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  • Is establishment happy with Maryam Nawaz’s performance?

    Is establishment happy with Maryam Nawaz’s performance?

    Senior analyst Najam Sethi has revealed whether the military establishment is satisfied with Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz’s performance in the province during his show on Samaa News. 

    “Maryam Nawaz is doing an excellent job as Chief Minister in Punjab. She isn’t accepting any political favours, even for her own party MNAs and MPAs. At the same time, the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) is saying that they had an agreement for their accommodation,” stated Najam Sethi. 

    “Establishment is happy with Maryam Nawaz’s role as the CM of Punjab. If they’re happy with Shehbaz Sharif then they’re happy with Maryam as well. Because she’s running the administration on merit.  Critics can say anything about her performance, but there is no denying the fact that she’s doing everything on merit,” said the former PCB Chairman. 

    Najam Sethi also revealed that the PPP is not happy with Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz because she does not listen to anyone asking for political favours. 

    It merits a mention here that Governor Punjab Saleem Haider, who belongs to PPP,  on November 23 publicly complained that his party was not being taken on board by the ruling PML-N in the decision-making process.

    Punjab Governor Saleem Haider had also showed his frustration with the ruling party in the province by delaying the appointment of vice-chancellors to universities. “Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has become an empress. She never calls or consults me on issues of merit,” he stated, while referring to the appointment of vice-chancellors.

    The PPP Governor also warned Maryam Nawaz: “PML-N government will come to its knees if PPP withdraws its support.”

    “Over the past six months, I tried to contact her repeatedly by phone but got zero response as she never consulted with us on any issue. So now I won’t meet her,” he said.

    While referring to PPP’s frustration with Maryam Nawaz, Sethi stated: “Because no unjust transfers are being carried out among bureaucrats, Deputy Commissioners aren’t being transferred, so MNAs and MPAs are worried. PPP is very angry with her over this because, according to them, they should be accommodated in four or five regions where PPP ministers are in power.”

    The former PCB chairman opined that contention between PPP and Maryam Nawaz became such a serious issue that now the Chief Minister Punjab has started listening to them.

  • Bangladesh rewrites books to claim ex-army chief, not Sheikh Mujib ‘declared’ independence

    Bangladesh rewrites books to claim ex-army chief, not Sheikh Mujib ‘declared’ independence

    New textbooks for primary and secondary students in Bangladesh will now name former army chief and president Lt Gen (r) Ziaur Rahman, not founder Sheikh Mujib Ur Rahman, as the person who declared independence in 1971.

    According to reports, the interim government in Bangladesh rung in the new year with the distribution of new textbooks among students, as per which Zia and not Mujib declared independence for the people of Bangladesh.

    In 2010, Mujib’s daughter and then-prime minister (PM) Sheikh Hasina, after coming to power for the second time, had ordered to mention her father as the person who declared independence via a wireless message just before he was arrested by Pakistani forces on March 26, 1971.

    Leading Bangladeshi newspaper The Daily Star quoted National Curriculum and Textbook Board (NCTB) Chairperson Prof AKM Reazul Hassan as saying that the textbooks for the new academic year would state that on March 26, 1971, Zia declared the independence of Bangladesh, and on March 27, he made another declaration of independence on behalf of Bangabandhu – Bengali term used to refer to Mujib as “friend of Bengal”.

    The Daily Star also cited researcher Rakhal Raha, who is behind the changes to the textbooks, as saying that it was an attempt to free the textbooks from “exaggerated” and “imposed” history. “Those who revised the textbooks found it wasn’t fact-based information that Sheikh Mujibur Rahman sent the wireless message [declaring independence] while being arrested by the Pakistani army, and so they decided to remove it.”

    It merits a mention that Mujib’s declaration of independence is a widely accepted belief among the supporters of his daughter-led Awami League. They claim Zia, who was an army major and later a sector commander of the forces, only read out the declaration upon Mujib’s instructions.

    On the contrary, supporters of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), which is headed by Zia’s daughter Khalida Zia, claim their party’s founder was the one to make the declaration.

    Both sides have attempted to make their claims a part of the national discourse during their respective tenures.


    The NCTB official, however, says it is not a point of debate. “This isn’t a matter related to the Awami League or BNP. This is a national issue. We’re trying to make sure that focusing on factual representation remains consistent.”

