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  • No Peace Prize for Imran Khan this year: Norwegian press

    No Peace Prize for Imran Khan this year: Norwegian press

    Amid conflicting reports on Imran Khan’s alleged nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize, state-run Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation (NRK) has claimed that the former Pakistan prime minister (PM) will not be considered for the award this year, and has shed light on possible political motives behind the announcement. 

    The incarcerated Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder was last week reported to have been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize by the Norwegian Centre Party. The alleged nomination had sparked widespread speculation as the Nobel Institute itself does not confirm or deny any nominations for the prize until 50 years have passed.  

    With the news and counterclaims drawing global attention, the Norwegian press has quoted Nobel Institute Director Kristian Berg Harpviken as saying that the announcement by Norwegian Centre Party leader Geir Lippestad appeared to be an attempt at gaining maximum support from the Pakistani-Norwegian community for a seat in the parliament.

    Harpviken criticised the move, stating it was the first time a Norwegian politician had used the Nobel Peace Prize for personal political ambitions, and warned of multiple consequences. He expressed concern over the potential creation of a false impression that a Norwegian politician could influence the nomination process, and said it could cast doubts over the credibility of the prize, besides raising security concerns for both the nominee and the nominator.

    While Lippestad has defended his stance, stating that Norwegian politicians have previously discussed Nobel nominations, Harpviken emphasised that this case was unique since the politician was not yet a member of the Storting – supreme legislature of Norway – but was seeking to be one.

    “There have been many cases of sitting MPs being open about who they have nominated. What is special here is that a person who is not a member of the Storting, but wants to be there, promises specifically who he will nominate,” Harpviken said.

    Lippestad, however, maintained it was not his intention to use the nomination announcement for any political gains.”It is not our point to use this for any election campaign proposal, but to lift Imran Khan and his work. And not least what is happening in Pakistan now.  Many are imprisoned without trial, and many are tortured. That is what we are concerned about.”

    The NRK report, published a week after the announcement by the Norwegian party and consequent attention, further said that the deadline for nominations for this year’s Peace Prize was January 31. This means that Khan – even if someone with the right to nominate had nominated him – would not be considered for the award this year.

  • ‘Choose better movies’; Salman Khan’s ‘Sikander’ turns into mega flop

    ‘Choose better movies’; Salman Khan’s ‘Sikander’ turns into mega flop

    Salman Khan’s latest Eid release, Sikandar, was expected to be a massive hit, but it has left many of his fans disappointed. Despite the usual hype surrounding his festive releases, the film received poor reviews and failed to make a strong impact at the box office.

    Just a few days after its release, the backlash has grown, with even Salman’s loyal fans criticizing his performance. Many have called it “uninspired” and “lackluster,” labelling Sikandar as the “biggest misfire” from Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment.

    Social media is flooded with criticism, with fans pointing out that Salman’s portrayal of the main character seemed “lazy” and “stiff.”

    One devoted fan, known as Freak4Salman, wrote, “Laut aao purane @BeingSalmanKhan bhai, love you forever #SalmanKhan,” longing for the actor’s energy of earlier years.

    Another fan openly admitted, “Let’s be honest—Sikandar is the biggest misfire. No more excuses, no forced appreciation. We don’t need to defend a weak product.”

    One expressed deep disappointment, saying,  “I don’t like to see Salman Khan like this—in the trailer, in the songs. It was difficult to watch him in Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan too. Lazy, uninterested, half AI, half human. No chemistry with the lead actress, and forced action scenes and dialogues. As a die-hard fan, I can only request—please choose better movies, better scripts, better dialogues. We need real stories, real acting, and your charm back on screen.”

    Adding to the trouble, the AR Murugadoss-directed film was leaked online just hours after its release. It was uploaded on several illegal websites, allowing people to download and watch it for free. Reports suggest that the leak started with camcorder recordings from cinemas, which were later upgraded to HD quality and widely shared.

    Sikandar also features Sathyaraj, Kajal Aggarwal, and Sharman Joshi alongside Salman Khan. However, with weak reviews and online piracy, the film’s success at the box office remains uncertain.

  • Suhail Warraich dancing with a travel vlogger is an Eid gift we did NOT expect

    Suhail Warraich dancing with a travel vlogger is an Eid gift we did NOT expect

    Renowned Pakistani journalist Suhail Warraich made an unexpected appearance in a viral travel vlog, surprising fans with the playful side of his personality. The moment was captured in a video posted by travel YouTuber Mac Candee (also known as Worldnomac), who recently arrived in Pakistan for an adventurous trip.

