Tue, 21-Oct-2025

Sindh declares public holidays on December 25 and 26

Schools, Colleges to remain closed on December 16

The Sindh government has declared a two-day public holiday on December 25 and 26. As per the official notification, December 25 will be observed as Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s birthday, while December 26 has been designated as a holiday for Christian employees to celebrate Christmas. Government offices across the province will remain closed on both … Read more

Suzuki Cultus Prices Updated for Filer, Non-Filer – December 2024

Suzuki Cultus

LAHORE – The Suzuki Cultus, a highly popular model in Pakistan, continues to attract car buyers with its impressive features such as dual SRS airbags, better mileage, comfortable drive, and trendy design. Known for its aerodynamically sleek shape and power-packed features, Cultus offers a smooth driving experience. The addition of modern accessories enhances its presence … Read more

Mayor among 17 killed in Israeli airstrikes on Gaza

Israel-Hamas ceasefire deal approaching final stages

Israeli airstrikes in Gaza on Saturday claimed 17 lives, including Deiab al-Jaro, the mayor of Deir el-Balah, and seven others at a UN-operated school housing displaced civilians. According to Mahmud Bassal, spokesperson for Gaza’s civil defence agency, the attack on the Al-Majida Wasila school, located west of Gaza City, resulted in the deaths of seven … Read more

Petrol and Diesel Prices to Change in Pakistan from December 16, 2024

petrol price in Pakistan

KARACHI – Pakistan is set to announce the updated petrol and diesel prices for the second half of December 2024. Sources reveal that while petrol prices are expected to rise slightly, diesel prices are anticipated to drop by approximately Rs4 per liter from December 16. These adjustments come amid global oil market fluctuations and the … Read more

Madrassa bill to be tabled in joint session on Dec 17

Madrassa bill to be tabled in joint session on Dec 17

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has advised President Asif Ali Zardari to call a joint session of parliament on December 17, according to sources . This comes amid a deadlock between the coalition government and the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) over the controversial madrassa registration bill. The prime minister has requested that the joint session be held … Read more

OpenAI Introduces Advanced Voice and Vision Features for ChatGPT

ChatGPT down

OpenAI has introduced the Advanced Voice Mode with Vision feature in ChatGPT, available starting Thursday. This innovative addition enables the AI-powered chatbot to capture visual insights using a phone’s camera, offering users interactive and dynamic experiences. However, the feature is exclusively accessible to ChatGPT Plus, ChatGPT Team, and ChatGPT Pro subscribers. Powered by the GPT-4 … Read more

Pakistan’s Defeat in Second SA T20I: Hafeez and Shehzad Speak Out

Pakistan Second SA T20I

Shehzad criticized the team’s lack of key players and the team’s performance, comparing it to a previous loss against Australia. Hafeez also expressed his displeasure, calling the match ‘Absolute circus#PakistanCricket.’ South Africa leads the three-match T20I series 2-0, with the final game set for Johannesburg today. Following Pakistan’s heavy loss to South Africa in the … Read more

Iran confirms enhance in IAEA nuclear inspections

Iran confirms enhance in IAEA nuclear inspections

Iran confirmed on Saturday that it has allowed the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to carry out more inspections of its nuclear program. “We have increased capacity — so it’s natural for the number of inspections to increase as well,” Iran’s nuclear chief, Mohammad Eslami. “When we engage in nuclear activities and deal with nuclear … Read more

PIA Ticket Prices Likely to Drop Following FED Waiver

PIA

Pakistan International Airlines’ Plan to Make International Travel Affordable. PIA tickets may get cheaper after the FED waiver. The FED waiver will apply only to international tickets, with domestic flights still including the excise duty. Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) is gearing up to make international travel more affordable. Ticket prices are expected to decrease substantially … Read more

FBR introduces fee-less customs assessment system in Karachi

FBR introduces fee-less customs assessment system in Karachi

The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has launched the Fee-Less Customs Assessment (FCA) system in Karachi as part of its broader reform agenda, which was approved by the Prime Minister of Pakistan. The system, effective from midnight on December 15, requires all import declarations submitted at Karachi’s Appraisal Collect orates to be routed through the … Read more

