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  • ICC fines Pakistan, again

    ICC fines Pakistan, again

    The ICC has once again fined the Pakistan cricket team for a slow over-rate in the third ODI against New Zealand.

    Already penalised in the first two matches for the same offence, the team repeated the mistake and incurred another fine in the third match.

    They fell one over short, resulting in a five percent deduction from their match fee.

    Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan accepted the mistake and acknowledged the team’s shortcomings.

    New Zealand whitewashed Pakistan 3-0 in the three-match ODI series. Prior to this, they had also defeated the Green Shirts 4-1 in the five-match ODI series.

  • You will never guess which makeup artist gave Hira Mani this adorable makeover

    You will never guess which makeup artist gave Hira Mani this adorable makeover

    Actress Hira Mani shared a series of photos and videos with her family on Instagram. From playful makeup sessions to food-filled holidays, her latest posts are full of love, laughter, and the cutest moments ever.

    One video that truly stole the spotlight shows Hira’s daughter, Mano, playing the role of a little makeup artist. She focuses on Hira’s eyes while carefully applying makeup. Watching her daughter’s serious expressions, the actress couldn’t help but smile and say, “Wow… so good! You’ve done a great job, honey.”

    She went on to acknowledge her daughter’s makeup skills, “Mano, this makeup is awesome! Mano, wow! This is so Vogue makeup—Vogue Paris! I love it!”

    Her daughter responded, “I like desi colours.”

    Fans instantly fell in love with the bond between Hira and her “mini version,” dubbing Mano the Mini Hira Mani.

    In other clips, Hira is seen enjoying precious moments with both her children, sharing delicious food, travelling abroad, and simply relishing the joy of being together. Whether it’s hugs, giggles, or goofing around, the videos captured pure family happiness.

    Her followers couldn’t stop gushing in the comments, “Masha Allah! Daily aapki post dekh ke dil garden garden ho jata hai ❤️”

    “Zabardast makeup done by Mini Hira Mani!”

    “Mini version of Hira Mani, that mini girl Mano! Masha Allah ❤️”

    “20 se zyada posts ho jayein toh bhi bore nahi hote—dil khush ho jata hai ❤️ Love from India.”

    “Such cute babies, Mashallah!”

  • Pakistani-origin Scottish cricketer says Babar Azam, Imran Khan her inspiration

    Pakistani-origin Scottish cricketer says Babar Azam, Imran Khan her inspiration

    Scottish leg spinner Abtaha Maqsood has expressed her excitement about playing in Pakistan, calling it a special moment for her.

    Currently in Lahore for the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier, the 25-year-old cricketer has represented Scotland in 8 One Day Internationals (ODIs) and 57 T20 Internationals.

    Speaking to a private news channel in Lahore, Abtaha Maqsood shared her feelings about being back in Pakistan. “My parents are from Lahore, and it feels great to be back here,” she said.

    She revealed that her passion for cricket was inspired by her father, who is a huge cricket fan: “Because of him, I developed an interest in cricket. I used to play with my brother and father in our home garden, and that’s where my love for the game began.”

    “I have never played in Pakistan before. It has been eight years since I last visited, and meeting my relatives here has been wonderful. Getting the opportunity to play at Gaddafi Stadium is something very special for me,” she added.

    When asked about her role models, Abtaha named several cricketers who inspired her. “I have a few role models, and the king of spin, Shane Warne, is one of them. I watch his videos a lot. I am also a big fan of Imran Khan. He is a role model for me and my family,” she stated.

    Regarding her current goals, Abtaha emphasised the importance of qualifying for the World Cup. “Our biggest target right now is to qualify for the World Cup. That is why we are here—we want to play another World Cup,” she said.

    She also mentioned that she follows Pakistan cricket and has a favourite player on the team. “Of course, I watch Pakistan cricket. My favourite player at the moment is Babar Azam. He is an incredible batter,” she added.

  • Atif Aslam’s hilarious waterfall reel sparks laughter and mixed reactions online

    Atif Aslam’s hilarious waterfall reel sparks laughter and mixed reactions online

    Pakistan’s star singer Atif Aslam surprised his fans with another playful and hilarious Instagram reel that quickly went viral. Filmed at a waterfall in the northern areas, the singer showed a funnier side of himself that many fans hadn’t seen before.

    In the reel, Atif acts as though he’s sending a voice message to his friends. He laughs loudly and says: “Bro, I told you it’s an amazing place, the water is absolutely fantastic, and you should have been here.” He then adds, “Ahhhh, shit, yar gaya hi nahi, phir bhjta hoon,” indicating that the voice note was not sent.

    He then tries again with even more energy: “Bro, I told you there are so many amazing places to visit here, and the food is also great. The food is really good. You should have been here.” But the voice note still doesn’t get sent, and he responds, “Ahhh, shit, yar gaya hi nahi, phir bhjta hoon.”

