Current Final

Author: News Desk

  • Pakistani weightlifter wins three medals at World Bodybuilding Championship

    Pakistani weightlifter wins three medals at World Bodybuilding Championship

    A young weightlifter from Sukkur has brought glory to Pakistan by winning two gold and one silver medal in the Bodybuilding World Championship organised by the United World Sports and Fitness Federation.

    He participated in the 2024 World Championship in Thailand at his own expense.

    “When financial difficulties arose, Sindh Government Spokesperson and Sukkur Mayor Arsalan Sheikh provided full support. If I am fully supported, I can bring glory to Pakistan further,” he said.

    He won the title of Mr. Sindh in 2021 in bodybuilding competitions and later participated in the South Asia Championship, secured third place, and now won three medals in the World Championship.

    Moeed Baloch wins gold medal in World Military Games

    Earlier, Pakistan’s Moeed Baloch won the gold medal in the 400-meter race at the World Military Games in Venezuela while representing the Pakistan Air Force in the event.

    Earlier in the Olympics held in Paris, Pakistan’s athlete Arshad Nadeem set a world record in the javelin throw and won the gold medal for Pakistan after 40 years.

    At the same time, Amir Khan from Swat won gold at the International Taekwondo Championship in Bangkok.

  • Imran Khan okays negotiating with ‘powerful quarters’

    Imran Khan okays negotiating with ‘powerful quarters’

    As the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) gears up to march on the federal capital, party founder Imran Khan has given the nod to initiate talks with “powerful quarters”, Khan’s counsel Khalid Yousaf Chaudhry has said.

    “The PTI founder has agreed to hold talks in a nearly two-hour meeting with [party chairman] Barrister Gohar Ali Khan and [Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister] Ali Amin Gandapur at Adiala Jail,” Khalid Yousaf Chaudhry told a private media outlet.

    Imran Khan’s counsel maintained that Barrister Gohar and CM Gandapur had visited the incarcerated former premier in jail to seek his approval for talks with the government and establishment.

    The development comes as the government reportedly tries to reach out to the PTI leadership to “call off” its scheduled November 24 protest in Islamabad.


    According to reports, the incumbent government’s initial contact with PTI was positive, and the party could “call off” the protest in exchange for some assurances on their demands.

     
    Meanwhile, CM Gandapur is expected to raise the issue of incarcerated party founder Imran Khan and his party’s ongoing troubles with the establishment at an Apex Committee meeting to be chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

    Khan’s sister Aleema Khan maintains that her brother has only given a deadline till Thursday for party leaders to hold dialogue with “powerful quarters” regarding the release of party workers.


    It merits a mention that Khan’s “final call” for protests in the federal capital comes days after a foreign media outlet reported the establishment’s stance on possible negotiations.


    London-based The Guardian had last week quoted senior military sources as ruling out the possibility of striking a deal or negotiating with Khan. The report came days after the former premier expressed willingness to engage in talks with the military leadership from his jail cell at Adiala.

    According to reports, the British newspaper had sent a questionnaire to Khan via his legal team, and in his responses, the incarcerated PTI founder confirmed that he had not had any direct interaction with the military since after he was arrested and locked up in August 2023.


    Khan, however, said he would not rule out striking a deal with the establishment.

    The report quoted senior military leadership as saying that Khan, for the past few months, had been “applying pressure” for discussions with the military and had even offered to hold unconditional talks while seeking a deal for his release.

    However, the military leadership was resolute in refusing to enter into any negotiations with him, the report said.

  • Faryal Mehmood reveals relationship status

    Faryal Mehmood reveals relationship status

    Actress Faryal Mehmood has been in the spotlight for both her impressive acting career as well as candid opinions. This time, however, she has made headlines for opening up about her relationship status.

    Appearing as a guest on After Hours with Ushna Shah, Faryal opened up about her current relationship status.

    When asked if she was single, she said, “I am single… very much single.” It may be noted that Faryal Mehmood had tied the knot with actor Daniyal Raheal in 2020, but the marriage had ended in divorce.

