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  • Spain considers World Cup boycott if Israel qualify

    Spain considers World Cup boycott if Israel qualify

    Spanish government officials have hinted they may pull their national team from the 2026 World Cup if Israel qualifies and competes in the tournament, foreign media reports said.

    The suggestion stems from Spain’s call for Israel to be excluded from international sports competitions as penalty for its genocide in Gaza.

    Spain, a favorite to win the upcoming tournament, holds a strong position in qualifying. Despite this, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has pushed for Israel’s exclusion, comparing the situation to the ban imposed on Russia by FIFA and UEFA after its invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

    Sanchez, speaking to his Socialist Workers’ Party, stated, “Israel cannot continue to use any international platform to whitewash its image.” His comments follow a UN commission report that concluded there are reasonable grounds to believe Israel has carried out four of the five acts of genocide defined under international law in Gaza.

    The ongoing conflict began with a Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. Israel’s subsequent military actions have resulted in a significant number of Palestinian deaths. 

    Patxi Lopez, a spokesperson for the Socialist Group in Spanish Congress, suggested the government could vote to boycott the World Cup if Israel competes. He echoed Sanchez’s sentiments, urging sports associations to “exclude” Israel.

    When asked about a potential withdrawal, Lopez said they would “consider it later” and could make a formal request “at the appropriate time” if no action is taken.

    Spanish government spokesperson and Minister of Sports, Pilar Alegria, also called for Israel’s exclusion, stating that “Sport is not, and cannot be, an island independent of what happens in the real world.”

    Other European nations have also considered similar actions. A prominent Spanish broadcaster has threatened to boycott next year’s Eurovision Song Contest if Israel participates, a move that follows similar announcements from organizations in the Netherlands, Ireland, Slovenia, and Iceland.

    Israel is currently third in its qualifying group for the World Cup, a position that keeps its hopes for a play-off spot alive. 

    FIFA and UEFA have not yet publicly responded to the Spanish officials’ comments.

  • EXCLUSIVE: Ayesha Omar says Lazawal Ishq ‘is not a dating show’

    EXCLUSIVE: Ayesha Omar says Lazawal Ishq ‘is not a dating show’

    Pakistani actress and model Ayesha Omar has firmly denied reports that her upcoming Urdu-language reality programme Lazawal Ishq is a dating show. 

    In an exclusive conversation with The Current, Omar addressed the growing controversy and backlash surrounding the show’s concept, particularly on social media, and clarified that the show’s intention had been misrepresented by several media outlets.

    “Some news outlets are claiming that I said it is a Pakistani dating show but that’s not true. Not once did I say it is a dating show,” Ayesha said, emphasising that the show was not inspired by Western dating formats such as Love Island.

    She clarified that it was centered on meaningful communication and long-term relationship building aimed at marriage. “Yes, the promo has been getting all kinds of feedback and speculation. [But] it is not a dating show at all. It is not about dating… it is about finding a life partner for marriage.”

    Omar elaborated that while the format involved participants living in a villa, the setup respected cultural values with gender-segregated floors and separate dorms.

    “It is a Turkish show, but as it is in Urdu language and for our audiences, it is in accordance with our norms, values and culture. These young adults are living in a villa but they will be having their own living spaces… they have their own dorms. A floor for girls is separate while a separate floor is assigned to the boys. They also have their own dressing spaces. Only the lounge, kitchen and the poolside are shared and that is where they will interact with each other.”

    Omar also pointed out that similar formats have aired on Pakistani television before where young adults live in the same premises but maintain separate sleeping arrangements, and described Lazawal Ishq as an insightful social experiment focused on communication.

    She said the show would revolve around interaction and verbal communication just like people get into at colleges, universities, parks or theaters. “Only this kind of interaction is being shown and actually, this is a very good experiment. This is an overview of how young people communicate, what mistakes they make or how they rectify them.”

    On the format, she further said that no pre-decided couples were involved and relationships would form naturally as participants get to know each other with the ultimate goal being marriage.

