Khan’s sister, Aleema Khan, clarified on Thursday that her brother will not accept house arrest.

    Speaking to reporters outside Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi, Aleema Khan said that knowing that rumours had been spread that her brother would be shifted to Bani Gala or Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Khan made it clear that he will not accept house arrest or be moved from jail.

    “I am clarifying that all political prisoners be released, and if they want to keep me in jail, they can, but I will not agree to house arrest,” Aleema Khan quoted her brother as saying.

    She also stated that her brother expressed concern over the reported airstrike by Pakistani jets near the Pak-Afghan border and said that the country’s economic development is linked to peace in Afghanistan.
    “Such actions in Afghanistan will destroy peace in Pakistan as well as have a direct impact on the country’s economy,” she said while quoting Imran Khan.

    When questioned about the first phase of the civil disobedience movement aimed to halt remittances, Aleema said that Khan made it crystal clear that the remittance campaign would only end once the government addresses Khan’s two demands: the release of PTI workers and the formation of a judicial commission comprising three senior-most judges of the Supreme Court, to probe the event of May 9 and November 26.

  • Here’s why Usman and Samina Peerzada waited 12 years to have a child

    Here’s why Usman and Samina Peerzada waited 12 years to have a child

    What’s the secret to a successful and long-lasting marriage?  Veteran actor Usman Peerzada believes it comes down to balance, tolerance, and truly understanding each other. The veteran actor, who has been married to actress Samina Peerzada for decades, shared insights into his relationship while appearing as a guest on Ahmed Ali Butt’s show. 

    Reflecting on one major milestone in his life, Usman shared how he and Samina had waited for 12 years before having their first child.

     Usman Peerzada said, “When children arrive, they bring another kind of happiness and emotions into your life. For us, we didn’t have children for 12 years, so we had only each other. That’s how we learned to understand and make it work. We made it work that way, we made it work.”


     The Ishq –E –Laa actor shared a touching story about the birth of their daughter after 12 years of marriage.


     

    “When the nurse wheeled out the baby girl, we were sad. I always wanted to be a girl dad, but after 12 years, it was a new experience for me. It was something I couldn’t relate to at first, but now, I couldn’t be happier,” Usman Peerzada said.


     The host Ahmed Ali Butt asked, “What advice would you give to new couples, especially working couples?” 

    The Khuda aur Muhabbat actor replied, “When two human beings are together, it’s not possible that they don’t disagree. So when disagreements arise, that’s where I think conflicts begin. And at times, one of the partners doesn’t understand this, so the other partner must be the wiser one at that moment, retreating and not escalating the fight.”


    He emphasized that in his relationship with his wife (Samina) they’ve had their share of disagreements but always knew how to resolve them quickly. 


     “When a situation like this occurs, for instance, we’ve had (Samina) disagreements and fights too. They lasted for 10, 15, or 20 minutes at most, and that’s it, they ended. We don’t prolong it. Sometimes she takes the first step, and sometimes I do. There are moments when I am very hyper, so she retreats. Other times, when she is hyper, I have to retreat. This is the balance you need to maintain,” Usman Peerzada said


     
    Reflecting on his long-term marriage, Usman Peerzada shared, “The biggest happiness in marriage, I think, is when you become friends. The romance that is there for the first two or three years fades away. Then, another feeling emerges, the feeling of ownership, the feeling of truly knowing each other.”


     Usman Peerzada and Samina Peerzada tied the knot on 14 February, 1975.

  • ‘Clown Kohli’: Australian media lashes out at Virat

    ‘Clown Kohli’: Australian media lashes out at Virat

    Australian media has lashed out at Indian batsman Virat Kohli, calling him ‘Clown Kohli’ after the star batsman got into an altercation with teenaged Australian opener Sam Konstas on Thursday on the first day of the Boxing Day Test.

    A video shot during a break in the covers shows Virat intentionally crashing into Sam’s shoulder on the side of the pitch. Kohli then turned around and started challenging the young batter.

    Later, Virat was fined 20 per cent of his match fee. 

    Despite getting punished by ICC, an Australian newspaper called Virat  ‘Clown Kohli’ on its front page, complete with the batting maestro depicted in a photo with a clown nose. The word coward was also used for him. 

    Former Indian cricketer Ravi Shastri bashed Australian media on Star Sports, saying: “This is expected in their home country. I wish our country would support our players more strongly in such situations. I’m not surprised by this behaviour, especially since Australia hasn’t won here in 14–15 years. The last time they won a Test at the MCG was back in 2011. So, when they get a chance to go wild, they take it.”

    “I’ve been to Australia many times. There, it’s like the whole country stands behind their team—not just the fans but also the media. I’m not surprised because I sense their desperation. If Australia were already leading the series 3–0 or 2–0, the tone of the headlines might have been different,” Shastri added.