WhatsApp Rolls Out Upgrades for Calls and On-Device Translation

WhatsApp

WhatsApp has introduced several improvements to its calling capabilities across mobile and desktop platforms. On mobile, users can now select specific participants for group calls, preventing unnecessary notifications to other members of the group. Additionally, ten new video call effects have been launched, providing a more interactive and engaging experience for users. For desktop users, … Read more

Today’s Gold Prices in Saudi Arabia – 14 December 2024

Today Gold Prices in Saudi Arabia

24-karat gold price in Saudi Arabia dropped to SAR 3,770 per tola on December 14, 2024. 10 grams of gold are priced at SAR 3,235, while an ounce is at SAR 10,063. Gold holds economic and cultural significance due to its rarity, durability, and universal appeal. The price of 24-karat gold in Saudi Arabia fell … Read more

Turkey sets to reopen embassy in Damascus

Turkey sets to reopen embassy in Damascus

Turkey will reopen its embassy in Damascus, a major step towards normalizing relations with Syria, announced Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan. “The embassy staff are en route and will begin operations tomorrow,” Fidan told that. The move comes after the collapse of the Bashar al-Assad regime earlier this month, following a rapid advance by anti-regime forces. … Read more

Mohammad Amir Steps Away from International Cricket, Following Imad Wasim

Mohammad Amir

Mohammad Amir announces his retirement from international cricket, following fellow cricketer Imad Wasim’s announcement. • This marks Amir’s second retirement, following his 2020 decision due to team management conflicts. He thanked the Pakistan Cricket Board, his family, friends, and fans for their support. Mohammad Amir has once again announced his retirement from international cricket, delivering … Read more

World Bank approves $240m to improve Karachi’s water

World Bank approves $240m to improve Karachi’s water

The World Bank has approved $240 million for the Second Karachi Water and Sewerage Services Improvement Project (KWSSIP-2) to improve water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services in Karachi. This project aims to ensure safe WASH services for nearly 16 million people with better water supply and for 7.5 million people with enhanced sanitation services by … Read more

Achakzai urges PTI to postpone civil disobedience movement

Achakzai

ISLAMABAD: Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party (PKMAP) chief and member of National Assembly Mahmood Khan Achakzai appealed to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf(PTI) to postpone the civil disobedience movement.

Mahmood Khan Achakzai said that talks with the government are the need of the hour and appealed to PTI to postpone the civil disobedience movement.

Achakzai said that he has advised PTI that it should be decided in the talks when the government will leave. “If the problems are solved through dialogue, there is nothing better than that, if the problems are not solved through dialogue, then a movement has to be started” he added.

Mahmood Khan Achakzai said that he demands election in four months if the negotiations are successful.

Sources say that in the meeting of the opposition alliance, Mahmood Achakzai said that it is better to have a protest at the district level than to launch protest without a strategy.

Sources say that Mahmood Chakzai pointed out the lack of strategy for the release of the PTI founder Imran Khan.

According to sources, the opposition alliance mentioned PTI’s solo flight statements in the recent past.

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Nasir Adeeb apologizes to Reema Khan following controversial comments

Reema Khan
  • Reema Khan found herself trending on social media.
  • Nasir Adeeb had made controversial remarks about her past.
  • He issued a public apology to Reema, acknowledging his mistake.

Renowned Pakistani actress Reema Khan found herself trending on social media recently after controversial remarks made about her past surfaced.

Nasir Adeeb, a veteran film writer known for his blockbuster hit The Legend of Maula Jatt, made claims about Reema during a podcast, alleging that filmmaker Younis Malik had rejected her after visiting Heeramandi, a red-light area.

However, Adeeb’s comments sparked widespread backlash on social media and within the entertainment industry. Prominent figures, including Imran Abbas, Sanam Jung, and Fahad Mustafa, condemned Adeeb’s remarks and expressed solidarity with Reema.

Facing mounting criticism, Nasir Adeeb issued a public apology to Reema Khan. Acknowledging his mistake, he urged Reema to forgive him for the remarks he made against her past, which he should not have said.

Here’s what he said:

The apology has been received as a step toward reconciliation, as the industry and Reema’s supporters continue to stand by her in the face of unwarranted controversy.

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Actor Yasir Shoro shares heartbreaking news of father’s demise

  • Actor Yasir Shoro announced the heartbreaking loss of his father.
  • He recently lost his mother, compounding personal grief significantly.
  • He requested prayers for his late father.

