BREAKING NEWS
Shamoon Abbasi opposes reported drama on drug dealer ‘Pinky’ • Wasim Akram and others break silence on criticism over Hajj journey • 17 terrorists killed in intelligence-based operations across Balochistan • Two Pakistanis arrested over killing of four Pakistanis in Italy’s Calabria • Australia set Pakistan 232-run target in second ODI in Lahore • Ranveer Singh faces fresh setback amid ‘Don 3’ controversy • Who is Momina Iqbal’s husband? Details emerge • Federal budget delay linked to political deadlock over key legislation • Iran warns it will halt US talks if Israel continues strikes on Lebanon • Ex-PM Nawaz Sharif criticises development delays in Gilgit-Baltistan • Actress Raveena Tandon’s mother’s home targeted in theft • Supercomputer reveals favourite to win 2026 FIFA World Cup • New Drama Buzz: Saba Qamar may play Anmol “Pinkie” character • Dua Lipa marries actor Callum Turner in private London ceremony • Momina Iqbal’s mehndi celebrations go viral on social media
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Shamoon Abbasi opposes reported drama on drug dealer ‘Pinky’

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Shamoon Abbasi

KARACHI:Actor and filmmaker Shamoon Abbasi has opposed the proposed drama series reportedly based on the life of alleged Karachi drug dealer Anmol, also known as Pinky, saying such content is not suitable for television screens.

In a Facebook post, Abbasi questioned why such a story needs to be dramatized, arguing that several positive narratives of women’s struggle, success, and empowerment could instead be highlighted on TV.

He also responded to reports that actress Saba Qamar may play the lead role, saying she is a highly talented performer capable of portraying characters in a way that can strongly impact audiences. He praised her previous work in Case No. 9, calling it a powerful drama that raised awareness on harassment issues.

However, Abbasi questioned why an actress known for positive and impactful roles should be used to glamorize a negative character. He added that if such a story must be told, it should be made as a film rather than a television drama, as cinema is a matter of choice for viewers, while TV content reaches households and younger audiences.

He described the project as an attempt to capitalize on a viral incident and said caution is necessary when portraying criminal figures in mainstream entertainment.

According to reports, a production house is working on a biographical drama based on the alleged drug queen, with the script reportedly being written by the writer of Case No. 9.

Wasim Akram and others break silence on criticism over Hajj journey

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Wasim Akram

ISLAMABAD:  Former cricketer Wasim Akram, ex-captain Misbah-ul-Haq, host Fakhr-e-Alam, former cricketer Saeed Anwar and several other prominent Pakistani personalities performed Hajj together this year, but later faced criticism on social media over videos and images shared during the pilgrimage.

A video of Wasim Akram performing Rami al-Jamarat went viral in which he humorously mimicked his signature bowling action while symbolically throwing pebbles. In another clip, he was seen carrying bananas for Misbah-ul-Haq, drawing mixed reactions online.

@timesofkarachi

Why didn’t Wasim Akram, Fakhar-e-Alam, and Misbah-ul-Haq shave their heads as part of the Hajj ritual? #TOKReports #Hajj #WasimAkram #FakhareAlam #MisbahulHaq

♬ original sound – Times of Karachi

Fakhr-e-Alam also shared multiple moments from the pilgrimage, showing other public figures including actor Bilal Abbas Khan and comedian Tabish Hashmi, which some social media users described as “more like a picnic than Hajj.”

Responding to criticism, Wasim Akram, Fakhr-e-Alam and Misbah-ul-Haq said Hajj is a spiritual obligation, but it does not mean a person remains engaged in ritual worship 24 hours a day, adding that moments of travel, interaction and companionship are also part of the experience.

They also addressed questions about not shaving their heads after Hajj, explaining that they had consulted religious scholars beforehand and were given two permissible options: shaving the head completely (halq) or trimming the hair (qasr), and they opted for the latter.

The personalities said their intention in sharing videos was to guide and inspire younger generations about Hajj and to encourage them to understand the pilgrimage process.

Speaking from Madinah, Fakhr-e-Alam said the journey inspired many people to ask what motivated them to perform Hajj, while Wasim Akram said the group did not plan the pilgrimage in advance but decided to join when the opportunity came and others were going.

