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  • ‘No more arguing on who cheated in Ludo’: Asim Bukhari’s grandchildren post loving tribute

    ‘No more arguing on who cheated in Ludo’: Asim Bukhari’s grandchildren post loving tribute

    Legendary Pakistani actor Asim Bukhari passed away last Friday at the age of 80, leaving behind a rich legacy in television, films, and radio. 

    Best known for his roles in Janjaal Pura, Ao Dubai Chalain, and Ainak Wala Jin, he earned admiration not only for his talent but also for his kindness and warmth.

    His grandchildren have shared heartfelt tributes on Instagram, expressing the deep void his passing has left in their lives.

    In a touching video, they shared their feelings: “Dear Nana Jaan and Dada Abu, a day in this life without you feels unreal. We will miss your laugh, your daant, your singing, and your shayari.”

    They remembered the little moments that made him special. “There will be no new stories of your acting adventures or trips, and no more playing cards or arguing over who cheated in ludo,” they added.

    The grandchildren also spoke about his support. They wrote, “We will miss meeting you before every exam, when ‘nana mere liye bohat dua karni hai’ motivated us to do our best. We also remember how we used to get money from you for good results.”

    Finally, they promised to honor his legacy writing, “All your grandchildren will make sure to carry your legacy forward, just as you were kind to everyone and had the biggest heart. We love you and we always will. Indeed, to Allah we belong and to Him we shall return.”

    The video they posted had shots of the thespian playing ludo with his grandchildren, hugging them, kissing them and talking to them. 

    Bukhari was known for his work in Urdu and Punjabi entertainment, with his last project being the 2024 PTV drama serial Tootay Pattay. 

    He also appeared in supporting roles in classic dramas such as Sona Chandi (1982) and Andhera Ujala (1984), as well as films including Dubai Chalo (1979) and Badmash Gujjar (2001).

    He received the Presidential Pride of Performance Award in recognition of his contributions to the entertainment industry.

    In July, Bukhari faced a serious health scare after a heart attack left him hospitalized with fluid in his lungs and reduced kidney function. He made a full recovery and was sent home. He was laid to rest in a local graveyard.

  • Nationwide blackout hits Cuba; Trump says he can ‘take’ country

    Nationwide blackout hits Cuba; Trump says he can ‘take’ country

    Cuba was hit by a nationwide blackout on Monday after its national power grid collapsed, leaving millions without electricity, as US continued its blockade of fuel. 

    The state-owned grid operator stated that no faults were detected in the units operating at the time of the collapse and that efforts were underway to restore power across the country.


    The outage comes amid an ongoing energy crisis linked to fuel shortages. Cuban authorities have said the country has not received oil shipments for three months, affecting electricity generation and leading to repeated power cuts.

    Officials have attributed the shortages to US restrictions on fuel supplies. 


    Fuel prices have also risen on the unofficial market, with reports indicating petrol costs reaching up to $9 per litre meaning it costs more than $300 to fill up a car’s gas tank which is more than most Cubans earn in a year.


    The blackout coincided with remarks by US President Donald Trump, who said he could “take” Cuba as Washington DC and Havana hold talks on their bilateral relationship.

    “I do believe I’ll be … having the honor of taking Cuba. That’s a big honor. Taking Cuba in some form,” Trump told reporters.

    “I mean, whether I free it, take it. Think I can do anything I want with it. You want to know the truth,” he added at the Oval Office.

    According to a report by The New York Times, US officials have indicated that removing Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel from office is a key objective in the talks, citing people familiar with the matter. The report said US negotiators have conveyed this position to Cuban counterparts.

    Cuba has maintained that it will not accept external interference in its internal affairs and has treated such proposals as a condition that could halt any agreement.

    Diaz-Canel said last week that any talks with the United States (US) should be based on “the principles of equality and respect for the political systems of both countries, sovereignty and self-determination.”


    Trump has also increased pressure on Cuba by halting Venezuelan oil shipments and warning of tariffs on countries supplying oil to the island.

