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  • ‘Fawad Khan was born for films,’ Abir Gulaal co-star Vaani Kapoor can’t stop praising Pakistani heartthrob

    ‘Fawad Khan was born for films,’ Abir Gulaal co-star Vaani Kapoor can’t stop praising Pakistani heartthrob

    Bollywood actor Vaani Kapoor, who stars opposite renowned Pakistani actor Fawad Khan in the upcoming Hindi film Abir Gulaal, couldn’t stop praising him during a recent interview, saying “he was born for films”.

    “He was born to work in films,” Kapoor said while speaking to Red FM India as part of the film’s promotions.

    She also named him as her favourite actor. “Since I shot with Fawad recently and his film is about to release, I’d say he’s my favourite actor.”

    Kapoor admired his personality, calling him “supportive”, and said she genuinely enjoyed working alongside the Pakistani heartthrob.

    Meanwhile, the film’s second song English Rang Rasiya was released on April 18 and quickly gained traction, racking up 2.8 million views within a few hours. This follows the success of its first track, Khudaya Ishq, which also became a hit.

    Earlier this month, a short teaser of Abir Gulaal was unveiled, with the official release date set for May 9.

    Despite threats from Hindu extremist groups over Fawad Khan’s casting and the film’s India release, the team behind Abir Gulaal remains firm in their decision and is fully committed to releasing the film on schedule.

    Interestingly, several Indian celebrities, including Sunny Deol, Sushmita Sen and Ameesha Patel, have also voiced their support for Fawad Khan’s Bollywood return, calling his presence in Indian cinema a positive step for both countries.

  • John Cena wins 17th World Title after beating Cody Rhodes at WrestleMania

    John Cena wins 17th World Title after beating Cody Rhodes at WrestleMania

    WWE legend John Cena made history on Sunday night in Las Vegas after winning his 17th world title at WrestleMania, also known as the “Showcase of the Immortals.” He defeated Cody Rhodes in a 30-minute match for the Undisputed WWE Championship, with a surprise assist from rapper Travis Scott. With this win, Cena broke his tie with Ric Flair, who held 16 world championships.

    Cena had turned heel (a bad guy in wrestling terms) for the first time in 22 years back in March, when he attacked Rhodes at the end of the Elimination Chamber event. He had teamed up with his longtime rival Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, who recently returned to the ring and is now a board member of WWE’s parent company, TKO Group.

    The final face-off between Cena and Rhodes happened on Friday night during SmackDown at the T-Mobile Arena. Cena confirmed that this would be his last WrestleMania match, telling Rhodes, “Sunday will be my last time in a WrestleMania ring. Nobody’s had the guts to end their career the way I will. You can’t prepare for a man who knows the end is near.”

    He also said many people think he’ll come back like other wrestlers do, but he claimed he’s different. He said, “Wrestling retirements don’t exist because everyone’s too scared. They always want one more match. But not me. Most wrestlers are insecure losers.”

    Cena also mocked Rhodes for caring too much about the fans and shouted to the crowd, saying, “You people don’t write history. Winners do.”

    Rhodes didn’t hold back either. He called Cena “overrated” and said he looked like “melting wax” and was “paler than Sting at Starrcade 1997.” He also joked about Cena’s Oscars appearance, saying, “You walked on stage naked just to impress the people you run errands for, and even in 2025, you still can’t wrestle.”

    The intense night ended with Cena slapping Rhodes. Rhodes responded by reversing Cena’s Attitude Adjustment into his own finishing move, the Cross Rhodes, and stood tall over him before their big match.

    But in the end, it was Cena who stood tall at WrestleMania, making history one final time.

  • PCB reacts to Jason Gillespie’s non-payment claim

    PCB reacts to Jason Gillespie’s non-payment claim

    The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has strongly refuted former Test head coach Jason Gillespie’s allegation of unpaid dues for his nine-month tenure, stating that the claim is untrue and that Gillespie violated the terms of his contract.

    Responding to Gillespie’s recent interview—where he expressed disappointment over not receiving payment for his time as Pakistan’s Test coach—the PCB clarified that Gillespie left his position without serving the mandatory four-month notice period outlined in his agreement.

