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  • Prince Harry ‘regretful and embarrassed’ over interview with Oprah Winfrey

    Prince Harry ‘regretful and embarrassed’ over interview with Oprah Winfrey

    Prince Harry is reportedly “embarrassed and regretful” over his and wife Meghan Markle’s bombshell interview with Oprah Winfrey. The interview plunged the monarchy into its biggest crisis since Princess Diana’s death in 1997.

    Read more – Prince Harry’s exit had been a long time plan of another member of the royal fam

    Duncan Larcombe, author of Prince Harry: The Inside Story, told the UK’s Closer Magazine that Harry is probably feeling “regretful and embarrassed” after disclosing his family issues in front of the whole world. The biographer believes while Meghan seemed “in her element”, Harry “clearly looked numb and torn” upon leaving back for Los Angeles after attending late Prince Philip’s funeral ceremony.

    Larcombe is convinced that the 36-year-old Duke of Sussex and his wife may have a problematic marriage in the future because Harry will remain nostalgic about the royal life which he has given up while Meghan will keep enjoying her life in LA which had been her longtime dream.

    Duncan justifies Harry’s anger towards the Royal family as his “hot-headedness”.

    “Harry was clearly hurt and angry about Meghan’s experience with the royals — and used the interview to get it out,” said Duncan. “But after returning home, I’ve no doubt he’s been feeling embarrassed, regretful and awkward. He’s now facing the consequences. I believe he’ll regret that interview — and maybe his decision to leave the royal family.”

    “Coming home has reminded him of everything he’s sacrificed in recent years — and of the recent damage done,” added the author.

    When asked what his predictions are about Harry’s future equation with his family, the expert said: “I can’t see how Harry can live this new life and keep things harmonious with his family,” adding that it will be a “lose-lose situation.”

    “I just don’t think that Harry will be able to live harmoniously as a part of these two worlds — the royals and the LA showbiz world.”

    Duncan warns Harry of embarking on a “very difficult” journey due to his decision of marrying Markle and bidding farewell to his Royal roots.

  • Robber raids McDonald’s with fake gun, demands chicken nuggets

    Robber raids McDonald’s with fake gun, demands chicken nuggets

    A robber broke into a McDonalds branch in England and demanded chicken nuggets at gunpoint using a fake gun.

    CCTV cameras caught the entire incident and the video shows 22-year-old Rudi Batten entering the food outlet with a fake gun. The incident took place in Gloucestershire county of England.

    According to reports, Batten claimed to have a gun and forced a manager to give him access to the store’s safe.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iNvKaMx2y6U&t=69s

    On his way out, Batten demanded staff present to give him some of the fast-food franchise’s famous chicken nuggets but the restaurant was only serving items from its breakfast menu as it was too early in the morning.

    Since he could not wait for the nuggets to be cooked, Batten took a double sausage McMuffin instead.

    Batten stole more than $600 from the restaurant. He was identified by CCTV cameras and he later turned himself in to authorities. It was discovered that instead of an actual gun, Batten had been threatening his victims with an unloaded .177air pistol.

    Read more – Man arrested for dating 35 women at once to get multiple birthday gifts

    While a judge recently sentenced him to six years in prison, Batten said that he had committed the robbery to pay back a debt. His lawyer said that he was ashamed and embarrassed by his actions.

  • Ramzan dramas: On-screen couples with killer chemistry

    Ramzan dramas: On-screen couples with killer chemistry

    Take a flashback to the past few years, we have been observing the trend of airing sitcoms or romantic-comedy dramas on different channels during the month of Ramzan. Although this trend initially received much criticism. However, with the passage of time, people have started to enjoy watching these entertainment packages. Chupke Chupke and Tanaa Banaa of HUM TV are giving us laughter dose after every Iftaar, while Geo TV has given Ishq Jalebi

    These dramas are offering comedy, controversies and family politics but they’ve also given us four delightful on-screen couples. Zain and Zoya from Tanaa Banaa, Hadi and Mishi, Meenu and Faazi/Ustaad Jee from Chupke Chupke and Basim and Bela from Ishq Tamasha.

