Author: News Desk

Ram Gopal Varma claims Allu Arjun’s arrest was publicity stunt

Veteran filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma believes that South Indian superstar Allu Arjun’s recent arrest after ‘Pushpa 2’ release was a publicity stunt to boost the film’s box office collections.

For those who missed it, Allu Arjun was arrested by the Chikkadapally police in Hyderabad on Friday and sent to 14-day judicial custody in connection to a tragic stampede at the film’s screening in Sandhya Theatre, which resulted in the death of a woman named Revathi and serious injuries to her nine-year-old son, Sri Tej.

The incident occurred when Allu Arjun made a surprise visit to the event, causing a massive crowd of fans to gather. The stampede-like situation led to Revathi losing consciousness and being declared dead upon arrival at the hospital.

Arjun was released on a four-week interim bail by the Telangana High Court on Saturday.

Reacting to the news, Ram Gopal Varma took to his official X handle, claiming, “Regarding everybody’s SURPRISE SHOCK about why the Honourable chief minister of TELANGANA @revanth_anumala did this to @alluarjun, I think it is because he wanted to give a BIG PUBLICITY BOOST to the Telangana state’s FAVOURITE SON for a HUGE RISE in #Pushpa2‘s week 2‘s collections.”

He continued, “This explains why the STATE did such a deliberately weak PROSECUTION so that he could be BAILED OUT in a few hours and become even more MEGA POPULAR to RULE the BOX OFFICE for a LOOONG LOOOOONGGG TIME.”

Varma concluded by thanking the chief minister, “Thank you shri @revanth_anumula garu, for holding the TELANGANA STATE’S PRIDE as SUPER HIGH as #Pushpa2‘s SUPER COLLECTIONS.”

CM Reddy has denied state government involvement in Arjun’s arrest, stating that the law is taking its course. “He’s a film, it’s his business to make a movie and earn money, what does that have to do with us? Did he fight any India-Pakistan war at the border and win for India? He made a movie, it’s minting money, that’s all there is to it,” he said.

As for the action sequel, ‘Pushpa 2’ features Allu Arjun in the titular role of Pushpa Raj, with Fahadh Faasil as the main antagonist SP Bhanwar Singh Shekhawat, and Rashmika Mandanna reprising her role as Srivalli. The film has grossed INR 1300 crores in worldwide ticket sales over the first 10 days of release.

December 16, 2024
Gen (retd) Faiz Hamid’s military trial has begun, reveals Fakhar Durrani

Journalist Fakhar Durrani on Saturday revealed that former Director General (DG) Inter-Service Intelligence (ISI) General (R) Faiz Hamid’s military court trial on allegations of engaging in ‘political activities’ and other charges has commenced, with the first hearing held on Friday, December 13.

Taking to his YouTube channel Fact Check Pakistan, Durrani stated that former spymaster Faiz Hamid, along with his counsel Mian Ali Ashfaq, appeared before the military court on Friday; however, during the proceeding, Ashfaq requested an adjournment for five days, which the presiding judge approved.

“The military trial of Faiz Hamid will be concluded within a month,” Durrani predicted.

The journalist stated that he approached Faiz Hamid’s counsel for confirmation on whether the ex-spymaster’s military trial had begun; Ashfaq neither rejected nor confirmed the news.

“Due to Officials Secret Act, I cannot comment on it,” Faiz Hamid’s lawyer told Fakhar Durrani.

The journalist observed that if the military court sentences General Faiz, he is likely to be transferred to Adiala Jail Rawalpindi, where former Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan is currently incarcerated.

Fakhar Durrani commented on the founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Imran Khan’s military trial, claiming that the establishment had not yet decided to try the former Premier in a military court.

“Imran Khan’s military trial will create the impression internationally that Pakistan is a security state,” he said.

ISPR statement

Former DG ISI Lt Gen (R) Faiz Hamid was formally charged with engaging in political activities and misusing his authority as the chief of the country’s premier intelligence agency, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) reported Tuesday.

According to a statement issued by the military’s media wing, the former spymaster was also charged for violating the Official Secrets Act, misusing authority and government resources, and causing wrongful losses to individuals.

“These actions have compromised state security and interests,” ISPR added.

According to the statement, the process of Hamid’s field general court-martial (FGCM) was initiated on August 12, under provisions of the Pakistan Army Act.

