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  • ‘They told me to lose weight, get surgery’; Faiza Hassan on beauty standards in industry

    ‘They told me to lose weight, get surgery’; Faiza Hassan on beauty standards in industry

    Veteran Pakistani actress Faiza Hassan recently shared insights into her early career, personal challenges, and experiences in the entertainment industry and body-shaming.

    During a talk show appearance, Faiza revealed that she began her career by taking on small roles, including one in Raheemm Shah’s iconic music video Kabhi Payal Bajay.

    Faiza discussed how rejection was a frequent part of her journey. “There was a time when someone told me to get plastic surgery on my nose,” she said. “I used to be very slim, but even then people would tell me to lose weight. When I watch my old dramas now, I think I looked very fit.”

    Speaking about the emphasis on beauty in the entertainment industry, she compared it to marketing tactics. “It’s like when you go to the market and see a soap with beautiful packaging. You buy it, but when you use it and don’t like the texture, you don’t buy it again. Acting is similar, beauty might get you work once, but only good performance will bring you back.”

    Faiza also revealed that she works selectively and appears in very few dramas. “I don’t take up many projects because I don’t have the capacity for it. What’s the point of working so hard in extreme heat if the drama doesn’t even do well?” she asked, adding that she only accepts roles that truly touch her heart.

    On the topic of one-sided love, Faiza admitted, “Yes, one-sided love does happen. It has happened to me several times, actually.” She recalled her first experience with love when she was just 17 or 18.  “He was in my college, and I really liked him — but then I realized that I tend to fall in love every three to four months. After him, there was someone else. There have been so many now, I’ve lost count,” she added with a laugh.

    During the show, Faiza also acted out her memorable dialogues from two of her most popular dramas, Nand and Burns Road ki Neelofar.

    Faiza Hassan is a versatile and acclaimed Pakistani actress known for her powerful performances in television dramas. She rose to prominence with her standout roles in hit serials like Nand and Burns Road ki Neelofar, earning praise for her strong screen presence.

  • ‘They played brilliantly’: Kuldeep Yadav praises Pakistan’s fight in Asia Cup final

    ‘They played brilliantly’: Kuldeep Yadav praises Pakistan’s fight in Asia Cup final

    Indian left-arm spinner Kuldeep Yadav praised Pakistan’s fighting spirit after his team clinched a thrilling five-wicket win in the Asia Cup 2025 final in Dubai. 

    Kuldeep, who played a match-winning role with the ball, said it always feels special to beat a quality side like Pakistan.

    “We enjoyed a lot after the victory. It always feels good when you defeat a good team. We cannot deny the fact that they also played brilliantly. We were three down for just 20 runs, and they had a terrific start with the bat. But we must appreciate the comeback made by our team. All the players contributed equally to the win,” Kuldeep said in an interview with an Indian media outlet after the final.

    Kuldeep starred with four wickets, helping India bowl Pakistan out for 146. But he shifted focus away from his own performance to credit the collective effort. 

    “There’s nothing bigger in this world than contributing to the team’s victory. Everyone saw how Abhishek Sharma and Tilak Varma performed, but Axar Patel’s role with the ball, Sanju Samson’s partnership with Tilak, and two wickets from Varun Chakaravarthy were equally important. It was truly a team effort,” he said.

    Sanju Samson’s 24-run knock in a 57-run stand with Tilak Varma proved crucial, steadying India after an early collapse. Tilak, however, was the star of the chase, finishing unbeaten on 69 to guide India home with just two balls left. Kuldeep called Tilak’s innings “brilliant,” comparing it to his match-winning knocks in the IPL.

    The 30-year-old refrained from commenting on India’s refusal to accept the trophy from ACC chief Mohsin Naqvi but stressed that players remained focused on their cricket. “Whenever we play, we only think about the temperament of the team and how to approach the game,” he said.

    The final itself was a rollercoaster. Sahibzada Farhan and Fakhar Zaman gave Pakistan a dream start with an 84-run opening stand, but India hit back hard. After Farhan’s 57 and Zaman’s 46, Pakistan collapsed, losing ten wickets for 62 runs. Kuldeep grabbed four scalps, while Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakaravarthy and Axar Patel shared the rest.

    Chasing 147, India slipped to 20 for 3 after Shaheen Afridi and Faheem Ashraf rocked the top order. Samson and Tilak steadied nerves before Shivam Dube’s 33 off 22 balls tilted the chase back in India’s favor. 