    “Couples are not already made by us. Those who are participating, after knowing each other through communication, will get into dedicated relationships for marriage and that is the premise of the show. The games they will be playing will be based on communication,” she said, adding that the show could serve as a valuable learning experience for young people in Pakistan.

    Omar’s clarification comes after the show’s teaser revealed that Lazawal Ishq will feature four men and four women living together in a luxurious villa in Turkey, with their interactions, conflicts and emotional growth being recorded. She was seen in the teaser enjoying the scenic views and entering a lavish bungalow, describing the show as a search for eternal love and a reflection of emotional trials.

    Lazawal Ishq will stream exclusively on YouTube and not be broadcast on traditional television. It is expected to run for approximately 100 episodes, featuring challenges, games, alliances and conflicts, ultimately leading to the selection of a “winning couple”.

    The airing date is yet to be announced.

  • Sky Garden: Karachi’s Bold Step into the Future of Urban Living

    Sky Garden: Karachi’s Bold Step into the Future of Urban Living

    Karachi has long been a city of contrasts bustling streets and quiet neighbourhoods, iconic heritage and modern towers, endless energy and fleeting stillness. But with the unveiling of Sky Garden’s model apartment, the city is being offered a glimpse of what its future could look like: a lifestyle where living, working, and leisure all come together under one skyline. Unlike conventional high-rises that focus solely on apartments or offices, Sky Garden is designed as a self-contained ecosystem. Think of it as a miniature city within Karachi one that seamlessly blends luxury residences, corporate spaces, and vibrant social hubs.

    Living at Scale

    At the heart of Sky Garden lies Sky Residence, the development’s residential masterpiece. Its two towers Nexus and Pento are not just buildings but bold statements in design and scale.

    Nexus Tower offers two types of apartments, 3 Bedroom at 3,900 sq. ft., and 4 Bedroom at 4,130 sq. ft., the kind of space rarely seen in urban Pakistan. Every detail, from private lobbies and dedicated elevators to separate staff quarters, has been crafted to maximize both comfort and exclusivity.


    For those who believe “bigger is better,” Pento Tower takes the idea to new heights. Full-floor residences stretch up to 8,840 sq. ft., with select duplexes even featuring in-unit lifts. A single-unit penthouse on the top floor spanning up to 42,000 sq. ft., making it one of the largest in the world. Add in wellness perks like the Sky Spa, women-only gyms and pools, and a resort-style terrace, and it’s clear this isn’t just about space it’s about lifestyle.


    Where Work Meets Ambition

    Karachi’s professionals often juggle the chaos of long commutes and congested business districts. Sky Exchange reimagines the corporate experience by putting a sleek, 16-floor office tower right inside the development. With its full-floor and half-floor offices, rooftop venue, and basement parking, it’s an environment built for productivity minus the usual city hassles.


     

    A Boulevard for the City

    But perhaps the most exciting element is Sky Village the lifestyle and retail heart of the project. Imagine a gated, walkable boulevard lined with boutiques, concept stores, and gourmet destinations. Now add Karachi’s first alfresco dining promenade, with open-air cafés and fine dining under the stars. It’s designed not just for residents, but as a new destination for the entire city. A place where shopping, dining, and community life come alive.


    More Than Real Estate

    Sky Garden isn’t just another high-rise project. It’s a statement about what Karachi’s future could be: a city that doesn’t just grow vertically, but grows thoughtfully. By fusing residential luxury with corporate convenience and lifestyle vibrancy, it sets a precedent for integrated living in Pakistan.

    As the model apartment opens its doors, Sky Garden stands as more than just a project. It is a vision, a promise that Karachi’s skyline, and its way of living, are ready for a new chapter.