Additionally, the military’s media wing said, the former spymaster’s role in creating agitation and unrest, including the May 9 riots, “in collusion with vested political interests”, was also being investigated.

“Lt Gen (r) Faiz Hamid is being afforded with all legal rights as per the law,” it added.

The development comes four months after reports said and the ISPR confirmed that the ex-ISI chief was taken into custody by the military on charges of abuse of power and violating the Army Act.

The former spy chief was arrested in August this year in connection with a Supreme Court petition filed by a housing society’s chief executive officer, Kanwar Moeez Khan, who accused Hamid of land grabbing and stealing valuables during a raid.

December 16, 2024
Jason Gillespie breaks silence on quitting as Pakistan coach

Former head coach of the Pakistan Red Ball team, Jason Gillespie, has revealed why he resigned as a coach.

In an interview with Australian media, he explained that poor communication within the team and not being informed about important decisions prompted him to step back.

“The lack of information about the high-performance coach Tim Nelson’s issue caused resentment. I was completely unaware of the decision not to keep Tim Nelson. After the Nelson issue, I felt that my job had become difficult. Not keeping the head coach informed about an important decision forced me to think like this.”

“After a few past incidents, this issue forced me to think whether I was needed or not. My goal of coaching Pakistan was fading away. My only job was to get the players to practice catching on the morning of the match. The head coach must have full contact with everyone, including the selectors. For planning, I must be informed about the squad at least a day in advance. In the absence of all these matters, it becomes difficult to work”, he added.

Gillespie further revealed, “After the first match against England, I received the news of the selection committee through a text message on the group. I was not even discussed with the selection committee, while the decision to drop Babar Azam was also the decision of the new selection committee.”

Gillespie recently resigned as Pakistan’s Test team head coach.

Aaqib Javed, a former Pakistan paceman, has been appointed as the interim head coach for the upcoming Test series against South Africa.

Jason Gillespie resigned after pay demands not accepted

Pakistan’s national cricket team’s red ball head coach Jason Gillespie has resigned from his post on Thursday.

Details about why he resigned have also emerged.

After Gillespie’s resignation, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) appointed Aqib Javed as the interim head coach of the red ball (Test Format). Aqib Javed is also the interim head coach of white ball (ODI and T20).

According to Geo, Gillespie was unhappy with the board for not retaining his part of the selection committee and later decided to resign when his demands were not accepted.

Jason Gillespie wanted to become the head coach of both formats after his part of the selection committee had not been retained. Along with becoming the coach of both formats, he also demanded more compensation.

Sources said that PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi refused to accept Jason Gillespie’s demand for an increase in compensation.

The PCB asked Jason Gillespie to stay in Pakistan longer, which he did not agree to. Gary Kirsten also refused to stay in Pakistan except for the series. Gary and Gillespie also demanded support staff of their choice.

Gary Kirsten also resigned before the tour of Australia, while Jason Gillespie resigned before the Test series against South Africa.

Jason Gillespie was supposed to arrive in South Africa today and supervise the pre-Test series camp.

The Pakistan team is currently playing a three-match T20 series in South Africa, after which a three-match ODI series will be played.

December 16, 2024
Legendary tabla player Zakir Hussain passes away at 73

Indian tabla maestro Zakir Hussain passed away at the age of 73 on Sunday 15 December in US after a battle with heart disease.

His manager Nirmala Bachani confirmed the news, stating that Hussain had been admitted to a hospital in San Francisco.

Zakir Hussain, born on March 09, 1951 in Bombay, was the eldest son of the legendary tabla maestro, Ustad Allah Rakha.

He followed his father’s path while also pushing the boundaries of Indian classical music, earning global recognition. His collaboration with renowned international artists helped bring the tabla to a wider audience, solidifying his place as a world music icon.

Zakir’s skill earned him praise for his flawless technique and playful creativity, The New York Times, in a 2009 review of his Carnegie Hall performance, said his “fearsome technique” combined with artistic playfulness made his music both joyful and virtuosic.

His lightning-fast fingers were compared to a hummingbird’s wings, producing a sound that was both detailed and full of energy.

Throughout his career, Zakir collaborated with international artists, introducing the table to a broader global audience and securing his place as a world music icon. He often reflected on his early years, recalling how, at just 13, he boldly arranged his first concert. When an invitation came for his father to perform, Zakir responded instead, offering himself as the performer without revealing his age, showing his passion and determination for music.