17 terrorists killed in intelligence-based operations across Balochistan

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17 terrorists

ISLAMABAD: Security forces conducted intelligence-based operations in multiple areas of Balochistan, killing 17 terrorists, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said on Tuesday.

According to ISPR, the operations were launched in Mastung, Noshki, Zehri, Khuzdar and Kech districts following the May 24 train incident. The statement said the action significantly disrupted terrorist networks operating in the region.

ISPR added that weapons, a large quantity of explosives and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) were recovered from the militants who were killed. The terrorists were reportedly involved in multiple attacks in the area.

Clearing operations are still underway in the affected regions, the military’s media wing said, adding that the countrywide counterterrorism campaign will continue with full intensity to eliminate externally supported terrorism from Pakistan.

Two Pakistanis arrested over killing of four Pakistanis in Italy’s Calabria

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Two Pakistanis

ROME: Italian authorities have arrested two Pakistani nationals in connection with the killing of four people of Pakistani origin in southern Italy’s Calabria region, according to local media reports.

The victims, all reportedly from Pakistan, were found dead inside a burnt van on a farm where they were working in the agricultural sector.

French news agency reports said police launched an investigation soon after the incident and used CCTV footage to identify and arrest two suspects, who are also said to be Pakistani nationals.

Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Foreign Office spokesperson said in response that the identity of the deceased has not yet been fully confirmed, though initial information suggests the victims may belong to Pakistani-origin families.

The spokesperson added that Italian police are conducting a full investigation, including forensic analysis, while the Pakistani embassy in Italy is in contact with local authorities and closely following the case.

Australia set Pakistan 232-run target in second ODI in Lahore

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Australia set

LAHORE:  Australia posted 231 all out in 50 overs, setting Pakistan a target of 232 runs in the second match of the one-day series on Wednesday.

Batting first after Pakistan won the toss, Australia struggled to build big partnerships but managed to reach a competitive total despite regular wickets falling.

Cameron Green and captain Josh Inglis top-scored with 51 runs each, while Matt Renshaw made 43 and Oliver Peake added 31. Matthew Short scored 15, Marnus Labuschagne 5, Matthew Kuhnemann 5, and Alex Carey was dismissed for a duck.

For Pakistan, captain Shaheen Shah Afridi led the bowling attack with three wickets, while Arafat Minhas, Abrar Ahmed, and Haris Rauf took two wickets each.

Pakistan will now chase 232 runs to take control of the series.

Ranveer Singh faces fresh setback amid ‘Don 3’ controversy

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Ranveer Singh

MUMBAI: Bollywood actor Ranveer Singh has encountered a new setback amid the ongoing controversy surrounding his upcoming film Don 3, after a major industry body reportedly issued a non-cooperation directive against him.

The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) has instructed its members not to cooperate with the actor, bringing renewed attention to the dispute.

In response, Ranveer Singh’s spokesperson said the actor holds deep respect for the film fraternity and everyone associated with the Don franchise, but has chosen not to comment publicly on the matter.

The spokesperson added that Ranveer believes professional disputes and sensitive issues should be resolved privately with dignity, seriousness, and mutual respect rather than through media discussion.

The statement further said that several speculations and reports have circulated in recent days, but the actor has deliberately remained silent to avoid fuelling further controversy, focusing instead on his current and upcoming projects.

FWICE, however, said it had issued the non-cooperation directive on Monday, claiming that Ranveer Singh had been approached multiple times for clarification and dialogue regarding the issue. The body said three reminder letters were also sent, but no response was received from the actor nor did he appear before its representatives.

The development has further intensified the controversy surrounding Don 3, with industry discussions continuing over the actor’s silence and the federation’s stance.

Who is Momina Iqbal’s husband? Details emerge

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Who is Momina Iqbal’

LAHOREL: Details have surfaced about the husband of Pakistani actor Momina Iqbal, who recently tied the knot in a series of wedding ceremonies held in Lahore.

Momina Iqbal, known for her performances in popular television dramas, has completed her mayun, mehndi, nikah and other wedding events, with photos and videos widely circulating on social media.

According to media reports, her husband Hamza Habib is a Lahore-based businessman described as financially stable and successful, though he has largely remained away from the media spotlight.

