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  • Namibia stun South Africa with thrilling last-ball win in first-ever T20I match

    Namibia stun South Africa with thrilling last-ball win in first-ever T20I match

    Namibia created history on Saturday by defeating South Africa by four wickets in a thrilling T20I encounter at the Namibia Cricket Ground (NCG) in Windhoek. 

    The hosts chased down a target of 135 on the final ball of the match, securing their first-ever win against a full-member nation.

    Earlier, South Africa won the toss and opted to bat first but struggled to find rhythm on a tricky batting surface. 

    Quinton de Kock’s international comeback ended quickly as he was dismissed for just one run. Namibia’s bowlers maintained consistent pressure throughout the innings, restricting the Proteas to 134 for 8. 

    For South Africa, Jason Smith top-scored with 31 and Bjorn Fortuin added 19 runs, while Lhuan-dre Pretorius and Rubin Hermann made brief contributions.

    Ruben Trumpelmann led the attack with three wickets, while Max Heingo clinched two. Gerhard Erasmus, Ben Shikongo and JJ Smit chipped in with a wicket each.

    In response, Namibia made a steady start and kept the chase alive despite regular setbacks. They reached 51 for 3 after seven overs before losing Malan Kruger at 101 in the 17th over.

    With 34 runs needed off the final three overs, Zane Green and Ruben Trumpelmann formed a crucial 37-run partnership off just 21 balls. Their fearless batting carried Namibia home, with the winning runs coming on the very last ball.

    Defending a modest total, South Africa’s bowlers fought hard despite the injury to Gerald Coetzee, who managed to bowl only nine legal deliveries. Nandre Burger and Andile Simelane took two wickets each, while Bjorn Fortuin picked up one.

    The victory marked a historic moment for Namibia, as it was South Africa’s first-ever defeat against an associate nation in T20I cricket. The match also served as a memorable inauguration for the Namibia Cricket Ground, which hosted its first international fixture.

  • Pakistani clothing giant uses AI model in latest ad campaign, gets slammed by social media

    Pakistani clothing giant uses AI model in latest ad campaign, gets slammed by social media

    AI models may be cheaper than real humans but consumers still prefer a living person, and one clothing giant brand is finding that out on social media.

    Renowned fashion brand Nishat Linen is facing heat online after it unveiled its Autumn/Winter 2025 collection using an AI-generated model instead of a real human.

    While the brand hoped to present a modern, tech-forward image, the move has sparked criticism from fans and social media users who say the approach feels “disconnected” and even “creepy.”

    The campaign, which features a hyper-realistic AI model wearing Nishat’s new designs, quickly caught attention but not for the right reasons.

    “Show what you’re selling on actual humans. The digital articles are only for the free download, not meant to be purchased by real humans,” wrote one Instagram user. Another added, “If you’re using so much less money on campaigns, then the prices gotta be so much cheaper.”

    In response to the criticism, Nishat acknowledged the feedback, saying, “We understand the importance of seeing products on real models to get a true sense of their look and feel. We’re continuously working to provide authentic experiences while exploring new creative approaches. Your input is valuable to us as we strive to improve.”

    Still, that hasn’t stopped the conversation online. Some called the move “embarrassing,” while others mocked the brand for what they perceived as a budget-cutting tactic disguised as innovation. “Let’s use AI with our huge budget, such a big brain moment,” one user quipped sarcastically.

    “Stop using AI, isko dekh k logu ka instant dil mr jata hai. 99% people AI cheezu ko pehchan b lety hain and foran skip b kr dety hain,” one user agitatedly said. While another added: “Kinda surprised seeing such a big brand using AI.”

    One simply requested: “Please don’t use AI…”

    “This merely seems a tactic to save money on actress and models and that too being a top brand. If you don’t want to pay lacs to actresses then at least hire some commoners or struggling/newbies than using AI. Hope so this feedback helps,” one user suggested.

    Nishat isn’t alone in experimenting with AI in marketing. A growing number of fashion and retail brands are turning to artificial intelligence tools to create ad campaigns.

    Globally, brands like Zalando, Levi’s, and Balmain have tested or implemented AI-generated models in recent campaigns. Even Cosmopolitan published an entirely AI-generated magazine cover using OpenAI’s tools in 2023.

    Meanwhile, tools like Midjourney, Runway, D-ID, and Sora (OpenAI’s video generation model) are being used to generate everything from fashion videos to catalog stills with minimal human involvement.