One of his notable achievements was his groundbreaking 1973 collaboration with English guitarist John McLaughlin, violinist L. Shankar, and percussionist T.H Vikku Vinayakra. The project combined Indian classical music with jazz, creating a new fusion that had never been done before.

December 16, 2024
Bangladesh to hold elections in late 2025 or early 2026

Bangladesh’s interim leader, Muhammad Yunus, who heads the caretaker government installed after an August revolution, said Monday that general elections would be held late next year or in early 2026.

Pressure has been growing on Nobel Peace Prize winner Yunus — appointed the country’s “chief adviser” after the student-led uprising that toppled ex-premier Sheikh Hasina in August — to set a date.

The 84-year-old microfinance pioneer is leading a temporary administration to tackle what he has called the “extremely tough” challenge of restoring democratic institutions in the South Asian nation of some 170 million people.

“Election dates could be fixed by the end of 2025 or the first half of 2026,” he said in a broadcast on state television.

Hasina, 77, fled by helicopter to neighbouring India as thousands of protesters stormed the prime minister’s palace in Dhaka.

Her government was also accused of politicising courts and the civil service, as well as staging lopsided elections, to dismantle democratic checks on its power.

Hasina’s 15-year rule saw widespread human rights abuses, including the mass detention and extrajudicial killings of her political opponents.

Yunus has launched commissions to oversee a raft of reforms he says are needed and setting an election date depends on what political parties agree.

“Throughout, I have emphasised that reforms should take place first before the arrangements for an election,” he said.

“If the political parties agree to hold the election on an earlier date with minimum reforms, such as having a flawless voter list, the election could be held by the end of November,” he added.

But including the full list of electoral reforms would delay polls by a few months, he said.

Meanwhile, a Bangladesh commission probing abuses during the rule of toppled leader Sheikh Hasina has recommended a much-feared armed police unit be disbanded, a senior inquiry member said Sunday.

Hasina, 77, fled by helicopter to neighboring India on August 5 as a student-led uprising stormed the prime minister’s palace in Dhaka.

Her government was accused of widespread human rights abuses, including the extrajudicial killing of hundreds of political opponents and the unlawful abduction and disappearance of hundreds more.

The Commission of Inquiry into Enforced Disappearances, set up by the caretaker government, said it found initial evidence that Hasina and other ex-senior officials were involved in the enforced disappearances alleged to have been carried out by the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB).

The RAB paramilitary police force was sanctioned by the United States in 2021, alongside seven of its senior officers, in response to reports of its culpability in some of the worst rights abuses committed during Hasina’s 15-year-long rule.

“RAB has never abided by the law and was seldom held accountable for its atrocities, which include enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and abductions,” Nur Khan Liton, a member of the commission, told AFP.

The commission handed its preliminary report to the leader of the interim government Muhammad Yunus late Saturday.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), one of the country’s largest political parties, also called for RAB’s abolition.

Senior BNP leader M. Hafizuddin Ahmed told reporters that the force was too rotten to be reformed.

“When a patient suffers from gangrene, according to medical studies, the only solution is to amputate the affected organ,” he said.

The elite police unit was launched in 2004, billed as a way to provide rapid results in a country where the judicial system was notoriously slow.

But the unit earned a grim reputation for extrajudicial killings and was accused of supporting Hasina’s political ambitions by suppressing dissent through abductions and murders.

December 16, 2024
English commentator apologizes to Jasprit Bumrah for calling him a primate

Former British cricketer Isa Guha has apologized on air to Indian cricketer Jasprit Bumrah for using inappropriate words during commentary.

Isa had praised Bumrah during commentary on Sunday during the third Test match between India and Australia, calling him the “most valuable primate”.

The usage of primate, the scientific word for apes and monkeys, left Indian fans furious.

Later, the female commentator said, “I had used the wrong word while praising Bumrah, and I apologize for my mistake.”

Guha’s comments during the live broadcast created a storm on social media, as she compared the 31-year-old and number one-ranked Test bowler to a primate.

IND vs AUS 3rd Test

Australia took the upper hand in the ongoing third Test at the Gabba with a commanding performance in their first innings. After winning the toss and batting first, they posted a formidable total of 445 runs. Travis Head was the standout performer, smashing 152 runs off 196 balls, supported by Steve Smith, who ended his century drought with a gritty 106. India’s bowlers worked hard, with Jasprit Bumrah leading the charge, claiming an impressive 6-wicket haul for 97 runs. Ravindra Jadeja chipped in with two wickets, but Australia’s batting depth proved too strong.

