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  • Javed Akhtar hits back at Bushra Ansari; blames Pakistan for Muslims’ troubles in India

    Javed Akhtar hits back at Bushra Ansari; blames Pakistan for Muslims’ troubles in India

    Despite tensions between Pakistan and India dying down, a war of words between celebrities on either side is continuing with Indian screenwriter, lyricist and poet Javed Akhtar responding to veteran Pakistani actress Bushra Ansari’s jab.

    Bushra had earlier this month taken a jibe at a “so-called writer” in India as tensions brewed between the two countries and viral videos showed Indian celebrities training guns at Pakistan. “He was just waiting for an excuse. He cannot even get a house on rent in Bombay. He’d say anything for his survival,” she had said without naming the writer.

    “Even Naseeruddin Shah is quiet… others are staying silent too… why can’t he?” she had questioned without naming the “so-called writer” but it had come following a viral video that showed Akhtar demanding strict action in response to last month’s Pahalgam attack.

    At least 26 people were killed in a terror attack in the Pahalgam area of held Kashmir when unidentified gunmen had opened fire on innocent tourists on April 22. India had alleged Pakistani involvement – an allegation denied by Islamabad while offering independent probe – and later launched cross-border strikes. The attacks had led to intense clashes between the two countries till a ceasefire was agreed to with the help of United States (US) amid heavy losses on the Indian side.

    “Who are you to give me advice? Who gave you the right over me? Why are you expecting me to stay quiet? I might have 25 problems, but I am an Indian when it comes to her,” Akhtar said while calling out Bushra in an interview with The Lallantop on YouTube.

    While he confirmed the claim that his wife Shabana Azmi was 25 years ago denied a flat in Mumbai for being a Muslim, he said the “bitterness” in Hindus was rooted in their treatment in, and exit from, Sindh during the time of Partition back in 1947.

    “If the owner of the property did not sell us the flat, it was because of you [Pakistan],” he said.

    The interview comes days after Akhtar drew the ire of Pakistanis when he said he would rather go to hell than to Pakistan. “People from both sides abuse me,” he said at the launch of Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut’s new book ‘Narkatla Swarg’ in Mumbai on May 17.

    “One calls me a Kaafir (apostate), saying I will go to hell. The other calls me a jihadi, asking me to go to Pakistan. So, if I only have a choice of going either to hell or to Pakistan, I would rather like to go to hell,” he had said, overlooking the hospitality he received on all his trips to the country, including the latest in 2023.

  • ‘I haven’t quit acting’; Sonya Hussaiyn breaks silence on rumours

    ‘I haven’t quit acting’; Sonya Hussaiyn breaks silence on rumours

    Actress Sonya Hussaiyn has finally clarified rumours about her career, saying she “has not quit acting” and “does not intend to,” but has simply reduced her workload for now.

    A few days ago, Sonya stirred conversation during an interview when she said that if her future husband doesn’t allow her to work in showbiz after marriage, she would consider leaving acting. She also mentioned that since she is now moving into production, she “doesn’t plan to act for too long.”

    Following that interview, speculation spread across social media suggesting that Soniya had decided to leave acting altogether. Addressing the rumours, the actress has now set the record straight.

    In a recent interview with a social media influencer, she explained, “I haven’t left acting, and I don’t intend to. I’ve just reduced it for now.”

    Sonya also spoke about the difference between acting and producing, stating, “Production is a better and more meaningful kind of work.”

    She also discussed her upcoming horror film Deemak, revealing that the film has been handled with care because “almost the entire team consists of senior professionals.”

    Addressing rumours about her role in the film, she clarified, “I’m not playing a witch, but yes, my character does have some negative shades.”

    Responding again to the question of quitting acting, Sonya reiterated, “Since I’ve stepped into production, I’ve cut down on acting for a while, but I haven’t said goodbye to it.”

  • Australian woman sets Guinness World Record with 7,079 pull-ups in 24 hours

    Australian woman sets Guinness World Record with 7,079 pull-ups in 24 hours

    A fitness enthusiast from Australia has made headlines by completing a staggering 7,079 pull-ups within 24 hours, setting a new Guinness World Record.

    As per the details, the extraordinary achievement, which is nearly double the previously recognised record, comes from Kandy Cummins of Wagga Wagga in New South Wales, who set the new record between May 29 and May 30.

    Her relentless effort showcased exceptional physical strength, mental toughness and determination.

    Although Australian lifeguard and Ironman Cain Eckstein had completed 7,620 pull-ups back in 2016, his attempt was never officially recognised by Guinness World Records. This left the officially acknowledged record much lower, which Kandy successfully surpassed.

