Tue, 21-Oct-2025

Usama Khan calls for action against Punjab smog crisis

Usama Khan
  • Usama Khan urged for effective measures to tackle the smog in Punjab.
  • He asserted that shutting schools and businesses is not a viable solution.
  • He emphasized the need for restrictions on new housing societies.

Actor Usama Khan has urged the government to implement effective measures to tackle the worsening smog in Punjab, asserting that shutting down schools and businesses is not a viable solution.

In a series of Instagram stories, the Nayab actor emphasized the need for long-term planning and restrictions on new housing societies. “We have already compromised all of our green land. Lahore urgently needs a vertical building plan. The green areas from Lahore to Gujranwala and Lahore to Bedian, even close to the Indian border, have almost entirely been consumed,” he stated.

Khan highlighted the economic impact of the smog crisis, noting that schools and businesses continue to bear the burden. He stressed, “Schools still need to pay rent and salaries, and even businesses cannot operate in the current environment. The government needs to understand that they cannot shut signals, schools, and businesses in every situation.”

He clarified his comments about schools, saying they referred to smaller institutions, not “A-category schools.” “They don’t have proper access to [an] online system plus they charge not more than Rs2,000 — Rs4,000 in fees per month,” he explained.

This comes as Punjab faces a severe smog crisis, with Lahore and Multan recording AQI levels exceeding 2,000. Last week, provincial minister Marriyum Aurangzeb declared a health emergency in these cities, announcing lockdowns from Fridays to Sundays. “We are declaring a health emergency in Lahore and Multan,” she said at a press conference.

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Gold rate in Pakistan on Nov 19 up by Rs3,600 to Rs273,500/tola

Gold Rate in Pakistan Today - 31 May, 2025

The gold rate in Pakistan further increased by Rs3,600 to Rs273,500 per tola in the local market on Tuesday (Nov 19). The price of 10 grams of 24 karat gold also went up by Rs.3,086 to Rs.234,482 from Rs. 231,396 whereas that of 10 gram 22 karat gold increased to Rs.214,942 from Rs. 212,113, All … Read more

Mass Appeal Records joins forces with Pakistani hip-hop artists to perform globally

Mass Appeal Records
  • Mass Appeal Records has teamed up with Pakistani hip-hop artists.
  • This marks a significant opportunity for the country’s music industry.
  • Nas expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration.

In a groundbreaking move for Pakistan’s music industry, Grammy-winning rapper Nas’s label, Mass Appeal Records, has teamed up with several Pakistani hip-hop artists to showcase their talent on the global stage.

Renowned Pakistani artists Talha Anjum, Umair, Maanu, JANI, and Blal Bloch have been approached by the label to represent Pakistan’s vibrant hip-hop scene internationally. This marks a significant opportunity for the country’s music industry to shine on a global platform.

Nas, the co-founder of Mass Appeal Records, expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration. “The energy and talent in Pakistan are truly inspiring, and we are looking forward to this exciting new chapter,” he said.

Previously, in 2019, the label had signed Indian artists such as DIVINE, AP Dhillon, and Karan Aujla, setting the stage for expanding South Asian representation in hip-hop. Now, with this partnership, Pakistani artists are stepping into the spotlight.

Talha Anjum of Young Stunners and Karachi-based singer Umair shared their excitement, expressing gratitude for the chance to bring Pakistan’s hip-hop scene to an international audience. Lahore-based artist Maanu also described the collaboration as a milestone for the industry.

This partnership is set to elevate Pakistan’s music industry, showcasing its creativity and talent to a global audience.

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Top bikes in Pakistan with best resale value

Top bikes in Pakistan

In Pakistan, resale value is a key factor for many motorcycle buyers. Bikes that retain their value over time and are easy to resell are highly preferred. Here are some of the top motorcycles that stand out for their resale value, durability, and performance. Honda CD70 Dubbed the “king of resale,” the Honda CD70 retains … Read more

Ridley Scott confirms Gladiator III following success of sequel

Gladiator
  • Ridley Scot confirmed plans for a third installment of Gladiator.
  • Gladiator II garnered positive reviews and amassed $87 million globally.
  • Mescal hinted at a fresh direction for the third film.

