Current Final

Author: News Desk

  • Imran Khan was not May 9 mastermind but ‘actively contributed’ to it: report

    Imran Khan was not May 9 mastermind but ‘actively contributed’ to it: report

    Despite different federal ministers and political leaders accusing Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan of being the planner of May 9 riots, a report prepared by the interim government has not identified him as the “mastermind” of the incident.

    As per the details, the then caretaker government had named a five-member committee tasked with identifying the “roles of mastermind, planners, facilitators and executors” of May 9 incidents that saw countrywide violence following the arrest of former premier Khan.

    While the violence was widely discussed, including at military forums, even the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) press releases or media briefings never mentioned the names of the mastermind or planners of the May 9 incidents.

    This was because, a private media outlet has claimed, the caretaker government on Tuesday presented a report to Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif’s cabinet, wherein former premier Khan was mentioned as someone who “actively contributed” to the planning of attacks on military installations but did not label him as the “mastermind”.

    Evidence shown to the committee suggests several party leaders were involved in this planning, the media report maintained, adding that the caretaker government’s report further accused 52 individuals of planning the May 9 violent demonstrations and 185 persons of executing the plan.

    However, it did not mention the name of the planner or the person who came up with the strategy.

    “The pattern of violence on May 9, 2023, suggests that these people were following a carefully crafted strategy in attacking specific targets, including military installations. An examination of call logs shows that certain PTI leaders made these calls to the rioters attacking the Jinnah House,” the report said.

    Dozens were injured and properties worth millions damaged as PTI activists took to roads for violent demonstrations after party chief Khan was arrested in the Al Qadir Trust case from the Islamabad High Court (IHC) last year. The arrest had come hours after the former premier posted a video message wherein he called out the military yet again.

    As many as 40 public and military installations, including Lahore Corps Commander’s House (Jinnah House), Askari Tower in Lahore, General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi, Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) Office in Faisalabad, FC Fort in Chakdara, Radio Pakistan building in Peshawar, Toll Plaza at Swat Motorway and the Mianwali Air Base, were attacked between May 9 and May 10.

  • Roadblocks in Parachinar claim more than 100 lives

    Roadblocks in Parachinar claim more than 100 lives

    Over 100 children have died due to the lack of medical facilities in the Parachinar area of Kurram Agency.


    A sit-in of protesting citizens against the closure of roads- giving rise to a humanitarian crisis in the region- has entered its sixth day. 


    Geo News quotes tehsil chairman Upper Kurram Agha Muzammil, who said, “Due to the closure of roads, citizens are deprived of food and treatment, and more than 100 children have died due to lack of medical facilities.”


    The same concern was expressed by Majlis Wahdat-i-Muslimeen (MWM) and Jafria Alliance on Tuesday as they highlighted the plight of the region, stating that a humanitarian crisis had been unfolding there, affecting not only Shia population but people of all faiths.


    They asked the federal and provincial governments to solve the ongoing crisis in Parachinar.


    To express solidarity with the people of the troubled region, the Majlis-e-Wahdat Muslimeen held a protest sit-in at Karachi’s Numaish Chowrangi and Lahore Press Club.


    Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Advisor to Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, Barrister Saif, addressed the issue of the closure of roads by saying that the establishment of a special police force has been approved for the Parachinar Road while the government’s measures are aimed at a sustainable and permanent solution to the century-old conflict in the area.


    On Monday, the social activist Faisal Edhi stated that more than 50 children had died in the hospitals in Parachinar due to a lack of facilities.


    However, at least 45 people in critical condition were moved to different hospitals in the provincial capital from Kurram via air ambulances as resources remained scarce. 


    “The government should open the routes by tonight so that normalcy can be brought back to the area,” Saad Edhi said, stressing that around 2,000kg worth of medicines supplies were delivered to the area.


    Ali Hadi Irfani, an MPA from Kurram, told Dawn that rather than concerning itself with “unnecessary decisions”, the government should immediately open transportation routes.

    Clashes between warring tribes over the past two and a half months has resulted in hundreds of deaths so far. All major and minor roads in the district have been closed, including Sadda Road, the main artery linking Parachinar to other regions of Kurram.

