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  • Ammar Baig leaves Wembley spellbound — Even Rahat Fateh Ali Khan was impressed

    Ammar Baig leaves Wembley spellbound — Even Rahat Fateh Ali Khan was impressed

    Rising music star Ammar Baig made a powerful impression during the Legacy of the Khans 2025 Tour, as he opened for the legendary Ustad Rahat Fateh Ali Khan at two of the UK’s biggest venues — OVO Arena Wembley in London and AO Arena Manchester.

    On April 5 and 6, Baig wowed audiences with his live unplugged performances, singing both Bollywood and classical songs using just a guitar and a microphone. His setlist included hits like Beedi, Channa Mereya, O Re Piya, Do Dil Mil Rahe Hain (Chupke Chupke), Sia’s Chandelier, and the iconic Hungama Hai Kyun Barpa.

    The crowd was left in awe, and even Rahat Fateh Ali Khan praised Ammar’s performance, calling him “very talented” and saying his work deserves global recognition.

    Rahat also announced a special collaboration with Baig, alongside his son Shahzaman Khan. “Ammar is like my own son,” Rahat said. “His live performances are captivating, and we’re working on a song together which will release soon.”

    Music producer Vijay Bhola, the man behind Rahat’s UK tour, also applauded Baig: “His raw, emotional vocals and stripped-down arrangements created an intimate vibe that touched every heart in the arena.”

    Ammar Baig, who is the son of legendary Pakistani singer Waris Baig, continues to carry forward his father’s legacy with a modern touch. Waris Baig, known for timeless tracks like “Mujhe Chand Chahiye”, “Challa”, and “Aa Pyar Dil Mein Basa”, has long been respected for his soulful singing and emotional depth.


    Fans flooded Ammar’s Instagram with love and appreciation, commenting:


    “You were amazing last night!”


    “Superb!”


    “Absolutely sensational ”

  • Binance founder joins Pakistan Crypto Council as advisor

    Binance founder joins Pakistan Crypto Council as advisor

    In an effort to embed blockchain technology and digital assets into the economy’s financial system, Binance’s founder Changpeng Zhao has officially been selected to serve as a key advisor to the country’s recently formed Pakistan Crypto Council (PCC).

    For reference, Binance is a world-renowned cryptocurrency exchange which offers trading services for digital assets.  

    An update on Changpeng Zhao’s appointment came from a press release issued by the Finance Division.  However, the initial announcement was made during Changpeng’s meeting with the PCC.

    As per credible reports, several key government officials attended the aforementioned meeting, which Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb chaired.  The exchange’s founder was also involved in high-profile meetings with both Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar.

    Information from a press release suggested that this step could effectively transform the “global cryptocurrency landscape”. Reports indicate that Changpeng’s role has already been defined and that he will help the PCC with matters pertaining to the adoption, education, infrastructure and regulation of digital assets.

    Chengpeng has highlighted how the potential in Pakistan is “limitless” given how 60 percent of Pakistan’s 240 million people happen to be below the age of 30. This factor could significantly assist with the adoption of digital assets on a wide scale as some believe that younger individuals are more likely to park their funds into them.

    He aims to collaborate with public and private sectors to foster inclusivity and competition in the domestic crypto landscape. These developments have allowed Pakistan to become a Web3-ready country, joining the likes of Dubai and Singapore. However, many are uncertain if being part of a decentralised digital future is the best move for Pakistan.

    Cryptocurrencies are highly volatile in nature and are subject to massive fluctuations in price. For instance, data from crypto exchanges on Monday indicated that approximately $230 billion had been wiped out from digital asset markets in just 24 hours.

    Moreover, according to a mainstream crypto exchange, an 8.82 percent decline was recorded in the total crypto market capitalisation from Sunday to Monday, causing it to fall to $2.42 trillion. While Singapore and Dubai might be able to absorb such fluctuations and downturns in the price of digital assets, cash-strapped Pakistan might not fare too well.

  • Australian cricketing star, aged 27, announces immediate retirement

    Australian cricketing star, aged 27, announces immediate retirement

    Former Australia Test opener Will Pucovski has announced that he is retiring from all kinds of cricket with immediate effect, citing his struggles with concussions.  

    The decision comes after a panel of experts recommended he retire from professional cricket after suffering a series of concussions throughout his career. Pucovski has been hit on the head multiple times during his playing days, with the most recent concussion occurring in March 2024.

