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  • Faiz Hameed’s court martial: Gen (r) Bajwa to appear before court if summoned

    Faiz Hameed’s court martial: Gen (r) Bajwa to appear before court if summoned

    As court-martial of former Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) chief Lt Gen (r) Faiz Hameed continues, a media report has claimed that former chief of army staff (COAS) Gen (r) Qamar Javed Bajwa would appear before the court if summoned.

    According to a report by The News, a number of hearings of the case against the former ISI director general (DG) have so far taken place as part of his field general court martial (FGCM). Hameed, the report quoted sources as saying, had attended every hearing and appeared to be physically fit and healthy.

    After the prosecution concludes presenting witnesses, the defence team will call its witnesses, it said and quoted sources as saying that Gen (r) Bajwa would also appear before the court if he was summoned.

    The report also quoted Hameed’s lawyer Mian Ali Ashfaq as responding to if ex-spymaster or his legal team would invite Gen (r) Bajwa as a defence witness. “I am not deciding anything in haste. It’s all about the developments in the case and the relevance of such witnesses based on those developments,” he said.

    “We also need to consider whether it will support our case or not… as it could be counterproductive. A lot of deliberations and calculations will be made before finalising the decision,” Ashfaq said, rubbishing widespread claims being made by journalists and media outlets.

    “It all depends on the proceedings and prosecution witnesses. Whether a retired or incumbent witness will be called for the defence will be decided later,” he added.

    To a question about the expected date of verdict against Hameed, his lawyer said that some time was required for cross-examination of prosecution and defence witnesses and it was likely to be concluded in a month. “Cross-examination is a routine procedure, and it naturally takes time.”

    On August 12, 2024, the military apprehended the ex-spymaster on a petition filed by Top City Housing Society’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Kanwar Moeez Khan in the Supreme Court (SC). In the complaint, Hameed was accused of being involved in land grabbing besides stealing diamonds and gold jewelry during a raid.

    On December 10, 2024, Hameed was indicted on multiple allegations, including engaging in political activities, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement.

    Hameed was charged with engaging in political activities, violations of the Official Secret Act detrimental to the safety and interest of the state, misuse of authority and government resources and causing wrongful losses to individual(s), the military’s media wing added.

  • Cricket Australia admits mistake in excluding Gavaskar from BGT trophy ceremony

    Cricket Australia admits mistake in excluding Gavaskar from BGT trophy ceremony

    Cricket Australia has admitted that they made a mistake in not inviting Sunil Gavaskar to the closing ceremony of the Border Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25.

    Gavaskar was not invited to present the Trophy to Australian captain Pat Cummins. Former Australian captain Allan Border presented the trophy to the Australian captain.


    Sunil Gavaskar was  present at the Sydney Cricket Ground when the trophy was presented, leading to criticism at the Board for not inviting him. Now Cricket Australia has admitted that both former captains should have been present when the trophy was presented.

    According to Cricket Australia, the Cricket Board had decided long ago that if Australia won, the Allan Board Trophy would present the trophy, and if India won, Sunil Gavaskar would give the trophy.

    A spokesperson for Cricket Australia said in a statement, “We acknowledge that it would have been better if Allan Border and Sunil Gavaskar both had been present on stage. Sunil Gavaskar also felt that he was not invited to the stage.”

    On the other hand, Gavaskar said, “I would have liked to have been present at the trophy presentation ceremony. I am present on the ground, it does not matter whether Australia wins. I would have loved to have had the opportunity to present the trophy with my friend Allan.”

    Australia has won the BGT, defeating India by 3-1 in the five-match Test series.

    Want to read about Wahab Riaz and Usama Mir controversy?

  • Fraud allegations rock Reema: Qatari man claims multi-million rupee scam

    Fraud allegations rock Reema: Qatari man claims multi-million rupee scam

    Trusting strangers with your money is like trusting a cat to guard your fish—it rarely ends well.

    A man from Qatar has filed a fraud case against renowned Pakistani actress Reema Khan.

    Shahid Rafique recently told a YouTube channel named Pakistan Kahbar TV at the Lahore Press Club, that he had returned to Lahore from Qatar in 2009 to buy property. “At the bank where I transferred my money, I met Reema Khan’s sister, Maira Khan, a realtor.”