    In 2024, Coca-Cola also faced backlash online over an artificial intelligence-made Christmas promotional video that users called “soulless” and “devoid of any actual creativity.”

  • Babar needs no introduction, his is the most important wicket: Aiden Markram

    Babar needs no introduction, his is the most important wicket: Aiden Markram

    South Africa captain Aiden Markram said on Saturday that Babar Azam’s wicket will be the key for his side as they prepare to face Pakistan in the upcoming Test series starting Sunday.

    Speaking at the pre-match press conference in Lahore on Saturday, Markram praised the Pakistani captain, calling him a world-class player. “Babar Azam needs no introduction. His wicket is always the most important,” he said.

    The Proteas skipper added that the pitches in Pakistan would favour spin bowling, and his team had prepared accordingly. “The pitches here will suit the spinners, and we have focused on playing spin,” he stated. 

    Markham noted that South Africa had a strong run in the previous World Test Championship and his squad was eager to continue their momentum: “The last Test Championship season went well for us, and we are very excited for the new one.” 

    Markram also mentioned the absence of Temba Bavuma. “Temba Bavuma is our leader, and we will definitely miss him,” he said.

    On the other hand, Pakistan captain Shan Masood said his side aims to start the World Test Championship campaign on a positive note.

    “We will try to start the Test Championship well,” Shan said during his press conference. “The PCB has done a lot of work for red-ball cricket this time. Camps were held, and players also played county cricket.”

    Acknowledging South Africa’s strength, Shan said, “South Africa are a champion team. We will give our best to lift our morale. To win a Test match, you have to take 20 wickets.”

    He stressed the importance of home conditions and adaptability. “Home series are always very important in the Test cycle. The last Test Championship didn’t bring great results, but we learned positive things. We’ll try to start this one well,” he said.

    Talking about the conditions in Lahore, Shan added, “There will be new conditions at Gaddafi Stadium, and we’ll try to understand them quickly. Sajid Khan is a key bowler for us in these conditions, but unfortunately, he was down with viral flu. We’ll select the team based on fitness.”

    He also shared his thoughts on playing surfaces and strategy. “On flat tracks, if both teams score 600 runs, there’s no benefit. For good results, sometimes you have to sacrifice personal milestones. Runs depend on conditions; scoring a century in every match isn’t necessary.” 

    The Test captain added that Pakistan would look to make the most of home conditions. “Every team prepares conditions that suit them. We included the factor of reverse swing while forming the team,” he stressed. 

    The first Test takes place from October 12 to 16 at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, and the second Test runs from October 20 to 24 at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. 

    The tour will include three T20Is from October 28 to November 1 and three ODIs from November 4 to 8.

  • Hania Aamir returns from Bangladesh with heartfelt memories

    Hania Aamir returns from Bangladesh with heartfelt memories

    Pakistani superstar Hania Aamir has returned from a heartwarming trip to Bangladesh, where she was greeted with immense love, fan appreciation, and exciting professional opportunities.

    The actress and model, known for her vibrant personality and versatile acting, was in Bangladesh for a series of ad shoots, modeling projects, and promotional campaigns.

    Taking to Instagram, Hania expressed her gratitude to her Bangladeshi fans and the people she met during her visit. Sharing a carousel of behind-the-scenes glimpses, fan interactions, and moments of her trying local food, she wrote: “Bangladesh thank you for your love, warmth and generosity. Thank you for the sweetest and the most beautiful memories. Leaving a piece of my heart here. Love you. Until next time.”

    Among the shared highlights was a touching video where a fan presented Hania with a scrapbook filled with her social media posts. From savoring Bangladeshi cuisine to bonding with fans, Hania’s trip was as memorable for her as it was for those who welcomed her.

    Bangladeshi actress Ishrat Zaheen also responded warmly to Hania’s post, writing: “We love you back! And always remember to keep the Rickshaw by your bedside table and think of me.”

    Hania was reportedly in Dhaka for several brand collaborations and photoshoots, adding a new cross-border chapter to her growing list of international engagements.

    Now back on the move, Hania has landed in Houston, USA, for the 10th Hum Awards, where she also marked a significant career milestone, completing nine years in the showbiz industry. She shared snippets of her arrival in Houston with the caption “Touchdown,” signaling excitement for the upcoming event and celebrations.

    From Dhaka to Houston, Hania Aamir continues to win hearts, proving that her charm knows no borders.