    During a Sheffield Shield match in March, Pucovski was forced to retire hurt after being struck on the helmet by a delivery. The injury ruled him out for the remainder of the Australian summer and led to his withdrawal from his contract with Leicestershire for the 2024 English summer, according to ICC reports.

    The 27-year-old said on Tuesday morning on SEN’s Whateley program: “I wish I was coming in under better circumstances. I’m not going to be playing cricket again. It’s been a really difficult year, to put it as simply as possible. The simple message is, I won’t be playing at any level again.” 

    Reflecting on his career, he added, “After that century in Sydney (in my second last game), I thought from a personal point of view things were starting to click for me. I put a mountain of effort into getting things right off the field to be good on the field.”

    Pucovski had been recommended to retire by a medical panel last year after repeated concussion incidents. He played 36 First-Class matches, scoring seven centuries and nine fifties, including a top score of 255 not out against South Australia in 2020.

    His sole Test appearance came during the 2020/21 season against India, where he scored 62 and 10 in his two innings.

    While retiring from playing, Pucovski is set to remain involved in cricket as the head coach of the Premier Cricket side Melbourne, the club where he made his First XI debut as a teenager in the 2014/15 summer. “It’s definitely something that I’m really passionate about. I’m going to be coaching the MCC (Melbourne Cricket Club) next year, which is really exciting. It’s always felt like a second home to me, and I’ve always felt the love and support from the MCC while playing at higher levels or playing for them,” Pucovski said.

    He further expressed his enthusiasm for coaching, stating, “I’ve been around there since I was 11 or 12 with their junior academy and all the way through. Coaching is always something that I’ve always wanted to scratch that itch with. I’m really excited to give that a go and see where it takes me.”

    Pucovski’s decision to retire marks the end of a promising career that was unfortunately cut short by injury, but he remains committed to contributing to the game in a new capacity as a coach.

  • Basit Ali calls for immediate resignation of selection committee

    Basit Ali calls for immediate resignation of selection committee

    Former Test cricketer Basit Ali has called for the immediate resignation of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) selection committee.

    Speaking on his YouTube channel, the 54-year-old former cricketer demanded that the selection committee step down following Pakistan’s humiliating defeats during the New Zealand tour.

    He said, “I think the selection committee, consisting of Aleem Dar, Aqib Javed, Asad Shafiq, Azhar Ali, and Hassan Cheema, lacks the expertise to form a team. They should resign immediately.”

    The former cricketer added, “The members of the selection committee don’t know how to prepare a team. Since the Champions Trophy, everything has been a flop show. Even a tomato seller asks why spinners weren’t included in the team for the Champions Trophy.”

    Basit Ali also said, “Aqib Javed should resign as well. If these people stay for another four months, then we will lose the upcoming series against Bangladesh too.”

    With the T20 World Cup scheduled for next year, Pakistan gave opportunities to younger players during the New Zealand tour, leaving out senior players like Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan.

    On the other hand, New Zealand also fielded young players due to the unavailability of their stars because of the IPL, and these youngsters defeated Pakistan 4-1 in the T20 series. In the One-Day series, Pakistan’s senior team, including Rizwan and Babar Azam, whitewashed a Kiwi side that was missing its senior players.

    Earlier, former wicketkeeper-batsman Kamran Akmal had also called for PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi to resign following the national team’s continuous failures.

  • Petrol Diesel Excise Duty Goes Up by Rs 2 Per Litre; No Direct Effect on Consumers

    On Monday, the government made a key decision to increase the excise duty on petrol and diesel by Rs 2 per litre. This hike will be effective starting April 8, 2025. While this increase in Petrol Diesel Excise Duty will raise the government’s revenue, it will not affect the price consumers pay at the pump. The government has assured that the burden of this duty hike will not be passed on to the public. Here’s a closer look at what this means for the nation and the economy.

     

    What is Petrol Diesel Excise Duty?

    Excise duty is a form of indirect tax imposed on goods that are produced domestically. In India, petrol and diesel are subject to excise duties that are levied by the central government. The Petrol Diesel Excise Duty is a key component of the overall fuel taxation structure, alongside other duties such as the Basic Excise Duty. This duty is collected by the central government and contributes significantly to the national revenue.

    The recent increase in the Petrol Diesel Excise Duty is aimed at addressing the financial needs of public sector oil marketing companies (OMCs), which have faced significant losses due to selling cooking gas below cost.

     

    Why Was the Excise Duty Hiked?

