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  • Multan Sultans to donate Rs100,000 to Gaza for every six, wicket in PSL 10

    Multan Sultans to donate Rs100,000 to Gaza for every six, wicket in PSL 10

    Amid a boycott campaign against the ongoing edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL), Multan Sultans have announced a special campaign to help children in Gaza as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).

    As per the details, the team will donate Rs100,000 for every six hit by their batters and every wicket taken by their bowlers.

    The donation will go to the Palestine Children’s Relief Fund (PCRF), an international charity working directly with affected children in Gaza, providing them with essential aid and support.

    Last year, Multan Sultans hit 76 sixes and took 94 wickets in the tournament. If the team performs similarly this season, the campaign could raise a significant amount for the children in need.

    “We believe cricket has the power to bring people together. Through this initiative, we want to support a cause that truly matters. Our goal is to perform well on the field and also make a difference off the field,” team owner Ali Tareen said in a statement.

    “This is just a small step for a much bigger mission. I’m thankful to our players, staff and partners for fully supporting this effort,” he added.

    However, the buildup to this year’s Pakistan Super League has not been without controversy. While the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has promised a “bigger and better” tournament, social media has seen a wave of backlash over the choice of sponsors.

    Several PSL 10 sponsors are said to be brands linked to Israel or its supporters, according to boycott lists promoted by the BDS Movement. This has led to many fans expressing disappointment and calling for a boycott of the league.

    “In Palestine, our brothers are dying, and we are busy celebrating PSL,” one user wrote.

    Another posted, “Boycott PSL until they remove sponsorship from Zionist brands. I request everyone not just to post about boycotting but to actually do it—don’t watch a single match until these sponsorships end.”

    The PCB and the concerned sponsors have yet to respond to these concerns.

    It may be noted that the announcement comes as calls for boycotting the tournament gain momentum over the league’s choice of sponsors.

  • PSL 10: Quetta Gladiators defeat Peshawar by 80 runs

    PSL 10: Quetta Gladiators defeat Peshawar by 80 runs

    Quetta Gladiators on Saturday put up quite the performance with both bat and ball to secure a dominating 80-run victory over Peshawar Zalmi at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.

    After being asked to bat first, Quetta Gladiators piled up an impressive total of 216/3 in 20 overs.

    Captain Saud Shakeel led from the front with a classy 59 (42), anchoring the innings. He found an able partner in Finn Allen, who launched a brutal assault with a quickfire 53 (25), smashing the Zalmi bowlers at a stunning strike rate of 212.00.

    Hassan Nawaz added valuable runs in the middle overs with 41 (32), while the final flourish came from Kusal Mendis and Rilee Rossouw, who scored 35 (14) and 21 (10), respectively. Their death-over carnage helped Gladiators cross the 200 mark rather comfortably.

    Zalmi’s bowlers had a tough outing on a batting-friendly surface. Ali Raza picked up the prized wicket of Saud Shakeel, while Sufiyan Muqeem and Alzarri Joseph took one wicket each, dismissing Finn Allen and Hassan Nawaz, respectively.

    Chasing 217 was always going to be a tall order, and Peshawar Zalmi crumbled under pressure, getting bowled out for 136 in just 15.1 overs.

    Despite a fighting start from Saim Ayub, who scored 50 (38) with three fours and four sixes, the rest of the batting order collapsed. Star batter and captain Babar Azam returned to the pavilion for duck (0 off 2), and the top order couldn’t recover from the early jolts.

    Hussain Talat gave some hope with a breezy 35 (19) while Mitchell Owen showed some resistance lower down with 31 (13). But the damage was too severe, and Quetta’s bowlers didn’t let the Zalmi batters breathe.

    Abrar Ahmed was the pick of the lot, spinning a web with his figures of 4 wickets, including key dismissals of Haris, Kohler-Cadmore, Muqeem and Mohammad Ali.

    Mohammad Amir struck twice and bowled with great control, while Usman Tariq also picked up two important wickets, including Hussain Talat and Max Bryant.

