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  • ‘How are these teams going to compete with India?’: Ashwin mocks Asia Cup teams

    ‘How are these teams going to compete with India?’: Ashwin mocks Asia Cup teams

    Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has taken a dig at teams participating in the ongoing Asia Cup, saying the tournament lacked competitiveness and could not serve as a proper build-up to the 2026 T20 World Cup. 

    Speaking on his YouTube channel before India’s opening clash against the UAE, the 38-year-old said the gap between India and the rest of the teams was too wide.

    “They can almost include South Africa and make it an Afro-Asia Cup to make the tournament competitive. As it is now, they should probably include India A for it to be some contest. We’ve not even talked about Bangladesh because there is nothing to talk about. How are these teams even going to compete against India?” Ashwin said.

    He went on to add that Asia Cup could only work as a warm-up at best for the 2026 T20 World Cup, which India and Sri Lanka will host together. “This tournament isn’t some major yardstick for it. Even against the so-called threat of the Afghanistan bowlers, if India bat well and score 170+, who will Afghanistan chase this down with? It’s nearly impossible. The only way to defeat India is by somehow restricting them to 155 on a good day and then chasing it down. Normally, a T20 is thrilling, but India will likely make even that one-sided in this Asia Cup.”

    The Asia Cup began on Sept 9 in Abu Dhabi with Afghanistan thrashing Hong Kong by 94 runs in the opening match.

    While Ashwin downplays the significance of the tournament, some Indian media reports claim that high ticket prices are also dampening its appeal. 

    According to the Indian media, premium packages on platforms like Viagogo and Platinumlist have slowed demand this year. The unusually slow sales of tickets also mark a rare sight for the Pakistan-India clash on Sept 14, which has long been one of the most-awaited sporting events worldwide.

  • Child YouTuber Shiraz uses vlogging income for the best purpose

    Child YouTuber Shiraz uses vlogging income for the best purpose

    In a heartwarming display of community spirit and generosity, Pakistan’s youngest YouTuber Muhammad Shiraz, known for his popular channel Shirazi Village Vlogs, has used his income from the streaming platform for a truly noble purpose.

    The child vlogger has transformed a broken down school in his village into a modern educational facility in Gilgit-Baltistan, all funded through his earnings from YouTube.

    Shiraz, who rose to fame by sharing charming and relatable videos of his rural life alongside his father and younger sister Muskaan, has captured the hearts of millions around the world. With his content earning him the prestigious YouTube Gold Play Button, Shiraz has now turned his success into a meaningful contribution for his community.

    In a recent Instagram reel, Shiraz shared an older video showcasing the poor condition of a local school in his village. He then revealed the newly constructed building, now equipped with modern classrooms, a playground, and swings for children.

    “People ask what I gained from social media… We turned a broken village school into a modern one,” Shiraz wrote in the caption of the video, which quickly gained widespread appreciation online.

    The young content creator also used the opportunity to encourage fellow influencers to use their platforms and earnings to bring about positive change in their communities. “Work hard and help others,” he urged.

    Shiraz’s initiative stands as a powerful reminder of how digital platforms, when used purposefully, can bridge the gap between personal success and collective betterment, especially in remote regions like Gilgit-Baltistan.

    Shiraz has built a community with 1.8 million subscribers and over 85 million views on his channel.

  • Khawaja Asif calls on Muslim countries to unite against Israel after Doha attack

    Khawaja Asif calls on Muslim countries to unite against Israel after Doha attack

    Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has called on Muslim countries to unite against the “rogue state” that is Israel, after it attacked Qatari capital Doha to assassinate Hamas leadership.

    It was the first such attack by Israel on Qatar, which has been a key mediator in ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas, and hosts the region’s largest United States (US) military base.

    With Qatar calling it a flagrant violation of international law and condemnations pouring in from around the globe, Asif in a post on X said it was time for Muslim countries to unite against Israel as its agenda was to “comprehensively deal with the Muslim world and neutralise whatever economic power they have”.

    “Thinking that going soft on Israel will keep them safe is a folly,” the defence czar wrote.

    Asif said that Pakistan was an “economically vulnerable state” but had a resolute government with valiant and professional armed forces, adding that the country had just recently confronted a five times larger state and “taught them a lesson”.

