Author: News Desk

  • ‘My difficult childhood made me confident’: Hania Amir opens up about her past

    ‘My difficult childhood made me confident’: Hania Amir opens up about her past

    Actress Hania Amir has revealed that her difficult childhood is the reason behind her confidence today.

    In a recent interview with ‘Mishabal Middle East’, Hania spoke openly about her career and personal life.

    “I was born in Rawalpindi and spent my childhood and youth in twin cities. My mother had a handy camera on which she used to record videos of me and my cousins. This sparked my interest in making videos on my mobile phone,” she said.

    “I started making Dubsmash videos for TikTok and other social media platforms when I was at the university. One day, I auditioned for a film and was selected,” she said.

    Recalling when she got the offer, Hania said she told her mother about going to do a film and then signed the contract. “I had no idea about anything, but the people who cast me were good and did not cheat me.”

    On her childhood, she said she did not have a lot of happy memories because it was “terrible”. “I only remember playing with my cousins. My childhood memories are not very good.”

    She acknowledged that her challenging childhood gave her the confidence she has today and it taught her to face difficult situations with a smile. “It is because of my terrible childhood that I am confident, successful and smiling today,” Hania said

    “My difficult childhood is the reason I laugh all the time,” she added.

    While Hania did not provide further details, she has mentioned in past interviews that her parents divorced when she was young and was raised by her single mother.

  • New submarine cable to boost internet speed in Pakistan

    New submarine cable to boost internet speed in Pakistan

    In a bid to address longstanding concerns of internet users in Pakistan, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has confirmed the laying down of a major undersea cable that is expected to enhance connection speeds in the country.

    As per the details, the project falls under the 2Africa Submarine Cable System facilitated by the PTA through the Transworld Associate (TWA) as the landing party for the cable in the country.

    The cable system will stretch a whopping 45,000 kilometres, connecting 46 locations across Africa, Europe and the Middle East, with the use of state-of-the-art SDM1 technology having a capacity of 180 terabytes per second. 

    The programme is supported by a global consortium that includes Meta and Vodafone, whereas the cable is expected to go live in Pakistan by the fourth quarter of 2025.

    The first phase of installation started on December 1, 2024, and the Pre-Lay Shore End (PLSE) installation included cable landing at Hawksbay in Karachi. 

    The second phase of deep-sea laying of the cable is expected to start on April 1, 2025.

    Once operational, the cable will provide Pakistan with 24 terabytes of bandwidth. The country is currently relying on approximately 8 terabytes of bandwidth provided by seven existing cables. With the new system connecting Pakistan to Africa, the move aims to improve connectivity and address long-standing complaints of slow internet speeds.

    Additionally, the purpose of installation is to enhance the bandwidth that will improve the performance of platforms such as Facebook, WhatsApp and Instagram.

    Meanwhile, PTA has also revealed plans to devise a new regime to register Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) across the country.

    It may be noted that the announcement regarding improvements to quality of internet comes amid severe criticism against the government for allegedly restricting access in a bid to curb dissent.

    Opposition parties, as well as the government’s coalition partner, the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), have repeatedly called out authorities over connectivity issues in the country.

    At a convocation in Jamshoro on Monday, PPP chief Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari called for robust legislation to ensure equitable and uninterrupted internet access. Discussing the importance of the internet in today’s era, the PPP chairman said that fiber-optic cables and robust internet infrastructure were the future for both current and upcoming generations.

    He asserted that affordable and uninterrupted internet access was a fundamental right in the modern world, and vowed to introduce a Digital Rights Bill in parliament to secure cheap and unrestricted access for everyone.

  • What will be the ending of Ghair? Madiha Iftikhar spills details

    What will be the ending of Ghair? Madiha Iftikhar spills details

     As Ghair nears its end, fans are wondering what will happen to Tehreem, the villain played by Madiha Iftikhar. In an interview with Independent Urdu, the Baby Baji actress shares details about the drama’s final moments, promising a surprising conclusion. She also opened up about domestic violence and urges women to stand strong and become independent.