    Mac Candee, known for exploring unique cultural experiences, shared his excitement about returning to Pakistan after 18 months. “I have been here three times in the past, but this time I wanted to see a side of the country that I had never experienced before,” he wrote on Instagram, teasing his upcoming travel series.

    On his first day in Lahore, he set out to explore the Walled City, reflecting on his past visits. “It was my first morning back in Pakistan, and my mind was flooding with all of the memories from the last time I had visited the city of Lahore. But enough reminiscing—it is time to explore Pakistan!” he said in the video.

    As he cruised through the city, he met Suhail Warraich, calling him a “Pakistani legend.” The journalist not only guided him through the historic streets but also surprised viewers with his sense of humour and enthusiasm.

    One of the most unexpected moments came when Warraich joined a musical performance featuring the famous Money Heist anthem, Bella Ciao. The scene quickly went viral as fans saw a different side of the journalist.

    Adding to the humour, a local jokingly said,  “If you have no tissue, you can use your hair,” making Mac Candee laugh. The vlogger also expressed his excitement by saying, “Lahore Lahore hai,” embracing the city’s lively energy.

  • Pakistan lands on tariffs block as Trump escalates global trade war

    Pakistan lands on tariffs block as Trump escalates global trade war

    Amid the ongoing “trade-wars”, United States (US) President Donald Trump has announced new tariffs on a number of countries, including a 29 percent tariff on Pakistani goods “in a bid to fix trade disparities” and counter what the new administration sees as “unfair treatment of American products”. 

    Reports quoted the American president as highlighting that Pakistan charged a 58 percent tariff on US goods and, therefore, the US would impose a 29 percent tariff in return.

    Trump intensifying a global trade war on Wednesday on imports from allies and foes alike has sent markets into a tailspin and upending decades-long free trade norms.

    The EU and China vowed retaliation against the levies, with Australia’s leader saying the new tariffs were “not the act of a friend” and would hurt the close allies’ relationship.

    Shortly after Trump’s proclamation, separate tariffs of 25 percent on all foreign-made cars and light trucks went into effect, with auto parts also due to be hit by May 3.

     

    Holding up a chart of the sweeping measures in the White House Rose Garden, Trump unveiled particularly stinging tariffs on major trade partners China and the European Union on what he called “Liberation Day.”

    “This is one of the most important days, in my opinion, in American history,” said Trump. “It’s our declaration of economic independence.”

    The tariffs announcement triggered immediate anger around the world, with rival China warning they could “endanger” global economic development.

    Stock markets looked set for major volatility Thursday, with Tokyo’s Nikkei leading an Asian selloff, collapsing more than four percent, and Hanoi shares tanked more than five percent after Vietnam was targeted with tariffs of 46 percent.

     

    US futures plummeted and safe haven gold hit a new record as investors took fright.

    Trump reserved some of the heaviest blows for what he called “nations that treat us badly.”

    That included an additional 34 percent on goods from China — bringing the new added tariff rate there to 54 percent.

    Beijing swiftly vowed countermeasures and called for dialogue, warning the levies would “seriously harm” those involved.

    The figure for the European Union was 20 percent, and 24 percent on Japan, whose trade minister called the tariffs “extremely regrettable.”

    For the rest, Trump said he would impose a “baseline” tariff of 10 percent, including another key ally, Britain.

     

    The 78-year-old Republican brushed off fears of turmoil, insisting that the tariffs would restore the US economy to a lost “Golden Age.”

    “For decades, our country has been looted, pillaged, raped and plundered by nations near and far, both friend and foe alike,” Trump said.

    ‘Make America wealthy again’

    A hand-picked audience of cabinet members, as well as workers in hard hats from industries including steel, oil and gas, whooped and cheered as Trump promised tariffs would “make America wealthy again.”

    Trump labeled Wednesday’s tariffs “reciprocal” but many experts say his administration’s estimates for levies placed on US imports by other countries are wildly exaggerated.The US president had telegraphed the move for weeks, sparking fears of a recession at home as costs are passed on to US consumers, and a damaging trade war abroad.

    US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warned against countermeasures, saying on Fox News: “If you retaliate, there will be escalation.”

    Some of the worst-hit trading partners were in Asia, including 49 percent for Cambodia, 46 percent for Vietnam and 44 percent for military-ruled Myanmar, recently hit by a devastating earthquake.