  • Bahawalpur: Drop scene of ‘bomb’ placed in house for Rs2 million ransom

    Bahawalpur: Drop scene of ‘bomb’ placed in house for Rs2 million ransom

    In a bizarre twist, the “bomb” placed in a house in Punjab’s Bahawalpur district for Rs2 million ransom turned out to be fake, as the device was actually filled with sand.

    Media reports quoted police officials as saying that one Munawar, who works in construction in the Government Cooperative Housing Colony area of the city, received an anonymous letter that a “bomb” had been placed inside his house.

    The letter, police said, was also a ransom note as it included unidentified persons’ demand of Rs2 million in the name of Taliban. The letter further instructed that ransom be paid through a domestic worker.

    After receiving information about the bomb, officials said, all relevant departments, including police, Civil Defence and Bomb Disposal Squad, were mobilised. However, upon inspection of the device, the bomb turned out to be fake as it had no explosive material.

    According to police, it was filled only with sand and had a digital screen attached to it.

    Law enforcement agencies have taken the fake bomb into custody and launched further investigation, reports said.

  • Rajab Butt’s video call with Sanjay Dutt sparks talk of collaboration

    Rajab Butt’s video call with Sanjay Dutt sparks talk of collaboration

    A video featuring Pakistani YouTuber Rajab Butt talking to Bollywood icon Sanjay Dutt on a video call is making waves on social media.

    In the viral clip, Rajab Butt can be seen speaking warmly with Sanjay Dutt, sharing that the Indian actor is his all-time favorite. He also expressed admiration for late Punjabi singer Sidhu Moose Wala during their friendly exchange.

    Rajab, who is currently living abroad after facing backlash and receiving death threats over a recent perfume controversy, stays connected with his audience through regular vlogs. This video call with Sanjay Dutt was also included in one of his latest vlogs, a short clip of which has now gone viral online.

    During the conversation, Sanjay Dutt thanked Rajab for his kind words and appreciation. Both Rajab and Sanjay expressed a desire to meet in person soon.

    Following the call, Rajab excitedly rolled up his sleeves to show viewers the goosebumps he got during the chat. “Sanjay Dutt looks exactly like a gangster,” he said in his vlog. “I used to think I was a big gangster, but after talking to him, I feel very small.”

    The unexpected interaction has left fans curious. While some are celebrating the connection between the two, others are speculating whether this could be the beginning of a new friendship or even a teaser for a future collaboration.

  • Dasu hydropower project cost soars to Rs 1.74 trillion

    Dasu hydropower project cost soars to Rs 1.74 trillion

    Islamabad has recommended a new version of the Dasu hydropower project for approval with a staggering price tag of Rs 1.7 trillion. As per credible reports, the new cost represents a meteoric 240 percent rise from initial estimates.

    Earlier estimates pegged the total cost at a conservative Rs 479 billion which would have made it the most economical power generation venture. However, with the project’s cost now surging by Rs 1.3 trillion, analysts have pointed out how inefficient the scheme has become after the revision in price.

    According to reports, the per unit cost of power has swelled to Rs 8.79, which effectively makes the Dasu Project the most expensive one in the country’s history. With the project requiring $6.2 billion, a large influx of foreign investment and loans will be required to propel the project to the finish line.

    An announcement from the Ministry of Planning has revealed that under Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal, the Central Development Working Party (CDWP) has decided to take up ‘Stage-I’ of the revised Dasu Hydropower Project. Reports suggest that this project is worth Rs 1.74 trillion and could significantly boost Pakistan’s power generation capacity.

    Ahsan Iqbal reportedly expressed concern regarding the colossal 240 percent price increase which had come about because of severe mismanagement and persistent delays. For reference, the project does not even have a chief financial officer for the management of funds. However, Iqbal notably outlined how the previous government was responsible for these issues, effectively clearing the PMLN administration from any blame. 

    Nevertheless, he decided to forward details of the scheme to the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) for approval. The ECNEC meeting will be chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and progress on the project will remain suspended until await his approval. 

