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  • Israel, Hamas agree on first phase of Trump’s Gaza ceasefire plan

    Israel, Hamas agree on first phase of Trump’s Gaza ceasefire plan

    US President Donald Trump has announced that Israel and Hamas have agreed on the first phase of a peace framework aimed at achieving a Gaza ceasefire and the release of Israeli captives and Palestinian prisoners, Al Jazeera reported.

    The announcement follows Trump’s 20-point plan to end the war on Gaza, which he unveiled last week. Israel, Hamas, and most of the international community have broadly welcomed the proposal. More than 67,000 people have been killed in Israel’s war on Gaza, which many global rights groups and a United Nations commission have described as genocidal.

    Trump revealed the development late on Wednesday, saying Israel and Hamas had agreed to the first step of his Gaza ceasefire plan. In a post on Truth Social at 23:17 GMT, he wrote that all captives would be released “very soon” and that Israel will pull its troops back to an agreed line as part of the deal.

    Earlier in the day, Trump told reporters he was ready to travel to the Middle East as soon as this weekend to help advance the peace process. His announcement came after Secretary of State Marco Rubio handed him a note during a White House event, prompting Trump to tell reporters: “I was just given a note by the Secretary of State saying that we’re very close to a deal in the Middle East, and they’re going to need me pretty quickly.”

    Concluding the event, Trump added, “I have to go now to try and solve some problems in the Middle East.” According to reports, the note urged him to sign off on a Truth Social post to be the first to announce the agreement.

    In his post, Trump stated that both Israel and Hamas had signed off on the first phase of the peace plan. He said all captives would be released soon, Israeli troops would withdraw to an agreed line, and that this would mark the first step toward “a strong and durable peace.” He also thanked Qatar, Egypt, and Turkiye for their mediation efforts.

    The deal marks the most significant diplomatic breakthrough Trump has achieved in the Gaza genocide after eight months of negotiation attempts. Ending the war has been one of his key foreign policy priorities during his re-election campaign.

    However, important details remain unresolved. Al Jazeera’s senior political analyst Marwan Bishara said there were still “some serious disagreements” between Israel and Hamas, including the timing and extent of an Israeli withdrawal, Gaza’s post-war governance, and the future of Hamas.

    “You could say that the initial phase of the initial phase is working out,” Bishara said, noting that both sides appeared to have agreed on parameters for a captive-prisoner exchange. He added, “According to the [Trump] plan, after Hamas hands over the captives, then the war should be over. But Israel says no, the war will be over only after Hamas disarms.”

    Trump told Fox News that captives could be released as early as Monday, including the bodies of those who have died. A Hamas source said the surviving captives would be freed within 72 hours of Israel’s approval of the deal, while Israeli officials suggested the process could begin on Saturday. Trump also said he believed Iran would be part of “the whole peace situation.”

    Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu welcomed the deal, calling it “a great day for Israel.” He said, “I offer my heartfelt thanks to President Trump and his team for their dedication to this sacred mission of freeing our hostages. With God’s help, together we will continue to achieve all our goals and enhance peace with our neighbours.”

    Hamas also confirmed the agreement, saying it included “an end to the war on Gaza, the occupation’s withdrawal from it, the entry of aid and a prisoner exchange.” The group thanked Qatar, Egypt, Turkiye, and Trump for their mediation and urged all parties to ensure Israel fully implements the deal.

    Hamas stated, “We salute our great people in the Gaza Strip, Jerusalem and the West Bank, who have demonstrated unparalleled pride, heroism, and honour.” The group reaffirmed its commitment to “achieve freedom, independence, and self-determination.”

    Netanyahu said he will present the agreement to his cabinet on Thursday for approval. Once passed, Israeli forces will begin pulling back, and 72 hours later, Hamas is expected to start releasing captives.

    Trump is expected to travel to Egypt in the coming days and has been invited by Netanyahu to address Israel’s parliament. He told Axios he is “likely” to make the trip.

    The next stage of Trump’s plan includes the formation of an international body, the Board of Peace, to oversee Gaza’s post-war administration. Trump will chair the board alongside other world leaders, including former British Prime Minister Tony Blair.

