Blog

  • Real Madrid’s ‘fantastic four’ face Atletico test

    Real Madrid’s ‘fantastic four’ face Atletico test

    Real Madrid’s galaxy of attacking stars initially struggled to gel this season, but coach Carlo Ancelotti kept the faith, and now the “fantastic four” are Los Blancos’ greatest strength as they face rivals Atletico Madrid in the Champions League.

    They host Diego Simeone’s Atletico side on Tuesday at the Santiago Bernabeu in the last 16 first leg, with the return at the Metropolitano stadium across town on March 12.

    French superstar Kylian Mbappe joined last season’s trident of Jude Bellingham, Vinicius Junior, and Rodrygo Goes, and both the former Paris Saint-Germain striker and Madrid’s squad needed time to adapt to the change.

    Ancelotti has a reputation for getting the most from his squad. Last season, he replaced forward Karim Benzema with central midfielder Bellingham to great effect.

    Real Madrid claimed a Champions League and La Liga double, but it has taken time to click with Mbappe.

    Madrid’s struggles forced them into the new play-off round, where they faced English champions Manchester City. Finally firing on all cylinders, the holders hit six goals over the two legs.

    Mbappe and Bellingham scored at City, and Vinicius was named man of the match. Mbappe then netted a brilliant hat-trick at home to seal a 6-3 aggregate victory.

    Madrid’s fantastic four have taken flight at just the right time.

    “This is where the season really starts,” said Ancelotti, finally convinced he has found the right set-up despite the early teething problems.

    He was delighted with the attackers’ work-rate after previously criticising a lack of balance when they didn’t work hard enough defensively.

    Ancelotti said that was the key to potential success this season, and it seems essential against an intense and hard-working Atletico.

    “It was a complete performance by the team from an attacking point of view, and we showed that with the right levels of commitment, we can do anything,” explained Ancelotti after beating City in Manchester.

    That same sacrifice was lacking as Madrid lost 2-1 on Saturday against Real Betis in La Liga, with one eye on the Atletico clash and Bellingham serving a suspension.

    Crunching the numbers 


    The 15-time record winners of the top European club competition are favourites to progress against Atletico, whom they beat in the 2014 and 2016 finals, in no small part thanks to Mbappe’s explosion.

    Ancelotti said the French striker had a chance of matching all-time Real Madrid top scorer Cristiano Ronaldo’s legacy as long as he worked hard.

    Mbappe admitted hitting rock “bottom” after missing key penalties against Liverpool and Athletic Bilbao towards the end of 2024, seeming extremely low on confidence.

    He knuckled down to find his form and boasts 28 goals in 40 appearances, with seven in 10 in the Champions League.

    “Kylian has arrived to help us, and we will help him become the top scorer in every tournament,” said Vinicius in January.

    The Brazilian has scored 18 times in 36 games this season despite not hitting his best level.

    It was in the second half of last season that Vinicius excelled, earning the runner-up spot on the Ballon d’Or podium.

    Bellingham will be fresh to face Atletico after he was suspended for Madrid’s last two league games. The team badly missed him against Betis.

    His effort and quality help link the attack and defence, and after firing blanks at the start of the season, Bellingham has been chipping in with goals, notching 11 goals in 36 matches.

    Rodrygo may have less of a star billing than the other three attackers, but he has 13 goals himself in 38 games and leaves opponents for dead with his slick dribbling.

    “So underrated… for me, he’s probably the most talented and most gifted player in the squad,” said Bellingham of the Brazilian winger.

    Between the four of them, Madrid has enough skill and speed to break through any defence, although Ancelotti insists it is the way they contribute defensively that could lead to either glory or defeat.

    “If we play like this, we will not win on Tuesday,” said Ancelotti after the Betis defeat.

    “I hope this game will help us improve.”

    Atletico Madrid’s visit offers the perfect test of that theory and a new chance for Madrid’s quartet of stars to shine.

  • Babar Azam likely to be dropped from T20 squad for New Zealand tour

    Babar Azam likely to be dropped from T20 squad for New Zealand tour

    The Pakistan cricket team is set to tour New Zealand for a series of five T20 Internationals and three One Day Internationals (ODIs).

    According to sources, star batter Babar Azam is unlikely to be included in Pakistan’s T20 squad for the tour. However, a final decision regarding his participation in the ODI squad has yet to be made.

    The selectors have reportedly decided to include young players in the T20 squad, aiming to provide them with international exposure and experience.

