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  • Coach has lost faith in THIS player, says Basit Ali after Pakistan’s defeat to Afghanistan

    Coach has lost faith in THIS player, says Basit Ali after Pakistan’s defeat to Afghanistan

    Former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali has launched a blistering attack on wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Haris following Pakistan’s defeat to Afghanistan in the Tri-Nation Series taking place in UAE, accusing him of playing “senseless cricket” and losing the trust of the team’s management.

    Speaking on his YouTube channel, Basit said Haris keeps repeating the same mistakes and once again played an irresponsible shot to give his wicket away to Mohammad Nabi.

    “Haris got out to Nabi. My question is, Nabi was brought on specifically to bowl to a left-handed batter, but instead, you get out to him. This shows you have no cricketing sense. You’re playing senseless cricket, just swinging for a six to look like a hero,” Basit said.

    He further criticised Haris’s approach, stressing that even the coach does not appear to back him anymore, pointing to his continually declining batting position.

    “Heroes aren’t born overnight; they are made through hard work. Haris has been handed everything on a platter. When the pitch is tough, the openers step up, but look at what’s happening against Bangladesh, he was batting at six or seven, and the same thing happened here.

    “When a player slips from number six to number seven, it’s clear the coach doesn’t trust him either,” Basit explained.

    In the match, Afghanistan opted to bat first and posted 169/5 in 20 overs, powered by a 113-run stand between Ibrahim Zadran and Sediqullah Atal. Zadran made 54 off 39, while Atal scored 64 off 45.

    Faheem Ashraf starred with the ball for Pakistan, grabbing career-best figures of 4/27, while Saim Ayub chipped in with a wicket. Pakistan, however, faltered in the chase and finished on 151/9.

    Haris Rauf offered late resistance with an unbeaten 34 off 16, smashing four sixes. Fakhar Zaman (25), Agha Salman (20), and Sahibzada Farhan (18) also contributed but could not anchor the innings.

    Afghanistan’s bowlers shared the spoils, with Fazalhaq Farooqi, Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi, and Noor Ahmad taking two wickets each.

    Despite the result, Pakistan stayed on top of the table with four points, while Afghanistan moved into second place. Hosts UAE remained winless at the bottom.

    Pakistan will next face UAE at the same venue on Thursday.

  • Court extends Ducky Bhai’s physical remand for the fifth time

    Court extends Ducky Bhai’s physical remand for the fifth time

    A court in Lahore has extended the physical remand of popular Pakistani YouTuber Saad-ur-Rehman, popularly known as Ducky Bhai, for the fifth time, granting the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) two more days of custody.

    Rehman is under investigation for allegedly promoting illegal gambling applications through his YouTube channel. The case was filed by the state on August 17 under multiple sections of Pakistan’s Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016, including electronic fraud, forgery and spam, along with Pakistan Penal Code sections 294-B and 420.

    During the court hearing, the NCCIA argued that forensic analysis of seized electronic devices is still going on.  Rehman’s lawyer contested the need for extended custody, claiming financial records could be obtained without detention and questioning the actual monetary harm caused to users.

    Despite objections, Rehman stated through his lawyer that he had no issue with further remand if it helps complete the investigation. The court urged the agency to expedite its probe.

    Meanwhile, the court ordered the agency to complete its investigation against the YouTuber as soon as possible.

    It is expected that the agency will finalize its ongoing investigation during this remand and Rehman will be formally produced in court again at the end of this extended remand.

    The outcome of the investigation may have broader implications for social media regulations and influencer accountability in Pakistan.

    Earlier, Ducky Bhai had filed an appeal against a Lahore judicial magistrate’s decision to extend his physical remand to the NCCIA

  • Indian man sentenced to death for burning wife alive over skin colour

    Indian man sentenced to death for burning wife alive over skin colour

    An Indian man has been sentenced to death for burning his wife alive because of her “dark skin”.

    According to reports, a court in Udaipur handed death sentence to Kishan Das for pouring a brown-coloured solution on his wife Lakshmi under the pretense that it would make her skin fairer, then setting her on fire back in June 2017.