    About Riviera Group

    Riviera Group is a premium real estate developer operating in both Pakistan and Dubai, known for creating residential and commercial projects that blend modern design with quality construction. In Pakistan, Riviera Group has successfully delivered multiple projects, including the iconic West Wind Estates, Hawaiian Homes, Technocity, and The Residence. In Dubai, the Group has expanded its presence with developments that reflect the same standards of excellence. With Sky Garden, the Riviera Group continues its vision of creating integrated communities that redefine urban living by bringing together residential, corporate, and lifestyle spaces within one destination.

    For more information:

    Website: https://rivieragroup.pk/skygarden

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rivieragrouppk/

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rivieragrouppk/?hl=en

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rivieragroupinternational/

     

  • Bollywood copies Pakistani song in Sonam Bajwa’s ‘Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat’

    Bollywood copies Pakistani song in Sonam Bajwa’s ‘Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat’

    A newly released Bollywood song from the upcoming film Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat, featuring Sonam Bajwa and Harshvardhan Rane, has sparked controversy, not for its choreography or cinematography, but for what many online are calling outright plagiarism.

    The song, a new version sung by Neha Kakkar and released on September 15, 2025, is being compared to the Pakistani hit Bol Kaffara Kya Hoga, originally released in February 2021 by BOL Beats as the OST of a Pakistani drama.

    Meanwhile, social media users were quick to react, pointing out striking similarities between the two tracks. Side-by-side video comparisons flooded platforms, with many accusing the Bollywood production of lifting the melody and concept without proper credit. “Is this Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat or Bol Kaffara,” one user asked, while others labeled the move creative theft rather than an inspired rendition.

    Directed by Rajeev Bhatia, Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat is a romantic drama that explores obsession, love, and betrayal. The film is scheduled for theatrical release across India on October 21, 2025.

  • Taurees Habib becomes second Pakistani to win Grammy

    Taurees Habib becomes second Pakistani to win Grammy

    Musician Taurees Habib has made history by becoming the first Pakistani to win a Grammy in the field of sound engineering — and only the second Pakistani ever to receive the prestigious award.

    Originally notified of the award in February, Habib chose to keep his achievement private until the iconic golden gramophone finally reached his home. On Tuesday, he unveiled the award on social media, expressing both gratitude and pride in a heartfelt Facebook post.

    “I’m so incredibly honoured to have received this for my work on Dune: Part Two, and to be the first Pakistani to receive this for engineering and only the second Pakistani ever to win a Grammy,” wrote Habib.

    “It’s crazy to walk into my living room and see this thing just sitting there. I’m so lucky to have gotten to go along for the ride with all the people on our team who put their blood, sweat, and tears into bringing @hanszimmer ‘s vision to life,” he added.

    The Grammy was awarded for Best Score Soundtrack for Visual Media (Includes Film and Television), recognizing his engineering contributions to the Hans Zimmer-composed soundtrack for Dune: Part Two. The trophy is engraved with: “Taurees Habib, Engineer. Best Score Soundtrack for Visual Media — 2024, Dune: Part Two (Hans Zimmer).”

    Habib shared a video on Instagram capturing the emotional moment he unboxed the award. “So something happened this February, and I haven’t really talked about it. It felt like one of those things that’d be better to show than tell about,” he said before revealing the Grammy and placing it on the table with a proud gesture.

    With this landmark achievement, Habib now stands alongside singer Arooj Aftab as one of only two Pakistanis to ever win a Grammy.

  • Sydney Sweeney offered Rs16 billion for Bollywood film

    Sydney Sweeney offered Rs16 billion for Bollywood film

    Hollywood star Sydney Sweeney has reportedly been offered a staggering INR530 crore deal (approximately $56 million and PKR16 billion) to make her debut in a major Bollywood film.

    The offer, which includes both an acting fee and brand sponsorship tie-ups, would make her one of the highest-paid foreign actors ever approached by the Indian film industry.

    According to multiple media outlets, the proposed film is a big-budget international collaboration that will feature shooting locations across London, Paris, New York, and Dubai. The storyline is said to revolve around a cross-cultural romance between an American celebrity and an Indian superstar — with Sydney expected to play the lead female role.

