Tue, 21-Oct-2025

Umrah cost surge to over Rs300,000; pilgrims disappointed

55,642 Pakistani Hajj pilgrims arrive in Saudi Arabia

Skyrocketing inflation has made performing Umrah increasingly difficult, especially during Ramadan, as visa and travel expenses surge beyond affordability. Sixty-year-old Allah Ditta, who had been eagerly visiting travel agencies with hopes of performing Umrah, found his dreams shattered due to soaring costs. “We wanted to go during Ramadan, but the cost has now exceeded Rs350,000. … Read more

Minal Khan says she faces criticism while Aiman Khan doesn’t

Minal Khan says she faces criticism while Aiman Khan doesn’t

Aiman Khan started their careers as child stars and have since become successful business women. Despite initial criticism for focusing solely on her career, they have received immense online love. Aiman Khan has always been open about her family, citing the constant positivity they receive. Celebrity twin sisters Aiman Khan and Minal Khan began their … Read more

‘Diamer Bhasha Dam victims deserve legitimate rights and compensation’

'Diamer Bhasha Dam victims deserve legitimate rights and compensation'

President Federation of Pakistan Chamber of Commerce and Industries Atif Ikram Sheikh has said that legitimate rights should be given to the victims of Dia Mur Bhasha Dams so that the month-long protest can end peacefully. The MoU signed by the victims with the federal and provincial governments should be implemented. So far some people … Read more

Gold prices record major drop in Pakistan

Gold price hits new record high

The price of 24-karat gold per tola dropped by Rs3,000 on Thursday, selling at Rs304,000 compared to Rs307,000 on the previous trading day, as reported by the All Pakistan Sarafa Gems and Jewelers Association. Similarly, the price of 10 grams of 24-karat gold declined by Rs2,571, settling at Rs260,630 from Rs263,203, while 10 grams of … Read more

Sadia Imam’s Ramzan show comment leaves fans puzzled

Sadia Imam's Ramzan show comment leaves fans puzzled

Former Pakistani actress Sadia Imam is married to chef Adnan Haider. Imam appeared on Aaj TV’s Ramadan transmission, where Meerab recited a Naat. The imam’s statement has sparked criticism on social media. Former Pakistani actress Sadia Imam is married to chef and businessman Adnan Haider, and they have a lovely daughter, Meerab. As a devoted … Read more

Alia Bhatt shares daughter Raha’s adorable reaction to Shah Rukh Khan’s iconic track

Alia Bhatt shares daughter Raha’s adorable reaction to Shah Rukh Khan’s iconic track

Alia Bhatt and Ranbir Kapoor welcomed their daughter, Raha, in 2022. The couple frequently shares special moments from their childhood. Raha believes every song belongs to her parents. Alia Bhatt and Ranbir Kapoor welcomed their daughter, Raha, in 2022. The couple frequently talks about her in interviews and shares special moments from her childhood. Recently, … Read more

NIH Warns of Dengue Risk, Calls for Immediate Precautions

NIH Warns of Dengue Risk, Calls for Immediate Precautions

Following the recent rainfall across the country, the National Institute of Health (NIH) has issued a warning about an increased risk of dengue. In its advisory, the NIH highlighted that dengue spreads rapidly in warm and humid conditions, raising concerns about a potential surge in cases across Punjab, Balochistan, and northern Pakistan. The institute emphasized … Read more

Kunickaa Sadanand breaks silence on Udit Narayan’s PDA controversy

Kunickaa Sadanand breaks silence on Udit Narayan's PDA controversy

Veteran Bollywood actress Kunickaa Sadanand addresses Udit Narayan’s kissing controversy. She criticizes Narayan’s behavior, stating he should have kissed her on the cheek instead. Sadanand defends Narayan, stating that artists often have high energy and excitement during live performances. Earlier this year, a controversy erupted when senior Bollywood singer Udit Narayan kissed a female fan … Read more