    In 2014, the project was slated to produce power at a per-megawatt cost of just Rs 236 million. The aforementioned figure however has now exploded to Rs 804 million per-megawatt.

    Aside from the high cost of power generation, experts have highlighted how a vast array of mega-projects can be completed if funds for the Dasu project are rerouted elsewhere. 

    With the project’s price tag reaching $6.7 billion, reports from reputable institutions suggest that the federal government could have laid tracks for the Karachi-Peshawar railway. However, Ahsan Iqbal has outlined the importance of the project to combat water security issues.

    The World Bank has provided $517 million for the project and additional funding is likely to be secured from the World Bank too – as government entities remained locked in discussions with the global lender for an additional $1 billion loan package.

  • Women in burqas join men to protest against power outages

    Women in burqas join men to protest against power outages

    Women in the district of Dera Ismail Khan, Tank, dressed in traditional shuttlecock burqas have taken to the streets against constant and extreme power outages.


    Marking their presence in a rare public demonstration, the women voiced their frustration over the worsening power crisis as they were joined by dozens of men. 

    Social worker Sanam Gul Tator, along with the district president of Awami National Party Fazal Kareem Tator, led the protest rally, which saw a significant turnout of frustrated and angry residents. In a rare move, the protestors, including children, chanted slogans against the authorities.

    Describing the excessive power outages as “cruel and inhumane,” locals blamed the Peshawar Electric Supply Company (PESCO) for gross negligence and mismanagement.


    The city of Tank is currently grappling with a severe energy crisis, as electric outages have now reportedly exceeded 20 hours a day. The prolonged and unannounced loadshedding has paralysed daily life, pushing citizens to the edge of desperation.

    Women are struggling to manage household chores, and businesses have come to a near standstill amidst April’s scorching heat and little to no electricity.

    The protesters demanded immediate action to reduce the hours of loadshedding, warning that if the situation did not improve, the scope of the demonstrations would be expanded further, including sit-ins and large-scale demonstrations across the region.

  • Hira Mani’s fun dance video with Mani has to be seen to be believed

    Hira Mani’s fun dance video with Mani has to be seen to be believed

    Actress Hira Mani and her husband Salman Saqib Sheikh, popularly known as Mani, are once again creating waves on social media — this time with a playful new dance reel.

    In the video shared on Instagram, the couple can be seen taking part in a trending dance challenge. Hira, known for her spontaneous and bold personality, performs an unfiltered ‘free dance’ while Mani matches her energy with amusing expressions. The couple’s chemistry and carefree style instantly grabbed the attention of internet users.

    Hira captioned the video with a cheeky phrase, “You two! “

    The post quickly sparked a flurry of reactions. While many appreciated the couple’s confidence and sense of humor, others weren’t as impressed.

    Some fans praised her for staying true to herself, calling the video entertaining and unique. However, several users criticized the reel, saying Hira’s behavior was “too much.” One comment read that “doctors have given up,” while another suggested she needed medical help.

    Despite the polarizing opinions, Hira Mani remains unfazed — as always, dancing, laughing, and unapologetically owning her space online.

  • PIA to launch flights to Uzbekistan amid boost in bilateral tourism efforts

    PIA to launch flights to Uzbekistan amid boost in bilateral tourism efforts

    In a bid to boost ties with Uzbekistan, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has issued orders for Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) to begin flights to the Central Asian country. As per credible reports, private airlines could also be “engaged” to facilitate tourism ventures between the two nations.

    A high-profile meeting has occurred with senior officials from both sides, realising gains from collaboration in the tourism sector. Reports indicate that Uzbekistan’s Minister for Tourism, Umid Shadiev, and Ambassador to Pakistan, Alisher Tukhtaev, discussed avenues of collaboration with Haroon Akhtar Khan, who serves as Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Industries and Production.

    Haroon Akhtar reportedly reiterated Pakistan’s willingness to collaborate with Uzbekistan to boost people-to-people exchanges, expand tourism-related links and safeguard the joint heritage of both nations. He outlined the wealth of economic growth prospects that Pakistan can enjoy by establishing greater ties with central asian countries.