    Finally, laughing even louder, he says, “Bro, I told you this place is amazing, the people are great, and the water is awesome. But you should have been here to experience it all.” On his third failed attempt at sending the voicenote, the singer gives up, saying, “Now forget it—ahhh, ya gaya nahi, chhorho.”

    Atif captioned the reel, “Your laughing voice note doesn’t send on the first try…”

    The internet exploded with reactions.

    On Instagram, fans showered him with love and said:

    “We love new Atif ❤️❤️ مَا شَآءَاَلّٰلہ Allah bless you and thank you for giving us a smile.”

    “The struggle is real.”

    “Ahahahah legit!”

    But Twitter had mixed vibes. While many found the reel entertaining, others were surprised by this new side of Atif:

    “Atif Aslam’s Instagram reels just keep getting better every day.”

    “I’m loving Atif Aslam reels.”

    But some critics chimed in, saying, “If I can just give Atif Aslam an advice: please stop wearing ugly branded clothing and stop with those nonsense reels.”

    Another added, “Atif Aslam making reels on IG—unreal downfall.”

    Others reacted:

    “Jab se Atif Aslam ne Insta reels banana shuru ki thein, tb hi smjh gayi thi isko paise ki dikkat hai pr itni dikkat hai, yeh nai socha tha.”

    “What kind of midlife crisis is he going through?”

    Despite the criticism, Atif doesn’t seem bothered. Soon after, he posted another update from the same location, this time with his friends, standing in a peaceful lake surrounded by stunning nature. The caption read: “Mujhe tairna he nahi ata.”

    The place looked straight out of a dream—calm waters, fresh air, and Atif Aslam simply enjoying the moment.

    Whether netizens love the new vibe or not, one thing is clear: Atif Aslam isn’t afraid to laugh at himself and bring some much-needed smiles to the timeline.

  • PCB breaks silence on reports claiming Mohsin Naqvi’s resignation

    PCB breaks silence on reports claiming Mohsin Naqvi’s resignation

    The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has dismissed reports claiming that Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has resigned from his position.

    According to PCB officials, the speculation was dismissed, stating that neither the Federal Interior Minister nor the PCB Chairman has stepped down. The rumours began circulating on various sports websites and social media platforms after Naqvi was elected as President of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), with claims that he might resign as a result of increased responsibilities.

    Adding to the controversy, former Pakistan cricketer Kamran Akmal publicly called for Mohsin Naqvi’s resignation, criticising the national team’s continuous poor performances.

    Addressing Naqvi directly, he said, “If you cannot control these embarrassing defeats and the team’s performance, then resign and go home. Don’t further damage the credibility of the cricket board.”

    Despite the criticism and ongoing speculation, Mohsin Naqvi remains in his role as PCB Chairman.

  • Global bloodbath: PSX suffers historic decline as markets crash amid US-China tariff war

    Global bloodbath: PSX suffers historic decline as markets crash amid US-China tariff war

    The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) Monday experienced a meltdown as the benchmark KSE-100 Index fell by a staggering 6,287.22 points, representing a decline of 5.29 percent; whereas the ALLSHR index lost 3700.05 points to now sit at 70,171.43.

    The carnage was followed by trading activities being suspended for 30 minutes, giving time to both regulators and investors to assess the situation.

    While Pakistan’s KSE-100 tracks the performance of the 100 largest and most liquid companies, the ALLSHR index records the performance of all publicly listed companies on the PSX. However, the bloodbath was not limited to the PSX as capital markets across the globe reel from the effects of the trade war between the United States (US) and China.

    According to reports, China has retorted to the US by slapping substantial tariffs of its own through “retaliatory levies” on all goods imported from the US. This levy has been accompanied with China restricting its exports on seven rare elements.

    The trade war has left many investors to believe that a recession is on the horizon, prompting massive sell-offs in international capital markets. Despite being the one to issue the retaliatory tariffs, China’s own capital markets have witnessed large selloffs, causing the Shanghai Stock Exchange Composite Index to fall by 7.34 percent. 

    The effects have reached US shores too as the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) composite has recorded a sharp decline of 6.12 percent after falling by an alarming 1,148.58 points in 24 hours and currently sits at 17,618.61 points.

    The National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotations (NASDAQ) has plummeted by a whopping 5.82 percent as it fell by 962.82 points during trading hours to settle at 15,587.79. For reference, the NASDAQ is the second largest US based stock exchange by market capitalisation — second only to NYSE.

    The Saudi stock market hasn’t fared well either, as the imposition of tariffs coupled with falling oil prices have wiped out large sums of investments causing a loss of 500 billion riyals. As of publishing, the Saudi benchmark index, Tadawul All-Share Index (TASI) has declined by 3.05 percent after falling by 337.72 percent. As per reports, this has caused a loss of $90.5 billion to Saudi Aramco alone. Notable companies such as the Saudi National Bank have also recorded substantial losses.