Ishaq Dar arrives in Saudi Arabia for OIC meeting

Ishaq Dar arrives in Saudi Arabia for OIC meeting

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar arrived in Saudi Arabia on Thursday to attend the Extraordinary Session of the OIC Foreign Ministers meeting in Jeddah, focused on the Palestine crisis. The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has convened this high-level meeting to discuss the worsening situation in Palestine, measures to halt Israeli aggression, … Read more

Is Christopher Nolan set to direct the next James Bond film? Here’s what we know

Is Christopher Nolan set to direct the next James Bond film? Here’s what we know

Leading producers agree that a director of Nolan’s caliber is essential to maintaining the franchise’s prestige. A producer suggests Amazon should prioritize hiring Nolan and exercise patience while waiting for him. Nolan has expressed his love for the Bond movies and his interest in directing a Bond film. Industry insiders believe that hiring Christopher Nolan … Read more

Ben Affleck hopes to reunite with Jennifer Garner after divorce from J.Lo

Ben Affleck hopes to reunite with Jennifer Garner after divorce from J.Lo

Garner sees Affleck as a co-parent and friend, focusing on her current relationship and family. Ben Affleck, who recently divorced Jennifer Lopez, is prioritizing his career and adjusting to his new life phase. Garner respects her relationship with John and would never interfere with their relationship. Jennifer Garner has no intention of rekindling a romantic … Read more

COAS vows action against Bannu attack planners and facilitators

No agenda, movement, or individual is greater than national security: says COAS

Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir has vowed to bring the masterminds and facilitators of the deadly Bannu Cantonment attack to justice, according to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) on Thursday. The statement follows the successful repulsion of a terrorist attack on Bannu Cantonment in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa two days … Read more

Pakistani rupee gains strength against US dollar

Pakistani rupee gains strength against US dollar

On Thursday, the Pakistani Rupee strengthened by 05 paisa against the US Dollar in interbank trading, closing at Rs279.81, up from the previous day’s Rs279.86. As per the Forex Association of Pakistan (FAP), the dollar’s buying and selling rates in the open market stood at Rs280.1 and Rs281.6, respectively. The Euro experienced a rise of … Read more

Did Fahad Mustafa go too far? His gesture for Salman Iqbal sparks debate

Did Fahad Mustafa go too far? His gesture for Salman Iqbal sparks debate

Actor Fahad Mustafa welcomes guest Salman Iqbal during “Jeeto Pakistan.” Iqbal is greeted warmly and chants “Malik Malik” in his honor. Adnan Siddiqui joins in playful banter, referring to Iqbal as everyone’s “big owner.” Fahad Mustafa, an actor, producer, and host, is best known for his energetic presence on “Jeeto Pakistan”. The show has been … Read more

Faysal Quraishi on the rise of social media stars, talks about Dananeer

Faysal Quraishi on the rise of social media stars, talks about Dananeer

Faysal Quraishi, a multi-talented Pakistani artist, hosts the Ramadan transmission, “Bahar e Ramzan.” He welcomes the guest, Azfar Rehman, on the show. Quraishi and Rehman discuss the limited lifespan of stardom, social media stars, and Dananeer Mobeen. Faysal Quraishi, a versatile and multi-talented Pakistani artist, is renowned for his brilliant hosting and top-notch acting skills. … Read more

Weather update; Gusty winds likely in Karachi, Hyderabad, Sindh 

Karachi to experience drop in temperatures over next three days

Dry conditions are expected to continue in Karachi, Hyderabad, and most parts of Sindh, accompanied by gusty winds. According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), continental air is prevailing over most regions of the country, resulting in predominantly dry weather across Karachi, Hyderabad, and various districts of Sindh during the forecast period. In Karachi, the … Read more

Pakistan becomes world second-most-terrorism hit country  

Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan ranked second in the Global Terrorism Index 2025 as incidence of terrorism in Pakistan increased by 45 percent.

According to Global Terrorism Index 2024 released by the Institute of Economics and Peace(IEP), the banned Tehreek -e -Taliban Pakistan (TTP) has emerged as the most dangerous rapidly increasing terrorist organization in the country, responsible for 52 percent of the casualties in Pakistan in 2024.

About 517 attacks were reported in 2023 in the country, which increased to 1099 in 2024, the death toll in the terrorist attacks has reached 1081.

