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  • ‘Pak-Afghan rivalry bigger than Afghanistan-India,’ says Gulbadin

    ‘Pak-Afghan rivalry bigger than Afghanistan-India,’ says Gulbadin

    Afghanistan’s white-ball star Gulbadin Naib has made a bold claim, saying that Afghanistan’s clashes with Pakistan are “more intense” than Afghanistan-India.

    During an interview with CricTracker after a match against the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders on February 2, he said, “The rivalry [of Afghjanistan] with Pakistan is much more intense than India-Afghanistan. Whenever we face Pakistan, the atmosphere is electric, whether in India, Pakistan, or Dubai. It’s a clash that brings out the best in both teams.”

    Talking about the Champions Trophy, he said, “It’s going to be a tough competition with all eight teams being strong, having qualified through the ODI World Cup. But we are confident in our abilities and will go into the tournament with a positive mindset.”

    Naib praised the DP World ILT20 as a great platform for Afghan cricketers to showcase their skills to the world. He said, “It’s a great chance for Afghan players to prove themselves among the best.”

    The 33-year-old also spoke about playing alongside cricket star David Warner. “Sharing a dressing room with Warner has been an amazing learning experience. His knowledge and way of playing are very valuable,” he said.

    It merits a mention that Afghanistan defeated Pakistan in the ODI World Cup 2023 by eight wickets.

  • Pakistan agreed to host 15 Palestinian prisoners released by Israel, says Hamas spokesperson

    Pakistan agreed to host 15 Palestinian prisoners released by Israel, says Hamas spokesperson

    Hamas spokesperson Dr. Khalid Al-Qadoumi said on Monday that Pakistan has agreed to host 15 Palestinian prisoners who were recently released from Israeli custody under a recent ceasefire agreement.

    “Initially, the number will be 15, but the timeline for their arrival in Pakistan has not yet been determined,” the Hamas spokesperson said while speaking to Independent Urdu in a telephonic conversation.

    However, Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry has yet to respond to Hamas’ claim.

    The ceasefire, which ended 15 months of war, began on January 15 and includes the gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces from central Gaza and the return of displaced Palestinians to northern Gaza.

    According to the deal, Hamas agreed to release 33 Israeli hostages, including women, children, and men over 50, while Israel committed to releasing 30 Palestinian detainees for every civilian hostage and 50 for every Israeli female soldier released by Hamas.

    During the telephonic interview, the Hamas spokesperson expressed gratitude to the leadership and people of Pakistan, stating, “This once again proves that Pakistan is a big brother and its soul is connected to Jerusalem… Pakistan and its people have always fulfilled the promises they made.”

    Qadoumi asserted that the Palestinians intending to travel to Pakistan will transit through Egypt and Turkey, though they have not yet left Egypt.

    “Several Islamic countries, including Egypt, Turkey, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Algeria, have expressed willingness to host a group of Palestinian prisoners released under the Tufan al-Ahrar agreement. Discussions with these countries are currently ongoing,” he further claimed.

    The Palestinian news agency Quds Press had earlier reported that Pakistan was among four countries agreeing to host prisoners released under the Gaza ceasefire.

    The news agency, while citing a “senior Hamas official,” on Monday reported, “The [Hamas] movement is currently negotiating with several countries to secure approval for hosting the remaining released prisoners.”

    As per the media report, Hamas was in talks with Algeria and Indonesia regarding the acceptance of prisoners, while Tunisia has declined to do so.

    Since the onset of Israel’s military offensive on Gaza in October 2023, Pakistan has supplied humanitarian aid and launched a public donation fund to support the war-affected population in Gaza.

    The conflict has led to the devastating loss of life, with more than 47,000 Palestinians reportedly killed and widespread destruction in Gaza, which has been under Israeli occupation since 1967.

  • Nadeem Nani Wala calls Talha Reviews ‘fake man’ after Ducky Bhai podcast

    Nadeem Nani Wala calls Talha Reviews ‘fake man’ after Ducky Bhai podcast

    Nadeem Nani Wala has come back with a strong response after Ducky Bhai’s podcast with Talha Review, where Ducky claimed that Nadeem was the one who sent the police to his house. In the video, Nadeem said, “If the police had come to my house, they would have taken my father away.” 