  • Raid on dance party: Two cops suspended for releasing video of suspects in custody

    Raid on dance party: Two cops suspended for releasing video of suspects in custody

    The District Police Officer (DPO) has suspended the investigation officer and Muharar concerned for releasing a video of the suspects who were arrested at a farmhouse near Pakki Havali village during an alleged dance party, according to a press release issued by the police on Sunday.

    On Friday night, following a “tip-off” about an alleged dance party near Pakki Havali village, the police raided the farmhouse, apprehending 55 people, including women, and placing them under arrest.

    Later, on the complaint of Sub Inspector (SI) Muhammad Sadiq, a case was filed against the suspects under Sections 3 and 4 of the Prohibition (Enforcement of Hadd) Order 1979, Section 6(a) of the Punjab Prohibition of Sheesha Smoking Act 2014, Section 6 of the Punjab Sound System Regulation Act 2015, and Sections 292 and 293 of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC).

    Meanwhile, the local court ordered the release of all 55 individuals, including women, and discharged the case after the suspects were presented before a magistrate on Saturday for physical remand.

    Following the cancellation of the case by the court, the police clarified in a press release that they neither made nor released any video of the suspects in an “official capacity.” The press release further said, “The police always hold self-respect of citizens as their top priority as per the SOPs.”

    The suspension of the cops comes days after social media users slammed cops for publishing a video of suspects involved in an alleged dance party.

    One user took to X (formerly Twitter), writing, “This is absolutely ridiculous to make video of these girls and boys. This needs to stop. Koi aqal karo (Come to your senses).”

    Another user wrote, “Releasing videos of these individuals before their crime is proven is against the Constitution and the law,” while the third user questioned, “The boys and girls—whose videos went viral now carry a negative identity for the rest of their lives. Who is responsible for that? Bring them to light—make them answerable.”

    The fourth user asked, “It is strange that when Punjab police arrest drug dealers and murderers, they cover their faces when posting online, but incidents like this are recorded and posted online showing faces; what is the need for that?”

    “This is ridiculous. The only reason these boys and girls have been arrested is because they are from the lower middle class. Upper classes and elites have raves and parties all the time in their leafy neighbourhoods, but no one raids them. Let the people enjoy for god’s sake,” wrote another user.

  • Yasir Hussain’s ‘Monkey Business’ brings laughter and love to Karachi’s Arts Council

    Yasir Hussain’s ‘Monkey Business’ brings laughter and love to Karachi’s Arts Council

    Renowned actor Yasir Hussain is back with a bang—this time, bringing non-stop laughter with his new theatre play, Monkey Business. The play opened on April 5 at the Karachi Arts Council and will run until April 20.

    Sharing his excitement on Instagram, he wrote, “5 se 20 April Arts Council MONKEY BUSINESS”

    He also added, “What a start, Karachi! The first show of Monkey Business was a full house of laughs and love. We’re performing till 20th April at Arts Council—don’t miss the madness!”

    Before the show kicked off, Yasir and his wife Iqra Aziz gave a quick interview. The host welcomed them with a smile and asked, “How excited are you this year?”

    Yasir replied with honesty and humour, “I get excited every year. I’m feeling very anxious—why am I so anxious? It’s not nervousness; it’s anxiety.”

    Then the host asked Yasir, “Would you like to say something to Iqra before she watches the show?”

    To which Yasir replied, “It’s a very good show.”

    The host then turned to Iqra Aziz and asked how many rehearsals she had seen. She responded:
    “I have watched fewer rehearsals this time, maybe two or three, not many. So today, I am watching the show for the first time.”

    Later, Yasir shared a lively video from the media night and captioned it: “The atmosphere at the media night for ‘Monkey Business’ was alive with joyful laughter and radiant smiles, capturing the essence of theatrical celebration. Guests mingled with palpable excitement, eagerly anticipating the performance that promised to captivate and entertain.”

    The video features well-known celebrities like Mehwish Hayat, Yasir Nawaz, Ahad Raza Mir, and many more, all seen enjoying the show.

    After the performance, everyone had glowing reviews to share.

    “Yasir Hussain takes the initiative to do Monkey Business—very, very excited! There is so much hype. My friend Yasir is performing, and they have woven social commentary into storytelling. This time, Yasir Hussain made a comeback. Till theatres, I think this is the best—200% worth it! You must watch it. It was brilliant!”

    Another guest shared, “I am so excited that I came to the theatre. It was amazing, it was so funny, very entertaining. Come with your families—you will enjoy it a lot!”