Ridley Scott’s highly anticipated Gladiator II has hit US theaters with a bang, and the legendary director has already confirmed plans for a third installment in the iconic series.

The sequel, starring Irish actor Paul Mescal as Lucius—the son of Russell Crowe’s Maximus from the 2000 Oscar-winning original—has garnered positive reviews and amassed $87 million globally since its early international release.

Speaking at the film’s glitzy US premiere in Los Angeles, Scott confirmed the continuation of the saga. “Given the performance in the rest of the world that we’ve seen yesterday, there’s certainly going to be a Gladiator III,” he said.

The 86-year-old filmmaker, renowned for classics like Blade Runner and Thelma & Louise, added, “Because it also becomes financial, and you’d be insane not to consider a third version.” Scott noted that the plot for Gladiator II was deliberately designed to “leave it wide open to a sequel.”

Mescal, whose character faces battles with bloodthirsty animals and humans alike in the sequel, hinted at a fresh direction for the third film. “I would be excited for it to go into a more political sphere,” he said, describing Lucius as a reluctant participant in court intrigue akin to Michael Corleone in The Godfather.

Scott emphasized the enduring relevance of the themes, stating, “A super-rich man thinks he can take over the Empire. Is that familiar?”

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Lexus introduces 2025 RZ with new base model starting at $11,175

Lexus RZ 2025

Lexus is making its all-electric RZ lineup significantly more affordable for the 2025 model year by introducing new base models for both the front-wheel-drive RZ300e and all-wheel-drive RZ450e. The addition of entry-level variants comes with substantial price reductions across the range. The new front-wheel-drive RZ300e base model will start at $43,975, a significant drop from … Read more

Rakesh Roshan reflects on Hrithik Roshan’s early struggles as assistant in ‘Karan Arjun’

Rakesh Roshan
  • Rakesh Roshan opened up about his son Hrithik Roshan’s early career.
  • Hrithik worked in Karan Arjun as an assistant director.
  • Rakesh revealed how he pushed him to experience hardships.

As Karan Arjun gears up for a grand re-release nearly 30 years after its 1995 debut, the veteran filmmaker, Rakesh Roshan, opened up about his son Hrithik Roshan’s early days in the industry.

The blockbuster, starring Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan as brothers, was a defining moment in Bollywood, and Hrithik worked on the film as an assistant director before making his acting debut.

In an interview with Indian Express, Rakesh revealed how he pushed Hrithik to experience hardships on set. “He (Hrithik) had a choice to go abroad for further studies, but when I asked him what he wanted to do, he said he wanted to be an actor. Then I told him to join someone as an assistant, and he said he wanted to join me only,” he shared.

Rakesh Roshan admitted making Hrithik “a little uncomfortable” during those days. “Even though we had breakfast at the same table, while going to the studio I went in the car and he came by bus. On the way back also this would happen. He had to travel by train with the unit and stay with them in a room shared by four people. He went that way for three films, just not one,” he added.

Hrithik eventually debuted with Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai (2000), directed by Rakesh, which launched him into stardom. Most recently, Hrithik starred in Fighter, directed by Siddharth Anand, a gripping tale of an elite Air Force unit combating threats in the Srinagar Valley.