    DC Kurram has said that the Grand Jirga has reached Kurram and is starting negotiations today to establish peace in the area.

  • VIDEO: Fahad Mustafa’s heartwarming interaction with fan goes viral

    VIDEO: Fahad Mustafa’s heartwarming interaction with fan goes viral

    A video of renowned Pakistani actor Fahad Mustafa’s interaction with a fan has gone viral over the internet.

    As per the details, the video showed the fan expressing her best wishes for Fahad and Hania Aamir during a meet-and-greet session in Dallas.

    “I have always prayed a lot for you because I have heard that you are a Tahajjud prayer seeker,” she said.

    “I pray that you always observe the prayer in the same way and take both religion and the world with you,” the fan added.

    Thanking the fan, Fahad said prayers were all he could ever want. “Thank you very much for praying for me. If your prayers are with us, then we do not need millions of dollars.”

              View this post on Instagram                      

    A post shared by Galaxy Lollywood (@galaxylollywood)

    Earlier, after a triumphant return to the small screen with Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum, Fahad Mustafa has set his eyes on creating the first Muslim male superhero film, not just for Pakistan, but for the world.

    During a ceremony where he received two awards from the British Parliament, Fahad Mustafa discussed the superhero project. He touched on various topics, including the popularity of Indian films in Pakistan and the potential audience for Pakistani films in India. Fahad expressed his belief that if Pakistani films were released in India, they would be watched with enthusiasm. Unfortunately, this isn’t currently the case.

    He mentioned that after the runaway success of Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum,  Indian fans started watching his films on YouTube, searching for his work on other platforms, and appreciating his acting skills.

    Fahad revealed plans to create a film featuring the first Muslim male superhero: “This film will not only be the first Pakistani superhero film but also the first to feature a Muslim male superhero.”

    Fahad did not provide specific details about the film, such as when shooting will begin, who will play the lead role, or who will direct it. However, he said that the audience would soon get to see the groundbreaking character.

    Speculation suggests that Fahad Mustafa might produce the film and even play a role in it, but it remains uncertain whether he will take on the superhero role himself.

  • This Pakistan singer gave work to Indians

    This Pakistan singer gave work to Indians


     

    Imagine a music icon who not only creates hits but also changes the way artists collaborate across borders.
      
    Waris Baig is one such singer. 
     

    Appearing as a guest on Ambreen Fatima’s YouTube show, he talked about his journey, professionalism in India and his pride in representing Pakistan on an international level.
     

    “I am the only star who gave work to Indians and did not go there to look for work,” he claimed. 
      
    “I worked on music videos in India featuring popular artists like Malaika Arora and Amrita Arora, but I made sure that I was the one paying the Indian artists, not the other way around,” he shared.


      
    The Kal Shab Dekha singer opened up about his views on music industry  standards in both countries.

    “I observed professionalism in India, something I feel is lacking in Pakistan. Despite this, I have maintained my pride and identity and I focus on uplifting Pakistan music industry without compromising on my values,” Waris said.

  • Pakistan reveals batting lineup for first Test against South Africa

    Pakistan reveals batting lineup for first Test against South Africa

    The Pakistan cricket team’s management and selection committee has planned to field seven batters in the first Test against South Africa.

    Captain Shan Masood will open the innings along with in-form Saim Ayub on Thursday at the Super Sports Park Centurion.

    Former Test captain Babar Azam, who was dropped from the second and third Tests against England in October this year, is once again being included to the team in place of out-of-form Abdullah Shafique.

    In the first Test against South Africa, Babar will play at number 3, Kamran Ghulam at number 4 and vice-captain Saud Shakeel at number 5.

    ODI and T20 skipper, wicketkeeper Muhammad Rizwan, will bat at number 6.

    In addition, batting all-rounder Salman Ali Agha will come to bat at number 7.

    Earlier, Pakistan has whitewashed South Africa in a three-match ODI series after defeating Protease by 36 runs in the third and last ODI of the series.

    The match being played in Johannesburg was delayed due to rain. When the toss was held after the rain stopped, the South African captain won the toss and invited the visiting team to bat. After the match started, the game had to be stopped again due to rain and three overs were reduced.