    On the show, it wasn’t just about her relationship status as the Raqeeb Se actor also voiced discomfort with a growing trend among celebrities, particularly women.

    “This new trend where people sit and praise their lovers on TV is very cringeworthy. For God’s sake, stop it! Especially women… you know, they sit on TV shows and say, ‘This is what happened to me… they are like this… they are like that.’ For God’s sake, respect yourself and keep your dignity. Women talking like this doesn’t look good, especially actresses,” she said while calling out celebrities who openly gush about their partners on TV shows.

    The Laal Ishq actress also talked about narcissism in society, stressing that it was important for people to recognise the basic traits of narcissists. “It is important for society to realise that narcissism very much exists,” she said and noted that narcissists often lacked empathy and showed no guilt for hurting others.

    Faryal Mehmood has starred in drama such as, ‘Farwa Ki ABC’, ‘Khuda Dekh Raha Hai’, ‘Aap Ke Liye’, ‘Teri Chah Mein’ and ‘Mohabbat Tumse Nafrat Hai’.

    She has also starred in movies such as ‘Wakhri’, ‘Nayab’ and ‘Chikkar’.

     

    Earlier, Faryal had also opened up about her divorce during an interview with Ahsan Khan. “The reason why I didn’t want to talk about it is that it’s not just me who is involved.”

    “I don’t want to talk about my ex-husband and his family, who are also prominently involved in the media. Whatever happened between the two of us, I would never want to dish out the details of it.”

    “It’s our personal lives, don’t say mean things about it. It happened because it was bound to happen, you know. It’s fine,” she said.

    The statements had come as Faryal confirmed her divorce. “Yes, it’s true. I mean, I am single but this isn’t something to be discussed.”

  • Schools to reopen tomorrow in Multan and Lahore

    Schools to reopen tomorrow in Multan and Lahore

    The Punjab government has issued a notification to reopen schools in Lahore and Multan starting tomorrow (Wednesday) as the smog situation has improved.

    The notification was issued by Environment Department Director General Imran Hamid Sheikh, who announced the reopening of educational institutions “in the whole province, including Lahore and Multan” starting tomorrow, November 20.

    Days after the government announced the closure of schools and eventually the educational institutes due to the cities’ air quality reaching hazardous levels, the government has decided to reopen them. 

    Certain restrictions have, nonetheless, also been imposed to ensure the health and safety of students and staff. These include all educational institutes, which shall not open before 8:45 am. Students and teachers are required to wear masks throughout the school day, outdoor activities will be banned, and schools shall close within class-wise school hours to avoid traffic congestion.  

    The Environment Department urged schools to strictly adhere to these guidelines to mitigate the impact of smog and air pollution in their area.

    Improvement in the smog situation in the province prompted the provincial government to implement the decision to reopen schools in Punjab.

  • ‘If people voted on basis of performance, PTI wouldn’t have won KP’

    ‘If people voted on basis of performance, PTI wouldn’t have won KP’

    Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Sher Afzal Marwat has once again criticised his party leadership over unsatisfactory performance in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) where it is currently in power for the third consecutive term.


    Addressing a workers’ convention in Abbottabad, the PTI leader pointed out the lack of facilities in the province and said that had people voted on the basis of performance, PTI would never have come to power again.


    Marwat also highlighted the persisting security situation, backwardness and lack of infrastructure in KP. “We cannot label backwardness as progress nor can we term deception as the truth.”


    “The people of KP have voted for PTI three times in a row and now it is the PTI’s turn to deliver for the people of the province,” Marwat stressed. He also suggested that party leadership must accept past mistakes and realise that party performance was not up to the mark in KP.


    Marwat, who is known for his candid and brut remarks, even against his own party, often faces backlashes for his statements both within and without the PTI.


    In May, Marwat was kicked out of PTI’s core and political committees on the direction of party founder Imran Khan following his remarks about Saudi Arabia. Marwat, in an interview, had alleged that Saudia Arabia was behind Khan’s ouster from power.


