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  • Shoaib Malik responds to critics after monthly salary reveal

    Shoaib Malik responds to critics after monthly salary reveal

    Former Pakistan cricket captain Shoaib Malik has responded to criticism regarding his role as a mentor and his reported salary of five million rupees per month.

    A video of Malik addressing his critics has gone viral on social media, where he urged cricketers and journalists to do their homework before making comments.

    Malik dismissed concerns about his salary, saying, “I earned far more than five million per month even before accepting the mentorship role. I have proof to back my statement and will share it if necessary.”

    “We are here to improve the Pakistan cricket team, and we understand the real issues,” Malik said.

    Emphasising his extensive experience in global cricket, he pointed out that he has played professionally across various leagues worldwide. “If I didn’t have anything to offer, why would international teams invite me to play?” he questioned.

    Malik assured that he and the other mentors have provided detailed reports to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and that work is underway to address the team’s shortcomings.

    The backlash against Shoaib Malik intensified after Pakistan’s early exit from the ICC Champions Trophy. 

    Following the team’s disappointing performance, Malik sang the Bollywood song “Dil Ke Armaan Aansuon Mein Beh Gaye” during a studio discussion, seemingly mocking Pakistan’s defeat. This act drew strong reactions from former cricketers and analysts.

    Former Test cricketer Sikandar Bakht criticised PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, questioning why a board-hired mentor was publicly making fun of Pakistan cricket. “Those who are getting paid five million a month were sitting on TV making fun of the team,” Bakht said.

    Similarly, former cricketer and analyst Basit Ali demanded that the PCB take action against Malik for ridiculing the national team.

    It is worth noting that the PCB has appointed five mentors—Waqar Younis, Misbah-ul-Haq, Shoaib Malik, Sarfaraz Ahmed, and Saqlain Mushtaq—on a three-year contract.

    Each mentor will receive 5 million rupees per month, amounting to PKR 60 million annually. This is the highest salary package ever offered in domestic cricket for such roles. The mentors will not only provide guidance to the team but also serve as advisors throughout the year.

    Despite the criticism, Shoaib Malik remains firm in his stance, asserting that his contributions will help the Pakistan cricket team improve in the long run.

  • Top Haqqania seminary leader among 6 killed in Nowshera suicide attack

    Top Haqqania seminary leader among 6 killed in Nowshera suicide attack

    At least six people, including Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Samiul Haq (JUI-S) emir Maulana Hamid Ul Haq, were killed and 12 others injured when an explosion ripped through Darul Uloom Haqqania in Nowshera, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Inspector General Police (IGP) Zulfiqar Hameed said.

    As per the details, the explosion at the seminary’s mosque occurred in the front rows during Friday prayers that attract a large number of worshippers every week.

    The top cop said that the blast claimed the life of the historic seminary’s Vice Administrator Haq while his son, Sani Haqqani, was said to be in critical condition. Citing initial reports, he added that it appeared to be a suicide bombing targeting the top religious leader.

    The mosque is located at the heart of Akora Khattak’s Dar Ul Uloom Haqqania with Dar Ul Hadith situated next to it. It is a large building where senior students carry out their studies. In the vicinity, there also are hostels and residential quarters, including those of Haq and his sons.

    The explosion, that comes a day before the seminary’s annual break during Ramzan has, been draw widespread condemnations, including one from KP Chief Minister (CM) Ali Amin Gandapur, who termed it a deplorable act.

    The KP CM ordered authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into all aspects of the incident and submit a comprehensive report besides ensuring the best possible medical care for the wounded.

    “Targeting innocent people in a place of worship is an inhumane act,” he said and emphasised that all available resources should be utilised to bring the perpetrators to justice. 

    Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) spokesperson Aslam Ghauri said that the incident in Akora Khattak was deeply tragic. “We pray for the martyrs to be granted the highest ranks in the hereafter.”

    It merits a mention that Haq was the son of influential religious scholar and former senator Maulana Samiul Haq, who was killed in Rawalpindi in 2018.

    The news of his death had come at a sensitive time with religio-political parties out on the streets protesting the Supreme Court’s acquittal of Asia Bibi, a Christian woman, in a blasphemy case.