    Batting first, the national team scored 308 runs for nine wickets in the stipulated 47 overs, thanks to Saim Ayub’s brilliant century. Pakistan fell one run short due to the delayed start of the innings, and South Africa got a target of 308 runs.


    Opener Saim Ayub played an innings of 101 runs; Saim Ayub scored a century in 91 balls, and his innings included 13 fours and two sixes.


    Apart from them, captain Muhammad Rizwan scored 53, Babar Azam scored 52 runs, vice-captain Salman Agha scored 48, and Tayyab Tahir scored 28 runs.


    For the host team, Rabada took three wickets, while Marco Jensen and Fortuion took two wickets each.

    In response, South Africa could score 271 runs in 42 overs.

    Tony de Zorzi scored 26,  Rassie Van Der Dussen 35, Aiden Markram 19, Heinrich Klassen 86, Marco Jansen 26 and Corbin Bosch scored 40 runs for South Africa.

    Sufiyan Muqeem took four, while Naseem Shah and Shaheen Afridi took two wickets each for Pakistan.

  • Pakistan strikes TTP camps in Afghanistan

    Pakistan strikes TTP camps in 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.

    Journalist Anas Mallick posted on X (formerly Twitter): “Pakistan in its reported precision strikes deep inside Afghanistan has targeted 4 TTP camps and also the office of Umar Media, the TTPs media arm — Second strikes that Pakistan has done inside Afghanistan this year, had also airstriked deep inside Afghanistan in March this year.”

    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.

    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 follows 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.

    Journalist Anas Mallick also posted on X: “By going deep inside Afghanistan for the second time this year and targeting terror sanctuaries, Pakistan has made it clear that it will target terrorist camps regardless of their location and proximity. #Pakistan”

    According to the Interior Ministry, in the past 10 months, 948 out of 1,566 reported terrorism incidents occurred in KP, resulting in 583 deaths (out of a total of 924 martyrs).

    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.

    Analyst Michael Kugelman took to X to post: “Pakistan has reportedly launched air strikes in Afghanistan against TTP targets there. Just 3 days ago, the TTP claimed an attack in South Waziristan that killed 16 Pakistan troops. Islamabad suggested earlier this year that these cross-border CT operations will pick up.”

    Another X account affiliated with Afghanistan’s interim government posted graphic pictures of dead children today with the caption: “Three children, among other civilians, have been martyred in Afghanistan’s Paktika province today in a Zionist Pakistani army attack. We will soon take its revenge, InshaAllah.”

  • Ex-PM Imran Khan’s nephew becomes Pakistan’s #1 Ironman Triathlete

    Ex-PM Imran Khan’s nephew becomes Pakistan’s #1 Ironman Triathlete

    Keeping up with his uncle’s legacy, former prime minister Imran Khan’s nephew has set the benchmark for endurance sports in Pakistan.

    As per the details, Shahrez Khan is excelling on the international stage with outstanding performances in Ironman races across Luxembourg, Turkey, New Zealand and South Africa.

    An Ironman Triathlon is one of a series of long-distance triathlon races organized by the World Triathlon Corporation (WTC), consisting of a 2.4-mile (3.9 km) swim, a 112-mile (180.2 km) bicycle ride and a marathon 26.22-mile (42.2 km) run completed in that order, a total of 140.6 miles (226.3 km). It is widely considered one of the most difficult one-day sporting events in the world.

    Shahrez’s remarkable journey includes a stellar 10th-place finish in his age group at Ironman 70.3 South Africa, solidifying his place among the sport’s elite.

    While the young athlete is taking forward a proud family legacy in sports, he is also inspiring future athletes and making Pakistan proud on the global stage.

  • THIS English pacer just ditched IPL for PSL

    THIS English pacer just ditched IPL for PSL

    English cricketer David Willey has rejected an offer from an Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise and signed up for the Pakistan Super League (PSL) instead, ARY News reported.

    According to reports that The Current has been unable to verify independently, Willey has announced preferring the PSL over IPL and will appear in the Pakistani league during its upcoming 10th edition.

    The pacer will be available for the entire tournament, reports said, adding that he had registered himself for the PSL after passing on an offer made by IPL’s Lucknow Super Giants.

    It may be noted that Willey had also skipped participating in the IPL earlier this year citing personal reasons. He had, however, represented Multan Sultans in the PSL.