    Meanwhile, following Pakistan’s disappointing campaign in the Champions Trophy, Babar Azam was spotted playing padel tennis. Several pictures have surfaced showing him enjoying the sport alongside his brothers, fellow cricketers, and friends.

    PCB likely to send Rizwan, other senior players packing

    Following Pakistan’s disappointing performance in the 2025 Champions Trophy, captain Mohammad Rizwan and several senior players are set to be rested.

    According to media reports, if Rizwan is rested, Shadab Khan is likely to take over as captain. The squad is also expected to see major changes, with 8 to 9 new players included.

    Similarly, senior players like Shaheen Afridi, Babar Azam, Haris Rauf, and Fakhar Zaman will reportedly be dropped, while Imam-ul-Haq, Tayyab Tahir, and Kamran Ghulam are also likely to be excluded.

    Meanwhile, young talents such as Mohammad Haris, Sufiyan Muqeem, and Arafat Minhas are expected to join the team. Others in contention include Irfan Khan Niazi, Zaman Khan, Mohammad Wasim, Abbas Afridi, and Jehandad Khan.

    Additionally, Agha Salman, Abrar Ahmed, and Umair Bin Yousuf may be included, while emerging talents like Hasan Nawaz, Ali Raza, and Abdul Samad are also under consideration.

    Earlier, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi met with selectors at the National Cricket Academy to discuss the team’s future. He instructed the selection committee to build a team with a long-term vision.

  • ‘Shahbaz Gill used to sexually harass women at Chief Minister’s House,’ alleges Marwat

    ‘Shahbaz Gill used to sexually harass women at Chief Minister’s House,’ alleges Marwat

    Recently expelled from Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Sher Afzal Marwat has made a series of allegations again, this time against former Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (PM) and close ally of party founder Imran Khan, Shahbaz Gill.

    Appearing on a podcast with journalist Mansoor Ali Khan on Sunday, Marwat accused Gill, who is currently abroad, of sexual harassment. “He [Shahbaz Gill] used to sexually harass women at the Chief Minister’s House,” Marwat claimed, alluding to Gill’s tenure as former Spokesperson to the Punjab Chief Minister during PTI’s reign.

    On February 20, while speaking to a private media outlet, Marwat also accused Gill of stealing former PM Imran Khan’s mobile phones and handing them over to ex-spymaster General (r) Faiz Hamid.

    Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s (KP) firebrand leader was referring to the theft incident first reported in May 2022 when, interestingly, Gill had told the media that Khan’s mobile phones were stolen during the party’s Sialkot rally, soon after Khan’s ouster from the government.

    “When an investigation was launched into Khan’s missing phones, an investigation team claimed that Gill, who was his chief of staff at the time, stole the phones and handed them over to Faiz,” Marwat said.

    He further claimed that after learning about the theft, Khan removed Gill from his post and never met him again.

    When the host contested Marwat’s claim, stating that these were just “accusations,” the former PTI leader responded that Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) chief Sahibzada Hamid Raza, as well as PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja, were witnesses to the matter, including Khan’s directives to remove Gill from the party’s political committee.

    “Khan sent a message to him [Shahbaz Gill] two and a half months ago… either focus on vlogging or remain in the political committee,” Marwat revealed, adding that Gill was accustomed to disclosing all the committee’s secret conversations through his vlogs.

    On Sunday, questioning the legality of Gill’s earnings, Marwat alleged, “Before running away from Pakistan, Gill sold two farmhouses in Gulberg Green Islamabad worth nine crore each,” prompting Mansoor to contest that it was possible this wealth had been earned through lawful means. Marwat replied that Gill did not have a YouTube channel at that time.

    When the host mentioned that Gill had been a professor, Marwat accused him of possessing fake academic credentials, to which Mansoor asked, “How can a professor teach at the University of Chicago with counterfeit documents?”

    “Then publish the credentials for our satisfaction,” Marwat replied.

    The maverick leader went on to further allege that Gill had defrauded five crore rupees from a sister of incarcerated PTI founder Imran Khan, leaving the journalist in shock.

    It merits mention that, on the advice of jailed Imran Khan, Marwat was expelled from PTI last month as he continued to persistently violate party discipline.

  • ‘My employees have my card, and they spend as they wish,’ says Yashma Gill

    ‘My employees have my card, and they spend as they wish,’ says Yashma Gill

    Renowned actress Yashma Gill recently made headlines with her candid revelations on a podcast with 365 News, where she openly discussed feminism, finances, and the reasons behind spending millions on her close friend Hania Aamir’s birthday party.