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Multan tops global pollution ranking

Multan

LAHORE: Multan is the most polluted city of the world where the air quality index(AQI) was recorded at 400 on Tuesday. Similarly, Lahore became the second and Karachi the fourth most polluted cities in the world due to the deteriorating air quality in these two cities. The air quality of Lahore and Karachi is extremely … Read more

Google plans to merge Android and Chrome OS

Google plans to merge Android and Chrome OS

Google is reportedly working on merging Android and Chrome OS, aiming to create a unified operating system to better compete with Apple’s iPad. According to a new report, the tech giant plans to “turn Chrome OS into Android,” although the specifics remain unclear. The idea of merging Chrome OS, designed primarily for budget-friendly laptops, with … Read more

Sunny Kaushal shares how he understood real concept of masculinity

Sunny Kaushal
  • Sunny Kaushal believes that manhood is a fluid concept.
  • It is shaped by upbringing, social circles, and career.
  • He reflected on the narrative of “boys don’t cry.”

Actor Sunny Kaushal believes that manhood is a fluid concept shaped by one’s upbringing, social circles, and career. “It really depends on how you feel and how you want to take it forward in your own way,” he says, crediting the film industry for making him more liberal in his understanding of masculinity.

Growing up in a society that taught “boys don’t cry,” Sunny admits it took him time to unlearn this narrative. “I’ve gone through that process of deconstructing this narrative in my head and understanding the conditioning with which society comes from. It’s not anyone’s fault. When men are taught not to cry, it is telling them to suppress deeper emotions… but I learned how to use it well as it also teaches you to become more resilient,” he explains.

However, this suppression often hinders discussions around men’s mental health. “It’s high time,” Sunny asserts. “Generational trauma kitna nikal ke aa raha hai. Now when guys talk, you realise that it’s been a long time coming.” He emphasizes that patriarchy affects men too. “I’m not playing the victim card… It’s a small percentage, but it is, nonetheless.”

Sunny credits his father, Sham Kaushal, and brother, Vicky Kaushal, as key influences in his growth. Reflecting on Vicky, he notes, “The influence of Vicky as a man started much later in my life… That is when he actually became a man for me.”

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Zimbabwe announces squads for ODI, T20I series against Pakistan

Zimbabwe squads

Zimbabwe Cricket has revealed its squads for the upcoming ODI and T20I series against Pakistan at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo. The series will feature three ODIs on November 24, 26, and 28, followed by three T20Is on December 1, 3, and 5, 2024. Craig Ervine will captain the ODI team, which combines experienced … Read more

Pakistan’s resolution reaffirming peoples right to self-determination adopted unanimously

Pakistan

UNITED NATIONS: A key UN panel approved, by consensus, a resolution renewing the global commitment to the principle of self-determination for peoples still subjected to colonial, foreign and alien occupation, with Pakistan saying that it’s focus was on creating a world where everyone could live in “dignity, free from oppression”.

Co-sponsored by 65 countries, the resolution, submitted by Pakistan’s UN Ambassador Munir Akram, was adopted without a vote in the General Assembly’s Third Committee, which deals with social, humanitarian and cultural issues.

The resolution, which Pakistan has been sponsoring since 1981, serves to focus the world’s attention on the peoples still struggling for their inalienable right to self-determination, including those in Palestine and Kashmir.

The text is expected to come up for General Assembly’s endorsement next month.

Under its terms, the 193 member Assembly would declare its firm opposition to acts of foreign military intervention and occupation suppressing the right to self-determination of peoples and nations, calling upon those States responsible to cease them.

Introducing the resolution, Ambassador Akram, Pakistan’s permanent representative to the UN, said that it was aimed at “creating a world where every nation, every community, and every individual can live in dignity, free from oppression, and with the ability to shape their destiny.”

The right of self-determination, as a fundamental principle enshrined in the UN Charter, has been codified in many international documents, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the Covenant on Social and Cultural Rights, the Pakistani envoy said.

Over the decades, he said, millions of people have exercised this right, liberating themselves from colonial domination and foreign subjugation, creating numerous sovereign states which are now equal members of this Assembly.

“However,” Ambassador Akram added, “those of us who have been freed through the exercise of right of self-determination cannot ignore the plight of those whose right to self-determination and freedom has been denied brutally.