    During this year’s PSL 9, Willey took 15 wickets in 11 matches at an average of 20.40 runs and economy rate of 7.46. His performance had secured him the slot of the 2024 tournament’s fourth-highest wicket-taker.

    While Willey has become the first foreign player to register, the registration of foreign players is ongoing for the 2025 draft of the PSL. Several other prominent English cricketers are also a part of the process.

  • Maria Wasti talks ‘Mera Jism Meri Marzi’

    Maria Wasti talks ‘Mera Jism Meri Marzi’

    Veteran actress Maria Wasti has never been one to shy away from speaking from speaking her mind.

     Appearing as a guest on FHM Podcast with Adnan Faisal, she emphasized that the true meaning of the slogan Mera Jism Meri Marzi is often misunderstood and deliberately made controversial. 

     Maria Wasti explained that the slogan is often misinterpreted. She pointed out that while women use it to assert their autonomy, the term is intentionally sensationalized to make it controversial.

    “The meaning is not what people think it is, it’s about freedom of thoughts and freedom of expression.”

    The Mayi Ri actress also touched upon the significant issues of women’s rights in Pakistan, noting that despite making up 55 percent of the population, women are still considered a minority when it comes to receiving their due rights. “Women are not receiving their rights, and that’s why they are raising their voices,” she pointed out.

    She highlighted the criticism of the word ‘body’ in the slogan, saying “During the struggle for women’s rights, the focus has shifted entirely to the slogan ‘My Body, My Choice’. Everyone is disturbed by the word ‘body,’ but if the same word were said in English, it would sound better.”

    Maira Wasti further explained that there is nothing wrong with the slogan, comparing it to other personal belongings. “Just as everyone owns their home, everyone owns their thoughts and their body.”

    She clarified that modernity isn’t about imitating the West but embracing freedom of thought and rights.

     “Modernity does not mean Westernization, and enlightenment does not mean wanting to become part of Western society. It’s all about freedom of thought and rights,” Maria said.

    The Aik Sitam Aur actress pointed out an important contradiction in society’s perception. “If someone says ‘my kidney is mine,’ or ‘my eyes are mine,’ no one objects, but when it comes to ‘My Body, My Choice,’ people object without any valid reason,” she added.

    The Dharkan actress  expressed her concerns about the long-standing lobbying and groupism in award shows.

    “In our entertainment and fashion industry, everything revolves around award shows, determining who gets work, which production house is involved, and which channel is associated with it.” She acknowledged that the industry is the same everywhere. “When you have to justify a standard, your work is being seen globally. The screen doesn’t forgive; it reveals when someone is brought in based on recommendations,” Maria Wasti concluded.

  • ICC reveals Champions Trophy schedule

    ICC reveals Champions Trophy schedule

    The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced the schedule for the Champions Trophy 2025.

    As per the details, the opening match of the Champions Trophy will be played in Karachi on February 19, and the tournament will continue till March 9.

    The tournament will feature 15 matches played between 8 countries. Among the cities hosting the matches are Karachi, Lahore, Rawalpindi and Dubai, the ICC said.

    Dubai will only host Indian matches.

    Groups


    Group A: Pakistan, India, New Zealand and Bangladesh

    Group B: South Africa, Australia, Afghanistan and England

    Champions Trophy schedule:

    February 19: First match Pakistan and New Zealand in Karachi

    February 20: Bangladesh vs India (Dubai)

    February 21: Afghanistan vs South Africa (Karachi)

    February 22: Australia vs England (Lahore)

    February 23: Pakistan vs India (Dubai)

    February 24: Bangladesh vs New Zealand (Pindi)

    February 25: Australia vs South Africa (Pindi)

    February 26: Afghanistan vs England (Lahore)

    February 27: Pakistan vs Bangladesh (Pindi)

    February 28: Afghanistan vs Australia (Lahore)

    March 1: South Africa vs England (Karachi)

    March 2: India vs New Zealand (Dubai)

    March 4: First semi-final (Dubai)

    March 5: Second semi-final (Lahore)

    March 9: Final Lahore (Will be held in Dubai if India reaches the final)

    March 10: Reserve Day