    He said, “Maira Khan asked me what I wanted to do with the money. I told her that I wanted to buy a plot here. She showed me some plots and said that she also deals in buying and selling property.”


    He continued, “When I saw the plot, she said that my sister Reema Khan is making a film Love Mein Ghum, so you should invest Rs 50 to 60 lakhs for five or six months with your money and assured me that I would get profit.”


    When he agreed, he got to  hold a meeting with Reema Khan, after which he transferred the money for the film. “Later, Reema Khan’s sister started demanding more money,” he claimed, adding that Reema  called him to Malaysia where the main cast was present for the shooting of the film. “I also stayed in the hotel with the cast for 20 to 25 days. When the shooting was completed, instead of giving my money back, more money was demanded from me.”


    He alleged that Reema entered into an agreement with him, and claimed to have evidence and bank statements.”


    He says that later, instead of giving him the money, Reema Khan claimed 200 million in damages from him, saying that he was a fraud. He then took the case to civil court where the judge gave a written decision that, “It was Reema Khan who defrauded me of two crore and 10 Lakh.”


    Shahid Rafique further mentioned: “Reema Khan lost the case in the civil and sessions courts and has now taken a stay order from the High Court.” He added, “Reema Khan has been summoned by the court but is taking respite by applying for delaying case.” 
    He is confident that he will win the case in the High Court as wel

  • Shahbaz Gill was wronged, that is why he is bitter: Fawad Chaudhry

    Shahbaz Gill was wronged, that is why he is bitter: Fawad Chaudhry

    Former Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) federal minister Fawad Chaudhry, while appearing on Samaa TV last night, defended PTI member Shahbaz Gill’s controversial posts on social media.

    Senior journalist Absar Alam asked Chaudhry the efficacy of social media strategy in which many PTI leaders and workers were engaged in vitriol against the country, to which Fawad replied: “There needs to be a clear distinction between official PTI leaders’ social media posts and certain rogue elements who align themselves with PTI. Many of my PTI friends get angry with me when I tell them there isn’t much effort visible as it should be from PTI leaders to dissociate themselves from rogue elements.”

    Absar Alam asked the former federal minister: “Do you not think that Shahbaz Gill, Azhar Mashwani directly represent PTI? So what is the difference between their hateful social media posts and others?”

    Fawad replied: “When has Azhar Mashwani engaged in hateful posts against the country or establishment? In the case of Shahbaz Gill, a great injustice was done to him, and that is why sometimes he reacts angrily. Even you were treated unjustly. In my opinion, Shahbaz Gill is one of those people who were treated wrong and that is why they’re bitter.”

    Shahbaz Gill, who served as the spokesperson of the Punjab Government during PTI’s tenure, was arrested in August 2022, a few months after PTI government collapsed.

    The charges against Gill at the time included sections 34 (common intention), 109 (abetment), 120 (concealing design to commit offence punishable with imprisonment), 121 (waging war against state), 124-A (sedition), 131 (abetting mutiny, or attempt to seduce a soldier, sailor or airman from his duty), 153 (provoking to cause riot), 505 (statement conducing to public mischief) and 506 (punishment for criminal intimidation) of the Pakistan Penal Code.

    Fawad Chaudhry alleged that Gill had been abducted by unidentified personnel in cars with missing number plates.

    Gill was hospitalised multiple times during his incarceration after he claimed “shortness of breath.” The Lahore High Court permitted Shahbaz Gill in March 2023 to travel to the United States, ordering the government to remove his name from the Exit Control List (ECL).


     
    Gill actively complains to US officials by tagging their social media handles against Pakistani authorities and journalists on his official X handle (formerly Twitter). Gill took to X on December 16 to write: “ALARMING! Pakistan’s leading TV channel @GeoTvNews has launched a vicious smear campaign against Richard Grenell  @RichardGrenell former US Ambassador to Germany, former Director National Intelligence and recently nominated as Trump’s envoy for special missions.”

    Similarly, another post on December 17 by Gill read: “Couldn’t agree more, @DarrenJBeattie! The Pakistani establishment’s smear campaign against Richard Grenell is a blatant attempt to distract from his impressive credentials & achievements. Their homophobic attacks won’t work!”


    Fawad opined that the solution to dealing with Shahbaz Gill or people like him is to engage with them. Absar Alam smiled at this reply, saying: “But you people [PTI government] did not engage with anyone when you were in power. You used to say send them to jail.”