    Before her death, Lakshmi recorded statements for the police, doctors and an executive magistrate, saying, “My husband used to constantly taunt me for my dark skin.”

    Lakshmi told authorities that she married Das in 2016 and that he regularly called her “kali”, which means dark-skinned. On the night of the attack, he handed her a solution, saying the “medicine” would make her skin “beautiful”.

    When she applied the solution, her body began to burn and Das allegedly poured more liquid on her before setting her on fire and fleeing.

    Later, Das’s parents and sister took Lakshmi to the hospital where she succumbed to her injuries.

    The court described Das’s actions as crimes against humanity and sentenced him to death.

  • ‘Pakistan’s PM is more educated than ours’: Indians react to Shehbaz vs Modi SCO interactions

    ‘Pakistan’s PM is more educated than ours’: Indians react to Shehbaz vs Modi SCO interactions

    Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif’s fluent English address to Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday in Beijing and cordial interaction with world leaders have sparked a debate across the border. 

    Many Indian netizens expressed envy, wishing their premier Narendra Modi could communicate with world leaders in the same way as the Pakistani PM did. 

    The meeting between PM Sharif and President Putin was held during their visit to China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council of Heads of States (CHS) summit a day ago.

    Sharing a video featuring PM Shehbaz and President Putin on X (formerly Twitter), one Indian user wrote, “So, Pakistan[’s] PM is more educated than ours…India desperately needs an educated PM.”

    Indians were then quick to troll PM Modi in the comment section. “So, what? He [Shehbaz Sharif] can’t laugh in 103 languages like ours [Narendra Modi],” a user quipped.

    “Pakistan’s PM shows his degree, India’s PM hides his,” said another, referring to the Delhi High Court’s recent decision to set aside a 2016 order by the Central Information Commission (CIC) that had directed Delhi University (DU) to disclose details of Modi’s degree.

    “But of course, he [Shehbaz Sharif] can never compete with Modi Ji’s world-class talent of bursting into laughter at absolutely nothing, pure leadership goals!” mocked another one. 

    Meanwhile, one person highlighted that Shehbaz “speaks fluently in six languages (Urdu, Punjabi, English, Arabic, German, Sindhi) and has basic knowledge of four others (Turkish, Chinese, Russian, Pashto), making a total of ten”.

    Indian users also shared many other clips of what they said were Modi’s awkward moments with world leaders at the SCO Summit.

    “Forcefully grabbing other leaders’ hands, and laughing on anything as he doesn’t understand even basic English have become hallmarks of Modi’s disastrous foreign policy. He does this to fool the fools in India! (sic)” said Ashok Swain, professor at Uppsala University, Sweden, sharing Modi’s video showing him grabbing the hands of Chinese President XI Jinping and President Putin and laughing heartily. 

    Another user towed the professor’s comment, asking, “Why is he forcibly holding hands? Both leaders, Putin and Jinping, are looking uncomfortable. This illiterate, mannerless…man brings embarrassment everywhere.”

  • Momina Iqbal takes a dig at politicians for ‘content creation’ at flood sites

    Momina Iqbal takes a dig at politicians for ‘content creation’ at flood sites

    Actor Momina Iqbal has taken a dig at political figures producing “high-quality social media content”, and urged social media personalities to leave their respective platforms as they might feel outshined.

    “I request all TikTokers, YouTubers and actors to leave their social media platforms as all our politicians have joined social media and they are doing it better than us. Especially their content creators and camera men,” she wrote in an Instagram story.

    On a very serious tone, she added, that people were not fools. “We know they go to their constituencies for just 10 to 15 minutes and vanish afterwards.”

    “They will protect us?” she questioned.

    In reference to recent rains and floods in major parts of the country, she said that politicians live in their “palaces and they would not know the pain of a common man who have built their homes with sweat and blood”.

    Pakistan is facing one of its worst monsoon flood seasons in decades as relentless rains and flash floods devastate homes in both Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP).

    The catastrophe has revived memories of the catastrophic 2022 floods that submerged a third of the country, displaced millions and caused billions in damages. This year, the simultaneous flooding of three major rivers in Punjab for the first time in history has worsened the crisis.

