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  • Pakistan likely to face exclusion from Hockey Asia Cup 2025 in India

    Pakistan likely to face exclusion from Hockey Asia Cup 2025 in India

    India is reportedly preparing to exclude Pakistan from the upcoming Men’s Hockey Asia Cup 2025, scheduled to be held in Rajgir, India, during August and September this year. The tournament also serves as a key qualifier for the 2026 Hockey World Cup.

    According to media reports, diplomatic tensions between India and Pakistan have increased following the Pahalgam incident. As a result, India had previously refused to issue visas to the Pakistani hockey team and is now expected to prevent their participation in the tournament altogether.

    While the Asian Hockey Federation has not yet issued an official statement on the matter, Indian authorities are said to be firm in their stance against allowing Pakistan’s presence in the tournament.

    On the other hand, the Pakistan Hockey Federation has not commented on the situation so far. There has also been no official announcement from the Indian government specifically regarding Pakistan’s participation.

    Pakistan has a proud history in the Men’s Hockey Asia Cup, having won the title three times. The national team has participated in 11 out of 12 editions of the tournament, more than any other team, making the possible exclusion both politically and sportingly significant.

  • ‘My new obsession’; Hira Mani embraces her inner rockstar

    ‘My new obsession’; Hira Mani embraces her inner rockstar

    Actress Hira Mani has surprised her fans once again with her range of skills, this time by showing off that she can drum, and how!  

    Taking to Instagram, Hira shared a series of photos where she can be seen passionately playing the drums, her hair slightly tousled, adding to the true rockstar vibe. The caption read simply: “My new obsession.”

    The post quickly grabbed her followers’ attention, with fans praising her energy and style. One fan even called her “rockstar Hira Mani” and we can see why.

    From hit dramas to the live stage, Hira Mani has always shown her versatility. While audiences have loved her acting for years, she’s also been making waves with her singing and now, her drumming skills suggest she’s diving even deeper into music.

    Hira has performed several songs in the past, but this latest post hints that she might be preparing for something more serious in her musical journey.

  • After Pakistan, China steps up to thrash India with new names for places in Arunachal Pradesh

    After Pakistan, China steps up to thrash India with new names for places in Arunachal Pradesh

    China has reiterated its claim over Zangnan – referred to as Arunachal Pradesh by India – by renaming several locations in the region to assert its territorial stance.

    According to reports, this step is part of its internal administrative work and reflects its sovereign rights over the area.

    The Chinese Ministry of Civil Affairs recently released a list of new names for 27 locations in Zangnan. These include 15 mountains, five villages, four mountain passes, two rivers, and one lake. Each place has been given names in Chinese, Tibetan, and pinyin (the Romanised spelling of Chinese), along with detailed maps and coordinates.

    China has carried out similar naming exercises in the past. Since 2017, it has renamed a total of 89 locations in Arunachal Pradesh. The most recent batch before this one was in April 2024, when 30 places were renamed.

    Chinese officials say this process is completely legal and reflects their historical and administrative connection to the region, which they consider part of Tibet.

    The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that these names are based on China’s historical records and maps. It claims the region was part of Tibet before the Shimla Convention of 1914, an agreement involving China, Tibet, and Britain during a time of global power struggles.

    India has rejected the latest move, reiterating its position that Arunachal Pradesh is an integral part of India. Indian authorities have described the Chinese renaming exercises as meaningless and politically motivated.

    Despite recent efforts to ease border tensions, especially after deadly clashes in 2020, the issue of Zangnan continues to strain ties between the two countries. The two sides did agree in October to reduce military presence in other border areas, but the situation in this region remains sensitive.

    China maintains that assigning Chinese names to places in Zangnan is a matter of sovereignty, not provocation. By continuing this process, China is making it clear that it stands firm on its claims.

  • Trump says he doesn’t want Apple manufacturing products in India

    Trump says he doesn’t want Apple manufacturing products in India

    During his visit to Qatar, US President Donald Trump stated that America is “not interested” in Apple establishing a manufacturing hub in India. According to reports, Trump made the comment while referencing a recent conversation with Apple CEO Tim Cook. Reiterating his “America First” stance, he added that India could “take care” of itself.