    The chief of his own faction of the JUI, Sami was unable to take part in the protest that was underway against Bibi’s acquittal due to road blockades and had returned home. His driver/gunman had left the house for approximately 15 minutes when he was stabbed.

    Yousaf Shah, the maulana’s spokesman, had said the attacker’s identity and their motive were not immediately known.

    With police starting an investigation into the killing, they had arrested Sami’s secretary Syed Ahmed Shah on murder charges.

    A senior police official had told media that the arrest came about after the police investigating team examined Shah’s first and last statements, which were conflicting.

  • ‘Two more years’: Journalist predicts timeline for Imran Khan’s release

    ‘Two more years’: Journalist predicts timeline for Imran Khan’s release

    Senior journalist Muneeb Farooq, while speaking on the ARY News program on February 27, revealed key political predictions for Pakistan, including a possible timeline for Imran Khan’s release.

    “Till 2027, there will neither be a national government nor general elections in between. And Imran Khan will not be released during this time. These are a few things that are not going to happen,” declared Muneeb Farooq.

    His statement prompted a response from the show host, Muhammad Malick, who remarked, “You’re speaking as if you’re part of the constitutional bench deciding the final orders on these issues.”

    Malick’s comment brought a smile to the faces of all participants, while Muneeb Farooq replied: “I am just a small journalist, and what I’m sharing is simply news; these three things will not happen till 2027. I was very hopeful that some political space could be recovered for Imran Khan.”

    He added, “That did not happen, and the situation has become even more serious. Other senior journalists can correct me if I’m wrong, but PTI and other opposition parties currently have no leverage to negotiate with either the government or powerful sectors.”

    Muneeb Farooq went on to say that this current system “was stitched together, [and] it has now become strong,” adding that “It is actively pushing its opponents back and instilling fear. That is why this system is here to stay for a while.”

    He also opined that any dialogue between government leaders and PTI members would be futile, as the government lacks the power to make significant concessions to PTI.

    “Can they [government] guarantee PTI that elections will be held in two years? No, they can’t. Can they offer them [PTI] some political space for Imran Khan? No, they cannot,” Muneeb added.

    In early January, Muneeb Farooq quoted a “powerful person” as saying that ongoing negotiations between the government and PTI would yield no results unless Imran Khan admitted to his past political mistakes.

    “PTI has only one demand, and that is the release of Imran Khan from jail. Their other demands are not of significant importance […] Khan wants to come out of jail without any restrictions,” the journalist said in a video on his YouTube channel.

    He further quoted the “powerful person” as saying that PTI’s chances would improve if Khan “took ten steps back” and admitted his past political mistakes.

  • Pakistan-India likely to play three matches in Asia Cup 2025

    Pakistan-India likely to play three matches in Asia Cup 2025

    Cricket fans could witness three exciting clashes between India and Pakistan in the 2025 Asia Cup, which is tentatively scheduled for September.

    The tournament, set to be played in the T20 format, will feature 19 matches and is expected to take place between the second and fourth week of the month.

    While India was initially supposed to host the event, the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) has decided to stage it in a neutral venue amid political tensions between the two nations. The final venue is yet to be confirmed, but Sri Lanka and the UAE are the frontrunners. However, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) will remain the official host of the tournament.

    The tournament format ensures at least one Pakistan-India encounter in the group stage. If both teams qualify for the Super Four round, they will face each other again. If both sides reach the final, a potential third meeting could happen, making it a thrilling prospect for cricket fans worldwide.

    Eight teams, including Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, UAE, Oman, and Hong Kong, will participate in the tournament. However, Nepal, which played in the 2023 edition, has failed to qualify this time.

    With the matches likely to be held in the evening to avoid extreme heat, the 2025 Asia Cup is expected to deliver high-intensity cricket. If Pakistan and India meet three times, the tournament will undoubtedly be one of the most anticipated cricket events of the year.

  • ‘We switch channels when her ads show up’: Students react to CM Maryam’s promotions

    ‘We switch channels when her ads show up’: Students react to CM Maryam’s promotions

    Days after a 60-page advertising supplement in newspapers highlighted Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Maryam Nawaz’s one-year performance as the provincial chief executive, journalist Mansoor Ali Khan has held a public show at a private educational institution in Lahore, during which he asked students how they reacted to government advertisements.