    India crossed the finish line in the last over, sealing their ninth Asia Cup title.

  • PPP asks Maryam Nawaz to ‘rethink tone’ as coalition rift deepens over floods, water rights

    PPP asks Maryam Nawaz to ‘rethink tone’ as coalition rift deepens over floods, water rights

    The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) has asked Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz to “rethink her tone” after her fiery remarks against coalition partners triggered a fresh row over flood relief and water distribution.

    Top leaders of PPP and PML-N met in Islamabad on Thursday to defuse tensions after Maryam’s speech in Faisalabad, where she declared that Punjab’s money and water were its own business. She said all provinces receive equal funds under the NFC Award and questioned how others use their share. She added that Punjab never interferes in other provinces’ affairs and others should not interfere in Punjab’s.

    During the meeting at the National Assembly Speaker’s office, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Law Minister Azam Nazir Tarar, and Senator Rana Sanaullah met PPP’s Naveed Qamar and Ijaz Jakhrani. It was decided that the matter would be taken up with PML-N President Nawaz Sharif and CM Maryam Nawaz.

    The dispute, which started with criticism over flood compensation, had now expanded to water rights on the Indus. PPP lawmakers staged walkouts from both the National Assembly and Senate to protest Maryam’s remarks.

    At a press conference, senior PPP leader Qamar Zaman Kaira cautioned Maryam against fanning “narrow nationalism.” He said, “Differences should be kept within limits. You are a woman and our sister, and our leader Benazir Bhutto too was a woman. Rethink your tone. What do you want to achieve by playing narrow nationalism? Do you want the rest to leave Punjab, and their rights to be ended?”

    Kaira also criticised Maryam’s remark about “breaking hands and silencing tongues,” calling such language unbecoming of a coalition partner. He stressed that PPP had supported the PML-N in good faith, but written agreements were never fully honoured. “We do not just give advice, we give opinions. If those are not acted upon, then criticism is our democratic right,” he said.

    He added that PPP would praise good work where due but would also criticise failures, citing the floods as an example. Referring to Sindh’s concerns over NFC allocations and rehabilitation of victims, he warned, “We are not asking for power-sharing, but we are supporting the government. Do not forget the last time we parted ways.”

    Kaira also defended the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), noting its global recognition and IMF endorsement. “Should we leave Punjab? You govern, but do not end others’ rights. Your words should strengthen the federation, not weaken it,” he said.

    Punjab Information Minister Azma Bukhari strongly condemned Kaira’s remarks, saying the PPP was “racing” to hold press conferences against the Punjab government. “You claim not to politicise the plight of flood victims, yet you hold pressers against Punjab? Before criticising Maryam Nawaz, Punjab’s daughter, you should have looked at your own past,” she said.

    “The party whose leader was a woman is now collectively targeting a woman leader. Keep your popularity in view before questioning ours. Such statements will not affect us, nor will they help PPP stand on its own feet,” she added.

    Bukhari accused PPP of “pointing fingers at Punjab in unison,” insisting that CM Maryam, her cabinet and provincial institutions had been with flood victims “since day one.” She argued that PPP was free to run BISP in Sindh, but Punjab had chosen its own model. “You can give Rs10,000 to victims there, but Maryam Nawaz is giving Rs1 million to Punjab’s victims because that is what they need,” she said.

    “Punjab’s resources belong to its people. We do not need anyone’s advice on how to spend them. With provincial funds, Punjab has built 20,000 kilometres of roads, and more than 90 initiatives of Maryam Nawaz are being funded without a single rupee from the federation. As Punjabis, this should make you proud, not resentful,” Bukhari added.

    A day earlier, senior PML-N leader and PM’s adviser Rana Sanaullah, while addressing the PPP’s stance on flood relief via BISP, had also cast doubts on the data of the BISP. Referring to the CM’s statement about the canals project, Sanaullah said the province had the right to utilise its share of water as it deemed fit.

  • Imran Khan tells Gandapur, sister Aleema to stop taking internal rift public

    Imran Khan tells Gandapur, sister Aleema to stop taking internal rift public

    As Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) internal rifts make headlines, former prime minister (PM) and party founder Imran Khan has told Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur and his sister Aleema Khan to avoid issuing statements against each other.

    According to reports, 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 said that the jailed former premier’s urgent summon for Gandapur was for a meeting and not a reprimand.