  • Sindh govt appoints Ahsan Khan as member of Artist Support Board to uplift struggling talent

    Sindh govt appoints Ahsan Khan as member of Artist Support Board to uplift struggling talent

    Actor Ahsan Khan has officially joined the restructured Artist Support Board under the Sindh Government’s Culture Ministry, a significant step towards enhancing welfare initiatives for struggling artists, writers, and poets across the province.

    The new board, part of the Management Board of Endowment and Stipends, aims to provide financial assistance and long-term support to members of the creative community who are facing financial hardship in Sindh. The recent revamp of the board is seen as a strategic move to strengthen its impact and operational reach.

    Ahsan Khan announced the news through his official Instagram account, sharing a photo of the notification of his appointment. “Working for the betterment of our community,” he wrote in the caption, reflecting his commitment to the welfare of fellow artists.

    The board now includes a lineup of accomplished professionals from the entertainment industry, including actors Javed Sheikh, Muneeb Butt, and Ayub Khoso, in addition to Khan. Their combined experience and public influence are expected to bring greater visibility and support to the board’s mission.

    According to the Culture Ministry’s notification, the committee has been formed “to support actors, writers, and directors of Sindh who are in crisis.” In addition to direct financial aid, the board will also focus on broader welfare measures aimed at improving the quality of life for individuals in the cultural sector.

    Ahsan Khan’s inclusion is widely seen as a positive development, given his track record of social advocacy and work on important societal issues. The initiative is expected to bring renewed focus to the needs of the artistic community, particularly those who have contributed to Sindh’s cultural heritage but now face financial or personal challenges.

    The initiative is part of the Sindh Government’s broader efforts to recognize and support the artistic contributions of its citizens, ensuring that cultural development goes hand in hand with social responsibility.

  • Starc reunites with Sixers, joins Babar for BBL 15

    Starc reunites with Sixers, joins Babar for BBL 15

    The Sydney Sixers have received a major boost ahead of the new Big Bash League season with the return of star fast bowler Mitchell Starc who will join forces with Babar Azam.

    Starc, who last played for the Sixers in 2014, has re-signed with the club after an 11-year gap. He will join the squad after January 8, following the Ashes series against England. Having retired from T20 internationals, Starc is now free to play a full domestic season.

    “I can’t wait to pull on the Sixers’ magenta shirt again,” said Starc. “The Sixers are close to my heart, and my goal is to help bring another trophy home for our fans.”

    Starc’s return strengthens a Sixers lineup already featuring Babar Azam and Steve Smith, creating one of the most anticipated combinations of the season.

    The Sixers will begin their BBL 15 campaign on December 14 against defending champions Perth Scorchers at Optus Stadium. 

    With Babar leading the batting and Starc spearheading the bowling, Sydney will be among the top contenders for the Big Bash title.

  • Ronaldo becomes world’s first billionaire footballer

    Ronaldo becomes world’s first billionaire footballer

    Portuguese football legend Cristiano Ronaldo has achieved another historic milestone by becoming the world’s first billionaire footballer.

    According to Bloomberg’s latest Billionaires Index, Ronaldo’s net worth has reached an estimated 1.4 billion dollars, which equals more than 393 billion Pakistani rupees.

    The 40-year-old football icon saw a major boost in his wealth after signing a new deal worth almost $400 million with Saudi club Al Nassr in June this year. 

    Bloomberg reported that between 2002 and 2023, Ronaldo earned over 550 million dollars in salaries alone. His long-term sponsorship deal with Nike has brought him around 18 million dollars annually, while endorsements from other major brands have added more than 175 million dollars to his income.

    Ronaldo’s move from Manchester United to Al Nassr in 2023 made him the highest-paid player in football history, with an annual deal worth 177 million pounds.

    He now joins the elite group of billionaire athletes that includes Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, LeBron James, golfer Tiger Woods, and tennis legend Roger Federer.

  • How to Send Gifts to Lahore and Karachi: A Complete Guide

    How to Send Gifts to Lahore and Karachi: A Complete Guide

    Every person who has been living in a different place or country has felt the longing for family gatherings. Birthdays happen, Eids come and go, and weddings take place without you being there. Distance, though, does not have to mean silence. Many now choose to send gifts to Lahore and Karachi as a way of remaining part of these moments. A carefully timed delivery, landing on the doorstep, often says what words cannot.