“In certain situations of foreign occupation, we witness a systematic denial of self-determination through military oppression, demographic manipulation, and the suppression of basic freedoms,” he said, pointing out that those actions violate international law and pose a threat to international peace and security.

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Daniel Craig hints at next James Bond at Governors Awards

Daniel Craig
  • Daniel Craig teased fans about his successor at the Governors Awards.
  • He previously expressed indifference about the iconic role replacement.
  • Wilson acknowledged the challenge of casting a new Bond.

Daniel Craig, the iconic James Bond of recent years, teased fans about his successor at the 15th Governors Awards held at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. While presenting Bond producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson with the Irving G. Thalberg Memorial Award, Craig dropped cryptic hints regarding the next 007.

“Let’s just get something out of the way,” Craig began. “If you came here this evening to find out who the next James Bond is, don’t look at me, but he might be in the room. I’m just joking. Maybe I’m not.”

Craig, who starred in Casino Royale (2006) through No Time to Die (2021), has previously expressed indifference about who will take on the iconic role.

Meanwhile, producers Broccoli and Wilson acknowledged the challenge of casting a new Bond. “Every time we cast a new actor, the films change. It’s the excitement of a new Bond, a new direction,” Wilson shared.

Actor Colman Domingo also made a playful pitch to the producers. “Now if you’re thinking of me, I don’t know what to tell you: Bond or Bond villain? You decide…I will leave my headshots on your table,” he joked.

Other honorees at the event included the late Quincy Jones, casting director Juliet Taylor, and filmmaker Richard Curtis, according to People.

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Telegram upgrades mini-apps with full-screen support

Telegram mini-apps

Telegram is rolling out a major 2.0 update for its in-app mini-apps, introducing several new features aimed at enhancing user experience and developer functionality. Key updates include the ability to run mini-apps in full-screen mode and add them to your home screen. Developers can now offer subscription plans within mini-apps, allow gift sending, and optimise … Read more

IDEAS-24: Section 144 imposed in Karachi

IDEAS-24

KARACHI:  Sindh government has imposed Section 144 in Karachi as the city hosts 12th edition of the International Defence Exhibition and Seminar (IDEAS-24) at the Expo Centre from November 19 to 22, 2024.

On the occasion of Defence Exhibition Ideas 2024 in Karachi, protests and rallies have been banned for 7 days as part of security measures.

Demonstrations and rallies have been banned in Karachi as part of security measures on the occasion of Ideas 2024. No protests or sit-ins will be allowed in Karachi from November 18 to 24.

According to the notification, on the request of Additional IG Police of Karachi Range, Commissioner Karachi Syed Hasan Naqvi has imposed a complete ban on public gatherings under Section 144 in urban limits for 7 days.

A notification issued in this regard states that public gatherings of more than five people will not be allowed during the given period. Similar restrictions have also been imposed in Islamabad in a notification issued by the Additional Deputy Commissioner.

The defence exhibition will open today after Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif inaugurates it. The exhibition will be organised by the Defence Export Promotion Organisation (DEPO), under the aegis of the Ministry of Defence and Defence Production, aiming to promote Pakistan’s defence industry internationally.

The event as per its traditions will showcase splendid activities encompassing world’s advanced defence technology demonstrations, international seminar, IDEAS Tri-Services Karachi Show, networking, and business expansions through B2B and B2G engagements.

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Angelina Jolie accused of witchcraft and harassment in new lawsuit

Angelina Jolie
  • A LA woman has accused Angelina Jolie of engaging in witchcraft.
  • She filed for a restraining order against the actress.
  • The lawsuit alleges Jolie has harassed her since 2010.

A Los Angeles woman has accused Angelina Jolie of engaging in witchcraft and making “hypnotic threats,” filing for a restraining order against the actress.

The lawsuit alleges Jolie has harassed her since 2010, using intermediaries and engaging in bizarre behavior, including fantasizing about murder. The anonymous plaintiff is also seeking $300 in legal fees.