    Russia was not affected because it is already facing sanctions over the Ukraine war “which preclude any meaningful trade,” a White House official said.

     

    Certain goods like copper, pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, lumber and gold will not be subject to the tariffs, according to the White House.

     

    ‘Fight’

    EU chief Ursula von der Leyen vowed Europe was “prepared to respond” to the tariffs, calling them a “major blow to the world economy.”

    Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, a close Trump ally, said the levies on the EU were “wrong” but pledged to seek a deal.

    Britain escaped relatively lightly after a diplomatic offensive, but said it still wanted to “mitigate” the tariffs.

    Canada and Mexico are not affected by the new levies as Trump has already punished them for what he says is their failure to stymie drug trafficking and illegal immigration.

     

    Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney vowed to “fight” the existing levies.

    Trump’s announcement is the culmination of a long love affair with tariffs, which he has seen for decades as a cure-all for America’s trade imbalances and economic ills.

    The 10 percent “baseline tariff” kicks in on Saturday, while the elevated rates for those the White House deemed “the worst offenders” will take effect on April 9.

  • Princess of Wales wins hearts by re-wearing Pakistani outfit on Eid

    Princess of Wales wins hearts by re-wearing Pakistani outfit on Eid

    The Princess of Wales, Catherine Elizabeth Middleton, once again captured desi hearts by visiting the Muslim community on Eid while re-wearing her elegant Élan outfit, first seen during her visit to Pakistan under PM Imran Khan’s government.

    Elan designer Khadija Shah, the creative director of Élan, shared a video on her Instagram, expressing her admiration for the Princess’s choice. She wrote,

    “A Princess with no limit to what she can acquire, exhibiting values that a world obsessed with overconsumption, vulgar display of wealth, frivolity, and flippancy is losing. With so much deprivation, starvation, and strife, how you put yourself across sends a strong message about who you are and what you stand for. So proud to have the Princess representing the Élan woman—there could be no better example of dignity, strength, and resilience.”

    Fans were delighted to see the princess embrace modest fashion, with many praising her for promoting sustainability in a world obsessed with excess. Despite having unlimited access to luxury, she chose to repeat an outfit, sending a powerful message about humility, dignity, and responsibility.

    The outfit, which symbolizes strength and grace, resonated deeply with admirers. Many expressed pride in seeing the princess represent Élan, a brand known for its sophistication.

    Fans share their reactions


    “She looks beautiful with a scarf, Mashallah!”

     “What a proud moment! You should relaunch this outfit!”

     “Catherine Elizabeth Middleton is an inspiration! I tell my daughters how she reuses and recycles clothes just like Diana.”

    “Unlike Maryam Nawaz, who lacks values and accountability, the Princess leads by example.”

    Her choice to repeat an outfit not only reflects grace and simplicity but also sets a precedent for sustainable fashion, making her a true role model in the modern world.

  • Myanmar quake death toll rises over 3,000

    Myanmar quake death toll rises over 3,000

    The death toll from a major earthquake in Myanmar has risen above 3,000, the ruling junta said on Thursday.

    A statement from a junta spokesperson said that 3,085 deaths had been confirmed, with 341 people still missing and 4,715 injured, six days after the shallow 7.7-magnitude quake.

    Rescue and aid workers had arrived from 17 countries, Zaw Min Tun added, with nearly 1,000 tonnes of supplies and relief materials.

    “We have been continuing search and rescue work, we would like to express special gratitude for the hard work of the international community and medical teams,” he said.

    The head of Myanmar’s junta is expected to travel to Bangkok on Thursday for a regional summit.

    Min Aung Hlaing will join a BIMSTEC gathering — the seven littoral nations of the Bay of Bengal — where he will raise the response to Friday’s 7.7-magnitude quake that has flattened buildings across the country.

    Many nations have sent aid and teams of rescue workers to Myanmar since the quake, but heavily damaged infrastructure and patchy communications — as well as the country’s rumbling civil war — have hampered efforts.

    Myanmar has been engulfed in a brutal multi-sided conflict since 2021, when Min Aung Hlaing’s military wrested power from the civilian government of Aung San Suu Kyi.

    Following reports of sporadic clashes even after the recent earthquake, the junta on Wednesday joined its opponents in calling a temporary halt to hostilities to allow relief to be delivered.