Last year, TTP launched 482 attacks, killing 558 people, 91 percent higher than 2023.

According to the report, after the Taliban came to power in Afghanistan, terrorists have found safe havens across the border, which has increased attacks in Pakistan, especially in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan.

According to a report by the Institute of Economics and Peace, the attacks of Baloch militant groups increased from 116 to 504, while the number of casualties in the attacks increased four times to 388.

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World’s most accurate clock goes on sale in Japan for $3.3 million

World’s most accurate
  • The world’s most accurate clock went on sale in Japan for $3.3 million.
  • The clock is touted as the world’s most accurate.
  • The device stands approximately one meter (three feet) tall.

A groundbreaking timepiece, known as the “Aether clock OC 020,” went on sale in Japan on Wednesday for $3.3 million. Manufactured by Kyoto-based Shimadzu Corp, the clock is touted as the world’s most accurate, deviating by only one second over 10 billion years.

The precision-equipment producer described the machine as a “strontium optical lattice clock,” stating that it is “100 times more accurate than caesium atomic clocks,” the current standard for defining seconds.

Resembling a squat, wide fridge, the device stands approximately one meter (three feet) tall with a volume of around 250 liters. Despite its compact size for an optical lattice clock, the device can be used for scientific fieldwork.

Shimadzu aims to sell 10 units over the next three years, targeting research institutions working in areas such as tectonic activity observation.

Optical lattice clocks have previously been installed in Tokyo’s iconic Skytree to test Einstein’s general theory of relativity, which states that “time flows more slowly in places with strong gravity.”

With its unparalleled accuracy, the Aether clock is expected to revolutionize scientific research and redefine precision timekeeping.

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Hira Mani jokes that Imtiaz Ali may have based Geet on her

Hira Mani
  • Hira Mani said that Imtiaz Ali may have drawn inspiration from her for Geet.
  • She revealed that fans frequently compare her to Geet.
  • She also acknowledged the downside of such comparisons.

Pakistani actor Hira Mani recently suggested that Bollywood filmmaker Imtiaz Ali may have drawn inspiration from her for the character of Geet in the 2007 hit film Jab We Met.

In a virtual interview with an Indian journalist, Hira revealed that fans frequently compare her personality to Kareena Kapoor Khan’s iconic role. “Everyone feels I should’ve been cast as Geet because my personality matches that character. Yes, she is somewhat like me,” she said.

The Yeh Na Thi Hamari Qismat actor playfully added, “Imtiaz Ali must have met me somewhere, so he wrote that character like me.”

However, she also acknowledged the downside of such comparisons. “Even if your personality is actually like that, people think you’re trying to copy the character,” she confessed, before admitting, “Yes, I do mimic her at times.”

Jab We Met, directed by Imtiaz Ali, remains one of Bollywood’s most beloved romantic comedies. Starring Shahid Kapoor and Kareena Kapoor Khan as Aditya and Geet, the film was a massive success, earning critical acclaim and several prestigious awards.

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Shamoon Abbasi steps in to defend Fahad Mustafa against Rajab Butt’s remarks

Shamoon Abbasi
  • Shamoon Abbasi called out Butt’s remarks, labeling them as “arrogant.”
  • Abbasi defended Mustafa, highlighting the challenges actors face.
  • He asserted that YouTubers do not experience the same level of struggle.

Actor Shamoon Abbasi has come to the defense of Fahad Mustafa after YouTuber Rajab Butt refused to recognize the renowned actor and criticised his stance on family vlogging.

Abbasi called out Butt’s remarks, labeling them as “arrogant” and inappropriate toward a hardworking star of Pakistan’s entertainment industry.

Earlier, Rajab Butt questioned Mustafa’s credibility, stating, “A senior earns respect through their actions,” while also criticising his game show and insinuating, “Everyone knows what it takes to get a role in a drama.”

Responding via Instagram, Abbasi defended Mustafa, highlighting the challenges actors face. “Actors dedicate at least 25 years to their craft before making a name for themselves in the industry,” he stated, explaining that they “work under tough conditions, endure physical strain, and face financial difficulties due to delayed payments or long waiting periods for co-stars to be available.”

