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  • Spotted: Sidra Niazi and Affan Waheed in a whole new look

    Spotted: Sidra Niazi and Affan Waheed in a whole new look

    Superstars Sidra Niazi and Affan Waheed are no strangers to rumours about their relationship. Recently, Sidra revealed that she is married and her husband is a very private person, but the rumour mill is not having it.

    Recent pictures of Sidra and Affan still have people talking about the two and their cordial relationship. 

    Recently both were seen on ARY’s show with Nida Yasir and a picture of both Sidra and Affan shows Affan in a completely new look.

    Sources say that Affan is preparing for a new drama and the brooding, vadera look is for the drama and everyone is swooning. Can it be that he is about to join the league of Danish Taimoor and Wahaj Ali as the brooding, dark hero? Definitely, looks like it.

    While nothing is confirmed about Sidra and Affan’s private lives, the cordial friendship between the two has us all believing that this friendship is here to stay.

  • Internet divided over Abdullah Shafique’s ‘arrogance’

    Internet divided over Abdullah Shafique’s ‘arrogance’

    Pakistani batter Abdullah Shafique has drawn mixed reactions on social media after his response to a presenter during a match in the National T20 Cup.

    The moment took place during the game between Sialkot and Karachi Blues. A presenter questioned Shafique about his approach during the chase.

    The presenter asked whether he should have tried to hold down one end after arriving at the crease when the ball was coming well onto the bat and expectations were high from him and Hassan Nawaz.

    Shafique responded with a remark that quickly went viral online.

    “I think you should become a coach with all the good questions you ask. This is a game, and things happen like this. Holding one end—what, am I going to play until tomorrow?” he asked. 

    He said he will try to learn from mistakes and try to do better next time.

    “These are T20 matches. You have to go with the flow of the game and manage according to the overs. It is not necessary that your success rate is always high. In this game, you learn from your mistakes and try to do better in the next match,” he added.

    The exchange triggered debate among cricket fans on social media, with many sharing different views about the batter’s tone and response.

    Some users supported Shafique and praised his reply. One comment read, “Agreed ,” while another user wrote, “He just roasted him.”

    Others criticised the response and called for a more humble attitude. One comment stated, “He needs to be humble,” while another wrote, “Performance do takay ki nahi aur attitude dekho.” Some fans also felt both sides were at fault, with one reaction saying, “Both in the wrong.”

    In the match itself, Karachi Blues posted a strong total of 202 runs. During the chase, Shafique scored 28 runs off 15 balls before his dismissal when Sialkot stood at 60 for 2.

    Sialkot later collapsed and were bowled out for 161 in 19.4 overs. Karachi Blues secured a 40-run victory.

    Abdullah Shafique has represented Pakistan across formats. In Test cricket, he has played 24 matches, scoring 1,610 runs at an average of 37.44, including five centuries and six half-centuries, with a highest score of 201. 

    In One Day Internationals, he has featured in 27 matches, scoring 737 runs at an average of 29.48, including one century and six half-centuries, with a top score of 113. 

    In T20 Internationals, he has played six matches, scoring 64 runs with a highest score of 41.

  • Nadia Jamil says she turned down Veer-Zaara to care for her newborn

    Nadia Jamil says she turned down Veer-Zaara to care for her newborn

    Pakistani actress Nadia Jamil has revealed that she once declined an opportunity to appear in the Bollywood blockbuster Veer-Zaara because she wanted to care for her newborn child.

    Jamil shared the story during a Ramadan special transmission on a private TV channel where she spoke about motherhood and the difficult decisions she made early in her career.

    Speaking about the offer, Jamil said she had been approached for a role in the film and discussions had almost been finalised. However, she had recently given birth to her first child at the time.

    “I was offered a role in Veer-Zaara, and the project was almost finalised,” she said.

    The actress explained that her son was only a few months old, and she felt strongly about staying with him during that period.

    “My baby was just three months old, and I did not want to leave him. I felt I needed to be with him in those early months,” she said.

    Jamil also revealed that her family supported her career and encouraged her to accept the opportunity.

    “My mother even said she would travel with me for the shoot, and my in-laws were also supportive,” she stated. 

    Despite the encouragement, she chose to step away from the project and focus on motherhood.

    “People told me that saying no to such a big film could harm my career, but I chose to stay with my child.”

    Released in 2004 and directed by Yash Chopra, Veer-Zaara starred Shah Rukh Khan and Preity Zinta in lead roles. The character of Pakistani lawyer Saamiya Siddiqui in the film was eventually played by Rani Mukerji.

    Nadia Jamil remains one of Pakistan’s most respected television actors. 