    However, the constitution of the country proclaims Sheikh Mujibur Rahman as the “Father of the Nation” stating that the telegram of the Declaration of Independence of Bangladesh was made by Bangabandhu on March 26, 1971. 

    Notably, along with the changes in the textbooks, the NCTB has also removed the title “Father of the Nation” with regard to Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

    It merits a mention that the move comes months after the collapse of Hasina’s tenure at the hands of Bangladeshi students who started a movement against unfair job quotas in the country. With the movement taking the country by storm, it forced Hasina to flee to India, marking the end of her 15-year rule.

    After the fall of her government, thousands of protesters were also seen taking down the monument of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in the capital city of Dhaka.

  • Rohit Sharma declines Australian PM’s invitation amid team turmoil

    Rohit Sharma declines Australian PM’s invitation amid team turmoil

    Indian captain Rohit Sharma has turned down an invitation from Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to address a New Year ceremony during India’s ongoing tour of Australia.

    India’s tour Down Under has become a nightmare not only for the Indian team but also for captain Rohit Sharma. Defeats have made it difficult for India to reach the final of the World Test Championship (WTC) during this tour. Rohit Sharma himself is under severe criticism after a string of poor performances, and reports of differences with head coach Gautam Ghambir are circulating online.

    According to foreign media, during the controversy, Indian captain Rohit Sharma turned down an invitation to address an official ceremony by the Australian Prime Minister on the occasion of New Year.

    Rohit was supposed to address the ceremony, but at the last minute, he refused. Head coach Gautam Gambhir had to address the ceremony in his place. 

    The reason why Rohit refused could not be revealed, but sources say that he could not prepare himself for the address due to differences in the team and consecutive failures.

    Rohit Sharma has been dropped from the Sydney Test starting today. Jasprit Bumrah is leading in his place.

    ⇒Want to read about Virat Kohli? 

  • State Bank might fail to achieve $13 billion reserve target by deadline

    State Bank might fail to achieve $13 billion reserve target by deadline

    The last two weeks have witnessed a $371 million decline in the foreign reserve holdings of the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP). The outflow of foreign reserves is significantly higher than the $300 million that Pakistan was able to secure from United Bank Ltd.

    According to the SBP, the reserves were used for external repayment obligations. The repayment of debt is a pressing issue for Islamabad; however, the repayments by the SBP have barely scratched the surface of the problem.

    Pakistan will have to pay a staggering $26.1 billion in debt servicing, along with FY25 Dawn News reports. With SBP’s foreign reserves declining and additional debt servicing payments rearing their head, experts are finding it unlikely for the SBP to reach its reserve target of $13 billion by the end of FY25.

    The rupee may depreciate strongly as analysts anticipate future outflows, possibly resulting in a sharp rise in the cost of imported goods.

    While this creates an incentive to discourage imports of expensive goods, the government might impose strict import controls akin to those in May 2022 when Pakistan was teetering on the edge of bankruptcy.

    If similar controls are imposed, importers may lose out on revenues as many of their goods have inelastic demands. In simple terms, consumers demand the goods that importers procure despite the significant price hikes following currency devaluation. These include items such as cigarettes and edibles, which the minister of commerce has repeatedly banned in the past to control the outflow of foreign reserves.

    The philosophy behind potentially controlling imports instead of boosting exports to increase foreign reserves is quite obvious. The minister of commerce, Jam Kamal Khan, is already attempting to boost exports; however, export growth is starting to stagnate.

    A senior analyst, in an interview with Dawn, confirmed that export growth has been insignificant. The issue, however, might rectify itself, with the possibility of the rupee devaluing in the near future.

    A fall in the value of the rupee will make it cheaper for international buyers to purchase Pakistani goods. The primary beneficiary of the potential currency devaluation will be the textiles and apparel industry, as they are responsible for 60 per cent of all exports from Pakistan.

    Despite the SBP’s falling reserves and the government struggling to roll over $14 billion in debt, Islamabad seems confident. Islamabad’s narrative is that all economic targets will be achieved by the end of the current fiscal year. Only time will tell if Islamabad’s promise holds up.

  • Second Test: Saim Ayub injured, likely to miss upcoming matches

    Second Test: Saim Ayub injured, likely to miss upcoming matches

    Pakistan’s opener batter Saim Ayub has been injured while fielding in the second match of the series at Cape Town on Friday.

    The opener was taken off the field with the help of his teammates.

    He will likely be taken to the hospital, where his foot will be scanned, after which a decision will be made regarding his participation in the rest of the match. 

