Current Final

Blog

  • What we know about journalist Irshad Bhatti’s second marriage, wife

    What we know about journalist Irshad Bhatti’s second marriage, wife

    Senior journalist and analyst Irshad Bhatti has tied the knot to social media influencer and former actor Sama Raj in a private ceremony, it has emerged.

    As per the details, Bhatti tied the knot to Raj at least two weeks ago when the latter posted a video of their union and wedding photoshoot to her social media.

    “And We created you in pairs,” she wrote while sharing a video of their shoot that took place at Lahore’s Walled City Food Street near the Badshahi Mosque.

    “Loved each other for the sake of Allah. Married each other for the sake of Allah. May Allah keep us united in this world & hereafter in Jannah! ❤️. ALHMDULILLAH KASEERA ,” Raj added.

    While Bhatti has not yet officially announced the union, this is the senior analyst’s second marriage after the passing of his wife Iram Irshad Bhatti in 2022.

    The journalist had during a live show in June this year hinted at his plans to remarry.

    Meanwhile, congratulatory messages and best wishes are pouring in for the newly-wed couple. “I’m very happy for you both. I really like watching your videos. May Allah keep both of you happy,” wrote one netizen.

    “Stay happy always. May you prosper and stay protected from evil eye,” commented another social media user.

  • We prepared Nawaz Sharif’s platelet report at home: Faisal Vawda

    We prepared Nawaz Sharif’s platelet report at home: Faisal Vawda

    Senator Faisal Vawda has revealed another piece of inside information from the time of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) government, alleging that party members prepared the medical reports of Pakistan Muslim League (PML-N) leader Nawaz Sharif.

    “We were sitting at home and preparing Nawaz Sharif’s platelet report,” the former PTI leader claimed, referring to the 2019 medical reports of the then-imprisoned Sharif, which stated that he was suffering from a “serious immune disorder” after which he had fled to England for treatment.

    A six-member medical board, headed by Services Hospital Principal Ayaz Mahmood, had reportedly diagnosed the cause of Sharif’s declining health as “acute immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), a bleeding disorder in which the immune system destroys platelets.”

    Vawda, however, has now questioned Nawaz’s medical reports. He also taunted former PML-N leader Muhammad Zubair, saying, “We did you a favour at that time. At least be thankful for that.”

    PML-N member Javed Latif contradicted Vawda’s claim, saying, “The first thing I need to clarify is that General Pasha, General Zaheer, General Raheel Sharif, General Faiz, and General Bajwa all conspired against Nawaz Sharif by propping up Saqib Nisar.

    “Secondly, Vawda stated that the PML-N government couldn’t stand against the establishment because it was already in bad condition. I want to point out that after the 8 February election results, we couldn’t get a simple majority. So who supported us? Now, after seeking our cooperation, they will taunt us for being in a bad condition?”

    Anchor Kamran Shahid asked former minister Latif whether Vawda’s claims about Nawaz’s medical reports were true, to which he replied, “It is completely a lie.”

    These claims, however, are not new. “This is not something that I’m saying for the first time; I’ve said it before in cabinet meetings as well,” he recalled.

    Vawda has also recently hinted at the “removal of one of the provincial governors very soon.”

    “A provincial governor will be in troubled waters soon, and his time is up,” he said on Aiteraz Hai on ARY News last Friday, without naming the person in question.

    “The governor in question has been selling his name, making money, and telling lies. Now, his turn has come, and he has to go home soon,” he added.

    Vawda further strongly criticised the country’s provincial government, saying, “Apart from Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, no CM is even capable of writing a paragraph in English.”

  • Fahad Mustafa celebrates wife Sana’s birthday in style

    Fahad Mustafa celebrates wife Sana’s birthday in style

    Fahad Mustafa, one of Pakistan’s biggest stars, has proved his incredible talent and popularity with the smash hit drama Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum. Recently honored by the UK Government, Fahad is enjoying a wave of success.