    In August, PTI’s official handle on X, formerly Twitter, announced the cancellation of Marwat’s basic party membership for a “gross violation/ breach” of discipline.


    While the notification had gone viral, PTI chief Barrister Gohar Ali Khan had termed it “fake”.


    “The notification regarding the cancellation of Sher Afzal Marwat’s membership is fake. It’s not possible,” Gohar had said, hinting at possible differences within the party leadership over Marwat’s fate.


    The notification also claimed that Marwat had been directed to “restrict himself and his statements to within the limitation as outlined in the letter. A committee was also set up to monitor his statements, media appearances and tweets.”


    The recent-most controversy surrounding Marwat also involved PTI leader Salman Akram Raja.
    “Sher Afzal Marwat must control himself. We are giving him a chance if he wants to play a role in the party. If he does not show discipline, we will take action,” Raja had said.


    Marwat, on the other hand, claims that his relation with PTI founder and former prime minister Imran Khan remains “strong as ever”.

  • ‘We can’t make films’: Syed Mohammed Ahmed calls out Pakistani film industry

    ‘We can’t make films’: Syed Mohammed Ahmed calls out Pakistani film industry


    Is the Pakistani film industry stuck copying Bollywood? Well, veteran actor and writer Syed Mohammed Ahmed thinks so and has openly talked about the challenges facing the entertainment industry. 


    Appearing as a guest on Gup Shab by Vasay Chaudhry, the Sunn Mere Dil actor shared his thoughts on why the local film industry continues to struggle. 


    “I think this work is not ours. We can’t make films. I only realise this now.     There was a lot of hope earlier, but now I don’t think so because it requires passion, training and history. If you compare it to India, they have been making films since the 1930s, and they started by learning from Hollywood,” he said in response to an audience member’s question regarding the shortcomings of the Pakistani film industry. 


    “We’ve always tried to copy India. We’ve never tried to train ourselves and make films like Hollywood. We still try to make Bollywood-style films,” he added.

     
    The Meray Paas Tum Ho actor also highlighted the repetitive content on television saying, “Right now, on TV, whether it’s this channel or that channel, the same storyline is being played.     Either there’s a divorce happening or someone’s falling for their brother-in-law. There’s nothing beyond this.”

      
    “If they want to write something big or different, they’ll make the mother-in-law a tyrant and the husband toxic. What else is there? So, where’s the actual drama?     This is the same thing you’ve been watching for the past 25–30 years,” he added.

     
    When asked by co-host Rabbina Shirjeel if it was true that audiences didn’t connect with something new or meaningful, he said if that was the case, why was ‘Kabli Pulao’ such a huge hit.     “It was completely out of the ordinary, a really well-made play with a different subject.”

     
    “There was another recent one about Halala, written by Zafar Mairaj. It was an eight-episode drama featuring Bilal Abbas. That too was very different and did really well.     I think projects like these, which are experimental, face challenges in marketing,” he added.

     
    Syed Mohammed Ahmed is currently starring in Sunn Mere Dil, written by controversial writer Khalil Ur Rehmar Qamar, and directed by Haseeb Hassan.

     
    Earlier, in an interview with ‘Hasna Mana Hai’, Ahmed also shared his favorite death scene.
    A fan in the audience had asked, “Sir, you appear in almost all Pakistani dramas and coincidentally, you often die in them as well. So, which was your favorite death scene?” 


    “The best one was in Sabaat, and the funniest death was in Neeli Zinda Hai.     I was hit on the head. The third one, which will be a good death, is coming soon. It’s in the drama Sun Mere Dil. I’m going to die in a different way, and the camera angle was different too,” he said.

  • WATCH: Rahat Fateh Ali Khan Meets Sanjay Dutt in Dubai

    WATCH: Rahat Fateh Ali Khan Meets Sanjay Dutt in Dubai

    A viral video has shown renowned Pakistani singer Rahat Fateh Ali Khan and Bollywood star Sanjay Dutt meeting backstage during a concert in Dubai.