Renowned actor and host Yasir Shoro, known for his versatile performances in both Urdu and Sindhi dramas, has recently suffered a significant personal loss with the passing of his father.

The actor, who has been a part of several successful projects including the drama Kaffara, took to Instagram to share the heartbreaking news with his followers, requesting prayers for his late father.

This tragedy comes just a year after Yasir lost his mother, a loss that he previously described as deeply painful. The back-to-back losses of his parents have left the actor heartbroken.

Known for his ability to portray both positive and negative characters with ease, Yasir has carved a place for himself in the entertainment industry, earning the love and admiration of his fans. During this difficult time, many fans and fellow actors have offered their condolences and prayers for his family.

Yasir Shoro’s fans and well-wishers are urged to join him in prayers for his late father, as the actor navigates through this challenging period.

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Pakistan, ADB sign social protection agreement

Pakistan’s GDP to grow by 2.5% in FY2025, says ADB

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Asian Development Bank (ADB) signed a loan agreement for the Integrated Social Protection Development Program (ISPDP) Additional Financing, amounting to USD 330 million.

According to press release issued by Economic Affairs Division, this program builds on the ongoing ADB-funded programfor strengthening and expanding social protection systems in Pakistan through the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP).

The agreement was signed by Secretary Economic Affairs Dr. Kazim Niaz and ADB Country Director Emma Fan, the statement added.

Speaking on the occasion, Secretary, Ministry of Economic Affairs highlighted the importance of this additional financing from concessional lending for enhancing institutional capacity and improving access to education and healthcare particularly among women, adolescent girls, and children from low-income families.

He expressed gratitude for ADB’s continued support in this regard, according to press release.

On the occasion, the Country Director, ADB reaffirmed the Bank’s commitment to supporting the government’s objectives in strengthening social safety nets.

She stated that this additional financing will support in achieving the program objectives of achieving inclusive growth, poverty reduction skills development and healthcare access for vulnerable populations.

According to the statement, the signing of this loan agreement marks a significant step forward in enhancing social protection systems in Pakistan.

Meanwhile, ADB share in its X account that the result-based loan for the ongoing Program will help expand the grassroots-level social protection to alleviate poverty among poor women and their families.

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Taylor Swift’s Dyson Airwrap gift to young fan girl in hospital goes viral

Taylor Swift
  • Taylor Swift gifts Dyson Airwrap to a young fan in hospital.
  • Swift surprises fans with a signed book and thoughtful presents.
  • Swift shared affection for Travis Kelce during the hospital visit.

A heartwarming video has surfaced showing Taylor Swift gifting a $600 Dyson Airwrap to a young fan at a hospital in Kansas City, just hours before the singer’s 35th birthday.

Swift was visiting the Children’s Mercy Kansas City hospital on the evening of December 12, where she met with staff and patients. One young girl, who had mentioned to Swift that she wanted a Dyson Airwrap for Christmas, was overwhelmed with joy when the gift arrived, sent by the singer herself.

The girl, holding the gift, excitedly said, “It’s a Dyson Air –,” before looking around the room, with others in the room cheering. “No way,” one person said, adding, “Isn’t that amazing?”

@karmascat_13 Even though it’s her birthday, Taylor Swift just gifted a young patient a Dyson Airwrap after the girl mentioned she wanted one for Christmas! #taylorswift #swifttok #swiftie #theerastour #taylorswifterastour #tswift #reptv #fyp ♬ getaway car nightcore – dani (taylor’s version)

The singer included a sweet note that read, “In case Santa doesn’t come through. Love, Taylor Swift.” During the visit, Swift also met other patients, including Rylie and 11-year-old fan Baylee, whom she gifted a signed copy of her Eras Tour Book. Baylee’s mother, Melissa Nuzum, expressed her excitement in a social media post, calling it “the coolest, most unexpected surprise ever.”

In another touching moment, Swift expressed her affection for boyfriend Travis Kelce while visiting a young patient. When the child mentioned liking Kelce, Swift enthusiastically replied, “Yes, me too… that’s an absolute yes on that one.” According to sources, Kelce had been planning to make Swift’s birthday “extra special” and had been picking up gifts for several months.