    The star’s house was filled with joy when Fahad Mustafa celebrated his beloved wife Sana’s birthday. The family always knows how to cherish special moments, and Sana often shares these happy times with their fans and followers.


    One of the highlights was the birthday cake, which featured a humorous picture of an old lady and had “42nd Birthday Celebration” written on it. Upon seeing the cake, Sana jokingly made a gesture as if she was strangling Fahad, adding a playful and fun touch to the celebration.


    Highlights from the Celebration:


    1.    Candlelight Ambiance: The dining table was beautifully lit with candles, creating a warm and intimate atmosphere.


    2.    Heartwarming Moments: Fahad and Sana shared sweet moments, with their children joining in the fun.


    3.    Family Fun: The couple and their kids enjoyed a delightful cake-cutting ceremony, making memories to last a lifetime.


    Here are some adorable pictures of Fahad Mustafa celebrating his wife Sana’s birthday with their children:

  • Famous Indian cricketer’s pension turns out to be less than that of Shahid Afridi

    Famous Indian cricketer’s pension turns out to be less than that of Shahid Afridi

    The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), the richest cricket board in the world, pays less pension to a famous former cricketer than that of Pakistani former cricketer Shahid Afridi.

    Former Pakistan cricket team captain and renowned superstar Shahid Khan Afridi represented Pakistan in over 500 matches, achieving numerous successes in his cricketing career. Even after retiring from cricket, Shahid Afridi receives a decent pension from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

    On the other hand, former Indian cricketer Vinod Kambli, who played a major role in Indian cricket in the 1990s, receives a monthly pension of only Rs 30,000 (about 98 thousand Pakistani rupees) from BCCI. This amount is much less than Shahid Afridi’s pension. 

    This difference in pension scales raises questions about the attitude of both the cricket boards towards their retired players. The PCB has provided better facilities for its players after retirement, especially for players who have played cricket for a long period. On the other hand, the richest cricket board in world cricket, the BCCI, is not so generous. 

    Afridi’s high pension and Kambli’s low pension are proof of how the decisions of cricket boards affect different players and their lives after retirement. While Pakistan provides more benefits to its cricketers, retired players in India do not get much financial security.

    A few months back, a video showing Kambli went viral on social media in which he was seen staggering on a road, drunk, after which social media users requested the Indian government and the cricket board for financial help and treatment, but the Indian government and the BCCI did not listen to them. 

    Users also appealed to former player Sachin Tendulkar to come forward to help his long-time partner.

    The difference not only reflects the policies of the cricket boards but also highlights how players are treated in different countries.

     

    How does the PCB pay retired players?

    The PCB has divided its retired players into three different categories, based on which their pension amount is decided.

    Players who have played 10 or fewer Test matches get 142,000 Pakistani rupees (approximately 43,000 Indian rupees) per month.

    Players who have played 11 to 20 Test matches get 148,000 Pakistani rupees (approximately 45,000 Indian rupees) per month.

    Players who have played 21 or more Test matches get a monthly pension of 154,000 Pakistani rupees (approximately 47,000 Indian rupees).

    According to the formula set by the PCB for the pension of former players, Shahid Afridi represented Pakistan in 27 Test matches, as a result of which he receives a monthly pension of 154,000 Pakistani rupees (47,000 Indian rupees), which reflects his outstanding performance and successful career in cricket.

  • Bollywood stars react to legendary tabla player Zakir Hussain’s passing

    Bollywood stars react to legendary tabla player Zakir Hussain’s passing

    The world has lost a musical legend with the death of Indian tabla maestro Zakir Hussain who passed away at the age of 73 in the US, leaving behind a legacy that crosses multitudes of borders.  The Indian music community and fans worldwide have been deep affected by his death.

     Bollywood stars and music icons have expressed condolences on social media, mourning the loss of the maestro who brought the tabla to world stage. Many took to X (formerly Twitter) to share their tributes, highlighting Zakir Hussain’s unmatched contribution to music and his influence on generations of artists.