    “No one underwrites security for you, outside help matters, but invincibility comes from within,” he said.

    The post came shortly after Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif “strongly condemned the unlawful and heinous bombing in Doha by Israeli forces”.

    “Our deepest sympathies and solidarity are with the Emir, His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Qatari Royal Family, as well as the people of Qatar at this difficult time,” he said.

    Terming the Israeli act of aggression as “totally unjustified” and “a brazen violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Qatar”, the premier maintained that the aggression constituted a dangerous provocation that could imperil regional peace and stability.


     
    “Pakistan stands firmly with the State of Qatar, as well as with the people of Palestine against Israel’s aggression,” he concluded.

  • ‘Why can’t we be romantic’: Asma Abbas wants older women to have different roles

    ‘Why can’t we be romantic’: Asma Abbas wants older women to have different roles

    During a recent candid appearance on Ushna Shah’s talk show, veteran actress Asma Abbas shed light on the lack of romantic representation for older women in Pakistani television dramas and questioned the stereotypes surrounding married life in desi culture.

    “We’re very chill. Why can’t we have love stories,” she asked rhetorically. “Bushra Aapa got married, Samina Aapa got married… why can’t we be romantic? Have we been reduced to just arranging tea,” she said, referring to veteran actresses Bushra Ansari and Samina Ahmed, both of whom got remarried at a later age in life.

    The actress expressed frustration over how television rarely shows mature couples engaging in lighthearted or romantic conversations.

    “A husband and wife can have romantic conversations too. It’s not necessary that they only talk about children’s issues. Have you ever seen a husband in any drama say to his wife, ‘Let’s go for a drive’ or ‘Let’s go out for tea’? I don’t like what’s currently being shown,” she said.

    Ushna asked what sort of roles she likes more, to which she replied, “I like to play serious roles. Thank God that I was given a chance in one or two shows but I think if I can do comedy, then I can do written comedy. Bushra Aapa’s talent comes from inside, I don’t have that much. I am not like her, I enjoy more serious roles.”

    Ushna asked Asma if she had ever found a fellow actor attractive. “Yes, I can say that I might have, but there’s no one specific,” Asma responded honestly. Ushna pressed further, suggesting actor Farhan Ali Agha as an example. Asma smiled and said, “He’s younger than me and looks very decent. I look at him more like a younger brother.”

    When Ushna brought up names like Humayun Saeed and Adnan Siddiqui, Asma replied humorously: “They won’t accept it! Behroze Bhai might, but what kind of romance can you create with him? If I ever said something romantic to him, he’d say, ‘You’ll get a slap from me!’” She added, laughing, “But he’s very cute,” of the actor who’s mostly played comedy roles.

    On the mention of the debonair Javed Sheikh, Asma was full of praise: “Yes, Javed Bhai is very dashing.”

    Asma also spoke about her ongoing show titled Punjabi Kuriyaan (Punjabi Girls), where she plays the lead in a cultural talk-show format called Asma Aapa Ka Verra (Asma Aapa’s Courtyard). She invites guests and mentors two young, spirited girls named Chanko and Manko, who are depicted as relatives learning life skills under her guidance.

    “This show is very close to my heart,” she said with visible affection.

  • Flood victims say rescuers demanding Rs30,000 for transport to safety

    Flood victims say rescuers demanding Rs30,000 for transport to safety

    Rising water levels in the Chenab and Sutlej rivers has forced locals into evacuation at Jalalpur Pirwala. However, allegations have emerged that rescue workers are demandeding thousands of rupees from stranded residents to transport them to safety.

    The allegations surfaced when senior journalist and analyst Hamid Mir spoke to an affected resident in the area. “I have been waiting since 6 am. My family is trapped on the other side, hungry and thirsty, and I am helpless. I want just one boat to get them out, but Rescue 1122 workers are asking people for 25,000 to 30,000 rupees,” the man claimed.

    Rescue officials on the ground rejected the claims. One worker explained his own house had collapsed and his family had been stuck for four days. “I have not had the time to move them to safety. We are here to serve the people, and no rescue worker is asking for money. This is completely false.”

    “We have been evacuating people for 15 days. We have not seen such cases. If private boats are charging money, we have nothing to do with that.”