    As per the details, the show featured an interactive session between students, panelists, namely Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Punjab Chief Organiser Aliya Hamza and CM Maryam’s spokesperson Syed Kousar Kazmi, and the journalist himself.

    When host Mansoor asked a student how she felt about the Punjab CM’s promotions, the student said that she chose to not watch any of those ads. Asked how she felt when ads suddenly popped up on media channels, the student replied, “We switch channels,” leaving the audience, including the PTI leader, in stitches.

    While the student expressed disappointment over the provincial government’s performance and asked Kazmi to “focus less on advertisements”, the spokesperson challenged her, asking to point out a single project that had not actually been introduced.

    When asked why incarcerated former premier Imran Khan was not getting any airtime, Kazmi said that they couldn’t arrange a press conference for a convict, adding that contrary to former prime minister (PM) Nawaz Sharif’s stint in jail under PTI rule, jailed Khan spent hours speaking to his lawyers and journalists.

    PTI’s Aliya Hamza was also questioned about Khan’s use of words like “thieves” and “dacoits” for other politicians and the fact that he himself had now been jailed for corruption in the Al-Qadir Trust case.

    As Hamza attempted to evade the question, instead saying that Khan was only kept in jail so that the current rulers’ “politics won’t end”, the Mansoor chimed in, asking her whether the PTI considered property tycoon Malik Riaz a “corrupt” man.

    If he committed corruption, then he is a corrupt man, she said.

    “Don’t you know about it?” the host asked, to which Hamza said that the same should be proven in court.

    It merits a mention the debate surrounding government ads comes days after leading newspapers published a 60-page advertising supplement showcasing Nawaz’s one-year performance as CM of Punjab.

    Many social media users mocked Maryam Nawaz for focusing on her branding and questioning her marketing technique.

  • Mustafa Amir case: Actor Sajid Hassan breaks silence on son’s arrest

    Mustafa Amir case: Actor Sajid Hassan breaks silence on son’s arrest

    Renowned actor Sajid Hassan has addressed the media regarding his son Sahir Hassan’s involvement in the Mustafa Aamir murder case.

    Speaking to reporters, Sajid Hassan expressed his grief over the incident, saying, “The murder is a heartbreaking tragedy, and I express my sympathy to Mustafa Aamir’s family.”

    He added, “Since I heard Mustafa’s mother’s message, I have been unable to sleep. Mustafa was like my own son.”

    He emphasised that he wants justice for all those affected by the case, stating, “I only want justice to be done, not only for my son but for all the families connected to this case.”

    Sajid Hassan also voiced his concerns over his son’s treatment by the media and the public. “My son has been declared guilty before the investigation is complete. I am not defending his actions, but I am only demanding a fair legal process,” he said.

    He revealed the toll this ordeal has taken on his family, sharing, “We have become completely isolated socially during this difficult time. Even our relations with neighbours have deteriorated, and there are difficulties at work.”

    Addressing the broader issue, he remarked, “My son’s mistakes should not be used to divert attention from the murder case.”

    He expressed his faith in the judiciary, stating, “I trust the courts, and I want the truth to come out, no matter how painful it may be.”

  • You will now face FIR for overspeeding on motorways

    You will now face FIR for overspeeding on motorways

    The National Highways and Motorway Police (NH&MP) have launched a strict crackdown on over-speeding under the orders of Inspector General Police (IGP) Riffat Mukhtar Raja. 

    Drivers caught exceeding speed limits will face heavy fines, and in some cases, police will register FIRs against them.

    According to a spokesperson from the Motorway Police, vehicles driving over 150 km/h on the motorway will be stopped immediately. The officers will fine the driver and may also file an FIR. The speed limit for cars on three-lane motorways is 120 km/h, while public transport vehicles must not go beyond 110 km/h. Authorities are also working on improving speed monitoring on national highways to prevent accidents and enhance road safety.

    Motorway Police raised fines for various traffic violations in 2023. The fine for over-speeding has increased from Rs750 to Rs2500. The penalty for illegal overtaking has risen from Rs300 to Rs1500. Driving without a license now results in a fine of Rs5000, compared to the previous Rs750. Failure to give way to emergency vehicles, such as ambulances, now carries a Rs1000 fine, while negligent driving now incurs a fine of Rs1500 instead of Rs300.