     Former Indian cricketer Sachin Tendular shared a moving tribute, saying “The curtains have fallen, but the beats will continue to echo in our hearts forever. If his hands delivered the rhythms, his smiling face and humble persona conveyed a melody – always respectful to everyone around him, putting them at ease. Rest in peace, Ustad Zakir Hussain ji. We were fortunate to witness your magic. Your music knew no boundaries, and your loss is deeply felt by music lovers worldwide.”

     Indian actor Riteish Deskmukh also paid tribute saying, “The irreparable loss of Zakir Hussain Sahab is a devastating blow to India and the global music community. Sir, Your music was a gift, a treasure that will continue to inspire and uplift generations to come. Your legacy lives on. May your soul rest in eternal glory, surrounded by the rhythms and melodies. Condolences to the family and loved ones of the legendary Zakir Hussain Sahab. ”

    Action star Akshay Kumar wrote, “Very pained to know about the sad demise of Ustad Zakir Hussain Saab. He was truly a treasure for our country’s musical heritage. Om Shanti.”

    “The maestro, Ustad Zakir Hussain passed away a few hours ago. Goodbye Ustadji. The man who made the tabla sexy, who brought an accompanying instrument to the forefront is gone. Deepest condolences to his family, fans and students around the globe,” director Hansal Mehta said.

    The king of compositions, AR. Rahman penned down: “Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un, Zakir Bhai was an inspiration, a towering personality who elevated the tabla to global acclaim . His loss is immeasurable for all of us. I regret not being able to collaborate with him as much as we did decades ago, though we had planned an album together . You shall be truly missed. May his family and his countless students worldwide find the strength to bear this immense loss .”

    “India has lost its cultural rhythm keeper Rest in peace maestro,” stated actor Randeep Hoda.

    Zakir Hussain’s passing has left a deep impact, but his music and influence will keep inspiring generations of musicians around the world. Rest in peace, Ustad Zakir Hussain.

    Tabla maestro Zakir Hussain passed away at the age of 73 on Sunday 15 December in US after a battle with heart disease.

    His manager Nirmala Bachani confirmed the news, stating that Hussain had been admitted to a hospital in San Francisco.

     Zakir Hussain, born on March 09, 1951 in Bombay, was the eldest son of the legendary tabla maestro, Ustad Allah Rakha.

    He followed his father’s path while also pushing the boundaries of Indian classical music, earning global recognition. His collaboration with renowned international artists helped bring the tabla to a wider audience, solidifying his place as a world music icon.

    Zakir’s skill earned him praise for his flawless technique and playful creativity, The New York Times, in a 2009 review of his Carnegie Hall performance, said his “fearsome technique” combined with artistic playfulness made his music both joyful and virtuosic.

     His lightning-fast fingers were compared to a hummingbird’s wings, producing a sound that was both detailed and full of energy.

  • Ram Gopal Varma claims Allu Arjun’s arrest was publicity stunt

    Ram Gopal Varma claims Allu Arjun’s arrest was publicity stunt

    Veteran filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma believes that South Indian superstar Allu Arjun’s recent arrest after ‘Pushpa 2’ release was a publicity stunt to boost the film’s box office collections.

    For those who missed it, Allu Arjun was arrested by the Chikkadapally police in Hyderabad on Friday and sent to 14-day judicial custody in connection to a tragic stampede at the film’s screening in Sandhya Theatre, which resulted in the death of a woman named Revathi and serious injuries to her nine-year-old son, Sri Tej.

    The incident occurred when Allu Arjun made a surprise visit to the event, causing a massive crowd of fans to gather. The stampede-like situation led to Revathi losing consciousness and being declared dead upon arrival at the hospital.

    Arjun was released on a four-week interim bail by the Telangana High Court on Saturday.