Court documents obtained by The Mirror claim Jolie is “mentally deranged” and suffers from “psycho-defective disorders.” The woman accuses Jolie of violating a no-contact order and engaging in “witchcraft for trafficking,” which she alleges caused her to experience hallucinations and symptoms resembling schizophrenia. The plaintiff also accused Jolie of aiding a child trafficker and claimed she was involved in the murder of “other people’s child.”

The woman stated, “Stop committing unlawful acts for trafficking. Acknowledge the fact that people won’t tolerate being victimized by your behavior.” She also cited her father as a witness to some of Jolie’s alleged actions.

Jolie has not publicly responded to the claims. Previously, in a piece for Elle, the actress addressed historical accusations of witchcraft, stating, “Had I lived in earlier times, I could have been burnt at the stake many times over for simply being myself.”

The case, filed on October 9, remains unresolved.

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Rahat Fateh Ali Khan shares heartfelt moment with Sanjay Dutt

Rahat Fateh Ali Khan shares heartfelt moment with Sanjay Dutt

Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, a renowned Pakistani classical singer, has achieved global fame with his song “Zaroori Tha.” With 8.2 million Facebook followers, Khan commands a strong social media presence. Bollywood celebrities hold Khan in high regard, reflecting his respect across borders. Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, a renowned Pakistani classical singer, enjoys timeless international fame. … Read more

Honda City 1.5 CVT Now Available with Five-Year Easy Installments

Honda City 1.5 CVT

The Honda City 1.5 CVT continues to dominate the Pakistani automotive market, recognized for its sleek design, fuel efficiency, and exceptional performance. Ideal for both city commutes and long journeys, the vehicle has become a favorite among families and everyday drivers. Features and Specifications The latest Honda City model boasts an elegant exterior with LED … Read more

China’s Xi focuses on supporting ‘Global South’ at G20 summit

China's Xi focuses on supporting 'Global South' at G20 summit

Chinese President Xi Jinping stated a raft of measures designed to support the “Global South” at a gathering of leaders of the Group of 20 (G20) major economies in Rio de Janeiro. In his first remarks at the G20 Summit, Xi said China would support global growth with eight actions, including building a “high quality” … Read more

Sharif family releases statement about Hassan’s bankruptcy

Sharif family releases statement about Hassan’s bankruptcy

The Sharif family has released a statement addressing the High Court of Justice in London’s ruling regarding the bankruptcy of Hasan Nawaz’s company. A spokesperson for the family claimed that the bankruptcy process for the Sharif family’s businesses began in 1972 during Zulfikar Ali Bhutto’s tenure, following the nationalization of industries. The statement further accused … Read more

Realme 13+ 5G Officially Launched in Pakistan

Realme 13+ 5G

Realme has introduced its latest smartphone, the Realme 13+ 5G, in Pakistan, with sales set to commence on November 25. This mid-range device offers remarkable specifications at an affordable price, catering to the needs of local consumers. Key Specifications The Realme 13+ 5G features a 6.67-inch FHD+ 1080p OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate … Read more

Naeema Butt spotted with Ayushmann Khurrana in New York

Naeema Butt spotted with Ayushmann Khurrana in New York

Pakistani Actress Naeema Butt and Bollywood Star Ayushmann Khurrana Meet in New York City Both actresses appeared in chic, casual attire. Fans speculated about their meetup, hinting at a potential collaboration. Pakistani actress Naeema Butt and Bollywood star Ayushmann Khurrana were recently spotted together in New York City, sparking excitement and curiosity among fans of … Read more

Biden announces $4 billion to World Bank’s fund for poorest countries

Biden announces $4 billion to World Bank’s fund for poorest countries

US President Joe Biden has pledged a record $4 billion contribution to the World Bank’s International Development Association (IDA) fund, aimed at supporting the world’s poorest countries, according to two sources familiar with the commitment. Biden made the announcement during a closed session at the Group of 20 summit in Rio de Janeiro, significantly exceeding … Read more