    Earlier, Pakistani actress and singer Arifa Siddiqui also shared a video of the damage to her home due to flood water.

  • Drug smuggling suspect surrenders in Supreme Court fearing ‘encounter’ by CCD

    Drug smuggling suspect surrenders in Supreme Court fearing ‘encounter’ by CCD

    Citing fears of an “encounter” or extra-judicial killing at the hands of Punjab’s new Crime Control Department (CCD), drug smuggling suspect Fayyaz alias Bhola has surrendered to the Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) after the Supreme Court (SC) rejected his bail plea.

    Earlier, Fayyaz’s lawyer, Mazhar Iqbal Sidhu, told the court that his client feared being killed by the CCD as such incidents were taking place in the province on a daily basis.

    He alleged that “innocent people” were being “targeted” – in reference to suspects being shot dead “by their accomplices” in custody of the brand-new force.

    The lawyer also mentioned that one individual had been taken from jail and killed in an alleged encounter.

    While the prosecutor assured the court that the ANF was a responsible agency and did not engage in illegal activities, Justice Hasan Azhar Rizvi observed that authorities had recovered 10 kilograms of drugs and a drone from the suspect.

    Fayyaz has faced charges since August 2023, when Lahore authorities filed a case against him for smuggling 10 kilograms of drugs.

    His surrender comes amid concerns about the CCD’s actions as the Lahore High Court (LHC), in July this year, directed Punjab Inspector General of Police (IGP) Dr Usman Anwar to explain why, in CCD “encounters”, only the accused were struck by bullets while police vans and officers remain unharmed.

    Chief Justice Aalia Neelum issued summons while hearing Farhat Bibi’s petition, alleging her son, Ghazanfar Aslam, was killed in a staged police encounter on April 22. The petitioner sought protection for her other son, Ansar Aslam, detained in Sheikhupura jail.

    The CCD claimed officers opened fire after the van’s occupants attacked them, but Justice Neelum questioned, “How do bullets find detainees only, leaving officers and their vehicles untouched?” She noted the court receives over 40 petitions daily alleging staged custodial killings.

    Although the top LHC judge expressed provisional satisfaction with the report, she ordered IGP Anwar to conduct a comprehensive review of recent CCD operations and propose measures to prevent future abuses.

  • Scaloni drops hint Messi could retire after THIS match

    Scaloni drops hint Messi could retire after THIS match

    Legendary Argentine footballer Lionel Messi could be heading for the final chapter of his international career, with reports suggesting his last home match might take place on September 4. Argentina’s football manager, Lionel Scaloni, has also hinted at the possibility.

    The idea of Messi stepping away from international football remains almost unthinkable for fans, especially in Argentina.

    According to international media, the upcoming Argentina vs Venezuela match could be Messi’s last World Cup qualifying home game for the 2026 World Cup, making it potentially his final major tournament appearance for the national team. Many fans believe this could mark the end of Messi’s international career.

    In an interview, Scaloni hinted at Messi’s decision but clarified, “There has been no official announcement yet. Until he is with us, we should enjoy him. What will happen, will happen.”

    He added, “Messi has achieved everything in his life. He has the right to decide when to stop playing. This is not an easy decision, just like it wasn’t easy for me to retire. We must give him freedom because it is his right.”

    Messi himself recently said that the match against Venezuela will be “very special” for him, as it could mark a historic farewell on home soil.

    Fans worldwide are eagerly awaiting confirmation, hoping to witness one last masterpiece from one of football’s greatest icons.

  • ‘Don’t stress over expensive dresses’: Mawra Hocane has wedding advice for women

    ‘Don’t stress over expensive dresses’: Mawra Hocane has wedding advice for women

    Pakistani actress Mawra Hocane has shared heartfelt advice for brides-to-be regarding their wedding attire.

    Speaking at the launch of a fashion brand, Mawra advised young women to not stress over their wedding day outfits and to wear whatever suits their budget and comfort.

    She emphasised that brides shouldn’t compare themselves to others or feel pressured by how expensive someone else’s bridal dress was. “You’re the bride, whatever you wear, you’ll look beautiful,” she said.