    To achieve this feat, Kandy underwent months of rigorous training, discipline, and strategic planning. “This wasn’t just a physical challenge; it was a mental and emotional battle, too,” she said while talking about her journey.

    “It wasn’t just for me. I wanted to show girls and women that they too can achieve some of the toughest physical feats in the world,” Kandy added.

    The record-setting performance stands not only as a personal triumph but also as a powerful milestone in the global recognition of women’s fitness and determination.

  • Pakistan delegation coming to US next week for tariff talks: Donald Trump

    Pakistan delegation coming to US next week for tariff talks: Donald Trump

    US President Donald Trump has revealed that a Pakistani delegation will visit the United States (US) in the coming week, likely to hash out the terms of a trade and tariff deal.


    Pakistan currently enjoys a trade surplus with the US amounting to a staggering $3 billion . However, the Trump administration threatened Pakistan’s export earnings by announcing a 29 percent tariff on Pakistan last month.


    While tariffs are currently suspended, Pakistan could face their full weight if authorities do not attempt to soften trade conditions. According to a press release by the Ministry of Finance (MoF), formal negotiations began via a phone call between Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb and US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer. 


    As per reports, reciprocal tariffs remained the key point of discussions. If negotiations yield positive results, it could safeguard a vital inflow of foreign exchange, shielding the current account balance from widening.


    Reports indicate that Donald Trump has reiterated his anti-war rhetoric, outlining how he does not intend to make a deal with either Pakistan or India in the event of a war breaking out. Earlier this month, he took to social media to take credit for mediating a ceasefire between the two belligerent countries.


    His remarks follow India’s unprovoked aggression against Pakistan following a militant attack in Pahalgam, Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu & Kashmir. Reports reveal that Indian aggression led to the neutralisation of five Indian jets alongside heavy economic losses to both countries.


    Speaking to news crews after departing Air Force One at Joint Base Andrews, he reportedly announced that “we’re very close (to) making a deal with India”. As per reports, US-India trade relations are expected to normalize with both sides expected to ink an interim agreement in July. 


    Details released by the Pakistan Institute of Development Economics (PIDE) paint a bleak picture for the economy in case the US does not revise the 29 percent tariff it has imposed on the import of Pakistani goods. According to PIDE, Pakistan will suffer from a loss of foreign exchange inflows amounting to $1.1 to $1.4 billion per annum if tariffs are not reversed.


    Even if the tariff is reduced, the trade deficit may still widen as long as the tariff remains above zero. This is because the imposition of a tariff will serve to make Pakistani goods more expensive in the US market.

  • Congress leader acknowledges Pakistan’s diplomatic gains after stand-off with India

    Congress leader acknowledges Pakistan’s diplomatic gains after stand-off with India

    Congress leader Pawan Khera acknowledged on Friday that the foreign policy of Pakistan has scored major wins after it’s military stand-off with India. He stated that no country, including New Delhi’s traditional friend Russia, came out in the open to support its attack on Pakistan.

    While Turkey, China and Azerbaijan came openly in support of defending Pakistan’s territorial integrity and sovereignty, no country officially issued a statement supporting India’s aggression against Islamabad earlier this month.

    “Not one country issued a statement in your [India] favour after its strikes in Pakistan. Our traditional friends did not issue a statement in our favour,” the Congress leader said while speaking to ANI News.

    He further stated that since Operation Sindoor, Kuwait lifted visa restrictions on Pakistan, adding, “Iran and Gulf countries are signing MOUs with Pakistan.”

    He then pointed towards Russia signing an MOU with Islamabad on reviving Pakistan’s steel mill, a real worth billions of dollars. “The most shocking aspect” for India. Russia has been our decades-old friend. Where has the relationship gone wrong?”

    “This is the result of your failed foreign policy,” he stated, lambasting Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. 

    Khera then criticised the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) led failed foreign policy, saying that even Colombia issued a statement paying tribute to all people in Pakistan who had died in India’s attack earlier this month.

    The Colombian government had offered condolences to Pakistan over the civilian deaths in the Indian missile strikes in multiple cities in Pakistan, including Bahawalpur and Muridke, on the night between May 6 and 7.

    In response to India’s cowardly missile attack, Pakistan Air Force (PAF) reacted swiftly, downing multiple Indian Air Force (IAF) fighter jets, including three 4.5-generation Rafales.

    Politicians in India have raised concerns over the BJP-led government’sdiplomatic isolation. Earlier, India’s Leader in the Opposition Rahul Gandhi called it a “collapse” and posed three questions to External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar regarding the diplomatic outcomes following hostilities with Pakistan and the subsequent ceasefire.