  • Internet slams Priyanka Chopra for not clapping when Javier Bardem’s says ‘Free Palestine’ at Oscars

    Internet slams Priyanka Chopra for not clapping when Javier Bardem’s says ‘Free Palestine’ at Oscars

    Hollywood A-listers Javier Bardem drew thunderous applause at the 98th Academy Awards after saying, “No to war, and free Palestine ,” while presenting an award alongside Priyanka Chopra Jonas. 

    The Indian actress’ silence  triggering debate and criticism on social media.

    The two actors appeared on stage at the Dolby Theatre during the 98th Academy Awards to present the Oscar for Best International Feature Film.

    As he began speaking, Bardem opened with the words “No to war and free Palestine,” which drew applause from the audience inside the venue.

    The Spanish actor also wore two pins on his tuxedo lapel, one reading “No to War” and another expressing support for Palestine during the live broadcast.

    Standing beside him at the podium, Chopra appeared to smile and nod as Bardem passed the remark before the pair continued with the award presentation.

    The moment circulated online shortly after the broadcast, with clips spreading across social media platforms including X and Reddit. Many users praised Bardem, who has been an ardent supporter of the Palestine cause since years. 

    However, much of the online conversation focused on Chopra’s reaction during the moment. Several users criticised the actor for appearing to smile and nod while remaining silent and not clapping. 

    Several social media users questioned her response while referencing her role with UNICEF, where she has worked since 2006 and became a global Goodwill Ambassador in 2016. Posts circulating online asked why she has not publicly addressed the issue or the current Iran conflict despite her humanitarian position.

    Others reacted by mocking what they described as her expression during the moment. One post on X read, “Meanwhile look at the expressions of our Daal Gadot next to him,” referring to comparisons with Israeli actress Gal Gadot who has supported Israeli genocide in Gaza. 

    Another user wrote, “Lol you can see the panic only when she looks directly at the camera,” while a separate post said, “Pc thought it’s Bollywood where our actors and actresses doesn’t give a damn about anything.”

    Some posts accused the actor of selective activism. One comment read, “I have SO much hatred for these celebrities with selective activism, girl u just a loser.” Another said, “Indian celebrities are spineless, cowards, pretentious pricks..Good for nothing..”

    Other reactions also linked the moment to political debates online. One post stated, “The face of a hindutva freak when she hears someone respecting muslims,” while another wrote, “The look on Priyanka Chopra’s face says it all: How will I explain to my overlords that whatever this man said was his own free will. I had nothing to do with it.”

  • Jemima urges PM Shehbaz to allow sons to meet Imran Khan

    Jemima urges PM Shehbaz to allow sons to meet Imran Khan

    Jemima Goldsmith on Monday appealed to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to allow her sons Kasim Khan and Sulaiman Khan to visit their father, PTI founder Imran Khan, in prison.

    Imran has been in custody since August 2023 and is currently serving a sentence at Adiala Jail in a £190 million corruption case. He also faces trials under the Anti-Terrorism Act linked to the May 9, 2023 protests.


    The brothers have not met their father since November 2022, when he survived an assassination attempt. They applied for visas in January but have not received a response as yet.

    In a post on X, Jemima stated that the request was based on concerns regarding Imran’s health and delays in visa processing.

    “This is an appeal directly to Pakistan’s PM Shehbaz Sharif to please allow Imran Khan’s two sons to see their father asap, particularly since, by all accounts, his health is in decline,” she wrote.

    “My sons Sulaiman and Kasim applied for visas in January (again…) to allow them to visit their father Imran Khan in Pakistan. The Pakistan consulate states that online visa processing normally takes 7–10 working days. It has now been 60 days,” she added.

    Jemima said that the delay continued despite public assurances that the brothers could travel to Pakistan to meet their father. She referred to statements by Defence Minister Khawaja Asif and PM spokesperson Mosharraf Zaidi conveyed in media interactions.

    “They are not allowed to speak to him on the phone, nor send him a letter. They haven’t seen him since 2022 after he was shot in an assassination attempt,” she stated.

    Last month, Kasim alleged that authorities were not processing their visa applications to prevent the visit. He stated that denying medical treatment to a prisoner was cruel and preventing his children from meeting him amounted to collective punishment.