Abbasi asserted that YouTubers do not experience the same level of struggle. “I am disappointed by the arrogant way you spoke to my brother, Fahad Mustafa,” he said.

He further warned, “If these platforms were to cease or get banned, their fame would disappear overnight,” while actors like Mustafa would remain successful. Concluding, Abbasi urged humility, saying, “When God grants you fame, try to carry it with humility.”

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Faysal Quraishi responds to criticism celebs receive for hosting Ramazan transmissions

Faysal Quraishi
  • Faysal Quraishi responded to criticism for hosting Ramazan transmissions.
  • He clarified misconceptions about their role in religious programming.
  • “We are here to learn too,” he stated.

Renowned actor Faysal Quraishi recently responded to criticism surrounding celebrities hosting Ramazan transmissions. In two video clips circulating online, the Farq actor clarified misconceptions about their role in religious programming.

During a local transmission, Faysal addressed a common critique. “I’ve often seen and read people saying, ‘Now, celebrities will teach us Islam.’ That is absolutely not my or anyone else’s intention. Be it any programme, it is not our aim to school you. In fact, we are here to learn, too,” he stated.

Reflecting on his experience, he added, “Believe me, it’s my fourth consecutive year hosting a Ramazan transmission, and I’ve learnt a lot myself. There is so much that I’ve studied, grasped, realised, and understood that it has helped me shape my daily routine.”

In a separate video, Faysal reiterated, “Normally, people think we can’t do Ramazan transmissions because of our behaviour throughout the year, because they think we preach religion. We are not here to teach religion; there are respected scholars that teach Islam.”

His level-headed response earned praise from netizens. “You’re doing a very good job. Please, keep doing it,” one user wrote. Another commented, “It is upsetting that we judge others and criticise their faith instead of minding our own.”

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NIH issues health advisory for the prevention of dengue fever

NIH

ISLAMABAD: The National Institute of Health (NIH) has issued an health advisory for the prevention and control of dengue in view of the recent rains in the country.

According to the NIH advisory, dengue cases are expected to increase in Punjab, Balochistan and the northern areas, the dengue virus spreads rapidly in hot and humid weather, which can make the situation even worse after the rains.

The company has directed the authorities and the public to take immediate steps to take precautionary measures and to prevent mosquitoes.

According to the National Institutes of Health, 28,427 dengue cases were reported in Pakistan in 2024, which is a significant increase over last year.

The NIH has warned that more cases may be revealed if precautions are not taken.

Early symptoms of dengue fever include high fever, severe headaches, joints and muscle aches, signs on the skin and pain behind the eyes.

NIH has advised the public to use only paracetamol in case of fever, while refusing to use the use of aspirin and NSAIDs as these medicines can increase the risk of bleeding.

To prevent dengue, NIH has advised the public to use mosquitoes, use lotions and sprays, wear arms covering clothes and do not allow water to stand in homes and streets.

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When Michelle Trachtenberg faced rejection over her last project before death

Michelle Trachtenberg
  • Michelle Trachtenberg was also a writer, along with being a great actress.
  • Before her death, she had been working on a screenplay titled Toy Monster.
  • He recalled how the screenplay stood out among others.

Michelle Trachtenberg, who passed away on February 26 in New York, was not only a talented actress but also a gifted writer. Before her untimely death, the Gossip Girl alum had been working on a screenplay titled Toy Monster, based on Jerry Oppenheimer’s book of the same name.

Producer Casey Tebo, who was attached to the project, spoke to People about her dedication. “I don’t remember when, but my dear friend Jay Cohen (Michelle’s boyfriend) sent me a script she had written called Toy Monster,” Tebo said.

He recalled how the screenplay stood out among others. “The only scripts I remember staying with me like that in recent memory were two: Here Comes The Flood by Simon Kinberg and Toy Monster around 2019. Because they were the two best, by a landslide.”