    Rubbishing reports of the KP chief executive’s possible sacking, Zafar said that disagreements should not be aired publicly.

    He also confirmed that the founder had nominated Mahmood Khan Achakzai to act as the opposition leader pending the resolution of Omar Ayub’s legal cases.

    It merits a mention that the development comes days after CM Gandapur 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 said in a video statement.

    The KP CM said that he had conveyed to the party founder that Aleema had a big role in dividing the party and some members being discredited. He 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 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 alleged.

    Last week, unconfirmed reports had also quoted Khan as barring his sister Aleema from interfering in party matters.

  • Ilhan Omar turns heads with Pakistani scarf in candid street interview

    Ilhan Omar turns heads with Pakistani scarf in candid street interview

    Known for her bold voice in politics and equally bold fashion sense, US Congresswoman Ilhan Omar was recently spotted during a candid street interview wearing a scarf she got during her visit to Pakistan.

    Omar, who was walking to work when approached by popular social media content creator Feroz Khan Zadran, was praised for her look, prompting the content creator to ask about her outfit details. With her signature poise, Omar broke down the story behind each piece, including her eye-catching scarf.

    “The scarf… I got it when I visited Pakistan,” she shared with a smile, drawing attention to the soft, patterned fabric that added a touch of cultural elegance to her ensemble. She went on to explain that her pants were thrifted, her rings and necklace were from a brand called Omar, and her bracelet was from the Virgin Islands.

    The Congresswoman’s fashion choices have long reflected her heritage, individuality, and activism, and this moment was no different.

    The spontaneous interaction also touched on deeper topics. Omar spoke about her Somali roots, her journey to the US and the current political climate in United States.

    “Right now the President of the United States is trying to bully me and trying to send me back to Somalia, so I feel a little pressure,” she said on a question about feeling any pressure. “But he’s messing with the wrong one, because I have the backing of the wonderful people of Minnesota who elected me to represent them.”

    Omar, originally from Somalia, shared a bit about her background, stating she left Somalia at age 8 and arrived in the United States at 12. “My native language is Somali,” she added.

    Encouraging viewers, Omar also shared a message of empowerment: “Believe in yourself, go for what your mind is telling you, and believe in God.”

    Elected in 2018, Ilhan Omar is the US Representative for Minnesota’s 5th Congressional District. She is one of the first Muslim women and the first Somali-American to serve in the US Congress.

    Ilhan visited Pakistan in 2022 and met with Pakistani leaders in the first visit by a member of Congress after the coalition government came into power in Islamabad after the removal of former premier Imran Khan. She also met Khan at his residence in the capital, Islamabad.

  • PM expresses concern, orders probe and swift resolution as AJK protests turn deadly

    PM expresses concern, orders probe and swift resolution as AJK protests turn deadly

    Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif has expressed concern over the deadly protests in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), ordering transparent probe into the matter and the provision of immediate assistance to affected families.

    In a statement, the premier said that peaceful protest was a constitutional and democratic right of every citizen, however, demonstrators could not be allowed to harm public order.

    “Government is always ready to resolve the issues of its Kashmiri brothers,” he said as at least six civilians and three police personnel were killed in the protests staged by the Awami Action Committee. Over 170 police personnel and 50 civilians were also injured with the condition of 12 reported as critical.

    The protests revolve around a 38-point charter of demands, among which are ending 12 reserved seats for refugees and rolling back “privileges of the elite”.

    Reacting to the reports of unrest, PM Shehbaz appealed to the protesters to remain peaceful and assured them that their issues will be resolved as he was personally overseeing the negotiations.

    He directed law enforcement agencies to exercise restraint and patience with the protesters, ensuring respect for public sentiments and avoiding any unnecessary harshness. He also called on the negotiation committee to find a peaceful resolution to the issue.

    The premier directed the negotiation committee to immediately travel to Muzaffarabad and find an immediate and lasting solution to the situation, submitting its recommendations and proposed solutions without delay.

    Meanwhile, negotiation committee members said that most of the demands raised by the Awami Action Committee had already been accepted and the remaining issues were being discussed.

    AJK Prime Minister Chaudhry Anwar-ul-Haq also said that most of the protesters’ demands had been accepted and federal ministers stood as guarantors to ensure implementation.

    Addressing a press conference, he said that abolishing seats reserved for refugees in the Legislative Assembly and reducing the number of ministers required constitutional amendments, and slammed the action committee for taking the protest into a dead end.