    According to the board, the former Test head coach’s resignation unilaterally voided certain contractual obligations, and he is now liable to settle his own dues first. “Gillespie resigned without notice, despite a clause requiring both parties to provide four months’ notice. As a result, the pending payments are actually on his side,” said the PCB.

    The board also confirmed that Gillespie’s agent had reached out regarding the unpaid amount but was informed that the matter could only be resolved once Gillespie fulfilled his contractual responsibilities.

    In his interview, Gillespie said he holds no ill feelings toward Pakistan cricket but expressed frustration over the delayed payment, calling it “a bit disappointing.” He also admitted that the experience made him reconsider his future in full-time coaching.

    Gillespie was appointed head coach of the Pakistan Test team in April 2024 and resigned in December, citing differences with the PCB as the reason for his early departure.

  • PCB starts looking for new head coach: report

    PCB starts looking for new head coach: report

    The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is officially seeking a new head coach following the national team’s string of disappointing performances and consecutive defeats.

    This announcement comes at a time when the team, under the interim leadership of Aaqib Javed, has struggled significantly. During his tenure, Pakistan failed to progress beyond the first round of the ICC Champions Trophy, despite hosting the tournament on home soil. The team’s performance during the recent New Zealand tour was also dismal, managing only a single victory out of seven matches.

    Earlier, experienced coaches such as Gary Kirsten and Jason Gillespie were also brought in to uplift the team’s performance. However, both were dismissed after only a few months in charge, reportedly due to internal differences and performance issues.

    The PCB’s newly released advertisement for the head coach position requires applicants to hold a Level 3 coaching certification, along with at least 10 years of coaching experience.

    Meanwhile, sources suggest that Aaqib Javed is no longer interested in becoming the permanent head coach. Instead, he is reportedly aiming for the role of High Performance Director on the board.

  • 12 Punjab University teachers ‘go missing’ after receiving millions in PhD scholarships

    12 Punjab University teachers ‘go missing’ after receiving millions in PhD scholarships

    At least 12 professors of Lahore’s Punjab University (PU) have gone missing after receiving millions of rupees in PhD scholarships abroad, it has emerged.

    According to reports, varsity administration has decided to write a letter to the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) and other authorities concerned to recover funds from the teachers who did not rejoin service after completing their degrees in foreign countries.

    Of the total 56 faculty members who were awarded substantial amounts, reports said, at least 12 had failed to return and resume their duties.

    The varsity, it was reported, will now also be writing to Interior Ministry and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to block the identity cards and passports of the absconding teachers.

    As per the agreement, these faculty members were obligated to serve at the university for at least five years post-PhD. Failure to do so requires them to repay the full scholarship amount, varsity administration said.

    The names of the absconding teachers and the respective amounts they owe have also been released by a PU spokesperson, which are as follows:

    Farah Sattar (GIS Centre): Rs7 million  

    Syed Mohsin Ali (GIS Centre): Rs14 million  

    Kiran Ayesha (Institute of Administrative Sciences): Rs10 million  

    Rabia Ibad (Department of MMG): Rs9 million  

    Khawaja Khurram Khurshid (IQTM): Rs8.4 million  

    Shumaila Ishaq (Hailey College of Commerce): Rs16.1 million  

    Usman Raheem (Centre for Coal Technology): Rs7.2 million  

    Salman Aziz (College of Engineering): Rs9 million  

    Muhammad Nawaz (GIS): Rs7.2 million  

    Javeria Iqbal (PUCIT): Rs6 million  

    Seemab Ara (Administrative Sciences): Rs10 million  

    Samia Mahmood: Rs11.6 million  

    PU has also officially dismissed all defaulters from service.

  • Gold prices dip slightly after touching record high of Rs350,000 per tola

    Gold prices dip slightly after touching record high of Rs350,000 per tola

    After scaling to an all-time high of Rs 350,000 per tola, gold prices have recorded a minimal fall of Rs300, and will not significantly change the affordability of the yellow metal.

    While market rates differ significantly from the official rates provided by the All-Pakistan Gems and Jewellers Sarafa Association (APGJSA), reports said that gold was currently trading as high as Rs360,300 per tola and Rs 308,900 per 10 grams.

    As of publishing, international gold rates for one troy ounce sit at a respectable $3,328.30 across multiple digital exchanges. International bullion gold rates are priced significantly closer to the rate APGJSA has posted.