    South Africa won the toss against Pakistan and decided to bat first. 

    Earlier, Pakistan included Mir Hamza in the playing XI in place of Naseem Shah.

    Yesterday, it was reported that Mir Hamza is likely to join the team in place of Aamir Jamal, while left-arm spinner Noman Ali is unlikely to play. 

    Read this: Dropped players to return for Pakistan’s Champions Trophy campaign

    The South African team defeated the Green Shirts by 2-0 in the three-match T20 series, while the third and final T20 match was washed out due to rain. The Pakistani team swept hosts Proteas by 3-0 in the three-match ODI series. 

    South Africa has a 1-0 lead in the ongoing Test series, defeating the Green Shirts in the first Test match by two wickets.

  • ‘Irresponsible person’; Aliza Sultan takes jab at Feroze Khan

    ‘Irresponsible person’; Aliza Sultan takes jab at Feroze Khan

    Parenting is never easy, but single parents often face unique challenges that test their resilience and strength.


    Aliza Sultan, who became an influencer after her marriage ended, has referred to ex-husband Feroz Khan as an irresponsible father. 


    At the start of the new year, Aliza shared a photo on her social media and asked her followers to reflect on their lives by the end of 2024. Many praised her strength, and one user asked about the challenges she faces raising children as a single mother.


    Aliza responded by saying, “Raising two children as a single mother is not an easy task.This task becomes even more difficult when the father you share with is an irresponsible person. Despite all the difficulties, as a mother, you have to do everything. Sometimes you have to be strict with the children, sometimes you have to be gentle with them, sometimes you have to listen to them, and sometimes you have to tell them.”


    Aliza criticized Feroz Khan and his new wife regarding the children’s upbringing. She also praised mothers whose husbands are busy with work, saying, “Those mothers whose husbands are employed are also praiseworthy, as they are not able to give time to the house and children. In such a situation, women who take care of children are no less than heroes.”


    Many users agreed with Aliza’s response. 


    Aliza and Feroz, who is an actor, singer, and YouTuber, got married in 2018 and have two children, Sultan and Fatima. They announced their divorce in 2023. Feroz got married again in mid-2024.

  • Aqib Javed hints at forming separate teams for different formats

    Aqib Javed hints at forming separate teams for different formats

    National cricket team head coach Aqib Javed has hinted at forming separate teams for white-ball and red-ball cricket.

    “We cannot burden a player with all matches to be played in a calendar year. We have to form separate white and red-ball teams. Playing cricket continuously, reduces a player’s interest,” he said while talking on the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) podcast.

    Javed also expressed hope that defending champions Pakistan will yet again win the Champions Trophy scheduled to be hosted by the country here next month. “We will try to take full advantage of our home conditions.”

    “Victory brings happiness to the team… [and] people are disappointed after continuously losing series [recently]. The aim of the sudden change in the team and management was to help the team move towards victory,” he said further.

    The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will be hosted by Pakistan. The event  is scheduled from February 19 to March 9, 2025. The tournament will feature 15 matches over 19 days, with games hosted across Pakistan—in Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi—and in Dubai.

  • ‘I never denied my affairs’; Iffat Omar opens up about past relationships

    ‘I never denied my affairs’; Iffat Omar opens up about past relationships

    Known for her unapologetic personality, former supermodel Iffat Omar has opened up about her past relationships, her journey into modeling, and the importance of empowering women in decision-making roles.

    Appearing as a guest on Aik Naya Zaviya podcast, hosted by Haroon Rafique, Iffat Omar revealed that, like many other young women, she too had relationships in her youth.

     Iffat Omar said, “I never denied my affairs or scandals.”

    However, she emphasized that her relationships never turned into scandals because they were with private individuals, not public figures.

    When talking about her entry into modeling, the Mohabbat Aag Si star recalled the pivotal moment that changed her life.

    “When I was in matric, a female journalist took my photos during a program. These photos were published in Jang newspaper, and I received a call from them offering me a modeling opportunity, which I accepted,” Iffat Omar said.

    The Uraan actress also opened up about her marriage, explaining that she met her husband Umar, through a friend and that their relationship grew until she pressured him into marriage.

     “Our relationship grew, and I pressured him into marriage,” she said.   

    Addressing rumors surrounding her personal life, Iffat Omar clarified that she has been wrongly linked with the label of a ‘divorced feminist.’      