  • Rajab Butt reveals the surprising prediction a fortune teller made about his marriage

    Rajab Butt reveals the surprising prediction a fortune teller made about his marriage

    Controversial YouTuber Rajab Butt has strongly denied rumors of any dispute with his wife, saying that their marital life is going well and news about their issues was fabricated by social media users.

    Rajab Butt recently appeared in a podcast where he openly discussed his relationship with his wife Emaan Butt and addressed other matters.

    He claimed that there are no disputes between him and his wife. He explained that they haven’t met for several months since he is outside of Pakistan, but that doesn’t mean there are any issues.

    “There are no misunderstandings between me and my wife. It’s just YouTubers, podcasters, and other social media users who spread false news about us.”

    He shared that his parents and other family members are used to media attention and fan visits, as their house is always bustling with people. However, his wife was not initially used to such a lifestyle, which may have caused her some discomfort.

    “First, she was pregnant and second, it was all new for her. She comes from a very calm family and that is why I sent her to her home. My wife knows her place. She understands the nature of my life. People, fans, fellow social media stars, close friends, and relatives are always coming and going from our house,” he added.

    Rajab Butt also mentioned that a fortune teller had predicted his divorce, but thankfully, that prediction turned out to be false. “A woman who claims to predict the future said I would get divorced, but by the grace of Allah, that didn’t happen.”

    He further said that the same woman had also predicted that he would have a daughter, which he himself had wished for, but instead, he was blessed with a son, proving the fortune teller wrong. “Only Allah knows the future and no human can predict what will happen to another person,” he said.

    He emphasized that he had addressed all the allegations with his wife early on, sat her down, explained the situation, and assured her that the rumors were a “conspiracy against him”. Since then, there have been “no misunderstandings” between them.

    Rajab Butt also clarified that girls visit his home in front of his wife, and these include mothers, sisters, and other women from his family, so there’s nothing inappropriate happening.

    “Girls do come to my house, but they come in front of my wife. Their mothers, sisters, and family women also accompany them. My wife has no issues with this,” he explained.

    On a question about Saad ur Rehman, also known as Ducky Bhai’s case, he expressed his sympathies for him, acknowledging that they once shared a good relationship. However, due to certain professional circumstances, differences eventually arose between them

    It’s worth noting that Rajab Butt and Emaan got married in December 2024, and in September 2025, they welcomed their first child, a baby boy.

    Shortly after their marriage, rumors started circulating on social media that the couple was facing problems and could soon get divorced. But now, for the first time, Rajab Butt has publicly addressed these claims and provided clarity about his relationship.

  • ‘Dear Indian tourists, don’t pack buffet food in your purse’: Swiss Hotel’s embarrassing notice

    ‘Dear Indian tourists, don’t pack buffet food in your purse’: Swiss Hotel’s embarrassing notice

    A man from India has gone viral after sharing his experience of staying at a hotel in Switzerland where a notice specifically addressed “Indian tourists,” asking them not to pack buffet food into their purses.

    Dr Arshiet Dhamnaskar, a neurosurgeon, said the message left him feeling “hurt,” not because of what it said, but how it was written.

    On X, responding to a post that read, “Hotel breakfast buffet is where people reveal their true selves,” Dr Dhamnaskar recalled his stay in Switzerland.

    “A few years ago, I was in Switzerland with my family. Behind the hotel room door, there was a long message which could be summarised to, ‘Don’t pack buffet items into your purses. If you want, we can give you separately packed food items,’” he wrote.

    He added that while the message itself seemed fair, it was the singling out of Indian tourists that upset him.

    “Which seems an okay message, that yeah, it is ‘unlimited’, but not really ‘unlimited’ that you hoard it all into your bag and get free food for life and stuff,” he wrote. “The one real thing that hurt me was, well, the message could have been addressed to anyone and everyone, but it, specifically, started with, ‘Dear Indian tourists.’”

    His post quickly went viral, but some users questioned its authenticity, calling it fake.

    In response, Dr Dhamnaskar said he could not find a photo of the notice in his own gallery but later came across a similar post shared earlier online.

    He shared a 2019 post by industrialist Harsh Goenka about the Arc-en-Ciel Hotel in Gstaad, Switzerland, which displayed a notice that began with “Dear guests from India.”

    The hotel’s message included instructions such as not taking buffet food, ordering a lunch bag for a fee, using only hotel cutlery, not sharing dishes with more than two people, and maintaining silence in corridors.

    Goenka had written, “Reading this notice, I felt angry, humiliated and wanted to protest. But a realisation dawned that we, as tourists, are loud, rude, and not culturally sensitive. With India becoming an international power, our tourists are our best global ambassadors. Let’s work on changing our image!”