    According to the details, the video was recorded at Rahat’s concert where Sanjay Dutt was also in attendance.

    In the video, the two stars can be seen having a friendly conversation, planning a future meeting and showing mutual respect as well as admiration.

    Rahat shared the video on his official Facebook account, prompting widespread appreciation from fans on either side of the border.

    Netizens said the interaction shows the love and respect both celebrities have for each other, highlighting a moment of warmth between two well-known figures from different entertainment industries.


    Rahat is known across the globe for his classical music and exceptional singing. His distinctive style has earned him a special place in the music landscape of the world.


    He has recorded numerous hit songs, ghazals and qawwalis, and has a massive following on social media with 8.2 million fans on Facebook.

    Bollywood celebrities, including Sanjay Dutt, have frequently praised Rahat’s voice and talent, further solidifying his reputation as a globally respected artist.

    Earlier Rahat Fateh Ali Khan revealed that Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan’s qawwali ‘Allah Hoo Allah Hoo’ was so loved by Westerners that they started calling him ‘Mr. Allah Hoo.’


    He spoke to the media in Canada and said, “Toronto is my second home because Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan’s wife used to live here and I used to come and stay at her house, my memories are associated with this city.”


    He further added, “My son Shah Zaman is performing on the big stage at a young age, he has learned by listening and singing along with Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan from the age of six.”


    He said, “Qawwali is my favorite genre in the art of music, there is freedom in Qawwali in which there is an opportunity to sing openly.”


    “We come abroad with the smell of the soil of our country,” he added


    He said that like the West, “I also liked Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan’s ‘Allah Ho Allah Ho’ the most.”

    Check the video below:



  • November 24 protest: High-level dialogue begins between PTI, govt

    November 24 protest: High-level dialogue begins between PTI, govt

    Preparations are underway for the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protest on November 24 in Islamabad, but The News reports that the government has urged the party to “call off” the planned demonstration.

    The incumbent government’s initial contact with PTI was reportedly positive, while the party would “call off” the protest in exchange for some assurances for considering their demands.

    The News, however, did not disclose the names of contacts from both parties in the discussion, fearing that it could impact the ongoing negotiations.

    The source claimed that Chief Minister (CM) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Ali Amin Gandapur is expected to participate in the apex committee meeting on Tuesday (today).

    In an apex committee chaired by Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif, CM KP Gandapur is reportedly expected to raise the issue of incarcerated party founder Imran Khan and the ongoing tension between PTI and the military establishment.

    The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), General Asim Munir, and all intelligence agency chiefs will also participate in the apex committee meeting.

    Barrister Saif, KP’s Advisor for Information and Broadcasting, while appearing on Geo News, confirmed on Monday that Ali Amin Gandapur will present PTI’s demands before the apex committee meeting before presenting in the upcoming protest at Islamabad.

    If a consensus were built between PTI and the government to initiate dialogue, the military establishment would be exempted from participating in it, the source claimed.

    Following the “final call” by the founder of PTI for the countrywide demonstrations to achieve their demands, the party leadership had vowed to stage a big sit-in show in the federal capital on November 24 until the release of Imran Khan.

    Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf demands the revocation of the 26th Constitutional Amendment, including the restoration of democracy and the Constitution, the return of the public’s mandate, and the release of all political prisoners.

    Previously, former PM Khan was arrested on August 5 last year from his residence in Zaman Park, Lahore, shortly after his conviction in the Toshakhana case and has been in jail since then on multiple charges.

    It should be mentioned here that incarcerated PM Imran Khan is facing several cases, including the £190 million reference (Al Qadir Trust case) and a new Toshakhana case.

    Meanwhile, as per the notification issued by Additional District Magistrate Usman Ashraf, the Islamabad administration on Monday imposed section 144 in the federal capital for two months ahead of the PTI protest.

    According to the notification, there will be a ban on gatherings of five or more people, including the prohibition of any processions, rallies and demonstrations.

  • ‘Earn enough to save your relationships,’ advises Danish Nawaz

    ‘Earn enough to save your relationships,’ advises Danish Nawaz

    Actor Danish Nawaz has said that every person should earn enough money so that their relationships do not break.