    The reactions kept pouring in: “Absolutely fantastic, incredible, very refreshing, and such unique jokes! I laughed so much that I went crazy. I had to get tissues for Shaje. I think all the actors did an amazing job!”

    One lady expressed her happiness, saying, “I enjoyed every single moment! It was so, so, so nice—hilarious! It was so good. Just laugh and enjoy yourself! Had a great time. The show was fantastic, the show was amazing! Really loved it. Had a blast. A must-watch!”

    Fans also congratulated Yasir on social media, sharing how refreshing it was to see something so joyful in difficult times.

    One commented on Instagram, “So good to see so many people laughing and enjoying, with so much darkness and negativity around us—it’s excellent to have this entertainment. Please come to Islamabad with the play!”

    Another added, “Amazing performance!”

  • Wasim Akram set to make PSL commentary debut

    Wasim Akram set to make PSL commentary debut

    The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced the names of its star-studded commentary panel for the 10th edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL).

    According to the official statement, former England captains Sir Alastair Cook, Mark Nicholas, Dominic Cork, JP Duminy, Mike Haysman, Martin Guptill, and Athar Ali Khan will be part of the commentary team.

    Two-time Women’s World Cup-winning Australian cricketer Lisa Sthalekar will also make her PSL commentary debut this season.

    Pakistan’s former captains Ramiz Raja, Waqar Younis, and Aamer Sohail, along with Bazid Khan, Urooj Mumtaz, and cricket analyst Sikandar Bakht, will also be on the panel. Notably, the Sultan of Swing Wasim Akram will be making his PSL debut as a commentator.

    For the first time, PSL will feature full Urdu commentary, with Tariq Saeed, Ali Younis, Aqeel Samar, Marina Iqbal, and Salman Butt taking on the responsibility.

    Renowned presenters Zainab Abbas and Erin Holland will host the matches throughout the tournament.

    The 10th edition of PSL is set to take place from April 11 to May 18, with matches scheduled in Lahore, Karachi, Rawalpindi, and Multan.

  • Netanyahu and Trump to talk tariffs, Iran and Gaza

    Netanyahu and Trump to talk tariffs, Iran and Gaza

    Netanyahu becomes the first foreign leader to meet with Trump in the US capital since the president unveiled sweeping levies on multiple countries in his “Liberation Day” announcement on Wednesday.

    Arriving in Washington direct from a visit to Hungary, Netanyahu’s chief objective will be to persuade Trump to reverse the decision, or at the very least to reduce the 17 percent levy set to be imposed on Israeli imports before it takes effect.

    Before leaving Budapest, Netanyahu said his discussions would include a range of issues, including “the tariff regime that has also been imposed on Israel”.

    “I’m the first international leader, the first foreign leader who will meet with President Trump on a matter so crucial to Israel’s economy,” he said in a statement.

     

    “I believe this reflects the special personal relationship and the unique bond between the United States and Israel, which is so vital at this time.”

    Analysts said Netanyahu will seek to secure an exemption from the tariffs for Israel.

    “The urgency (of the visit) makes sense in terms of stopping it before it gets institutionalised,” said Jonathan Rynhold, head of political studies at Bar-Ilan University in Tel Aviv.

    Such an exemption would not only benefit Trump’s closest Middle East ally but also “please Republicans in Congress, whose voters care about Israel, but are unwilling to confront Trump on this at this point,” he said.

    Israel had attempted to avoid the new levy by moving preemptively a day before Trump’s announcement and lifting all remaining duties on the one percent of American goods still affected by them.

    But Trump still went ahead with his new policy, saying the United States had a significant trade deficit with Israel, a top beneficiary of US military aid.

     

    Gaza truce, hostages

    The Israeli leader’s US trip is “also a way for Netanyahu to play the game and show Trump that Israel is going along with him,” said Yannay Spitzer, a professor of economics at Hebrew University.

    “I would not be surprised if there is an announcement of some concession for Israel… and this will be an example for other countries.”

    Netanyahu will also discuss the war in the Gaza Strip, the Israeli hostages still held in the Palestinian territory, and the growing “threat from Iran”, his office said.

    Israel resumed air strikes on Gaza on March 18, ending nearly two months of ceasefire with Hamas that had been brokered by the United States, Egypt and Qatar.

    Efforts to restore the truce have since failed, with more than 1,330 people killed in renewed Israeli air and ground operations, according to the health ministry in the Hamas-controlled territory.

    Palestinian militants there still hold 58 hostages, including 34 the Israeli military says are dead.

    On Iran, Trump has been pressing for “direct talks” with Tehran on a new deal to curb the Islamic republic’s nuclear programme.

    Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Sunday rejected the idea of direct negotiations with the United States as “meaningless”.

    There has been widespread speculation that Israel, possibly with US help, might attack Iranian facilities if no agreement is reached.