    He then explained that if anyone had betrayed him like this, he would never have forgiven them, saying, “If someone had done this to me, I would have died. I swear to God, I am a real man, and I would never reconcile with that person.” — emphasizing his strong stance against betrayal.

    “This is the same Talha Review who swore on his father that he would never reconcile with these people, and yet that same person sat down with Ducky and recorded a podcast.”


    Nadeem continued by saying that such actions showed Talha was not a real man and lacked integrity, “He proved that he is neither a real man nor genuine. Because real men and genuine people never do such things.”


    Nadeem also reminded people of a previous video where he accused Talha of falsely blaming authorities for the alleged torture of his father, adding, “Now, here is my old video in which I said that he falsely accused institutions of torturing his father.”


    In his video, Nadeem requested the authorities, asking if cyberstalkers and blackmailers like Talha should be allowed to escape legal consequences, “I request from the CCPO and Punjab police, should we spare cyberstalkers and blackmailers like this?”


    He also called on the Pakistani public and institutions to take action, “I urge the Pakistani nation and institutions to not spare such despicable people.”

  • Qarz e Jaan: Gen Z’s dilemma—marry for love or family?

    Qarz e Jaan: Gen Z’s dilemma—marry for love or family?

    Qarz e Jaan keeps us hooked with its web of interesting characters and their complex journeys. Nashwa and Burhan’s relationship is becoming more intriguing by the episode.

    One of the most gripping moments was when Asim declared that he hates Bisma. Years of bitterness, anger, and an unfulfilled love story have made him resentful. But deep down, we know he still loves her. Is Bisma just as indignant about their past? Faisal Rehman’s performance is remarkable, and his chemistry with the other characters is stellar.

    Burhan, Faryal, and Nashwa discussing potential life partners was an interesting and relatable conversation. The outdoor scenes and young cousins heading out for a cup of chai in a shaadi household were so authentic. These moments, about finding the right person and whether to marry within or outside the family, are very relatable to Gen Z.

    The conversation between Qudsia and Asim about the past and how Burhan was adopted was also fascinating. Now we know that Asim never got married. Perhaps if someone tells Bisma, she might have a change of heart towards him. We’re counting on Qudsia to make that happen.

    While Qarz e Jaan is progressing well, one scene that felt out of place was the cousins’ photoshoot. Burhan using his phone camera to take pictures, especially of Nashwa, seemed unnecessary and could have been executed better.

    What will Ammar and Bakhtiar do now that Maheen’s case has been reopened? Nashwa reminding Ammar that he might need a lawyer made us curious. Will she help Ammar fight his case, even if it means going against Burhan? The story could get really interesting here, especially since Burhan taught her to keep personal emotions aside when handling a case.

    The elders are thinking of marrying Faryal and Ammar, but it seems like Burhan and Nashwa have other plans.

    Qarz e Jaan keeps us engaged, eagerly waiting to see what happens next.

  • Rahul Dravid’s car collides with auto-rickshaw, video goes viral

    Rahul Dravid’s car collides with auto-rickshaw, video goes viral

    Former Indian captain and head coach Rahul Dravid’s car collided with an auto-rickshaw, causing the cricketer to lose his temper.

    A video of the incident has gone viral on social media, showing Dravid arguing on the road.

    According to reports, the accident happened on Cunningham Road, a busy area in Bengaluru. The auto-rickshaw driver allegedly hit Dravid’s car from behind while they were stuck in traffic. However, it is unclear whether Dravid was driving the vehicle himself.

    After the collision, the former head coach appeared visibly angry. The incident occurred around 6:30 PM on Tuesday, but no police case was filed.

    Before leaving the scene, Dravid took the auto driver’s phone number and the rickshaw’s registration details.

  • What did Shah Rukh Khan request from his fans during Netflix event?

    What did Shah Rukh Khan request from his fans during Netflix event?

    Bollywood king Shah Rukh Khan has asked his fans to share half of their love with his children, Suhana Khan and Aryan Khan.

    Recently, the Jawan actor attended Netflix’s Next on Netflix event, where Netflix officially introduced his son Aryan Khan’s directorial debut project, ‘The Ba***ds of Bollywood.’

    During the event, Shah Rukh Khan expressed his gratitude to his fans and made a heartfelt request.  