However, Tebo noted that while Kinberg’s screenplay sold for seven figures, Trachtenberg’s script remained stagnant. Slamming Hollywood for typecasting, he said, “One of the issues with our industry is they will recognize someone like Simon as a great writer, but they will always look at Michelle as ‘Harriet the Spy’ or ‘Georgina Sparks.’”

“The truth is—Michelle was an incredible writer. But no one expects her to write like that,” he continued. “It’s about the struggle for credit, compensation, and recognition for success. Something Hollywood knows nothing about, I’m sure.”

Despite the challenges, Tebo revealed that they are committed to making Toy Monster a reality. “We’re piecing the scenes together to get it made for Michelle,” he confirmed.

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Four terrorists arrested near Pak-Afghan border in Balochistan

Security Sources Reject Indian Media’s False Claims of LoC Violation

QUETTA: Pakistani security forces conducted a successful operation near the Pak -Afghan border in Balochistan and arrested four key Afghan terrorists and recovered arms from their possession.

According to security sources, on March 5, 2025, an operation was conducted in Toba Kakar area of ​​Balochistan in which four key terrorists were arrested.

Sources said that Kalashnikovs, hand grenades and firearms were recovered from the arrested terrorists.

According to security sources, the arrested terrorists have also confessed to planning major terrorist operations in Pakistan.

The arrested terrorist said in a confessional video statement that his name is Osamuddin and my father’s name is Gulshad. He came from Afghanistan and our ideology is our training.

“I had 2 guns, 2 Kalashnikovs, a grenade and other weapons, we entered Pakistan three days before the border fence from Afghanistan, we had to go ahead of Pishin,” said terrorist Osamuddin said.

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PM approves plan for youth training on market demand  

PM

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif chaired the review meeting on the National Youth Employment Plan and approved the plan to provide youth with training programs according to market and industry skills and demand.

The meeting was briefed on the action plan to provide training and employment opportunities through various institutions in the next 4 years, whereas the Prime Minister had decided to personally chair the monthly review meeting and would personally monitor the implementation of the plan.

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif said that the talented youth of Pakistan were the most valuable asset of the country, whereas the government was empowering and employing the youth by providing them with vocational training and necessary skills.

The prime minister added that the government was taking steps to promote the export of manpower by providing international quality training to Pakistani youth.

During the review meeting, the prime minister had directed to maintain continuous liaison with local industries for training youth in various sectors and to meticulously consider the demand of international organizations for manpower.

The Prime Minister has also directed to establish comprehensive database regarding the skills required in local industries.

The meeting was informed that in the next 4 years, 2.4 million to 6 million youth annually would be asssited to gain employment opportunities by providing them vocational training and skills.

The meeting was informed that the market, industries and international manpower consumption were being kept in mind to provide skills and vocational training to the youth.

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‘Avengers: Doomsday’ directors reveal Robert Downey Jr.’s dedication towards Doctor Doom

Doctor Doom
  • The creators revealed Robert Downey Jr.’s dedication to Doctor Doom.
  • He is making a dramatic return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).
  • They revealed Downey’s deep commitment to the role.

Joe and Anthony Russo, the directors of Avengers: Doomsday, revealed the dedication of Robert Downey Jr. towards his role as Doctor Doom.

Robert Downey Jr. is making a dramatic return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), but not as Iron Man. The Oscar-winning actor is set to portray the legendary villain Doctor Doom in Avengers: Doomsday, marking a stunning shift from hero to antagonist.

In an exclusive interview with Entertainment Tonight, directors Joe and Anthony Russo revealed Downey’s deep commitment to the role. “He is so immersed in it. He is so dialed in,” Joe Russo said. “He’s writing backstory, costume ideas… We were just on the phone with him this morning before we got here talking about it. He just loves really rich three-dimensional characters. He sees a real opportunity here with the character.”

The revelation of Downey’s return as Doom stunned fans at Comic-Con last year. Having played Iron Man for over a decade in 10 Marvel films before his emotional exit in Avengers: Endgame, few expected his comeback—especially in a villainous role.

Avengers: Doomsday is slated for a May 2026 release, with filming set to begin soon. The Russo Brothers are also directing Avengers: Secret Wars in 2027, promising an action-packed new era for the MCU.

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