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  • Farhan Saeed reveals he escaped mob attack in India after singing Dil Dil Pakistan

    Farhan Saeed reveals he escaped mob attack in India after singing Dil Dil Pakistan

    Pakistani singer and actor Farhan Saeed has revealed that he once narrowly escaped a mob attack in India after performing the iconic patriotic song Dil Dil Pakistan.

     

    During his recent appearance on show Hasna Mana Hai, Farhan Saeed shared stories from his career, including an unforgettable incident that took place during a visit to India.

    Farhan recalled, “I went to India with my musical band during the Aman Ki Asha initiative. We were performing in Delhi, and while singing Aadat, I suddenly began singing Pakistan’s famous national song Dil Dil Pakistan. After that, I added Jaan Jaan Hindustan and the concert turned into a huge hit! Around 25 to 30 thousand people in the crowd started singing Dil Dil Pakistan and Jaan Jaan Hindustan together.”

    The singer said that the atmosphere was electric, and everyone, including the organizers were thrilled after the show. However, things took a tense turn a couple of days later during another concert in Kolkata.

    Farhan continued, “Two days later, we had a concert in Kolkata. Just as we were finishing our last song, one of the organizers quietly came to us and whispered in our ears to immediately get into the car after the performance. We didn’t even get a chance to understand what was happening. As soon as we got into the car, we were told that a mob was gathering outside, angry over me singing Dil Dil Pakistan in Delhi.”

    Farhan Saeed said they left the venue instantly, narrowly avoiding what could have been a violent situation. Despite the scare, he said the incident remains one of the most memorable experiences of his musical journey.

    When asked whether Jal the Band would ever perform together again, Farhan responded: “I don’t know, Tabish. There’s no plan as of now, but it could happen. When I joined the band, I was just 19 years old. During our first tour to America, I wasn’t even allowed to perform at some places because I wasn’t 21 yet. I was with Jal for ten years — from 19 to 29 — but as you grow as an individual, your priorities change. In personal life, you have different choices; in professional life, you have different priorities.”

    He added, “During my time with Jal, I didn’t take up any acting projects. I started acting only after leaving the band, and that turned out to be a good decision for me. Whenever a band splits up in Pakistan, people make a big deal out of it because we’re emotional people. Even Strings parted ways after 32 years and after so long, you can’t really say a band has ‘broken up’, they just begin to work individually. It’s not like a marriage and even a marriage can end, so when people separate professionally, it’s just part of life.”

  • Multan Sultans submit detailed reforms proposal for PSL amid Tareen-PCB tussle

    Multan Sultans submit detailed reforms proposal for PSL amid Tareen-PCB tussle

    Multan Sultans have officially proposed in detail a set of reforms to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), urging structural changes to make the Pakistan Super League (PSL) more professional, inclusive and globally competitive.

    In a letter addressed to the PCB chairman, the franchise said it was the right time to strengthen the league’s foundation, restore trust and build a professional system that allows the PSL to reach its full potential.

    The proposed reforms include representation of franchises on PSL committees and working groups so policies reflect the league’s collective experience across scheduling, recruitment, ticketing, marketing and match-day operations, the establishment of a structured way for franchises to add value to each part of the PSL’s planning and implementation, and structured hiring for key PSL roles that would include vetting of candidates and input prior to selection for merit-based recruitment and professional standards.

    Among other proposed reforms are a professional management structure with defined departments for operations, marketing, fan engagement, player affairs and finance, led by a qualified executive team, regular reporting to franchises with monthly meetings on fixed dates with agendas circulated in advance, minutes recorded and shared, and action points tracked across finances, operations, marketing, ticketing, player affairs and fan engagement.

    This, Sultans said, would increase accountability and collaboration as the proposal emphasises partnership over control and aligns all stakeholders around the shared goal of building a globally respected league for Pakistan and its fans.

    It may be noted that the proposal comes days after a heated controversy between Multan Sultans owner Ali Tareen and the PCB. A viral video statement showed Tareen publicly tearing up a legal notice sent by the board, accusing him of damaging the PSL’s reputation through interviews and social media remarks.

    Tareen hit back saying he would not stay silent in the face of threats and only wanted transparency and professionalism in the league’s management. He went on to sarcastically “apologise” for “demanding capable people in PSL management, better training facilities and fair drafting procedures”.