    Talking about her in-laws, Mawra revealed that she didn’t always appreciate the value of family heirlooms, but she felt immense happiness wearing her mother-in-law’s dress and grandmother-in-law’s jewelry on her wedding day.

    She also expressed her wish to pass down these heirlooms to her future daughter or daughter-in-law.

    It is worth mentioning the Sabaat couple, Mawra and Ameer Gilani, got married in Lahore back in February this year. The pictures of their wedding were loved by followers who were already waiting for the wedding announcement.

  • Samiya Hijab breaks silence on relationship claims with alleged stalker

    Samiya Hijab breaks silence on relationship claims with alleged stalker

    Following the arrest of her alleged stalker Hassan Zahid, social media influencer Samiya Hijab has broken silence on her relationship with the accused and hit out at trolls posting old pictures of the two claiming she received gifts and cash from him.

    Taking to Instagram, Samiya said that no woman should be forced to remain in an abusive relationship or marriage.

    She said that everyone supported her when she reported the abduction attempt and police were swift to respond. “But some people questioned how I came back… ‘you must have been in a relationship with that man’… is it allowed to abduct someone even if you are married to them?”

    Samiya revealed that the accused did propose marriage to her. “At first, I ignored it. But when he formally sent a proposal through his mother, I agreed to consider it. I made it clear that I would only get married after four or five years. He is claiming to have given me gifts and money. Other than a gold ring, he hasn’t given me anything and that too I returned.”

    On what went wrong, the social media star claimed that Zahid was abusive. “When we fix marriages, we take time… and if in the meantime we get to know that the other person is abusive and will hit you or kidnap you from your house… is it the girl’s fault? Should I have become someone who would have gone forward with marriage and get abused afterwards? Or is it my right to fight for myself?”

    Samiya also claimed that Zahid was a fraud with multiple cases filed against him. “Do you think a person like me, who earns herself, would have taken any money from Hassan Zahid, who himself is a thief?”

    “If he would have killed me, you all must have been supporting me just the way you did after Sana Yousaf was murdered. Even then some people were saying that Sana was in contact with her murderer. Who says that if you are in contact with someone, the person can come to your house and try to abduct you?” she asked the trolls.

    Samiya said her mother was sick and alone in the house when Hassan tried to abduct her. “I have the right to speak. That person tried to kidnap me from my house and was threatening me of acid attacks… he tried to kill me… he got inside my house and snatched my phone,” she recalled and urged people to not make it all even more difficult for her.

    In the end, she addressed young girls and told them to be brave. “If someone is threatening you or hitting you… please speak up or you will become one of those who died and did not get justice.”

  • PM Shehbaz, President Putin eye new high for Pak-Russia relations

    PM Shehbaz, President Putin eye new high for Pak-Russia relations

    Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif has met Russian President Vladimir Putin in Beijing, emphasising that Islamabad seeks to build a strong relationship with Moscow.

    “We respect your relation with India… but we also want to build very strong relations, and these relations will be supplementary and complementary for the good and for the progress and prosperity of the region,” PM Shehbaz told the Russian president as the two leaders met on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council of Heads of States (CHS) summit Tuesday.

    The premier highlighted that relations between Islamabad and Moscow have improved in recent years due to President Putin’s personal commitment and interest. He expressed the resolve that Pakistan was also keen to strengthen the bilateral relations further, adding that they were moving in the right direction.

    Underlining the significance of the trade corridor connecting Belarus, Russia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Afghanistan and Pakistan, the premier said that the initiative would boost regional connectivity and prosperity.

    He also expressed gratitude to the Russian president for supporting Pakistan, which was viewed as “a balancing act in the region”.

    Responding to Putin’s invitation to attend the SCO Heads of Government Summit in November, the premier said he was looking forward to it.

    Meanwhile, President Putin maintained that Pakistan has “always been a traditional partner” and remains as such in Asia, and Moscow “cherishes these ties”.

    He said that both sides had agreed to further their mutual relations, and bilateral trade needed to be enhanced.

    President Putin also extended his condolences to the people and the government of Pakistan on the losses suffered from catastrophes and natural disasters, including recent flooding.