Author: Sajjad Ali

Bollywood veteran Saif Ali Khan was hospitalized in Mumbai on Monday after sustaining an injury during the shooting of his upcoming movie. The 53-year-old actor, who recently underwent triceps surgery, now faces a knee fracture. Despite the setback, Khan remains optimistic about a quick recovery to resume filming. Sources report that Kareena Kapoor, his wife, has been by his side at the hospital. Khan acknowledged the injury as part of the occupational hazards in the entertainment industry, expressing gratitude for the support and concern from well-wishers. Amidst his ongoing projects, Khan is geared up for several exciting Bollywood releases. His…

The Torkham border crossing between Pakistan and Afghanistan has been reopened for trade after a 10-day closure, as announced by authorities on Tuesday. Officials reported that the first truck carrying goods from Afghanistan has already crossed into Pakistan. In Peshawar, Afghanistan’s consular general engaged in discussions with Pakistani authorities, successfully resolving the ongoing issue of unlicensed drivers. As part of the new agreement, Afghan drivers now have until March 1 to ensure their documents are in order. After April 1, drivers without the necessary documentation will be denied entry from Afghanistan into Pakistan. Customs sources revealed that the federal government…

ISLAMABAD: Despite reassurances from Islamabad’s Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr. Akbar Nasir Khan, assuring that the security situation in the federal capital is under control, a significant number of schools in Islamabad opted to remain closed on Tuesday. In a video message posted on the official handle of the capital police, IGP Dr. Akbar Nasir Khan advised against altering school and college schedules, emphasizing the manageable security situation in the federal capital. However, despite this advice, a majority of schools chose to close and shifted to online classes. Parents, expressing concerns about security threats, hesitated to send their children…

On January 20, Pakistani internet users, already grappling with recent disruptions, faced another grim day. The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) provided technical justifications, attributing the blackout to ongoing system upgrades. However, the announced timeline of “2 to 3 months” only intensified public concerns. Director General Ahmed Shamim Pirzada, accompanied by Caretaker Information Minister Murtaza Solangi and FIA Cybercrime Director of Operations Waqaruddin Syed, addressed a press conference laden with skepticism. The outage’s timing, aligning with a scheduled online event by a specific political party, fueled suspicions of intentional throttling. Similar disruptions on December 17 and January 7 added weight to…

BUNER: In a collaborative effort between the Pakistan Army and Frontier Corps North, the two-day Elum Winter Festival concluded successfully in Buner, district of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The festival, commemorating a decade of peace and prosperity in regions once plagued by terrorism, highlighted the transformation of Swat and Malakand into thriving hubs of happiness and a burgeoning tourism industry. A significant milestone for Buner, the winter festival attracted 110 bikes and 60 jeeps from various parts of Pakistan, participating in an engaging Jeep and Bike Rally. The rally, originating from Punjab and journeying through Mardan, received a warm reception upon…

Anum Mirza, the sister of former Indian tennis star Sania Mirza, took to social media to formally announce the divorce between Sania Mirza and cricketer Shoaib Malik. This confirmation follows joint wedding photos shared by Shoaib Malik and actress Sana Javed on Instagram on Saturday, January 20. Initially reported by sources and later supported by Sania Mirza’s father, Imran Mirza, during a conversation with Indian media, the divorce was officially acknowledged on Sunday morning. Anum Mirza released a statement on Instagram on behalf of the family and Sania’s team, revealing, “Sania has always kept her private life hidden from the…

Commercial flights between Iran and Pakistan have resumed, indicating a positive shift in their relations. A Mahan Airlines flight from Tehran landed in Lahore on Sunday, carrying over 100 passengers, as reported by aviation sources. The temporary suspension of flights was a result of tensions between the two nations, primarily concerning border security and regional issues. The recent resumption is expected to have a positive impact on trade, tourism, and people-to-people interactions between the neighboring countries. On Friday, Pakistan’s Foreign Minister, Jalil Abbas Jilani, engaged in a telephone conversation with his Iranian counterpart, Hossein Amir Abdollahian. The ministers discussed regional…

LAHORE: In a recent update, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has predicted that the gas tariff increase implemented on November 1, 2023, will contribute to a rise in headline inflation over the coming months. The global financial institution is recommending a subsequent surge in gas tariffs in line with the determination by the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) for the period from December 2023 to February 15, 2024. In its release on Saturday, addressing the First Review Under the Stand-by Arrangement, Requests for Waivers of Applicability of Performance Criteria, Modification of Performance Criteria, and Re-phasing of Access—Press Release; Staff…

Widespread heavy fog has gripped various regions of the country, leading to the closure of major motorways and causing disruptions in traffic. As a precautionary measure, traffic has been rerouted from Ismailia on the Swat Expressway due to a significant drop in visibility. The M1 motorway, connecting Islamabad to Peshawar, is currently not operational, and the M2 is closed from Lillah to Islamabad, impacting the travel plans of commuters. In the southern regions, heavy traffic entry from Lahore to Kot Momin on the M2 has been halted, posing challenges for those on the road. The M3 is facing closure for…

ISLAMABAD: A new bench of Islamabad High Court (IHC) has been formed to hear the PTI founder’s petitions against the jail trial in the NAB case. A two-member bench of the IHC including Chief Justice Aamir Farooq and Justice Tariq Mehmood Jahangiri will hear the petitions on Jan 22. Justice Mian Gul Hasan Aurangzeb and Justice Arbab Muhammad Tahir held the first hearing on the petitions of the PTI founder against jail trial in NAB case. The bench has been changed due to the non-availability of Justice Mian Gul Hasan Aurangzeb. It should be remembered that a two-member bench consisting…