    Chaudhry then claimed that the PTI’s tenure in power was the most relaxed era in the history of the country, during which the media earned significantly. 


    Absar Alam laughed against saying: “You’re saying this with a straight face while looking at me.” Fawad replied in a lighter tone: “But you weren’t a journalist in our times.”

    It is worth mentioning that journalist Absar Alam was shot in April 2021 near his residence in the federal capital during PTI’s tenure.

    In September 2021, Absar Alam was charged with incitement against the Pakistan Army while the Punjab Police also made a legal request to register a case of high treason against him under Article 6. 

    Fawad Chaudhry also stated: “In the past, PML-N and PPP had engaged in politics of hate, but later on they realised this cannot go on. In my opinion, there is a dominant opinion in PTI that this kind of politics cannot continue.”

  • Here is all you need to know about Atif Aslam’s new project Borderless World

    Here is all you need to know about Atif Aslam’s new project Borderless World

    What if music could connect the world? Legendary singer Atif Aslam is turning this idea into reality with his new global music program, Borderless World. Launched on January 03, 2025 in Lahore at Cue Cinema, the program will give new singers from around the world a chance to showcase their talent.

     The Aadat singer unveiled the project with a teaser at the end of 2024, creating excitement among fans and fellow musicians alike.

    The official launch ceremony saw various celebrities from the entertainment industry such as Saba Qamar, Bilal Lashari, Hamza Ali Abbasi, Naimal Kahwar, Faris Shafi and Mawra Hocane,

    During the event, Atif Asalam showcased his first song under the Borderless World program, titled Peeran, which he both composed and wrote. The song is available on his YouTube channel, marking the beginning of this exciting musical journey.

    Speaking to the media, Atif Aslam said, “Borderless World will feature songs from fresh talent across the globe. The first season will introduce diverse voices, and we plan to bring international artists in future seasons.”

    “Music transcends borders, which is why I named the program Borderless World –to unite global artists on one platform,” he added.

    While many details are still to unfold, including which other artists will feature in the first season, the Borderless World program promises to be a game-changer in the music industry.

    Earlier, Atif Aslam had announced the launch of a new music program called ‘Borderless World.’


    He shared the news on Instagram, telling his followers that the program will bring together artists, sounds, and stories from around the world.


    He wrote, “Borderless World is more than just a music show. It’s a platform to bring together artists, sounds, and stories from around the globe.” his program is his way of “giving back to the industry and to all of you, who have been my biggest support through every step of this journey.”


    Atif Aslam “Get ready for brand new music, epic music videos that will bring a fresh wave to the music scene. I can’t wait for you all to experience this with me!”


    During a YouTube live session, he explained that ‘Borderless World’ has been in the works for over a year.

     He wanted to return to his roots and create something deeply personal. The program will feature original music, iconic covers, and unforgettable collaborations, set against stunning backdrops from around the world.


    He said, “When I did my first album, and then my second and third, I moved into playback singing and didn’t get the time to focus on my music anymore. Now that I’ve found it, I want to produce something of my own. This was the perfect moment to bring Borderless World to life.”


    Fans can expect around 10 songs with music videos shot in breathtaking locations worldwide. The first release is a song filmed in New Zealand. None of the content has been shot in Pakistan, as Aslam chose to explore landscapes with global appeal.


    He said, “All the places we’ve shot in hold a lot of significance; so many Western artists have shot their videos there.” He hinted that ‘Borderless World’ will have a nostalgic feel of his earlier music while introducing new sounds. “I think somewhere you’ll be able to hear the old Atif Aslam,” he teased.



  • Indian singer served legal notice for calling Gandhi ‘father of Pakistan’

    Indian singer served legal notice for calling Gandhi ‘father of Pakistan’

    Indian singer Abhijeet Bhattacharya is a known bigot with a particular hatred for Pakistan. It seems that the bigot singer has now been served a dose of his own medicine. 

    Pune-based lawyer Asim Sarode has sent a legal notice to Abhijeet Bhattacharya over a controversial statement he made in a podcast. Abhijeet called Mahatma Gandhi the “father of Pakistan.”


    According to Indian media, lawyer Asim Sarode sent the notice on behalf of his client Manish Deshpande, demanding an immediate apology from Abhijeet.