    On May 23, in a post on X (formerly Twitter), he asked why not a single country backed India in condemning Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack and who asked US President Donald Trump to “mediate” between the two nations.

    He further asked, “Why has India been hyphenated with Pakistan?”

    In his post, Gandhi also tagged Jaishankar’s recent interview with Dutch broadcaster NOS during his visit to The Netherlands.

  • Babar Azam caught in heated exchange with fans, video goes viral

    Babar Azam caught in heated exchange with fans, video goes viral

    A video of former Pakistan cricket captain Babar Azam involved in a tense exchange with fans has been circulating on social media.

     The incident reportedly occurred outside a mosque following Jumma prayers. While it remains unclear what exactly provoked the heated moment, Babar appears visibly upset in the footage, prompting a wave of online reactions.

    Some users were quick to criticise, with one commenting, “Hum ne socha tha Babar bhai Ricky Ponting banege lekin ye to Rajab Butt ban rahe hain.” 

    Others, however, jumped to the star batter’s defence, suggesting that the public often crosses boundaries and invades personal space.

    “This can’t be the entire story. That fan must have done something, and I know they often do,” one user wrote. Another added, “Jahil log kabhi nahi sudhr sakte, Babar hamesha izzat karta hai apne fans ki.”

    According to sources familiar with the situation, Babar regularly visits this mosque when not representing the national team. Eyewitnesses claimed the crowd became unruly after spotting the cricketer, with some fans reportedly trying to approach him for selfies aggressively. 

    It merits mention that Babar Azam has been dropped from the ongoing T20I series against Bangladesh.

    Babar’s public confrontation isn’t an isolated case. In 2024, fast bowler Haris Rauf found himself in a similar situation while visiting the United States with his wife. A fan allegedly hurled disrespectful comments at Rauf’s family after the pacer declined to take a photo. A video later emerged showing Haris confronting the individual, visibly angry and emotionally charged.

    Rauf addressed the situation on social media, stating, “As public figures, we are open to receiving all kinds of feedback from the public… Nevertheless, when it comes to my parents and my family, I will not hesitate to respond accordingly.”

    Earlier this year, star pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi also faced trouble when an overenthusiastic crowd caused chaos during a charity match in Lahore. While attempting to leave the venue, Afridi was mobbed by fans, some even tried to pull his shirt to take selfies.

  • Crypto is not illegal, just unregulated, clarifies State Bank

    Crypto is not illegal, just unregulated, clarifies State Bank

    The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has clarified the legal status of cryptocurrencies and other virtual assets in its latest press release. According to the details, digital assets are not illegal in Pakistan but remain unregulated due to the absence of a legal framework.

    Issued on May 30, 2025, the press release has addressed recent media reports regarding discussions during the 14th meeting of the National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Finance and Revenue. The SBP explained that it had advised banks, microfinance institutions, exchange companies, and other regulated entities back in 2018 to avoid dealing in virtual assets (VAs). 

    This was not done because digital assets were illegal, but because there were no legal or regulatory protections in place at the time. “This was done to protect its regulated entities and their customers from the risks emanating due to the absence of legal and regulatory framework for VAs in the country,” the SBP stated.

    The central bank also confirmed that it is now working with the Ministry of Finance and the Pakistan Crypto Council to develop a formal regulatory framework for virtual assets. “We understand that the legal and regulatory framework would provide the requisite clarity and legal coverage about the VAs, ensuring consumer and investor protection,” the statement added. 

    For now, cryptocurrencies remain in a legal grey area, but the SBP’s clarification suggests that Pakistan is inching toward regulation rather than an outright ban. Over the past few months, the federal government has actively been taking measures to adopt and regulate cryptocurrencies and digital assets.

    Earlier this week, in a bid to integrate digital assets into the formal economic structure of the country, the Pakistan Crypto Council (PCC) revealed Pakistan’s first-ever government-led Strategic Bitcoin Reserve. According to reports, PCC Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Bilal Bin Saqib made the announcement during a keynote speech at Bitcoin Vegas 2025 in Las Vegas, United States.

    Pakistan has taken initiatives to support digital asset growth, mentioning how the federal government recently allocated 2,000 megawatts of surplus power to crypto mining and to power artificial intelligence data centres.

    However, critics remain sceptical, outlining how crypto may accelerate the outflow of foreign exchange from the domestic market, leading to a crisis. This is because cryptocurrencies could make it easier for capital to leave the country undetected, especially in the absence of a proper regulatory framework.