  • Pak-Bangladesh love becomes highlight of ICC Women’s World Cup

    Pak-Bangladesh love becomes highlight of ICC Women’s World Cup

    Friendship took center stage as Pakistan’s Fatima Sana and Bangladesh’s Nigar Sultana Joty prepared to lead their sides in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025.

    The two captains share a bond that has grown beyond cricket, yet both know they must put rivalry first when they walk out in Colombo.

    The bond began at the FairBreak Invitational in 2023, where they shared the same dressing room and exchanged tips. Since then, their friendship has blossomed even more. 

    “We are very much buddies. Whenever we get to play together we talk too much and have so much fun,” Nigar said. 

    Fatima echoed the sentiment, saying, “She’s my good friend. A lot of the time she asks about batting because she’s a batter and I want to become a good all-rounder, so she gives me a lot of tips. She gives me confidence in my batting.”

    That camaraderie was most evident during the World Cup Qualifier earlier this year. Bangladesh lost to Pakistan and felt qualification hopes had slipped away. Nigar, too dejected to watch the West Indies chase in the following match, hid in her room. When West Indies fell short and Bangladesh qualified, the first call Nigar received was from none other than Fatima Sana. 

    “I was like, ‘Really?’ and they said, ‘Yes, you guys qualified.’ I went out from my room and everyone in the Bangladesh squad was running towards me and hugging, laughing. It was a beautiful moment,” Nigar recalled.

    Still, both captains know friendship has limits on the field. “See, when I get over the line, I think I don’t know who Fatima Sana is, because she’s trying to get me out,” Nigar said. 

    Fatima, who took Nigar’s wicket in the 2022 World Cup, admitted, “We have a lot of rivalry matches, but she’s my good friend, we have a good connection off the field.”

    Fatima, who rose to captaincy before her 23rd birthday, credited former skipper Bismah Maroof for teaching her composure. “She was the best to play under. I learned a lot, especially calmness in the 50-over format because 50 overs demands discipline and calmness. There are a lot of high-pressure matches, so we want to be calm at all times,” Fatima said.

    Nigar praised Fatima’s rapid growth. “She’s very young and she’s learning and will do better in the future, definitely. But how she’s doing, and how they’ve kept the team in a line and how they performed in the Qualifier, shows they are aligned.”

    Both sides understand the importance of Thursday’s clash. Bangladesh lost only twice to Pakistan in the last four years, but Pakistan’s recent form under Fatima has boosted their belief.

    The much-anticipated match between Pakistan and Bangladesh begins today in Colombo, with both teams knowing a win would be vital for a semi-final spot.

  • ‘I am his only wife’; Umair Jaswal’s wife Nabiha breaks silence on comparisons with Sana Javed

    ‘I am his only wife’; Umair Jaswal’s wife Nabiha breaks silence on comparisons with Sana Javed

    Nabiha Umair Jaswal, wife of singer Umair Jaswal, has publicly addressed speculation surrounding her marriage and social media comparisons with her husband’s first wife, actress Sana Javed.

    In a clear and composed statement posted on Umair’s post, Nabiha clarified that she is Umair Jaswal’s only wife and urged the public to refrain from unwarranted speculation and personal judgments.

    “I would like to address this for the first and last time – Jazakullah Ul Khair for the heartwarming prayers, we truly appreciate it,” she wrote. “Secondly, my husband has only one wife and that’s me. Kindly practice self-control and discipline and do not draw comparisons between me and anyone.”

    Nabiha also pushed back against intrusive comments regarding her choice of attire. “How I dress and whether I wear a hijab or not is not anyone’s business. My husband sharing his happiness with all of you does not entitle anyone to give opinions. If you cannot make dua then kindly restrain yourselves,” she added.

    The statement comes after Umair Jaswal shared a heartfelt post last week, marking the couple’s first wedding anniversary while on a spiritual journey to perform Umrah. The post sparked a wave of online chatter, particularly due to Jaswal’s previously private remarriage following his divorce from actress Sana Javed.

    Umair Jaswal and Nabiha tied the knot in an intimate ceremony in September 2024, several months after his high-profile split from Sana Javed.

    Jaswal and Javed had been a celebrated couple in the entertainment industry until their relationship ended due to Javed’s alleged involvement with Pakistani cricketer Shoaib Malik. The controversy escalated when Malik and Javed confirmed their own marriage in January 2024, amid reports that their relationship began while Javed was still married to Jaswal.