    Why Online Delivery Became the Obvious Answer

    There was a time when sending presents meant relying on relatives or couriers who took weeks. More often than not, parcels were delayed or arrived in poor shape. These days, online gift delivery has changed that picture. Within moments, families overseas are able to select the things they want, make a payment, and track the delivery to their home. Although the procedure is straightforward, the feeling it provides is not insignificant.

     

    Gifts That Carry Weight

    The kinds of gifts chosen for Lahore and Karachi reflect both tradition and modern taste. Fresh flowers to Pakistan still hold their timeless charm, perfect for anniversaries or a quiet show of affection. People celebrate their nice moments with the cake delivery, it can be a chocolate sponge or just a decorated one with your name or something like that on top. At festivals of the culture, gift baskets with sweets, dry fruits or chocolates are accepted; they are a symbol that means more than just taste. Those individuals who would prefer to have something more private would find that personalized gifts —picture in a frame, an engraved token—would become mementoes long after the day is gone. Strangely, it is often the simplest things that people remember the longest.

     

    The Need for Same Day Delivery

    Not every celebration comes with notice. A new job, a recovery from illness, even a forgotten anniversary can appear suddenly. That is when same day delivery proves vital. In such rapid cities as Lahore and Karachi, timing is almost everything. If you make your order just before the cut-off, then a bouquet or cake will be delivered at the time of the event, so you still have “an occasion.” Truth be told, being part of the moment while it is happening matters more than the item itself.

     

    Confidence in the Process

    For many living abroad, hesitation comes not from choosing the gift but from trusting the system. Will the payment be safe? Will the parcel reach on time? The Giftex answers those doubts directly. Secure gateways protect each transaction, and simple tracking tools allow customers to follow the order from start to finish. That clarity makes it far easier to send gifts to Lahore and Karachi without second-guessing.

     

    Keeping Traditions Intact Across Borders

    Gifts are never only about the object. They are about what they represent. A bouquet opened in the morning, a cake cut after dinner, or a photo frame placed on a shelf—these moments keep traditions alive. The Giftex takes care to prepare each order properly so the sender’s intention arrives intact. Families abroad know that what leaves its store will reach their loved ones in good condition, carrying with it the sense of closeness that distance often tries to erase.

     

    Why The Giftex Stands Out

    With many shops offering delivery, what makes one better than another? In the case of The Giftex, it is the blend of choice, reliability, and straightforward pricing. Families overseas know they will find classic categories without confusion and dependable delivery without excuses. That consistency has built trust, and trust is the reason people return when another celebration appears.

     

    Conclusion

    Sending gifts to Lahore and Karachi is not simply to mark an event. The aim is to be present “at the scene,” though far away, during the very moments that matter. Gifts in the form of flowers, sweets, fruit, and souvenirs are the perfect way to send a caring message. The Giftex, supported by a safe and reliable ordering system, is the guarantee that these messages will be delivered at the perfect time to the perfect recipients. In the end, the distance shrinks, and what remains is presence.

    Read Also:  What Happened to Hannah Kobayashi? True Story

  • Instagram glitch leads to rumors of Aima Baig separating from Zain Ahmad

    Instagram glitch leads to rumors of Aima Baig separating from Zain Ahmad

    Pakistani fashion designer Zain Ahmad has addressed rumors surrounding his relationship with singer Aima Baig, clarifying that the speculation was the result of technical issues with his Instagram account.

    Social media erupted with rumors of a possible separation between the couple after followers noticed that Zain had unfollowed Aima on Instagram and removed pictures of their wedding. The absence of the posts led to widespread speculation regarding the status of their relationship.

    However, Zain took to Instagram to clear the air. In a story shared on his account, he explained, “Hey guys, my account was bugging out and some of my posts archived too. Sorry if anyone got any bitcoin messages,” he joked. “Changed my passwords so we’re Gucci now.”

    Following his statement, Zain has since restored photos of their wedding on his profile and re-followed Aima Baig, easing fans’ concerns. Aima is alread following her husband from her personal account.

