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  • Chinese firm contacts NAB after Sindh govt official demands apartment in Burj Khalifa

    Chinese firm contacts NAB after Sindh govt official demands apartment in Burj Khalifa

    A Chinese firm has submitted a written complaint with Pakistan’s National Accountability Bureau (NAB) after an official of the Sindh government allegedly demanded an apartment in Dubai’s Burj Khalifa in return for awarding them a restoration tender.

    According to a copy of the letter, which is available with The Current, Sindh Barrages Improvement Project (SBIP) Director Ghulam Mohiyuddin Mughal demanded commission from China Road & Bridge Corporation/Hubei Shuizong Water Resources and Hydropower Construction Co. Ltd. (CRBC-HBSZ) against handing them the contract for the restoration and upgradation of the Sukkur Barrage. He went on to demand a 3,600 sq ft apartment in Burj Khalifa, the letter said.

    “It is stated our firm participated in the bidding process of the name of work ‘Restoration and Upgradation of Sukkur Barrage Contract: SBIP/SI and qualified for award of said work. The above officer demanded amount on award of work as commission and later on his demand is accelerated by sending picture of (Burj Khalifa) Dubai to purchase an apartment (covered area 3600 sq.ft) in his name,” read the letter.

    Titled “Complaint against Mr Ghulam Mohiyuddin Mughal (Project Director) Project Management Office (PMO) Sindh Barrages Improvement Project (SBIP)”, the letter called on the director general of NAB Karachi to initiate an inquiry against the official for demanding bribes in exchange for approving a contract related to the Sukkur Barrage restoration. It further said that in case of inaction against the official, the firm would have to suspend work on the mega project.

    “Your gracious control is therefore requested to please enquire in the matter, and necessary penal action may please be taken against otherwise, we shall suspend the work halfway.”

    While the government is yet to react to the allegations against the official, it may be noted that the foundation of the Rs34 billion project was laid by the Sindh government of Sindh with the support of the World Bank. CRBC-HBSZ is responsible to execute and complete work on the same while also remedying any defects therein.

    SBIP is the implementation body of the project that aims to extend the life of the 90-year-old barrage by another 30 years.

    The project includes rehabilitation and modularisation of the structure, mechanical components, development of the system, improvement of surveillance and monitoring system, dredging, desilting of left and right canals etc.

    Sukkur Barrage is one of the most important and strategic structures of the Indus Basin Irrigation System.

    Located about 170 kilometers downstream of Guddu Barrage, Sukkur Barrage supplies water to seven large canals on the left and right banks with a total command area of approximately 3.2 million hectares, the annual agricultural production of which is worth about US$2.29 billion.

  • Is Rinku Singh engaged to an MPA? Rumoured fiancée’s father breaks silence

    Is Rinku Singh engaged to an MPA? Rumoured fiancée’s father breaks silence

    Indian cricketer Rinku Singh is reportedly engaged to a 25-year-old Member of Parliament Priya Saroj.

    According to media reports, the left-handed batter proposed to Priya, who won the Machhlishahr seat in Uttar Pradesh in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections on a Samajwadi Party ticket.

    Multiple news outlets and journalists on Friday claimed the reported engagement. Neitzans even congratulated Rinku on social media.

    However, Priya’s father, Tufani Saroj, has denied the engagement, stating that Rinku’s family has made a marriage proposal, but nothing has been confirmed yet.

    “Priya is currently in Thiruvananthapuram (a city in India) for some work, and her engagement with Rinku Singh has not happened. Yes, the talks are on between the families,” he told India TV Digital.

    Rinku Singh is expected to be part of the playing XI for the upcoming T20 series against England, and Kolkata Knight Riders have retained him for the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) season.

  • Another hit Turkish series to make its way to Pakistan

    Another hit Turkish series to make its way to Pakistan

    Pakistani drama lovers have something to look forward to as the Turkish hit series Vendetta – Kan Cicekleri is all set to air in Pakistan under the new title Jeena with Urdu dubbing. The series has already gained massive popularity around the world, and now it’s coming to steal the hearts of Pakistani viewers, too.

    The drama will be aired on the Turk 1 International channel.

    In a video message, the leading stars of Vendetta, Ceyda Pinar and Baris Baktas, shared their excitement with their Pakistani fans, saying, “Assalamu Alaikum Pakistan, we are excited that Vendetta is coming to Pakistan as Jeena in Urdu. Pakistan Zindabad.” 