  • Mohammad Rizwan refuses to sign central contract, puts demands before PCB

    Mohammad Rizwan refuses to sign central contract, puts demands before PCB

    Pakistan’s wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan has refused to sign a central contract and placed several demands before the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

    According to reports, the board offered central contracts to 30 national players, with Rizwan included in the B category along with nine others. Interestingly, no player was placed in the A category this time.

    While all other cricketers have signed their contracts, Rizwan has held back, making specific demands that the board has reportedly rejected.

    Reports added that the PCB has no plans to accept Rizwan’s conditions at the moment.

  • ‘Maryam beti’: PM Shehbaz extends warm birthday wishes to CM Punjab

    ‘Maryam beti’: PM Shehbaz extends warm birthday wishes to CM Punjab

    Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif extended heartfelt birthday wishes to Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz as she celebrated her 52nd birthday on October 28.

    In a message shared on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), the prime minister wrote, “Warmest birthday greetings, Maryam beti. May you always be blessed with health, happiness, and enduring success in your noble service to the nation.”

    Responding to the prime minister’s message, Maryam Nawaz expressed her gratitude in a heartfelt reply, saying, “Many many thanks dearest Uncle. I’m doing my best to rise to the standards you’ve set … to carry forward your legacy with the grace, strength, and excellence that define you and that you have so generously taught me ❤️ .”

    Maryam Nawaz, daughter of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, marked her birthday with celebrations across the country under the banner of the Pakistan Muslim League (N). Party leaders and supporters organized events, cut cakes, and paid tribute to her political and social contributions.

    Born on October 28, 1973, Maryam Nawaz married Captain (R) Safdar in 1992. She began her political career during the 2013 general elections, playing a key role in leading the PML-N’s campaign that brought her father to power for a third term.

    Punjab Minister for Information and Culture, Azma Zahid Bokhari, also shared her greetings and praised the chief minister for her leadership and development initiatives in the province.

    She posted a special video highlighting Maryam Nawaz’s work for public welfare and expressed prayers for her long life, health, and continued service to the people of Punjab.

  • Map on Yunus’ gift to top Pak army general shows Indian states as part of ‘Greater Bangladesh’

    Map on Yunus’ gift to top Pak army general shows Indian states as part of ‘Greater Bangladesh’

    Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus has gifted Pakistan’s Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) General Sahir Shamshad Mirza a book, the cover of which bears a map showing some Indian territories as part of Bangladesh.

    As per the details, General Mirza on Monday met Yunus in Dhaka where both sides underscored the significance of strengthening bilateral defence and security cooperation.

    With the meeting ending, Yunus gifted the CJCSC a coffee table book titled ‘Art of Triumph, Graffiti of Bangladesh’s New Dawn’. A now-viral photograph of the presentation, however, did not sit well with Indians as they pointed out that the map printed on the cover of the book showed India’s northeastern states as part of “Greater Bangladesh”.

    While India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has not yet issued an official reaction, it may be noted that a strong protest was lodged by the ministry last December when a similar map was used by a key aide of the interim setup in Bangladesh.

    Mahfuz Alam had posted on Facebook a map purportedly showing parts of West Bengal, Tripura and Assam as parts of Bangladesh, deleting the post after it triggered backlash.

    At the time, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal had reminded all concerned to be “mindful” of their public comments.

    “We have taken this up with the Bangladeshi government. We have strongly registered a protest on this issue. We understand that the post being referred to has reportedly been taken down,” he had said.

    Earlier this year, Yunus had also referred to India’s northeast region as landlocked and invited China to expand in the region by propagating Bangladesh as “Guardian of the Ocean”, drawing a sharp response from India and rebuke from Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi.

  • Did Maya Ali respond to Faiza Saqlain’s plagiarism accusations?

    Did Maya Ali respond to Faiza Saqlain’s plagiarism accusations?

    Renowned designer Faiza Saqlain has accused actor-turned-entrepreneur Maya Ali of copying her designs for her fashion label MAYA Prêt-à-Porter. Despite the public accusation, the actor has so far remained silent on the controversy.

    Taking to her personal Instagram stories earlier this week, Saqlain shared side-by-side images comparing three of her brand’s designs to those recently released by Maya’s label. “Should I be flattered?” she asked, tagging @mayapretofficial. “It’s getting boring now, please come up with something of your own — can’t promise but hopeful that might sell too.”