Recent attention on the couple increased after Hamza Habib appeared in support of his wife following allegations of harassment and threats involving a political figure.

He stated that the engagement was arranged with mutual consent between both families, who reportedly share long-standing friendly relations. The couple is said to have solemnised their nikah in a private ceremony in late May 2026.

Earlier, Momina Iqbal had shared on social media that she and her family were allegedly threatened by a politically influential individual, prompting an investigation by the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency.

Federal budget delay linked to political deadlock over key legislation

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Federal budget

ISLAMABAD: The delay in the federal budget has been caused by a political deadlock over key legislation, parliamentary sources said on Tuesday.

According to sources, the government wants to pass important legislation before the budget session, as the proposed laws are expected to have significant implications for the upcoming fiscal year. However, the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) is opposing the proposed amendments.

Sources said PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has conveyed a clear stance during his address in Shigar Valley, adding that the party is resisting the proposed legislative changes. If the amendments are not approved before the budget session, changes in the next financial year may not be possible.

Parliamentary sources further revealed that efforts are underway to convince the PPP, with key political figures assigned the task of negotiations.

They added that Bilawal Bhutto Zardari is currently busy with election campaigning in Gilgit-Baltistan, and a new date for the budget session is likely to be announced only after securing his agreement.

Meanwhile, The federal government will not present the budget on June 5, according to official sources.

Sources said the National Economic Council (NEC) meeting scheduled for June 3 has been postponed, and a formal notification has also been issued.

Officials added that a new date for the federal budget presentation has not yet been finalized. However, it is likely to be presented on either June 8 or June 12.

Meanwhile, sources in the National Assembly said June 10 is also being considered as a possible date for the budget presentation.

According to the notification, a new date for the NEC meeting will be announced later.

Iran warns it will halt US talks if Israel continues strikes on Lebanon

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Iran warns

TEHRAN: Iran has warned that it could suspend negotiations with the United States if Israel continues its military operations in Lebanon, according to Iranian officials.

Iranian Parliament Speaker and chief negotiator Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf said talks with Washington would be halted if Israeli strikes on Lebanon persist.

Meanwhile, Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Quds Force commander Esmail Qaani stated that ongoing Israeli actions in Lebanon and Gaza could force the “Axis of Resistance” to respond.

 He added that the group is capable of affecting maritime traffic in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait in a manner similar to developments in the Strait of Hormuz.

Separately, Ibrahim Azizi, head of the Iranian parliament’s National Security Committee, warned of “serious consequences” if attacks on Lebanon do not stop.

He said Iran is fully prepared for a military response, cautioning Israel and US forces in the region that the threats were not empty and that American military presence could also face repercussions.

Ex-PM Nawaz Sharif criticises development delays in Gilgit-Baltistan

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Ex-PM Nawaz

GILGIT:  Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo and former prime minister  Nawaz Sharif has criticised the pace of development in Gilgit-Baltistan, saying many projects remain incomplete and road conditions in the region are a source of concern.

Addressing an election rally in Gilgit, he said he had visited Skardu and Gilgit several times during his tenure as prime minister and expressed disappointment over the current state of infrastructure.

“The roads are in poor condition, full of potholes. I feel pain seeing this,” he said, questioning why key projects such as the Mansehra-Gilgit road had not been completed.

Nawaz Sharif said he did not want to criticise any political party but questioned why development initiatives were neglected despite repeated announcements. He added that his party has always sought votes based on performance rather than criticism of opponents.

He claimed that hospitals, hydroelectric projects, and the Nagar development project were initiated by his government, and asked which other party had delivered similar work in the region.

The PML-N leader also pointed to the limited flight operations at Gilgit Airport, saying it should be expanded and could handle significantly more traffic than the current three weekly flights.

He said future plans include expanding healthcare facilities so residents do not need to travel to Islamabad for treatment, improving tourism for job creation, and providing interest-free loans, scholarships, laptops, and a women’s university for local students.

Nawaz Sharif also referred to the Diamer-Bhasha Dam project, saying land acquisition funds were allocated during his tenure but the project remains incomplete, adding that timely completion would have benefited both Gilgit-Baltistan and the wider country.