    The National Highway Authority (NHA) has also introduced an additional toll tax for vehicles without an M-Tag or those with low balances in their M-Tag accounts. This rule has been in effect since February 1. 

    According to an official notification issued on January 31, vehicles without an M-Tag or with insufficient balance will have to pay 25% extra in toll charges. These measures aim to improve road safety and ensure smoother traffic flow on national highways and motorways.

  • Multiple agreements inked between Pakistan, UAE

    Multiple agreements inked between Pakistan, UAE

    Pakistan has managed to ink multiple memorandums of understanding (MoUs) with the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which is expected to boost the domestic economy. According to reports, the aforementioned agreements are slated to strengthen cooperation in the banking, infrastructure, railway, and mining sectors.

    UAE’s Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled Bin Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan oversaw documents pertaining to the agreements, which were pre-signed. Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif also attended the meeting in a similar observational capacity.

    Aside from the UAE’s delegation, notable figures such as the Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir and various members of the federal cabinet were present at the event. As per credible reports, influential business persons and high-ranking officials accompanied Sheikh Khaled.

    Initially, private discussions were held between the Crown Prince and the PM, after which ‘delegation-level’ talks began. Reports claim that matters pertaining to security might have been a focal topic of discussion as top security officials attended the talks.

    Both reportedly explored avenues to utilise the political relations between the two countries to strengthen bilateral economic ties. In the meeting, Sharif outlined the importance of the transnational Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan Railway Line Project.

    The reason behind doing so was to convey to Sheikh Khaled how the completion of the aforementioned project would boost connectivity, allowing for Gwadar and Abu Dhabi’s ports to benefit immensely.

    Islamabad has taken an interest in reviving Gwadar’s port, which seems to be processing subpar levels of cargo. Recently, federal authorities attempted to tackle the issue of low freight traffic through the port by deciding to route 60 percent of all public sector cargoes through Gwadar.

    Shahbaz Sharif invited the UAE to invest in Pakistan’s economy while outlining the plethora of outstanding investment initiatives which have proven to be mutually beneficial. If his words can sway Emirati investors, Pakistan’s cash-strapped economy could soon witness an influx of foreign direct investment (FDI).

    Reports affirm that Sheikh Khaled reaffirmed his support for the development of Pakistan’s economy. According to a social media post by PM Sharif on X, dignitaries from both countries ‘resolved to further strengthen our excellent bilateral ties through enhanced trade, investment & energy cooperation.’

    In a conversation with President Asif Ali Zardari, Sheikh Khaled also spoke about improving business-related ties between both countries. The expansion of bilateral trade and investment initiatives could allow Pakistan to speed up its economic recovery and potentially meet Project Uraan Pakistan’s ambitious target of boosting Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to a whopping one trillion dollars by 2035.

  • Five rape cases reported across Lahore

    Five rape cases reported across Lahore

    Five different cases of sexual assault have been reported across various locations in Lahore. Although cases have been filed, no arrests have yet occurred, prompting concerns about the handling of such offenses.

    Police reports indicate that one incident took place in Manga Mandi, where a woman was reportedly gang-raped by five assailants just four days ago. The victim was said to be en route to buy medicine when she was assaulted. No suspects have been captured by authorities so far, and investigations are still in progress.

    In Shahdara, another incident was reported involving a woman who was learning to sew and was reportedly attacked by a man named Riaz. 


    The FIR states that Riaz exploited the absence of his wife, threatened the victim with a pistol, and then went on to assault her. The suspect also recorded the incident and subsequently blackmailed the woman, demanding Rs. 50,000.


    One and a half months ago, a suspect named Murtaza was accused of raping a little girl in Barki.  According to the authorities, the suspect persisted in blackmailing the victim after committing the crime.  No one has been arrested despite quite a long passage of time. 

    In Raiwind, another incident has been reported involving the alleged assault of an 11-year-old girl three days ago. As per police reports, the suspects have been named as Chand and his accomplice Usman. The police have stated that a FIR has been filed, but there have been no arrests made so far.

    Over in Kot Lakhpat, a man was accused of sexually assaulting a divorced woman by pretending to offer marriage. The suspect allegedly persuaded the woman to end her marriage with assurances of marrying her, only to subsequently assault her. 