    Zain later shared a throwback photo of the couple, in which Aima is proudly showing off her diamond ring.

    Despite the clarification, some fans remain puzzled over Aima’scryptic post. The singer had shared a story that read, “You are worthy. You always have been, even on the days you forget it.”

    In another post, she uploaded a video of herself singing “Number One Girl” by Rose, a song that includes emotionally charged lyrics such as:

    “Tell me that I’m special, tell me I look pretty

    Tell me I’m a little angel, sweetheart of your city

    Say what I’m dying to hear

    ‘Cause I’m dying to hear you.”

    While Zain’s explanation appears to put rumors to rest for now, the ambiguity in Aima’s recent posts has left some followers speculating about the true state of their relationship. Aima has not issued any statement as yet.

    Aima Baig and Zain Ahmad got married on August 5, 2025, in an intimate ceremony in Canada.

  • Netflix, Red Chillies issued court summons in Sameer Wankhede’s defamation suit

    Netflix, Red Chillies issued court summons in Sameer Wankhede’s defamation suit

    The Delhi High Court has issued summons to streaming giant Netflix and Shah Rukh Khan’s production house Red Chillies Entertainment in connection with a defamation suit filed by former Indian Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) officer Sameer Wankhede.

    The case concerns Aryan Khan’s directorial debut, the Netflix series Ba***ds of Bollywood, which Wankhede claims maligns his reputation and distorts the facts of a high-profile investigation he led.

    Wankhede rose to prominence during the 2021 arrest of Aryan Khan, son of superstar Shah Rukh Khan, in a drugs-related case that later fell apart due to lack of evidence. In his suit, Wankhede alleges that the Netflix series includes a dramatized scene closely resembling Aryan Khan’s arrest, a depiction he says is a deliberate attempt to target and defame him.

    In the scene in question, a policeman chanting “Sachamay Jaidaiv” arrests a man smoking a drug-laced cigarette. When the man claims he is not from Bollywood and points to another individual, the officer proceeds to arrest the second person solely for standing near the drug user. Wankhede argues that the portrayal is a thinly veiled reference to his handling of Aryan Khan’s case, implying misconduct and abuse of authority.

    The court had flagged procedural issues with Wankhede’s original petition, deeming it not maintainable in its then form. After the former NCB officer amended his plea, the court has now formally moved forward with the matter by summoning all involved parties to respond to the allegations.

    The court has directed Netflix, Red Chillies Entertainment, and other associated respondents to file their replies before the next hearing.

  • Imran Khan orders sacking Gandapur as KP chief minister, potential successor named: reports

    Imran Khan orders sacking Gandapur as KP chief minister, potential successor named: reports

    Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan has decided to remove party leader Ali Amin Gandapur as the chief minister (CM) of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), reports quoted Bushra Bibi’s lawyer Rai Salman as saying on Wednesday.

    According to sources, the decision was taken in light of CM Gandapur’s recent tussle with jailed Khan’s sister Aleema Khan over the latter’s alleged interference in the affairs of the party as well as the provincial government.

    PTI lawmaker in the KP Assembly Sohail Afridi is reportedly the top contender for the slot of the provincial chief executive, sources told The Current.

    It merits a mention that the development comes a week after Khan told Gandapur and his sister to avoid issuing public statements against each other.


     
    The instructions were conveyed by PTI Senator Ali Zafar as Imran also urgently summoned CM Gandapur for a meeting at Adiala Jail.


     
    Addressing speculation during a media briefing outside the jail, Zafar had said that the jailed former premier’s urgent summon for Gandapur was for a meeting and not a reprimand.

    He had also dismissed reports of Gandapur’s sacking.


      
    Prior to Khan’s message, CM Gandapur had accused Aleema of creating a divide within the party and alleged that she was being facilitated by the Military Intelligence (MI) and “establishment”.


     
    “Imran Khan is my leader and I am loyal to him. It is my right to convey the truth to him … I made him aware of all that has been happening [during my meeting with him yesterday],” he had said in a video statement.


     
    The KP CM had also revealed conveying to the party founder that Aleema had a big role in dividing the party and some members being discredited. He had also alleged that no steps were being taken for Khan’s release.