  • FO avoids commenting on alleged Pak strikes in Kabul; reaffirms commitment to safeguarding citizens

    FO avoids commenting on alleged Pak strikes in Kabul; reaffirms commitment to safeguarding citizens

    As Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry neither confirmed nor denied Pakistani involvement in alleged strikes on Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) assets in Afghanistan, the Foreign Office has also refrained from commenting on reports of said strikes.

    According to reports, the FO, much like the military spokesperson, also only reaffirmed the country’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding its citizens through intelligence-based counterterrorism operations along the border.

    In his weekly news briefing, FO Spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan said that all he could say for now was that Pakistan reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to the security and well-being of its people.

    “Our security forces and law enforcement agencies conduct targeted operations in border regions to safeguard our citizens from terrorist threats, particularly those posed by groups such as Fitna al-Khwarij or the TTP. These operations are meticulously planned based on credible and actionable intelligence and executed with precision,” he said.

    He pointed out that Pakistan respected the sovereignty of Afghanistan and remained steadfast in its commitment to fostering dialogue and cooperation with others in the region to address the shared challenges of terrorism.

    “Pakistan has consistently prioritised diplomacy, even in the face of persistent threats emanating from terrorist hideouts and sanctuaries inside Afghanistan. We urge the Afghan authorities to ensure that their territory is not used as a launch pad for terrorist activities against Pakistan. Groups like TTP represent a common threat to the peace and stability of our region, necessitating collective action to counter their malignant influence,” the FO spokesperson said.

    He added that Islamabad believed that Kabul should be able to reclaim its sovereignty and security and terrorist groups like TTP need to be combated robustly.

    Khan said that the question of terrorism emanating from Afghanistan was a constant part of all interactions and dialogues with the authorities in Kabul.

    “We have been impressing upon the seriousness of this issue and from the prime minister to the level of senior officials, we have articulated our position very clearly and firmly,” he said.

    Earlier, the military also neither confirmed nor denied its involvement in the alleged strikes in Afghanistan.

    At least two explosions followed by gunfire were heard in Kabul late Thursday night. Said reports were followed by claims of strikes on multiple TTP camps by unidentified aircraft in different areas of the country.

    As foreign outlets hinted at possible Pakistani involvement over repeated warnings against the use of Afghan soil for terror on this side of the border, it was announced that ISPR chief will address a press conference at 2:30 pm on Friday.

    Addressing the presser, Lt Gen Sharif neither confirmed nor denied if the strikes were carried out by Pakistan.

    While he did not mention the strikes during the brief – instead focusing on the surge in terror and facilitation of militants – he went on to reiterate that Pakistan’s armed would never compromise on the security of the country or its people, when asked about any role that Pakistan may or may not have played in last night’s action.

    He also did not confirm if TTP commander Noor Wali Mehsud was eliminated.

  • Saudi prince to acquire majority stake in K-Electric

    Saudi prince to acquire majority stake in K-Electric

    AsiaPak Investments Chairman Shaheryar Chishty has confirmed that Saudi investor Prince Mansour bin Saud is set to acquire a controlling stake in K-Electric with 53.8% shares of KES Power Limited (KESP), which holds 66.4% ownership in the power utility.

    Reports quoted Chishty as saying that the company was selling all its shares to the Saudi investor under a newly signed memorandum of understanding (MoU), a ceremony for which took place at the Chief Minister’s House in Karachi and was attended by top Saudi and Pakistani officials.

    The agreement represents a major step in Saudi Arabia’s investment drive in Pakistan’s energy sector and is expected to attract fresh foreign capital into Karachi’s power generation, transmission, and distribution infrastructure.

    Officials called the deal a breakthrough for Pakistan’s energy market, likely ending the prolonged ownership tussle that had discouraged major investors such as Shanghai Electric from entering the sector.

    The deal follows the withdrawal of Chinese firm Shanghai Electric Power from its long-delayed $1.77 billion acquisition plan due to alleged persistent regulatory hurdles and shifting business conditions.

    A day earlier, it was reported that a high-level trade delegation from the Kingdom has participated in the Saudi-Pakistan Joint Business Council Meeting exploring new investment avenues.


     
    As per an official statement, the delegation, led by Prince Mansour, attended the Islamabad meeting organised under the Saudi-Pakistan Joint Business Council, with support from the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) and the Ministry of Commerce.