    She began her career in the 1990s and earned recognition for her performances in dramas such as Dhoop Mein Sawan, Meri Jaan, and Raqs‑e‑Bismil. She also received praise for the telefilm Behadd alongside Fawad Khan.

  • Rajab Butt sends divorce notice to Emaan Fatima, confirms end of marriage

    Rajab Butt sends divorce notice to Emaan Fatima, confirms end of marriage

    YouTuber Rajab Butt has sent divorce documents to his wife Emaan Fatima, which she later shared on an Instagram story.

    Along with the documents, she wrote that she had remained silent to protect the relationship but recent events forced her to speak out.

    “I stayed silent to save this relationship. But first the false allegations made in the podcast, and now this legal notice… I just want to ask: what is mine and my son’s fault in all of this? I have a lot to say, but due to the sanctity of this month, I am still remaining silent,” she wrote.

    The development came shortly after Rajab Butt spoke about the situation during a podcast appearance. During the conversation, he confirmed that he had decided to end the marriage and would not try to reconcile.

    “I am done with this marriage,” he said.

    Rajab also addressed his relationship with their son, Kivan. He said that despite the separation, he will continue to support and care for their son.

    “I will always love and support my son,” he added.

    Rajab Butt, who gained popularity through his family vlogs on YouTube, married Emaan Fatima in 2024. Their wedding quickly gained attention online as videos and pictures from the lavish ceremonies spread across social media.

    However, reports and public statements from both sides later suggested that the relationship faced difficulties soon after the wedding.

    Rajab Butt has also been facing multiple legal cases. According to claims circulating online, the couple did not spend much time living together after their marriage.

    The situation intensified in recent weeks as Emaan Fatima’s brother began sharing her side of the dispute on social media.

    Several claims and allegations also circulated online during the controversy, including accusations that Rajab Butt had cheated on his wife while she was pregnant.

    With the divorce documents now shared by Emaan, the couple’s separation has now been confirmed publicly.

  • Winds from Iran could worsen air in Pakistan, PMD warns

    Winds from Iran could worsen air in Pakistan, PMD warns

    The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) on Monday warned that air quality in western parts of the country could deteriorate due to pollutants potentially carried by winds from Iran following recent United States (US) and Israeli strikes on the country’s oil sites.

    “Due to the recent situation in Iran, the winds may carry pollutants and deteriorate air quality in the western parts of the country,” PMD said in a press release.

    Iran, Pakistan’s western neighbour, has been involved in a conflict with the US and Israel since the illegal February 28 operations that resulted in the assassination of its supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. 

    The attacks escalated further on March 7, when major airstrikes targeted Tehran’s refineries and fuel depots, covering parts of the city in black smoke and oily rain.

    The Iranian Red Crescent Society warned residents that exposure to “significant quantities of toxic hydrocarbons, sulfur and nitrogen oxides” could cause chemical burns and lung injuries.

    Additional strikes reportedly hit five oil facilities in and around Tehran, according to an official from the National Iranian Oil Products Distribution Company.

    The PMD also forecast rain and thunderstorms in Pakistan’s upper regions under the influence of a westerly wave approaching Monday evening, and expected to continue until March 12. 

    The department said partly cloudy to cloudy conditions with “moderate rain-wind-thunderstorm (few heavy falls at times)” were likely in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa districts including Dir, Kohistan, Chitral, Swat, Shangla, Battagram, Buner, Malakand, Mansehra, Abbottabad and Haripur.

    Similar weather was expected in Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) from Monday evening through March 12. Light rain with wind or thunderstorms was also forecast for March 10 and 11 in Khyber, Mohmand, Peshawar, Swabi, Mardan, Charsadda, Nowshera, Bajaur, Bannu, Waziristan, Orakzai, Kurram, Kohat, Hangu and Mianwali.

    In Islamabad, the Potohar region, Murree, Galliyat, and surrounding areas, rain-wind/thunderstorm was expected from Monday night to March 11, with isolated hailstorms possible in the upper parts of the country.

    PMD indicated that daytime temperatures in upper regions could drop by three to four degrees Celsius. 

    It also cautioned that landslides might occur in vulnerable areas of upper KP, GB and AJK, and advised tourists to avoid non-essential travel and farmers to manage crops according to the prevailing weather conditions.

  • Israel uses prohibited white phosphorus in Lebanon attacks: HRW

    Israel uses prohibited white phosphorus in Lebanon attacks: HRW

    Human Rights Watch (HRW) has said that it found evidence that Israel used white phosphorus munitions in residential areas of southern Lebanon earlier this month, which it said violates international humanitarian law.

    In a report released on Monday, the New York-based organisation said it verified seven photographs showing white phosphorus munitions fired over a residential area in Yohmor in southern Lebanon on March 3. The report said that fires broke out in at least two homes following the attack.