    AFP journalists saw hectic scenes on Wednesday in the city of Sagaing — less than 15 kilometres (nine miles) from the epicentre — as hundreds of desperate people lined up for the distribution of emergency supplies.

    Roads leading to the city were packed with traffic on Thursday, many of the vehicles part of aid convoys organised by civilian volunteers and adorned with banners saying where they had been sent from across Myanmar.

    Destruction in Sagaing is widespread, with the World Health Organization (WHO) reporting that one in three houses have collapsed.

    Nearly a week after the quake, locals have complained of a lack of help.

    “We have a well for drinking water, but we have no fuel for the water pump,” Aye Thikar told AFP.

    “We also don’t know how long we will be without electricity,” she said.

    The 63-year-old nun has been helping distribute relief funds to those left without basic amenities by Friday’s quake.

    But many people are still in need of mosquito nets and blankets, forced to sleep outside by the tremors that either destroyed their homes or severely damaged them.

    Eyes on summit

    All the main leaders from the seven members of the BIMSTEC — Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand — are expected to attend the Bangkok summit.

    Host country Thailand has proposed that the leaders issue a joint statement on the impact of the disaster when they meet on Friday — a week on from the day the quake struck.

    Min Aung Hlaing’s attendance is something of a diplomatic coup for Myanmar’s isolated government, as the summit breaks with a regional policy of not inviting junta leaders to major events.

    His expected arrival in the Thai capital comes as the death toll from last week’s earthquake surpasses 3,000 people, according to junta figures.

    A statement from a junta spokesperson said Thursday that 3,085 deaths had been confirmed, with 341 people still missing and 4,715 injured.

    Rescue and aid workers had arrived from 17 countries, Zaw Min Tun added, with nearly 1,000 tonnes of supplies and relief materials.

    “We have been continuing search and rescue work, we would like to express special gratitude for the hard work of the international community and medical teams,” he said.

    Bangkok, hundreds of kilometres from the epicentre of the quake, also suffered isolated damage.

    The death toll in the city has risen to 22, with more than 70 still unaccounted for at the site of a building collapse.

    A 30-storey skyscraper — under construction at the time — was reduced to a pile of rubble in a matter of seconds when the tremors hit, trapping dozens of workers.

    Bangkok governor Chadchart Sittipunt said in a Thursday morning livestream that he was “hoping for a miracle, but don’t expect too much as there’s a high chance of disappointment too”.

  • Fawad Khan’s Bollywood return teaser has internet buzzing

    Fawad Khan’s Bollywood return teaser has internet buzzing

    The teaser for Abir Gulaal, starring Pakistan’s Fawad Khan and Bollywood’s Vaani Kapoor, has set social media abuzz, with fans swooning over the duo’s crackling chemistry. The romantic comedy, set to release on May 9, marks Khan’s return to Bollywood after years, and fans believe he is the only actor who can match Shah Rukh Khan’s charm in romance.  

    The teaser offers a glimpse into a heartwarming romance set in the scenic streets of London, filled with unexpected turns, laughter, and moments of pure magic. Fawad and Vaani share electric chemistry, making this love story all the more enchanting.  

    The film is directed by Aarti S. Bagdi and produced by Indian Stories and A Richer Lens in association with Aarjay Pictures. The producers include Vivek B. Agrawal, Avantika Hari, and Rakesh Sippy.

    “The World is Healing”: Fans React

    The teaser has evoked an emotional response from fans, many of whom have been waiting for Khan’s return to Bollywood since his last film, Kapoor & Sons (2016).

    This era is finally back!”

    “Fawad is the king of romance after SRK.”

    “We just can’t wait, sending all the love from the UK.”

    “His eyes! The moment I saw him, I knew good days are back.”

    With Khan’s heartthrob status in both Pakistan and India, Abir Gulaal is already one of the most anticipated romantic films of the year.

  • Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka ink tripartite agreement to strengthen capital markets

    Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka ink tripartite agreement to strengthen capital markets

    In a bid to enhance regional capital market integration, the national stock exchanges from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka have decided to collectively sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU). 


    The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX), Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) and Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) inked this agreement on Thursday in Sri Lanka’s capital city Colombo. As per a press release by the DSE, if concerned parties follow the agreement correctly, it could greatly boost human resource collaboration, investor protection, human resource collaboration, and the development of technology and new products.


    Chairman Akif Saeed of the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) attended the signing ceremony along with DSE Chairman Mominul Islam and CSE Chairman Dilshan Wirasekara. Key officials and directors from concerned institutions were reportedly also present at the high profile event to facilitate the process. 


