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  • Netflix shuts down rumors of Leonardo DiCaprio appearing in Squid Game 3

    Netflix shuts down rumors of Leonardo DiCaprio appearing in Squid Game 3

    You know what they say—if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. 

    Netflix has finally responded to rumors about Leonardo DiCaprio starring in Squid Game season 3.

    In 2022, the writer-director of ‘Squid Game,’ Hwang Dong-Hyuk, expressed his wish to include DiCaprio in the series. This led to reports that DiCaprio had filmed a secret appearance for the show.


    However, Netflix has officially denied the rumors in a statement that said: “The rumors are completely false. Reports of Leonardo DiCaprio’s involvement in Squid Game Season 3 are entirely unfounded.”


    Meanwhile, season 2 of ‘Squid Game’ started streaming on Netflix last week and became the first series to debut at No. 1 in all 93 countries where Netflix is available. Season 3 is expected to premiere later this year.

  • Actress Nargis reconciles with husband after saying he beat her up

    Actress Nargis reconciles with husband after saying he beat her up

    Life always has unexpected twists, and sometimes they come with a surprising dose of forgiveness.

    Actress Nargis and her husband, Inspector Majid Bashir, have reconciled in the Lahore Sessions Court following allegations of assault. 


    Nargis had previously filed a case against her husband in the Defence C area of Lahore, accusing him of assaulting her during a dispute over money. In the police complaint, she stated: “Majid tortured me during a financial dispute.”


    However, the couple has now resolved their differences. A reconciliation agreement has been submitted to the court by mutual consent by both parties, after which the actress’s husband has withdrawn his application for interim bail from the court.


    Nargis’s lawyer commented, “Our elders have agreed with mutual consent. The actress has forgiven her husband on the advice of the elders, and neither party will violate the agreement.”

    Interestingly, this is not the first time a high-profile reconciliation has followed allegations of assault. Ayesha Jehanzeb, a well-known TV host, also reconciled with her husband after filing similar allegations.

    Earlier, Television host Ayesha has accused her husband Haris Ali of domestic abuse. They are currently married and have two children together. Ayesha went to the police station with a bruised face to file a report against Haris. Her daughter Zoha accompanied her. In an interview with Samaa TV, Ayesha revealed that this is the third time in six months that Haris has beaten her. The issues between the couple reportedly started after Haris’s secret marriage.


    Many people, including celebrities and social media users, are showing their support for Ayesha, calling her brave for dealing with abuse and continuing her work. Prominent figures like Reham Khan, Hina Pervaiz Butt, and Sania Aashiq have expressed their strong support for her. The shocking images Ayesha shared on social media have also drawn widespread sympathy and support from the public.

  • Japanese pornstar’s visit to Badshahi Masjid breaks the internet

    Japanese pornstar’s visit to Badshahi Masjid breaks the internet

    Social media has been set ablaze with questions and speculation after Japanese porn star Kae Asakura, famously known as ‘Royal Lil Black,’ was spotted visiting Lahore’s historic Badshahi Mosque, fully covered in a hijab.

    Kae Asakura, a Japanese adult film actress, has sparked a massive online debate with her unexpected visit to the historic Badshahi Mosque in Lahore. Videos and photos of her in a hijab, exploring one of Pakistan’s most iconic religious sites, have gone viral.


    Known for a successful career in adult films, Asakura’s presence at a culturally and religiously significant location has left people surprised and curious. Her attire, fully covering her from head to toe, has only added to the intrigue, with some speculating if she is considering converting to Islam.


    This isn’t the first time Asakura has drawn attention for wearing Islamic attire. During a visit to the UAE, she was also seen dressed modestly in traditional clothing, which fueled similar rumors. Her appearance at the mosque in Lahore has reignited discussions about her religious inclinations. 


    Social media platform X (formerly Twitter) is buzzing with reactions. Journalist Waseem Abbasi read, “What is Japanese porn star Kae Asakura doing in Lahore? Burqa-clad Asakura is taking an interest in Islam.”


    While the reasons behind her visit remain unclear, Asakura’s presence at the mosque has sparked widespread debate and raised eyebrows across the internet. Some see it as a significant gesture, while others question if it’s part of a larger narrative or simply a personal exploration.

  • ‘Bushra Bibi holding actual negotiations somewhere else’

    ‘Bushra Bibi holding actual negotiations somewhere else’

    Senior journalist Nusrat Javed has claimed that talks between the government and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) committees were only a façade because actual negotiations were being held by Imran Khan’s wife Bushra Bibi.