    Last year, Imran’s sister Aleema Khan told reporters that the brothers would take part in a protest movement planned for August 5, 2025. It was later reported that Imran had said that his sons will not travel to Pakistan for the protest. The brothers later held meetings with influential individuals in the United States (US) in a bid to increase pressure for Imran’s release.

  • Sunil Gavaskar slammed for bigoted statement about Abrar Ahmed

    Sunil Gavaskar slammed for bigoted statement about Abrar Ahmed

    Former Indian captain Sunil Gavaskar has sparked widespread criticism online after saying that Sunrisers Leeds’ signing of Pakistani spinner Abrar Ahmed “indirectly contributes to the deaths of Indian soldiers and civilians,” in a column for the Indian newspaper Mid-Day. 

    Abrar was signed in last week’s The Hundred auction. 

    Sunrisers Leeds is owned by the Sun Group, which also owns Sunrisers Hyderabad in the Indian Premier League. IPL teams have not signed Pakistani players since 2009 as the two arch-rivals face off politically and militarily. 

    Gavaskar wrote, “Although belated, the realisation that the fees that they pay to a Pakistani player, who then pays income tax to his government which buys arms and weapons, indirectly contributes to the deaths of Indian soldiers and civilians is making Indian entities refrain from even considering having Pakistani artistes and sportspersons.”

    Abrar Ahmed was signed for £190,000, roughly 71.2 million Pakistani rupees, making him one of only two Pakistani players selected in the auction.

    Many users criticised Gavaskar for his comments, with posts quickly circulating on social media. 

    One user wrote, “Unfortunate statement from a cricketer of his calibre. I thought he would speak for keeping cricket away from politics.” 

    Another said, “How come this logic is not applied when India plays Pakistan in ICC tournaments? Does the appearance money there go to charity?” A different comment read, “I could never imagine that Sunil Gavaskar would turn out to be so narrow minded.”

    Some called his remarks offensive and harmful to his legacy. One post stated, “Old fool should keep his racism to himself. Good way to destroy his own legacy.” Another user commented, “Sick mentality of all, no need to discuss.”

    It is worth noting that a total of 13 Pakistani players were listed in the men’s auction after pace bowler Shaheen Afridi withdrew. Interest from the eight teams narrowed that number down to just five players who were actually put up for bidding. 

    Notably, Haris Rauf, Shadab Khan, and Saim Ayub did not receive any bids when they were made available for sale.

    Apart from Abrar, Birmingham Phoenix bought Usman Tariq for £140,000.

  • Senate panel told Pakistan’s LNG supply could run out after April 14

    Senate panel told Pakistan’s LNG supply could run out after April 14

    Pakistan could face a shortage of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) after April 14 as imports from Qatar remain suspended amid tensions in the Middle East, officials told the Senate Standing Committee on Petroleum on Monday.

    The committee, chaired by Senator Manzoor Ahmed, was informed that LNG shipments from Qatar had been halted since March 2, raising concerns about gas availability for the power sector in the coming weeks.

    Officials told the panel that Pakistan has two LNG supply agreements with Qatar but deliveries have been disrupted due to the regional situation. Of the eight LNG cargoes scheduled to arrive in March, only two reached Pakistan, while six cargoes expected in April are unlikely to arrive.

    “LNG supply from Qatar had been completely stopped since March 2,” officials told the committee. They added that LNG would not be available in the country after April 14 and that gas demand from the power sector would not be fully met in April.

    The committee was informed that supply reductions had already begun in parts of the gas network. Officials said Sui Southern Gas Company had reduced gas supply to one fertiliser plant by 50 per cent, while supply to the power sector had dropped from 300 million cubic feet per day (mmcfd) to 130 mmcfd.

    Officials told lawmakers that domestic consumers would continue to receive gas supplies despite the shortage. They said alternative arrangements were being considered to bridge the gap, including possible LNG purchases from Azerbaijan’s state oil company Socar.

    However, officials said spot purchases could be significantly higher than existing contracts. “Spot purchases could cost around $24 per unit compared with $9 under the Qatari contract,” they said, adding that this would raise electricity generation costs.