    The notice states that if the singer does not apologize, a complaint will be registered against him under sections 353 (public disorder) and 356 (defamation) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).


    During the podcast, Abhijeet compared Mahatma Gandhi to composer R.D. Burman and said, “Mahatma Gandhi is not the father of India but of Pakistan. India existed before that, Pakistan seceded from India later. Gandhi has been mistakenly called the father of India.”


    The lawyer highlighted Gandhi’s services in the notice, saying that he worked tirelessly to promote Hindu-Muslim unity and brotherhood.


    The lawyer added, “During the freedom movement, when the question of partition came up, Gandhiji had said, ‘India will be divided only by passing over my dead body. As long as I am alive, I will never accept partition.’”


    This is not the first time that Abhijeet Bhattacharya has been in the news for his controversial statements. Recently, he criticized British singer Dua Lipa, saying that she did not give him credit while singing a song in Mumbai.

  • Saud blames Shaan, Syed Noor for ‘ruining’ Lollywood

    Saud blames Shaan, Syed Noor for ‘ruining’ Lollywood

    What really caused Lollywood’s downfall? How can a thriving industry turn desolate? Saud Qasmi, the star of many Lollywood hits, is clear about where he puts the blame.

    “In my opinion, several people contributed to the downfall of Lollywood. Some of these people are no longer with us. Lollywood wasn’t completely destroyed, but the damage done to it was caused by Shaan and Syed Noor,” Saud said on Ahmed Ali Butt’s podcast.

    The Baby Baji actor didn’t mince his words when asked who destroyed Lollywood, clearly naming superstar Shaan Shahid  and veteran filmmaker Syed Noor. “There were a few other directors as well, but these two were the main ones. If they had wanted, the industry could have progressed much further. Some unfortunate individuals only focused on their own business and work, neglecting the industry itself,” he pointed out.

    The Gunnah actor also addressed the actions of the late Punjabi films legend Sultan Rahi, criticizing his approach during film production.

     “Sultan Rahi used to save money by doing tasks meant for professionals. For example, instead of hiring a makeup artist for gunshot scenes, he would use red paint himself to simulate blood,” Saud narrated.

                   

    He didn’t hesitate to criticize Shaan, telling him to work on improving himself first.

     “Before finding flaws in others, Shaan should address his own flaws,” Saud Qasmi remarked.

     Reflecting on the past, the former Lollywood hero shared: “There was a time when our film industry and theirs were on equal footing. I’m talking about India and Pakistan. Both industries were equal. From here, we had Waheed Murad Sahab, and from there, they had Rajesh Khanna, both of a similar caliber.”

    Lollywood, once centered in Lahore, thrived as a hub of film production from the 1970s until the early 2000s. By 2005, the industry shifted to Karachi, which has since become the center for both films and dramas.

      

  • Reason behind UAE president’s ‘private visit’ to Pakistan revealed

    Reason behind UAE president’s ‘private visit’ to Pakistan revealed

    A day after a viral video showed Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif having a candid chat with United Arab Emirates (UAE) President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, netizens are speculating the circumstances surrounding the “sudden and mysterious” visit of the Emirati royal.

    On Sunday, PM Shehbaz, accompanied by Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Maryam Nawaz, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif and Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar, was spotted meeting the UAE president at the Rahim Yar Khan International Airport.

    The two leaders discussed a wide range of issues, including economic collaboration, regional stability, climate change, and the promotion of mutual interests on the global stage, a statement issued by the PM Office said following a high-level meeting.

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    During the meeting, the statement added, President Nayhan underscored the UAE government’s keen interest in collaborating with Pakistan in the mining, minerals and agriculture sectors.

    “Delighted to meet with my dear brother, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Presi­dent of UAE, today in Rahimyar Khan. Reaffir­med Pakistan’s strong commitment to further strengthen Pak-UAE cooperation and elevate our ties to a mutually beneficial strategic partnership. Matters of mutual interest, including investments in Pakistan, were discussed with a resolve to move forward together [sic],” PM Shehbaz said in a post later in the day.

    However, with the sudden visit and meeting taking many by surprise, social media users were seen speculating the reason behind the same.

    Amid unverified claims, The Current has received exclusive details behind the Emirati royal’s private visit to Pakistan.

    According to sources, the UAE president, along with Vice President Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, arrived at the Chandna Airstrip in Bahawalpur on Wednesday. The royals departed for their palace in southern Punjab’s Cholistan via two special helicopters.