    Reacting to the news, Ram Gopal Varma took to his official X handle, claiming, “Regarding everybody’s SURPRISE SHOCK about why the Honourable chief minister of TELANGANA @revanth_anumala did this to @alluarjun, I think it is because he wanted to give a BIG PUBLICITY BOOST to the Telangana state’s FAVOURITE SON for a HUGE RISE in #Pushpa2‘s week 2‘s collections.”

    He continued, “This explains why the STATE did such a deliberately weak PROSECUTION so that he could be BAILED OUT in a few hours and become even more MEGA POPULAR to RULE the BOX OFFICE for a LOOONG LOOOOONGGG TIME.”

    Varma concluded by thanking the chief minister, “Thank you shri @revanth_anumula garu, for holding the TELANGANA STATE’S PRIDE as SUPER HIGH as #Pushpa2‘s SUPER COLLECTIONS.”

    CM Reddy has denied state government involvement in Arjun’s arrest, stating that the law is taking its course. “He’s a film, it’s his business to make a movie and earn money, what does that have to do with us? Did he fight any India-Pakistan war at the border and win for India? He made a movie, it’s minting money, that’s all there is to it,” he said.

    As for the action sequel, ‘Pushpa 2’ features Allu Arjun in the titular role of Pushpa Raj, with Fahadh Faasil as the main antagonist SP Bhanwar Singh Shekhawat, and Rashmika Mandanna reprising her role as Srivalli. The film has grossed INR 1300 crores in worldwide ticket sales over the first 10 days of release.

  • Gen (retd) Faiz Hamid’s military trial has begun, reveals Fakhar Durrani

    Gen (retd) Faiz Hamid’s military trial has begun, reveals Fakhar Durrani

    Journalist Fakhar Durrani on Saturday revealed that former Director General (DG) Inter-Service Intelligence (ISI) General (R) Faiz Hamid’s military court trial on allegations of engaging in ‘political activities’ and other charges has commenced, with the first hearing held on Friday, December 13.

    Taking to his YouTube channel Fact Check Pakistan, Durrani stated that former spymaster Faiz Hamid, along with his counsel Mian Ali Ashfaq, appeared before the military court on Friday; however, during the proceeding, Ashfaq requested an adjournment for five days, which the presiding judge approved.

    “The military trial of Faiz Hamid will be concluded within a month,” Durrani predicted.

    The journalist stated that he approached Faiz Hamid’s counsel for confirmation on whether the ex-spymaster’s military trial had begun; Ashfaq neither rejected nor confirmed the news.

    “Due to Officials Secret Act, I cannot comment on it,” Faiz Hamid’s lawyer told Fakhar Durrani.

    The journalist observed that if the military court sentences General Faiz, he is likely to be transferred to Adiala Jail Rawalpindi, where former Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan is currently incarcerated.

    Fakhar Durrani commented on the founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Imran Khan’s military trial, claiming that the establishment had not yet decided to try the former Premier in a military court.

    “Imran Khan’s military trial will create the impression internationally that Pakistan is a security state,” he said.

    ISPR statement

    Former DG ISI Lt Gen (R) Faiz Hamid was formally charged with engaging in political activities and misusing his authority as the chief of the country’s premier intelligence agency, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) reported Tuesday.

    According to a statement issued by the military’s media wing, the former spymaster was also charged for violating the Official Secrets Act, misusing authority and government resources, and causing wrongful losses to individuals.

    “These actions have compromised state security and interests,” ISPR added.

    According to the statement, the process of Hamid’s field general court-martial (FGCM) was initiated on August 12, under provisions of the Pakistan Army Act.

    Additionally, the military’s media wing said, the former spymaster’s role in creating agitation and unrest, including the May 9 riots, “in collusion with vested political interests”, was also being investigated.

    “Lt Gen (r) Faiz Hamid is being afforded with all legal rights as per the law,” it added.