    During the briefing, Petroleum Secretary Hamed Yaqoob Sheikh told the committee that the Middle East situation had also affected petroleum shipments, noting that around 70 per cent of Pakistan’s petrol imports come from the region.

    He said shipping movement had been disrupted and two Pakistani ships were also stuck in the Strait of Hormuz.

    The secretary told the committee that global fuel prices had increased during the crisis. According to officials, the price of high-speed diesel rose from $88 per barrel to $187, while petrol increased from $74 per barrel to $130.

    Officials also briefed the committee on the country’s fuel reserves. They said Pakistan currently has petrol reserves for 27 days, diesel reserves for 21 days, crude oil reserves for 11 days, liquefied petroleum gas stocks for nine days and jet fuel reserves for 14 days.

    Separately, the petroleum secretary said the government was preparing a relief package for motorcycle and rickshaw users to offset the impact of rising fuel prices.

    “The government is working on a package to provide relief to owners of motorcycles and rickshaws,” Sheikh told the committee.

    Officials added that the government had allowed imports of oil below the Euro-5 standard to ease supply pressure while a ministerial committee reviews the petroleum supply situation on a daily basis.

  • Tabish Hashmi responds to Ahmed Ali Butt for criticising Malala

    Tabish Hashmi responds to Ahmed Ali Butt for criticising Malala

    TV host Tabish Hashmi has responded to actor Ahmed Ali Butt after he criticised Nobel laureate Malala Yousafzai for not speaking about Iranian girls killed in a US-Israeli attack on a school last month.

    Ahmed Ali Butt took to Instagram and questioned Malala’s silence following reports of an attack on a school in Iran. He wrote, “More than 160 girls were killed by US on the first day of W** [War], still waiting for this pupit [Malala] to say anything.”

    His remarks quickly drew attention online.

    Tabish then shared a response on his Instagram story. He posted a screenshot of Malala’s earlier statement in which she condemned the attack on the school.

    Referring to Ahmed Ali Butt’s criticism, Tabish wrote, “She actually was the 1st one to speak about it Butt sb.”

    Malala took to X on March 1, condemning the attack on the school and expressing concern over the loss of young lives.

    She wrote, “They were girls who went to school to learn, with hopes and dreams for their future.”

    “Today, their lives were brutally cut short. I am heartbroken and appalled by the U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran, including reports that a girls’ school in southern Iran was hit, resulting in the injury and death of many girls. The killing of civilians, especially children, is unconscionable, and I condemn it unequivocall,” she added.

    She further added, “My heart is with the children, families and communities affected by escalation across the region. I stand firmly against violence and the targeting of schools and civilians. I call for the escalation of violence across the region to end. Justice and accountability must follow. All states and parties must uphold their obligations under international law to protect civilians and safeguard schools. Every child deserves to live and learn in peace”

    On February 28, a missile struck a girls’ school in southern Iran, killing more than 170 people, most of them schoolgirls.

    Since then, Israel and the US have tried to distance themselves from the attack, even evidence mounted up pointing towards the US being responsible for the killings.

    An investigation by Amnesty International into the strike has blamed the US for the deliberate, deadly attack and urged the authorities to ensure a transparent and thorough investigation to ensure accountability.

  • Nine Shalimar Express coaches lacked brakes before crash

    Nine Shalimar Express coaches lacked brakes before crash

    An initial inspection by Pakistan Railways has found that 10 of the 18 passenger coaches of the 27-Up Shalimar Express were operating as “dummy” units, including nine that were running without functional brakes.

    The train was involved in an accident on Sunday afternoon after it hit a stationary freight train at the loop line of Lakha Road Railway Station in Naushahro Feroze district.

    According to the examination report, nearly 60 percent of the coaches had brake-related faults and required maintenance. The report noted that the brake cylinders of nine coaches were not working during checking at Rohri station.

    In contrast, an initial inquiry report, referred to as the Joint Certificate, held the driver and assistant driver responsible for the accident, stating that they failed to control the train and overshot.

    “It is really surprising to see both reports — the train’s rake examination [inspection of coaches] and the initial probe report called the ‘Joint Certificate’ in railway terminology. The examination of the rake has revealed that nine of the total 18 coaches [nearly 60pc] had no brakes and other issues.