    Zain and Zoya

    Zain (Danyal Zafar) is a young boy who fell in love with Zoya (Alizeh Shah) at first sight. The couple has interesting chemistry with Zain expressing all his love for Zoya and Zoya just starting to realise that how much Zain loves her. While Zoya is stubborn, Zain is a loving and caring husband. The two are poles apart and this keeps the drama interesting.

    Hadi and Mishi

    Arslan Naseer is playing the role of Hadi while Aymen Saleem is acting as Mishi in Chupke Chupke. There is a unique hidden chemistry between this couple that was initially growing in the form of one-sided love. But now that Hadi has also fallen in love with Mishi, this love story has taken a new turn and one of the reasons why you tune into Chupke Chupke every night.

    Meenu and Faazi /Ustaad Jee

    Ayeza Khan is playing as Meenu and Osman Khalid Butt is playing as Faaz aka Meenu’s Ustaad Jee. Faaz used to teach Meenu so she calls him Ustaad Jee. However, in a strange turn of event the two ended up getting married and while they were initially embarrassed by this development, they are now slowly beginning to catch feelings.

    Faaz, who didn’t like Meenu for her carelessness and ignorance towards studies, is now falling for her innocence. Meenu too has started to like him and their cute ways of showing affection is making the drama more interesting. With many twists and turns, their wedding is at stake and everyone is eager to see what will happen next and what new problem will arise for the newly weds.

    Basim and Bela

    Ishq Jalebi stars the Madiha Imam and Wahaj Ali in leading roles. Basim who is on the lookout for a shortcut to go abroad is in cahoots with Bela (Madiha Imam). She is his sidekick, best friend, and partner in crime in all that he does and also his maternal cousin who was orphaned as a child and lives with them. While Basim may not have realised how much Bela truly loves him, we the audiences can definitely see it and are absolutely loving the chemistry the two have with each other. With scenes that will make your heart have a happy dance, these two stars are a treat to watch and we’re anxious to see what Ishq Jalebi has in store for them next.

    While each couple has its own charm, my favourite has to be Meenu and Faazi. Both Osman and Ayeza have brought Meenu and Faazi to life brilliantly. Very much like Faaz, I used to detest Meenu and didn’t want him to marry her. But as the story progressed, I am also enjoying their naivety, blamelessness and non-romantic fondness. Looking forward to seeing how they will cross all obstacles among them and finally become husband and wife.

  • Indian man turns rickshaw into oxygen-equipped ambulance, serves people for free

    Indian man turns rickshaw into oxygen-equipped ambulance, serves people for free

    An Indian auto-rickshaw driver in Bhopal has converted his vehicle into an ambulance to help take people to the hospital for free. 

    According to reports, Javed’s rickshaw turned ambulance has been equipped with an oxygen cylinder, sanitizers, and other medicines to help COVID-19 patients.

    India has reported the maximum number of deaths in the past few days amid a surging second wave as people are helpless in saving the lives of their loved ones infected with the virus.

    34-year-old Javed Khan explained how he was traumatized by the plight of the people, who were not even able to get ambulances on their way to the hospital. 

     “I saw on social media and news channels how people were being carried to hospitals due to the shortage of ambulance. So I thought of doing this,” said Javed, while speaking to ANI.  

    He said he discussed the situation with his family who suggested him to convert his auto into an ambulance.

    Read more – Bollywood stars step in to support India’s battle against COVID

    However, due to the lack of resources, he had to sell his wife’s jewelry to finance the additions to his auto. 

    “I sold my wife’s jewelry for this. I queue up outside a refill center and get oxygen,” said Javed. “My contact number is available on social media. People can call me up if there’s no ambulance. I’ve been doing this for 15-20 days now and have taken nine serious patients to the hospital.”

  • India struggles to breathe

    India struggles to breathe

    A video has been making rounds on social media, where a person can be seen begging and crying for an oxygen cylinder. Like him, millions of Indians are struggling to find oxygen for their loved ones amid a devastating second wave of coronavirus.

    According to report, the second-largest populated country in the world has had 3,498 deaths reported in the last 24 hours.

    The BBC has documented the breaking points of Indian hospitals and crematorium, which has left hospitals in India overwhelmed. Donations have been pouring in to India from all over the world and in different cities, the Indian Army is setting up temporary hospitals and making its medical staff available to fight the deadly Covid 19.