    Reports suggest that knowledge sharing across capital markets will be another byproduct of the agreement. This could result in a vast movement of investment funds between the three nations, allowing for investors to purchase stocks of the publicly listed companies they believe will rise — regardless of which of the three countries the firm calls home. 


    A key official present at the meeting commented on the developments, claiming that the tripartite agreement could allow for the development of ‘strong and efficient capital markets’. This can be achieved via combined investments in technology and experience-sharing. 


    According to reports, Chairman Akif Saeed, accompanied by senior executives from the PSX, held meetings with officials from the DSE and CSE. Aside from official meetings, executives also found other avenues of collaboration. For instance, DSE’s chairman joined a panel discussion regarding the effect of market regulation on the development of capital markets. 


    In an official statement, DSE’s Chairman expressed concerns regarding the small size of the stock exchanges in South Asia which causes them to face serious operational and technological constraints. Barring India’s stock exchange, these challenges that exchanges must face in South Asia hinder markets, holding them back from reaching their ‘full capacity’.


    However, the PSX has been on a tear over the past year. Data from late March 2025 reveals that the ALLSHR (All shares) index has shot up by a staggering 67.77 percent over just one year, with the KSE-100 index recording an even greater annual growth of 78.70 percent – a growth rate that many would categorize as nothing short of meteoric.

  • President Asif Ali Zardari’s health has improved, assure PPP leaders

    President Asif Ali Zardari’s health has improved, assure PPP leaders

    Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leaders have assured the public that President Asif Ali Zardari’s health has improved and that he is now in a more stable condition.

    Party leaders claimed that the President’s health remains under observation and that further updates will be provided in the coming days.

    On Monday night, President Zardari was admitted to a private hospital in Karachi after his health worsened.

    He was initially transferred from Nawabshah to the hospital due to fever and an infection, media reports claimed.

    Reports indicate that President Zardari has undergone multiple medical tests, with doctors closely monitoring his condition.

    Meanwhile, Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif contacted President Zardari to inquire about his health, according to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office.

    During the conversation, PM Shehbaz expressed his well wishes for President Zardari’s swift recovery. He prayed for his health, saying, “May Allah grant you a full and speedy recovery. The entire nation’s prayers are with you.”

    Last year, the President suffered a foot fracture upon disembarking from a plane at Dubai Airport. The President was on a private visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

    According to the Presidency’s spokesperson, the President was immediately taken to the hospital for initial medical assistance. Following the examination, doctors applied a plaster to his foot, the spokesperson said.

    After his foot fracture, President Zardari’s official visit to China was also postponed.

  • Aamir Khan celebrates Eid in super awkward way

    Aamir Khan celebrates Eid in super awkward way

    Bollywood star Aamir Khan celebrated Eid with his entire family at his home, where his ex-wives, Reena Dutta and Kiran Rao, also joined the festivities.

     So far, so good. Nothing wrong in exes getting together and celebrating Eid. 

    He also greeted fans and wished them a joyous Eid from his residence. His sons, Junaid Khan and Azad Rao Khan, were also present for the celebration.

    Sounds like the perfect celebration, doesn’t it? 

    Reena and Kiran posed together for photos, impressing fans with their friendly bond. They were joined by Aamir’s mother, Zeenat Hussain, and his sisters, Nikhat Hegde and Farhat Datta.

    Kiran shared pictures on Instagram, calling it a “joyous occasion” at Aamir’s mother’s house. She thanked Zeenat Hussain for hosting and hoped for a peaceful and happy year ahead. Aamir’s daughter, Ira Khan, and her husband, Nupur Shikhare, also attended.

    Despite public attention on his personal life, Aamir continues to share a strong relationship with both ex-wives. His bond with Kiran remains evident in their professional collaborations, including his recent production, Laapata Ladies, which she directed.

    Its at this point that we think things turned awkward. 

    During the celebration, Aamir also spoke about his brand new relationship with Gauri Spratt, whom he introduced on his 60th birthday. “Gauri has been in my life for 18 months. She brings me peace,” he shared, adding that she prefers to stay out of the limelight. However, he clarified that he has no plans to marry again.

    Well, maybe its just us but bringing up your current girlfriend with two of your ex-wives could turn awkward real fast. 

    But if there’s one man who can handle the complexities of managing relationships successfully, it’s Aamir. So here’s hoping the situation didn’t lead to long silences and deathly stares.