    The government’s decision to raise the Petrol Diesel Excise Duty comes at a time when international crude oil prices have fallen sharply. While this would typically result in a reduction in fuel prices for consumers, the government has instead opted to increase the excise duty. The rationale behind this move is to compensate for losses in the cooking gas sector.

    India’s three largest OMCs—Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), Bharat Petroleum Corporation (BPCL), and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation (HPCL)—have incurred substantial losses due to selling liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) below market rates. This has resulted in significant under-recoveries. The increase in the Petrol Diesel Excise Duty is expected to generate additional revenue, which can be directed towards offsetting these losses.

     

    Impact on Consumers

    The good news for consumers is that the Petrol Diesel Excise Duty hike will not result in a rise in fuel prices. The government has made it clear that the increased excise duty will not be passed on to the public. Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri clarified that retail prices of petrol and diesel will remain unchanged, despite the hike in excise duty.

    This move is intended to shield consumers from price fluctuations while also supporting OMCs, which are facing financial difficulties due to losses from selling cooking gas at a subsidized price.

     

    Cooking Gas Price Hike

    In addition to the hike in Petrol Diesel Excise Duty, the government has also announced an increase in the price of domestic cooking gas cylinders by Rs 50. This price hike will take effect from Tuesday, April 8, 2025. A 14.2-kg cylinder will now cost Rs 853 in Delhi, up from Rs 803.

    For households under the Ujjwala scheme, the price of LPG will rise from Rs 503 to Rs 553 per cylinder. While this may impact the budget of many households, it is important to note that the increase is necessary to help OMCs recover some of the losses they have incurred while selling LPG at a subsidized rate.

     

    Revenue Generation and Government Support for OMCs

    The government estimates that the increase in Petrol Diesel Excise Duty will generate an additional Rs 32,000 crore annually. This revenue will provide much-needed financial support to the OMCs, helping to offset their losses on LPG sales.

    The government has also indicated that the additional revenue collected from the excise duty hike could be used to help the OMCs reduce their under-recoveries on cooking gas. It is expected that this mechanism will provide relief to OMCs, enabling them to maintain their operations without facing financial difficulties.

     

    Global Oil Prices and Future Price Trends

    The recent decline in global crude oil prices has played a crucial role in shaping the government’s decision to increase the excise duty on petrol and diesel. As crude oil prices have fallen significantly, the government has gained some room to implement this tax hike without causing a direct burden on consumers.

    International crude oil prices are currently hovering around $60 per barrel, and if these prices remain stable or fall further, there is a possibility that retail prices of petrol and diesel could eventually decrease. However, as of now, the government is focusing on using the additional revenue generated from the Petrol Diesel Excise Duty hike to stabilize the financial health of OMCs and ensure that they can continue to provide affordable cooking gas to households.

     

    What This Means for the Indian Economy

    The decision to increase the Petrol Diesel Excise Duty is a clear reflection of the government’s strategy to balance the needs of consumers and the financial stability of key industries. By increasing excise duty on petrol and diesel, the government is able to generate additional revenue without immediately passing the burden to consumers. At the same time, this revenue can help support OMCs, which have been struggling due to losses in the cooking gas sector.

    As the government continues to manage the country’s fuel pricing structure, it is likely that further adjustments may be made in response to global market conditions. The flexibility in fuel taxation provides the government with the tools needed to respond to fluctuations in global oil prices, ensuring that both consumers and oil companies are protected.

     

    Conclusion

    The hike in Petrol Diesel Excise Duty by Rs 2 per litre, effective April 8, 2025, is a strategic move by the government to balance the needs of consumers, oil marketing companies, and the economy as a whole. While fuel prices remain unaffected for consumers, the additional revenue generated from the excise duty hike will provide essential financial support to OMCs facing losses from selling LPG at a subsidized rate.

    As the global oil market continues to fluctuate, the government will likely adjust fuel taxes and prices as needed to protect both consumers and industry players. For now, consumers can rest assured that this latest Petrol Diesel Excise Duty hike will not affect the prices they pay at the pump, but it is an important step towards stabilizing the fuel and cooking gas markets in India.

    Read More: Krunal Pandya Talks IPL 2025 Heartbreak: ‘Only One Pandya Was Meant to Win’

  • US cancels over 400 student visas for Pakistanis, others

    US cancels over 400 student visas for Pakistanis, others

    The United States (US) has suddenly cancelled the visas of more than 400 international students, including Pakistanis and Muslims from other countries, without prior notice or legal proceedings, American media reported on Monday.