    While talking to CNN, Narendra Taneja, a spokesman for the ruling Indian Party Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) said that, “We are in power, we are the government in India so of course responsibility is first and foremost ours, good or bad, whatever it is. It is our responsibility and we’re trying our very level best.” The BJP came under fire when despite the several warnings, large mass rallies held between March and April ahead of state elections.

    Earlier this week, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi thanked US President Joe Biden and President of Russia, Vladimir Putin, for their help and support.

    From Pakistan, in a letter to Indian PM Modi, Managing Trustee of Edhi Foundation Faisal Edhi offered to arrange all the necessary supplies. He stated,” As a neighboring friend, we sympathize with you greatly and during this strenuous time, we would like to extends our help in the form of a fleet of 50 ambulances along with our services to assist you in addressing, and further circumventing the health conditions.”

    The Indian government has advised all its citizens to get vaccinated as soon as possible. According to experts, a double mutant variant is adding fuel to India’s crisis as there are 243 cases every minute.

  • South African, Brazilian variant of COVID-19 detected in Karachi

    Minister for Health and Population Welfare Sindh Dr Azra Fazal Pechuho has alerted citizens that the South African and Brazilian variant of COVID-19 has been detected in samples taken by the Agha Khan University (AKU).

    In a video message, the minister said: “13 samples were studied yesterday in Agha Khan University Hospital. 10 UK, two African and a Brazilian variant were found.”

    Dr Pechuho further said that South African and Brazilian variants have a high fatality rate and that these variants are not vaccine responsive.

    The doctor warned that those infected with these new found variants can get severely ill.

    She further urged people to stay indoors, avoid gatherings and Eid shopping.

    The minister also added that if citizen continue with such carelessness, hospitals and medical centres will be overburdened as “we have seen in India”. She added that if the virus begins to spread, it will become difficult to control it.

    Last year in December, Pakistan reported three cases of the new strain of coronavirus that first emerged in the United Kingdom, prompting countries to ban travel with the UK.

    Pakistan is experiencing a deadly third wave of Covid-19, with the positivity rate at an all-time high. According to the National Command and Operations Centre (NCOC), 5112 cases and 131 deaths were recorded in the country in the last 24 hours.

  • Mawra Hocane sends love to Neetu on Rishi Kapoor’s first death anniversary

    Mawra Hocane sends love to Neetu on Rishi Kapoor’s first death anniversary

    Mawra Hocane has sent love to Neetu Kapoor on Rishi Kapoor’s first death anniversary.

    Commenting on Neetu’s post in which she remembered her late husband, Mawra Hocane posted three hearts to extend her love and prayers.

    “All of last year has been of grief and sadness around the world for us maybe more as we lost him,” wrote Neetu, alongside a black and white picture of her and Rishi.

    “Not a day has gone by when we have not discussed or reminisced him as he was an extension of our existence. Sometimes his wise advice, his wisecracks, his anecdotes,” she continued. “We have celebrated him all year with a smile on the lips as he will stay in our hearts forever we have accepted life will never be the same without him.”

    Kapoor’s daughter Riddhima Kapoor Sahni also remembered her late father, saying: “If only I could hear you call me mushk once more.”

    Rishi Kapoor passed away on April 30, 2020 in Mumbai after a two year long battle with cancer.

    Adnan Siddiqui also remembered Kapoor, saying: “The man who remained young at heart till his last moments, who loved life, the most swashbuckling romantic hero Bollywood ever had. #RishiKapoor sahib you may be gone but you live in our hearts forever.”

    Meanwhile, our Pakistani celebrities who got a chance to meet with the actor shared pictures of themselves with the romantic hero and remembered him.

    Humayun Saeed threw it back to the time they met Kapoor to cast him in Jawani Phir Nahi Aani 2.

    “He was the best of the best,” wrote Humayun.

    Mawra Hocane shared a picture of when she met him in New York.

    “You shall continue to be the legend that you are. I’ll always remember you fondly,” said the actor.