    His visit to Qatar is part of a broader tour of the Middle East. As per reports, Trump is pushing to re-industrialise the US by promoting local manufacturing operations instead of offshoring to countries such as India.

    Trump’s concerns echo a broader fear gripping the US economy as manufacturing employment in the US continues to decline steadily. According to experts, the decline in manufacturing-related employment has not given way to white collar high tech jobs as it should have, being overshadowed by rising employment in the poorly paid service sector.

    Declining employment in domestic manufacturing sector as a result of offshoring operations.

    However, Apple has already been shifting manufacturing responsibilities to India. Data from reports indicates that Apple has already produced approximately $22 billion worth of goods in India in fiscal year (FY) 2024-25. 

    Moreover, the company intends to make India the primary producer of US-bound iPhones by the start of 2027. India has been able to garner Apple’s attention as the company aims to limit the commercial risks that are associated with China. Moreover, while the tariff war has been suspended temporarily, the company is wary of similar escalations in the coming periods as China is a large manufacturer of iPhones.

    Reports have revealed that Apple is choosing to move its production base to India despite higher production costs compared to China. However, owing to the wage differentials, it is unlikely that Apple’s production processes will shift to the US, as costs are likely to balloon.

    Aside from Trump’s comments about the offshoring of manufacturing processes to other countries, he also reportedly managed to secure an economic package worth a staggering $243.5 billion. Moreover, Trump has also managed to boost bilateral ties with Qatar, ensuring greater collaboration across the technology and energy sectors.

    According to reports, Mukesh Ambani, chairman of Reliance Industries, was accompanying Emir Sheikh Tamim of Qatar at the high-profile meeting with Trump. Trump’s meeting with Ambani outlines his aims to foster greater commercial ties with Indian players while simultaneously attempting to industrialise the US to reinstate its status as the manufacturing hub of the world.

  • Here’s how much Pakistan will earn despite finishing at bottom of ICC Test table

    Here’s how much Pakistan will earn despite finishing at bottom of ICC Test table

    Pakistan may have finished at the bottom of the International Cricket Council (ICC) World Test Championship (WTC) 2023–25 rankings, but it will still receive a share of the tournament’s prize money.

    Despite a poor run of performances, the Pakistan team will receive USD 480,000 as part of the WTC’s record prize pool of $5.76 million. This is the highest prize money ever announced in the history of the tournament. The final of the third WTC cycle will take place between South Africa and Australia at Lord’s Cricket Ground from June 11 to 15, 2025.

    While Pakistan ended up ninth on the table and received the smallest share, the amount is still a satisfactory financial reward in what was otherwise a disappointing campaign.

    ICC World Test Championship Prize Money Breakdown:


    1st: Australia or South Africa – $3,600,000
    2nd: Australia or South Africa – $2,160,000
    3rd: India – $1,440,000
    4th: New Zealand – $1,200,000
    5th: England – $960,000
    6th: Sri Lanka – $840,000
    7th: Bangladesh – $720,000
    8th: West Indies – $600,000
    9th: Pakistan – $480,000

    This year’s prize pool is more than double that of previous editions. In 2021 and 2023, WTC winners earned only $1.6 million. In contrast, the 2025 champions will walk away with $3.6 million, while the runners-up will take home $2.16 million.

    This increase in prize money is part of the ICC’s plan to boost the importance of Test cricket, especially at a time when limited-overs formats are receiving more attention and financial backing.

  • I don’t want to praise another woman in front of my wife: Ahsan Khan

    I don’t want to praise another woman in front of my wife: Ahsan Khan

    Renowned actor Ahsan Khan opened up in an exclusive interview with The Current, reflecting on a viral moment from an old talking show where he was asked about his celebrity crush but he chose not to answer.


    During the interview, the host asked, “In the Mazaaq Raat show, they asked you about your crush, but you didn’t respond. Why?”