    The second day of the Boxing Day Test is going on in MCG, where Australia was bowled out, scoring 474 runs in the first innings. India is currently playing at 111/2.

  • Are Kriti Sanon and Kabir Bahia in a relationship? New photos fuel speculation

    Are Kriti Sanon and Kabir Bahia in a relationship? New photos fuel speculation

    Is Bollywood’s favorite actress Kriti Sanon in a relationship with businessman Kabir Bahia?  After new pictures of the two surfaced online, rumors about their relationship have once again gone viral.

    As per Indian media reports, the Mimi actress and businessman Kabir Bahia are believed to be dating each other.

    On 25 December, the duo was spotted together during Christmas, with both sharing pictures on Instagram, fueling speculation about their relationship.

    This isn’t the first time that these two have sparked rumors. Kriti and Kabir have been seen vacationing together in various locations on several occasions. Kabir Bahia has also been spotted with Kriti’s family on special occasions.

    During Kriti’s birthday celebration in Greece in 2023, a picture surfaced online showing Kabir Bahia by her side, further intensifying rumors about their relationship.

    According to Indian media, the couple has been in a serious relationship for some time now, though neither Kriti nor Kabir has officially confirmed it.

    Kriti and Kabir have not made any public announcements about their relationship as there is a perception that their families disapprove. It is believed that their families have not yet given their official approval for the relationship, which is why they are staying private about it.

    Despite the ongoing rumors and public speculation, Kriti and Kabir continue to keep things under wraps, leaving fans eagerly waiting for an official confirmation.

    Earlier, the gossip mill suggested that Kriti and Prabhas are pretty serious about their romance. Adding fuel to the fire, Varun Dhawan seemingly confirmed their romance by stating his Bhediya co-star is dating someone who’s currently shooting a film with Deepika Padukone. And well, everyone knows it is Project K that he was talking about which stars Prabhas as the leading man.

    The report further states that Kriti Sanon and Prabhas will get engaged soon after the release of Adipurush.

    Kriti Statement

    Kriti took to Instagram to share an official statement on her relationship with Prabhas. 

    Kriti called her relationship rumours with Prabhas  ‘baseless’. In her note, she also said that ‘Bhediya’ Varun ‘went a little too wild’ and his fun banter led to dating rumours. Kriti’s note read, “Its neither Pyaar, no PR… our Bhediya just went a little too wild on a reality show. And his fun banter lead to some howl-arious rumours. Before some portal announces my wedding date- let me burst your bubble. The rumours are baseless!” She also put ‘Fake news’ GIF along with the statement.

  • Imran Khan’s nephew among 60 others convicted by military courts

    Imran Khan’s nephew among 60 others convicted by military courts

    Military courts have sentenced another 60 civilians, including Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan’s nephew Hassaan Khan Niazi, for their involvement in May 9 riots, the Inter-Services Public Relation (ISPR) said Thursday.

    As per the details, Niazi has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for his involvement in the ransacking of Lahore Corps Commander’s residence (Jinnah House). Among other convicts was Mian Abad Farooq, a former PTI lawmaker from Lahore, who was sentenced to two years rigorous imprisonment.

    “Sequel to the announcement of the May 9 punishments in light of the Supreme Court’s decision, the Field General Court Martial has promulgated the punishments to the following 60 culprits after examining all evidence, ensuring the provision of all legal rights to the convicts, completion of due process and the appropriate legal proceedings,” read a statement issued by the military’s media wing.

    The latest sentences come just days after the ISPR announced that 25 civilians had been handed prison terms for their involvement in violent protests that broke out over Khan’s arrest in May last year. The demonstrations saw attacks on state establishments, including military installations across the country.

    Thursday’s statement once again stressed that all individuals sentenced by military courts had the right to appeal the sentence as outlined by the law of the land. “The nation, government and armed forces remain resolute in their commitment to ensuring justice and upholding the inviolable authority of the state,” the ISPR concluded.

    After months of deliberations over military court’s eligibility to try and sentence civilians, as many as 25 persons were last week convicted and sentenced for their involvement in May 9 attacks on state installations. 

    “Field General Court Martial have in [the] first phase promulgated the punishments to 25 accused,” read a statement issued by ISPR on Dec 21.

    While the PTI demanded a judicial commission to probe last year’s events, the statement added that the promulgation of the sentences of remaining accused was also being done and will be announced shortly as and when the due process was completed.

    It added that the nation on May 9 witnessed tragic incidents of politically provoked violence and arson at multiple places, marking a dark chapter in the history of Pakistan.

    Building on a sustained narrative of hate and lies, the ISPR said, politically orchestrated attacks were carried out on the installations of the armed forces including the desecration of martyrs’ monuments.

    “Many accused are also being tried in various Anti-Terrorism Courts and their cases are being pursued as per the law, however, justice would truly be fully served once the mastermind and planners of 9th May Tragedy are punished as per the Constitution and laws of the land,” the statement read.