    Ramzi Kaiss said, “The Israeli military’s unlawful use of white phosphorus over residential areas is extremely alarming and will have dire consequences for civilians.”

    “The incendiary effects of white phosphorus can cause death or cruel injuries that result in lifelong suffering,” he said.

    The organisation added that the use of airburst white phosphorus in populated areas was indiscriminate and did not meet the requirement under international humanitarian law to take precautions to prevent civilian harm.

    White phosphorus ignites when exposed to oxygen and can set homes, agricultural land and other civilian property on fire, the report said.

    Human Rights Watch said that the munitions were used over concentrations of civilians in Yohmor, which led to fires in homes and other civilian structures.

    The organisation mentioned that it verified and geolocated an image posted online by Lebanese media on the morning of March 3 showing at least two artillery-delivered white phosphorus munitions being airburst over a residential neighbourhood.

    The report added that the smoke cloud pattern from the airbursts was consistent with the “knuckle” created by the expelling and bursting charges of the M825-series 155mm artillery projectile that contains white phosphorus.

    Human Rights Watch also said that it verified and geolocated photographs posted on Facebook by the civil defence team of the Islamic Health Committee in Yohmor that showed workers extinguishing fires on residential rooftops and in a car.

    The organisation stated that the fires were likely caused by felt wedges containing white phosphorus due to the proximity of the sites to the area where the airburst munitions were observed.

    “Israel should immediately halt this practice and states providing Israel with weapons, including white phosphorus munitions, should immediately suspend military assistance and arms sales and push Israel to stop firing such munitions in residential areas,” Kaiss said.

    According to Lebanese authorities, more than half a million people have been registered as displaced after Israel issued displacement orders in several areas.

    National News Agency remarked that Israel carried out air strikes on Monday in Beirut’s southern suburbs, including areas between Ghobeiry and Haret Hreik and in the Safir district.

    The report came hours after the Israeli military said it was targeting positions of Hezbollah in the Lebanese capital.

    Lebanese authorities said at least 394 people had been killed and more than 1,000 injured in Israeli attacks in the country.

    Human Rights Watch urged that Israel’s allies, including the United States, the United Kingdom and Germany, to suspend military sales to Israel and impose sanctions on officials linked to alleged violations.

    The organisation also said Israel had previously used white phosphorus between October 2023 and May 2024 in villages along the southern Lebanon border, placing civilians at risk.

  • Bangladesh ODIs: Coach Hesson says Babar’s exclusion opportunity to look at young talent

    Bangladesh ODIs: Coach Hesson says Babar’s exclusion opportunity to look at young talent

    Pakistan head coach Mike Hesson has addressed questions about Babar Azam after Pakistan left the senior batter out of the squad for the upcoming ODI series against Bangladesh national cricket team.

    Speaking at a press conference in Dhaka on Monday, Hesson said that the selection focused on giving opportunities to emerging players rather than targeting any individual.

    “No one was dropped specifically. This is a good opportunity for us to look at young talent,” Hesson said when asked about Babar’s absence from the squad.

    Hesson also spoke about the challenge Pakistan expects in Bangladesh’s home conditions. He expressed confidence in Pakistan’s spin attack but acknowledged that adapting quickly to local conditions will remain important.

    “We have good spinners in the middle overs and we can beat Bangladesh in their conditions, but Bangladesh are also a very good team in their own conditions. We will have to adapt quickly to the conditions here,” he said.

    The head coach pointed out that several players in the squad earned their spots through strong performances with Pakistan Shaheens.

    “Our team includes some new faces who performed well for Pakistan Shaheens,” he said.

    Pakistan will begin the three match ODI series against Bangladesh on March 11 at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium. The second match will take place at the same venue on March 13, while the final ODI will be played on March 15.

    The selectors left both Babar Azam and Saim Ayub out of the squad and handed maiden ODI call ups to six players.

    Pakistan’s squad for the Bangladesh series includes Shaheen Shah Afridi as captain along with Abdul Samad, Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Faisal Akram, Haris Rauf, Hussain Talat, Maaz Sadaqat, Mohammad Rizwan, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori, Saad Masood, Sahibzada Farhan, Salman Ali Agha and Shamyl Hussain.

  • Pakistan seeks conversion of $5bn Saudi deposits into 10-year facility, expansion of oil support to $5bn

    Pakistan seeks conversion of $5bn Saudi deposits into 10-year facility, expansion of oil support to $5bn

    Pakistan has sought several financial arrangements from Saudi Arabia, including converting the existing $5 billion deposits into a 10-year facility and expanding the oil supply arrangement on deferred payment terms, news reports have said. 