    The development comes four months after reports said and the ISPR confirmed that the ex-ISI chief was taken into custody by the military on charges of abuse of power and violating the Army Act.

    The former spy chief was arrested in August this year in connection with a Supreme Court petition filed by a housing society’s chief executive officer, Kanwar Moeez Khan, who accused Hamid of land grabbing and stealing valuables during a raid.

  • Jason Gillespie breaks silence on quitting as Pakistan coach

    Jason Gillespie breaks silence on quitting as Pakistan coach

    Former head coach of the Pakistan Red Ball team, Jason Gillespie, has revealed why he resigned as a coach.

    In an interview with Australian media, he explained that poor communication within the team and not being informed about important decisions prompted him to step back.

    “The lack of information about the high-performance coach Tim Nelson’s issue caused resentment. I was completely unaware of the decision not to keep Tim Nelson. After the Nelson issue, I felt that my job had become difficult. Not keeping the head coach informed about an important decision forced me to think like this.”

    “After a few past incidents, this issue forced me to think whether I was needed or not. My goal of coaching Pakistan was fading away. My only job was to get the players to practice catching on the morning of the match. The head coach must have full contact with everyone, including the selectors. For planning, I must be informed about the squad at least a day in advance. In the absence of all these matters, it becomes difficult to work”, he added.

    Gillespie further revealed, “After the first match against England,  I received the news of the selection committee through a text message on the group. I was not even discussed with the selection committee, while the decision to drop Babar Azam was also the decision of the new selection committee.”

    Gillespie recently resigned as Pakistan’s Test team head coach.

    Aaqib Javed, a former Pakistan paceman, has been appointed as the interim head coach for the upcoming Test series against South Africa.

    Jason Gillespie resigned after pay demands not accepted

    Pakistan’s national cricket team’s red ball head coach Jason Gillespie has resigned from his post on Thursday. 

    Details about why he resigned have also emerged.

    After Gillespie’s resignation,  the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) appointed Aqib Javed as the interim head coach of the red ball (Test Format). Aqib Javed is also the interim head coach of white ball (ODI and T20).

    According to Geo, Gillespie was unhappy with the board for not retaining his part of the selection committee and later decided to resign when his demands were not accepted.

    Jason Gillespie wanted to become the head coach of both formats after his part of the selection committee had not been retained. Along with becoming the coach of both formats, he also demanded more compensation.

    Sources said that PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi refused to accept Jason Gillespie’s demand for an increase in compensation.

    The PCB asked Jason Gillespie to stay in Pakistan longer, which he did not agree to. Gary Kirsten also refused to stay in Pakistan except for the series. Gary and Gillespie also demanded support staff of their choice.

    Gary Kirsten also resigned before the tour of Australia, while Jason Gillespie resigned before the Test series against South Africa.

    Jason Gillespie was supposed to arrive in South Africa today and supervise the pre-Test series camp.

    The Pakistan team is currently playing a three-match T20 series in South Africa, after which a three-match ODI series will be played.

  • Legendary tabla player Zakir Hussain passes away at 73

    Legendary tabla player Zakir Hussain passes away at 73

    Indian tabla maestro Zakir Hussain passed away at the age of 73 on Sunday 15 December in US after a battle with heart disease.

      

    His manager Nirmala Bachani confirmed the news, stating that Hussain had been admitted to a hospital in San Francisco.

     Zakir Hussain, born on March 09, 1951 in Bombay, was the eldest son of the legendary tabla maestro, Ustad Allah Rakha.

    He followed his father’s path while also pushing the boundaries of Indian classical music, earning global recognition. His collaboration with renowned international artists helped bring the tabla to a wider audience, solidifying his place as a world music icon.

    Zakir’s skill earned him praise for his flawless technique and playful creativity, The New York Times, in a 2009 review of his Carnegie Hall performance, said his “fearsome technique”  combined with artistic playfulness made his music both joyful and virtuosic.