    Talking about the ending of Ghair, Madiha Ifikhar said, “I would say that its end will be something similar, where you’ll see what the climax of evil looks like. Just like in Baby Baji where I ended up in jail, this one doesn’t end in jail, but the climax will still be something where you could say that every evil ends with evil.”


    “Incidents of domestic violence are increasing significantly in Pakistan, what would you say about this,” Madiha was asked 

    She replied, “Cases are delayed for so long in court, and the way things happen, our government should first focus on this specific issue, especially when it comes to domestic violence. They need to pass some rules that make these cases resolve quickly and ensure that any punishment is given accordingly.”

    The Chand Tara actress also spoke directly to women enduring such struggles, stressing the importance of independence and self-sufficiency.


     Madiha said, “Many women, even in this modern era, are still enduring because they feel they can’t return to their parents’ home due to the shame. Even if there’s no shame, they think, how will they handle it? Financial issues often arise, and parents sometimes say, ‘You’re living there, manage it, because we can’t support you, especially if you have children.’” 

    “I just want to tell women to make themselves capable, so that if, God forbid, something happens, it’s not just about domestic violence. Sometimes there are financial issues between a husband and wife, or sometimes there might be problems with in-laws. There might even be situations where, may Allah forgive, a husband passes away. If your parents aren’t around, where will the woman go? A woman doesn’t have a home. The reality is that she doesn’t,” she added. 

    The Ghair actress emphasized the need for women to be educated, financially independent and to secure their futures.


    “To create her own roof, it’s essential for her to be educated, to have a career, and to earn. She needs to create her own space and secure her future. After that, if there are domestic violence issues, at least she will know that she can leave. She will have a place to stay and won’t have to beg anyone,” Madiha Iftikhar concluded.

  • Which PTI leader did Fawad Chaudhry term ‘insect’?

    Which PTI leader did Fawad Chaudhry term ‘insect’?

    Former Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Fawad Chaudhry has often made headlines for his harsh remarks about his ex- party’s leadership. This time, he termed one PTI leaders an “insect.”

    “After we were forcefully removed from the PTI, a leadership vacuum was created within the party, so these insects, including Shoaib Shaheen, stepped forward. They do not belong to PTI at all,” said Chaudhry in Khabar Se Khabar on Monday.

    The former federal minister for Information and Broadcasting claimed that PTI’s current party leadership is insecure about his return to the party.

    However, program host Nadia Mirza contested Chaudhry’s insult “insects” by saying that the PTI’s current leadership indeed rescued the party when many leaders had abandoned it in the past.

    “How long did Shoaib Shaheen, Barrister Gohar Khan, and Salman Akram Raja remain imprisoned in jail? What are their sacrifices for PTI,” Chaudhry asked.

    Decrying the PTI leadership, he said that instead of initiating an agitation after the February 8 general election, party leaders confined themselves to their homes. “48 cases registered on me; how many cases have been filed against the PTI leadership,” he questioned. 

    Former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s counsel Shoaib Shaheen had criticised Fawad Chaudhry on December 21 over his suggestion to operate Imran Khan’s  X (formerly Twitter) account from Pakistan.

    “Those who abandoned the party back then no longer have any affiliation with PTI,” Shaheen quoted Imran Khan as saying. The lawyer further stated that the party founder had directed others to distance themselves from Fawad Chaudhry.

    On December 21, following the directive of Imran Khan, party chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan issued a formal statement distancing the party from the former federal minister.

    “A meeting took place at Adiala Jail, where PTI’s legal team met Imran Khan. During the meeting, Khan instructed the team to publicly disassociate from Fawad Chaudhry,” Gohar said in his statement.

    “Accordingly, following Khan Sahab’s instructions, the PTI completely disassociates itself from Fawad Chaudhry and clarifies that Fawad Chaudhry has no relation whatsoever with the PTI. Moreover, he is not authorised to represent the PTI on media, social media, and TV talk shows, or issue statements on behalf of the PTI, or present his personal opinions as the party’s stance.”