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Junjun bear cub of Shanghai zoo becomes local and online sensation

Junjun bear
  • Junjun, an 11-month-old bear cub, captivates visitors with playfulness.
  • The bear’s fame spreads online, resembling a teddy bear character.
  • Junjun enjoys racing with keepers, attracting attention at the zoo.

Junjun, an 11-month-old brown bear cub at a zoo in Shanghai, has become a local and online sensation, delighting visitors with his playful antics.

The bear cub, weighing over 35 kg (77 lbs) and standing 1 meter (3.3 ft) tall, is often seen frolicking in his enclosure, playing with his favorite toys, including a tyre, or splashing around in a water trough.

His every move captivates fans, many of whom compare him to a playful puppy due to his fluffy fur coat and adorable nature. Even on cold December weekdays when the zoo is typically quiet, Junjun continues to draw crowds. “His little movements are really funny. Very cute, so cute that it can’t be cuter,” said one visitor, surnamed Lin.

Born at the zoo, Junjun is the first offspring of his parents and was hand-reared by his keepers. His favorite foods include beef, apples, and honey. The cub’s fame has spread across social media, with many online fans commenting on his resemblance to Duffy, the popular Disney teddy bear character.

“Everyone likes such a lively and active bear cub,” said Junjun’s keeper, Yang Junjie. “He can play in the exhibition area all day long, attracting everyone’s attention.”

Yang noted that Junjun’s playful behavior was a surprise to him at first, as he hadn’t realized his charge had become an online celebrity. Junjun loves playing games with his keepers, often racing them and then letting them catch up.

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Will Jim Carrey return for ‘The Mask 2’ after ‘Sonic the Hedgehog 3’?

Jim Carrey
  • Jim Carrey says the sequel to The Mask depends on the idea.
  • Carrey seeks the “right idea” for The Mask return, not money.
  • Carrey is open to roles if compelling ideas or teams arise.

Jim Carrey, who is set to return in “Sonic the Hedgehog 3,” has opened up about the possibility of revisiting his iconic role from the 1994 comedy The Mask. The film, in which Carrey plays a mild-mannered bank clerk who transforms into a mischievous villain when wearing a magical green mask, became a massive hit and remains one of Carrey’s most beloved performances.

When asked about the chances of a sequel, Carrey, now 62, made it clear that he has no interest in reprising the role unless the right idea comes along. Speaking with ComicBook.com, Carrey emphasized, “Oh gosh, you know, it has to be the right idea. If somebody had the right idea, I guess… It’s not really about the money.”

He further elaborated, “I joke about the money… But I never know. You can’t be definite about these things. I said I’d like to retire, but I think I was talking more about power-resting.”

Carrey added that his decision to return to a role like The Mask would not be motivated by financial gain. “It just – things tend to change,” he said, hinting that a compelling idea or the right team could change his mind. The Mask also starred Cameron Diaz and Peter Greene in key roles.

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ATC declares 8 PTI leaders as proclaimed offenders

ATC

LAHORE: An anti-terrorism court(ATC) Lahore on Saturday declared 8 Pakistan Tehreak e Insaf leaders as proclaimed offenders in a case of May 9.

The hearing, conducted by ATC Judge Arshad Javed, was based on a petition submitted by the Lahore police.

On May 9, there has been a development in the case of burning a container at Kalma Chowk, in which the anti-terrorism court of Lahore declared 8 leaders of PTI as advertisers.

The court has also declared PTI leaders Aslam Iqbal, Hammad Azhar, Murad Saeed, Zubair Niazi, Hamid Raza Gilani, Mohammad Javed, Abdul Samad and Wasiq Qayyum as proclaimed offender.

The court also issued permanent arrest warrants for PTI leaders.

The anti-terrorism court took action on the request of the police in the case registered in the Naseerabad police station, in which the police took the stand that the accused have gone into hiding for fear of arrest.

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Ryan Reynolds, Hugh Jackman eye new film collaboration

Ryan Reynolds
  • Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman reunite for Boy Band.
  • The film explores aging pop stars, produced by Paramount.
  • Reynolds revised the script with Shawn Levy.

Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman, co-stars of Deadpool & Wolverine, are reportedly reuniting for a new film project titled Boy Band. The project, helmed by Deadpool director Shawn Levy, will explore the lives of aging pop stars.