    The proposals were shared with Riyadh as part of discussions on long-term economic cooperation while Pakistan faces external financing needs and holds talks with the International Monetary Fund over the third review of the $7 billion Extended Fund Facility programme.

    One of the proposals involves converting the $5 billion deposits currently held with the State Bank of Pakistan into a long-term facility with a tenure of 10 years. Officials said the proposal also includes favourable pricing for the arrangement.

    Pakistan has also asked Saudi authorities to expand the existing oil supply facility on deferred payment terms from $1.2 billion to $5 billion. Under the proposal, the repayment period for each tranche could be extended from one year to three years.

    Another proposal submitted by Pakistan involves securitising up to $10 billion in remittances sent by overseas Pakistanis. Officials said the arrangement could help increase foreign exchange reserves and reduce reliance on external borrowing.

    Pakistan has also requested Riyadh to consider providing a guarantee for future international Sukuk issuances. Officials said such a guarantee could allow the country to access global capital markets at lower borrowing costs.

    In addition, Pakistan has asked Saudi Arabia to provide a concessional credit line for the Export-Import Bank of Pakistan, which was established to support exports and facilitate trade financing.

    Another proposal calls for Saudi authorities to waive bank guarantee requirements for import-related transactions between the two countries to facilitate trade operations.

    Pakistan has also invited Saudi investment through the Kingdom’s Public Investment Fund to explore investment opportunities in different sectors of the economy.

    Officials also said Pakistan sought Saudi support in facilitating adjustments to Pakistan’s primary surplus targets under the IMF programme to accommodate tax rationalisation measures while managing fiscal pressures.

  • ‘Hub of looting’: Khawaja Asif slams former hockey management as Pakistan qualify for world cup

    ‘Hub of looting’: Khawaja Asif slams former hockey management as Pakistan qualify for world cup

    Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has reacted to the Pakistan men’s hockey team after their dramatic qualification for the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026.

    Taking to his X account, he wrote, “Zindabad! the Hockey Federation has been a hub of looting for many years. Every official who came took whatever they could and never let go. The new leadership will have to take accountability of the past 15 years.”

    The Pakistan men’s national field hockey team on Saturday secured their spot in the World Cup after a thrilling 4–3 win over Japan national field hockey team in the semi-final of the qualifiers.

    Pakistan staged a stunning comeback in the final quarter, overturning a 3–1 deficit to seal the victory and confirm their return to the prestigious tournament. 

    The team last competed in the FIH Hockey World Cup in 2018.

    The team’s recent success comes after a month of controversy. Upon returning from the Australia tour earlier this year, captain Butt accused the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) and team management of lying to players, silencing their concerns, and subjecting them to poor living conditions.

    Following the uproar, PHF president Mir Tariq Hussain Bugti resigned. The players then met with Mohsin Naqvi, who assured them of his support and awarded each player one million rupees as recognition for their efforts.

  • Trading suspended at PSX after KSE-100 records massive drop at open

    Trading suspended at PSX after KSE-100 records massive drop at open

    Trading at the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) was suspended shortly after the opening bell on Monday after the benchmark KSE-100 Index dropped more than six percent within minutes of the session, triggering a market halt under exchange regulations.

    The benchmark index was recorded at 147,715.95 in the morning, showing a decline of 9,780.15 points, or 6.21 percent. 

    The fall occurred during the opening phase of trading as selling pressure spread across sectors.

    Under PSX regulations, a decline of six percent in the benchmark index activates a market-wide halt in equity trading. Following the trigger, the exchange suspended all equity-based markets and cancelled all outstanding orders in the trading system.

    The halt was triggered at 9:22:15am, according to a notification issued to Trading Right Entitlement (TRE) Certificate Holders by the exchange.

    After trading resumed, losses in the benchmark index deepened. The KSE-100 Index was down 13,050.63 points, or 8.29 percent, from the previous close.

    Selling pressure was recorded across multiple sectors during the early session. These included automobile assemblers, cement, commercial banks, oil and gas exploration companies, oil marketing companies, power generation firms and refineries.

    Several index-heavy stocks also traded in negative territory during the session. These included MCB Bank, Meezan Bank, National Bank of Pakistan, Mari Energies, Oil and Gas Development Company, Pakistan Petroleum Limited, Pakistan State Oil, Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited, Sui Southern Gas Company and Hub Power Company.

    The benchmark KSE-30 Index also fell more than five percent from its previous close during the session, which activated the exchange’s automatic market halt mechanism alongside the drop in the KSE-100.

    The selloff came as investors reacted to a surge in global crude oil prices. The increase in oil prices has raised concerns about fuel costs, production expenses and inflation in the economy.