  • Top 10 sports moments of 2024

    Top 10 sports moments of 2024

    2024 was a year filled with incredible sports moments that captivated fans around the world. Here are the top 10 moments that will be remembered for years to come.

    1- Arshad Nadeem’s Glory at the Paris Olympics

    Pakistani javelin thrower Arshad Nadeem made history at the 2024 Paris Olympics by clinching the gold medal in the men’s javelin throw event. Arshad’s throw of 92.97 meters was not just a personal best, but he also outshone his global competitors and reaffirmed his position as one of the world’s top athletes in his discipline. His victory was celebrated across Pakistan.

    2- India Wins the ICC T20 World Cup

    The Indian cricket team emerged victorious in the ICC T20 World Cup 2024, defeating South Africa in a thrilling final. This victory will be remembered as a historic moment in Indian cricket history, as India snatched victory from South Africa when they needed 30 runs off 30 balls with six wickets in their hands.

    3- Imane Khelif’s historic gold medal

    Algerian boxer Imane Khelif, the target of racist attacks on her gender, won the gold medal in the women’s boxing competition. In the final of the boxing 66 kg category match, a visibly pumped-up Imane defeated China’s Yang Liu by 5-0.

    4- Novak Djokovic’s Historic Calendar Grand Slam

    Novak Djokovic achieved a historic feat by winning all four Grand Slam tournaments in a single year, solidifying his place as one of the greatest tennis players of all time.

    5- Max Verstappen’s Formula 1 World Championship

    Max Verstappen secured his third consecutive Formula 1 World Championship, further solidifying his position as one of the greatest drivers of all time.

    6-Simone Manuel’s Retirement

    Simone Manuel, a four-time Olympic gold medalist, announced her retirement from competitive swimming, bringing an end to a remarkable career that inspired generations of athletes.

    7- USA stuns Pakistan in the T20 World Cup

    The USA cricket team stunned the world and Pakistan with a historic victory in the T20 World Cup. In a thrilling encounter, the underdog Americans emerged victorious over the 2022 finalists, showcasing incredible skill, determination, and a never-say-die attitude. 

    8-Bangladesh’s historic test win over Pakistan

    Bangladesh scripted history in Pakistan, securing their first-ever Test series victory over their hosts with a resounding 2-0 sweep. The series began with a historic 10-wicket win for Bangladesh in the opening Test, a result that stunned the cricketing world. This was followed by a thrilling six-wicket victory in the second Test, sealing the series and etching Bangladesh’s name in the annals of cricketing history.

    9- Gukesh Dommaraju becomes World Chess Champion

    Indian teenager Gukesh Dommaraju has made history by becoming the youngest-ever world chess champion. He defeated defending champion Ding Liren of China in a dramatic match in Singapore on December 12, 2024. Gukesh, who is just 18 years old, is four years younger than the former record-holder, Russian grandmaster Garry Kasparov, who was 22 when he won the title in 1985. 

    10-Pakistan whitewash South Africa on their home ground

    Pakistan achieved a historic feat in South Africa, becoming the first team to whitewash them in an ODI series on their home soil. This remarkable achievement came after a dominant display across all three matches, showcasing Pakistan’s resilience and skill.

  • Man who shaved daughter’s head in Karachi granted bail

    Man who shaved daughter’s head in Karachi granted bail

    The man accused of shaving his daughter’s head and keeping her in confinement has been granted bail by a judicial magistrate in Karachi.


    Along with the father, four other members of the family have also been released.


    The police investigating team presented the victim’s father Niaz Husain, her relatives including uncle Kaleem Husain and three women—Zubaida, Shakeela, and Kinza Fatima—before the judicial magistrate in a Malir court to ask for a physical remand.


    The Investigating Officer officially requested the court to remand the suspects to police custody for two weeks. 


    However, the judicial magistrate rejected the request, granting bail to the suspects, stating that the sections invoked in the FIR are bailable offences.