    “Real negotiations are being held by Bushra Bibi. I told you this before as well… that two days ago, she went to negotiate somewhere without any security. And today, she went to Adiala Jail in a bulletproof car to meet Khan,” the journalist said during his show on Public News.

    He also claimed that the PTI had categorically been conveyed to accept responsibility for May 9 riots and ask for forgiveness. “PTI leaders maintain if they concede to these demands, then, in return, they want the release of all PTI workers from prison, including those whom military courts have convicted. This is the bone of contention between both sides now.”

    Nusrat also said that Imran Khan would have to take the first step in order to achieve a positive outcome of the ongoing talks.

    It merits a mention that the government and PTI, for the first time in almost two years, have broken ice by agreeing to talk their issue out for “greater national interests”. First round of talks was held last week whereas the second round is scheduled for today (Jan 2). Both sides are expected to formally present their demands during today’s session.

    National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq is reportedly facilitating and leading the negotiations during which the PTI has repeatedly expressed concerns over authorities alleged campaign to “dismantle” the opposition party.

    PTI has also demanded the release of all its workers from prison, and sought a judicial commission to prove violent incidents that took place following Khan’s arrest in May 2023 as well as during the party’s march on Islamabad on November 26.

    Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur on Wednesday said that his party would yet again take to streets if the ongoing dialogue ends inconclusively. He also confirmed that the PTI founder had permitted party leaders to continue holding talks with the government for the sake of the country.

    Gandapur also reiterated his party’s demands for release of PTI founder and former premier Khan as well as other leaders and workers locked up in different jails across the country.

    Amid unconfirmed reports of demands, deals and breakthroughs, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Senator Irfan Siddiqui, who is a part of the government’s negotiation committee, has said that the ruling party would consult all coalition partners on PTI’s charter of demands.

  • YouTuber MrBeast gets engaged to South African

    YouTuber MrBeast gets engaged to South African

    The world’s number one YouTuber, Jimmy Donaldson, known as MrBeast, got engaged on Monday to internet personality Thea Booysen.

    He shared the news in an Instagram post with the caption, “The boy did a great job.” 

    The YouTuber also shared photos and videos of his engagement taken on Christmas, which went viral on social media.

    Thea said about the occasion, “We were organizing Christmas at home, and my family had also arrived here from South Africa, so both families were present on the occasion. We were opening presents, and then for the last one, he asked me to close my eyes because it was a surprise.”

    “When he proposed, I immediately said yes,” she added.

    The two met in South Africa in 2022 through a mutual friend.

  • May 9 riots: Military pardons 19 convicts on humanitarian grounds

    May 9 riots: Military pardons 19 convicts on humanitarian grounds

    The military has pardoned 19 convicts in the May 9 riots case on humanitarian grounds, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said on Thursday.

    According to the military media wing, a total of 67 convicts had filed mercy petitions, of which 48 have been processed for appeal. The pleas of 19 convicts have been accepted “purely on humanitarian grounds under the law”.

    The development comes weeks after military courts sentenced a total of 85 people in connection with attacks on state establishments following the arrest of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan in May 2023.

    At least 10 people lost their lives and over a hundred others sustained injuries in the violent protests that continued on May 9 and May 10. Approximately 40 public buildings and military installations were attacked by rioters. These included Lahore Corps Commander’s House (Jinnah House), Askari Tower in Lahore, General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi, ISI Office in Faisalabad, FC Fort in Chakdara, Radio Pakistan building in Peshawar, Toll Plaza at Swat Motorway and the Mianwali Air Base.

    In December, the ISPR had in two separate statements announced the convictions of 25 and 60 under-trial prisoners by military courts. The convicts had been sentenced to jail terms ranging from two to 10 years for their involvement in the nationwide riots. PTI founder and former prime minister Khan’s nephew, Hassaan Khan Niazi, was also among the convicts and was sentenced to 10 years in jail for the attack on the residence of Lahore Corps Commander (Jinnah House).

    On Thursday, the military’s media wing said that 19 individuals whose mercy petitions were accepted would be released after completion of procedural formalities.

    “The remission of punishments is a testament to the strength of due process and fairness, which ensures that justice is served while also taking into account the principles of compassion and mercy,” it added.