    While there could be several reasons behind the cancellations, officials associated with colleges and universities suggest that the government is taking the action quietly as the Trump administration is reportedly targeting students who have participated in pro-Palestinian demonstrations. However, some students had their visas cancelled despite not taking part in any protest.

    Harvard University, Stanford University, the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), the University of Michigan, Central Michigan University, Colorado State University, Minnesota State University, and several others are among the institutions whose students have been affected.

    As per media reports, 12 students and graduates at UCLA had their visas revoked, while a student from the University of Michigan has already left the country.

    The majority of the visa cancellations reportedly occurred during an audit of the SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System).

    Meanwhile, universities are currently providing legal assistance and support to affected students. However, visa cancellations have created anxiety among international students. Student organizations have also raised questions about violations of due process.

    On March 25, the U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio laid out instructions in a long cable sent to diplomatic missions, instructing them to thoroughly review the social media activities of visa applicants in an effort to bar those suspected of criticizing US and Israel from entering the country, The New York Times had reported.

    Rubio further emphasized that the move aims to block entry into the U.S. for individuals who express critical views about American foreign policy.

    The edict comes just over two months after President Trump signed executive orders to begin a widespread effort to deport people in the U.S., such as those who may have “hostile attitudes” toward American “citizens, culture, government, institutions or founding principles.”

    Trump also put forward an executive order to start cracking down on what he referred to as antisemitism, including deporting students who took part in campus protests against Israel’s genocide in Gaza.

    Rubio’s instructions stated that starting immediately, consular officers have to refer some student and exchange visitor visa applications to the “fraud prevention unit” for a “mandatory social media check” American media reports.

  • Five arrested for killing pir who was sextorting women

    Five arrested for killing pir who was sextorting women

    Five people have been arrested by local police in Multan district for murdering a pir who was sextorting women through videos that he possessed. 

    Sextorting is the act of using intimate or confidential materials to blackmail someone for money or sexual favours. 

    Riaz Hussain, 50, was strangled to death after being called to a house on the pretext of carrying out spiritual practices. His body was discovered two days later near the Chah Yousaf area after his son filed an FIR. 

    During investigation it was found that Riaz Hussain had been sexually harassing women for a long time under the guise of spiritual healing and making amulets (taweez). 

    The two women at the centre of the case, Shehnaz Bibi and Aasiya Bibi, told the police that not only did he harass them, but also blackmailed them after filming videos.

    When he asked for a large amount of money and threatened to make the videos go viral, both the women told Mohammad Nadir and their cousin Mohammad Jamil. 

    The suspects then called Riaz to the house to provide them with an amulet, from where they took him to Chak 184-M, checked his phone and found the videos on it. 

    Then they strangled him to death. 

    Mohammad Nadir, Mohammad Jamil, Aasiya Bibi, Shehbaz Bibi and another relative Aamir, who drove the car in which the body was disposed, have been arrested.

    A five -member team police investigation team used the latest technology, geo-fencing, and CDR to find the killers. 

    CPO Multan Sadiq Ali Dogar said in a press conference that the murder was a very complicated case. Initially there were no clues. However, using remarkable professional expertise, dedication and the latest investigative means, the Multan police have successfully resolved the case.

  • ‘Mohsin Naqvi should either be interior minister or PCB chairman,’ Afridi tells army chief

    ‘Mohsin Naqvi should either be interior minister or PCB chairman,’ Afridi tells army chief

    Former captain of the Pakistan cricket team, Shahid Afridi, has suggested that Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi should choose between his various current responsibilities and focus on one role.

    According to Afridi, he recently met with General Asim Munir, the Chief of Army Staff, in Rawalpindi, extending his condolences on the passing of General Munir’s mother.

    During the meeting, Afridi said, “The PCB is a 24/7 job, and as a result, Naqvi should opt between his position at the Ministry of Interior and the PCB.” He acknowledged Naqvi as a hardworking individual but emphasized that “he cannot effectively manage both roles and contribute as much to cricket as he might wish.”

    Afridi added, “Cricket is the only major source of entertainment in the country. It demands full-time commitment, so Naqvi should relinquish one of his responsibilities and focus on his role at the PCB.”

    Further reports indicate that during the T20 World Cup in the United States in June, Mohsin Naqvi had offered Afridi a role within the PCB. However, Afridi declined the offer, citing his existing commitments as the reason for his inability to take on the additional responsibility.