    “People criticize women by saying that ‘35 divorced feminist women are behind the movement,’ and I’m often counted among them,” she shared.

    With her thoughtful insights, Iffat Omar highlighted the importance of empowering women, stating that true freedom and independence for women would only be achieved when they have a larger presence in decision-making roles, including in parliament. 

     “Women’s freedom and empowerment will only happen when women hold the majority of decision-making roles,” she concluded.

  • Pakistan becomes member of UN Security Council for next two years

    Pakistan becomes member of UN Security Council for next two years

    Pakistan has started the new year by joining the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for a two-year term as a non-permanent member.


    As Pakistan embarked on the term, it is important to note that this is the country’s eighth term on the council.


    Pakistan is replacing Japan with the formal election taking place back in June 2024. 


    Additionally, Pakistan occupies one of the two Asia-Pacific seats on the Security Council.


    Pakistan will get the chance to preside over the council in July, which is a key opportunity to set the agenda and foster dialogue on a global platform.


    Furthermore, the membership will also help secure a seat on the Islamic State and Al Qaeda Sanctions Committee, which performs the role of designating individuals and groups associated with the extremist organisations as terrorists and imposing sanctions on them.


    As per the UN’s rule book, i.e. the UN Charter, only permanent members hold veto power in the council.


    However, non-permanent members can influence terrorism-related sanctions committees significantly, where decisions are made by consensus under established norms.


    This will provide Pakistan with an opportunity to highlight cross-border terrorist attacks from Afghanistan by the terrorist groups associated with the militant Islamic State group and Al Qaeda.


    In a ceremony held at UNSC, the Pakistani flag was hoisted by the country’s Permanent Representative at the UN, Asim Iftikhar Ahmed. While addressing the ceremony, he said that Pakistan will continue to raise a voice for the innocent and the oppressed. Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar told the media, “Pakistan will collaborate with all UN member states to uphold the principles of the UN Charter, prevent war, promote peace, foster global prosperity and ensure universal respect for human rights.”


    Delivering his remarks at a reception hosted for Islamabad-based envoys to mark the beginning of Pakistan’s term as a non-permanent member of the UNSC for 2025-2026, he affirmed Pakistan’s commitment to multilateralism,  international law, peaceful settlement of disputes and friendly relations with countries around the world.

  • Opp leaders told to take off socks, rings before meeting Imran Khan

    Opp leaders told to take off socks, rings before meeting Imran Khan

    Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) chief Sahibzada Hamid Raza has revealed that he among other opposition leaders, including those belonging to the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), were told to take off their socks and rings before meeting former prime minister (PM) Imran Khan in jail.

    Appearing on ARY News programme ‘Off The Record’, Raza was asked if PM Shehbaz Sharif’s political aide Rana Sanaullah advised opposition leaders to take notes of the meeting with Khan in jail.

    Host Kashif Abbasi’s question was in reference to the ongoing negotiations between the government and opposition, and PTI leaders’ repeated statements regarding Khan being the “only decision-making authority” for the party when it came to talks with the government.

    Responding to the question, the SIC chief asked how could they have taken notes when they weren’t even allowed to carry a paper or pencil with them.

    Talking about the strict security measures at Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail, Raza claimed that security had even told them to take off their socks and rings before meeting the incarcerated PTI founder. It happened rather often, he added.

    “Security checks we go through after meeting Imran Khan are even stricter,” Raza said, sharing how all meetings with the jailed former premier were held in a “highly controlled environment”.

    The SIC chief’s statements come after the government’s negotiation committee, during the second round of government-PTI talks on Thursday, advised opposition leaders to submit their demands in writing.

    “The talks concluded with all participants deciding to sit together for the betterment of Pakistan [and] to talk about issues such as economy and terrorism among other things,” National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, who chaired the meeting, told reporters in Islamabad.

    Earlier, Rana Sanaullah had also hinted at government tabling certain demands during the talks, however, Raza said that it did not happen.

    “They [government members] did not demand anything. In fact, despite us presenting them with hard facts, members of the government’s negotiation committee behaved well. No heated debates erupted during the meeting,” he said.

    During the show, Raza also expressed hope that Khan would be released very soon.

    While the country eagerly waits for outcome of the currently ongoing negotiations, government members have rubbished claims of backchannel talks between the PTI, government or state institutions.

    The statements from government members come amid reports of a “separate negotiation channel” being established to bypass official talks between government and PTI’s negotiating committees.