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  • Israel recalls its envoys to Ireland, Norway, Spain

    Israel recalls its envoys to Ireland, Norway, Spain

    Israel recalled its ambassadors to Ireland, Norway and Spain on Wednesday and also summoned their envoys in protest at the three governments’ recognition of a Palestinian state.

    Foreign Minister Israel Katz charged that all three countries were rewarding the Palestinian group Hamas for their October 7 attack which sparked the Gaza war.

    “The twisted step of these countries is an injustice to the memory of the 7/10 victims,” he said in a statement.

    Israel’s envoys were being recalled from Dublin, Oslo and Madrid for “urgent consultations” and threatened “serious consequences”, the minister added.

    Katz said that the three countries’ ambassadors were also being summoned for a “conversation that would rebuke” their governments’ decision to recognise a Palestinian state by May 28.

    Israeli genocide against Palestinians has killed at least 35,647 people in Gaza, mostly women and children, according to the Hamas-run territory’s health ministry.

    Katz said he would show the three ambassadors a video of the kidnapping of female Israeli soldiers during the Hamas attack.

    “They decided to award a gold medal to the murderers and rapists of Hamas,” Katz said. “We will demonstrate to them what a twisted decision their governments took.”

    mod-jd/fz

    © Agence France-Presse

  • Past military leadership considered surrendering Kashmir and missile Program, mulled recognizing Israel: Mushahid Hussain

    Past military leadership considered surrendering Kashmir and missile Program, mulled recognizing Israel: Mushahid Hussain

    Mushahid Hussain Syed, a veteran politician and serving senator from Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), recently appeared on a talk show at 92 News channel and alleged that past military high command “was willing to compromise on Pakistan’s missile program, give up Kashmir along with recognition of Israel.”

    When he was asked by the journalist Irshad Ahmad Arif whether relations between Pakistan and China are well, the senator said, “No, because Pakistan’s previous military establishment sent mixed signals despite Chinese support at every international forum, it was playing a double game with China and the US.”

    Hussain stated that the US had clearly given out a statement in its national security strategy in 2022 that India was its strategic partner in this region and China was its enemy.

    According to the senator, “If they [US] consider the Chinese their enemy then how could we play a double game with China despite their consistent support throughout our history?”

    The PML-N leader said that the Chinese are not “children” and they know what Pakistan did to them.

  • Trending Pakistani dramas: What’s hot on TV in 2024

    Trending Pakistani dramas: What’s hot on TV in 2024

    If you’re here for a quick update on your weekly drama watch, you’re in the right place. Without further ado, let’s get started on the week in dramas!

    Zard Patton Ka Bunn

    Kashf Foundation’s project’s latest episode focused on important conversations. Meenu discussed with her friend how educated mothers can raise better generations. She said, “Parh likh kar naslen banani hain (Atom bomb nahi). If my mother was educated, she would have brought up my brothers better so they wouldn’t stand in the way of my education.” We agree with Meenu.

    Gentleman


    Love-struck Rehmati and Iqbal Munna need to watch out! Seeing Iqbal Munna and Zarnab together was great, but is their love story moving too fast? Iqbal Munna’s crush on Zarnab was cute, but now Rehmati is also in love, making it complicated. Remember, Zarnab still loves Faris—for now! We’re unsure if Gentleman will focus more on Korangi’s drama or Zarnab’s love life, but Zarnab’s story seems stronger. Rehmati and Munna might have a chance as the plot thickens. Faris seems more focused on his job than Zarnab’s activism. Who will she choose?

    Pas e Deewar


    Pas e Deewar stands out with intense storytelling and fast-paced action. What happens next is anyone’s guess! Shabbir disappointed us by playing Ujala. The plot thickens as Maqbool sets up his sister, and we’re eager to see how Iftikhar reacts. The drama gets points for the scene where Ujala escapes Hamid’s advances—an intense and well-done moment. Hashim’s evil wrath contrasted with Shabbir’s calm, wicked planning is interesting to watch.

    Jaan e Jahan


    Oh, Jaan e Jahan! The emotions are real. Shehraam has Mahnoor’s heart and also the hearts of many viewers. He’s the hero and has finally reunited with his beloved Chooriyan. We hope the days are not far behind. The simple yet heartwarming elements of Mahnoor and Shehraam’s bond are pure love. Tabraiz, despite his evil plans, won our hearts—a tragic fate indeed. But the question remains: will Aliya and Abdul tie up their incomplete love story, or will it end in heartbreak? We’re eager to find out in the final episode.