    The drama unfolds a story of a forced marriage that becomes a deep and passionate love affair. Ceyda Pınar as Derya Yıldız and Barış Baktaş as Baran Karabey are its main cast members, whose acting has gained a lot of attention for this show, which has been one of the most talked-about shows in Turkey.

  • How much does Sonya Hussaiyn earn in five minutes? You’ll be shocked

    How much does Sonya Hussaiyn earn in five minutes? You’ll be shocked

    They say time is money, but Sonya Hussaiyn took it to another level—earning a jaw-dropping one lakh rupees in just five minutes.

    Pakistani actresses are often compared to Bollywood stars. Hania Aamir has often been dubbed Pakistan’s Alia Bhatt.

    Recently, netizens have been talking about Hussyn for her striking resemblance to Priyanka Chopra.

    A few days ago, she shared pictures that led many to call her a lookalike of the Bollywood star.

    According to Indian media, Hussaiyn began her career with an advertisement, earning PKR 1 lakh for just five minutes. Her net worth is now estimated at around PKR 57 crore, surpassing that of popular actress Hania Aamir, whose net worth is approximately PKR 48 crore.

    Hussaiyn boasts over 3.1 million followers on Instagram and frequently shares her photos with fans, receiving widespread appreciation.

    She has showcased her talent in various dramas and also played the lead role in the comedy film ‘Tich Button’.

  • ‘Rewriting Pakistan Studies’: Maryam Nawaz accused of republishing books to add her pictures

    ‘Rewriting Pakistan Studies’: Maryam Nawaz accused of republishing books to add her pictures

    Television show host and anchor Junaid Saleem has alleged on his YouTube channel, Insaf Digital, that Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has ordered the addition of one extra chapter in the Pakistan Studies textbook for grade 10, featuring photographs of herself and her mother, Kulsoom Nawaz.

    “Maryam Nawaz has taken a great initiative by adding another chapter in the government-approved Pakistan Studies textbook for grade 10, along with her picture,” stated the anchor in his recent video on January 17.

    Saleem also raised a concern that any change in syllabus or curriculum, including the addition of a chapter, renders the previous textbook editions useless for hundreds of thousands of students.

    “New editions of that book would be published in massive numbers, and previous books wouldn’t be acceptable anymore. In fact, it isn’t uncommon for three or four students to use one book amid financial constraints. And whenever any change is made in a book, it presents an extreme difficulty for financially challenged students,” alleged Junaid Saleem.

    Saleem asserted that the Minister has introduced a new chapter to include the pictures of her and her mother.

    The topic is reportedly titled ‘Women’s Role in the Country’s Progress,’ and to “balance out” the inclusion of the deceased Kulsoom Nawaz’s picture, the picture of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto’s mother, Nusrat Bhutto, has also been added.

    According to the television host, the chapter narrates details about Kulsoom Nawaz’s “struggles and bravery for the democracy of Pakistan.”

    Junaid Saleem questioned, “If they want to teach students about those who struggled for democracy, then why wasn’t Dr. Yasim Rashid mentioned? Do you not think that the students would ask you that question? Even 5th-grade students ask you about the stolen election, but these are grade 10 students.”

    Social media users reacted angrily to the development, with one user writing: “Don’t worry, the kids will close that chapter with a stapler/glue. Even children are not so stupid anymore.”

    Another user wrote: “There is a limit to ignorance, this woman is mentally ill, she wanted to become a model and actress so that she could make a name for herself, she flopped due to lack of talent and now she keeps doing such stupid things.”

    One wrote: “There are only currency notes left where Maryam Bibi’s image cannot be seen. Then when we say that the Sindh Chief Minister and the PPP are better parties than the PML-N, everyone gets angry. Even the PPP did not do this, while the women of this party have made sacrifices for democracy.”

    This image is generated with AI.

  • Komal Aziz has solid reason for not getting married

    Komal Aziz has solid reason for not getting married

    Many people think marriage is the ultimate goal, but actress Komal Aziz has a different perspective.

     In a recent Instagram question and answers session, a fan asked, “Why aren’t you getting married,” to which the Mohlat actress replied with clarity.

    She explained that witnessing the struggles of many married women, especially those who are independent yet face unnecessary restrictions, shaped her decision.

    Komal also revealed that she often receives messages from married individuals even though they’re already in committed relationships.

    “I watch all of you being miserable in your marriages and inboxing single women like me while being married,” Komal Aziz said, offering an unfiltered perspective on the pressures many women face.

    However, the Raaz-e-Ulfat actress clarified that she isn’t completely against marriage. “I have high standards, if someone meets them, I will give it a thought,” Komal Aziz added. For now, she’s enjoying a fulfilling single life. “My life is pretty awesome without marriage as of now,” she pointed out.