In response, India’s batting lineup faltered under the relentless pressure from Australia’s pacers. By Tea on Day 3, India had slumped to 48/4 in just 14.1 overs. Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood were lethal, dismissing Shubman Gill, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ajinkya Rahane cheaply. The top-order collapse left India staring at a massive deficit and fighting to avoid the follow-on.

With the pitch offering bounce and movement, Australia has firmly established control over the match. India’s lower order will need to mount a significant recovery to keep the game alive. As the series stands level at 1-1, this match could prove pivotal in determining the eventual winner of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

December 16, 2024
APS attack anniversary: Schools closed in Lahore, Islamabad-Rawalpindi

Deputy commissioners of Lahore and Rawalpindi have announced the closure of educational institutions in their respective districts on Dec 16 (tomorrow).

Educational institutions will remain closed on account of the 10th anniversary of the tragic APS Peshawar attack in 2014, two separate notifications said.

Meanwhile, a third notification also announced closure of educational institutions in Islamabad.

While the exact reason behind the sudden closure has not yet been announced, there is also no confirmation on the status of educational institutions in other parts of the country.

December 15, 2024
YouTuber Rajab Butt arrested over questionable wedding gifts

Amid hype surrounding his wedding festivities, YouTuber Rajab Butt has been arrested over receipt of questionable wedding gifts, reports said.

As per the details, Chung police, along with Punjab Wildlife Department, raided Rajab’s house and took him into custody after a viral video showed him receiving a lion cub as a wedding gift.

Illegal arms were also recovered from the social media star’s residence, police said.

While the details of the weapons have not yet been released, rumours claim at least one rifle was also gifted to him at his wedding. A viral video also showed him receiving a large case that he stopped the guest from opening in front of cameras.

Earlier, Rajab’s wedding remained the top trend on social media in Pakistan.

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Rajab Butt, Emaan tie the knot: Barat day pictures and videos

Rajab Butt, one of Pakistan’s top trending content creators, recently tied the knot with his beloved Emaan in a grand celebration that spanned several events. The big day took place on Thursday evening with family and friends joining the couple to celebrate the joyous occasion.

Rajab Butt looked dashing in an off-white sherwani, while Emaan looked stunning in a maroon bridal dress. They both appeared incredibly happy in the many videos and pictures from the main event have surfaced online.

Here are some highlights from Rajab Butt and Emaan’s wedding:

Mehndi Ceremony: Rajab’s close friends and family attended the festivities with a vibrant mehndi ceremony. The event was filled with music, dance, and lots of fun.

Check the pictures below:

Barat Day: The barat day was a grand affair, with Rajab and Emaan looking radiant as they greeted guests and celebrated their special day.

Romantic Photo Shoot: Rajab and Emaan also had a romantic photo shoot, capturing beautiful moments together.

Family Moments: The couple shared many heartfelt moments with their families, making the day even more memorable.

December 15, 2024
After Imad, Amir another cricketer bids farewell to int’l cricket

Days after star paceman Mohammad Amir and all-rounder Imad Wasim announced their retirement from international cricket, fast bowler Mohammad Irfan has also announced his decision to quit.

“I have decided to retire from international cricket. I want to express my deepest gratitude to my teammates and coaches; thank you for the love, the cheers, and the unforgettable memories,” Irfan wrote in a social media post that came after his years-long absence from the national squad.

The left-arm pacer further said he would continue to support and celebrate the game that has given him everything.

Irfan, who was known for troubling batters with his pace and height, represented Pakistan in 4 Tests, 60 ODIs and 22 T20I matches.

He was seen as a prominent figure in the 2012 series win against India, emerging as the wild card that propelled Pakistan to victory. In this series his bowling speeds reached a blazing 145 km/h. At 7 ft 1 in and bowling at brisk pace, he brought a new dimension to the Pakistan bowling attack.

His retirement is the third to be announced over the past week.

On Saturday, Amir announced his retirement from international cricket. The announcement from Amir had come a day after all-rounder Wasim announced his decision to retire.

After Imad, Amir also bids farewell to international cricket

Pakistan’s national team fast bowler, Mohammad Amir, has announced his retirement from international cricket, following the same decision made by all-rounder Imad Wasim.