    “Instead, there is groupism in party which some people are using to serve their own interests.”


     
    He had alleged that Aleema was in contact with “vloggers” working to create divide in the party. “And instead of stopping them… she is provoking them. And Hafeezullah Niazi sahib refers to Aleema Khan as the prime minister in his articles. He writes that she should become the party chairperson,” he had alleged.

  • ‘We invested a lot in Imran Khan… he did not perform as expected,’ Azaz Syed quotes Israeli diplomat as saying

    ‘We invested a lot in Imran Khan… he did not perform as expected,’ Azaz Syed quotes Israeli diplomat as saying

    Journalist and YouTuber Azaz Syed has quoted an Israeli diplomat as claiming that they “invested a lot in” former ousted prime minister (PM) Imran Khan who “did not perform as expected”.

    As per the details, a viral clip has shown the journalist claiming that an Israeli diplomat, at an event abroad, told him how their government established contacts with the former premier.

    “We, in Israel, invested a lot in Imran Khan and had high expectations from him, but he did not perform as expected,” Azaz quoted the diplomat as saying while appearing on TV Today. He went on to claim that Khan deliberately avoided openly condemning Israel because of his past association with ex-wife Jemima Goldsmith’s family.

    It may be noted that the claims come amid a fierce battle between social media activists of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) since after JI chief Hafiz Naeem ur Rehman criticised Khan for his silence on Israel’s Gaza genocide.

    The spat began when Naeem was questioned why Khan, despite using social media regularly from Adiala Jail, had not spoken out against Israel. The JI chief’s remarks triggered a wave of reaction from PTI’s digital platforms, which accused the JI leader of hypocrisy and acting at the behest of the establishment.

    The dispute escalated into tit-for-tat trending hashtags on social media, prompting both the PTI and JI to issue formal statements.

    The PTI dismissed Naaem’s criticism as “absurd, malicious and a desperate attempt to please the establishment”, reminding the JI that just months ago, their party chief had sought a meeting with PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan regarding a pro-Palestine march, which the PTI had supported unconditionally.

    They also accused JI of selective activism, responding to which JI accused the PTI of twisting Hafiz Naeem’s remarks and misleading its supporters.

  • Indians troll Deepika Padukone for wearing hijab in advertisement

    Indians troll Deepika Padukone for wearing hijab in advertisement

    Indian bhakts keep on trolling anyone who dares to offend their sensibilities. Bollywood A-lister Deepika Padukone has found herself at the center of a trolling campaign for wearing a hijab while promoting Abu Dhabi tourism with her husband Ranveer Singh.

    One Hindutva extremist user shared pictures of the advertisement and reminded her of her previous campaign: “Remember Deepika Padukone’s video ‘My Choice’? ‘To wear a Bindi or not, my choice. I decide the clothes I wear’. Now Deepika Padukone has made video promoting Abu Dhabi tourism wearing Hijab.”

    He questioned: “What happened to ‘My Choice’?”

    One user shared a picture of Indian actress and politician Smriti Irani from her Madinah visit standing in an Indian traditional saree and tillak, saying: “This is @smriti Irani in Madinah.”

    “Choice has a price tag,” one troll wrote. Another agreed, saying: “For people like these MONEY is the only choice. Baaki sab bakwaas hai. India ki public ko sab bewakoof banate rehte hai. Isne bhi bana liya to kya hi naya kiya. (Rest is rubbish, everyone make fools out of Indian public. She has done the same, what’s new it?)”

    One user lashed out at the actors, saying: “These actors are hypocrites and worse humans!”

    However, many of her fans came to her defense.

    A fan wrote: “What’s your problem sir, anyone can do anything as per their wish.”

    “Bro, same logic, it’s her choice now too,” another added.

    One user pointed out: “Because you cannot enter Sheikh Zayed mosque without a hijab.”

    “ITS HER CHOICE,” one simply shut the debate.

    “My Choice” is a Vogue India campaign that sparked debates on feminism in India, while the new advertisement shows her in modest attire, wearing a Hijab for Abu Dhabi tourism advertisement with Ranveer Singh.