Author: News Desk

  • What was said in ‘strict message’ sent to Imran Khan? Muneeb Farooq has the details

    What was said in ‘strict message’ sent to Imran Khan? Muneeb Farooq has the details

    Senior journalist Muneeb Farooq on Monday revealed that a strict message was sent through Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leadership to incarcerated party founder Imran Khan regarding the party’s ongoing violent protest.

    Muneeb Farooq, on his YouTube channel, stated that the party founder had been told to behave or face repercussions for altercations with law enforcement. 

    On Monday night, Chairman PTI Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, along with former speaker of the  National Assembly Asad Qaiser and Shibli Faraz, met the party founder in Adiala Jail Rawalpindi to discuss the next strategy as the protest goes on. 


    “Don’t listen to Bushra Bibi’s directions [on protest],” the journalist quoted the strict message that had also been conveyed to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf leaders on November 25.

    The political analyst further stated that both the establishment and the federal government had refused to accept PTI’s three demands.

    PTI demanded the revocation of the recently passed 26th Constitutional Amendment and the release of political prisoners, including Imran Khan, and the restoration of PTI’s electoral mandate.

    Last night, Naqvi seemed to confirm talks with the protesting opposition party, saying that the government had offered the Sangjani area for protest; however, reportedly, consensus was not reached between the government and Pakistan’s biggest opposition party.

    The Sangjani was the same venue on the outskirts of the federal capital where the PTI held its Sept 8 rally.

    Meanwhile, multiple PTI demonstrators have reached Islamabad’s roundabout D Chowk, and it can be seen that party followers are embracing security officials at the top containers of D Chowk in social media posts.

    However, the PTI convoy led by Chief Minister (CM) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Ali Amin Gandapur and Imran Khan’s spouse Bushra Bibi crossed the federal capital Blue Area and was only a few Kilometers (KM) short of reaching D Chowk.

    Speaking to the media in Islamabad, Information and Broadcasting Minister Attaullah Tarar has said that former First Lady Bushra Bibi was dead set on getting people killed.

    Tarar alleged that Bushra Bibi used others’ children as pawns, noting, “There is still time to stop and go back.”

  • CCTV footage debunks claims of Rangers’ vehicle crushing security personnel

    CCTV footage debunks claims of Rangers’ vehicle crushing security personnel

    The release of a CCTV footage on social media has rubbished earlier claims that four Rangers personnel were crushed by security vehicles amid violent protests by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) in and around Islamabad.

    The PTI, on founder Imran Khan’s call, has marched on the federal capital in protests that went violent with clashes between party workers and law enforcement personnel. The law and order situation took a turn for the worse as at least four Rangers personnel and two cops were martyred on Tuesday morning at around 3 am.

    With law enforcement claiming that the Rangers personnel were crushed by a fast-moving vehicle from one of PTI’s convoys, the party claimed that the vehicle belonged to paramilitary personnel themselves.

    Safeer Ali, an eyewitness of the incident and brother of the civilian who was also killed in the incident near Islamabad’s Chongi Number 26, claimed that he looked on as “fleeing police and Rangers deliberately ran people over as they sped away”.


    The claim, which went viral after Ali’s interview to senior journalist Matiullah Jan outside Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), was, however, debunked after the release of CCTV footage of the incident.

    The CCTV footage showed a Rangers check-post with a group of paramilitary troops standing at ease. In the background, a private vehicle can be seen crushing a separate group of Rangers personnel as it speeds away.

    “The video clearly shows that the witness lied about the details of the incident in his interview. He had said that, ‘I was standing there with my brother and PTI supporter who was a former FC [Frontier Constabulary] soldier. Rangers crushed him while fleeing. [The video shows] no witnesses or Rangers fleeing. They are standing at ease,” journalist Waseem Abbasi wrote while sharing the CCTV on his X (formerly Twitter) account.

    Meanwhile, the federal government, in wake of violent protests and deaths of security personnel, has deployed army in Islamabad by invoking Article 245 of the Constitution. 

    A notification issued by the Interior Ministry said that army has been authorised to impose a curfew in any locality deemed necessary to maintain law and order.

    Security forces have also reportedly been authorised to shoot miscreants and rioters on sight.

    By the time this report was filed, PTI demonstrators had reached their destination, D-Chowk, amid intense tear-gas shelling.