    Ahsan responded with a smile, “I think it’s okay to ask who someone’s crush is. It’s a normal question. Who wouldn’t have a crush on someone? It would be abnormal not to like someone people just don’t always admit it. But because my wife was sitting right next to me, I didn’t want to answer. It felt disrespectful.”

    He continued, “When your wife is with you, it’s not right to praise another woman. Meri wife sun rahi, aur ma kisi aur kahtoon ki tareef kar raha hoon, ke wo kitni haseen hai. Mujhe nhi krni thi.”


    Ahsan went on to explain that he always tries to be thoughtful about other people’s emotions especially those closest to him.

    “I care deeply about my people’s emotions especially those at home. My wife didn’t mind at all, but later she did say, ‘What was the need to say that?’ She told me, ‘You speak the same way at home too, always saying this person is nice.’”

    He added, “I wanted to send a message that when you’re with your spouse, it’s better not to praise someone else too much. Even if you don’t mean anything by it, it can still come across as disrespectful.”

    He also commented on how friendly environments on set can sometimes blur lines.

    “Sometimes you’re so comfortable with co-stars or interviewers that you say things without thinking. That’s when misunderstandings happen like the recent controversy involving Ayeza Khan and her husband.”

    Wrapping up the conversation he said, “If someone is good, their goodness will be visible. If someone’s bad, that too will come out. Time reveals everything.”

  • PAF heartthrob Air Vice Marshal Aurangzeb Ahmed’s age revealed

    PAF heartthrob Air Vice Marshal Aurangzeb Ahmed’s age revealed

    As social media continues to flood with posts by Pakistanis crushing over Air Vice Marshal (AVM) Aurangzeb Ahmed, senior journalist and analyst Mansoor Ali Khan has revealed the age of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) heartthrob, going on to pass comments that have not sat well with netizens, especially women.

    On Wednesday, Khan, in a video posted on his YouTube channel, quoted sources to reveal the age of AVM Aurangzeb, who had taken the internet by storm for his personality and wit since appearing in two pressers alongside Inter-Services Pubic Relations (ISPR) Director General (DG) Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry during the clashes with India.

    Without naming his source, Khan said he had asked them about AVM Aurangzeb’s age, and learnt that the PAF officer was 53 or 54 years old.

    This, however, wasn’t all, as the journalist then went on to call out his admirers, especially women, who had been crushing over Aurangzeb since his public appearances. “Control your feelings and eyes, and move forward,” Khan said, revealing that the AVM was married.

    “To those of you for whom he is your father’s age… you should be ashamed. And to those who are married… you should also have some shame,” he added.

    Khan further revealed that he was trying to secure an interview or podcast with AVM Aurangzeb but the latter rarely appeared on TV. “He only shows up during press conferences. But still, I will try to invite him for a podcast or interview.”

    The comments, however, did not sit well with a number of social media users as they argued:

  • Police successfully rescued a 14-year-old girl abducted from Arifwala, with the kidnapper now in custody and handed over to the relevant police station.

    Police successfully rescued a 14-year-old girl abducted from Arifwala, with the kidnapper now in custody and handed over to the relevant police station.

    According to the mobile squad spokesperson, suspect Ali Raza was attempting to forcibly take the girl from the bus terminal and was caught at the Jinnah Terminal checkpoint. The girl’s screams alerted the checkpoint in charge, who swiftly intervened and detained both individuals.

    Preliminary investigations revealed that a kidnapping case had already been registered against the suspect at the Sadar Arifwala police station in Pakpattan district. Following the rescue, the checkpoint in charge transferred the girl, Sidra, and the suspect, Ali Raza, to the Chuhang police station for legal proceedings.

    SP Mobile Squad Arsalan Zahid commended the checkpoint in-charge and his team for their timely action, announcing commendations and certificates of appreciation for their efforts. He emphasised that strict monitoring at the city’s entry and exit points would continue, ensuring that no criminal escapes the law.