Amir posted on Instagram with a caption stating: “It is an honour to play for Pakistan in all three formats. I know it is a difficult decision, but I feel it is the right time to take on the responsibility for the next generation and take Pakistan cricket to new heights. I want to thank the PCB for always providing much-needed support over the years, and I look forward to seeing the team perform. I would also like to thank the Pakistani fans for always supporting me throughout my career.”

32-year-old Mohammad Amir has played 36 Tests, 61 ODIs, and 62 T20 Internationals for Pakistan since making his international debut in June 2009. He has taken 271 international wickets and scored 1,179 runs across all three formats.

Imad Wasim announced his retirement from all formats of international cricket on December 13. Both Amir and Imad last represented Pakistan in the 2024 T20 World Cup.

The two players have been key members of the Pakistan cricket team in recent years and also represented the Pakistan Under-19 team at the start of their respective careers.

Amir was part of the victorious 2009 ICC T20 World Cup squad, while both he and Imad were members of the 2017 ICC Champions Trophy-winning team.

Imad Wasim bids farewell to international cricket

Pakistan all-rounder Imad Wasim has announced his retirement from international cricket on Friday.

Imad wrote in a message on Instagram, “To all fans & supporters. After much thought and reflection, I have decided to retire from international cricket. Representing Pakistan on the world stage has been the greatest honour of my life, and every moment wearing the green jersey has been unforgettable.”

He further wrote, “Your unwavering support, love, and passion have always been my biggest strength. From the highs to the lows, your encouragement has pushed me to give my best for our beloved country. While this chapter comes to an end, I look forward to continuing my journey in cricket through domestic and franchise cricket, and I hope to keep entertaining you all in new ways. Thank you for everything. Pakistan Zindabad.”

Imad Wasim had withdrawn his retirement before the T20 World Cup 2024.

Imad has represented Pakistan in 55 One Day Internationals (ODIs) and 75 Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is). He has not played any Test matches for the national team.

Imad made his ODI debut on July 19, 2015, against Sri Lanka in Colombo, and his T20I debut on May 24, 2015, against Zimbabwe in Lahore.

December 15, 2024
Nasir Adeeb apologises to Reema for ‘unverified’ Heera Mandi claim

With Nasir Adeeb’s comments about star actor Reema Khan drawing strong reactions from celebrities and general public alike, the veteran scriptwriter has issued a public apology over his claims.

The Legend of Maula Jatt writer had in a recent podcast claimed that Reema was once rejected by him and film director Younus Malik while visiting Lahore’s Heera Mandi area for casting.

Adeeb’s claim had sparked backlash from fans and celebrities, including Imran Abbas, Sanam Jung, Rabia Enum, Bushra Ansari and Fahad Mustafa, all of whom shamed the writer.

“I apologise in front of everyone… to Reema Ji… [I am] asking for her forgiveness… that she may forgive me for saying something I did not verify,” the writer said while taking back his claim of Reema belonging to the infamous Heera Mandi area known for housing brothels until a few years ago.

Adeeb said that Allah has ordered us to not believe in hearsay, and he had committed a grave mistake by not verifying the claim. “We need to verify news before spreading it,” he added.

Earlier, Rabia Anum, Imran Abbas slams Nasir Adeeb for defaming Reema

Senior scriptwriter Nasir Adeeb has come under fire for derogatory remarks about film star Reema’s past. Several showbiz personalities have demanded that he apologize to the actress.

In a recent podcast, Nasir Adeeb claimed that he and director Younis Malik went to Heera Mandi in Lahore to find a heroine for a film.

He stated, “We were shown several girls, including Reema Khan.” However, he did not cast her because he “did not like her.”

Although Nasir Adeeb did not cast Reema, he acknowledged that she later became a superstar in the film industry.

Social media users and celebrities criticized Nasir Adib for the weird remarks about the famous actress. Imran Abbas, Sanam Jang, and Rabia Anam were among those who spoke out against him.

In a social media post, Imran Abbas called Nasir Adeeb’s comments “shameful,” writing, “Even today, some people take pleasure in humiliating and disturbing others by talking about the past of actors.”

Actress Sanam Jang expressed surprise at Nasir Adeeb’s remarks, questioning why he was discussing someone’s past in this manner.

TV host Rabia Anam also criticized Nasir Adeeb and demanded that such podcasts, which tarnish others’ honor, should be stopped. She encouraged women not to lose heart, writing, “Women should remember that some people can criticize them to put them down, but they should not lose heart.”

December 14, 2024