    The designer alleged that Maya’s team not only replicated the designs but also copied the model, styling, and backdrop used in Faiza Saqlain campaigns. Among the pieces were:

    •           A bridal outfit from Maya’s latest “Bus Tum” collection, resembling a 2021 Faiza Saqlain design.

    •           A velvet ombré sari from Maya’s “Viola Luxe” line, Faiza claimed is similar to her sari from last year.

    •           A black peshwas outfit that Saqlain claims mirrors one of her 2023 looks — even featuring the same model and similar shoot composition.

    The accusations quickly went viral, sparking debate across social media. Some users sided with Saqlain, calling out the similarities, while others defended Maya’s brand, insisting that fashion trends often overlap.

    One user took to X (formerly Twitter) and wrote: “maybe it’s just me but what’s so unique about this dress lmao? Idk how she can be accused of stealing things when this is the most common black desi dress design. Mahira’s one in Humsafar went viral and it has been popular on the market ever since.”

    Many users on Instagram disagreed with the claim. One user said: “I don’t see any copies design?” Another wrote: “Yes all the design are different…faiza is being senti at this point.”

    “Had hogaye,” one user laughed while another said: “Most of Pakistani traditional designs are more or less the same! What’s the big deal?”

    As of now, Maya Ali has not issued any official response to the claims. The Current reviewed her verified Instagram accounts, her personal page, as well as her brand pages Maya Pret and Maya Essential, and found no mention of the controversy.

    Instead, Maya’s social media presence has remained focused on the launch of her brand’s new collections, giveaway posts, and a recent personal photo featuring what appears to be her niece or nephew. In another post the actress can be seen enjoying a music piece of the upcoming film Neelofar’s newly launched song Tu Meri.

    Maya Ali formed MAYA Prêt-à-Porter in June 2021, in collaboration with her cousins Zainab and Ansa Qadeer. The brand focuses on luxury pret and bridal wear. In September 2025, she expanded the venture by introducing two new lines — Maya Essentials (for everyday wear) and Maya Pret Official (for formal and festive attire).

    The disputed designs belong to the label’s newly unveiled collection, which debuted earlier this month.

    So far, neither Maya Ali nor her team has commented on the matter publicly.

  • Karachi issues Rs12.5 million in e-challans within six hours of launch

    Karachi issues Rs12.5 million in e-challans within six hours of launch

    Karachi traffic police have released data from the newly launched e-challan system, which went into effect on Monday. 

    According to reports, more than Rs12.5 million in fines were issued within just six hours of the system’s launch.

    Police said a total of 2,662 challans were recorded during the first six hours. These included 419 for overspeeding, three for lane violations, four for stop-line violations, 1,535 for not wearing seatbelts, 166 for crossing red lights, and 507 for riding motorcycles without helmets.

    The report added that four challans were issued for wrong-way driving on one-way streets, seven for tinted windows, five for wrong parking, 32 for using mobile phones while driving, three for driving in the wrong direction, and another five for illegal or no-parking violations.

    Officials said the e-challan system marks a major step forward in improving traffic monitoring and aims to encourage citizens to follow traffic rules.

    The traffic police urged citizens to cooperate by adhering to traffic laws, adding that public support will help further enhance the system’s effectiveness.

  • ‘It’s not about clothes’: Ayesha Omar lashes out after burka-clad woman harassed in Sheikhupura

    ‘It’s not about clothes’: Ayesha Omar lashes out after burka-clad woman harassed in Sheikhupura

    Ayesha Omar has always been outspoken on misogyny and victim-blaming. The beloved Bulbulay star reignited the debate over victim-blaming and harassment after a shocking incident in Sheikhupura, where a burka-clad school teacher was harassed on the street by a man.

     

    Disturbing CCTV footage of the incident has once again laid bare the pervasive nature of harassment that women face, regardless of what they wear.

     

    Taking to Instagram Stories, Omar addressed the moral policing often directed at women for their choice of clothing. “So it is really not clothes, is it? It’s just our existence. And their lack of control,” she wrote, highlighting how harassment stems not from attire but from deep-rooted misogyny and a lack of accountability.

     

    The incident occurred in Sheikhupura, Punjab, where CCTV footage showed a man walking closely behind a woman in a full burka before moving beside her and touching her inappropriately. The woman was left visibly shocked, while the suspect fled the scene immediately after the assault.