    Recent monsoon floods have devastated Pakistan, displacing over 2.2 million people across Punjab alone. The relentless rains, combined with water aggression from India, have submerged nearly 3,900 villages and triggered evacuations of more than 120,000 residents overnight.

    At least 61 lives have been lost in Punjab alone, with the nationwide death toll surpassing 900.

    The PDMA has issued urgent flood warnings for Sutlej, Ravi and Chenab rivers, labeling the next 24 to 48 hours as critically high-risk.

  • Queen Bobby meets OG Bobby: Viral Pakistani content creator gets nod from Bobby Deol

    Queen Bobby meets OG Bobby: Viral Pakistani content creator gets nod from Bobby Deol

    In a total fan-girl moment that left the internet cheering, popular Pakistani content creator Permit to Life (aka K. Khan) finally came face-to-face with the man behind her viral videos, the one and only Bobby Deol.

    The young digital satirist, known for channeling peak 90s Deol energy in her quirky reels, attended a recent event where the Baadal star himself recognized her with a knowing nod and took a selfie with her to seal the moment.

    The heartwarming exchange was captured on video, showing Permit to Life standing in the media line before calling out to the Bollywood legend. Bobby not only recognised her, but also posed for a quick picture, creating a reel-worthy real-life crossover.

    In the caption of the video, she wrote: “From making reels to being recognised by @iambobbydeol.” Fans flooded her comments with congratulations, celebrating her moment of digital-to-reality stardom.

    Actor and fellow digital creator Rabiya Kulsoom also praised her by saying, “King Bobby meets Queen Bobby.” Many were delighted that Bobby knows her from her videos.

    The content creator has made a name for herself with her signature blend of satire, nostalgia, and Desi pop culture homage with Bobby Deol at the center of it all. Her content often features dramatic recreations of old-school Bollywood music videos and hilariously exaggerated tributes to Bobby’s most meme-worthy performances.

    One of her most iconic uploads was a skit titled “POV: You’re getting robbed but you’re 90’s Bobby Deol”, featuring the banger Jeevan Mein Jaane Jaana from the 2000 film Bichhoo. With her caption — “Bobble itna k nishana lag hi nahi sakta! Saman bachao steps”, she perfectly encapsulated the over-the-top action hero antics fans grew up loving.

    But her content isn’t all nostalgia and dance moves. Permit to Life also uses her platform for sharp, satirical statements, often weaving in powerful social messages. From clapping back at genocide in Palestine to social hypocrisy, she delivers bite-sized activism wrapped in Gen Z humor.

  • Top PTI leadership gets another 10 years in jail; Khadija Shah gets 5, Qureshi acquitted

    Top PTI leadership gets another 10 years in jail; Khadija Shah gets 5, Qureshi acquitted

    An anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Lahore has sentenced senior Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders Dr Yasmin Rashid and Ejaz Chaudhry, besides 10 others, to a rigorous 10-year imprisonment in yet another May 9 rioting case while acquitting former foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi.

    As per the details, the leaders were sentenced in a case pertaining to the burning of police vehicles near Jinnah House in Lahore Cantonment.

    Ex-provincial minister for housing and urban development Mian Mehmood Ur Rasheed and former Punjab governor Umar Sarfraz Cheema were also among the leaders who were awarded 10 years’ imprisonment.

    The court also awarded a five-year sentence to former ruling party leader and fashion designer Khadija Shah.

    The development comes a month after the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) de-notified several PTI lawmakers, including the opposition leaders in the Senate and National Assembly, Senator Shibli Faraz and Omar Ayub Khan, respectively, following their convictions in May 9 cases.

    Said cases are linked to the violent protests that erupted across the country and continued for at least 24 hours following the arrest of PTI founder Imran Khan in 2023. The unrest included attacks on public property and military installations, such as the Corps Commander’s House in Lahore, also known as Jinnah House.


     
    While multiple PTI leaders and workers were released on bail after their arrests, several still remain behind bars.