  • 5th Nestlé for Healthier Kids (N4HK) room inaugurated in Gilgit-Baltistan

    5th Nestlé for Healthier Kids (N4HK) room inaugurated in Gilgit-Baltistan

    Nestlé Pakistan inaugurated the Nestlé for Healthier Kids (N4HK) room at the Government Model Boys High School Hussainabad, Skardu, making it the fifth N4HK room in Gilgit-Baltistan, to foster and promote nutrition awareness in the region.

    The N4HK program is part of Nestlé’s global nutritional awareness initiative to ensure that children understand the value of nutrition as they grow older. To date, over 500 teachers have been trained in Hunza, Gilgit, Nagar, Skardu, Shigar, and Kharmang, with the goal of positively impacting more than 20,000 children through the N4HK program in the region.

    Inaugurating the room, Governor Gilgit Baltistan, Syed Mehdi Shah said, “Nestlé’s N4HK program has been instrumental in creating awareness about nutrition in our schools and communities and we are delighted at its expansion in GB for the welfare of our communities.” He also reaffirmed the Government of Gilgit-Baltistan’s commitment to further supporting and expanding the nutrition awareness program across the region.

    Talking on the occasion, Jason Avanceña, CEO, Nestlé Pakistan said, “The N4HK program outreach across Pakistan is an endorsement of Nestlé’s endeavor to promote healthy nutrition in the country and we are pleased to strengthen our partnership with the Government of Gilgit-Baltistan. So far, the N4HK program has reached out to 400,000 kids, trained more than 2600 teachers and has developed 20 N4HK Rooms with 11 partners from private and public sector across Pakistan.”

                   

    Till-date Nestlé has also trained more than 2200 children on sustainability through Sustainability Training for Kids in partnership with WWF in order to develop children as better stewards of our planet. N4HK is Nestlé’s global nutritional awareness initiative which supports, teachers and caregivers on their journey to raise healthier kids through a curriculum-based education program promoting healthy nutrition, hydration, hygiene and active lifestyle.

    N4HK’s presence in Pakistan extends the length and breadth of the country – from Gilgit Baltistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Federal Capital to Punjab and Sindh. The N4HK program is part of Nestlé’s commitment to United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3 of Good Health and Well-Being.

    Nestlé, with its global headquarters based in Switzerland, has had a longstanding presence in Pakistan for over 36 years, and is committed to be a force for good throughout its value chain by Creating Shared Value for communities.

    For further information, please contact:
    Muhammad Rahat Hussain
    Corporate Manager Public Affairs & Media Relations
    muhammadrahat.hussain@pk.nestle.com

  • PCB considering ex-Pak captain with ICC trophy for chief selector role: reports

    PCB considering ex-Pak captain with ICC trophy for chief selector role: reports

    The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is reportedly set to bring former captain Sarfaraz Ahmed into the national selection committee, with a strong chance that he will be appointed as the new chief selector, a private media outlet has claimed.

    While there is no official confirmation as of yet, reports said that a formal announcement could come in the next few days. 

    The 37-year-old last played for Pakistan in a Test match in 2023 and has served the country in all three formats, leading the team to their memorable Champions Trophy win in 2017. 

    Sarfaraz had briefly taken on a mentorship role, which was recently discontinued, but PCB officials now believe his close understanding of current players, many of whom he has played alongside, could make him an asset in selecting the right squads and identifying emerging talent.

    With new captains, coaching appointments and a fresh approach on the horizon, the PCB is looking to build a system that focuses on modern tactics, player management and long-term planning. Sarfaraz’s likely appointment as chief selector would be a key part of that process.

    Separately, reports said that former Pakistan captain Misbah Ul Haq is likely to be appointed as the head coach for Test.

    Misbah, who previously served as head coach and chief selector from 2019 to 2021, is being considered for the red-ball slot as the PCB plans to strengthen its Test team.

    While an official statement is awaited, there have also been reports that Saud Shakeel is set to replace Shan Masood as the new Test captain. The 29-year-old vice-captain has shown strong and consistent performances, making him a top candidate for the leadership role. 

    As part of the revamp plans, Mike Hesson has been appointed as the white-ball head coach and Aqib Javed has been told to lead the national side’s high-performance setup.