  • Malaika Arora spotted with mystery man amidst separation from Arjun Kapoor

    Malaika Arora spotted with mystery man amidst separation from Arjun Kapoor

    A video of Bollywood actress Malaika Arora holding hands with an unidentified man outside a local hotel has gone viral on social media.

    The footage, which shows Malaika along with her sister Amrita Arora also present, has sparked curiosity among fans about the identity of the mystery man.


    The clip comes to light at a time when Malaika Arora and actor Arjun Kapoor have publicly confirmed their separation. 


    The couple, who started dating in 2018 and made their relationship official in 2019, recently announced their split during the promotions for Arjun Kapoor’s latest film, ‘Singham Again’.


    Malaika Arora, who divorced Arbaaz Khan in 2017, was seen in a stylish white top and olive green pants, while the mystery man wore a pink shirt and blue jeans.


     Fans have been speculating about the nature of their relationship and the identity of the man.


    The video has intensified the buzz around Malaika’s personal life, especially following the news of her separation from Arjun Kapoor.

    Earlier, his father Anil Arora committed suicide by jumping from the terrace of the sixth floor of the building. The incident occurred at around 10:30 am on 11 September, Wednesday at his home in Bandra.

    According to media reports, police reached the spot and recovered the body, initiating an investigation into the suicide.

    DCP Crime Branch Raj Tilak Roshan shared the latest update, saying, “We are conducting a thorough investigation and our team, along with forensic experts, is actively involved in the process.”

    After the news of Malaika Arora’s father’s demise, her close friends and other Bollywood celebrities have gathered to offer their support and condolence to her.

    Arbaaz Khan, Malaika’s ex-husband, also arrived at the Arora parents’ home. His father Salim Khan, his wife, and his son Sohail Khan also arrived to offer condolences.

  • Second ODI: Pakistan crush Zimbabwe by 10 wickets

    Second ODI: Pakistan crush Zimbabwe by 10 wickets

    Pakistan defeated Zimbabwe by 10 wickets in the second ODI match played at Queens Sports Club Ground in Bulawayo.

    Pakistan easily achieved the target of 146 runs in the 19th over without losing a wicket. Saim Ayub scored the first century of his ODI career and scored 113 runs, while Abdullah Shafiq remained unbeaten on 32 runs.

    Earlier, Zimbabwe had given Pakistan a target of 146 runs to win, and the host team returned to the pavilion after scoring 145 runs in 32.3 overs.

    Debutant Abrar Ahmed took four wickets, Salman Ali Agha took three wickets, and Saim Ayub and Faisal Akram took one wicket each, while one batter was run out.

    Zimbabwe won the toss and elected to bat against Pakistan.

    In this match being played in Bulawayo, two players from Pakistan, Abrar Ahmed and Tayyab Tahir, are playing an ODI for Pakistan for the first time.

    It should be noted that in the rain-affected first match, Zimbabwe won by 80 runs under the Duckworth-Lewis method and took a one-nil lead in the three-match series.

  • VIDEO: Army personnel hug PTI protesters atop containers at D-Chowk

    VIDEO: Army personnel hug PTI protesters atop containers at D-Chowk

    The political situation in Pakistan is becoming tense by the minute as Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) supporters have entered Islamabad on former prime minister Imran Khan’s “final call”, meeting heavy resistance from law enforcement along the way.

    With violent overnight protests resulting in the deaths of at least six security personnel, including four Rangers, the federal government has deployed army to quash the protests and keep PTI workers from advancing to D-Chowk.

    Amid high-running tensions, a video that went viral on X (formerly Twitter), showed PTI protesters climbing on top of containers set up to block access to D-Chowk. With army personnel present on the containers already, they were seen helping and embracing the protesters.

    The move was welcomed by authorities and protesters alike. Unconfirmed reports claim that army personnel also made announcements over loudspeakers, urging PTI workers to remain peaceful because the military won’t open fire on its own people.

    Earlier in the day, a fast-driving car ran over law enforcement personnel on the federal capital’s Srinagar Highway.

    As tensions between law enforcement and protesters ran high, the federal government deployed military in Islamabad by invoking Article 245 of the Constitution.

    A notification issued by the Interior Ministry said that army had been authorised to impose a curfew in any locality deemed necessary to maintain law and order.