    During the interview, the host brought up the video of her surprise birthday party for Hania Aamir that went viral on social media and asked, “What made you spend millions on this party for Hania?”

    She laughed and responded, “Because it was a surprise birthday party, it cost millions. If you want to know the budget for this party, I will not tell you.”

    Speaking about her bond with Hania, she added, “Hania Aamir is my best friend, and she is like my sister.”

    When asked about her biggest expenses, Yashma revealed, “I am thinking of buying a house these days, which I mentioned to a friend, and he told me about houses that cost a lot.”

    She further admitted, “I told this friend that I spend more and earn less.”

    In a surprising confession, she stated, “My employees have my card, and they spend it as they wish.”

    Yashma Gill also expressed her strong views on marriage, making it clear that she will not compromise her career for anyone.

    She revealed that she once approached a marriage bureau but was shocked when they demanded Rs. 4 lakh before showing her a potential match.

    Dismissing rumours about her personal life, Yashma claimed, “I have not had any romantic relationship with anyone to date. I am a very modest girl.”

    Regarding her future husband, she stated, “I will marry a person who understands my work, schedule, family, and environment.” She further emphasized, “I will never marry a man who will have a problem with my working in showbiz.”

    Yashma also spoke about feminism, clarifying, “I am not into these things, but I believe that everyone should get their full rights.”

    She explained, “Men and women have different characteristics; everyone has their importance and rights. Men can never do women’s work, and women can’t do men’s work, so everyone has their place and should get their full rights.”

    On the topic of why men tend to pass away earlier than women, Yashma remarked, “Men probably die earlier because they are already older.”

    “In the past, it was customary for men to marry women 15 years younger than themselves, which is probably why men die earlier,” she added.

  • ‘Your salaries depend on Indian revenue’: Sunil Gavaskar hits back at former English cricketers

    ‘Your salaries depend on Indian revenue’: Sunil Gavaskar hits back at former English cricketers

    Legendary Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar has hit back at criticism from former England cricketers and commentators Michael Atherton and Nasser Hussain, who questioned the fairness of the ICC Champions Trophy’s scheduling.

    The International Cricket Council (ICC) has come under fire for scheduling all of India’s matches at a single venue, with former players and analysts arguing that this gives India an “unfair advantage” by allowing them to play in familiar conditions while other teams must adapt to different venues.

    Michael Atherton and Nasser Hussain criticised the ICC for allegedly favouring India, stating, “India has received an unfair advantage in the tournament as they are playing at just one venue, gaining the benefit of consistent conditions, while other teams have to adapt to different venues.”

    However, these complaints did not sit well with former Indian players.

    Ex-cricketer Wasim Jaffer mocked the criticism, remarking,  “To stop people from complaining, India should have changed hotels in Dubai.”

    Meanwhile, Sunil Gavaskar fired back at the English commentators, saying, “I think you should focus on your team. Why did they lose, and why couldn’t they qualify?”

    He further added, “You both need to take your eyes off the Indian team and focus on yourselves. I’m always complaining that India got this or that. We have better things to focus on, but this is your constant excuse.”

    Gavaskar also pointed out the financial reliance of some former cricketers on India’s cricket market, stating, “I want to remind both of them that a significant portion of their salaries also depends on India’s revenue.”

    Australian captain Pat Cummins and South African batter Rassie van der Dussen also voiced concerns over the scheduling, questioning its fairness.

  • Jawani Phir Nahi Ani to return with new script in works

    Jawani Phir Nahi Ani to return with new script in works

    Jawani Phir Nahi Ani (JPNA), Pakistani cinema’s renowned comedy film series, is making a comeback with its third movie. In a recent Something Haute podcast, Hassan Choudary and Aamna Haider Isani disclosed that JPNA 3’s script is in the works.

    According to Hassan, Humayun Saeed personally confirmed the exciting news, saying, “We have started working on JPNA 3.” Naturally, the next big question was whether the film’s ensemble would include the Hamza Ali Abbasi-led lineup from the first film or Fahad Mustafa’s sequel.

    While JPNA 3 will reportedly star Fahad Mustafa and his team, as it continues the tradition of the previous films in the series, Hassan inquired whether Hamza Ali Abbasi, who had recently returned to the entertainment world, would also appear in the film. Humayun kept things vague, stating only, “Let’s see what happens.”