    Among the freed convicts are:

    1. Muhammad Ayaz s/o Sahibzada Khan

    2. Sami Ullah s/o Meer dad Khan

    3. Laeeq Ahmed s/o Manzoor Ahmed

    4. Amjad Ali s/o Manzoor Ahmed

    5. Yasir Nawaz s/o Ameer Nawaz Khan

    6. Said Alam s/o Maaz Ullah Khan

    7. Zahid Khan s/o Muhammad Nabi

    8. Muhammad Suleman s/o Said Ghani Jan

    9. Hamza Sharif s/o Muhammad Azam

    10. Muhammad Salman s/o Zahid Nisar

    11. Asher Butt s/o Muhammad Arshad Butt

    12. Muhammad Waqas s/o Malik Muhammad Khalil

    13. Sufayan Idrees s/o Idrees Ahmed

    14. Muneeb Ahmed s/o Naveed Ahmed Butt

    15. Muhammad Ahmed s/o Muhammad Nazir

    16. Muhammad Nawaz s/o Abdul Samad

    17. Muhammad Ali s/o Muhammad Boota

    18. Muhammad Bilawal s/o Manzoor Hussain

    19. Muhammad Ilyas s/o Muhammad Fazal Haleem

  • We are not behind internet shutdowns: PTA chief Maj Gen (r) Hafeez Ur Rehman

    We are not behind internet shutdowns: PTA chief Maj Gen (r) Hafeez Ur Rehman

    The Chairman of Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), Major General (r) Hafeez ur Rehman, has said in a statement that successive governments repeatedly asked them to shut down the internet. 


    The Senate’s Standing Committee on Information Technology held a meeting with the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority’s Chairman, Major General (r) Hafeez ur Rehman, where a clash between JUI-F Senator Ghulam Murtaza and the Chairman was witnessed by attendees. 


    The meeting, held to review internet issues in the country, was presided over by PPP Senator Palwasha Khan. 


    The Ministry of IT’s legal member and PTA Chairman briefed the committee about the causes and solutions of internet issues in the country. 


    The PTA Chief told the committee that the authority receives more than 500 complaints daily about indecent content on social media platforms. Resultantly, PTA asks these social media platforms to block the reported content, which they do with 80 percent of such content. 


    During the meeting, a member of the committee, Senator Kamran Murtaza, asked the PTA chief, “Where is it written in its act that the PTA can close the internet in a specific area?”


    A member of the legal team of IT ministry acquiesced that “PTA act does not specify any specific area.” 


    However, the PTA chairman interjected to say, “It is written in the rules that the Ministry of Interior can direct PTA to block of internet services.”


    To this, Senator Kamran Murtaza asked that if t is not written in the law, then how can PTA block the internet. 


    Chairman PTA replied, “If it is wrong then why is the government directing PTA to block internet services for the last 9 years,” while adding, “I can even quote date and time of all the times Internet was shut down on government’s direction.” 


    “I can tell you the date and time when the internet was blocked during the last nine years on the orders of the governments,” Chairman PTA told Senators. 


    “We are not the government, we are the parliament,”  Senator Kamran Murtaza commented. 


    To this Chairman, PTA said, “All of you have been in government one time or another.” 


    Senator Humayun Mehmand participated in the conversation to state: “Even in the rules regarding the blocking of the internet, only content is mentioned.”


    Special Secretary Ministry of IT told him that if the government decides to block online content in an area, then it is blocked by shutting down the internet in the area.


    PTA Chairman here stated:  “Since 2016, whenever the Interior Ministry sends us an intimation, the internet is shut down.”


    “This practice was going on before I joined the post of chairman. I have learned for the first time that shutting down the internet is illegal,” Chairman PTA exclaimed.


    However, he mentioned that, “The final legal opinion in this regard can only be given by Ministry of Law and Interior Ministry.”


    Hafeez ur Rehman told the committee that the social media apps were also blocked several times on orders of the Supreme Court and High Court. 


    Senator Kamran Murtaza told IT Ministry members present in the meeting that if the internet is blocked on the Supreme Court’s decision, then the IT Ministry should file a review petition stating that it is against the rules.

  • This is what Bushra Ansari thinks of actor son-in-law

    This is what Bushra Ansari thinks of actor son-in-law

    Veteran actress Bushra Ansari, known for her decades-long career in the Pakistani entertainment industry, has shared what she thinks of her son-in-law, actor Asad Siddiqui.