     
    The Saudi delegation included prominent business figures representing minerals, energy, agriculture and livestock, construction, infrastructure, tourism and real estate. Leading Pakistani entrepreneurs and private-sector representatives also attended the meeting, reflecting mutual resolve to expand bilateral trade and investment ties.


     
    During the session, Pakistani ministers, senior officials and industry leaders briefed the Saudi side on Pakistan’s evolving investment climate. They highlighted reforms undertaken to create a predictable, transparent, and investor-friendly environment, while presenting opportunities in SIFC’s priority sectors.


     
    The prince praised Pakistan’s efforts to strengthen its investment ecosystem and reaffirmed the Kingdom’s commitment to long-term engagement aligned with Saudi Vision 2030.


     
    He said Pakistan was an important regional partner with promising prospects in agriculture, mining, energy, technology, tourism and real estate.


     
    The SIFC and the Ministry of Commerce also arranged a dedicated briefing session for the delegation, outlining Pakistan’s investment facilitation framework and regulatory reforms with focus on opportunities across energy, minerals, agriculture, tourism, real estate and information technology.

  • Zeeshan gets his just rewards on Jama Taqseem and viewers are loving it

    Zeeshan gets his just rewards on Jama Taqseem and viewers are loving it

    Jama Taqseem has become the most discussed drama of the town, receiving widespread acclaim for its bold and thought-provoking storyline.

    Written by Sarwat Nazir and directed by Ali Hassan, the series dives deep into the often-ignored and silenced taboos of Pakistani society, particularly within the framework of joint family dynamics.

    With a stellar cast including Mawra Hocane, Talha Chahour, Javed Sheikh, Deepak Perwani, and Madiha Rizvi, the show is being lauded not only for its performances but for its powerful message of accountability and justice.

    A recent storyline involving the characters Sidra and Zeeshan has sparked intense conversations across social media. In a gripping episode, viewers witnessed a harrowing scene where Zeeshan attempted to assault Sidra when she was home alone. The situation was intercepted just in time by her uncle, Qais (played by Talha Chahour), who arrived on the scene and confronted the predator.

    What stood out to audiences was the very next episode, where the drama swiftly delivered what many are calling a form of “poetic justice.” Zeeshan, after fleeing his home post-incident, ends up in a hostel where he himself becomes a victim of harassment at the hands of his roommates. This narrative turn is being viewed as a stark reflection of the principle “what goes around, comes around.”

    Social media platforms lit up with reactions, with users praising the drama’s unflinching portrayal of karma and justice. One user wrote, “THIS IS WHAT WE NEED!!!!!!!!!” while another noted, “Need more dramas that focus on such topics. Women in our desi households need to focus on their kids rather than the susral ki politics. Girls and boys should be taught to speak up if they’re not safe in their own homes.”

    Another comment read, “This is called karma.” Many praised the creators for addressing sensitive subjects often swept under the rug in mainstream entertainment, especially the realities of abuse, family negligence, and the consequences of silence.

    However, the episode has also sparked some critical discussions. Some viewers questioned whether sending Zeeshan to a hostel was an appropriate response from his family. Others debated whether the character’s fate was a fitting punishment or merely a narrative shortcut.

    Still, Jama Taqseem continues to receive accolades for being more than just another “saas-bahu” drama. It has boldly taken on serious social issues and turned them into meaningful conversations, showing the audience the repercussions of ignoring early signs of abuse and emphasizing the importance of speaking up.

    The drama stands as a powerful reminder that actions have consequences — a lesson captured perfectly in the age-old adage: “Jaisa karo ge, waisa bharoge” (You reap what you sow).

  • Blind woman kidnapped, raped for six months in Pir Mahal

    Blind woman kidnapped, raped for six months in Pir Mahal

    Police in Pir Mahal, Punjab, have registered a case against three suspects, including a woman, for kidnapping a married blind woman, raping her for six months, and forcing her into beggary, media reports have stated. 

    In the FIR filed on Friday under sections 496-A and 376 of the Pakistan Penal Code, the victim ‘H’ said that suspect ‘A’ abducted her in April 2025 on the pretext of offering financial help. He, along with his accomplices Amjad and Rehana Bibi, took her and her minor son to Lahore.

    The victim said the main suspect repeatedly raped her and threatened to kill her and her son. She also said the suspects forced her to beg for money.

    After several months, she managed to escape and returned to her husband’s home in the Plot B area of Pir Mahal.

    Police have launched raids to arrest the suspects.