  • From folk to future: Sanwal Esakhelvi reimagines father’s monster hit for Gen Z

    From folk to future: Sanwal Esakhelvi reimagines father’s monster hit for Gen Z

    In a bold move bridging generations of Pakistani music lovers, singer Sanwal Esakhelvi, son of the legendary Attaullah Khan Esakhelvi, has announced the impending release of a modern reimagining of his father’s iconic folk song Theva.

    The announcement, made on his Instagram account, promises a fusion of Gen Z beats, fresh lyrics, and a renewed energy while honouring the soul of the original.

    “’Theva’ — a timeless melody passed down to me from my father… Today, I honour that legacy with a brand new twist — Gen Z beats, fresh lyrics, and a vibe for the next generation. From tradition to transformation, this is Theva reimagined,” Sanwal wrote on his account.

    Attaullah Esakhelvi, known as the King of Seraiki Music, rose to fame in the 1980s with deeply emotional ballads that captured the hearts of millions. Some of his most unforgettable hits include Qameez Teri Kaali, Bewafa Tera Masoom Chehra,  Idhar Zindagi Ka Janaza Uthega and Sab Maya Hai.

    His rustic voice and soulful poetry turned him into a household name, especially across rural Punjab and the Seraiki belt, with a cult following that spans generations.

    Sanwal, who has carved his own path in the music industry, is no stranger to innovation. He made waves with his Coke Studio Pakistan appearance in Season 12, performing the hauntingly beautiful Mein Irada, a poetic piece that blended spoken word with ambient soundscapes. The performance was praised for its minimalistic yet powerful delivery, cementing Sanwal as a versatile artist.

    Apart from Coke Studio, Sanwal’s solo track Time also earned critical acclaim for its experimental production and introspective lyrics, making it a standout among Pakistan’s indie music scene.

    While the release date remains under wraps, anticipation is high. Sanwal’s version of Theva is expected to be more than just a cover — it’s a transformation. Listeners can expect a modern rework that blends the emotional depth of his father’s original with electronic textures, contemporary rhythm patterns, and perhaps even new lyrical elements.

    Fans are eagerly awaiting to see how Sanwal balances nostalgia with novelty, and how this new rendition might introduce Attaullah’s legacy to a younger, more global audience.

  • Man booked for loudly playing THIS popular Punjabi song in car

    Man booked for loudly playing THIS popular Punjabi song in car

    A First Information Report (FIR) has been filed against a man in Lahore for playing the popular Punjabi song “Jhanjhar di pawan chankar” at high volume in his car.

    The FIR, lodged on Monday at Nawab Town police station, states that the song was being played loudly in a silver 2012 Corolla GLI, which was stopped “with great difficulty” at a police checkpoint. Th incident occurred on Sunday at 08:45 am while the complainant, a police officer, along with other personnel, was on patrol.

    “A person was taken out of the car who identified himself as Danish Ali,” the FIR read, adding that when the man was asked about loudly playing the song, he replied that “This is my habit, as I often play songs from time to time”.

    The FIR further noted that Danish had violated Section 6 of the Punjab Sound System (Regulation) Act by playing music at such a high volume.

    The song in question was sung by the legendary singer Madam Noor Jehan, also known as Malika-e-Tarannum, the Melody Queen of Pakistan.

  • Gold prices reach all-time high of Rs384,000

    Gold prices reach all-time high of Rs384,000

    Gold prices soared to new all-time highs on Monday in both global and local markets, fuelled by a sharp rally in international bullion rates.

    Gold surged $61 per ounce on the international market, reaching a record high of $3,613. After briefly reaching a record $3,616.64 earlier in the day, spot gold was trading at $3,612.20 per ounce at 0841 GMT.

    The surge spilled over into Pakistan’s domestic market. In Karachi’s Sarafa Bazaar, the price of 24-carat gold shot up by Rs6,100 per tola, reaching an unprecedented Rs384,000. 

    The rate for 10 grams climbed by Rs5,230 to Rs329,219.So far this year, bullion has surged 37 percent building on a 27 percent rise in 2024. 

    Analysts attribute the rally to a weaker dollar, aggressive central bank buying, supportive monetary policies, and persistent global uncertainty.

    Other precious metals also saw slight increases: palladium rose 1.3 percent to $1,124.24, platinum rose 1.6 percent to $1,394.90, and silver rose 0.3 percent to $41.08 an ounce.