    Earlier, actress  and entrepreneur Komal Aziz Khan has shared her thoughts on what she looks for in a life partner. Speaking on a podcast, the 34-year-old said she isn’t against marriage but will only get married when she finds someone who meets her standards.


    “My standards are high, and no one has met them yet,” she explained.


    When asked about her ideal partner, Komal said, “He should be brave and a risk-taker. He must be true to himself, not disregarding family or society’s expectations.”


    She added, “I prefer entrepreneurs because they think big. He should be very masculine, as I’m very feminine.”


    Komal also mentioned, “He should be more successful than me so I can respect him as my husband. He needs to be ahead of me spiritually, emotionally, financially, and physically.”

    Last year,  in an interview  with ‘Ayaz Samoo’s’ show where she talked about why she has stopped acting in dramas. 

    “I chose to prioritize my clothing brand, which has been doing well. My initial break from acting was meant to be temporary, but as my brand continued to flourish, I found myself devoted to it full-time. It’s been a while since I last acted in dramas.”

    She added that she will never collaborate with a few actors in the future.

     Komal Aziz Khan has had a notable career in television, having worked in dramas such as

     Mere Dard Ki Tujhe Kya Khabar,  Aye Dil Tu Bata, Mere Khudaya, Tere Liye, Kam Zarf and

    Mera Kiya Qasoor

  • BEWARE: Group ‘honey-trapping’ youngsters in blasphemy on social media

    BEWARE: Group ‘honey-trapping’ youngsters in blasphemy on social media

    A report issued by the Special Branch in Punjab has revealed that over 400 young boys and girls are reportedly being persecuted in Pakistan under the blasphemy law for sharing blasphemous content on the internet.

    The report stated that the suspicious gang “The Blasphemy Business” trapped young boys and girls into “committing” blasphemy and then reported them to the Federal Investigating Agency (FIA). The gang is reportedly doing this heinous act for financial gain.

    Young prisoners under blasphemy charges are reportedly from diverse fields, including Hafiz-e-Quran, software engineers, electrical, mechanical, civil and chemical engineers. All of the blasphemy victims belong to poor and middle-class families, the report said.

    FIA confirmed receiving the report on the “The Blasphemy Business” group in January 2024, in which it mentioned that a special gang is a complainant in 90 per cent of blasphemy cases, the document added.

    Moreover, the document noted that reportedly the “The Blasphemy Business” has been headed by a lawyer, Rao Abdur Raheem Advocate, based in Islamabad, whose Whatsapp account is linked to a mobile number in Spain that was reportedly involved in malpractice and under his chairmanship, the gang is involved in trapping youth in blasphemy cases and then extorting money from the accused.

    In an interview with Fact Focus, responding to the extreme punishment and the possibility of unintentional errors by some of the accused, the lawyer said, “If any part of the body is affected by cancer, that part is cut out. There is no other solution.”


    How did the group trap naive youth?

    The report disclosed that obscene images with objectionable material were sent to the victims via WhatsApp; when the receiver protested, the sender denied that he initially sent it and then asked for the image to be shown.

    The recipient would resend the picture, after which the sender would block them; later, the recipient would be arrested and accused of originating the blasphemous content, the report said.

    The report explained that the gang further runs social media groups named “United Mazhabi Story, Laiba Mazhabi King and Azad Mazhabi Ilam,” where their modus operandi of trapping innocents is the same as described above.

    The 40 families of victims of blasphemy cases peacefully protested outside the National Press Club Islamabad on October 2, 2024, and demanded the federal government set up an inquiry commission under the Inquiry Commission Act to investigate the issue.

    Prominent journalist Ali Hamza reported that Advocate Usman Warraich is representing the victim’s family in a petition filed in Islamabad High Court (IHC) to probe the Special Branch Punjab Report.

    Warraich said: “At least 400 families are suffering because of these allegations.”

    “We were instructed in a letter to bring your son [at the police station] for inquiry. As responsible citizens, we produced our son before police….when we informed them [police] that our son is blind and incapable of committing any wrongdoing, taftishi (investigator) put my son behind bars and demanded one lac rupees for my son’s release,” alleged victim’s mother, Saeeda Bibi, while speaking to Voicepkdotnet on Sunday (January 12) in Islamabad.

    “We are poor people; they [police] conducted two raids on our home, and broke down its walls,” she haltingly said, adding that she has been fighting her son’s case for three years, and the legal expenses have led them to the brink of bankruptcy.