    The difference in price could stem from traders charging a high premium to augment incomes. Some believe this to be plausible as gold traders and jewelers have witnessed a fall in the volume of sales in the past few months.

    Over the last six months, gold prices have witnessed a meteoric rise, jumping from approximately $2,700 per troy ounce to $3,328 per troy ounce — a 22.3 percent spike. With many unable to purchase gold, independent analysts believe a fall in domestic sales volume might be a contributing factor behind the high premiums.

    Gold traders often charge “packing fees” among others, which causes the price of the commodity to rise in the domestic market. While the price of gold fluctuates rapidly, silver prices have remained largely undisturbed.

    Silver rates sit at Rs3,414 for one-tola of 24k purity and have largely remained stable as the commodity remains insulated from bulk buying and selling by large investors in the global bullion market. The 10-gram rate for pure silver is Rs2,927.

    Many believe that the reason behind the large swings in the price of gold could stem from gold’s status as the ultimate “safe haven asset”. Historically, in times of economic downturns, investors have preferred to park their funds in gold as it is a good store of value.

    With economic uncertainty on the rise and analysts predicting a global recession, many believe that the price of gold has not hit its ceiling yet. Citing a number of factors, Goldman Sachs has revised its year-end 2025 gold price projection to $3,700 per troy ounce.

    Prior to the revision, experts at Goldman Sachs had predicted that the price of gold would only reach $3,300 per troy ounce.

  • ‘We were misled’: KFC attackers apologise for vandalism

    ‘We were misled’: KFC attackers apologise for vandalism

    Amid a series of attacks on multinational food-chains, particularly Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC), by pro-Palestine activists, those involved in the attack and vandalism at KFC’s Sector E-11 branch in Islamabad have offered an apology, saying they were “misled”.

    At a press conference held in the federal capital, the attackers stepped forth one by one and offered their apologies, with one introducing himself as Sher Badal, a resident of Rawalpindi. “I was there at the time of the attack. I was misled… and this won’t happen next time. I offer apologies to the government and the nation,” he said.

    Another assailant, identified as Izzatutullah of Rawalpindi, said that he joined in when people attacked the global food chain. “To which I feel sorry,” he said.

    One of the attackers, Mohammad Ijaz, said he was just following others. “What we did was very wrong. Whatever damage was done, it was a loss for Pakistan. I urge the youth to stay away from such tactics,” he added.

    A mob had on April 15 attacked KFC’s outlet in Islamabad’s E-11/2. The incident had resulted in severe damage to the premises.

    While similar attacks were also reported in Lahore, Karachi and Rawalpindi, and had resulted in at least one death, Islamabad police had issued a statement claiming that police had detained five for vandalism.

    Videos on social media had also shown protesters forcefully entering the premises of the fast-food restaurant and forcing the staff to shut it down.

  • PCB to make PSL a separate company; will run independently

    PCB to make PSL a separate company; will run independently

    The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has revealed major steps taken to separate the Pakistan Super League (PSL) from its operations, aiming to make the country’s premier cricketing league a private company that will run independently.

    In a recent talk with journalists, PSL Chief Commercial Officer (COO) Salman Naseer revealed the paperwork to register the league as Pakistan Super League Private Limited was now complete and a formal announcement will be made after the ongoing tenth edition of the PSL.

    The idea of making PSL a separate company has been around for a long time. Back in November 2016, the PCB’s board approved the move when Najam Sethi was the PSL chairman. The plan was to give the league its own governing board and allow it to work independently. However, it faced many delays due to legal and administrative issues. There was also resistance from the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) and concerns about PCB officials being involved in a private company.

    Now, after years of waiting, the PCB has moved forward. Making the PSL a separate company is expected to improve how it operates and help attract private investors. However, some important details — like how revenue will be shared and who will make the big decisions — have not yet been shared.

    PSL franchise owners, on the other hand, are hopeful but cautious as they have been asking for a clearer financial system for a long time.

    More information is expected to come after the current season ends on May 18.

  • Muhammad Aurangzeb sets out for IMF, World Bank meetings

    Muhammad Aurangzeb sets out for IMF, World Bank meetings

    Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb is set to participate in the 2025 Spring Meetings of the World Bank (WB) and the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The high-profile meetings will feature a number of high-ranking state officials and are scheduled to take place in Washington, United States.