    The court also ordered the suspects to submit surety bonds of Rs20,000 each, along with personal bonds.  


    The court order stated, “Since the alleged sections are bailable in nature, the accused are offered bail subject to furnishing surety bonds in the sum of Rs. 20,000 each and PR bonds of an equivalent amount.” 


    Furthermore, the order said that if the suspects fail to provide the required surety bonds, they will be remanded to jail custody.


    The father and the relatives were arrested by the police on charges of detaining the victim and shaving her head as punishment for wanting to marry of her own choice.

     
    Naz Fatima, who works as a nurse at the Ojha campus of the Dow University of Health Sciences, was forcefully confined to her father’s home.


    Quaidabad SHO Farasat Shah said that after being informed, a police team raided the house, recovered the victim and arrested four suspects, including the patriarch of the house, Naz Fatima’s father.


    The police informed the media that after being recovered, the victim later registered a case against her father Niaz Husain, uncle Kaleem Husain and others under sections 342 (wrongful confinement), 354 (assault or criminal force to woman with intent to outrage her modesty), 337-V (Arsh for hair), 337-A-I (punishment of shajjah) and 34 (common intention) of the Pakistan Penal Code.

    Naz stated in the FIR that her parents separated around seven months ago, after which she, along with her three sisters, began living with their mother in a rented house in Qadhafi Town.  Her father had been pestering her and her sisters to move in with him in Daud Chali, Quaidabad.


    However, on December 12, her father beat her and her sisters, prompting them to temporarily seek refuge at her friend’s house in Green Town.


    On December 20, Naz’s father, accompanied by her uncle and other relatives, stormed into her friend’s house in the afternoon, beat her, tore her clothes and shaved her head.


    Then, they forcibly took her to his house in Quaidabad, where she was held in confinement until she managed to contact her lawyer. 


    Naz’s lawyer then reported her ordeal to the police, and she was subsequently recovered from wrongful confinement.

  • ‘Unfollow and move on’; Maryam Nafees lashes out at trolls

    ‘Unfollow and move on’; Maryam Nafees lashes out at trolls

    Actress Maryam Nafees recently shared a video on Instagram, leading to her being attacked by social media trolls. 


    In the video, Maryam is seen enjoying herself in London, shopping in malls, walking through the streets, wearing high-heeled shoes and a stylish dress. Her baby bump is visible in the video, which led to some users finding her outfit inappropriate and voicing their opinions in the comments.


    Maryam responded to the criticism with brutal clarity. She addressed the backlash in a recent Instagram post, calling out the hypocrisy of social media users. “Pakistani awaam getting triggered seeing a bump as if they were dropped from the skies like they were told as toddlers. If you have a problem seeing a bump, unfollow and move on because I will be showing A LOT of it! I’m proud and amazed at what my/our body is capable of and I don’t shy away from flaunting it.”


    Maryam announced the expected birth of her first child in November, sharing that she was going to become a mother soon.


    Maryam Nafees and Aman Ahmed got married in March 2022 after being in a relationship for some time and getting engaged in 2021. Their first child is expected after three years of marriage.

  • Naseebo Lal’s husband arrested for firing incident

    Naseebo Lal’s husband arrested for firing incident

    Punjabi singer Naseebo Lal’s husband Naveed Baloch has been arrested by the police in connection with a firing incident that left one person injured. 

    According to reports, the police stated that Naveed Baloch was involved in a shooting incident in his neighborhood in Shahdara Town. A case was filed against him on the complaint of the police, leading to his arrest and transfer to the police station.

    The incident occurred during a fight between Naveed Baloch and other individuals from the neighborhood, during which he allegedly opened fire. The First Information Report (FIR) mentioned that a person was injured by Naveed Baloch’s firing and was immediately taken to the hospital.

    Lahore Police arrived at the scene, arrested Naveed Baloch, and took him to the police station. Naseebo Lal also went to the police station to seek his release and spent the entire night there.