    “The love you all give me, please share 50 percent of it with my son Aryan and daughter Suhana. That would mean a lot to me,” the Kal Ho Na Ho actor said.

    He added that Aryan is beginning his journey in direction, while Suhana is proving her talent in acting.
     


    “If the world gives them the same love I have received, it will be my biggest happiness,” he said. 


     
    The Kuch Kuch Hota hai actor praised The Ba***ds of Bollywood team, saying, “They have done a fantastic job. I have watched some episodes, and they are truly hilarious.”

  • Kashmir Solidarity Day being observed throughout the country

    Kashmir Solidarity Day being observed throughout the country

    Pakistan is commemorating Kashmir Solidarity Day (KSD) today (Wednesday) to express unwavering support for the Kashmiri people’s struggle for self-determination as promised in United Nations’ resolutions. 

    The day is marked by a public holiday every year on February 5, with solidarity walks taking place across the country and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK).

    On August 5, 2019, India revoked Article 370 and 35A of its Constitution, stripping Kashmir of its special status, illegally annexing Jammu and Kashmir into its union.

    Pakistan continues to stand with the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), emphasising its unwavering support for their struggle against Indian occupation and oppression.

    In his message on KSD, reported by state-run Radio Pakistan, President Asif Ali Zardari said that this day reminds the international community of its responsibility towards the oppressed Kashmiri people.


    The President added that the United Nations (UN) should honour the promises made to the Kashmiris 78 years ago and support their struggle for their right to self-determination.


    The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) on Wednesday issued a statement on X (formerly Twitter) quoting PM Shehbaz Sharif as saying, “The right to self-determination is a fundamental principle of international law. Every year, the UN General Assembly adopts a resolution that stresses the legal right of people to decide their own destiny”.

    “Today, the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) remains one of the most militarized zones in the world. Kashmiris are living in an environment of fear and intimidation.” 

    The statement further read that following India’s illegal and unilateral actions of 5 August 2019, India’s efforts have been aimed at engineering demographic and political changes so that the Kashmiris transform into a disempowered community in their own land.

    Meanwhile, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) General Sahir Shamshad, services chiefs and the Pakistan armed forces also reaffirmed their unwavering support for the resilient people of IIOJK in their struggle for self-determination, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement on Wednesday.

    The military’s media wing statement said: “The Pakistan Armed Forces strongly condemn the ongoing grave violations of human rights in IIOJK, including extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, and arbitrary detentions. These transgressions stand as a stark indictment of India’s blatant disregard for international law, humanitarian principles, and fundamental human rights.”

    “The Pakistan Armed Forces remain steadfast in their commitment to the just cause of Kashmir and resolute in their duty to safeguard Pakistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. We stand shoulder to shoulder with our Kashmiri brethren in their rightful pursuit of freedom and dignity.”

  • Trump says to reinstate ‘maximum pressure’ on Iran

    Trump says to reinstate ‘maximum pressure’ on Iran

    US President Donald Trump on Tuesday said he was planning to reinstate what he called the “maximum pressure” policy against Iran over allegations that it is trying to develop nuclear weapons.

    However, Trump also said he hoped the policy will “hardly have to be used.”

    Trump made the comment as he signed a memorandum reimposing the tough policy of sanctions against Iran, similar to during his first term.

    The memorandum instructs every department in the US government to design sanctions on Iran, especially in relation to nuclear activities, a White House aide told Trump at the signing ceremony.

    This will give Trump “all of the possible tools” to prevent Iran from being a “malign actor,” the aide said.

    Trump expressed some regret for the severe measures, saying: “This is one that I’m torn about. Everybody wants me to sign it. I’ll do it. It’s very tough on Iran.”

    “Hopefully I’m not going to have to use it very much,” he said. “I’m unhappy to do it, but I really have not so much choice because we have to be strong.”

    “We will see whether or not we can arrange. We’ll work out a deal with Iran and everybody can live together,” he said.

    Trump also announced that if he were assassinated by Iran the country would be “obliterated.”

    “I’ve left instructions if they do it, they get obliterated, there won’t be anything left,” he said.