    Reportedly, security forces have also been empowered to shoot miscreants and rioters on sight. Furthermore, a group of armed men reportedly pelted stones and opened fire on security personnel at Chungi No 26 in Rawalpindi, leading to another Rangers official getting injured. He was shifted to hospital in critical condition.

    Meanwhile, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, while talking to the media, said the government had talked and engaged with protesters “in every possible way”.

    “They hold talks and then pull out,” the minister claimed, adding that roads were opened so that PTI workers could make their way to Sangjani instead of D-Chowk.

    “The PTI leadership wants to hold talks, but a secret hand is controlling the party and it is stronger than all others. They have some other motives,” he said.

    Naqvi’s comments came after reports claimed that PTI leadership, including founder Imran Khan, had approved shifting the protest to Sangjani amid violent clashes. The same was disapproved by Khan’s wife and former first lady Bushra Bibi, who said she would continue leading protesters to D-Chowk till she had spoken to her husband herself.

  • This Pakistani superstar refuses to put on makeup

    This Pakistani superstar refuses to put on makeup


      

     In an entertainment industry where makeup is a must on film sets, one veteran actor is a standout exception. 

     With over 50 years of experience, the legendary actor Javed Sheikh has never worn makeup. 
     
     

    Appearing as a guest on After Hours with Ushna Shah, the Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum actor explained why he refuses to wear makeup on set, even when it’s required of others.

    The host asked, “I found out that you never wear makeup. You still haven’t had any touch-ups, nothing?” 


    Javed Sheikh said, “Yes, never. Look, here, it’s okay, everyone does it, but I keep watching. So when I was in India, the films I did there, it was very much a requirement for everyone. Every girl had to do it, but the men were doing it too. So when I first went to the set, my first film was Shikar with Shahid  Kapoor. So they said, ‘Sir, come an hour earlier so we can do your makeup.’ I said, ‘I don’t do it.’ They said, ‘No, it’s not allowed.’ I said, ‘What’s not allowed? Is it written somewhere?’”

    The Quaid –e- Azam Zindabad  actor recalled how he stood firm on his decision not to put anything on his face, “They said, ‘It will shine a little.’ I said, ‘this is prosperity.” 


    The host asked, “Sheikh Sahib, I know you have big well-guarded secrets behind why you’re looking so good, but if you could share a bit about your diet or your routine?” 

    Javed Sheikh replied, “Yes, see, discipline is something you should have in life, in everything. And I have discipline not just in food, but in everything I do. You see, living for 50 years isn’t an easy task, and Alhamdulillah, I still don’t have free time. I know, I have so many films, so many dramas. And besides that, I am doing a lot of things. I’ll tell you later. So there has to be discipline in life. And yes, I take care of my food. I sleep for 6 hours, not less than that.” 


    “The reason is, at least for a normal body, you need seven to eight hours of sleep. People say, ‘I slept for two hours, three hours, and worked. I was fresh.’ But the thing is, you may look fresh, but you don’t realize that you missed out on four or five hours of sleep. It gets written on your body,” the A-lister pointed out. 


     The host asked, “You have many stories, many tales. What about your family, especially your sister-in-law?”  

     “Well, I was married twice, the first time, it was to the mother of my children, Momal. And then, I got married to Salma Aga. Both marriages lasted around three years,” Javed Sheikh replied. 


    Lastly, Javed Sheikh also shared his thoughts on the entertainment industry. He stressed the importance of professionalism, saying. “Actors should support their producers and ensure that the producer’s investment doesn’t go to waste. It’s the actor’s responsibility to cooperate and be professional in every way. I’ve always tried to cooperate with everyone, even when it’s difficult, and that’s why I’ve earned respect in the industry.”

  • ‘AR Rahman is like a father to me’; Mohini Dey slams rumors of affair

    ‘AR Rahman is like a father to me’; Mohini Dey slams rumors of affair

    Music maestro AR Rahman’s guitarist Mohini Dey has expressed anger over rumors that her divorce is linked to her relationship with the composer. 

    Recently, the news of AR Rahman’s divorce spread like wildfire. A few hours later, guitarist Mohini Dey, who is part of AR Rahman’s group, also announced her separation from her husband, leading social media users to link the two. 


    In her initial statement, Mohini Dey had written on her Instagram story, “I am receiving a lot of requests for interviews, and I know what they are about, so I am refusing all of them because I have no interest in fueling baseless rumors.”