    The project is reportedly backed by a top-tier Bollywood production house, though the producers have chosen to remain unnamed for now. If the deal goes through, the film is expected to begin production in early 2026 and would likely be released in both Indian and global markets.

    Meanwhile, Indian media outlets claim that Sweeney was initially “stunned” by the scale of the offer, calling it an “unbelievable opportunity” that could mark a major career move. The actress, best known for her roles in Euphoria and Anyone But You, is reportedly reviewing the script and scheduling before giving her final nod.

    As of now, Sweeney or her team has not officially confirmed the news.

  • Five Indian sponsored terrorists were sent to hell during operation: ISPR

    Five Indian sponsored terrorists were sent to hell during operation: ISPR

    Security forces have killed five terrorists during an intelligence-based operation (IBO) conducted in Balochistan’s Khuzdar district, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement on Wednesday.

    The military’s media wing stated that on the night between 14 and 15 September, security forces carried out an intelligence-based operation in Khuzdar on reported presence of terrorists “belonging to Indian proxy”.

    “During the conduct of [the] operation, own forces effectively engaged the terrorists’ location, and after an intense fire exchange, five Indian sponsored terrorists were sent to hell,” added the ISPR.

    The military media wing further said that weapons, ammunition and explosives were also recovered from the terrorists, who remained actively involved in numerous terrorist activities in the area.

    “Sanitization operation is being conducted to eliminate any other terrorist found in the area, as the security forces of Pakistan are determined to wipe out the menace of Indian sponsored terrorism from the country, and reaffirm the nation’s unwavering resolve to bring the perpetrators of terrorism to justice.”

    The operation took place days after 35 terrorists were killed during two separate engagements in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s (KP) South Waziristan and Bajaur districts between Sept 10 and 13.

    Pakistan has in recent months been experiencing a surge in terror incidents, particularly in KP and Balochistan. After withdrawing from a ceasefire agreement with the government in November 2022, the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) intensified assaults on security forces, police and other law enforcement personnel.

    Fitna al Khwarij is being used to refer to terrorists belonging to the outlawed TTP, while Balochistan-based groups are referred to as Fitna-al-Hindustan to highlight India’s alleged role in terrorism and destabilisation across the country.

  • World’s fastest man Usain Bolt says he gets out of breath climbing stairs

    World’s fastest man Usain Bolt says he gets out of breath climbing stairs

    Usain Bolt, the fastest man in the world, is finding that life after retirement is a new challenge. The 39-year-old Jamaican, who retired in 2017, recently revealed in an interview that he now struggles to climb stairs.

    Bolt admitted that he gets out of breath when going up stairs, saying, “Climbing stairs has become a challenge.” The eight-time Olympic gold medalist shared details about his post-retirement life, which now focuses on his family.

    He said he spends most of his time with his children. “I usually get up before they go to school and watch them leave. After that, what I do for the rest of the day depends on my mood.”

    Bolt said that if he has no specific plans, he just relaxes at home. “I stay home and watch movies and series,” he said. “I also enjoy Lego, so I build Lego sets. I hang out with the kids until they start bothering me.”

    When asked about his fitness, Bolt emphasized the importance of exercise and acknowledged his need to get back in shape. “I need to start exercising regularly again,” he said. “I don’t like going to the gym, but I’ve been away from running for a long time, so I think I really need to start running again.”

    Bolt announced his retirement in 2017. He holds multiple world records, including for 100-meter, 200-meter, and 4×100-meter relay races.

  • Mawra Hocane embraces viral ‘Hug My Younger Self’ AI trend

    Mawra Hocane embraces viral ‘Hug My Younger Self’ AI trend

    Pakistani actress Mawra Hocane has joined the viral “Hug My Younger Self” trend powered by Google’s Gemini Nano Banana feature, which has taken social media by storm.