    Zeba Bakhtiar recalled the time she shot the film Henna with the actor and wrote, “You were a superstar for us. RIP dear Rishi…my Chander Prakash. You are and forever will be in our hearts!”
    Azaan Sami Khan thanked him for always supporting and pushing him to achieve better. While other celebs who paid a tribute to the late actor include Sajal Aly, Mahira Khan, Zara Noor Abbas, Imran Abbas, Saba Hamid, Yasir Hussain, Shaan, Waqar Younis and Shoaib Akhtar among others.
  • PEMRA fines ‘Time Out with Ahsan Khan’ Rs 500,000 for using animals as props

    PEMRA fines ‘Time Out with Ahsan Khan’ Rs 500,000 for using animals as props

    The Pakistan Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) has slapped a fine of Rs 500,000 to Express Entertainment’s celebrity talk show Time Out with Ahsan Khan for using animals as props.

    Lawyer Faizullah Khan Niazi, who filed a “self-explanatory” complaint before the regulatory body on behalf of Santia Gulzar against the TV channel and show announced PEMRA’s decision on social media and shared a copy of the order.

    “PEMRA saw fit to accept my arguments and impose a fine on Express Entertainment for using animals as props for the purposes of entertainment in its show Time Out with Ahsan Khan,” wrote Niazi on Twitter.

    “The Council of Complaints (CoC) [in it’s 106th meeting] upheld the rights of animals and stopped unnecessary pain and suffering being caused to them,” added the lawyer.

    https://twitter.com/niazi_faizullah/status/1387733747433365504?s=19

    “The Council after hearing the matter was of the considered view that the treatment towards animals in this specific show caused unnecessary pain and suffering to the animals used as props in the show. Subjugating animals to such uncalled-for treatment is clearly prohibited under Article 4 and Article 9 of the Constitution of Pakistan,” read PEMRA’s order.

    Abuzar Khan Niazi, who is a Managing Partner at Lahore-based Crown Law Chambers also shared the judgment on social media, saying that the “treatment metted out to rabbits has been declared illegal and unconstitutional”.

    Chairperson Child Protection and Welfare Bureau Punjab and a Spokesperson of the Punjab Government Sarah Ahmad hailed the decision, calling it a “landmark judgement on animal rights”.

    Earlier in March, Crown Chambers had filed a complaint before PEMRA against Express Entertainment and the show for using animals as props.

    “The captioned TV show has broadcasted insensitive and reckless content committing negligence and cruelty towards animals by subjecting them to unnecessary suffering and thereby, also mentally disturbing the general public at large,” the complaint had read.

    For one of its segments, Time Out with Ahsan Khan used rabbits as props. The segment features a series of multiple-choice questions and if the celebrity answers a question incorrectly, a rabbit is placed on their lap. While some may see this as a harmless act, celebrities like Maya Ali were seen screaming out of fear. The complainant felt that this causes distress to the animal and accounts as animal cruelty.

    Meanwhile, Ahsan Khan while speaking exclusively to The Current responded to the controversy, saying: “Let me clarify. These rabbits are basically pets and the person who owns them brings them to the set. When they are on set, we make sure that they are well-fed and taken care of and are not facing any issues. They are not uncomfortable at all. The person whose pets they are keeps them indoors and they are very easy to play with.”

    Araam say haathon main aa jaatay hain,” explained Khan.

    The actor then said that being a pet lover he is very careful with the animals on set and cares for them.

    “I myself am a pet lover,” said Ahsan. “I have dogs at home. I have cats. I also have parrots and hens and they are all like my own children. We try to provide them with comfortable environments. So naturally, we are very careful with the animals – all of us on set.”

    He further said that after the show invited backlash for “using animals as props,” he and his producer decided to avoid it.

    “My producer and I thought that if this is hurting people and they are not liking it, then we can avoid it. So we have cut out the segment in the last three to four episodes we’ve recorded,” stated Ahsan, clarifying that the ones which included the animals were shot before.

    “Although this segment is one of my favourites because this is the only one in which we discuss general knowledge, which not only educates my guests but also those who are watching the show. Whoever gives a wrong answer has to hold the pet in their lap,” he shared. It is pertinent to add here that the male guests usually enjoy petting the animals but the female guests are scared of them and often jump around screaming when asked to hold them.