    She said, ‘I do not want to waste my energy on rumors, and requested people to respect my privacy.”

    Guitarist’s Recent Statement


    According to Indian media reports, Mohini Dey has now issued a statement in which she says, “I have many such personalities who are like fathers to me, who are role models in my life. I am really lucky and grateful that they played an important role in my upbringing, and AR Rahman is one of them whom I respect a lot.”


    She added, “AR Rahman is just like my father, he will be a little younger than my father, his daughter is my age, and we have love and respect for each other in our hearts.”
    She also said, “I worked with his band for about 8 years. I came to America 5 years ago and am working here. Please take care of privacy, this is a personal matter, and do not interfere in it.”


    She expressed her deep surprise at the viral rumors on social media and said, “It is unbelievable to see the misinformation and baseless assumptions and claims against me and AR Rahman. The media has made me a criminal by linking the events of my and AR Rahman’s divorce. I worked with AR Rahman for 8 years, I am like his children.”

  • ‘PTI leaders powerless in front of party’s secret leadership,’ claims Mohsin Naqvi

    ‘PTI leaders powerless in front of party’s secret leadership,’ claims Mohsin Naqvi

    Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi Tuesday said that “secret leadership” of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) was controlling everything, leaving other party leaders “powerless”.

    Speaking to media as PTI convoys continue to advance towards D-Chowk after violent overnight clashes, the interior minister said that party leaders did not want bloodshed but they were powerless in front of a “secret leadership” that actually had control over the party.

    “Even the PTI leadership does not want bloodshed, but the secret leadership’s agenda is not aligned with Pakistan,” Mohsin Naqvi said, adding that a “hidden hand” was involved in the unrest.

    “The PTI leadership wanted to engage in dialogue, but the secret leadership did not want it,” he said.

    When asked about the number of participants in PTI’s protest rally, the interior minister said that it was difficult to give an exact figure; however, “2,000 of the total number of protesters were trained individuals”.

    The interior minister’s presser comes as PTI refuses to participate in talks with the government and protest at D-Chowk till party founder and former prime minister (PM) Imran Khan is released from jail. Violent clashes over the past two days have resulted in injuries to hundreds of protesters and cops alike. At least four Rangers personnel and two cops were also martyred in the clashes Monday night.

    Meanwhile, a case against PTI leadership has been registered at a Rawalpindi police station over the death of a police constable near Hakla Interchange.

    According to a First Information Report (FIR) filed at Taxila Police Station, Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister (CM) Ali Amin Gandapur, Salar Khan Kakar, Shahid Khattak and others were nominated.

    Assaulters, armed with tear gas guns, rubber bullet guns and other weapons violated Section 144 and initiated violent attacks on police officers, the FIR read.

    It further stated that the attack was a “deliberate criminal conspiracy orchestrated by the PTI leadership”.

    “Suspects abducted Constable Mubashir Hassan in a red van and later dumped him off Hakla Bridge before fleeing,” the FIR added.

  • Asad Siddiqui criticizes biased casting practices in the entertainment industry

    Asad Siddiqui criticizes biased casting practices in the entertainment industry

    Actor Asad Siddiqui has criticized what he calls “biased casting practices” in the country’s entertainment industry, arguing that selections are often based on connections and appearance rather than talent.


    In a recent appearance on Ushna Shah’s talk show, Siddiqui spoke openly about his concerns: “I have distanced myself from certain industry gatherings, citing instances of ‘sweet words’ shared in person that turn into criticism behind backs.”


    Siddiqui also highlighted that casting often favors those with lighter skin tones or personal connections, a practice he called “unfair and apparent on screen.” He argued that these dynamics dilute merit and affect the quality of production.


    To counter this, Siddiqui proposed a stronger audition process. He further revealed plans to enter production himself, expressing hope to create more equitable opportunities for aspiring actors.


    Siddiqui, whose wife Zara Noor Abbas comes from a notable acting family that includes Bushra Ansari and Asma Abbas, has established himself as a prominent figure in Pakistan’s showbiz.


    His remarks reflect a call from industry insiders for change in casting standards to better support talent over appearance or social ties.

    Earlier, on Faysal Quraishi’s Podcast, Asad Siddiqui offered fans a glimpse into his journey to finding love with actor Zara Noor Abbas.