    While no official announcements have been made about the entire cast, this news has already piqued fans’ interest. The JPNA series is renowned for its high-energy comedy, lavish production, and star-studded cast, making it one of Pakistan’s most successful film franchises. Hassan and Aamna both admitted that JPNA is still their favorite series.

    With the script now in development, all eyes are on the JPNA 3 team to see how they can restore the magic. Will we see a spectacular reunion of former cast members, or will there be any unexpected surprises? One thing is certain: audiences are in for a laugh-filled trip!

  • Rawalpindi police ‘torture teen to death’ in custody

    Rawalpindi police ‘torture teen to death’ in custody

    13-year-old Suleman, who was reportedly in the custody of the Rawalpindi police, is believed to have died after severe torture, as alleged by his family. Concern over the incident has led to demands for an objective inquiry and judicial punishment for those involved.

    A week ago, the Nasirabad police arrested Suleman on suspicion of being wanted in a case, according to sources. The family expected that legal action would follow. However, a week later, the police called to inform them that Suleman’s body was at the hospital and asked them to pick it up.

    According to Suleman’s family, the police brutally tortured him until he passed away. They maintain that he had no illnesses that could have contributed to his sudden death and that he was in excellent health before his arrest. Suspicions of severe mistreatment were further fueled when the family shockingly claimed his eyes had been removed when they saw his body.

    The police have not yet issued a comprehensive statement, while claims indicate that the police are blaming his death on natural causes. Authorities have started an investigation.

    Legal experts highlight that any fatality occurring while a person is in police custody is a serious matter that must be investigated thoroughly and objectively. The officers involved may face legal prosecution if the family files a lawsuit. Civil society organizations and human rights activists have criticised the incident and called on the government to ensure accountability.

    Numerous groups have demanded a transparent inquiry and emphasised that any officers found responsible must face severe legal consequences. Suleman’s family and local residents have urged Punjab’s chief minister, the inspector general of police, and other high-ranking authorities to take immediate action. They are also calling for the establishment of an independent investigation commission.

  • Israel blocks aid to devastated Gaza as truce’s first phase ends

    Israel blocks aid to devastated Gaza as truce’s first phase ends

    Israel on Sunday blocked aid flowing into Gaza, where a six-week truce enabled the entry of vital food, shelter and medical assistance, prompting the UN to call for an immediate restoration of humanitarian assistance.

    The Israeli decision came as talks on a truce extension appeared to hit an impasse, after the ceasefire’s 42-day first phase drew to a close.

    Truce mediators Egypt and Qatar accused Israel of blatantly violating the ceasefire deal by halting the aid, a move which according to AFP images left trucks loaded with goods lined up on the Egyptian side of the Rafah crossing to Gaza.

    Early on Sunday Israel had announced a truce extension until mid-April that it said United States Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff had proposed.

    But Hamas has rejected an extension, instead favouring a transition to the truce deal’s second phase that could bring a permanent end to the genocide in Gaza.

    On Sunday, Netanyahu admitted to rejecting a ceasefire proposal from Hamas, warning that hostilities would resume if the Palestinian group did not agree to the US-backed alternative.

    With uncertainty looming over the truce, both Israel and Palestinian sources reported Israeli military strikes in the Hamas-run Gaza Strip, whose health ministry reported at least four people killed.

    Hamas said the “decision to suspend humanitarian aid is cheap blackmail, a war crime and a blatant coup against the (ceasefire) agreement”.

    The Egyptian foreign ministry accused Israel of using starvation as “a weapon against the Palestinian people”, comments echoed by Qatar which said it “strongly condemns” Israel’s decision.

    Saudi Arabia, which has rejected any talk of normalising its ties with Israel without a Palestinian state, condemned the aid block as “a tool of blackmail and collective punishment”.

    Jordan said Israel’s action “threatens to reignite” fighting in Gaza.

    UN chief Antonio Guterres called for “humanitarian aid to flow back into Gaza immediately”.

    The European Union condemned what it called Hamas’s refusal to accept the extension of the first phase, and added that Israel’s subsequent aid block “risked humanitarian consequences”.

    Brussels called for “a rapid resumption of negotiations on the second phase of the ceasefire”.


    Panic

    Gazans expressed concern over prices they said immediately surged.

    “Prices are rising and people are panicking about food supplies,” Belal al-Helou, 56, said in Gaza City.

    More than 15 months of Israeli-led genocide in Gaza destroyed or damaged most buildings, displaced almost the entire population and triggered widespread hunger, according to the UN.

    Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar, asked by reporters about the risk of starvation, dismissed such warnings as “a lie”.

    Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said he had “decided that, from this morning, all entry of goods and supplies into the Gaza Strip will be suspended”.

    It said there would be “consequences” for Hamas if it did not accept the temporary truce extension.

    But on a sandy street in Gaza City, Mays Abu Amer, 21, expressed hope the ceasefire can continue “forever”.

    According to Israel, the truce extension would see half of the hostages still in Gaza freed on the day the deal came into effect, with the rest to be released at the end if an agreement was reached on a permanent ceasefire.

    Of the 251 captives taken during Hamas’s October 2023 attack, 58 remain in Gaza including 34 the Israeli military has confirmed are dead.

  • Palestine wins first-ever Oscar with documentary on Israel conflict

    Palestine wins first-ever Oscar with documentary on Israel conflict

    In a groundbreaking moment at the 2025 Academy Awards, No Other Land, a documentary co-directed by Palestinian journalist Basel Adra and Israeli journalist Yuval Abraham, won Best Documentary Feature. This marks Palestine’s first-ever Oscar win, a historic triumph for the filmmakers and their cause.

    The film sheds light on the struggles of Palestinians in Masafer Yatta, a West Bank village facing demolition by Israeli forces. Adra, at the heart of the documentary, risks his safety to document the destruction of his homeland, while Abraham, a Jewish-Israeli journalist, joins him in amplifying the story. The powerful collaboration between Israeli and Palestinian filmmakers stood out among nominees Porcelain War, Sugarcane, Black Box Diaries, and Soundtrack to a Coup d’État.

    During an emotional acceptance speech, Adra reflected on the ongoing hardships faced by Palestinians. “About two months ago, I became a father, and my hope for my daughter is that she will not have to live the same life I’m living now, always fearing settler violence, home demolitions, and forced displacements,” he said. “We call on the world to take serious actions to stop the injustice and to stop the ethnic cleansing of Palestinian people.”

    Abraham echoed Adra’s sentiments, emphasising the inequality that exists between them despite their shared cause.  “When I look at Basel, I see my brother, but we are unequal,” he said. “We live in a regime where I am free under civilian law, while Basel is under military laws that destroy his life.” He also made a plea for an end to the suffering in Gaza and the release of Israeli hostages taken on October 7, stating, “There is another way. It’s not too late for life, for the living.”

    The film’s victory is particularly significant given the challenges it faced in distribution. While it has secured deals in 24 countries, including the UK and France, it has been largely self-distributed in the US. Earlier in the evening, the filmmakers also showed their support for Palestine on the Oscars red carpet during their interviews, further reinforcing their message.

    With No Other Land’s win, the filmmakers hope to spark global conversations about justice, equality, and the urgent need for political solutions in the region.

  • Two arrested for shooting shopkeeper dead during robbery

    Two arrested for shooting shopkeeper dead during robbery

    Karachi authorities have detained two individuals linked to a robbery at a shop that led to the fatal shooting of the shopkeeper in the Sachal region.

    Inside a store, 55-year-old Khan Muhammad was shot and murdered for resisting a robbery. He had five children and lived on a nearby street. He fought the perpetrators’ attempts to rob him after they entered the store and started shooting.

    Upon receiving the report of the incident, law enforcement quickly arrived to secure the location. A search operation commenced to find the suspects. During this effort, police tracked down the offenders at Super Highway Jamali Goth and took them into custody.

    Authorities confirmed the recovery of a stolen mobile phone and cash from their belongings. The apprehended individuals confessed to their involvement in the crime.

    Law enforcement officials indicated that further investigations are ongoing to ascertain whether the suspects had participated in other criminal activities within the region. The recovered items have been sent for forensic analysis, and the suspects will be brought before the court for legal action.

    Another incident involved a police encounter in Korangi’s Zaman Town area. Police officials reported that a group of armed individuals was looting citizens when law enforcement officers arrived. Upon seeing the police, the suspects attempted to flee, leading to an exchange of fire.

    One suspect, identified as Umar, was taken into custody during the encounter, but his accomplice escaped. From Umar’s possession, police found a cell phone and a revolver. The second suspect is still being sought, officials said.

    Police Constable Yaqoob suffered injuries during the operation when his motorcycle slipped as he was chasing the criminals. He is said to be in stable condition after receiving medical attention at a local hospital.

    In the months following these events, police have increased patrols in the area. Authorities have promised that steps will be taken to uphold law and order and asked individuals to report any suspicious behaviour. The two cases continue to be investigated.