    A case has been filed, but police have not yet apprehended any suspects.


    These incidents have sparked worries about women’s safety and the ability of law enforcement to prevent and address such offenses. Although police representatives state that FIRs have been filed, the absence of any arrests has resulted in criticism regarding the slow progress of investigations.


    Officials have guaranteed that steps are being taken to locate the suspects, and investigations are ongoing. Nonetheless, in the absence of prompt arrests, public demand is increasing on law enforcement to act quickly and deliver justice for the victims.

  • Avowed misogynist Andrew Tate in US despite rape charges in Romania

    Avowed misogynist Andrew Tate in US despite rape charges in Romania

    Andrew Tate, a right-wing influencer charged with rape and human trafficking in Romania, arrived in the United States on Thursday — the first time he has been out of the eastern European country since his 2022 arrest.

    Romanian prosecutors allege that self-declared misogynist Tate, 38, his brother Tristan, 36, and two women set up a criminal organization in Romania and Britain in early 2021 and sexually exploited several victims.

    The brothers traveled to Florida together on a private jet, their lawyer Ioan Gilga told CNN — but received a frosty reception just before landing as state authorities said they were not welcome. The Tates have not stated publicly the purpose of this trip.

    “We live in a democratic society where it’s innocent until proven guilty, and I think my brother and I are largely misunderstood,” said Andrew Tate after arriving in Fort Lauderdale.

    “There’s a lot of opinions about us, a lot of things that go around about us on the internet. We’ve yet to be convicted of any crime in our lives ever.”

    The government in Bucharest said the Tates, who have British and US nationality and have been under judicial supervision in Romania, need to return to court on March 24 and a no-show could lead to “preventive arrest.”

    Four British women, who have accused Tate of rape and coercive control in a separate case, voiced concern last week that the US government might push Romania to ease the Tates’ travel restrictions and let them escape.

    Romanian Foreign Minister Emil Hurezeanu has said Richard Grenell, special envoy for President Donald Trump, raised the case at the Munich Security Conference earlier in February.

    But Trump denied all knowledge of any advocacy for the Tates from his administration — or help in bringing them to Florida.

    “I know nothing about that. I don’t know — you’re saying he’s on a plane right now? Yeah, I just know nothing about it. We’ll check it out. We’ll let you know,” he told reporters when asked about the visit.

    Justice Minister Radu Marinescu told AFP on Thursday he was “not aware of any pressure from anyone” and had “not received any kind of request from the US authorities.”

    A spokesperson for British Prime Minister Keir Starmer — who was visiting Trump in Washington — declined to comment on the situation or whether the UK wanted to see Tate extradited to Britain.

    “There’s an English element here so obviously it’s important justice is done and human trafficking is obviously to my mind a security risk,” said Starmer, in a brief response to a journalist’s question at the White House.

    A Romanian court has already granted a British request to extradite the Tates, but only after legal proceedings in Romania have concluded.

    Not welcome

    In a joint statement on Thursday, the four British women said they “feel retraumatized by the news that the Romanian authorities have given in to pressure from the Trump administration to allow Andrew Tate to travel.”

    The women are bringing a civil case in the UK against Tate, accusing him of rape and coercive control between 2013 and 2016.

    Matthew Jury, their lawyer, said Starmer should raise the issue “on behalf of the many British women who Tate is alleged to have raped and sexually assaulted who may now be denied justice.”

    On Thursday, a Romanian court granted the Tate brothers’ appeal to lift the seizure of their assets — properties, vehicles, bank accounts and company shares, their PR team said.

    Andrew Tate moved to Romania years ago after first starting a webcam business in the UK.

    He leapt to fame in 2016 when he appeared on the UK’s “Big Brother” reality television show, but was removed after a video emerged showing him attacking a woman.

    He then turned to social media platforms to promote his often misogynistic and divisive views on how to be successful.

    Banned from Instagram and TikTok for his views, Tate is followed by more than 10 million people on X, where his posts are often homophobic and racist.

    Last year, the Tates were sentenced in a tax fraud case in Britain.

    Florida Governor Ron DeSantis said before the brothers landed that the state was not involved in organizing their trip, did not welcome them and had been exploring legal options to prevent the visit.

    “Florida is not a place where you’re welcome with that type of conduct,” he told a news conference.