    Naseebo Lal has not yet isued a statement on the incident.

  • ShahRukh Khan teams up with Siddharth Anand for King

    ShahRukh Khan teams up with Siddharth Anand for King

    ShahRukh Khan teams up with Siddharth Anand for King

     What happens when Bollywood’s biggest superstar reunites with the mastermind behind Pathaan? ShahRukh Khan is all set to collaborate again with director Siddharth Anand for the highly anticipated action thriller film King.

     Reports state that Sujoy Ghosh was to be the director, however the project has since undergone a creative shift, with Ghosh co-writing the story alongside Anand, Suresh Nair, and Sagar Pandya. Famous writer Abbas Tvrewala has also joined the team to elevate the film’s script.

    The project, which has been in development for six months, promises groundbreaking action sequences, crafted in collaboration with internationally acclaimed stunt directors. The team plans to begin shooting in March 2025. With a six-to-seven-month schedule spanning multiple global locations, the makers expect the film to hit cinemas in 2026.

     The Dunki actor will portray a don in the film, while his daughter Suhana Khan and actor Abhishek Bachchan are said to play significant roles. Thrilling action and a star-studded cast make King one of Bollywood’s most awaited films.

    Earler, Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan is starring in the action – packed thriller ‘King,’ alongside his daughter Suhana Khan, the first time the duo will appear on screen together.

    The film, directed by Sujoy Ghosh and produced by Gauri Khan and Siddharth Anand, has generated plenty of buzz on social media.  Shah Rukh Khan’s appearance in the film is particularly under scrutiny; according to some rumours, he will dress like a ‘Salt and Pepper’ character.

    Viral images circulating on social media hint at SRK’s transformation, leaving fans more and more excited.

    According to a recent report in Pinkvilla, Shah Rukh is set to portray the character of ‘Don’ in King, and the character will have some grey shades.

    The official announcement is expected in September.

    Earler, during the filming of ‘Chak De! India’ the star helped all the girls who were acting in the film. Vidya Malvade, who was part of the movie, said that there were 16 girls working together on the film, unsure about how much time they would get on screen.

    Shah Rukh Khan extended support to all the actresses, boosting their confidence. Vidya Malvade, one of the actresses in the film, disclosed, “During filming, there were 16 girls working together. At that moment, all these girls felt uncertain about their screen time. It happens; perhaps it was meant to be. The girls used to say, ‘I am in the middle, I need to stay ahead,’ and it happened.”

    Vidya revealed that Shah Rukh Khan helped all the girls to maximize their roles in the film. She stated, “Shah Rukh proved himself to be a great superstar on the set. He is the owner of a very kind personality and treats the cast like his own team.”

  • Khaqan Shahnawaz slammed for joking about Kareena Kapoor’s age

    Khaqan Shahnawaz slammed for joking about Kareena Kapoor’s age

    Pakistani actor Khaqan Shahnawaz has been slammed for passing disparging remarks about Bollywood superstar Kareena Kapoor Khan, sparking criticism from both Indian and Pakistani fans.


    During an appearance on a private TV show, a fan expressed interest in seeing Shahnawaz act alongside Kareena. He jokingly replied, “I can play her son. Yeah, I can play her son.” He added that the Jab We Met star is much older than him. 

    The joke, such as it was, did not sit well with Kareena’s fans, who quickly voiced their disapproval on social media. One fan commented, “Kareena wouldn’t even know who he is, even I’ve never seen a drama of his.” Another labeled Shahnawaz as “full of himself.” The clip, shared widely on Instagram, received many angry comments, fueling the backlash.


    Meanwhile, Kareena Kapoor Khan recently posted heartwarming photos on Instagram, including one of Saif walking amid dried trees with a red heart emoji. Another photo showed Taimur in front of a large, beautifully decorated Christmas tree with the caption “Mera Beta” (My Son) and a red heart emoji.


    Despite the controversy, Kareena seems unaffected, focusing on her family and festive celebrations.