     

     His lightning-fast fingers were compared to a hummingbird’s wings, producing a sound that was both detailed and full of energy.

    Throughout his career, Zakir collaborated with international artists, introducing the table to a broader global audience and securing his place as a world music icon. He often reflected on his early years, recalling how, at just 13, he boldly arranged his first concert. When an invitation came for his father to perform, Zakir responded instead, offering himself as the performer without revealing his age, showing his passion and determination for music.

     

     One of his notable achievements was his groundbreaking 1973 collaboration with English guitarist John McLaughlin, violinist L. Shankar, and percussionist T.H Vikku Vinayakra. The project combined Indian classical music with jazz, creating a new fusion that had never been done before.

  • Bangladesh to hold elections in late 2025 or early 2026

    Bangladesh to hold elections in late 2025 or early 2026

    Bangladesh’s interim leader, Muhammad Yunus, who heads the caretaker government installed after an August revolution, said Monday that general elections would be held late next year or in early 2026.

    Pressure has been growing on Nobel Peace Prize winner Yunus — appointed the country’s “chief adviser” after the student-led uprising that toppled ex-premier Sheikh Hasina in August — to set a date.

    The 84-year-old microfinance pioneer is leading a temporary administration to tackle what he has called the “extremely tough” challenge of restoring democratic institutions in the South Asian nation of some 170 million people.

    “Election dates could be fixed by the end of 2025 or the first half of 2026,” he said in a broadcast on state television.

    Hasina, 77, fled by helicopter to neighbouring India as thousands of protesters stormed the prime minister’s palace in Dhaka.

    Her government was also accused of politicising courts and the civil service, as well as staging lopsided elections, to dismantle democratic checks on its power.

    Hasina’s 15-year rule saw widespread human rights abuses, including the mass detention and extrajudicial killings of her political opponents.

    Yunus has launched commissions to oversee a raft of reforms he says are needed and setting an election date depends on what political parties agree.

    “Throughout, I have emphasised that reforms should take place first before the arrangements for an election,” he said.

    “If the political parties agree to hold the election on an earlier date with minimum reforms, such as having a flawless voter list, the election could be held by the end of November,” he added.

    But including the full list of electoral reforms would delay polls by a few months, he said.

    Meanwhile, a Bangladesh commission probing abuses during the rule of toppled leader Sheikh Hasina has recommended a much-feared armed police unit be disbanded, a senior inquiry member said Sunday.

    Hasina, 77, fled by helicopter to neighboring India on August 5 as a student-led uprising stormed the prime minister’s palace in Dhaka.

    Her government was accused of widespread human rights abuses, including the extrajudicial killing of hundreds of political opponents and the unlawful abduction and disappearance of hundreds more.

    The Commission of Inquiry into Enforced Disappearances, set up by the caretaker government, said it found initial evidence that Hasina and other ex-senior officials were involved in the enforced disappearances alleged to have been carried out by the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB).

    The RAB paramilitary police force was sanctioned by the United States in 2021, alongside seven of its senior officers, in response to reports of its culpability in some of the worst rights abuses committed during Hasina’s 15-year-long rule.

    “RAB has never abided by the law and was seldom held accountable for its atrocities, which include enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and abductions,” Nur Khan Liton, a member of the commission, told AFP.

    The commission handed its preliminary report to the leader of the interim government Muhammad Yunus late Saturday.

     

    The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), one of the country’s largest political parties, also called for RAB’s abolition.

    Senior BNP leader M. Hafizuddin Ahmed told reporters that the force was too rotten to be reformed.

    “When a patient suffers from gangrene, according to medical studies, the only solution is to amputate the affected organ,” he said.

    The elite police unit was launched in 2004, billed as a way to provide rapid results in a country where the judicial system was notoriously slow.

    But the unit earned a grim reputation for extrajudicial killings and was accused of supporting Hasina’s political ambitions by suppressing dissent through abductions and murders.