  • Netanyahu, Trump say Israel working on fresh Gaza hostage deal

    Netanyahu, Trump say Israel working on fresh Gaza hostage deal

    President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Monday that new negotiations were in the works aimed at getting more hostages released from Hamas captivity in Gaza.

    “We’re working now on another deal that we hope will succeed, and we’re committed to getting all the hostages out,” Netanyahu told reporters in the Oval Office.

    Trump for his part said: “We are trying very hard to get the hostages out. We’re looking at another ceasefire, we’ll see what happens.”

    Netanyahu added that “the hostages are in agony, and we want to get them all out.”

    The Israeli leader, seated next to Trump, highlighted an earlier hostage release agreement negotiated in part by Trump’s regional envoy Steve Witkoff that “got 25 out.”

    Netanyahu’s visit follows the collapse of Israel’s six-week truce with Palestinian group Hamas, whose militants launched an unprecedented attack on Israel on October 7, 2023 that triggered the Israeli invasion of Gaza.

    The fragile ceasefire ended with Israel’s resumption of air strikes on Gaza on March 18.

    The recent truce had allowed the return of 33 Israeli hostages, eight of whom were dead, in exchange for the release of some 1,800 Palestinians held in Israeli jails.

    The prime minister and his government maintain — against the advice of most hostage families — that increased military pressure is the only way to force Hamas to return the remaining hostages, dead or alive.

    Of the 251 hostages abducted during Hamas’s October 7 attack, 58 remain in captivity in Gaza, including 34 who the Israeli military says are dead.

    On another issue, after staying silent of late on his much-criticized idea of the United States taking over Gaza and displacing its two million people, Trump plugged it again on Monday.

    “I think it’s an incredible piece of important real estate, and I think it’s something that we would be involved in,” Trump said.

    Trump has repeatedly spoken of Gaza, which the Palestinians want as part of a future state of their own, as a business opportunity for America, saying Gaza could be transformed into the “Riviera of the Middle East.”

    Countries around the world and in particular Arab nations have rejected this proposal vehemently, including Egypt and Jordan, where Trump has suggested the Palestinians of Gaza be sent to live.

    “But you know, having a peace force like the United States there, controlling and owning the Gaza Strip would be a good thing, because right now … all I hear about is killing and Hamas and problems,” Trump said.

    He added: “And if you take the people, the Palestinians, and move them around to different countries, and you have plenty of countries that will do that, and you really have a freedom, a freedom zone.”

  • Ali Tareen defends PSL remarks, says he’s ‘hurt, not angry’

    Ali Tareen defends PSL remarks, says he’s ‘hurt, not angry’

    Multan Sultans owner Ali Tareen has defended his recent criticism of the Pakistan Super League (PSL), saying his comments were not meant to attack the league but to push for its growth. In his latest statement, he clarified that he is not angry but deeply hurt by the stagnation of the PSL, which he believes is no longer progressing as it once did.

    In response to the backlash, Tareen said, “I had no intention of making these statements, but when discussions about the PSL began, I had to be honest. I’m not angry—I’m hurt. I am a stakeholder and a major investor in the PSL. Every year, our team incurs losses, yet we continue to participate because I genuinely want this league to grow.”

    “We keep doing the same things every year—same format, same ideas, same tournaments. If a league is not growing, it means it is slowly declining, and that truly pains me,” he added.

    Tareen’s remarks had earlier drawn criticism from Karachi Kings owner Salman Iqbal, who accused him of publicly undermining the league.

    “Since the start of PSL, many doubted us—critics from India and even some local TV channels. But what truly hurts is when one of our own, a team owner, chooses to publicly ridicule and disrespect this league despite its continuous growth. PSL is Pakistan’s pride, a product that has made stars,”  Salman Iqbal wrote on X.

    The dispute began when Ali Tareen questioned the claim that PSL 10 would be the best edition yet. While acknowledging improved stadium conditions, he argued that the overall tournament structure remained unchanged.

    “How is PSL 10 bigger and better? We’ve had nail-biting finishes every year, the same four stadiums, the same experience. Yes, the stadiums are improved, but does that make it the best and biggest PSL ever? No. I’m tired of these empty claims,” he had said earlier.

    Tareen also criticised the PSL’s decision to feature Ali Zafar as the anthem singer once again, questioning why the league was not giving new artists a chance.