    Appearing as a guest on Subah Saverey Samaa Ke Saath, the Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum actress shared her thoughts on why her talented son-in-law hadn’t yet been able to secure his place in the country’s entertainment landscape.

    When asked which actor or actress she thought had a lot of potential but had not yet received the right roles and were underrated, Ansari said it was her son-in-law.

    “I think… if I don’t sound biased… it’s Asad Siddiqui… he is my son-in-law… my son. I feel he has potential, his voice is very good, Masha’Allah, his face and smile are good… he is a good actor. I don’t think he has gotten his due place yet,” she said.

    Asad Siddiqui, despite coming from a family of showbiz legends, is a self-made star who has impressed audiences with his diverse performances in both positive and negative roles.

    While Ansari believes that his talent deserves even greater recognition, Siddiqui believes the casting practices in the country are “biased”, and argues that selections are often based on connections and appearance rather than talent.

    In a recent appearance on Ushna Shah’s talk show, Siddiqui spoke openly about his concerns: “I have distanced myself from certain industry gatherings, citing instances of ‘sweet words’ shared in person that turn into criticism behind backs.”

    Siddiqui also highlighted that casting often favors those with lighter skin tones or personal connections, a practice he called “unfair and apparent on screen.” He argued that these dynamics dilute merit and affect the quality of production.

  • One fast bowler likely to be dropped from second Test against South Africa

    One fast bowler likely to be dropped from second Test against South Africa

    The national cricket team selection committee has decided to drop one fast bowler for the second Test against South Africa, scheduled to start in Cape Town on Friday.

    Geo reported that there is a strong possibility of left-arm fast bowler Mir Hamza joining the team in place of Aamir Jamal.

    Jamal came under scrutiny for bowling just one over in the second innings of the Centurion Test, giving 11 runs at a crucial stage of the match.

    However, the possibility of a spinner being included in the national team is low at this point. The pitch is suitable for spinners, but it is expected that left-arm spinner Noman Ali, who took 20 wickets at an average of 13.85 in the two Test matches played against England in October 2024, will not be included in the eleven-member team.

    Team management is considering Salman Ali Agha as a spinner. The all-rounder has taken 16 wickets in 18 Test matches at an average of 58.75.

    The second ODI of the three-match ODI series between Pakistan and South Africa was played at Newlands, Cape Town, where the second Test of the series between Pakistan and South Africa is starting on Friday. 

    In response to Pakistan’s 329 runs, South Africa was bowled out for 248 runs with Salman Ali Agha taking one wicket for 71 runs in 10 overs.

  • Usman Mukhtar talks to CNN about bringing Pakistani superheroes to life

    Usman Mukhtar talks to CNN about bringing Pakistani superheroes to life

    Who needs fireworks when Usman Mukhtar lights up New Year’s Eve with exciting revelations? Mukhtar’s career seems as versatile as his comic book collection, with diverse subjects, from superheroes to statesmen.


    Usman Mukhtar had an exciting New Year’s Eve. He spoke to CNN about his movie Umro Ayyar: A New Beginning and his plans for the future. 


    Umro Ayyar: A New Beginning is Pakistan’s first superhero fantasy film. It came out in June with Mukhtar, Hamza Ali Abbasi, Sanam Saeed, Faran Tahir, and Adnan Siddiqui included in the cast. Unlike many typical movies in Pakistan, the film was unique in that it talked about myths, legends and superheroes.

     
    “I love superheroes, and playing Umro Ayyar was a big honor for me,” he told CNN. The movie took four years to make and was finally released last year. When he and the other actors saw it for the first time in the cinema, they were amazed by it.


    He was especially happy that kids loved the film. “Kids in Pakistan don’t have a lot of movies to watch, and they enjoyed this one. We hope to make more superhero and sci-fi movies for the global audience,” Mukhtar said.


    When asked if he saw a global market for films like Umro Ayyar, he believed there was a lot of untapped potential in Pakistan. “People want to see something different from Pakistan,” he explained.


    Mukhtar is also a big fan of DC Comics and Superman. He collected comic books and action figures as a child. “I want to create content my children can watch and be proud of,” he added.


    For 2025, Mukhtar is not working on a sci-fi or fantasy project. Instead, he will play Allama Iqbal in an upcoming series about Fatima Jinnah, the famous Pakistani stateswoman and sister of Quaid-i-Azam. He hopes people will enjoy it when it is released in 2025.