    While PIA is to begin flight operations to Uzbekistan in the near future, Haroon has highlighted the federal government’s intent to engage with privately owned airlines to increase connectivity. If the demand for commercial flights between the two countries remains strong, PIA might witness a growth in its profit margins.

    Until recently, the national carrier’s financial performance was not enviable as the airline posted staggering losses for 21 consecutive years. However, recent reports suggest that the airline managed to log an operational profit of Rs3.9 billion, with net profit remaining at a healthy Rs2.26 billion in 2024.

    According to PIA’s spokesperson, the national carrier’s financial performance is now in line with that of some of the best airlines in the world. PIA has been able to achieve this feat after making major changes to its business operations and structure.

    Reports indicate that authorities are actively attempting to lubricate bilateral tourism by simplifying visa application processes. A multitude of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) have also been inked by both sides to help grow Pak-Uzbek ties.

    The aforementioned developments could allow a greater number of residents to obtain visas, enabling Pakistani airlines to compete in catering to the rising demand along this travel route. However, airlines will not be the sole beneficiaries for an increase in passenger flows between the two countries, as catering and hospitality services could witness a rise in demand as well.

  • Faris Shafi, Zain Zohaib break all rules with bold track ‘Shayar’

    Faris Shafi, Zain Zohaib break all rules with bold track ‘Shayar’

    In a world dominated by Instagram Reels and TikTok, where most songs barely last two minutes, Shayar by rapper Faris Shafi offers the opposite. The opening track of the new season of Velo Sound Station runs for nearly six minutes, and every second feels like a powerful statement.

    Faris walks in, wearing a hood, entering a grand, opera-style hall. It’s not just an entrance; it’s a moment. The crowd makes way as if something special is about to happen. Directed by Bilal Lashari, the music video is cinematic and intense.

    The song begins with almost two minutes of Faris reciting deep and poetic lines, like a poet at a mushaira. He says, “Eh mayray Shaoor-e-Zaat… Rasta bananay day… Gaal pay laga ghaaza / Hont pay lagi laali… Khud ba khud pigalnay tak…”

    His voice starts off deep, adding weight to the words. It may feel a little excessive, but it suits the overall mood of the track.

    Then the beat drops, and everything changes.

    Drum and bass sounds kick in, and Faris begins his rapping, switching back to his usual sharp style. His lyrics speak about choosing love over hate, delivering the message with power and clarity. The music keeps building, and soon, Zain Zohaib join in with their beautiful qawwali vocals.

    Their performance adds soul to the song. It’s not just background — it becomes the heart of the track. The combination of qawwali and electronic rap shouldn’t work, but somehow, it does — and it’s magical.

    The transitions between Faris’s intense rap and Zain Zohaib’s spiritual energy create a unique experience. One moment feels ancient, the next feels futuristic, yet everything blends perfectly.

    The visuals also stand out. Bilal Lashari uses dark, grand sets that look royal but never feel over the top. The video is dramatic but not forced.

    Shayar isn’t just a song; it’s a bold artistic statement. It shows that music doesn’t have to follow rules. It can be traditional and modern, serious and fun, local and global — all at once.

    And in this fearless mix, Faris Shafi and Zain Zohaib shine the brightest.

  • Karachi Kings’ Liton Das ruled out of PSL 10

    Karachi Kings’ Liton Das ruled out of PSL 10

    Karachi Kings have suffered a major setback ahead of their opening match of Pakistan Super League (PSL) Season 10, as wicketkeeper-batter Liton Das has been ruled out of the tournament after sustaining an injury.

    The Kings are set to play their first match today, April 12, on home ground against the Multan Sultans. However, ahead of the crucial fixture, they have lost one of their key players.

    Liton sustained an injury to his right hand during an intra-squad match on Thursday when a ball struck his thumb, resulting in a hairline fracture.

    Reports suggest that doctors have advised a minimum of two weeks’ rest. Consequently, Liton flew back to his home country, Bangladesh, earlier this morning.

    The Karachi Kings management is expected to announce a replacement for him shortly.