    The trend allows users to generate AI-crafted images of their present selves embracing their childhood versions, resulting in a touching blend of nostalgia and creativity.

    Taking to Instagram, Mawra shared a series of AI-generated images featuring her younger self. In a heartfelt caption, she wrote, “I love this trend… I’ve always looked at my younger self and been able to appreciate everything we’ve learnt & unlearnt along the way… and most importantly we’ve helped each other heal and continue to do so… I often hear myself address my younger self lovingly when I see a picture of myself… I am not her yet her & I are the same. P.S. grateful to my fanfam for creating this, best fans in the world please stand up.”

    The feature, available on the Google Gemini app, has become widely popular across Pakistan and India. Users can participate by uploading a current photo and a childhood picture to the app, and entering a prompt such as “click a cute polaroid picture of my older self-hugging my younger self.” The AI then generates an emotional portrait within seconds.

    Gemini’s growing popularity has pushed it to the top spot on both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store, surpassing even OpenAI’s ChatGPT. The app’s viral features, especially on platforms like Instagram and X, have driven its rapid rise in downloads.

    In India, several celebrities have also engaged with the trend. Actress Alia Bhatt shared an AI-generated image of her younger self with the caption, “Sometimes we just have to reach out and hug our inner 8-year-old. Thank you for this one,” adding, “I can’t. The younger one would be so proud today.”

    Other stars including Deepika Padukone, Katrina Kaif, and Priyanka Chopra have been featured in similar fan-made images.

    However, the trend has also sparked debate over digital rights and the unauthorized use of celebrity likenesses. Reports suggest that Bollywood figures like Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Abhishek Bachchan, and Karan Johar are considering legal action in response to AI-generated content created without their consent.

    Many Pakistani social media users are also concerned that the images could be used for wrong purposes.

  • From Saeed Ajmal to Hafeez: Pycroft’s controversial past with Pakistani cricketers resurfaces

    From Saeed Ajmal to Hafeez: Pycroft’s controversial past with Pakistani cricketers resurfaces

    The recent controversy surrounding International Cricket Council (ICC) match referee Andy Pycroft’s alleged instructions to the Pakistani captain to forgo a handshake with his Indian counterpart at the Asia Cup toss has brought to the surface the rather contentious history between the Zimbabwean official and Pakistan cricket.

    According to reports, Pycroft’s name has long been associated with disciplinary actions against key Pakistani players, particularly concerning suspect bowling actions, igniting questions about a potential pattern of scrutiny.

    Pycroft’s most prominent confrontations with Pakistani cricketers date back to 2014, a year that saw two of Pakistan’s frontline bowlers reported under his watch. The first major incident involved star off-spinner Saeed Ajmal. Following the first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle in August 2014, Pycroft, acting as the match referee, officially reported Ajmal for a suspected illegal bowling action.

    This report initiated a formal ICC review, which ultimately led to Ajmal’s suspension from international cricket, a career-altering blow for the spinner who was at the peak of his powers.

    Just months later, in November 2014, Pycroft was once again at the center of attention involving another Pakistani all-rounder, Mohammad Hafeez. During the first Test against New Zealand in Abu Dhabi, Hafeez’s bowling action was also reported by Pycroft. This report triggered another independent assessment, culminating in Hafeez’s suspension from bowling in international matches.

    While Hafeez would later remodel his action and return to bowling, the incident marked a significant disruption to his career, and it was Pycroft who initiated the official proceedings.

    These past run-ins with Pakistan cricket have resurfaced amid the current handshake controversy, adding more weight to the PCB’s demand for Pycroft’s removal from the Asia Cup.

    The PCB has officially threatened to boycott the tournament if their demand is not met. So far, no official confirmation has come regarding a withdrawal, and the team is scheduled to play its final group stage match against the UAE today.

    All eyes are now on Pakistan to see if they will continue playing or pull out of the tournament. A boycott would automatically eliminate them from the competition and open the door for the UAE to qualify for the Super Four stage.