  • Chunky Pandey’s wife was terrified by his scary role

    Chunky Pandey’s wife was terrified by his scary role

    Marriage is full of surprises, but Bollywood actor Chunky Pandey discovered that playing a villain can lead to some unexpected ones—like his wife refusing to sleep in the same room.


    Bollywood actor Chunky Pandey has expanded his acting horizons recently, specializing in playing negative and dark roles.

    In an exclusive interview, he talked about his terrifying role in the film Begum Jaan (2017).

    He said, “This role was a new turn in my life. People always saw me as a comedian, but my negative role in Begum Jaan was dangerous and scary.”

    He  revealed, “This role also affected my personal life. My wife Bhavana Pandey became so scared that she refused to sleep in the same room with me.”

    He laughed and said, “Bhavna used to say that I think you will strangle me at night. The role was really scary.”

    Chunky Pandey pointed out that the film showcased his talents in a new way and proved that his range is not limited to just comedy.

    Talking about his future plans, he said, “In my new film, you will see me in a different role, which will surprise the audience.”

  • Multan Test: Pakistan’s batting collapses again

    Multan Test: Pakistan’s batting collapses again

    Pakistan’s entire team has been bowled out for 230 runs on the second day of the Multan Test against the West Indies.

    Pakistan resumed their incomplete innings with 143 runs for 4 wickets. However, the start of the day did not go well for the Pakistani batters, as wickets began to fall in the first session.

    Saud Shakeel scored 84, and Salman Agha was out for 7 runs, while Mohammad Rizwan was dismissed after scoring 71 runs. After Rizwan, Nauman Ali scored 0, and Khurram Shehzad made 7 runs before getting out.

    Other players, including captain Shan Masood (11), Babar Azam (8), Mohammad Haris (7), and Kamran Ghulam (5), also failed to make significant contributions.

    For the West Indies, Jayden Seales and Jomel Warrican each took three wickets, while Kevin Sinclair took two wickets, and Gudakesh Motie claimed one wicket.

    It’s important to note that Pakistan ended the first day with 143 runs for four wickets.

  • ‘I didn’t know passenger was Saif Ali Khan’; Rickshaw driver on unexpected emergency ride

    ‘I didn’t know passenger was Saif Ali Khan’; Rickshaw driver on unexpected emergency ride

    Imagine being an auto driver in Mumbai, finishing your day quite late, heading for home at 2:00 am. Suddenly, you get flagged down for a ride with a famous Bollywood star in the middle of an emergency. That’s exactly what happened to Bhajan Rana Singh when he drove past Linkin Road.

    Talking to Indian media, Bhajan Singh said, “I was going via Linkn Road, the building where he (Saif Ali Khan) lives is named Satguru Niwas. A woman came running shouting rickshaw, rickshaw, stop, and stop. She asked to stop the auto near the building gate.”

    As first Bhajan Sigh didn’t recognize Saif Ali Khan and was unsure about the situation. “I did not know he was Saif Ali Khan. It was an emergency. I was nervous about who is this passenger that is getting into my auto. I was worried that I might get into trouble and that is why I was nervous,” Singh explained.

     “He (Saif) was wearing a white shirt stained with blood. A child sat with him, a young man also sat with him,” Bhajan Rana Singh described.

    When the auto driver asked where he should drive, Saif Ali Khan replied, “Take me to Lilavati.”

     Upon reaching Lilavati Hospital, the driver recalled the scene: “A guard was called, and the hospital staff assembled. It was then that the passenger introduced himself: ‘I am Saif Ali Khan.’”

    Earlier, in an unexpected turn of events, Bollywood superstar Saif Ali Khan was hospitalised early Thursday morning after being stabbed six times by an intruder in his Mumbai home.

    His son, Ibrahim Ali Khan, stepped up in a life-or-death situation to get his father the help he urgently needed.

    As per reports, Khan suffered multiple stab wounds in the attack and bled heavily. In a moment of panic, Ibrahim realised that there was no car available to transport his injured father to the hospital. Showing a very smart presence of mind, he immediately hailed an auto rickshaw and got his father to Lilavati Hospital, just two kilometres from their Bandra house.

    Two day ago, Saif Ali Khan’s team issued a statement regarding his health, confirming that he is stable.

    “Saif Ali Khan has come out of surgery and is in recovery. We are monitoring his progress closely. We thank Dr. Niraj Uttamani, Dr. Nitin Dange, Dr. Leena Jain, and the hospital staff for their excellent care. We also appreciate the support from his fans and well-wishers during this challenging time,” the statement said.