In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Reynolds, 48, revealed his enthusiasm for the film. “I really want to make Boy Band, and I’m still trying to figure out the smartest way to put that together,” he said. Reynolds will not only star in the film but also produce it alongside Levy under Paramount Pictures.

Entertainment Weekly confirmed through Jackman’s representative that the Logan actor is currently in talks to join the cast, further fueling excitement for a reunion of the beloved Deadpool duo.

Reynolds shared his aspirations for the film, emphasizing a modest approach to the budget. “Shawn, Hugh, and I are open to creative ways to make this movie at an absolute bargain,” he stated, adding that the intention is to avoid inflating costs through star-studded payrolls.

The screenplay is based on an “incredible” first draft by Jesse Andrews, known for Me and Earl and the Dying Girl. Reynolds revealed he is currently working on the second draft, aiming to bring this unique story to life.

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Unreleased Michael Jackson tracks discovered in abandoned storage unit

Michael Jackson
  • Unreleased Michael Jackson tracks discovered in abandoned storage.
  • Estate denies ownership, barring public release of rare recordings.
  • Among the tapes are 12 previously unheard tracks.

A California man, Gregg Musgrove, has stumbled upon a treasure trove of unreleased tracks by late pop icon Michael Jackson. Musgrove, a former California Highway Patrol officer and avid treasure hunter, discovered the tapes in an abandoned storage unit in Van Nuys, deep in the San Fernando Valley. The unit previously belonged to Bryan Loren, a music producer and singer who collaborated with Jackson.

Among the tapes are 12 previously unheard tracks Jackson recorded before his Dangerous album. “Some of them are rumored to exist, while others have never been leaked. Hearing Michael’s voice joking and discussing creative processes gave me goosebumps,” Musgrove shared in an interview with a U.S. media outlet.

One standout track, Truth on Youth, is a rap duet between Jackson and LL Cool J, featuring the King of Pop rapping—a rare and unique departure from his usual style.

Despite the discovery, fans may never hear these tracks. Musgrove revealed that the Jackson Estate declined to purchase the tapes or provide a letter disclaiming ownership. Without copyright clearance, the recordings cannot be released publicly.

Michael Jackson, widely regarded as one of the greatest entertainers, died at age 50 in 2009 from a Propofol overdose.

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Winter vocations announced in Balochistan for schools

Winter vacations for schools and colleges announced in Sindh

QUETTA: Education Department of Balochistan on Saturday announced winter vacations separately for cold and warm regions.

According to the notification issued by the Education Department of Balochistan, the long winter vacations of cold regions will be from December 16, 2024 to February 28, 2025, while the short winter vacations of hot regions will be from December 22 to December 31, 2024.

The two-and-a-half-month winter vacation in educational institutions in the cold regions of Blochistan will begin from December16, with educational institutions re-opening from March 1.

The Education Department of Balochistan has also announced the annual results of private and government run schools.

On the other hand, the winter vacations have taken place in the University of Balochistan from today.

Earlier, the Punjab Education Department has announced winter vacations in private and government schools across the province.

Secretary Schools Punjab Khalid Nazir Wattoo has said that the winter vacations will begin from December 20 next month and will continue till January 10, 2025.

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Senate panel discusses heavy fees charged by private medical colleges

Senate panel

ISLAMABAD: Sub-Committee of Senate Standing Committee on National Health Services and Regulations chaired by Palwasha Khan expressed concern over charging inflated fees by private medical institutes due to criminal negligence of Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC).

She said that MBBS and BDS first year students were charged fees up to 3 million per annum and we will refund the excess fees and the registration of the violating medical colleges will be cancelled.

In the committee meeting, PMDC and Health Ministry officials admitted that the students were charged huge fees.

The issue of heavy fees of private medical colleges was discussed in the meeting of the sub-committee of the Senate Standing Committee on Health in Islamabad.

On this occasion, Senator Palwasha Khan, head of the committee, said that the law is very clear that PMDC can control the fees, private medical colleges are robbing children.

She questioned how the annual fee of private medical colleges reached 3 million per year. Someone please answer why these additional fees up to Rs 900,000 have not been refunded.

Palwasha Khan said that PMDC made private medical colleges mafia and sub-committee will return the extra fees charged from the students in the year 2024.

The head committee sought the PMDC for the fee structure received from the students for 2023-24 and said that the parents and students would meet them directly. She said names of the students and parents would be kept confidential.

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