    “Every person should earn enough money so that their relationships do not get lost or broken,” he said in response to a question about income while appearing on comedy program‘ Mazaq Raat’.

    “Every person should earn enough money so that when their child asks them for something, they can give it to them,” Nawaz added.

    He also spoke openly on other topics. “I started my career with comedy and continued to play comic roles for a long time, which made people think that I only knew comedy,” the actor-director said.

    According to Nawaz, he wanted to change this perception and so he turned towards directing and earned a name there through hard work.

    “My father Farid Nawaz Baloch passed away before my showbiz career and I learned a lot from Yasir Nawaz. I also played the best role of my life in ‘Nadanian.’”

    “I did not face any difficulties getting into directing after acting. I read and understood the script completely before starting to shoot, which impressed actors with my work,” he said.

    He further said, “Your loved ones give love without money, but you have to spend money on outsiders.”

  • Sheheryar Munawar, Maheen Siddiqui to tie the knot in December

    Sheheryar Munawar, Maheen Siddiqui to tie the knot in December

    Rumours are buzzing that actor Sheheryar Munawar and actress Maheen are planning to get married in December 2024, but neither of the stars has addressed the gossip.

    The news about Sheheryar Munawar and Maheen Siddiqui was shared by journalist Irfan Ul Haq on November 18, 2024, via his Instagram account, Irfanistan, with the caption: “Sheheryar Munawar is getting married in December. Guess who will be the luckiest Bride???”

    Maheen Siddiqui has appeared in dramas such as ‘Agar’, ‘Dooriyan’, and ‘Dobara’ whereas Shehryar Munawar has starred in ‘Meray Dard Ko Jo Zuban Miley’, ‘Tanhaiyan Naye Silsilay’, ‘Kahi Unkahi’, ‘Aasmanon Pay Likha’, ‘Pehli Si Muhabba’t, ‘Sinf-e- Aahan’, ‘Kuch Ankahi’, ‘Radd’ and currently he is starring in Aye ishq junoon, which airs on ARY Digital.

    Earlier, Munawar gave fans a peek into his love life with a surprising Instagram post. After months of speculation, the popular actor shared a heartfelt post showing affection for actress Maheen Siddiqui, calling her his “jaan” (beloved).

    In the post, Sheheryar shared photos from his birthday celebration, where close friends, including Maheen, surprised him late at night. Maheen was the first person he tagged in the post. She responded by resharing the post with a red heart emoji.

    Previously, Sheheryar Munawar got engaged in Karachi to Dr Hala Somroo, however, the engagement was called off a few months after that.

    In another story, Sheheryar reposted Maheen’s post with the sweet caption “Meri Jaan” (my beloved), thanking her for making his birthday extra special. This public display of affection has fans talking, especially since rumours have been circulating that the two might get married in December.

    In August, The Current spoke to a source who gave exclusive information about the heartthrob bachelor.

    Speculation gained momentum after Munawar spoke about his love life during an interview with Frieha Altaf.

    “Alhamdulillah, I’m very grateful and happy. My parents are very happy. Allah has been really kind,” he said.

    “I’m grateful for the love and support, but I request my fans to pray for us and respect our privacy as we embark on this new journey together,” the Zindagi Gulzar actor added.

      
    A few months back in July, during an interview with Fuchsia Magazine, the Zindagi Gulzar actor talked about domestic violence and the man-angle.


    Sheheryar said, “Parents teach children to be brave, not to cry, and never to show weakness. But after marriage, wives often don’t let husbands express their emotions. They say things like, If you lose your job, just start another business quickly. When men are told not to feel pain or cry, they become very harsh, leading to domestic violence.”
     


    Talking about the psychological effects of societal pressure on men:


    Radd actor said, “When men are burdened with numerous responsibilities and aren’t given the chance to express their emotions, it leads to issues in their personalities. In our society, there are many women who inflict forms of oppression on men that we can’t even imagine.”