     

    The Punjab Police swiftly identified and arrested the suspect, earning public praise for their prompt action.

     

    The case has since sparked widespread outrage, with many social media users echoing Ayesha Omar’s sentiment that harassment is a reflection of the perpetrator’s mindset, not the victim’s clothing or behavior.

     

    Women in Pakistan continue to face harassment in public spaces, irrespective of how they dress or where they are.

  • Pakistani-founded Securiti AI sells for $1.7 billion

    Pakistani-founded Securiti AI sells for $1.7 billion

    Data-resilience firm Veeam has acquired Securiti AI, a company founded by Pakistani entrepreneur Rehan Jalil, for around $1.7 billion.

    According to media reports, the deal is one of the biggest global exits involving a Pakistani founder and will integrate Securiti’s data-security and AI-governance tools into Veeam’s product line.

    Securiti AI develops software that helps organizations discover, protect, and manage their data across cloud platforms and SaaS applications. Its flagship platform, the Data Command Center, enables customers to control privacy, governance, and security for data used in artificial intelligence systems.

    Veeam said the acquisition will strengthen its ability to secure and manage business data as more companies adopt AI. Under the agreement, Securiti’s founder and CEO, Rehan Jalil, will join Veeam as President of Security and AI once the transaction closes later this year. The deal involves a mix of cash and stock and is subject to standard regulatory approvals.

    Analysts say the acquisition highlights a growing demand for tools that ensure AI systems use data responsibly while maintaining privacy and compliance. This trend has boosted the value of firms like Securiti AI, which specialize in data protection and AI governance.

    For Pakistan’s tech community, the sale marks a major milestone and a proud moment. Rehan Jalil, who has an extensive background in cloud security, founded Securiti to help companies adopt AI safely and ethically.

    Veeam said it will continue to offer Securiti’s products and plans to integrate its privacy, governance, and AI-trust capabilities into Veeam’s backup and recovery services. The companies believe the merger will help customers adopt AI faster while keeping sensitive data secure and recoverable.

  • Radiohead’s Thom Yorke says he would ‘absolutely not’ play in Israel

    Radiohead’s Thom Yorke says he would ‘absolutely not’ play in Israel

    Thom Yorke, the lead singer of the legendary band Radiohead, has said that he will no longer perform in Israel — a clear shift from the band’s controversial decision to play in Tel Aviv eight years ago, despite widespread criticism from pro-Palestinian activists.

     

    “Absolutely not. I wouldn’t want to be 5,000 miles anywhere near the Netanyahu regime,” Yorke told The Sunday Times Magazine, referencing Israel’s prime minister and his government.

     

    The interview, conducted before the recent ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, comes as Radiohead prepare to embark on their first tour in seven years, with 20 shows scheduled across five European cities. Even before the tour dates were announced, the Palestinian Campaign for the Academic and Cultural Boycott of Israel (PACBI) urged fans to boycott the band, citing guitarist Jonny Greenwood’s performance in Tel Aviv in 2024.

     

    Radiohead’s 2016–2018 A Moon Shaped Pool tour stirred major backlash after the group performed in Israel, defying calls from figures like director Ken Loach to cancel. At the time, Yorke defended the move, arguing on X (formerly Twitter): “Playing in a country isn’t the same as endorsing its government. We’ve played in Israel for over 20 years… We don’t endorse Netanyahu any more than we endorsed Trump, but we still play in America.”

     

    Yorke, who once called the BDS movement “patronising” and “offensive,” now appears to view that decision differently. He recalled feeling “horrified” when a “clearly connected high-up” Israeli official thanked the band personally for their 2017 performance.

     

    The band’s connection to Israel has remained a source of tension. Last year, Yorke briefly walked off stage during a solo concert in Australia after an activist accused him of staying silent on Gaza. He later issued a statement condemning Netanyahu’s government as “extremists who need to be stopped.”

     

    Meanwhile, Greenwood — whose wife is Israeli — has continued to face scrutiny for his collaborations with Israeli musician Dudu Tassa, though he has also joined anti-Netanyahu protests in Israel. “I’m not ashamed of working with Arab and Jewish musicians,” he told The Sunday Times, adding that he still spends significant time there with his family.