    “We on our end have been very careful with handling them, but if some people don’t like it then we, including my producers and all can apologise to them,” concluded Khan. “It’s a mutual thing. If something is not right, we should look into it.”

  • Sheheryar Munawar apologises for attending birthday party amid pandemic

    Sheheryar Munawar has apologised for attending a birthday amid the deadly third wave of the coronavirus in Pakistan. The actor was recently spotted at Fahad Mirza’s 40th birthday celebrations, where he was photographed sans mask enjoying a candid moment.

    After he was called out for being irresponsible, Sheheryar Munawar, in a statement apologised for his actions, saying: “Last week I went to wish my neighbour on his birthday on an invitation I had accepted two weeks prior.”

    Munawar said that he was not expecting such a crowd and left five minutes after wishing the birthday boy.

    “In a candid moment I was asked to take my mask off and pose for a picture,” continued Sheheryar. “Rightly so, I was called out for doing that and not following the SOPs. There is no justification for my actions and I stand corrected.”

    Taking full responsibility, Sheheryar apologised for his “ignorance, lapse in judgement and lack of better sense” and thanked his social media family for “keeping my moral compass in check”

    “Times are tough and we must all follow SOPs outlined by the government,” added the actor before extending prayers for those affected.

    Later, while responding to a social media user, Munawar asserted that there are “no justifications for my actions”.

    It is pertinent to mention here that Munawar had tested positive for COVID-19 when Pakistan experienced its first wave.

    Meanwhile, Mirza’s birthday party was an extravagant affair with many celebs including wife Sarwat Gilani, Zeba Bakhtiar, Frieha Altaf, and Mansha Pasha in attendance. After pictures from the celebrations went viral on social media, people present at the event were heavily criticised for not following the SOps.

    Frieha had defended the celebrations, saying: “First of all, it was a very small gathering and it was on an open rooftop. All SOPs were followed, there were masks, temperature checks at the gate and I believe most of the guests already vaccinated or had antibodies.”

  • NA-249 by-poll: Others cry foul as PPP clinches victory in unexpected turn of events

    Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) came out on top after a close contest with the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) in NA-249 (Karachi West-II) on Thursday.

    According to unofficial results, PPP’s Abdul Qadir Mandokhel, in an unexpected turn off events, won the race against PML-N’s Miftah Ismail close behind.

    The NA seat was created in 2018 by amalgamating neighbourhoods that previously fell in two Upper House constituencies — NA-239 and NA-240 — during three general elections between 2002 and 2013.

    The constituency, with 339,591 registered voters, has emerged to be a highly contested seat with candidates belonging to almost every major political party fighting for it.

    Prominent candidates in the run were Miftah of PML-N, Pak Sarzameen Party (PSP) chief Syed Mustafa Kamal, Amjad Afridi of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Qadir of PPP, Mohammad Mursaleen of Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) and Mufti Nazeer Ahmed Kamalvi of Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP).

    Contrary to pre-poll surveys, the PTI was unable to reclaim the seat fallen vacant after Faisal Vawda’s resignation.

    The PTI, instead, couldn’t even make it to top three.

    Earlier, when Miftah was in the lead, PML-N Vice President Maryam Nawaz claimed that the “masses know who exactly is responsible for their troubles and woes”.

    “I have said it earlier and I will say it again, Imran Khan and PTI will not be able to campaign and if they do, this is how they will be welcomed,” she said.

    Her remarks were in response to a video shared by former journalist Talat Hussain showing PTI candidate for NA-249 Amjad Afridi being heckled by voters of the constituency.

    Earlier, taking strict notice of PTI lawmakers’ presence in the NA-249 constituency during the by-poll, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) directed them to leave.

    According to details, six PTI MPs Firdous Shamim Naqvi, Raja Azhar, Saeed Afridi, Bilal Ghaffar, Shah Nawaz Jadoon and Shahzad Awan were found to be violating the code of conduct by being present in the constituency during polling hours.

    The ECP issued their expulsion orders, directing police to expel them from the constituency.

    Since after the surprising turn of events, rigging allegations are pouring in against the ruling PPP of Sindh.