    “On the other hand, the initial investigation surprisingly holds the driver and assistant driver responsible for the accident,” an official source in Pakistan Railways stated.

    “When the brake system is not working, why are the driver and assistant driver being declared guilty? Even if the driver knew it, why was a faulty train handed over to him to operate?” he questioned, urging authorities to take action against those responsible for maintenance and safety.


    The rake examination report, jointly signed by a team led by the train examiner in Sukkur, identified faults in multiple coaches, including ZBH (15028), ZBXH (11264), ZBXH (11288), ZRGH (11496), ZRGH (11499), ZRHG (11421), ZRGH (11561), ZRGH (11507), ZRGH (11461) and ZRGH (11475).

    Meanwhile, the Joint Certificate, signed by five officers, stated that the points for the train’s passage were not set for the main line. It added that the pointsman and station master had shown a red signal, but the driver could not stop the train, leading to a collision with the QSSCTR goods train at around 1:43pm.

    “The collision resulted in the derailment and capsizing of the engine and the derailment of two coaches next to it. Three wagons loaded with containers of the goods train were also derailed, leading to the blocking of both the up and down main lines as well as the loop line,” the report stated.

    “After checking all aspects, we came to the conclusion that the accident took place due to the negligence of the crew of the 27-Up (Shalimar Express). Hence, the driver and assistant driver are held responsible for this accident,” the initial investigation concluded.

    In August last year, train drivers had protested against being held responsible for accidents and warned of a countrywide strike over the continued use of faulty coaches and wagons.

  • PSL franchise ‘Pindiz’ finally changes its name

    PSL franchise ‘Pindiz’ finally changes its name

    Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchise “Pindiz” has updated its name on social media, changing it to “Rawalpindiz” ahead of the upcoming season.

    According to media reports, the change took place after league authorities asked teams to include the full name of their respective cities in their identities. The change aligns the franchise name with Rawalpindi, the city it represents.

    The update appeared online without a formal announcement from the franchise. A press release issued the same night still referred to the team as “Pindiz,” while the league’s official platforms used “Rawalpindiz” for the same update.

    The franchise later revised its social media handles to reflect the new name.

    The team had earlier adopted “Pindiz” as a shortened and stylised version, which gained attention among fans. The latest change restores a clearer link to the city while maintaining the original branding style.

    The 11th edition of the Pakistan Super League will begin on March 26 and run until May 3, 2026. The tournament will feature two new teams and expand to more cities across the country.

    For the first time in the league’s history, matches will take place at Imran Khan Stadium in Peshawar and Iqbal Stadium in Faisalabad, bringing top-level cricket back to both venues.

  • Nawazuddin Siddiqui calls Bollywood out

    Nawazuddin Siddiqui calls Bollywood out

    Indian actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui has sparked a discussion about truth in Bollywood after criticising what he described as “fake” films being produced in the Hindi film industry.

    The 51-year-old shared his views during a session at NDTV Creators’ Manch Season 2, where he spoke about storytelling, honesty in filmmaking and the influence cinema can have on society.

    Siddiqui said that filmmakers should avoid spreading misleading narratives and instead focus on presenting stories with honesty.

    “There is no need to take society in the wrong direction. Truth is very important, and today people understand the truth. People know what kind of films are being made and what reality lies behind them, even if no one openly talks about it,” he said.

    The actor also noted that audiences today stay informed about global developments and can easily recognise how certain narratives are shaped.

    According to Siddiqui, many films in the industry rely on constructed narratives rather than authentic storytelling.

    “False films are being made here. Fake films are being made. Everyone knows what is happening in the world and what the real truth is. People also understand what kind of narratives are being created,” he added.

    Siddiqui continues to remain one of the most respected performers in Indian cinema. He gained international recognition for his performances in films such as Gangs of Wasseypur, The Lunchbox and Mom.

    Most recently, he appeared in the Netflix crime thriller Raat Akeli Hai: The Bansal Murders. Looking ahead, the actor has joined the cast of the upcoming sequel to the critically acclaimed horror fantasy film Tumbbad.