    Trump on Gaza

    US President Donald J. Trump has also set off an international diplomatic crisis by stating on Tuesday night that America will “take over” Gaza, suggesting that American troops might be deployed in the occupied Palestinian territory while Gazans are forced to leave. 

    “The US will take over the Gaza Strip and we will do a job with it too,” Trump said during a joint press conference alongside International Criminal Court’s wanted war criminal, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. He said he envisioned Gaza as a new Riviera. 

    His statement was in sharp contrast to the stance taken by Arab nations, most of whom have repeatedly rejected any plans involving the ethnic cleansing of Palestinians from their land. Egypt and Jordan, both strong allies of the US and Israel, publicly distanced themselves from Trump’s earlier statements that they will take in two million Gazans. 

    Saudi Arabia reacted with a fast rejection. Despite it being 4:00 am in Riyadh, the the Saudi Foreign Ministry released a statement stressing its long-held position that it will not commit to normalization of relations with Israel without guarantees of a Palestinian state.

  • Aga Khan passes away at 88

    Aga Khan passes away at 88

    The 49th hereditary imam of the Shia Ismailis, Prince Karim Al-Hussaini, famously known as Aga Khan, “passed away peacefully” on February 5, in Lisbon, Portugal, his official charity page on X (formerly Twitter), posted.

    He was 88 years of age.

    He built his legacy by becoming a billionaire philanthropist and humanitarian who provided great support to people around the world.

    Under The Aga Khan Development Network, he built homes, hospitals, and schools in developing countries and worked on rural economic development.

    A large network of hospitals and laboratories has been built all across countries like Pakistan, Bangladesh, Tajikistan, and Afghanistan, providing health care to those who can not afford it.

    Similarly, his projects involve providing scholarships to students from underprivileged backgrounds. Tens of millions of dollars have also been spent on the development of local economies.

    Prince Aga Karim was only a college student when he was given the responsibility to lead his people.

    His grandfather decided to pass over his son, who was known to be a playboy, and chose Prince Aga Karim as the leader of the community at the young age of only 20, becoming the spiritual leader of millions of Ismaili Muslims around the world.

    “I was an undergraduate who knew what his work for the rest of his life was going to be,” he said in a 2012 interview with Vanity Fair magazine. “I don’t think anyone in my situation would have been prepared.”

    He had a passion for architecture and design, which inspired him to create an architecture prize and establish Islamic Architecture programs at MIT and Harvard. He also worked on restoring historic Islamic buildings worldwide.

    His death was announced by the Aga Khan Foundation, and the Ismaili religious community announced it on their websites.

    The announcement of his successor is expected to come out soon.

    Condolences from around the world have poured in. Prince Charles considered Prince Karim Aga Khan ‘a personal friend of many years,’ and he is ‘deeply saddened’ by the news of his death.

    Aga Khan was also a close friend of Queen Elizabeth II, both of whom were avid horse racing enthusiasts, and the two had attended a number of Royal Ascot together.

    The late Queen invited Aga Khan for a dinner at Buckingham Palace in 2008. He was considered to be highly regarded by the British monarchy.

    Aga Khan was also granted the title of ‘His Highness’ by Queen Elizabeth in July 1957.

  • Pat Cummins likely to miss Champions Trophy due to injury

    Pat Cummins likely to miss Champions Trophy due to injury

    Australia’s cricket captain, Pat Cummins, may miss the upcoming International Cricket Council (ICC) Champions Trophy following an ankle injury.

    He has not started bowling yet, and in his absence, Steve Smith is leading the team in the ongoing Test series against Sri Lanka.

    Australian head coach Andrew McDonald has expressed serious concerns about Cummins’ availability. He confirmed that discussions about the captaincy have taken place with Steve Smith and Travis Head.

    “Pat Cummins has not started bowling yet, and due to his injury, there is a strong possibility that he will miss the Champions Trophy,” McDonald said.

    He added, “If Pat Cummins is unavailable, we will need a new captain. We are discussing the leadership options with Steve Smith and Travis Head.”

    The head coach mentioned that the situation will become clearer in the coming days once medical reports arrive.

    Meanwhile, Australia’s ODI squad is set to leave for Sri Lanka on Thursday, but Cummins will not be travelling with them.

    All-rounder Mitchell Marsh has already been ruled out of the Champions Trophy due to fitness issues.