    Asad revealed that he first heard of Zara through her aunt, Bushra Ansari, years before they met. “When I did my first dramas, Azar Ki Ayegi Baraat and Dolly Ki Ayegi Baraat, Zara was mentioned in passing. I had never seen her or a picture of her, but Bushra Apa would mention her,” he shared.

    There was no instant spark or sense of destiny back then; Zara was just a name in casual conversation. Life moved on, as Asad explained, “Then that chapter closed, but six or seven years later we worked together again, and she mentioned Zara again.” Only later, by pure coincidence, did Zara come into his life in person.

    The chemistry began as friendship, he recounted, fueled by shared friends like Sajal Ali, Yasir Hussain, and Asim Azhar. “Coincidentally, Zara was in town for work, and she was friends with Sajal. So, I went to meet up with them and we became friends,” he said, describing how they spent time in a group. “Yasir, Asim, and I were always together, and we would meet up with Zara and Sajal. Eventually, we got together. Those were good times.”

    But for Asad, life changed dramatically once they married—and even more so when they welcomed their daughter, Noor e Jahan, this past March. “After marriage, you can’t be out of the house at all times. You should let your spouse know when you’re going to be home if you’ll eat with them or not. After a child, you can’t even do that. You’re on set and want them to pack up,” he shared, hinting at the challenges that come with balancing family and work. The transition to fatherhood has deepened his appreciation for Zara’s role.

    Reflecting on parenthood, Asad noted, “I try to stay up with the baby as much as I can, but there are times when I’ll wake up in the middle of the night and see Zara already awake, walking around or feeding the baby. I’m always shocked by how a mother’s life is never her own after a baby. Everything revolves around the child.”

  • Yasir Nawaz once got a false reading from a palmist

    Yasir Nawaz once got a false reading from a palmist

     
     
    Imagine a palmist telling your wife you have four kids from two marriages, while that is completely untrue. 

    Director and actor Yasir Nazwaz couldn’t help but laugh when he shared that he once found himself in the strange prediction on Hasna Mana Hai. 


     
    Appearing as a guest on the show with host Tabish Hashmi, Yasir shared some funny and surprising stories from his life.
     


     
    Yasir remembered a strange moment when a palmist made a completely false claim about his family.


     
    “I don’t even remember his name; he had come on Nida’s show. During the break or after the show ended, he randomly said to Nida, ‘You have three kids, but Yasir has four kids.’ Nida responded, ‘What do you mean?’ He added, ‘I did the math; Yasir has four kids and two marriages.’ Nida clarified, ‘No, no, there’s only one marriage and no such thing,’” Yasir Nawaz explained.

    Things took an unexpected turn after the palmist’s comment.


     
    Yasir Nawaz said, “Later, Nida shared with me that this strange guy had said such things and left. What a foolish man! Fifteen days later, my trainer brought a child, and I held the child for a picture, which was then posted online. People started asking, ‘Whose child is this? What’s going on?’ I’ve dealt with people who are unnecessarily presumptuous like this.”
     


    The host asked, “Tell me something, you have so many fans around the world, share a memorable incident with a fan, like at the airport?”


     
     
    Yasir Nawaz replied, “This happened in Islamabad. My weight at that time was around 105 or 110 kg. Actually, it was exactly 108 kg. I was quite healthy back then. Nida (my wife) was with me. She was casually dressed in jeans and a T-shirt. A woman approached us. This sweet and innocent woman came up to us. She said, ‘Assalamu Alaikum, I’m a big fan of yours. I’ve watched all your dramas.’ She was so happy. I thanked her, feeling proud. She had her daughter with her.”
     
     
     
    But things took a funny turn when the woman mistakenly thought Nida was Yasir’s daughter.  


     
    Yasir Nawaz laughed and said, “Now, Nida wasn’t wearing any makeup, the woman was all excited and asked if the girl with me was my daughter. I laughed and said, ‘Yes, she’s like my daughter.’ The woman smiled and said, ‘Oh, Silah right?’ I played along and said, ‘Yes, this is Sila.The woman then asked Silah to come over for a picture. She spent around 10 minutes with us. Nida couldn’t stop laughing the whole time. I joined in the comedic mood too. But after that, I decided to seriously work on reducing my weight. The woman left thanking me, saying she had such a good laugh.”