    In a previous interview following his second marriage, Jaswal expressed gratitude for the support he has received. “God takes you through a journey and brings you to the right place, and when you reach the right place, the journey itself makes you appreciate your destination,” he said.

    The singer emphasized his desire for privacy and said he hopes to be recognized for his work and personal growth rather than his personal life.

    Jaswal had kept his second marriage private until he shared his wife’s picture.

  • Usman Wahla returns to PCB after handshake controversy suspension

    Usman Wahla returns to PCB after handshake controversy suspension

    Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) Director of International Cricket Usman Wahla has resumed duties after facing suspension over the “handshake” controversy during the Asia Cup.

    According to journalist Saleem Khaliq, Wahla on Wednesday attended a meeting regarding Pakistan’s upcoming series against South Africa.

    Earlier, the PCB had suspended Wahla for delaying the board’s response to the controversial incidents in the first high-voltage Pakistan–India clash in Dubai on September 14. Reports said the board was unhappy with the delay in filing a formal protest with the International Cricket Council (ICC).

    The controversy erupted when match referee Andy Pycroft instructed both captains to skip the customary handshake at the toss. The situation worsened after India’s captain Suryakumar Yadav led his players straight to the dressing room following a seven-wicket win, refusing the post-match handshake. Pakistan players waited on the field and were left visibly disappointed.

    The PCB reacted strongly, filing an official complaint with the ICC and the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC). The board demanded Pycroft’s immediate removal, arguing his directive violated the ICC Code of Conduct and the MCC’s laws.

    ICC referee Andy Pycroft later issued an apology to the Pakistan team over his decision to stop the pre-toss handshake.

    The Asia Cup, however, remained marred by other controversies. India defeated Pakistan in the final but refused to accept the trophy from ACC president and PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi. The ceremony ended without a handover, and the trophy stayed with ACC officials in Dubai. 

    During a subsequent ACC meeting, BCCI Vice President Rajeev Shukla reportedly demanded that the trophy be delivered directly to India, but Naqvi dismissed the demand and said the captain must collect it personally from ACC headquarters.

    New reports later revealed that the ACC had split into two blocs amid rising tensions. Pakistan and Bangladesh stood together on one side while Sri Lanka had aligned itself with India. Afghanistan was shifting its stance between both camps.

    Reports also said that Naqvi became a major irritant for India, with talk of a possible no-confidence motion against him.

  • If you want to impress Kinza Hashmi, better be tall, bearded and loyal

    If you want to impress Kinza Hashmi, better be tall, bearded and loyal

    Pakistani actress Kinza Hashmi recently opened up about her personal preferences when it comes to men.

    In an appearance on Wajahat Rauf’s talk show, the actress candidly discussed her ideal partner and what truly matters to her in a relationship.

    Speaking about the qualities that attract her, Kinza Hashmi shared that physical appearance plays a role, particularly a man’s height and hairstyle. “I notice a man’s height first, and I like men who keep a beard,” she said.

    However, for Kinza, inner qualities far outweigh external ones. She emphasized that loyalty and sincerity are non-negotiable traits in a partner. “I would always choose a loyal and sincere man over someone who is wealthy but flirtatious,” she stated firmly.

    She further explained that for her, emotional connection and genuine love take precedence over financial status. “I prefer real love and an honest relationship over money or bank balance,” the actress added.

    In a lighthearted segment of the show, Kinza was asked to choose between public figures. She picked actor Zaviyar Nauman Ijaz over Hamza Sohail, and when it came to cricket stars, she selected Babar Azam over Shadab Khan.

    She also admitted that she is the third wheel in fellow actors and celebrity couple Saboor Aly and Ali Ansari’s wedding, saying: “When Saboor got married, she wanted to stay for a game and fun but said, let us go.” Kinza said she has a spiritual relationship with Saboor Aly.

    While responding to a question about the unusual title of her drama Maikey Ko De Do Sandes, Kinza Hashmi said: “It was the beginning of my career. They chose the name, and back then, we used to take on whatever work came our way.”

    Kinza shared that she has appeared in over 40 television dramas to date.

    Kinza began her acting career in 2014 with drama Adhura Milan and has since become a household name in Pakistan’s entertainment industry. With hit dramas like Ishq Tamasha, Mohabbat Tum Se Nafrat Hai, and Mohlat under her belt, she continues to impress audiences with her versatile performances and charming screen presence.