  • ‘Stay within your limits’: Kamran Akmal hits back at Babar Azam’s father

    ‘Stay within your limits’: Kamran Akmal hits back at Babar Azam’s father

    The feud between former Pakistani cricketer Kamran Akmal and Muhammad Azam Siddiqui, the father of master batsman Babar Azam, has gone up a few notches after Siddiqui’s recent Instagram post appeared to take a personal dig at Akmal. 

    The dispute began when Kamran Akmal said on a podcast that Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan should now focus only on Test cricket and be phased out of T20Is and, eventually, ODIs. Akmal said that both players are more suited to the longer format and questioned their place in the white-ball setup.

    In response, Babar Azam’s father shared an old photo of himself with Babar and Kamran Akmal, along with a caption that indirectly addressed Kamran’s criticism. He reminded Akmal of a past match where Babar scored a century and Kamran was dismissed for zero, implying that those who talk behind the backs of successful people do so out of failure. He also referenced a Turkish proverb comparing brothers to the biblical story of Abel and Cain, further intensifying the tone of the message.

    Now, Kamran Akmal has replied by posting the same photo on his Instagram story and writing down a stern warning. 

    “May Allah bless you with even more success and respect. Being silent is not an option every time, especially when false narratives are being spread,” he wrote.

    He urged Babar’s father to be cautious with his words, adding, “I kindly ask that you think twice before speaking or posting about me without facts. My parents have taught us never to be jealous of anyone, and Alhamdulillah, I’ve proudly represented my country and performed with dignity.”

    Kamran also drew a line, stating, “There are clear boundaries, and you’ve crossed them more than once; stay within your limits. Don’t lose your respect by continuing down this path.”

    He concluded with a reminder that cricket should remain performance-based and not personal, saying, “Cricket is about performance, not personal agendas. And if you’re going to hint at someone, be clear: truth doesn’t hide in shadows. Pakistan humesha Zindabad.”

  • Pakistan, Sri Lanka declared joint winners of tennis tournament

    Pakistan, Sri Lanka declared joint winners of tennis tournament

    The final of the ATF South Asian Under-12 Tennis Championship between Pakistan and Sri Lanka was called off due to rain, resulting in both teams being declared joint champions. Both teams were awarded gold medals.

    The title clash was held in Colombo, where the Pakistani team remained undefeated throughout the tournament. In the first match of the final, Pakistan’s Rashid Ali defeated Sri Lanka’s V. Vithanurine in straight sets, winning 5-4, 4-0.

    The second match was underway between Pakistan’s Mohammad Shayan Afridi and Sri Lanka’s Amara Singhe. Both players had won one set each when rain interrupted play, making it impossible to continue the match.

    With no result possible, the organizers decided to declare both Pakistan and Sri Lanka as joint winners of the championship.

    Pakistan had a dominant run in the tournament, securing victories against Nepal, Bangladesh, the Maldives, and arch-rivals India on their way to the final.

    Pakistan has also qualified for the upcoming ATF Under-12 Asian Championship, which is scheduled to be held in Singapore in August.

  • Senior BJP leader admits Pakistan destroyed five Indian jets

    Senior BJP leader admits Pakistan destroyed five Indian jets

    Senior leader of India’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Subramanian Swamy, has admitted that Pakistan shot down five Indian Air Force (IAF) fighter jets during May clashes between the two countries – a claim Indian authorities had so far remained reluctant to verify. 

    As tensions ran high between the nuclear-armed neighbours, the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) on the night of May 6-7 shot down five IAF fighter jets, including three French-made 4.5 generation Rafales. The reports, despite being confirmed by foreign observers, had not yet been confirmed or denied by Indian authorities.

    Speaking at a press conference, Indian Air Marshal AK Bharti had said that “losses were a part of combat” and had not provided any details of the losses faced by India. “[I] would not like to comment as we are still in air combat situation. It will be [an] advantage for the adversary. We have achieved our objectives. All our pilots are back home,” he had said.

    “Pakistan downed five of our planes,” Swamy, however, confirmed during a podcast with YouTube channel Press Talks on Friday.

    When asked if China had played a role in downing the jets, Swamy said that it was indeed the case as the jets used by PAF were “Chinese-made”. He, however, dismissed claims that China was directly involved in a clash with India.

    “The Chinese planes were good… [French-made] Rafale is not up to the mark as per India’s needs,” he said and went on to allege corruption in the procurement process of the jets.

    Swamy also claimed that a probe into said corruption won’t be held for as long as Narendra Modi was the country’s premier. With Modi in power, no discussions or investigations will be conducted into the downing of the jets either, he said.