    “The Emirati royals are in Pakistan to engage in falconry and hunting during their one-week stay,” sources said, adding that they often privately visited the country from November to February to hunt Asian Houbara bustards.

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    The Houbara bustard is a desert bird similar in size to a chicken. It is an endangered migratory bird that was once common in the Arabian Peninsula. Thousands of these birds migrate from Central Asia to Pakistan in winters.

    While hunting the Houbara bustard is illegal in the country due to its declining numbers, the Pakistani government often makes exceptions for Middle Eastern dignitaries, issuing yearly hunting permits.

    The government argues that foreign hunters bring investment to underdeveloped areas, which contributes to the development of infrastructure, including hospitals, schools and roads. Locals also get jobs during the hunting season, it maintains.

  • Wahab Riaz addresses accusations of ‘threatening’ Usama Mir

    Wahab Riaz addresses accusations of ‘threatening’ Usama Mir

    Former Pakistani cricketer and member of the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) selection committee Wahab Riaz has broken silence on accusations of threatening right-arm leg spinner Usama Mir after dropping him from the team for last year’s T20 World Cup.

    “We used to call players directly for selection matters. There were no threats involved. I remember Usama Mir’s case quite well. He called me and asked why he had not been selected for the World Cup,” Riaz said during his appearance on a podcast hosted by 24 News.

    Addressing accusations of threatening Mir upon his inquisition, the former cricketer said that he, along with other selection committee members, including Muhammad Yousuf and Azhar Mahmood, explained their reasons for 45 minutes.

    “After the press conference, Muhammad Yousuf and I were in a room when Usama called. He asked why he wasn’t selected. Azhar Mahmood and the rest of us spent around 45 minutes explaining that it was about team combination and not his performance,” he said.

    “I told Usama that the conversation had gone on for too long. ‘We understand you might not like it, but it’s a team decision by the selection committee.’ After 45 minutes, we decided to put an end to the discussion. Usama accepted it but later sent a long message to [PCB’s high performance and tournament director] Nadeem Khan, claiming he was mistreated.”

    Riaz said Nadeem then shared Mir’s message in the selection committee group chat and asked for an explanation. “Each selector explained the rationale behind the decision. The chapter was closed for us,” he added.

    Later, the former cricketer said, he received a call from former skipper Abdul Razzaq in Ireland, telling him to issue and NOC [no-objection certificate] for Mir.

    “The controversy escalated when Usama shared his grievances publicly. He started it himself and later admitted it was a mistake on his part. We had clarified everything from our side and even approved the NOC,” Riaz said.

    “Usama’s media statements caused a stir. I asked the PCB to issue a clarification, but they decided against it. This led to misunderstandings and the matter continued. Despite everything, our process for NOCs is clear. The director of international cricket consults with us, and we provide our recommendations. It’s up to them to issue the NOC.”

    To a question, Riaz said the team management’s focus was on red-ball cricket. “We’ve been playing consistently and our future tour programmes are set till 2027. The upcoming series against South Africa, New Zealand and the West Indies will be crucial,” he said in the interview that was aired on Jan 3.

    It merits a mention that the South African series mentioned by Riaz is already underway.

    “Red-ball cricket has always been a priority. It’s something we’ve been committed to, as seen in our recent series against Australia,” he said.

    Want to read about Pakistan likely playing XI for Champions Trophy 2025?

  • Neeraj Chopra opens up about doping in India

    Neeraj Chopra opens up about doping in India

    India’s star javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra has opened up about the contentious topic of doping in India.

    Speaking to Lallantop on Monday, he said, “Doping is the biggest problem among Indian athletes these days. I want to tell athletes that if doping comes to your mind, you cannot compete. You think that you perform well with doping, but this is not true.”

    The Olympian went on to state that success comes only through hard work, self-confidence and good guidance. “If you get caught in a doping test, you face a ban of two to four years. I request the coaches to tell the athletes that doping will not help them,” he stressed. 

    According to a report, the highest number of Indian athletes tested positive for doping in 2022.

    India had 3,865 dope tests, out of which 125 players tested positive.

    India is the only country with more than 100 positive dope tests and the second worst country in terms of positive dope tests in the last 10 years.

    A total of 142 Indian players were caught doping from April 2022 to March 2023.