    Burns Road Kay Romeo Juliet


    Farhaad, the pain of being an only son, we feel you! As Farhaad and Freeya grow apart, their journey must continue to find a resolution. Watching Farhaad’s regrets about a conversation he never had with his father was painful. Even more painful were his torn emotions between his mother, wife, and job; his mental struggle was clear and brought us to tears. Kiran’s silent battle must end in triumph. She now holds the key to her father’s restaurant, and we hope this realization empowers her. Stand up, Kiran; your family needs you. More importantly, other girls who might be in your situation are watching you. You need to help yourself first before others can help you. Speak up now, please. The drama is in its 25th episode, and you’re losing precious time!

  • IT ministry demands Rs20 billion to improve country’s cybersecurity, social media

    IT ministry demands Rs20 billion to improve country’s cybersecurity, social media

    The federal government has sought Rs20 billion for the next fiscal year to improve the country’s cybersecurity and manage social media. According to the proposal, the government will only allow social media platforms to operate if they establish local offices.

    The Ministry of Information Technology has demanded Rs20 billion for the Digital Information Infrastructure Initiative (DIII) in the 2024-25 fiscal year budget, according to government sources who spoke to The Express Tribune.

    The Express Tribune requested comments from the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Information Technology, but they did not respond. Government sources also revealed that Rs15 billion has already been allocated as a technical supplementary grant to the information technology ministry for the current fiscal year.

    However, the total cost of the DIII project, which is equipped with Chinese technology, is Rs38 billion. The government is spending a significant amount this year, and the remaining amount has been requested for the next fiscal year.

  • ‘My kids refused to act in the Coke TVC’: Javeria Saud

    ‘My kids refused to act in the Coke TVC’: Javeria Saud

    Reowned actress Javeria Saud is the proud mom of 17-year-old Jannat and 12-year-old Ebraheem.

    The actor has recently revealed that her children refused to work in a Coca-Cola television commercial that was supposed to be shot in Turkey. They even convinced their parents not to participate because they did not want to align themselves with a company that supports Israel as the genocide in Gaza rages on.

    She posted on Instagram, “So, my kids refused to act in the Coke TVC, and they even convinced us not to participate in the shoot that was planned in Turkey. They didn’t want to compromise their morals by working with a company that supports Israel. Jannat and Ebraheem told us, ‘If we can’t do anything else, at least we can play our tiny part by boycotting.’ This made me think of Surah al-Feel. May Allah bless everyone with such honest and principled children. Ameen.”

  • Indian celebrities, journalists complain of not being allowed to vote in elections

    Indian celebrities, journalists complain of not being allowed to vote in elections

    Elections in India are entering the last phase, with polling in Mumbai on Monday. While there was a buzz surrounding celebrities coming out to vote in India’s tinsel town, complaints of celebrities and journalists not being able to vote surfaced. It was overwhelmingly stated that their name was not on the voting list while they have been voting for decades.

    Actress Vidya Maladev, famous for her role in Netflix series Mismatched complained about what she said was really “upsetting” as she was not able to vote because she could not find her name in the voting list.

    Famous singer and musician Amit Trivedi also posted a video with the caption, “Voting is our constitutional right. Today I was denied that right and I feel helpless.”

    Actress and model Gauhar Khan vented out her frustration of being denied the right to vote in a video where she was seen saying, “Why do we have Adhaar Cards (voting cards) when we are not considered citizens enough.”

    Journalist Rana Ayyub, who is also vocal about intolerance in India towards Muslim community, posted an Instagram story stating that she went with her family to vote and their names were missing from the voters list in Nayi Mumbai area despite the fact that they have been voting in this constituency for the last eighteen years. “Never missed a vote since I turned 18. Frustrating to say the least.”

    Producer and Entrepreneur Gayatri Pahlajani posted on X, “After having voted in not one but four general elections, my name has been struck off the voting list.”


    Reports of low voting turnout in many states have emerged in Indian media.

    Muslims not able to find their names in the voting list made rounds on social media during the elections in Gujrat, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s home state.

    Haroon Khan posted on May 6 that the names of 575 Muslim fisherman in Gujrat were deleted from the voters list. “Is this beginning of a “Hindu Rashtra” by snatching voting rights from Muslims?”, he posted.

    Journalist Radhika Bordia posted a video of a Muslim man from UP who was denied the right to cast a vote as his name wasn’t missing from the voting list.

    Videos of both Muslim women complaining about their voting cards being downplayed as fake and them being dragged by the same police to not allow them to vote also emerged.


    All of this poses a big question mark over the transparency and effectiveness of the election process in India.