    According to credible reports, the meetings will last six days (April 21-26) and Muhammad Aurangzeb will meet with international creditors and foreign dignitaries. Aside from officials from the IMF and the World Bank, notable attendees will include central bankers and finance ministers from most countries.

    Muhammad Aurangzeb has meetings scheduled with the World Bank, the IMF, several international credit rating agencies, and even investment and commercial banks. Recently, Pakistan’s credit rating has improved on the global scale, as both Fitch and Moody’s upgraded Pakistan’s rating.

    If Muhammad Aurangzeb can give rating agencies a positive outlook, it could help Pakistan unlock a plethora of economic benefits. Generally, a higher rating translates into lower borrowing costs, greater foreign direct investment inflows and improved access to international capital markets.

    With Pakistan being deemed as creditworthy by credit agencies, investors are more likely to park their funds in the domestic economy. More importantly, it could make it easier for Pakistan to issue bonds in international markets if other credit rating agencies follow suit after meeting with Muhammad Aurangzeb. 

    Aside from meetings with institutions, reports indicate that he is expected to meet with key officials from the US State and Treasury Departments, as well as China, Saudi Arabia, and the United Kingdom. According to reports, Muhammad Aurangzeb will also participate in the 13th Ministerial Meeting of the Coalition of Finance Ministers for Climate Action.

    Analysts believe that he will likely attempt to negotiate a better commercial arrangement with the Trump administration. While temporarily suspended, Pakistan faces a 29 percent tariff from the US, which could detrimentally affect the domestic economy. 

    A recent report by the Pakistan Institute of Development Economics (PIDE) revealed that US tariffs could result in a reduction of approximately $1.4 billion in Pakistan’s foreign exchange inflow.  Moreover, a spike in the domestic unemployment rate is possible as PIDE projects that half a million workers could be fired.

    Many believe that if Muhammad Aurangzeb or subsequent delegations from Pakistan are unable to secure better terms for Pakistan, the macroeconomic losses may prove to be devastating. Reports suggest that a team from Pakistan might depart for the US in the coming weeks to meet with state officials to discuss trade agreements and outstanding tariffs.

  • ‘PPP cannot continue’: Bilawal threatens end to coalition if canal project continues

    ‘PPP cannot continue’: Bilawal threatens end to coalition if canal project continues

    Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) chief Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari has warned that the party would withdraw from Centre if the federal government did not halt the “controversial” canals project on the Indus River.

    “PPP demands that the federal government immediately halted the controversial canals project. Acknowledge our reservations. Otherwise, the PPP cannot continue with you,” Bilawal said while speaking at a rally held in Hyderabad’s Hatri Bypass Ground on Friday night.

    The Green Pakistan Initiative (GPI) launched last month is spearheaded by the federal government and hinges on a network of six newly-developed canals that will channel water from the Indus River to irrigate Punjab’s Cholistan region. It is being touted as a bold step towards food security and rural upliftment, transforming barren lands through modern farming techniques.

    However, stakeholders fear the project will siphon away water rights from Sindh where the PPP is in power.

    “We do not need your ministries, but respect,” the PPP chairperson said in his address on Friday, adding that the canals project was “absolutely unacceptable under any circumstances”.

    Bilawal warned that the issue of water distribution could put the federation in danger, adding that people in Islamabad were blind and deaf, and were not willing to listen to their demands. “We are not among those who oppose just for the sake of opposition,” he said and added that they were opposing the [new canal project] because the federal government was in danger.

    The PPP chief remarked that the new canals project had been touched upon at a time when militancy was growing in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), and said he feared that such a project could result in infighting.

    “I thought Shehbaz Sharif would stay away from the project after seeing such a reaction, because he understands that without PPP’s support, he can’t run assembly sessions or pass the budget. But it seems he is not ready to shelve the project. If that is the case, then we are not ready to give up either.”

    Bilawal also asked who would speak on the issue if not the PPP.

    Earlier, the PPP chief also accused the federal government of denying support prices to farmers and stopping provinces from procuring wheat for the crop. Moreover, he congratulated the people of Umerkot for retaining the seat that had fallen vacant after the demise of Nawab Yusuf Talpur.