  • ‘Noor Jahan’ teases audiences with a new toxic saas in Pakistani drama world

    ‘Noor Jahan’ teases audiences with a new toxic saas in Pakistani drama world

    The Pakistani drama scene has long been known for its saas-bahu narratives, but recently, there’s been a shift. New dramas now explore love stories, ambitious characters, complex love triangles, toxic relationships, and mental health issues. This evolving landscape brings us the trailer for Noor Jahan. However, is it bringing back the Saas-Bahu drama we thought we were done with?


    At first glance, ‘Noor Jahan’ seems like typical drama. But the teaser suggests something different. It introduces Noor Jahan, a powerful woman who rules her family with an iron fist. No one dares to disobey her. Yet, beneath this strict exterior, hidden tensions and desires may be brewing. The trailer hints at a clash between tradition and modernity.


    Watch the trailer here:


    Tumhain kese laga tum meri jagah per beth sakti ho? Baghair meri ijazat ke?


    Noor Jahan appears to be the typical domineering mother-in-law, scrutinising every move of her daughter-in-law. Her critical eye and constant interrogation make everyday life challenging. From attire to meal timings, nothing escapes her judgement.


    Saba Hamid takes on the familiar role of a tough mother-in-law, a part she often plays. However, there’s hope she’ll bring a new perspective to this character. With Kubra Khan leading the cast, there’s anticipation for a fresh take on the daughter-in-law role. The teaser shows tension and drama, but ‘Noor Jahan’ needs more than just the usual saas trope to capture today’s audience.


    Despite the saas-bahu angle, ‘Noor Jahan’ holds promise due to its impressive cast. Zoya Nasir, Alina Abbas, and Hajra Yamin also bring their talents to the ensemble.

  • Farmer slams Dr. Qaiser for targeting watermelons

    Farmer slams Dr. Qaiser for targeting watermelons

    Dr. Affan Qaiser, a doctor from Multan is known on social media for videos that are usually part social commentary and many times, factually incorrect.

    In his latest video, he raised the issue of “adulterated watermelons” i.e. injecting watermelons with chemicals in order to give them the red colour that consumers accept as a sign of the fruit being sweet.

    The video was followed by criticism as people debunked the supposed myth — particularly farmers.

    One farmer pointed out that today, in the age of social media, everyone is a supposed expert in everything, adding that while Dr. Qaiser gives his two cents on everything, he doesn’t realise how his claims can be detrimental for certain people.

    He also said that Qaiser should instead focus on his profession i.e. doctor, and talk about the exploitation by medical labs and pharmaceutical companies instead of farmers.

    A couple days later, Dr. Qaiser released another video, justifying his claims with online articles while also pointing that he never put the blame on farmers.

    Who is Dr. Qaiser?

    Dr. Affan Qaiser and his partner-in-crime – his wife, Nazish Butt -are widely followed on social media.

    As internet personalities, apart from explainers, they also host podcasts and interviews.

    Time and again, people have criticised Dr. Qaiser for having a holier-than-thou attitude while being hypocritical all the same. For example, he persistently and strongly disapproves eating out in efforts to encourage a healthy diet yet simultaneously, he and his wife have often been seen at restaurants.

    But he is mostly known for his criticism of the widely loved Pakistani snack: samosa.

    According to Dr Qaiser, the samosa is an “atom bomb of 400 calories”, and that samosas are fried in poor quality oil.

  • ICC allots Nassau cricket stadium to India for warm up match against Bangladesh in yet another favour

    ICC allots Nassau cricket stadium to India for warm up match against Bangladesh in yet another favour

    The International Cricket Council (ICC) has allotted the Nassau Cricket Stadium in New York to the Indian cricket team for the warm-up match against Bangladesh.

    The high voltage match of Pakistan and India is also scheduled to be played in this stadium on June 9.

    Fans expressed their disappointment on allotting the Nassau Cricket Stadium to India saying that the Indian team has been given a warm-up match on the ground to get used to the conditions so that they can see the pitch and formulate strategies against Pakistan.

    Top officials of ICC are leaning towards the Indian board.

    Earlier, ICC had controversially changed the timing by allotting the second semi-final slot to India for the convenience of Indian cricket fans.

  • Security forces killed 29 terrorists over last month: ISPR

    Security forces killed 29 terrorists over last month: ISPR

    Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement on Wednesday that security forces have killed almost 29 terrorists over the last month along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border area.

    The intelligence-based operations were carried out in response to a “surge in terrorist incidents orchestrated from Afghan soil, wherein terrorists from Afghanistan attempt to infiltrate through Pakistan-Afghanistan Border and target security forces as well as the innocent civilians.”

    The military’s media wing also stated that security forces conducted operations in Balochistan’s Zhob district and other border areas.